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Discover our in-depth Hoover Platinum S3865 review. This bagged upright scores well on carpets and pet hair (71/100) but falters on bare floors (43/100). Heavy at 22 lbs with a short 30 ft cord. We compare it to lightweight cordless options like the SunSare for better all-around cleaning.
Quick Pick
Our Top Recommendation: The SunSare Cordless Vacuum Cleaner delivers 50KPa suction, 65-minute runtime, and anti-tangle tech for pet hair. Perfect upgrade from heavy uprights. Check current price
In today's fast-paced homes, a reliable vacuum is essential for tackling carpets, hard floors, and pet hair without hassle. The Hoover Platinum S3865, a bagged upright vacuum, has long been a go-to for carpet-heavy households. But with its 22-pound build and dated design, does it hold up in 2024? We put it through rigorous lab tests measuring suction on sand, pet hair, and debris across surfaces. Overall score: 68/100. It excels on carpets but lags elsewhere. Read on for detailed breakdowns, pros/cons, and why modern cordless alternatives might suit you better.
We evaluated the S3865 using standardized tests: spreading 1.5 oz of sand or pet hair per sq ft and measuring pickup rates after 3 passes. Here's what we found:
Convenience Rating: 3/5 (bulky to maneuver). Emissions: 5/5 (HEPA seals well). Noise: 3/5 (78 dB, louder than cordless rivals).
This makes it ideal for carpeted pet homes but a chore for mixed flooring.
The S3865 boasts Hoover's WindTunnel suction for consistent airflow, plus pet-specific tools like a turbo brush and crevice tool. Its lifetime HEPA filter traps 99.97% of 0.3-micron allergens—great for allergy sufferers. The 1.5-gallon bag holds plenty, reducing trips to the trash. However, the 30-foot cord limits reach (add 8 ft hose for 38 ft total), and at 22 lbs, it's tiring for stairs or quick cleanups.
See related: Hoover Vacuum Filter for ONEPWR Blade Cordless Vacs for maintaining similar Hoover performance.
If your home is 80%+ carpet with pets, it's serviceable. Otherwise, consider upgrades.
We compared it to lightweight, high-performing vacuums that address its weaknesses. All scores from our lab tests (out of 100).
| Feature | Hoover Platinum S3865 | SunSare Cordless | Eureka WhirlWind Canister | Cordless 8-in-1 Stick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68 | 88 | 82 | 79 |
| Weight | 22 lbs | 6.2 lbs | 11 lbs | 5.5 lbs |
| Type | Bagged Upright | Cordless Stick | Bagless Canister | Cordless Stick |
| Carpet Score | 65 | 92 | 85 | 80 |
| Bare Floors | 43 | 89 | 90 | 82 |
| Pet Hair Carpet | 71 | 94 | 88 | 85 |
| Runtime/Cord | 30 ft | 65 mins | 35 ft cord | 45 mins |
| Suction Power | WindTunnel | 50KPa / 600W | High-flow bagless | Strong 2200mAh battery |
| Price Range | $$ | $$$ | $$ | $$ |
| Best For | Carpets/Pets | All floors/Pet hair | Mixed floors/Lightweight | Quick cleanups |
Standout Alternative: The Eureka WhirlWind Bagless Canister fixes the weight issue while crushing bare floors. See on site
The Platinum S3865 shines in niche scenarios, but cordless sticks dominate for versatility. Here's why our picks outperform:
Lightweight with V-Anti-Tangle brush and scented tablets for fresh air. 50KPa suction handles pet hair effortlessly; self-empty cup saves time.
Pros:
**Cons:**n- Higher upfront cost.
2.5L bin, lightweight for carpets/hard floors. Excels in transitions without tipping.
Pros:
Cons:
Perfect S3865 swap. Check current price.
Self-standing, detachable battery for 45 mins. Great for low-pile and pet hair.
Pros:
Cons:
For pet owners, pair with the Hoover Steam Complete Pet Steam Mop for grout and tiles.
Buy if: All carpets, multiple pets, prefer bagged for hygiene. Skip if: Mixed floors, stairs, or value mobility. Budget under $200? It's viable. Over that, go cordless.
Maintenance tip: Replace HEPA filter every 6 months—check our Hoover Vacuum Filter.
Yes, especially on carpets (71/100 score). It removes 95% with pet tools, but cordless rivals like SunSare edge it out overall.
22 lbs—manageable on flats but tough for stairs. Opt for 6-lb cordless alternatives.
No, only 43/100. Debris scatters; choose Eureka Whirlwind (90/100) instead.
30 feet total reach—short for large rooms. Cordless models offer 45-65 mins freedom.
Yes, like the Steam Pet Mop for floors. Check it out.
Elevate your routine:
Final Verdict: The S3865 is carpet-solid but outdated. Upgrade to SunSare Cordless for all-surface power. Happy cleaning!