I bought this blue Hoover Concept One upright vacuum cleaner in 1990 for around $200. I'm still using it today.
It has survived 4 moves, 4 children, 7 dogs and 11 cats. Mine is the self-propelled model.
That part quit working within the first two years, but I didn't find it necessary. I love my Hoover so much, I look for this model in thrift stores and garage sales so I can buy them cheaply.
Then I clean them, replace belts and bags and give them to my kids for their own homes (because I could never get rid of my original!).
They are easy to take apart and fix/clean for a handy woman like me. The bags are Type A (very popular)and I can find the belts in the grocery store. Any problems I've had were related to clogs (caused by vacuuming popsicle sticks or wet things)or else it's just time for a new bag or belt.
I do take the whole thing apart every so often and clean it to get the dog smell out. The vacuum has a powerful motor that's almost bulletproof. By comparison, the new vacuums seem flimsy.
My next door neighbor has had 5 vacuums in the last 14 years (bagless and bagged, cordless and corded.) She finally got an Oreck Pink model and seems happy with it.
The Hoover Concept One vacuum works best on carpet. I'm now looking for a tile floor sweeper or cordless vac that will be a workhorse like my Hoover. Any suggestions? --------------------------- Comment by Tomaz:
Thanks for a great review, DK. I found a video on Youtube of the Hoover Concept One U3301 but I assume it's very similar to the U3335 you reviewed...
Dear Kris,
Go to eBay and put this item number in the search box: 280346911500
A quote from the listing:
"R.I.P. MY HOOVER CONCEPT ONE POWER DRIVE CLEANER 1990-2009.
SADLY THE MACHINE DIED AFTER 19 YEARS, BUT THE ATTACHMENTS LIVE ON!!"
Good luck!
May 17, 2009 Rating
Awesome vacuum by: Kris
I got this vacuum as a shower gift when I was pregnant with my first baby in 1980. In-laws thought it would make my life easier. I've had it 29 years and repaired once. I asked if I should replace it and the repair shop say NO ... I'd never find a better quality vacuum. My problem is that the movers lost all my attachments and I can't find replacements. Any suggestions???
Apr 07, 2009 Rating
Hoover U3301-001 by: Jakbee
Purchased this Hoover vacuum, power drive model U3301 in Canada 1978 and it's still going strong all that's been replaced,twice, is two belts. Obviously I wouldn't consider anything but a Hoover. They sure built them to last considering the technology on power drive was brand new.
Mar 30, 2008 Rating
Great review by: Tomaz
DK, your review has been awarded this week's first prize of $25 in Amazon Gift Certificate!
