SEBO Automatic Pet ePower Upright Vacuum Review: The German-Engineered Beast for Pet Hair Domination

For years, my home has been a loving, chaotic battlefield. The enemy? An ever-replenishing army of golden retriever fur. It weaves itself into the very fabric of our deep-pile carpets, creates tumbleweeds on the hardwood floors, and defiantly clings to every upholstered surface. We’ve thrown countless vacuums at the problem, from sleek, futuristic cordless models to cyclonic bagless titans. Each one promised victory, but ultimately, they either choked on the sheer volume of hair, lost suction over time, or simply redistributed fine dander back into the air, triggering allergies. The frustration is real: you spend an hour cleaning, only to see the sun catch a fresh layer of floating fur just minutes later. It felt like a losing war, one that was compromising not just the cleanliness of our home, but the quality of the air we breathed.

SEBO 91540GB Automatic Pet ePower Upright Vacuum Cleaner, 890 W, Black/Silver
  • Domestic 5 year parts & labour warranty
  • Powerful performance from the 890W motor

What to Consider Before Buying an Upright Vacuum for Pet Homes

An upright vacuum, especially one designed for pet owners, is more than just a cleaning appliance; it’s a key solution for maintaining a healthy, comfortable, and hair-free living environment. It’s an investment in your home’s hygiene and your family’s well-being. The primary benefit lies in their powerful, motorized brush rolls that agitate deep carpet fibres to dislodge stubborn, embedded pet hair, dander, and allergens that lesser vacuums leave behind. This deep-cleaning capability, combined with powerful suction and advanced filtration, is what sets a true pet vacuum apart from a standard model.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a relentless struggle with shedding pets, particularly on carpeted surfaces. If you have family members with allergies or asthma, or you simply demand a professional level of clean, a high-performance upright is non-negotiable. However, it might not be the best fit for those living in small apartments with exclusively hard flooring and limited storage, where a compact canister or cordless stick vacuum might suffice. For those who prioritize maneuverability above all else, the weight and bulk of a traditional upright could be a drawback. In that case, exploring lighter, more nimble alternatives is a sensible path.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

  • Filtration System: For a pet-centric home, this is paramount. Look for multi-stage filtration, ideally with a sealed system and a HEPA or S-Class filter. This ensures that microscopic particles like dander, pollen, and dust mites are captured and not recirculated into the air, which is a critical feature for allergy sufferers. The SEBO Automatic Pet ePower Upright Vacuum excels here with its S-Class filtration.
  • Power & Performance: Don’t just look at wattage; consider the overall design. A powerful motor combined with an aggressive, well-designed brush roll is the key to deep cleaning. Features like automatic height adjustment ensure the brush is always at the optimal distance from the floor surface, maximizing pickup on everything from thick rugs to bare floors.
  • Durability & Build Quality: A pet vacuum is a workhorse that will see heavy use. Look for robust materials, commercial-grade components like reinforced belts, and a solid manufacturer warranty. German-engineered machines, for example, are renowned for their longevity and build quality, often lasting for decades with proper care.
  • Tools & Attachments: Pet hair doesn’t just stay on the floor. A good pet vacuum must come with a suite of tools for above-floor cleaning. A motorized pet turbo brush is essential for upholstery and stairs, while a long hose, crevice tool, and dusting brush provide the versatility needed to clean the entire home.

While the SEBO Automatic Pet ePower Upright Vacuum is an excellent choice that ticks many of these boxes, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

SaleBestseller No. 1
Vax UCA1GEV1 Mach Air Upright Vacuum Cleaner, 1.5 Liters, Purple
  • HIGH PERFORMANCE, PORTABLE CORDED UPRIGHT VACUUM CLEANER - Multi-cyclonic performance with lightweight design to easily clean around the home
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VACTechPro Corded Vacuum Cleaner, Powerful 600W/60Kpa, Lightweight 3-in-1 Stick Vacuum with 800ML...
  • 【600W/60Kpa Powerful Suction】This corded vacuum cleaner features a 600W motor, delivering strong suction power up to 60Kpa. It effectively removes dust, dirt, and debris from various surfaces,...
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Hoover Breeze EVO Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner - Lightweight and Compact Design with Long Reach...
  • Lightweight & Compact Design: Designed for effortless maneuverability, this upright vacuum cleaner makes cleaning stairs and navigating tight or large spaces a breeze. Its compact, upright build...

First Impressions: Unboxing a German-Engineered Cleaning Powerhouse

Pulling the SEBO Automatic Pet ePower Upright Vacuum from its box, the first impression is one of substance and purpose. There’s no flimsy plastic or questionable click-together parts here. Weighing in at 7.4kg, it feels solid, robust, and reassuringly heavy—the kind of weight that speaks to a powerful motor and durable components within. Assembly was refreshingly simple, taking less than five minutes without needing to consult the manual. The main body, handle, and onboard tools snap into place with a satisfying, positive click. The black and silver colour scheme is classic and professional, eschewing the flashy colours of some competitors for a more understated, serious aesthetic. It immediately feels like a commercial-grade machine that’s been adapted for domestic use, which, in our experience, is a very good thing. It stands in stark contrast to many modern vacuums that prioritize lightweight design at the cost of durability and power. You can see the thoughtful design and build quality for yourself.

What We Liked

  • Incredibly powerful suction and deep carpet cleaning performance.
  • Automatic brush height adjustment works flawlessly across different floor types.
  • Hospital-grade S-Class filtration with charcoal for superior allergen and odor control.
  • Excellent build quality with a 5-year parts and labour warranty.
  • Generous 10-metre cord and integrated tools provide fantastic reach.

Potential Drawbacks

  • The brush roll is always spinning when the machine is on, which can be awkward for tool use.
  • At 7.4kg, it is heavier than many competitors and may be cumbersome for some users.

A Deep Dive into the SEBO Automatic Pet ePower’s Performance

After weeks of intensive testing across a multi-pet household with a mix of deep-pile carpets, area rugs, and hardwood floors, the SEBO Automatic Pet ePower Upright Vacuum has proven itself to be more than just a vacuum cleaner. It is a comprehensive floor care system. It doesn’t just clean; it restores carpets, purifies the air, and tackles the most challenging pet-related messes with an efficiency that is genuinely remarkable. We pushed it to its limits, and it never once faltered.

The Brains of the Operation: Computer Control and Automatic Height Adjustment

The standout feature of this machine is, without a doubt, its Computer Control System. This isn’t a marketing gimmick; it’s the intelligent core that elevates the SEBO from a good vacuum to a great one. The system automatically measures the resistance of the brush roll against the floor surface thousands of times per second. As we moved from a thick, plush living room rug to the low-pile runner in the hallway and then onto the kitchen’s hard flooring, we could hear and feel the machine making micro-adjustments in real-time. The brush head raises or lowers itself to the absolute optimal height for cleaning. This means you are never manually guessing which setting to use, and more importantly, the brush is always perfectly positioned for maximum agitation and suction. On carpets, the results were visually stunning. It lifted the pile and pulled out deeply embedded fur that our previous high-end vacuum had missed for months, leaving perfect, satisfying cleaning lines. For those moments you need an extra bit of aggression on a matted-down, high-traffic area, a simple press of the “Performance Boost” button lowers the brush even further for an intensive deep clean. This is a feature that truly sets it apart from the competition and ensures no dirt is left behind. Furthermore, the system protects the motor by automatically shutting the machine down if a blockage is detected, preventing costly damage—a brilliant piece of engineering for long-term peace of mind.

Breathe Easy: S-Class Filtration and Activated Charcoal Odor Control

For pet owners, cleaning is a two-front war: the visible hair and the invisible allergens and odors. The SEBO Automatic Pet ePower Upright Vacuum wages this war with a formidable one-two punch. First, its S-Class filtration system is essentially hospital-grade, capturing 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. This sealed system ensures that fine dust, pet dander, and pollen are trapped inside the vacuum’s massive 5.0L Ultra Bag and not exhausted back into your room. After a full-house clean, the air subjectively felt cleaner, crisper, and less “stuffy.” For our family members with mild allergies, the difference was noticeable within days. The second part of this system is the integrated activated charcoal filter. This is a feature often overlooked but is a game-changer for pet homes. The charcoal actively absorbs and neutralizes pet odors as you clean, rather than just masking them. The result is that the vacuum’s exhaust smells neutral and clean, not like the “hot dog” or “wet dog” smell that can plague lesser pet vacuums. The huge, multi-layer fleece bags are also a hygienic marvel. They seal themselves upon removal, so you never have to see or touch the dirt you’ve collected—a clean, dust-free disposal process that bagless users can only dream of.

A Tool for Every Task: Reach, Versatility, and the Turbo Brush

An upright vacuum lives and dies by its versatility, and the SEBO is exceptionally well-equipped. The patented integrated wand and hose system is brilliantly designed. With one smooth pull, the long hose is ready for action, providing an impressive reach for cleaning stairs, curtains, and ceilings. The 10-metre power cord allows for cleaning vast areas without constantly searching for a new outlet. The included attachments—a crevice nozzle and upholstery nozzle with a dusting brush clamp—are stored neatly on the machine’s body, always within arm’s reach. The true star of the attachment show, however, is the Stair & Upholstery Turbo Brush. This air-driven, handheld motorized tool is a demon on pet hair. We used it on our fabric sofa and the carpeted stairs, and it lifted away stubborn, woven-in fur with astonishing ease. That said, we must address a specific design choice that some users, including one we noted in online feedback, find frustrating. When using the hose and tools, the main brush roll at the base of the vacuum continues to spin. This means you cannot leave the vacuum standing on a delicate rug or hardwood floor while you clean elsewhere, as it could potentially cause wear over time. As one user noted, “You’re basically forced to hold the vacuum in one hand and use tools in another.” While we found we could lean it against furniture, we agree this is a valid critique. It appears to be a design trade-off, prioritizing the robust, belt-driven power of the main brush head over the convenience of a brush roll shut-off switch. For us, the sheer cleaning power made it a worthwhile compromise, but it is a crucial point for potential buyers to consider based on their cleaning style.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our overwhelmingly positive experience with the SEBO Automatic Pet ePower Upright Vacuum is largely reflected in the broader consensus among discerning users, though it’s not without its specific criticisms. Many users echo our praise for its incredible deep-cleaning power on carpets, often stating it’s the best vacuum they have ever owned for pet hair removal. However, the most common and detailed critique, as we also experienced, relates to the constantly spinning brush roll during tool use. One user articulated this perfectly, calling it a “complete design failure” for above-the-floor cleaning as it makes juggling the machine and the hose cumbersome. This is a significant point of consideration. On the other end of the spectrum, some negative reviews appear to be related to seller or shipping issues rather than the product itself, with one customer receiving a “scuffed and scratched” unit that was clearly not new. While this is a valid grievance with the retailer, it doesn’t reflect on the vacuum’s performance. Overall, the sentiment is that if your priority is unparalleled carpet cleaning and durability, the SEBO is in a class of its own, but you must be willing to adapt to its specific operational quirks.

How Does the SEBO Automatic Pet ePower Upright Vacuum Compare to the Competition?

The premium upright vacuum market is fierce, with several excellent machines vying for your attention. While the SEBO carves out its niche with German engineering and automatic functionality, it’s crucial to see how it stacks up against other popular models. Each has unique strengths that might make it a better fit for your specific needs.

1. Shark NZ691UKT Corded Upright Vacuum Anti Hair Wrap Pet

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Shark Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner 1.1L with Anti Hair Wrap Technology, Pet Model, LED Headlights,...
  • ANTI HAIR WRAP: Removes hair from the brush-roll as you clean, perfect for long, short & pet hair. LED headlights illuminate hidden dust.
  • 2 FLOOR MODES: Switch between carpet & hard floor modes with controls on the handle & adjustable suction control.

The Shark NZ691UKT is a master of versatility. Its signature feature is the Lift-Away Technology, which allows the main pod to detach from the floorhead, turning it into a portable canister vacuum for effortless cleaning of stairs and cars. It also boasts Shark’s Anti Hair Wrap technology, which actively works to remove hair from the brush roll as you clean—a significant advantage for those with long-haired pets or family members. While its suction is strong, it may not match the sheer deep-cleaning agitation of the SEBO on very thick carpets. If you value flexibility, the Lift-Away feature, and hate cutting hair from a brush roll, the Shark is an incredibly compelling alternative.

2. Kenmore BU4022 Bagged Upright Vacuum Pet Friendly

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Kenmore Intuition BU4022 Bagged Upright Vacuum Pet Friendly Carpet Vacuum Cleaner 2-Motor Power...
  • Lift-Up enables versatile handheld freedom to clean above floors and stairs. Simply press a button to lift away from the floor nozzle to clean all of your hard to reach areas..200.0 watts
  • No Touch Bag Technology eliminates the annoyingly stains process of emptying and cleaning a full cup with a single button press to get rid of your stains. No need to touch dirty cups or bags again,...

The Kenmore BU4022 is another strong contender in the bagged upright category, sharing the SEBO’s focus on powerful suction and filtration. It features a 2-motor system and HEPA filtration, making it excellent for allergy sufferers. Its standout feature is the “Pet Handi-Mate” tool, a highly effective air-driven turbine brush for upholstery. Where it differs from the SEBO is the lack of automatic height adjustment; users must manually switch settings. The build quality, while solid for its price point, may not feel as robust or commercial-grade as the German-made SEBO. For those seeking a powerful bagged system at a potentially more accessible price, the Kenmore is a fantastic choice.

3. Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Dyson is synonymous with powerful bagless suction, and the Ball Animal 2 is a testament to that legacy. It boasts arguably the strongest raw suction power on the market. The Ball Technology provides exceptional maneuverability, allowing you to steer around furniture with a simple twist of the wrist, a feature that makes the more traditional SEBO feel rigid in comparison. However, as a bagless vacuum, it requires more frequent filter maintenance and a messier emptying process. While its self-adjusting cleaner head is effective, it doesn’t feel quite as nuanced or intelligent as the SEBO’s computer-controlled system. If you prioritize raw suction power and nimble maneuverability over a bagged system, the Dyson remains a top-tier option.

Our Final Verdict: Is the SEBO Automatic Pet ePower Right For You?

After extensive testing, the SEBO Automatic Pet ePower Upright Vacuum has earned our highest recommendation, but with a specific user in mind. This is not just a vacuum; it’s a piece of serious, long-term cleaning equipment. If your primary battle is against embedded pet hair in medium to deep-pile carpets, and you value air quality, durability, and sheer cleaning effectiveness above all else, this machine is arguably the best in its class. Its intelligent automatic height adjustment and hospital-grade filtration system deliver tangible results that you can see and feel. The robust, commercial-grade build quality, backed by a 5-year warranty, provides confidence that this is an investment that will last.

However, its weight and the always-on brush roll are valid considerations. It is not the most nimble or lightweight option, and it requires a slight adjustment in your cleaning routine when using the onboard tools. But for us, these are minor trade-offs for the incredible performance it delivers. It is a specialized tool that vanquishes pet hair and allergens with uncompromising German efficiency. If you are tired of vacuums that fail to deliver on their promises and are ready to invest in a true solution, we are confident you will be thrilled with this machine. You can check the latest price and secure one for your home today.

Last update on 2025-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API