7 Best Kenmore Canister Vacuums of 2025

This budget-savvy powerhouse redefines what you expect from an entry-level canister vacuum. With a dual-motor system and HEPA filtration that traps 99.97% of allergens, the Kenmore 81214 delivers performance that punches far above its price point. Its 120-watt suction and four height adjustments ensure it adapts seamlessly to both plush carpets and delicate hardwoods—perfect for homes that demand versatility without overspending. If you’re tired of vacuums that choke on pet hair or lose suction mid-clean, this model offers a surprisingly robust solution.

In real-world testing, the 81214 shines on bare floors and low-pile rugs, where its lightweight build (under 20 lbs) and smooth glide make cleaning feel effortless. The 24-foot retractable cord and 9-foot wand reach let you tackle stairs, car interiors, and high shelves without constant plug changes. However, it struggles slightly on high-pile carpets, where the suction isn’t quite strong enough to pull up deeply embedded debris. While it includes three essential tools—dusting brush, crevice tool, and bare floor nozzle—the lack of a motorized pet tool limits its effectiveness for heavy shedding seasons.

Compared to the pricier Kenmore BC3006, the 81214 trades advanced features like auto cord rewind and hair eliminator tech for pure affordability. It’s best suited for small to medium homes with minimal pet hair challenges or allergy concerns. For those starting out or seeking a reliable secondary vacuum, this model offers solid performance with minimal fuss—proving you don’t need to spend big for a clean, allergen-reduced home.

Meet the gold standard of Kenmore canister vacuums—the BC3006 doesn’t just clean; it conquers. Engineered with a fully sealed air path and HEPA bagged design, it traps 99.97% of dust particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it a lifesaver for allergy sufferers. The Hair Eliminator brushroll is a game-changer, automatically shedding tangled pet hair so you never have to dig out clumps with scissors again. This is next-level maintenance-free cleaning wrapped in a sleek, intelligent design.

During deep-cleaning trials, the BC3006 excelled across carpets, hardwoods, and upholstery, thanks to its 2-motor system and 9-foot telescoping wand. The LED headlight revealed hidden dust under furniture, while the performance indicator alerted us before suction dropped—no guesswork involved. The auto cord rewind is a small luxury that adds up, eliminating one of the most annoying parts of vacuum ownership. That said, its 24-pound weight makes it slightly less agile than lighter models when navigating tight corners or carrying upstairs.

Positioned as the best overall pick, it outperforms the Kenmore 81214 and DC5070 by blending bagged hygiene with cutting-edge pet hair tech. It’s ideal for multi-pet homes or anyone who values long-term filtration efficiency over quick emptying. While it costs more than budget models, the combination of durability, intelligence, and filtration makes it a smarter long-term investment than bagless alternatives that lose suction over time.

The Kenmore DC5070 flips the script on traditional canister vacuums with its bold bagless design and cyclonic 2-motor power, delivering consistent suction without the recurring cost of replacement bags. Its transparent dust cup makes emptying fast and mess-free—just one-button release and you’re done. For pet owners who clean daily, this hassle-free disposal is a major win, especially when paired with the Hair Eliminator brushroll that prevents clogs before they start.

In action, the DC5070 handles carpets and hard floors with equal confidence, thanks to cyclonic technology that separates debris and maintains airflow. The 9-foot telescoping wand and detachable handle make it a star at cleaning under beds and inside cars. However, the lack of a bare floor brush in the included tools limits its finesse on delicate surfaces, and the dust cup requires frequent emptying on high-shed days. While it matches the BC3006 in suction, it sacrifices the sealed HEPA filtration that keeps allergens locked away.

When stacked against the BC3006, the DC5070 wins on convenience and cost-per-use, but loses points for allergen control due to its open-emptying design. It’s best for pet-heavy homes where speed and ease trump air purity concerns. If you hate buying bags and want a no-nonsense, powerful cleaner that’s easy to maintain, this is the best bagless warrior in Kenmore’s lineup.

This precision-engineered beast is built for one thing: obliterating pet hair. The Kenmore Elite 21814 doesn’t just vacuum—it extracts, detangles, and captures every strand with its Pet PowerMate motorized nozzle and CrossOver floor nozzle that transitions seamlessly between carpet and hardwood. With dual motors, HEPA filtration, and a 14-inch cleaning width, it covers ground fast while trapping 99.7% of dander and dust—making it a top-tier ally for pet owners with allergies.

Real-world testing confirmed its dominance on medium to high-pile carpets, where the Pet PowerMate dug deep without clogging, thanks to its tangle-free brush design. The 11-foot telescoping aluminum wand outreaches most rivals, enabling full-floor-to-ceiling cleaning without switching tools. Its swivel head and onboard storage for four tools—including a fan sweeper and second bare floor nozzle—make it incredibly versatile. However, the 22.6-pound weight and manual cord rewind feel outdated next to models with auto-retract.

Compared to the Kenmore 600 Series, the 21814 offers superior pet hair extraction and reach, though it lacks Pop-N-Go convenience. It’s the ultimate pick for homes with shedding pets, especially if you have stairs or large carpeted areas. While it doesn’t have auto cord rewind, its cleaning precision and pet-focused features make it worth the slight trade-off in modernity.

For homes that shift from hardwood to high-pile in a single stride, the Kenmore 600 Series is a multi-surface maestro. Its exclusive Pop-N-Go brush snaps into place without tools, letting you switch from deep carpet cleaning to bare floor care in seconds—a rare convenience in the canister world. Backed by a 2-motor system and triple HEPA filtration, it captures 99.97% of dust and allergens, making it ideal for allergy-prone, multi-textured homes.

Field tests showed exceptional agility on transitional surfaces, where the Pop-N-Go brush eliminated the need to swap nozzles. The 10-foot aluminum wand and 28-foot retractable cord gave unmatched range, perfect for cleaning large open-concept spaces. It handled pet hair well, though not as effortlessly as models with Hair Eliminator tech. The 22.6-pound weight is manageable, but the lack of auto cord rewind feels like a missed opportunity at this price.

Versus the Elite 21814, the 600 Series trades raw pet power for surface-switching brilliance. It’s best for homes with mixed flooring and moderate pet traffic. While it doesn’t dominate on carpets like the 700 Series, its adaptability and long cord make it a more practical daily driver for most households.

When deep carpet cleaning is your mission, the Kenmore 81714 Bundle is your heavy artillery. Its Ultra Plush nozzle uses optimized airflow to penetrate thick, shaggy carpets where most vacuums fail, pulling up dust and pet hair from the very base. The Pet PowerMate attachment adds extra torque, while variable power mode lets you gently clean delicate rugs without damage—making it a true specialist for carpeted homes.

In testing, it outperformed every other Kenmore on high-pile and plush carpets, leaving surfaces visibly cleaner and fresher. The double-wall construction maintained consistent suction, and the Stair Grip feature allowed it to rest securely on steps—ideal for whole-home deep cleans. However, on hard floors, it felt overpowered and less agile. The 339.99 price tag places it at the top, and it lacks auto cord rewind, which feels out of place at this level.

Next to the 600 Series, the 81714 is less versatile but unmatched on carpets. It’s tailored for homes with wall-to-wall carpeting or heavy pet shedding on thick rugs. While it’s the most expensive model, its deep-cleaning prowess and specialized tools justify the cost for those who need it—though others may find it overkill.

The Kenmore BC3005 hits the sweet spot between performance and value, earning its title as the best mid-range pick. With 210 watts of suction and a 2-motor system, it delivers strong, consistent cleaning across all floor types—outperforming the 81214 while costing less than the BC3006. Its triple HEPA filter system traps 99.97% of dust and allergens, and the swivel steering makes it incredibly easy to maneuver around furniture and tight corners.

In daily use, the BC3005 handled pet hair, crumbs, and fine dust with confidence, especially on bare floors and low-pile rugs. The 9.5-foot telescoping wand and 26-foot retractable cord offer excellent reach, and having four tools stored onboard keeps everything within reach. However, like other bagged models, it lacks auto cord rewind, and the motorized Pet PowerMate is missing, making it less ideal for heavy shedding seasons.

Stacked against the 81214, the BC3005 offers more power and better filtration for only a slight price bump. It’s perfect for medium-sized homes seeking a reliable, allergen-conscious vacuum without premium features. While it doesn’t have the latest tech, its balanced performance and solid build make it the most sensible choice for most families.