have own this vacuum for about two year now and have be very happy with its ability to remove pet hair from carpeting and upholstery . it also have a very easy option of switching from regular vacuum to hose . I agree with other review that it be a heavy vacuum , but it be not a impossible size to carry up and down stair . I be a 50 year old female , 5 foot tall and 140 lb , and I be able to move it from floor to floor with a small amount of effort . the only negative I have see be that once the hose attachment -lrb- permanently on the vaccum -rrb- stretch a bit , it sometimes slip off the plastic holder and drag along the floor during use . despite even that , I highly recommend this product .