SEBO E3 Vs. D4 Vacuum Cleaner: In-depth Differences

I’ve been on a quest for the perfect vacuum cleaner, and after countless hours researching and testing, I narrowed it down to two heavyweights: the SEBO E3 Premium and the SEBO D4 Premium.

My goal?

To find a machine that tackles pet hair, hardwood floors, and carpets in my 2,000-square-foot home without breaking my back or my budget. In this article, I’ll walk you through my experience with both, comparing their features, performance, and quirks to help you decide which one fits your life.

Let’s get started!

A Brief Comparison Table

Why I Chose To Compare These Two Vacuums?

Living with two shedding dogs and a mix of hardwood, tile, and low-pile rugs, I needed a vacuum that could handle it all. SEBO’s reputation for durability and performance caught my attention, especially after hearing friends rave about their machines lasting over a decade.

The E3 and D4 kept popping up as top contenders, but their differences weren’t immediately clear. I wanted to understand which one would make my cleaning routine easier, so I tested both at a local dealer and dug into user reviews to get the full picture.

• Unboxing And First Impressions

When I unboxed the SEBO E3 Premium, I was struck by how compact and lightweight it felt at just 11.5 pounds.

It’s sleek, with a modern design that doesn’t scream “industrial” like some other high-end vacuums.

The D4 Premium, on the other hand, is a beast.

At 15.5 pounds, it’s noticeably heavier, and its larger canister gave me the impression it was built for marathon cleaning sessions.

Both come with the ET-1 powerhead, a dusting brush, crevice tool, and upholstery tool, but the D4 includes the premium Parquet Twister for bare floors, while the E3 has a standard parquet brush.

• Performance on Carpets: Where the ET-1 Shines

Both the E3 and D4 use SEBO’s ET-1 powerhead, a 12-inch electric brush head that’s a game-changer for carpets. I tested them on my low-pile living room rug, which is a magnet for dog hair.

The ET-1’s adjustable height settings let me dial in the perfect brush height, and both vacuums sucked up fur and debris like nobody’s business. The E3’s lighter weight made it easier to maneuver around furniture, but the D4’s larger bag meant I didn’t have to stop and empty it as often.

On high-pile rugs, the D4 felt slightly more stable, likely due to its four swivel wheels versus the E3’s three-wheel setup. However, I noticed no significant difference in cleaning power—both handled pet hair and dirt with ease.

If you’ve got wall-to-wall carpeting, either model will serve you well, but the D4’s larger capacity gives it an edge for bigger spaces.

• Hard Floor Performance: Parquet Tools Compared

My hardwood and tile floors are where I noticed some differences. The E3’s standard parquet brush is lightweight and glides smoothly, concentrating suction for small debris like dust and crumbs. I found it easy to push under cabinets and into corners.

The D4’s Parquet Twister, however, has a 180-degree swivel that made navigating around table legs a breeze. Its removable front bristles also prevented “snowplowing” larger debris, which the E3’s brush occasionally did.

For my 20% hardwood floors, the D4’s tool felt like a luxury upgrade, but the E3’s brush got the job done just fine. If bare floors dominate your home, the D4’s Parquet Twister might tip the scales in its favor.

• Bag Capacity and Maintenance: A Tale of Two Sizes

The D4’s 6-liter dust bag is a standout feature. In my 2,000-square-foot home, I could go weeks without changing it, even with two dogs. The E3’s 3.2-liter bag, while still generous, filled up faster—about every two weeks with regular use.

Changing bags on both is straightforward, with the E3’s top-access bag door being slightly more convenient than the D4’s side access.

Both models use SEBO’s S-Class filtration, trapping 99.9% of particles down to 0.3 microns, which is a lifesaver for my allergy-prone household. The filters are easy to replace, and the D4’s larger filter may last longer, reducing long-term costs.

Maintenance is minimal for both, but the D4’s larger capacity means fewer trips to the store for bags.

• Maneuverability and Ease of Use

Carrying the E3 up and down my stairs was a breeze compared to the D4. The 4-pound weight difference doesn’t sound like much, but it’s noticeable when you’re lugging a vacuum to the second floor.

The E3’s two swivel wheels and one fixed wheel make it stable but slightly less agile than the D4’s four swivel wheels, which glide effortlessly around obstacles.

The D4’s 40-foot cord gave me an impressive 50-foot operating radius, letting me clean multiple rooms without unplugging.

The E3’s 30-foot cord (37-foot radius) was sufficient for my smaller rooms but required more plug-switching in open areas.

Both have a cord rewind button, which I found super convenient compared to manual winding on cheaper models.

Suction control is another point of difference. The E3’s slider on the handle offers intuitive, visual feedback, while the D4’s +/- buttons felt less precise. I preferred the E3’s slider for quick adjustments, especially when switching between carpets and hard floors.

• Durability and Build Quality

SEBO’s German engineering shines in both models. They’re built like tanks, with users reporting 15-20 years of reliable performance. The E3’s smaller size makes it feel a bit more delicate, but it’s still robust.

The D4’s heftier build gives it a “buy-it-for-life” vibe, though its size might be overkill for smaller homes. Both come with a 5-year warranty on the motor, parts, and labor, which gave me peace of mind.

• Price and Value Proposition

Price was a big factor in my decision. The E3 typically retails between $799 and $899, while the D4 ranges from $999 to $1,199. The $200-$400 price gap is significant, especially if you’re on a budget.

The E3 offers excellent value for smaller homes or apartments, delivering nearly the same cleaning power as the D4 at a lower cost. The D4’s premium features—like the larger bag, longer cord, and Parquet Twister—justify its price for larger homes or heavy-duty cleaning needs.

SEBO E3 Premium Pros

• Lightweight Design Makes It a Joy for Daily Use: At just 11.5 pounds, the E3 is a dream to carry around, especially in my two-story home. I could easily lug it up and down stairs without feeling like I’d just done a gym session. This is a huge plus if you’ve got multiple levels or need to move the vacuum frequently. For example, when I needed to clean my upstairs bedrooms, the E3’s compact size meant I could tuck it under my arm and go, no sweat.
• Budget-Friendly Without Sacrificing Power: Priced between $799 and $899, the E3 is significantly more affordable than the D4. For me, saving $200-$400 was a big deal, especially since the cleaning performance on carpets and hard floors was nearly identical to the D4’s. The ET-1 powerhead tackled my dog’s fur on low-pile rugs just as effectively, making the E3 a fantastic value for smaller homes or budget-conscious buyers.
• Intuitive Suction Control Slider: The suction control slider on the handle is a standout feature. During testing, I loved how I could glance down and instantly adjust the suction when switching from my living room rug to my hardwood kitchen floor. It’s a small but practical touch that made cleaning feel seamless, especially compared to fiddling with buttons. The visual feedback of the slider helped me avoid overpowering delicate surfaces like my area rugs.
• Compact for Easy Storage: The E3’s slim profile (about 8 inches wide) fit perfectly in my small hall closet, which is already crammed with brooms and mops. If you’re tight on storage space—like in an apartment or condo—this vacuum won’t eat up valuable real estate. I could even store it upright without worrying about it toppling over.
• Top-Notch Carpet Cleaning with ET-1 Powerhead: The 12-inch ET-1 powerhead is a beast on carpets. In my living room, where my dogs love to nap, it sucked up embedded fur and dirt in one pass. The adjustable brush height meant I could fine-tune it for my low-pile rugs without scattering debris or struggling with resistance. It’s a reliable performer for anyone with mostly carpeted floors.

SEBO E3 Premium Cons

• Smaller Bag Fills Up Faster: The 3.2-liter dust bag, while decent, filled up quicker than I’d hoped—about every two weeks with two shedding dogs. This meant more frequent bag changes compared to the D4, which was a minor hassle. For a smaller household with less pet hair, this might not be an issue, but in my busy home, I found myself ordering bags more often than I’d like.
• Shorter Cord Limits Reach: The 30-foot cord (37-foot operating radius) was fine for my smaller rooms, but in my open-plan living and dining area, I had to unplug and replug at least once to cover the space. This interrupted my cleaning flow, especially compared to the D4’s longer reach. If you’ve got large, open rooms, this could be a frustration.
• Standard Parquet Brush Lacks Versatility: The E3’s parquet brush is solid for hard floors, but it doesn’t swivel as smoothly as the D4’s premium tool. During testing, I noticed it occasionally pushed larger debris (like cereal crumbs) forward instead of sucking them up, requiring an extra pass. It also struggled slightly in tight corners under my kitchen island, where a swivel head would’ve helped.
• Three-Wheel Design Feels Less Agile: The E3’s two swivel wheels and one fixed wheel provide decent stability, but it’s not as nimble as the D4. When navigating around my coffee table or dining chairs, I had to adjust my angle more deliberately to avoid bumping into furniture. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it made the E3 feel a tad less polished in tight spaces.

SEBO D4 Premium Pros

• Huge 6-Liter Bag for Long Cleaning Sessions: The D4’s 6-liter dust bag is a game-changer for larger homes. During my week-long test, I cleaned my entire 2,000-square-foot house multiple times without needing to change the bag. This was a huge time-saver, especially with my dogs leaving fur everywhere. If you hate stopping mid-clean to deal with a full bag, the D4’s capacity is a major win.
• Long 40-Foot Cord Covers More Ground: With a 40-foot cord and a 50-foot operating radius, the D4 let me clean my entire first floor—living room, dining room, and kitchen—without unplugging. This was a lifesaver in my open-plan layout, where outlets are spaced far apart. It made deep cleaning feel effortless, and I could focus on the task instead of hunting for plugs.
• Premium Parquet Twister Excels on Hard Floors: The D4’s Parquet Twister is a standout for hardwood and tile. Its 180-degree swivel made it easy to glide around my dining table legs and under cabinets. The removable front bristles prevented larger debris from being pushed around, which happened occasionally with the E3’s brush. For my 20% hardwood floors, this tool felt like a luxury upgrade.
• Four Swivel Wheels Enhance Maneuverability: The D4’s four swivel wheels made it feel like it was floating across my floors. I could pivot around furniture with minimal effort, and it stayed stable even when I tugged the hose. This was especially noticeable in my cluttered living room, where I could weave through obstacles without knocking anything over.
• Built for Heavy-Duty Cleaning: The D4’s larger size and robust build make it ideal for big homes or intensive cleaning tasks. During a deep-clean session, I used it for over an hour straight, and it never faltered. The larger filter and bag also suggest it’s designed for longevity, which is great if you want a vacuum that can handle years of heavy use.

SEBO D4 Premium Cons

• Heavier Weight Is a Chore for Stairs: At 15.5 pounds, the D4 is noticeably heavier than the E3. Carrying it up my staircase was a workout, and I found myself dreading the task. If you’ve got multiple floors or mobility issues, this could be a significant drawback. I often left the D4 downstairs and used a smaller handheld for quick upstairs cleanups.
• Higher Price Tag Stretches the Budget: Ranging from $999 to $1,199, the D4 is a serious investment. For me, the extra $200-$400 over the E3 was hard to justify, especially since the cleaning performance was so similar. Unless you need the larger bag or longer cord, the price might feel steep for smaller homes.
• +/- Suction Buttons Feel Clunky: The D4’s suction control uses +/- buttons on the handle, which I found less intuitive than the E3’s slider. During testing, I had to press multiple times to get the right suction level, and there’s no visual indicator to show where you’re at. This made quick adjustments less seamless, especially when switching surfaces.
• Larger Size Demands More Storage Space: The D4’s bigger canister (about 10 inches wide) didn’t fit as neatly in my hall closet as the E3. If storage is tight, you’ll need to plan for a dedicated space. I ended up keeping it in my garage, which wasn’t ideal for quick access during daily cleaning.

My Experience With SEBO E3 And D4 Vacuum Cleaners

To put these vacuums to the test, I used them in my home for a week each. The E3 was my go-to for quick cleanups.

Its light weight and compact size made it easy to whip out for daily messes, like dog hair on the couch or crumbs in the kitchen. The slider control let me switch from rugs to hardwood without missing a beat.

The D4, however, was a powerhouse for deep cleaning. I tackled my entire first floor without unplugging, thanks to its long cord. The Parquet Twister made quick work of my hardwood dining room, and the large bag meant I didn’t have to stop midway through.

But carrying it upstairs was a workout, and I found myself wishing for the E3’s lighter frame.

• Who Should Choose the E3?

The E3 is perfect for you if you live in a smaller home or apartment (under 2,000 square feet) and want a lightweight, budget-friendly vacuum that doesn’t skimp on power.

It’s ideal for frequent, quick cleanups and is easier to carry up stairs or store in tight spaces. If you don’t need the extra bag capacity or cord length, the E3 delivers everything you need at a lower price.

• Who Should Choose the D4?

The D4 is your best bet if you have a larger home (over 2,000 square feet) or do heavy-duty cleaning. Its massive bag and long cord make it a beast for covering big areas without interruption.

The premium Parquet Twister and four-wheel design add a touch of luxury, but you’ll need to be okay with the extra weight and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My Final Verdict

After testing both, I leaned toward the E3 for my needs. Its lighter weight and lower price made it the practical choice for my 2,000-square-foot home with stairs.

But if you’ve got a sprawling house or hate frequent bag changes, the D4’s power and capacity are hard to beat.

Try them at a local dealer to feel the difference yourself. You can’t go wrong with either—just pick the one that fits your lifestyle.