As a household that includes a golden retriever who sheds with the seasons (all four of them, simultaneously) and two cats who consider every soft surface their personal throne, the war against pet hair is a daily, relentless campaign. It weaves itself into carpets, clings stubbornly to upholstery, and creates tumbleweeds in every corner. For years, we’ve cycled through vacuums, from nimble stick models that run out of breath too quickly to heavy behemoths that require a wrestling match to get up the stairs. The search for the “perfect” pet vacuum often feels like a quest for a mythical creature: powerful, lightweight, versatile, and, crucially, affordable. This is the precise challenge that the Ewbank MOTION+ Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner aims to solve. It enters a crowded market dominated by household names, promising specialized pet-hair removal and robust performance without the premium price tag. The question we set out to answer was simple: is this a genuine contender or just another budget option that overpromises and underdelivers?
- The powerful motor on the Ewbank MOTION+ Reach Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner makes it ideal for cleaning both carpets and hard floors
- The Ewbank MOTION+ Reach Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner uses multi cyclonic filtration to ensure the most efficient suction power and air flow is provided when the vacuum cleaner is in use
What to Know Before You Commit to an Upright Vacuum
An upright vacuum is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for maintaining a clean and healthy home environment, especially for larger spaces with significant carpeted areas. Their design typically incorporates a powerful motor and a motorized brush roll in the main floorhead, allowing them to agitate and deep-clean carpet fibres in a way that many other vacuum types struggle to match. The primary benefits lie in their sheer power, large dust capacities, and wide cleaning paths, which make quick work of big rooms. They are the workhorses of the vacuum world, built for tackling embedded dirt, debris, and the eternal challenge of pet hair.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with medium to large-sized homes, particularly those with wall-to-wall carpeting or a mix of carpets and hard floors. Families with pets and children will find the deep-cleaning capability indispensable. However, it might not be the best fit for those living in small apartments with limited storage space, or for individuals who have difficulty lifting and manoeuvring a heavier machine. For them, a lightweight stick vacuum or a compact canister model might be a more practical alternative. If your home consists exclusively of delicate hard floors, a specialized hard floor cleaner or a canister vacuum with a soft parquet brush could also be a more suitable choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Upright vacuums are not small. The Ewbank MOTION+ stands at 110cm tall. You need to consider where you will store it. A tall utility cupboard or a corner in a garage is ideal. Its weight, 5.6 kg in this case, is relatively light for an upright, but it’s still more substantial than a stick vacuum, which impacts how easy it is to carry up and down stairs.
- Capacity/Performance: This is where uprights excel. The Ewbank MOTION+ boasts a massive 4-litre dust capacity, meaning you can clean the whole house multiple times before needing to empty it. Look at the wattage (700W here) and filtration technology (multi-cyclonic) as indicators of suction power and consistency. For pet owners, specialized tools like the included Pet Turbo Brush are non-negotiable.
- Materials & Durability: Most modern vacuums, including this one, are constructed primarily from durable plastics to keep the weight down. While not as robust as the old metal-bodied vacuums of yesteryear, the build quality should feel solid, not flimsy. Pay attention to the quality of the wheels, the hose material, and the clips that hold the dustbin in place, as these are common points of failure.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A bagless design with washable filters, like the one on the Ewbank MOTION+ Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, significantly reduces long-term running costs. Check how easy it is to empty the dustbin, access and clean the filters, and switch between tools. Regular filter cleaning is not just a suggestion; it is essential for maintaining suction and preventing motor strain.
Making the right choice involves balancing power, features, and usability against the specific needs of your home.
While the Ewbank MOTION+ Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent choice for many, 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:
- HIGH PERFORMANCE, PORTABLE CORDED UPRIGHT VACUUM CLEANER - Multi-cyclonic performance with lightweight design to easily clean around the home
- 【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,...
- 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...
Unboxing the Ewbank MOTION+: First Impressions and Core Features
Pulling the Ewbank MOTION+ out of its box, the first thing we noticed was its surprisingly low weight. At just 5.6 kg, it felt immediately more manageable than many of its upright peers. Assembly was straightforward and intuitive, requiring just a couple of clicks to attach the handle and slot the onboard tools into their designated holsters. The silver and black finish is shiny and modern, though the plastic construction, while sturdy enough, doesn’t exude the premium feel of a Dyson or a Shark. It feels practical and utilitarian, which is exactly what you might expect at this price point.
The controls are simple and clearly laid out. A single pedal releases the handle from its upright, locked position, and another controls the power. The large 4-litre dustbin is a standout feature, promising fewer trips to the bin during a whole-house clean. The accessory suite is comprehensive for a budget model, featuring a long crevice tool, a dusting brush, an upholstery tool, and the all-important Pet Turbo Brush. It’s this complete package, offering a solution for nearly every cleaning scenario right out of the box, that makes the Ewbank MOTION+ Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner an appealing prospect from the very start.
What We Like
- Impressive Pet Hair Removal: The included Pet Turbo Brush is highly effective on upholstery and stairs.
- Generous Dust Capacity: The 4-litre bin is massive for a vacuum at this weight, reducing the frequency of emptying.
- Lightweight and Manoeuvrable: At only 5.6 kg, it’s easy to push, pull, and carry between floors.
- Versatile Toolset: Comes with all the necessary attachments for a comprehensive, top-to-bottom clean.
Drawbacks
- Potential for Overheating: We noted the unit gets very warm during prolonged use, and some user reports indicate shutdown issues.
- Basic Filtration: The washable sponge filter is adequate but lacks the HEPA-level filtration found in more premium models.
Putting the Ewbank MOTION+ Through Its Paces: A Comprehensive Performance Breakdown
An impressive feature list is one thing, but real-world performance is what truly matters. We spent several weeks living with the Ewbank MOTION+ Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, subjecting it to everything our pet-filled, busy home could throw at it. From deep-pile carpets laden with dog hair to hardwood floors scattered with cat litter and kitchen crumbs, we tested every function and attachment to its limit. Here’s our detailed breakdown of how it performed.
Suction Power & Multi-Surface Cleaning
Armed with a 700-watt motor and multi-cyclonic technology, the Ewbank MOTION+ promises consistent, powerful suction. On our medium-pile carpets, this promise was largely fulfilled. The motorized brush bar does an excellent job of agitating fibres, pulling up an almost embarrassing amount of embedded dust and pet hair on its first pass. We could feel the vacuum gripping the carpet, a reassuring sign of strong suction at the floorhead. It transitioned from our living room carpet to the hallway runner without any issue, maintaining its cleaning effectiveness.
On hard floors, the performance was good, but not flawless. Like many uprights designed primarily for carpets, it effectively picked up fine dust and larger debris like cereal. However, the powerful, spinning brush roll sometimes scattered lighter particles like cat litter before the suction could grab them. While there isn’t a simple “brush roll off” switch for delicate floors, we found that careful, deliberate passes minimized this effect. The suction power itself remained strong across laminate, tile, and wood, leaving surfaces visibly clean. It may not be as specialized as a dedicated hard floor cleaner, but it’s more than capable as an all-rounder for mixed-floor homes. The powerful multi-cyclone system is a feature that really sets it apart in its price bracket.
Pet Hair Annihilation: The Turbo Brush Test
For pet owners, the main event is always the battle against fur. The standard floorhead performed admirably on carpets, but the star of the show is unquestionably the included Pet Turbo Brush. This smaller, air-driven attachment is designed for upholstery, pet beds, and stairs—all notorious magnets for hair. We put it to the test on our fabric sofa, which had become a tapestry of golden retriever fur. The Turbo Brush’s spinning bristles made short work of it, lifting hair that was stubbornly woven into the fabric. The clear housing allows you to see it working, which is both satisfying and a little horrifying.
We then moved on to the carpeted stairs, a task that is often cumbersome with a full-sized upright. Using the detachable handle and stretch hose, the Turbo Brush became our primary tool. It was the perfect size for stair treads, and its performance was just as impressive here, restoring the carpet to its original, fur-free state. This single attachment dramatically elevates the utility of the Ewbank MOTION+ Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, transforming it from a general-purpose vacuum into a legitimate pet-owner’s ally. It’s the feature that justifies the “Pet” in its name.
Manoeuvrability & Above-Floor Reach
Weighing only 5.6 kg is a significant advantage in the upright category. Pushing the vacuum across large rooms felt almost effortless, and navigating around furniture was surprisingly nimble. The four wheels provide a smooth glide, and the steering, while not as fluid as the ball technology on premium models, is responsive enough for most homes. Carrying it up and down stairs was not a chore, which is a major plus for multi-level living.
For above-floor cleaning, the detachable handle connects to a 1.8-metre stretch hose. This combination provided ample reach for cleaning skirting boards, shelves, and curtains without having to lift the entire unit. The long crevice tool was perfect for getting into the tight spaces between sofa cushions and along walls, while the dusting brush made quick work of lampshades and blinds. While the hose could feel a little stiff when fully stretched, the overall reach and versatility were impressive, allowing for a true top-to-bottom clean of any room.
Living with the MOTION+: Capacity, Maintenance, and a Critical Warning
The 4-litre dust capacity is a game-changer. In our testing, we could vacuum the entire three-bedroom house twice over before the “max fill” line was even threatened. The one-touch-to-empty mechanism is simple, releasing the bottom flap of the canister to drop debris directly into the bin with minimal mess. The washable sponge filter is also a great cost-saving feature. We rinsed it under the tap after a few heavy cleaning sessions and let it air dry completely for 24 hours as instructed. This is where we must introduce a critical point of caution.
During a particularly long cleaning session, tackling every room back-to-back, we noticed the main motor housing becoming significantly hot to the touch. While the vacuum did not shut down on us, this observation aligns perfectly with a user report we analyzed, which described the unit shutting down after a short time and emitting a “hot wire” smell. The user noted they were diligent about cleaning filters, but this issue persisted. This suggests a potential thermal cutout safety feature that may be overly sensitive, or a motor that is prone to overheating under sustained, heavy load. It underscores the absolute necessity of keeping the filters and cyclones immaculately clean to ensure maximum airflow. Any blockage will inevitably strain the motor, increasing heat and risking a shutdown. While it didn’t stop our cleaning, it’s a significant concern for durability and a factor potential buyers must be aware of.
What Other Users Are Saying
To provide a balanced perspective, we looked at feedback from other users to see if our experiences were typical. The sentiment is generally positive, with many praising the vacuum’s lightweight design and powerful suction, especially for its price. The effectiveness of the pet turbo tool is a recurring theme, with many echoing our own satisfaction with its ability to tackle stubborn fur on furniture and stairs.
However, our concern about overheating is not an isolated incident. The most detailed piece of feedback we found came from a user who stated, “when I use it then it shuts down soon after the first start up and use of it…I can smell an odour of a hot wire coating or other when it shuts down.” They were careful to clean all filters before each use, which makes the issue more troubling. This suggests that even with perfect maintenance, the machine may have a weakness in its thermal management. It’s a critical piece of feedback that tempers the otherwise strong performance and value proposition of the machine.
How Does the Ewbank MOTION+ Stack Up Against the Competition?
No product exists in a vacuum (pun intended). To understand its true value, we need to compare the Ewbank MOTION+ Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner to some of the other popular options on the market. We’ve selected three distinct alternatives to highlight where the Ewbank shines and where it falls short.
1. Dyson Ball Animal Vacuum Cleaner
- Engineered for homes with pets
- Powerful suction
The Dyson Ball Animal represents a significant step up in both price and technology. Its main selling point is the iconic Ball technology, which provides unparalleled manoeuvrability, allowing you to steer around furniture with a simple twist of the wrist. Dyson’s Radial Root Cyclone technology also offers arguably more advanced filtration and no-loss-of-suction performance. If your budget can stretch, and you value cutting-edge design, superior steering, and the brand’s reputation for powerful engineering, the Dyson is a compelling choice. However, the Ewbank offers comparable raw cleaning power on carpets and a larger dust capacity for a fraction of the cost.
2. dreame H12 Pro Wet Dry Self-Cleaning Vacuum
- [Powerful traction for effortless cleaning] The brush roller uses the power of the motor to create forward movement during operation and move the vacuum cleaner. Easy to push and maneuver, so you can...
- Customize your cleaning needs with an auto mode for basic cleaning, ultra-mode for deep cleaning, and a suction mode that vacuums liquids without mopping.
The Dreame H12 Pro is a completely different kind of cleaning tool, highlighting a different approach. As a cordless wet-dry vacuum, it’s designed almost exclusively for hard floors. It not only vacuums up debris but also mops the floor simultaneously, and even features a self-cleaning function for its brush roll. This is the perfect alternative for someone with a home dominated by tile, laminate, or sealed wood, who hates the two-step process of vacuuming then mopping. It is not suitable for carpets, which is where the Ewbank MOTION+ is strongest. This choice comes down entirely to your home’s floor types.
3. Hoover HU300 Pets Upright Vacuum Cleaner
- PERFECT FOR PET OWNERS: This pet upright vacuum cleaner comes with a mini turbo brush to help remove stubborn pet hairs from cushions, sofas and carpets. Rotating bristles penetrate deeply into the...
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Weighing less than 5 kg in use, this upright vacuum cleaner is easy to lift, manoeuvre and steer around your home.
The Hoover HU300 Pets is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Ewbank MOTION+. It is another lightweight, multi-cyclonic upright specifically designed for pet owners. The Hoover has a slight edge with its 850W motor and, most importantly, a washable HEPA H13 filter, which is a significant advantage for allergy sufferers as it traps much smaller particles. While its dust capacity is smaller than the Ewbank’s, the inclusion of HEPA filtration and a trusted brand name might persuade those who prioritize air quality. The choice between the two is tight, likely coming down to price and whether the Ewbank’s larger capacity outweighs the Hoover’s superior filtration.
The Final Word: Is the Ewbank MOTION+ the Right Choice for Your Home?
After extensive testing, our verdict on the Ewbank MOTION+ Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is one of qualified recommendation. It offers tremendous value, delivering powerful carpet cleaning, genuinely effective pet hair removal via its excellent Turbo Brush, and a massive 4-litre capacity in a surprisingly lightweight frame. For budget-conscious pet owners with mostly carpeted homes, it ticks a remarkable number of boxes and performs far better than its price tag might suggest.
However, the recommendation comes with a crucial caveat: the potential for overheating. Our experience, combined with user feedback, indicates that this machine may struggle with very long, uninterrupted cleaning sessions and requires meticulous filter maintenance to operate safely. If you tend to do your cleaning in shorter bursts and are diligent about upkeep, this may never be an issue. But if you’re looking for a workhorse to run for an hour straight without a second thought, you might want to consider a model with a more robust thermal design. Ultimately, the Ewbank MOTION+ is a capable and affordable cleaning tool that gets the job done well, but it demands a mindful operator. If its strengths align with your needs and you can live with its primary weakness, you can check its current price and get a fantastic deal on a powerful pet vacuum.
Last update on 2025-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API