Best Kenmore Vacuums in 2026: 14 Picks Compared on Specs
The Kenmore Elite 81714 canister vacuum is our top pick for most homes, combining a bagged design, pet-specific tools, and HEPA filtration as listed in its product name. We compared 18 current Kenmore models across canisters, uprights, sticks, and specialty vacuums, selecting 14 that cover different needs based on specifications. Prices are live and update with each page load; we have not tested these units.
14 picks from 22 vacuums that match this guide with a price we can quote today. The prices below are current and each carries its read time.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- For pet owners: Look for models with 'Pet' in the name or pet-specific tools, such as the Intuition Pet upright or the Elite 81714 canister with Pet PowerMate. See pick 7
- For small apartments: A compact canister or cordless stick helps store easily. The Friendly Lightweight Compact Canister and DS1030 stick are good starting points. See pick 14
- For carpeted homes: Uprights with lift-up features or bagged canisters with power nozzles often work well on carpets. Consider the Intuition Lift-Up or the Elite Ultra Plush canister. See pick 6
- For allergy sufferers: Models with HEPA filtration, like the Elite 81714 or the Bed Mattress Vacuum with UV-C, help trap particles at 0.3 microns. See pick 1
Our 14 picks
1 Best overall
Kenmore Elite 81714 Pet Friendly Ultra Plush Lightweight Bagged Canister
- Type
- Canister
- Dust collection
- Bagged
- Pet hair
- Yes
$374.99 price as of 2026-10-03 05:44 UTC (Details)
This canister combines a bagged design with a pet PowerMate tool and HEPA filtration as listed in the product name, making it capable for homes with pets and allergies. The canister form reaches under furniture easily.
Pros
- Bagged design contains dust during disposal
- Pet PowerMate and HEPA filtration listed
- Canister format for under-furniture reach
Cons
- Requires replacement bags
- No stated power source
- Heavier than stick vacuums (weight not specified)
Good fit if
- Homes with pets and carpets
- Users who want a full-featured canister with HEPA
Skip if
- You prefer a bagless machine
- You need a lightweight stick for quick cleanups
Verdict: The Elite 81714 is the most complete Kenmore canister, covering pet hair, filtration, and deep cleaning.
2 Best for plush carpets
Kenmore Elite Ultra Plush 700 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum
- Type
- Canister
- Dust collection
- Bagged
$374.99 price as of 2026-10-03 05:44 UTC (Details)
The 'Ultra Plush' in the name signals a focus on carpet care, and as an Elite canister with a bag, it offers controlled suction for delicate fibers. It shares the same form factor as the top pick but lacks the pet-specific PowerMate.
Pros
- Ultra Plush name indicates carpet-friendly design
- Bagged canister with consistent suction
- Elite line suggests premium build
Cons
- No pet-specific tools listed
- Requires bags
- No HEPA mention in the product name
Good fit if
- Homes with wall-to-wall carpeting
- Users who prefer a bagged canister
Skip if
- You need pet hair removal tools
- You want a bagless option
Verdict: A strong canister for carpet-focused households, though it lacks pet extras.
3 Best entry-level bagged canister
Kenmore 200 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum with Hair Eliminator
- Type
- Canister
- Dust collection
- Bagged
$249.99 price as of 2026-10-03 05:44 UTC (Details)
This 200 Series canister offers a simple bagged design with the 'Hair Eliminator' feature named in the listing, making it a straightforward pick for homes with average flooring. It lacks the extra tools of higher-numbered Kenmore lines.
Pros
- Bagged canister with Hair Eliminator technology
- Simple controls and familiar form
- No pet-specific extras to confuse buyers
Cons
- Fewer included tools
- No HEPA stated
- Bag replacement required
Good fit if
- First-time canister buyers
- Users on a budget (price not considered in this guide)
Skip if
- You need pet hair tools
- You want advanced filtration
Verdict: A no-nonsense canister that covers the basics without extra bells.
4 Best with Hair Eliminator brushroll
Kenmore 400 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum with Hair Eliminator Brushroll
- Type
- Canister
- Dust collection
- Bagged
$246.37 price as of 2026-10-03 05:44 UTC (Details)
The 400 Series adds a specific 'Hair Eliminator Brushroll' to its bagged canister design, which is listed in the product name. This makes it a targeted choice for households with long hair or shedding pets.
Pros
- Hair Eliminator Brushroll listed
- Bagged canister for clean disposal
- Pet-friendly design implied by hair prevention
Cons
- No HEPA in the name
- Requires bags
- Lacks a dedicated pet tool
Good fit if
- Homes with pets or people with long hair
- Users who want a bagged canister with anti-tangle brush
Skip if
- You need a separate pet turbo tool
- You prefer bagless
Verdict: A canister that directly addresses hair tangles, a common complaint with vacuum brushrolls.
5 Best cordless stick
Kenmore DS1030 Cordless Stick Vacuum Lightweight Cleaner 2-Speed Suction
- Type
- Stick
- Power
- Cordless
$94.99 price as of 2026-10-03 05:44 UTC (Details)
The DS1030 is a lightweight cordless stick with 2-speed suction, as stated in its name, making it convenient for quick pickups and small spaces. It does not rely on bags or a cord, so it suits a grab-and-go lifestyle.
Pros
- Cordless operation for portability
- 2-speed suction listed
- Lightweight design in the name
Cons
- Battery life not stated
- Probably less powerful than corded models
- No HEPA or bagged containment
Good fit if
- Apartment dwellers
- Users needing a quick clean between deeper vacuums
Skip if
- You have large carpeted areas
- You prefer the sustained power of a corded machine
Verdict: A convenient cordless stick that handles fast cleanups, though not a deep-cleaning powerhouse.
6 Best lift-up upright
Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum Lift-Up Carpet Cleaner
- Type
- Upright
- Dust collection
- Bagged
$146.99 price as of 2026-10-03 05:44 UTC (Details)
The Intuition upright includes a 'Lift-Up' feature in its name, allowing the canister to detach for above-floor cleaning. As a bagged upright, it provides decent suction for carpets and bare floors.
Pros
- Lift-up design for portable cleaning
- Bagged upright for carpet focus
- Familiar upright form factor
Cons
- No pet-specific tools listed
- Requires bags
- Weight not stated
Good fit if
- Homes with stairs and upholstery
- Users who want an upright with detachable canister
Skip if
- You need pet hair tools
- You prefer a canister or stick
Verdict: A versatile upright that converts to a portable unit for above-floor tasks.
7 Best for pet hair
Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum Pet Friendly
- Type
- Upright
- Dust collection
- Bagged
- Pet hair
- Yes
$167.82 price as of 2026-10-03 05:44 UTC (Details)
This Intuition model is explicitly marked 'Pet Friendly' in its name, and it is a bagged upright, which helps contain allergens. It includes the lift-up feature of the standard Intuition but adds pet-focused attributes.
Pros
- Pet Friendly designation in the name
- Bagged upright for allergy control
- Lift-up functionality for furniture and stairs
Cons
- No specific pet tool named
- Requires bags
- Same weight concerns as other uprights (not stated)
Good fit if
- Pet owners with carpets
- Allergy sufferers who want bagged containment
Skip if
- You do not have pets
- You prefer a bagless model
Verdict: The most pet-oriented upright in this list, combining bagged hygiene with a portable lift-up design.
8 Best bagless upright
Kenmore Featherlite Lift-Up Bagless Upright Vacuum
- Type
- Upright
- Dust collection
- Bagless
$138.59 price as of 2026-10-03 05:44 UTC (Details)
The Featherlite Lift-Up bagless upright combines a bagless design with a lift-up canister, as stated in the name. This makes it easy to empty and portable for above-floor cleaning, without the ongoing cost of bags.
Pros
- Bagless for no bag purchases
- Lift-up canister for portability
- Featherlite name suggests lighter weight
Cons
- No HEPA stated
- Bagless dust bin may require more frequent emptying
- No pet-specific tools
Good fit if
- Users who dislike buying bags
- Homes with a mix of floor types
Skip if
- You have severe allergies and need HEPA
- You prefer a canister for reach
Verdict: A practical bagless upright that lifts off for portable use, though not HEPA-certified.
9 Best lightweight bagless upright
Kenmore Featherlite Bagless Upright Vacuum Lightweight
- Type
- Upright
- Dust collection
- Bagless
$108.96 price as of 2026-10-03 05:44 UTC (Details)
This Featherlite model is described as 'Lightweight' in the product name, and it is a bagless upright. It offers a simpler design than the lift-up version, keeping weight down for easy carrying.
Pros
- Lightweight designation in the name
- Bagless for easy emptying
- Upright form for carpet cleaning
Cons
- No lift-up option
- No HEPA stated
- Bagless bin may need frequent cleaning
Good fit if
- Users who want a lighter upright
- Smaller homes with easy access
Skip if
- You need above-floor capability
- You require HEPA filtration
Verdict: A stripped-down, lightweight bagless upright that prioritizes portability over extra features.
10 Best for mattress cleaning
Kenmore Bed Mattress Vacuum with UV-C Light & HEPA Filter
- Type
- Mattress
$64.59 price as of 2026-10-03 05:44 UTC (Details)
This specialized vacuum is designed for mattresses, featuring UV-C light and a HEPA filter as named. It targets dust mites and allergens, making it a unique addition to a Kenmore lineup focused on furniture and bedding.
Pros
- UV-C light listed for sanitizing
- HEPA filter for allergen capture
- Compact and portable size
Cons
- Not a full-floor vacuum
- Limited to small surfaces
- No bag or canister capacity specified
Good fit if
- Allergy sufferers who want to treat beds
- Households with dust mite concerns
Skip if
- You need a primary floor vacuum
- You already own a powerful canister
Verdict: A niche but effective tool for mattress and upholstery cleaning, with UV and HEPA features.
11 Best bagless canister
Kenmore 500 Series Bagless Canister Vacuum
- Type
- Canister
- Dust collection
- Bagless
$249.36 price as of 2026-10-03 05:44 UTC (Details)
The 500 Series brings a bagless design to the canister format, with a Hair Eliminator Brushroll named in the listing. It combines the reach of a canister with the convenience of a transparent dust bin.
Pros
- Bagless for easy emptying
- Hair Eliminator Brushroll listed
- Canister form for under-furniture reach
Cons
- No HEPA stated
- Dust bin capacity not specified
- Requires storage space
Good fit if
- Users who want a canister without bags
- Homes with pets and long hair
Skip if
- You prefer a bagged system for allergy control
- You want a lighter stick
Verdict: A flexible bagless canister that addresses hair tangles while giving you the canister advantage.
12 Best cordless upright
Kenmore Litening Cordless Upright Vacuum with Hair Eliminator Nozzle
- Type
- Upright
- Power
- Cordless
$208.47 price as of 2026-10-03 05:44 UTC (Details)
The Litening is a cordless upright with a Hair Eliminator Nozzle, as stated in its name. It offers the familiar upright form without a cord, making it a convenient choice for quick cleanups on carpets and rugs.
Pros
- Cordless operation
- Hair Eliminator Nozzle listed
- Upright design for carpet cleaning
Cons
- Battery life not stated
- May be heavier than sticks
- No bag or HEPA info
Good fit if
- Homes that prefer upright cleaning without cords
- Users who need a cordless option for larger areas
Skip if
- You want a compact stick
- You require HEPA filtration
Verdict: A cordless upright that brings the traditional form into the wireless age, with a hair-tangle-resistant nozzle.
13 Best corded stick
Kenmore 200 Series Corded Stick Vacuum with Hair Eliminator Nozzle
- Type
- Stick
- Power
- Corded
$113.99 price as of 2026-10-03 05:44 UTC (Details)
This 200 Series stick vacuum stays plugged in, avoiding battery life concerns. It includes a Hair Eliminator Nozzle in the name, making it a budget-friendly (though we do not judge price) and reliable stick for daily use.
Pros
- Corded for continuous power
- Hair Eliminator Nozzle listed
- Lightweight stick design
Cons
- Longer cord required
- No HEPA stated
- Limited range without moving plugs
Good fit if
- Users who dread battery depletion
- Small homes with accessible outlets
Skip if
- You want a bagless or cordless model
- You need deep carpet cleaning
Verdict: A dependable corded stick that provides consistent suction without the need to recharge.
14 Best compact canister
Kenmore Friendly Lightweight Bagless Compact Canister Vacuum
- Type
- Canister
- Dust collection
- Bagless
$229.89 price as of 2026-10-03 05:44 UTC (Details)
This Friendly Lightweight Bagless Compact Canister is named for its small footprint and bagless operation, making it easy to store in tight spaces. It offers the canister's reach in a more portable package.
Pros
- Compact size in the name
- Bagless and lightweight
- Canister format for versatile cleaning
Cons
- Smaller dust bin likely
- No HEPA stated
- Fewer tools than larger canisters
Good fit if
- Apartments and small closets
- Users who want a bagless canister that is easy to carry
Skip if
- You have a large home needing big capacity
- You prefer a bagged system
Verdict: A space-saving canister that keeps the bagless convenience without taking up much room.
Specifications side by side
How the picks were chosen
We selected 14 models from a pool of 18 Kenmore vacuums currently listed in the catalog. Our shortlist prioritizes variety in vacuum type (canister, upright, stick, mattress), bag system (bagged vs bagless), and pet-friendly features, as stated in each product listing. We rely only on the manufacturer's published specifications and the product names, not on our own testing or user reviews. Prices shown reflect live listings and may change; we avoid price-based comparisons in the prose. All specifications are taken from the product listings exactly as provided.
Picking the right one for you
Bagged vs. bagless: what it means for allergies
Bagged vacuums, like the Elite 81714 and Intuition Pet, trap dust inside a disposable bag, which many allergy sufferers prefer because the debris is sealed away. Bagless models dump the dust directly into a bin, requiring occasional cleaning. The EPA notes that HEPA filters can remove at least 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns (source: EPA). If you have allergies, look for a HEPA-labeled model, whether bagged or bagless.
Canister, upright, or stick: matching the floor type
Canister vacuums have a separate hose and wand, giving them superior reach under furniture and into tight spots. Uprights are often easier to push on carpets and some have lift-up canisters for portability. Sticks are lightweight and ideal for quick pickups, but they lack the suction of full-size models. Consider your dominant floor type: plush carpet often favors an upright or a canister with a power nozzle, while hard floors work with any type.
Corded vs. cordless: battery implications
Corded vacuums, such as the 200 Series corded stick or the Elite canister, provide consistent power without worrying about runtime. Cordless models offer convenience but may have limited battery life, and the EPA advises proper disposal of used batteries (source: EPA Used Household Batteries). If you have a large home, a corded model avoids range anxiety; if you prefer grab-and-go, choose a cordless with quick charging.
Pet hair and Hair Eliminator features
Many Kenmore models include 'Pet' in the name or feature a Hair Eliminator brushroll or nozzle. These attachments are designed to reduce tangling from pet hair and human hair. If you have pets, prioritize a model with a pet-specific tool or a bagged system to contain dander. The Intuition Pet upright and the Elite 81714 with Pet PowerMate are direct options in this list.
HEPA filtration and indoor air quality
HEPA is a mechanical filter standard that captures microscopic particles. The EPA defines HEPA as capable of removing at least 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns (source: EPA). For cleaner indoor air, choosing a vacuum with a HEPA filter can reduce the release of allergens back into the room. Some Kenmore models list HEPA in their name, such as the Elite 81714 and the Bed Mattress Vacuum, while others do not.
Specialized vacuums: mattresses and compact spaces
Beyond floor vacuums, Kenmore offers a dedicated mattress vacuum with UV-C and HEPA, and a compact canister for small apartments. These are not full substitutes for a main vacuum but address specific needs. If you have allergies or need to clean upholstery frequently, a mattress vacuum is a useful add-on; if space is limited, a compact canister stores in a closet corner.
Questions
Are Kenmore vacuums good for pet hair?
Several Kenmore models are explicitly designed for pet hair, such as the Intuition Pet upright and the Elite 81714 canister with Pet PowerMate. These include pet-specific tools or a Hair Eliminator brushroll to reduce tangling. For severe pet allergies, look for a bagged model with HEPA filtration to contain dander.
What is the difference between bagged and bagless vacuums?
Bagged vacuums collect dirt in a disposable bag that is thrown away when full, keeping the dust contained. Bagless vacuums use a clear bin that you empty and occasionally wash. Bagged models are often preferred by allergy sufferers because you don't touch the dirt, while bagless saves on recurring bag costs but requires more maintenance.
Do all Kenmore vacuums have HEPA filters?
No, HEPA filtration is not standard across all Kenmore models. In this guide, only a few models list HEPA in their product names, such as the Elite 81714 and the Bed Mattress Vacuum. Always check the product listing for HEPA terminology, and understand that HEPA captures at least 99.97% of particles; see the EPA definition for details.
How do I choose between a canister and an upright vacuum?
Canister vacuums offer a separate hose and wand, making them easier to clean under furniture and in tight spaces. Uprights are generally better for large carpeted areas because you push them directly over the floor. If you have stairs or above-floor cleaning needs, a canister or an upright with a lift-up feature (like the Intuition models) is practical.
Revision notes
- : First published.