7 Best Canister Vacuums for Kenmore (2025)

This Kenmore 81714 isn’t just a vacuum—it’s a deep-cleaning powerhouse built for homes that demand performance without compromise. What sets it apart is the motorized Pet PowerMate and Ultra Plush nozzle, engineered to dig deep into high-pile carpets where pet hair and ground-in debris love to hide. With a HEPA media filter capturing 99.97% of allergens and a double-wall construction ensuring sustained suction, this canister delivers hospital-grade air filtration while maintaining consistent airflow—perfect for allergy sufferers and pet owners alike. The Swivel+ Steering system eliminates the tug-of-war most canisters have with furniture legs and doorways, making navigation feel almost effortless.

In real-world testing, the 81714 shines on thick rugs and stairs, where the Pet PowerMate’s aggressive bristles lift embedded fur in seconds. The 14-inch cleaning width and 10-foot telescoping wand make it ideal for full-room coverage and ceiling-to-floor dusting, while the retractable 28-foot cord reduces tripping hazards and speeds up storage. However, the bagged system, while mess-free, requires more frequent changes on high-debris surfaces compared to bagless models. It handles hard floors well with the included bare floor tool, but lacks an automatic surface sensor—meaning you’ll need to manually adjust suction. Still, its 700-series motor provides ample power for daily use across mixed flooring.

Compared to the Kenmore BC3006, the 81714 offers a slightly more premium feel with its gold-trimmed build and broader toolset, but trades some automation features like auto cord rewind. That said, it’s a better fit for homes with plush carpeting and pets than the more utilitarian BC3005. If you prioritize deep carpet penetration and superior allergen control over ultra-lightweight handling, this model stands out. For the performance, filtration, and included accessories, it delivers more refinement than the budget models and more carpet-specific engineering than the 500-series bagless variants.

The Kenmore BC3006 redefines what a bagged canister vacuum should be—sealed, smart, and pet-obsessed. At its core is a completely sealed air path that traps 99.97% of dust down to 0.3 microns, making it a top-tier choice for allergy sufferers. The 2-motor system separates suction from brushroll power, so you get relentless performance on carpets without sacrificing suction on hard floors. The real game-changer? The Hair Eliminator brushroll, which automatically ejects tangled pet hair—no scissors, no mess. Pair that with an LED headlight that reveals hidden debris under furniture, and you’ve got a vacuum that’s as thoughtful as it is powerful.

During testing, the BC3006 handled long-haired dog fur on medium-pile carpet with ease, maintaining consistent suction over multiple passes. The 9-foot telescoping wand and bare floor tool made transitions between surfaces smooth, while the 24-foot auto cord rewind was a standout—just press a button and the cord tucks itself away neatly. The performance indicator is accurate, glowing when the HEPA bag is full or airflow drops, preventing guesswork. That said, the handle storage is tight, making it slightly awkward to access tools quickly, and the canister feels less premium than the 700 or Elite series. Still, for daily whole-home cleaning, it’s impressively efficient.

Against the DC5070.01, the BC3006 wins on allergen containment and convenience, thanks to its bagged design and sealed system—ideal if you hate dust clouds when emptying. While the DC5070.01 is bagless and slightly cheaper, it can’t match the air quality protection this model offers. The BC3006 is best for pet owners who want a clean, low-maintenance experience without sacrificing power. In the mid-tier vacuum market, it out-filters the competition and out-handles the budget models, making it a smarter long-term investment than cheaper bagless alternatives.

Meet the Kenmore DC5070.01—a no-nonsense, pet-focused beast that combines bagless convenience with cyclonic fury. This model leverages a 2-motor cyclonic system to generate powerful, sustained suction across carpets and hard floors, while the Hair Eliminator brushroll ensures it never clogs with fur. The transparent dust cup makes emptying quick and visual—no guessing when it’s full—and the 9-foot telescoping wand extends reach without wobbling. With HEPA filtration trapping 99.97% of fine dust, it’s not just strong; it’s smart about indoor air quality, even in a bagless format.

In real use, the DC5070.01 excels at quick cleanups and pet messes, especially on mixed flooring. The cyclonic tech keeps suction steady as the bin fills, a major win over cheaper bagless vacuums that lose power fast. The auto cord rewind is a luxury rarely seen at this price, and the detachable handle makes car and furniture cleaning a breeze. However, the dust cup requires close attention—empty it over a trash can or risk a minor cloud of dust, even with the HEPA filter. It also lacks an LED headlight, making it harder to spot debris in dark corners compared to the BC3006.

When stacked against the Kenmore BC3005, the DC5070.01 delivers more power and smarter pet hair management, though it’s slightly heavier. It’s the best pick for pet owners who hate bags but still want strong filtration and minimal maintenance. While the Elite 21814 offers more nozzle versatility, this model beats it in ease of emptying and motorized convenience. For those who want bagless freedom without sacrificing pet performance, the DC5070.01 strikes the ideal balance of power, simplicity, and smart design.

The Kenmore Elite 21814 is a master of adaptation, built for homes with every floor type under one roof. Its CrossOver floor nozzle is the star—seamlessly switching between carpet and hardwood without manual adjustments, thanks to a smart height-sensing design. Paired with the Pet PowerMate, this vacuum tackles embedded pet hair like a specialist, while the dual-motor system ensures suction never drops when transitioning surfaces. The 11-foot aluminum telescoping wand is the longest in the lineup, perfect for ceiling fans and high shelves, and the 4 onboard tools—including a fan sweeper—make it a true all-in-one cleaning solution.

In practice, the Elite 21814 thrives in multi-surface homes, where frequent nozzle swaps would otherwise slow you down. The LED bag-full indicator is a small but brilliant touch, eliminating guesswork, and the swivel head glides around furniture with surgical precision. However, the bagged system, while clean, means you’ll spend more over time on replacements. Also, the canister lacks auto cord rewind, requiring manual winding—a step behind the BC3006. Still, for whole-home cleaning with zero compromises, it’s hard to beat.

Compared to the 600 Series, the 21814 offers better surface adaptability and a longer wand, but at a higher weight and price. Against the 81714, it trades some carpet-specific power for broader floor compatibility. It’s the ideal pick for households with hardwood, tile, and carpet, where versatility matters more than raw carpet depth. For the combination of smart nozzle tech, long reach, and pet-ready tools, it out-features the mid-tier models and out-adapts the carpet-focused ones.

The Kenmore 600 Series is a carpet connoisseur’s dream, engineered to extract every speck of dirt from plush and shag rugs. With a 2-motor system and Pop-N-Go floor brush, it delivers aggressive agitation and instant tool switching—perfect for homes where deep carpet cleaning is non-negotiable. The Pet PowerMate lifts matted pet hair with authority, while the triple HEPA filter system traps 99.97% of allergens, ensuring cleaner air with every pass. The 10-foot aluminum wand and 28-foot retractable cord provide exceptional reach and convenience, making it easy to clean large rooms without constant plug changes.

In testing, the 600 Series dominated on medium to high-pile carpets, outperforming even the 81714 in single-pass debris removal. The Pop-N-Go brush stores inside the vacuum and attaches in seconds, a clever design for quick bare-floor touch-ups. However, it struggles slightly on bare floors—the brushroll isn’t as sensitive as the Elite 21814’s CrossOver nozzle, requiring manual adjustments. The purple finish is stylish but shows scuffs, and the tool storage, while onboard, feels cramped. Still, for carpet-heavy homes, it’s a powerhouse.

Against the Kenmore BC3005, the 600 Series offers superior carpet performance and more tools, though it’s less portable. While the DC5070.01 is bagless and cheaper, it can’t match the deep-cleaning consistency of this bagged model. It’s best for pet owners with wall-to-wall carpeting who want maximum agitation and filtration. For carpet-specific performance and pet hair mastery, it delivers deeper clean than the 500-series and more power than the budget models.

The Kenmore BC3005 is the lightweight champion of the canister lineup, tipping the scales at under 20 pounds—a dream for upstairs cleaning and frequent lifting. Don’t let its slim frame fool you: it packs a 2-motor system with 210W of hose-end suction, rivaling heavier models. The aluminum telescoping wand extends to 9.5 feet, and the 4 height adjustments let you fine-tune cleaning for everything from shag rugs to tile. With a triple HEPA filter and sealed allergen path, it’s a top pick for allergy sufferers who need portability without sacrificing filtration.

In real use, the BC3005 flies across rooms, its swivel steering making tight corners a non-issue. The 26-foot retractable cord and onboard tool storage keep everything tidy, though the brush and crevice tool fit snugly, making quick swaps a bit fiddly. It handles pet hair well thanks to the motorized cleaning head, but lacks the Hair Eliminator tech of pricier models, meaning occasional maintenance is needed. It’s not the strongest on ultra-thick carpets, but more than capable for low to medium pile.

Versus the Kenmore 81714, it trades some power and accessories for dramatically better portability. Compared to the budget B075F4YTV9, it offers superior filtration and build quality. It’s perfect for small homes, apartments, or seniors who need a light, reliable vacuum. For ease of use, maneuverability, and allergen control, it out-handles the heavy models and out-filters the bagless budget picks.

The Kenmore B075F4YTV9 is the budget-savvy survivor—a no-frills, cyclonic workhorse that punches above its price tag. With 120 watts of cyclonic suction, it uses centrifugal force to separate debris from airflow, maintaining consistent performance as the bin fills. The turbine brush agitates carpets effectively, and the second bare floor tool ensures you don’t scratch hardwood. The 9-foot telescoping wand and 3 onboard accessories make it surprisingly versatile for its size, while the HEPA filter traps 99.97% of dander and dust, a rare win in this price range.

In testing, it handled light pet hair and daily debris well, though it struggled with deeply embedded fur on thick rugs. The bagless design makes emptying fast, but the small dust cup requires frequent dumping, and there’s no odor seal, so allergens can escape during disposal. It lacks advanced features like auto cord rewind or LED lights, and the plastic wand feels less durable than aluminum ones. Still, for small spaces or second-home use, it’s a solid performer.

Compared to the DC5070.01, it shares cyclonic tech but misses the 2-motor power and Hair Eliminator. Against the BC3005, it’s cheaper but less refined. It’s best for renters or light-duty users who want HEPA-level filtration without the cost. For entry-level pet owners, it delivers core features at a fraction of the price of premium models, making it the most accessible gateway into serious vacuuming.