I bought it to replace a Rainbow vacuum that a friend had loaned me after finding out I was allergic to some newly adopted kittens.  It definitely does not work as well as a Rainbow but for the price it is perfect.  It is not the easiest to empty but I now do that outside.  Also the extension for the vacuum head has a tendency to slid back in when vacuuming carpets-not a huge problem because I am short but still a bit annoying.