Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I have so many things to say about this product. First, I read the other reviews before I purchased, and I almost didn't buy it because of them. Many people said that when/if they had issues with the product, the manufacturer was very unhelpful and charged them outrageous return shipping costs. I purchased it regardless, but I made sure to buy the Square Trade protection plan (which I usually don't purchase on these types of items) due to the reviews. Therefore, I suggest others purchase the ~$6 3 year plan also. Opening the box: The product is extremely well packaged. You do not have to worry about scuffs, scratches, or broken pieces. As weird as this may sound, this cleaner is also extremely attractive (in comparison to other floor cleaners). It is very well made. The handle is made of some sort of metal--not plastic, and the "paint" on the body of the machine is a pretty, glittery deep red. The cord is graciously long. Assembly: It took me less than a minute to assemble this product. All you have to do is attach the handle to the body and take off all of the protective plastic. NOTE: This product comes with a small bottle of solution, but it does NOT come with the handheld attachment. Carpet Use: The carpet "head" is already attached to the machine. I used it on a rug that is generally very hard to clean due to the type of carpet and the fact that some areas are raised and some are lower. This rug had a huge red stain of sweet and sour sauce (thanks, dog), and I had tried to clean it with a Hoover and Bissell carpet cleaner--even a steam cleaner, and had NO luck. This machine got the stain to nearly invisible. It also worked wonders on pet stains. I used it on "shag" type carpet (second photo) and it worked very well. I used it on that awful economy carpet (3rd and 4th photos), which usually do not come clean, and it worked very well. This is the best carpet cleaner I have ever had, and I even think that it works better than the rentable machines. Use on Hardwood: It worked so well. I have had three machines that clean hard floors, and this machine does a better job than any of those. Use on Tile: I am in love! It works so well and even gets the grout clean. Usage Overall: This machine has EXTREMELY STRONG suction, which is good for cleaning. However, that means that no matter how well you vacuum first, you will likely suck up carpet fibers. The machine is HEAVY, and the weight combined with the suction power makes it require physical strength/muscle in your arm and back. Further, the weight of the machine makes it hard to carry upstairs. I am 31 and did not have any issues, but I do think anyone with any physical ailments in the arm or back, or an elderly person who cannot pick up more than a few pounds, may have issues. My hand is sore (the way picking up furniture causes calluses), so, even though you'll look silly, you may want to wear a glove. However, the quality and performance of the machine makes it worth it to me. Bonus Point: This machine teaches you patience. Yep. I am a person who doesn't have enough patience to wait on fish to bite or thread a sewing machine, but I am learning patience because of this. The instructions tell you that slow passes give the best results, and that is certainly true. You don't have to go as slow on hard floors, but the slower you go, the more dry they will be. However, you have to go slow on carpets. Other than the weight, the only problem I have with this is that I wish the handheld attachment came with it. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this product.