Eureka FlexReach NEU651PL upright vacuum: features, specs and who it suits

The Eureka FlexReach NEU651PL is an upright vacuum cleaner whose main canister lifts off the body, so one machine can clean floors and also reach under furniture, up on shelves and along stairs. Eureka designed it for busy homes, particularly those with pets. Here is what its main features mean.

Upright mode and pod mode

In upright mode it works like a conventional vacuum for carpets and hard floors, with a swivel base to steer around furniture. Eureka calls its detachable section a lift-up pod. Detach the main canister in one step and you have a more portable unit for under beds, behind furniture, and up high on curtains and shelves. This approach is often called lift-away, and it is useful if you would otherwise need a separate handheld or canister vacuum for awkward jobs.

What 960W and 192AW mean

The motor is rated at 960W. The listing also quotes 192AW suction. AW stands for air watts, a measure that combines airflow and suction (vacuum) at the nozzle and so describes cleaning power better than motor wattage alone. Different brands measure it in different ways, so treat the figure as Eureka's own number rather than something to compare directly across makers. Eureka describes the suction as strong enough for heavy messes on both carpets and hard floors.

The anti-tangle brushroll

Hair wrapping around the brushroll is the usual chore with upright vacuums, and it is a particular nuisance with pets or long hair. The FlexReach has a multi-surface brushroll that Eureka says is engineered to prevent hair wrap, handling pet hair, long strands and high-traffic debris. Even with such designs, it is sensible to check the brushroll from time to time and clear anything that builds up.

Dust cup and filter

The dust cup holds 2 litres, which Eureka says means fewer interruptions to empty it. The foam filter can be rinsed, so maintenance means washing it rather than buying a replacement every time. If you wash it, leave it to dry fully before putting it back, as the manual will describe.

Lights and size

LED headlights on the nozzle help you see dust in dim areas under furniture. The unit measures about 8.0 x 8.0 x 30.0 inches (20 x 20 x 76 cm) and weighs 13 lb (about 5.9 kg), as listed. Weight and storage footprint are worth thinking about if you will carry it up and down stairs.

Who it suits

It suits households that want one vacuum for floors and above-floor jobs, especially where pet hair is common. Homes with a mix of carpet and hard floors, plus stairs, will use both the upright and pod modes.

What to check before you buy

• Floor types: think about the mix of carpet, rugs and hard floor in your home.
• Cord length and outlets: confirm that the reach suits your rooms.
• Pod weight: consider how comfortable you would be holding the pod overhead for longer jobs.
• Storage: check you have room for an upright of about 30 inches in height.
• Upkeep: find out how often the filter should be washed and the brushroll checked, and which replacement parts are sold.
• What's in the box: confirm which tools come with it for pod mode.

The short version

• An upright vacuum with a lift-up pod, so it also cleans under furniture and above the floor.
• 960W motor and 192AW suction, as Eureka rates them.
• Anti-tangle multi-surface brushroll aimed at pet and long hair.
• 2L dust cup, rinseable foam filter and LED headlights.
• About 13 lb and 30 inches tall.

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