7 Best Kenmore Vacuums of 2025

The Kenmore DS1020 is a breath of fresh air for anyone tired of wrestling with bulky vacuums. Weighing under 3 pounds in handheld mode, this ultra-lightweight cordless stick delivers surprisingly strong suction for quick daily cleanups. With 16V dual-speed power, it transitions smoothly from tile to low-pile carpet, making it ideal for small homes or apartments where speed and portability are king. If you’re battling pet hair between couch cushions or chasing crumbs across hardwood, this compact dynamo tackles the job with minimal effort.

In real-world testing, the DS1020 shines in above-floor cleaning and tight spaces—think stairs, car seats, or under furniture. The LED headlight is a game-changer, revealing hidden dust bunnies in dark corners that other vacuums miss. On low, it runs up to 30 minutes, enough for a studio or one-bedroom sweep, though high mode drains it faster—closer to 15 minutes. While it handles scattered pet hair well, it struggles with deep carpet pile or thick fur mats, where higher-powered models pull ahead.

Compared to the pricier DS1030, the DS1020 trades runtime and voltage for a lower entry cost, making it a smarter pick for light-duty users. It’s not built for whole-home deep cleans, but as a grab-and-go solution for fast messes, it outperforms many budget rivals. For renters, pet owners with minimal shedding, or anyone craving a no-fuss cleanup tool, this vacuum offers nimble performance without the noise or clutter of corded models—just don’t expect it to replace your main machine in a large home.

The Kenmore Elite 21814 is a HEPA powerhouse engineered for allergy sufferers who refuse to compromise on cleaning performance. Its dual-motor system drives the innovative CrossOver nozzle, which automatically adjusts between hardwood and carpet—no manual switch required. Paired with the Pet PowerMate, a motorized brush that prevents hair wrap, this vacuum turns pet hair battles into quick victories. The sealed HEPA filtration captures 99.7% of dander and dust, making it a must-have for sensitive households where air quality matters as much as floor cleanliness.

During testing, the Elite 21814 proved remarkably versatile. The 11-foot telescoping wand reached ceiling corners and under sofas with ease, while the swivel head pivoted smoothly around furniture legs. Suction remained strong across surfaces, and the retractable cord made storage effortless. However, the bag-full indicator light can be slow to activate, and the vacuum’s heavier pull on thick carpets demands more user effort than stick models. On tile or low-pile rugs, it glides effortlessly, but deep-cleaning shag requires sustained passes.

Stacked against the BU4050 upright, the Elite 21814 offers superior filtration and hose reach but lacks the upright’s stair-cleaning convenience. It’s not the lightest canister, but its 4 onboard tools and dual floor nozzles make it a whole-home workhorse. For pet owners with allergies, or anyone needing hospital-grade air filtration with serious cleaning power, this model delivers where it counts—especially when compared to bagless systems that risk dust plumes during emptying.

The Kenmore DS1030 is a game-changing cordless stick that redefines what budget vacuums can do. Packing a 24V dual-speed motor, it nearly doubles the suction power of its DS1020 sibling, delivering up to 45 minutes of runtime on low—enough to clean a 2-bedroom apartment on a single charge. The Easycut Nozzle is pure genius: with a single button press, it clears tangled pet hair from the brushroll, eliminating the dreaded scissors-and-yank routine. For homes battling daily fur fallout, this feature alone makes the DS1030 a must-consider standout.

In real use, the DS1030 handles both hardwood and medium-pile carpet with confidence. The swivel steering makes it a dream to maneuver around chair legs and under tables, while the LED headlight exposes dust in dark corners. We tested it on a high-shedding dog’s favorite napping spots, and it lifted embedded hair without clogging. However, on thick rugs, suction dips slightly, and the dustbin fills quickly during whole-home sessions—requiring mid-clean emptying. Still, for a sub-$100 vacuum, its run time and tool versatility are impressive.

When compared to the DS1020, the DS1030 offers longer runtime, stronger suction, and smarter hair management—all for a modest price bump. It’s not as powerful as canister models, but for pet owners wanting a low-maintenance, high-efficiency cordless, it strikes a near-perfect balance. If you value long battery life and tangle-free cleaning over raw horsepower, this vacuum outperforms its class and justifies its best budget-friendly title with ease.

The Kenmore BC3006 isn’t just a strong vacuum—it’s a masterclass in sealed-system engineering. With a completely sealed air path that traps 99.97% of dust down to 0.3 microns, it’s built for homes where air purity is non-negotiable. The Hair Eliminator brushroll auto-clears pet hair with every use, so you never touch gunked-up bristles again. Add a 24-foot auto-retracting cord and a 9-foot telescoping wand, and you’ve got a vacuum that cleans from baseboards to ceiling fans without breaking stride. This is the gold standard for pet-friendly filtration and convenience.

In performance trials, the BC3006 delivered consistent, powerful suction across hardwood, tile, and carpet. The LED headlight revealed dust in shadow zones, and the performance indicator alerted us before suction dropped—no guessing when the bag was full. The bare floor tool transitioned seamlessly from rugs, and the detachable handle made car cleaning a breeze. Only gripe? The auto cord rewind occasionally jammed with sharp tugs, and the unit feels slightly front-heavy when using long wands.

Compared to the DC5070.01 bagless model, the BC3006 wins on air quality and ease of disposal—no dusty cup emptying, just a sealed bag you toss. While bagless vacs save money long-term, this one eliminates mess and allergen exposure. For families with pets and allergies, the BC3006’s superior filtration, smart design, and automation justify its premium status as the best overall pick—offering a cleaner home with less hassle.

The Kenmore 600 Series is unapologetically built for pet owners—a no-compromise machine that attacks fur, dander, and dirt with surgical precision. Its Pet PowerMate and Pop-N-Go brush work in tandem: one deep-cleans carpets, the other snaps on instantly for bare floors, eliminating the need to swap tools mid-clean. With 12 amps of suction power and a 28-foot retractable cord, it covers large homes without constant plug changes. The triple HEPA filtration traps 99.97% of allergens, making it a top-tier choice for homes with shedding pets and sensitive lungs.

Real-world testing confirmed its dominance on carpeted pet zones—it lifted embedded fur and tracked-in dirt with fewer passes than rivals. The 10-foot aluminum wand extended into high shelves and under beds, while the swivel head navigated tight corners smoothly. However, the dusting brush feels flimsy, and the purple housing shows scuff marks over time. It’s also heavier than other canisters, making stair cleaning more of a chore.

Against the Elite 21814, the 600 Series offers stronger suction and better tool integration, though it lacks dual floor nozzles. It’s not the lightest, but for maximum pet hair removal and whole-home reach, it’s unmatched. If you want a single vacuum that conquers fur, floors, and allergens without switching machines, this model delivers where it matters—outperforming most in both cleaning aggression and filtration.

The Kenmore DC5070.01 is a revolution in bagless convenience, combining cyclonic power with a self-cleaning Hair Eliminator brushroll to tackle pet homes with zero compromises. Its dual-motor system generates intense suction that doesn’t fade, even as the transparent dust cup fills—thanks to cyclonic tech that separates debris before it clogs filters. The 24-foot auto-retracting cord and 9-foot wand make it a reach champion, while the HEPA filtration still captures 99.97% of fine dust. For pet owners who hate buying bags but demand hospital-grade cleanup, this vacuum is a dream come true.

In testing, it excelled on carpets, stairs, and furniture, lifting matted fur without tangling. The Hair Eliminator worked flawlessly—no manual cleaning needed. Emptying the dust cup was quick, though it releases a small puff of dust if not done carefully outdoors. On hard floors, suction was strong, but the lack of a dedicated bare floor tool meant we had to switch nozzles manually. The build feels solid, but the dustbin is smaller than some competitors, requiring more frequent emptying during deep cleans.

Versus the BC3006, the DC5070.01 trades sealed-bag hygiene for cost-saving bagless operation—ideal for those willing to manage dust exposure for long-term savings. It’s not quite as quiet, but its cyclonic power and tangle-free brush make it the best bagless canister for pet-heavy homes. If you want high suction, low maintenance, and no recurring bag costs, this model delivers professional-level cleaning with DIY ease.

The Kenmore BU4050 Intuition is a hybrid marvel—an upright that transforms into a lift-up canister with the press of a button, making it the ultimate tool for stairs, upholstery, and above-floor messes. Its Hair Eliminator brushroll clears pet hair automatically, while the No Touch Bag Technology lets you eject a full bag without ever touching dirt—perfect for germ-conscious homes. With 14 lbs of lightweight design and swivel steering, it’s surprisingly agile for an upright, gliding under furniture and around banisters with ease.

In real-world use, the BU4050 dominated on carpeted stairs and pet beds, where its full-size nozzle extracted deep-set fur and dust. The pet Handi-Mate accessory made quick work of sofa cushions, and the PowerFlow bag system maintained suction even when 90% full. However, the lift-up pod feels slightly unbalanced, and the rose gold finish shows fingerprints and scratches. On hardwood, it performed well but required careful handling to avoid scattering debris.

Compared to the DS1030 cordless, the BU4050 offers greater cleaning power and bagged hygiene, but lacks portability. It’s heavier than stick vacuums, yet lighter than most uprights. For pet owners who need a single machine for floors, stairs, and furniture, this lightweight upright delivers unmatched versatility—outperforming traditional models in maneuverability and convenience, despite a slightly premium cost.