Compare Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Upright Vacuum vs Simplicity Vacuums Allergy Upright Vacuum, S20EZM

Tool kits are decent for the price (crevice/dusting combo, extension wand, turbo brush, sometimes an upholstery tool), but content varies by SKU and some tools are criticized for being small or not very effective.

Included tools are usually described as basic but useful (commonly crevice and a combo dusting/upholstery tool). Several reviewers want a wider or softer dusting tool, and some add aftermarket pet or specialty attachments.

A few comments call the vacuum simple, clean, or stylish, while others dislike cosmetic choices or mention broken trim/cover parts that are mostly aesthetic.

Blowback/scatter control is described positively in some marketing-style commentary and in bare-floor sealing discussions, but performance varies by model and floorhead seal quality.

Airflow blowback or scatter is specifically mentioned on hard floors by some users, including reports of particles being thrown back toward feet during use.

Rug handling is mixed: several reviewers like the cleaning, but some say it can feel hard to push or can lose effective contact depending on the height setting and rug thickness.

Area rug handling depends heavily on height setting and rug type. Some owners say it works well when adjusted up; others say it can grab edges, chew bindings, or feel too aggressive on certain rugs.

Assembly experiences range from quick to frustrating. One unboxing shows awkward screw placement and parts that do not seat easily without extra fiddling.

Assembly is repeatedly described as simple and quick, typically sliding in the handle and attaching the hose, with minimal screws.

The bag-full indicator is viewed as helpful when present, but at least one owner reports it failing to reset after changing bags.

The bin is easy to remove and empty in concept, but real-world experience varies: some call it simple, while others report stiff latches or accidental release/fit issues.

The bagged system is a major selling point: owners like cleaner disposal, consistent suction, and less dust exposure than bagless designs. Bag capacity is often praised, but replacement cost and bag consumption (especially with heavy shedding or wool rugs) are frequent notes.

Build quality is often described as better than expected for the price, with thicker plastics and a sturdier feel, though fit/finish issues show up in some assembly/handle reports.

Build quality feedback is polarized: some praise sturdy materials (metal brush roll, aluminum wand, rubber bumpers), while others report cheap-feeling plastics, wobble, broken handles/covers, or hose issues over time.

High-pile carpet results are inconsistent across sources; one review suggests pet hair can be collected but general debris pickup may lag behind stronger competitors.

High-pile carpet performance is generally strong due to agitation and height settings, but some users find it hard to push or overly aggressive if set too low.

Low-pile carpet pickup is generally rated good to very good in the hands-on reviews, though one lab-style review found weak overall debris pickup despite decent pet-hair results.

Low-pile carpet results are typically positive, especially for everyday pickup and pet hair, though pushing effort can increase if suction is high and height is set low.

On medium-pile carpets and typical rugs, reviewers report solid cleaning but note that height settings can be finicky, sometimes reducing brush contact and requiring a re-pass.

Medium-pile carpet cleaning is consistently praised, with multiple reports of lifting matted carpet and pulling embedded dirt and pet hair that previous vacuums missed.

Clogging is most often mentioned around the turbo tool and narrow passages, especially with pet hair. Keeping the brush/tool path clear is a recurring recommendation.

Some owners mention clogs or brush/belt issues that require disassembly, while others highlight visible clog indicators and easy access to the roller area for checks.

Comparisons are split: one review ranks it as a low performer versus other sub-$200 uprights, while other reviewers say it is a notable step up from older Dirt Devil models but still not best-in-class versus brands like Bissell.

Comparisons are common: many say it out-cleans certain Sharks/Dysons on carpet and pet hair, while at least one comparison favors a premium canister for ease and deep extraction despite higher upkeep.

Controls are mostly simple (power, height settings, and in some versions brush or floor-mode controls). The main complaint is less about the buttons and more about how settings translate to real contact/performance.

Controls are usually described as straightforward, with height adjustment settings that are easy to use. The foot pedal placement is occasionally criticized for accidental shutoffs when bumping furniture.

Cord length is commonly referenced as about 25 feet. Some reviewers consider that fine for small areas, while others call it short versus 30-foot uprights.

Cord length perception varies: several reviewers call it long enough (often cited as 30 ft), while others say it is shorter than expected and requires frequent outlet changes in larger spaces.

Cord management ranges from basic wrap hooks to models with cord rewind. Rewind versions are praised for convenience; non-rewind versions still have clips/hooks that work but feel budget.

Cord wrap is often praised as neat and practical, but multiple users wish for a retractable cord for convenience and to reduce cord management hassles.

Cyclone separation is described as improved versus older models but still imperfect; one detailed review notes dust can bypass the cyclone and reach filters sooner than expected.

Ease of use is generally good once set up, with simple controls and straightforward mode changes. A few owners cite annoyances like finicky height settings or awkward latches.

Day-to-day use is often described as simple and satisfying on carpet, but usability drops for some due to weight when carrying, strong pull on thick carpet, short hose frustrations, or brush roll behavior during hose use.

Edge and baseboard cleaning is highlighted positively by some owners, while others still avoid edges on delicate rugs due to brush aggression.

Emptying is generally straightforward, but several reviews mention mess potential (dirty bottom hatch, stiff doors, or awkward re-seating) depending on the model.

Filtration is typically described as average for an unsealed bagless upright. Some reviewers note the lack of a true HEPA-style seal and report dust reaching filters/motor-side areas.

Filtration is a standout: multiple reviews highlight HEPA-style bags and filters, strong dust containment, and noticeable allergy relief versus bagless vacuums.

The floorhead/brush system is aggressive and carpet-focused. Reviewers mention stiff bristles, felt strips, and height setting quirks that can affect contact and ease of pushing.

The floorhead/brush system is powerful but divisive. Many emphasize strong agitation and carpet grooming; many also complain the brush roll runs continuously and can be too aggressive on hard floors and some rugs.

At least one review highlights better sealing on hard floors that reduces debris spit-out, but others describe limited sealing and less controlled bare-floor behavior.

Carpet hair pickup is a relative strength in several reviews, especially for a lower-cost upright, though performance varies by model and test method.

Hard-floor hair pickup is less consistent, particularly if the brush is disabled or the head does not seal well; some users still report acceptable results on bare floors.

Hair-wrap resistance is average at best. Multiple reviewers mention hair wrapping around the brushroll and needing periodic cleaning.

Fine dust on hard floors is described as acceptable when the head is set correctly, but overall hard-floor refinement varies and depends heavily on the specific model/SKU discussed.

Hard-floor fine dust pickup is inconsistent: some users report very clean results, while others say the brush roll and airflow can scatter particles or require switching to other vacuums for hard floors.

Large debris intake on hard floors ranges from poor to good. One review reports weak pickup of larger pieces, while another notes a bare-floor setup/seal that helps prevent blowback.

Large debris intake on hard floors gets mixed feedback, including complaints about litter or particles being thrown back during use in some homes.

The headlight is frequently mentioned as useful for spotting debris, though at least one owner questions bulb longevity and whether the lights are true LEDs.

Hose reach is described as usable to solid for above-floor tasks, with some reviewers satisfied for stairs and furniture, though exact length varies across versions mentioned.

Reach is a frequent theme: some are happy with the wand/hose extension for corners and drapes, while others say the permanently attached hose feels too short and can tug the vacuum toward them.

Low-profile reach is limited in at least one unboxing, with the body/cyclone area preventing the head from getting truly flat. Under-furniture access depends on clearance and the specific model shape.

Maintenance is routine for a bagless upright: regular filter washing and brush/hose checks. Some designs make brush access or tool cleaning more tedious than expected.

Maintenance expectations are higher than some modern uprights: multiple owners mention periodic belt changes and watching filters/bags, and a few report recurring belt or brush issues.

Handling is decent for a non-swivel budget upright, but some users report it can feel hard to push on thicker rugs and does not match premium maneuverability.

Handling is mixed: some call it easy to maneuver with good wheel roll and a small footprint, while others find it awkward to lift onto steps, hard to push on thick carpet, or unstable/wobbly when parked.

Noise is described as typical to loud for a corded upright. The turbo tool is singled out as especially loud in one review.

Noise is a common downside. Many describe it as loud, though a few say the tone is acceptable or less irritating than other vacuums.

Onboard storage is a plus in several reviews, with dedicated spots/posts for tools. Some note wasted space or a storage position for a tool that is not included.

Onboard tool storage is commonly praised as convenient and secure, helping reduce lost tools and making quick transitions easier.

Ongoing costs are mostly about bags and periodic belts/filters. Many accept the trade for cleaner disposal and better dust control, but some find OEM bags or add-on tools expensive.

Long-term longevity is uncertain. Reviewers like the improved design but caution that motors and sealing are not premium, and expectations should match the budget tier.

Longevity reports are split: some claim many years across prior Simplicity units and expect long service due to replaceable parts, while others report failures around 1 to 2 years, frequent belt breaks, or brush/motor issues.

Pet owners frequently praise strong pickup on carpet and reduced lingering hair. A few reports note limitations for long hair on upholstery or brush/belt strain in heavy pet homes.

Value is a common theme: strong performance for the money around the lower price point, but the proposition weakens if priced closer to higher-performing competitors.

Value is usually rated positively for a bagged HEPA-style upright, with several reviewers calling it worth the money. Some disagree when durability or repair frequency becomes an issue.

Some users describe a powered-assist or self-propel-like feel, while others explicitly wish it were self-propelled, especially as they age or when cleaning thick carpet.

Stair cleaning is generally rated good when using the hose and tools; one hands-on review specifically notes reaching multiple steps without moving the unit often.

Stair cleaning is supported via hose/tools and at least one stair-focused attachment mention, but carrying weight and hose tug can make stair work more demanding for some users.

Several reviewers like the compact footprint and storage friendliness, especially for apartments and tight spaces. Upright stability is occasionally criticized due to wobble or center-of-gravity comments.

Most reviews describe strong suction and improved airflow versus older Dirt Devil uprights, with a stiff brushroll that can pull embedded debris. Performance can dip if filters clog or if the brush/head loses contact at certain height settings.

Suction is consistently described as strong, often the primary reason people keep the vacuum. A minority say it is good but not on par with their best prior vacuum, or that strong suction can increase push effort.

Support and reliability feedback is mixed. One source notes a multi-year limited warranty, while another warns warranty handling may be frustrating and recommends purchasing from a retailer with easy proof-of-purchase.

Support experiences are mixed but lean positive in key stories, including at least one report of a quick refund after failure. Others report difficulty reaching customer service or post-warranty parts frustration.

Surface safety is a concern on delicate hard floors in some reviews due to an always-on or aggressive brushroll and inconsistent hard-floor sealing.

Tool swapping and compatibility can be a pain point. Multiple reviewers call out a proprietary fitting, which can limit use of universal attachments.

Tool changes are usually straightforward, especially with the telescoping wand. Compatibility with older hoses or certain attachments is a reported pain point for some owners.

Under-furniture pickup is often limited by the head not lying fully flat and by bulk around the cyclone/body, making it harder to reach low-clearance areas.

Above-floor cleaning is helped by a usable hose and included tools, and at least one reviewer reports stair reach of roughly 9-10 steps. The turbo tool can be loud and may clog with hair.

Above-floor cleaning is generally strong with the wand and crevice tool, but upholstery performance is mixed, including complaints about long pet hair on couches and limited included fabric tools.

Weight is repeatedly described as manageable for an upright (mid-teens pounds in some discussions), helping with carry and room-to-room moves.

Weight impressions vary but cluster around sturdy and somewhat heavy. Many say it feels fine while pushing, but heavier when carrying up stairs or doing repeated back-and-forth on thick carpet.

Wool and delicate rug compatibility is a concern in the reviews: some users report damage to a rug or needing to avoid edges, and others note wool rugs fill bags quickly even when they like the cleaning result.