8 Best Kenmore Upright Vacuums of 2025

This powerhouse performer redefines what a bagged upright can do, combining industrial-grade suction with home-friendly convenience. At its core, the 3D Inducer Motor delivers 20% more airflow than standard vacuums, maintaining relentless suction across carpets and hard floors without belt wear—thanks to its beltless agitator design. The Triple HEPA filtration system is a game-changer for allergy sufferers, capturing 99.97% of dust, dander, and microscopic allergens, making it an ideal solution for homes battling airborne irritants.

In real-world testing, the Elite 31150 tackled embedded pet hair on medium-pile carpet with ease, while the 5-position height adjustment ensured seamless transitions between shag rugs and hardwood. The 10-foot extended reach via telescoping wand and flexible hose made ceiling corners and under-furniture zones accessible—though the 25-foot cord required outlet hopping in larger homes. While the Pet Handi-Mate tool excelled on car seats and sofas, the vacuum’s 16.5-pound weight made stair cleaning slightly cumbersome compared to lighter lift-up models.

Positioned as the best overall, this model outshines budget bagless rivals like the DU1275 in filtration and sustained suction, trading portability for raw power and durability. It’s perfect for pet owners and large households prioritizing deep clean over agility. Compared to the BU4050, it offers superior airflow and tool versatility, though at a steeper complexity and weight cost—a premium machine built for performance, not speed cleaning.

Don’t let its sub-11-pound frame fool you—the DU1275 punches far above its weight class with smart engineering for pet-heavy homes. The star feature? The Hair Eliminator brushroll, which automatically ejects tangled hair and strings, eliminating the dreaded scissors-and-yank routine after every clean. Paired with swivel steering, this vacuum glides around furniture legs and tight corners like a pro, making it a nimble ally in cluttered living spaces. For budget-conscious buyers, it delivers true upright power without the premium price tag.

During testing, the extra-large dust cup proved a major time-saver, handling a full 1,500 sq ft home without emptying—though fine dust tended to cling to the bin walls, requiring occasional tapping. The 4-height settings adapted well to low-pile rugs and hardwood, but struggled slightly on high-pile carpet where deeper agitation was needed. The 7-foot cleaning reach with included tools covered most above-floor tasks, but the Pet Handi-Mate lacked the motorized punch of higher-end models. Still, for daily maintenance on mixed surfaces, it’s impressively efficient.

When stacked against the BU1001, the DU1275 wins on maneuverability and pet-specific design, though it falls short in runtime and deep-cleaning stamina. It’s the go-to for small to medium homes with pets and minimal stairs—a no-fuss, low-maintenance workhorse that prioritizes ease over elite specs. While it doesn’t match the Elite 31150’s filtration or suction, it offers 80% of the performance at half the cost, making it the undisputed best budget pick.

Say goodbye to cords and hello to uninterrupted cleaning freedom—the CU7005 Litening is a cordless marvel engineered for whole-home domination. With four times the suction of standard cordless stick vacuums and a brushless motor that maximizes efficiency, it powers through pet hair and debris with relentless force. The dual-battery system delivers up to 80 minutes of runtime, easily covering 2,000+ sq ft homes on a single charge, while the LED display keeps you informed on power levels and performance mode.

Real-world use confirms its elite status: it transitions smoothly from thick carpet to tile, maintaining consistent suction thanks to its advanced cyclonic design. The Hair Eliminator nozzle lives up to its name, preventing tangles even in high-shed zones, and the lift-up pod makes stair and upholstery cleaning effortless. However, the HEPA filter requires frequent cleaning in pet homes, and the vacuum’s balance shifts when detached, making overhead use slightly awkward. It also lacks a dedicated hard floor brush, risking minor dust scatter on bare surfaces.

Compared to the DU4080, the CU7005 offers double the runtime and superior suction, justifying its place as the best cordless performance model. It’s ideal for tech-savvy users and larger homes tired of cord limitations. While pricier than bagged options like the BU3040, it delivers cutting-edge convenience and power—a premium investment for those who value time and freedom over traditional plug-in reliability.

Built like a commercial workhorse but priced for homeowners, the BU1001 is a sleek powerhouse designed for large, multi-surface homes. Its 14-liter bag capacity means fewer interruptions—ideal for deep-cleaning entire floors without constant bag swaps. The 2-speed motor lets you toggle between soft carpet and hard floor modes with a fingertip, preserving fiber integrity while maximizing debris pickup. At under 11 pounds, it’s surprisingly agile for its size, and the 31.5-foot power cord drastically reduces outlet hunting in sprawling layouts.

In action, this vacuum excels on area rugs and tile, where its sealed suction path maintains strong airflow even as the bag fills. The LED headlight is a standout, illuminating dust bunnies under sofas and beds with precision. However, the lack of height adjustment limits fine-tuning on varied carpet depths, and the basic nozzle design struggles with deeply embedded pet hair compared to models with motorized rollers. While it handles everyday messes with ease, it’s less ideal for homes with multiple pets or long-haired flooring.

Pitted against the BU3040, the BU1001 wins on bag size and cord length, though it lacks swivel steering and advanced filtration. It’s best suited for large, open-concept homes or light commercial use where runtime and capacity trump finesse. For the price, it delivers industrial durability in a residential package—a no-nonsense cleaner that prioritizes coverage over convenience features.

The BU3040 strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, earning its title as the best value bagged upright. Its No Touch Bag Technology is a revelation—just press a button, and the sealed bag ejects cleanly, eliminating dust clouds and dirty hands. The completely sealed HEPA system traps 99.97% of allergens, making it a top contender for asthma and allergy sufferers. With PowerFlow Technology, suction remains strong even as the bag fills, ensuring consistent performance from first pass to last.

In real use, the 30-foot power cord and 6-foot hose provide exceptional reach, minimizing plug changes and enabling thorough above-floor cleaning. The swivel steering and LED headlight make navigating around furniture effortless, though the 12-pound weight feels a bit front-heavy on stairs. While it includes a Pet Handi-Mate, the tool lacks motorization, limiting its effectiveness on matted pet hair. Still, for daily maintenance on mixed floors, it’s impressively capable and low-maintenance.

Compared to the BU4050, it trades lift-up functionality for lower cost and slightly better maneuverability, making it ideal for flat homes without many stairs. It doesn’t have the Elite 31150’s raw power, but it delivers 90% of the filtration and reliability at a fraction of the price. For buyers who want clean, hassle-free disposal and strong allergen control, this is the smart middle ground between budget and premium—a quiet achiever that excels where it matters most.

For pet owners drowning in fur, the BU4050 is a targeted miracle worker—engineered from the ground up to conquer pet hair like no other. Its Hair Eliminator brushroll automatically clears缠绕 hair, so performance never degrades between cleans. The lift-up canister detaches with a click, transforming into a lightweight handheld for stairs, furniture, and car interiors—making it exceptionally versatile for fur-covered environments. At 14 pounds, it’s still manageable, and the swivel steering ensures smooth navigation around pet beds and toy piles.

During testing, the PowerFlow bag technology maintained strong suction across medium carpet and tile, though it showed slight airflow drop near bag capacity. The self-sealing No Touch Bag made disposal mess-free, a huge plus in homes with shedding pets. However, the cord length (30 ft), while good, wasn’t as generous as the BU1001’s, and the lack of a dedicated hard floor mode meant some fine dust was pushed rather than picked up. The HEPA system performed admirably, but filter access could be easier for frequent cleaning.

Stacked against the DU1275, the BU4050 offers superior filtration, bagged convenience, and lift-up functionality, justifying its role as the best for pet hair. It’s ideal for multi-pet homes with mixed flooring and regular shedding issues. While not as powerful as the Elite 31150, it delivers targeted pet performance with fewer compromises—a specialized tool that earns its keep in fur-filled households.

The DU3017 brings bagless intensity to deep cleaning, leveraging a 2-motor cyclonic system that generates centrifugal force to pull stubborn debris from carpets and cracks. Its Triple HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of dust and allergens, rivaling bagged models in air quality control. The lift-away bin detaches quickly for portable cleaning, and the washable filter reduces long-term costs—ideal for high-use homes. With height adjustment and a beltless design, it maintains consistent performance across surfaces without maintenance hassles.

In practice, the cyclonic suction excelled on low-pile carpet and under furniture, where it extracted ground-in dirt others missed. The Pet Handi-Mate, powered by airflow, effectively removed hair from upholstery, though not as aggressively as motorized tools. Emptying the bin was mostly clean, but fine dust occasionally puffed out during release—a minor flaw in an otherwise efficient system. The 3 cleaning tools cover most needs, but storage is cramped compared to models with onboard docks.

Against the DU4080, the DU3017 offers deeper clean and better filtration, earning its title as the best bagless deep clean. It’s perfect for allergy-prone homes wanting maximum debris capture without bags. While heavier than featherlight rivals, it delivers professional-grade clean in a home-friendly format—a powerhouse for those who prioritize results over speed and simplicity.

True to its name, the DU4080 is a featherlight champion—weighing under 12 pounds yet packing a 2-motor punch for carpets and hard floors. Its lift-up technology transforms it into a handheld in seconds, making it ideal for quick cleanups on stairs, furniture, and cars. The completely sealed HEPA system traps 99.97% of dust down to 0.3 microns, a rare feat in budget bagless models, ensuring cleaner indoor air. With swivel steering and an LED headlight, it navigates tight spaces with surgical precision.

Testing revealed strong performance on tile and low-pile carpet, where its centrifugal force design minimized clogs and maintained suction. The 9-foot hose reach is best-in-class, allowing full ceiling-to-floor cleaning without moving the base. However, the dust cup fills quickly on thick carpet, requiring mid-clean emptying in larger homes. The 3-in-1 tool is versatile but feels flimsy compared to metal counterparts. Still, for daily touch-ups and pet hair maintenance, it’s impressively agile and effective.

Compared to the CU7005, it lacks runtime and cordless freedom but wins on affordability and simplicity. It’s the best lightweight lift-up for renters, seniors, or small homes where ease of use trumps raw power. While not built for marathon sessions, it delivers nimble, reliable cleaning with standout reach and filtration—a compact gem for those who value convenience and portability above all.