I have never owned a carpet cleaner. This cleaner is fantastic. I have cleaned all our carpets now even the stairs. Very easy to use. Suction is great. Carpets are dry quickly. Great price..has already paid for itself. This morning i had a flood in the basement this cleaner was a life saver....i sucked up gallons of water out of the carpet..now its almost dry. I would never have been able to towel dry it. This cleaner is a must have! This is the first review i have ever felt compelled to write.