Description
Kenmore 81414 Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaning Tools: A Comprehensive Review
The Kenmore 81414 Bagged Canister Vacuum is a powerful cleaning tool designed to meet the diverse needs of modern households. This vacuum offers a combination of lightweight design, advanced suction technology, and practical features that make cleaning more efficient. In this article, we will delve into a detailed buyer’s guide and a comprehensive review of this vacuum, including its features, benefits, and potential drawbacks.
Buyer’s Guide to Kenmore 81414 Bagged Canister Vacuum
Features to Consider
- Design and Portability: The Kenmore 81414 features a bagged canister design that is lightweight and easy to maneuver. It weighs less than 20 pounds, making it ideal for users of all ages. The 26-foot retractable cord allows for extended reach without the hassle of plugging and unplugging.
- HEPA Filtration System: This vacuum is equipped with a triple HEPA filter system that traps 99.97% of dust and allergens. This is a significant advantage for allergy sufferers, as it ensures that the air in your home remains clean and free from pollutants.
- Attachments and Versatility: The 81414 comes with essential accessories, including a bare floor tool, crevice nozzle, and a dusting/upholstery brush. These attachments enhance the vacuum’s flexibility, allowing it to clean a variety of surfaces, including carpets, hardwood floors, and tiles.
- Power and Performance: With a 120-watt motor and 12 amps of power, this vacuum delivers strong suction capable of handling various debris types, from pet hair to fine dust. Its adjustable suction control allows users to customize cleaning power based on the surface being cleaned.
- Storage Solutions: All attachments are designed for easy storage on the canister itself, eliminating clutter and making it simple to keep everything organized for future cleaning sessions.
- Warranty and Reliability: The vacuum comes with a one-year warranty, providing peace of mind regarding its durability and performance.
What to Look For
When shopping for a vacuum, consider your specific cleaning needs, such as:
- Flooring Types: Different vacuums perform better on various surfaces. The Kenmore 81414 is designed to handle multiple surfaces effectively.
- Allergies: If you or anyone in your household has allergies, a model with HEPA filtration is crucial.
- Weight: If portability is a concern, look for lighter models that are easy to carry around the house.
- Storage: Consider how much space your vacuum will take up and if it can store accessories conveniently.
Detailed Review of Kenmore 81414 Bagged Canister Vacuum
Overview of Performance
The Kenmore 81414 is designed to provide exceptional cleaning capabilities for homes with a variety of flooring types – from carpets and rugs to hard floors and tiles. The specially engineered 2-motor system enhances suction strength, ensuring efficient cleaning every time.
Key Features
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: Weighing in at just 22.6 pounds, the vacuum is easy to lift and transport, even for those with physical limitations. The swivel head design allows for seamless navigation around furniture and tight spaces.
- Automatic Cord Rewind: A user-friendly feature that retracts the cord with the push of a button, making storage effortless.
- Telescoping Wand: The aluminum telescoping wand extends to 9 feet, allowing you to reach high corners or under furniture without straining.
- Versatile Attachments: The included dusting brush, crevice tool, and bare floor tool make it easy to maintain all areas of your home, including furniture and vehicles.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful suction with adjustable settings | Some attachments may feel less durable |
| Lightweight and easy to maneuver | Shorter hose length compared to older models |
| Triple HEPA filtration for allergy sufferers | Not cordless; might be less convenient for some |
| Compact design with on-board storage for tools | Requires bag replacements (additional cost) |
Customer Feedback Summary
Overall, feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding its suction power, maneuverability, and effectiveness in cleaning various surfaces. Some users noted that while the vacuum is lightweight and powerful, the attachment quality could be improved.
Ratings Breakdown
| Feature | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Design and Portability | 4.5 |
| Suction Power | 4.8 |
| HEPA Filtration | 5 |
| Attachment Versatility | 3.8 |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 |
| Overall Performance | 4.3 |
| Value for Money | 4 |
Final Overall Rating: 4.4/5
Conclusion
The Kenmore 81414 Bagged Canister Vacuum stands out in the crowded vacuum market, offering a powerful cleaning solution that caters to a variety of household needs. With its lightweight design, strong suction power, and effective HEPA filtration, it is an excellent option for anyone looking to maintain a clean and healthy living environment. While there are some minor drawbacks regarding attachment quality and hose length, the overall performance and features justify the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kenmore 81414 suitable for pet hair?
Yes, the Kenmore 81414 is highly effective at picking up pet hair due to its strong suction and specialized attachments.
How often do I need to replace the vacuum bag?
It is recommended to replace the vacuum bag whenever it is about two-thirds full to maintain optimal performance.
Does the vacuum come with a warranty?
Yes, the Kenmore 81414 comes with a one-year warranty, covering any manufacturing defects.
Is it difficult to assemble?
No, the vacuum is designed for easy assembly, and the instruction manual provides clear guidance.
Can the HEPA filter be washed?
No, the HEPA filter is not washable. It should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to maintain effective filtration.
June –
I own a Series 600 Kenmore and appreciate its performance, so I decided to purchase this second vacuum (400 Series) with similar expectations. It has exceeded my needs in several key areas: it’s lightweight compared to the Series 600, offers strong suction, and is easy to maneuver. However, the attachments feel a bit cheap—perhaps I’ve been spoiled by the quality of the Series 600. Despite that, I’m pleased with my purchase and would definitely recommend this vacuum.
DIY Guy –
Kenmore canister vacuums are unbeatable when it comes to durability. My 30-year-old Kenmore is still going strong. I purchased this new vacuum to avoid carrying it up and down stairs, so now I have one on each level of my home. I’m happy with almost everything about it. Here are my thoughts:
PROS: Outstanding suction; straightforward design with fewer electronic components that could fail; high-quality hose; compatible with both HEPA and standard dust bags (the latter being much more affordable); very lightweight and easy to maneuver.
CONS: The hose is shorter than my old Kenmore (6 ft vs. 8 ft); the attachments feel cheaply made (come on, Kenmore!); it comes with a standard dust bag instead of a HEPA one, which is what I expected based on the advertising (but this isn’t a deal breaker for me).
SUMMARY: Despite a few minor issues, I highly recommend this vacuum; it offers excellent value for the price!
OneLittleCat –
I hesitated a lot before buying this vacuum cleaner because of the price, but I absolutely do not regret my purchase! This vacuum has extraordinary suction power. It reminds me a lot of my mother’s Electrolux, with similar accessories and even some improved ones, like the brush for fans. The pet hair attachment saved the blanket where my cat loves to sleep, which was covered in fur. The suction power of this attachment is truly impressive. I love the option to switch from carpet to hard floor simply by pressing a pedal with my foot, and it easily clicks back into the carpet mode. In fact, all the accessories and extensions are easy to attach and detach, allowing you to customize your setup based on what you’re cleaning. The long attachment for those hard-to-reach corners clips onto the handle, and after using it, I had to think a bit to figure out how to reattach it by turning it sideways. I’m not the strongest person, being 60 years old, and there were times when I had to take a break, arms raised for the fan or wrestling with the suction of the small motor designed for carpets and pet hair. It’s not the lightest vacuum out there. While all the accessories are stored in the lid, I do appreciate having everything within reach. It follows easily, like all canister vacuums, but you need to make sure it doesn’t snag anything in its path. The lid for storing the accessories seems a bit fragile, so I promise to handle it gently, but that’s the only part that worries me. The cord is easy to retract into the machine with a button on top. The vacuum stores neatly, and you can insert the hose into an integrated button on the vacuum; the pamphlet has clearer instructions, or you can watch the video. Overall, I am very impressed with this vacuum. I hope it lasts a long time. One downside is that the bags are expensive, but it seems like you can get at least a month out of each with normal use. The HEPA filter also needs to be changed from time to time. As someone allergic to dust, I really noticed an improvement in the air quality. For what it’s worth, my delivery with Amazon went smoothly and on time. Be prepared to assemble a large box if you’re alone and not particularly young, haha. In summary, if you’re not someone very frail, I absolutely recommend this vacuum; it’s fantastic!
Florida Dreamer –
After 24 years, my trusty Eureka Oxygen Vacuum has finally given out. It served me well, so I took my time researching a replacement. I think I’ve found a worthy successor in the Kenmore 81414, which seems to be an excellent match.
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, this Kenmore has all the features I loved about my Eureka. Plus, the motor filter is washable, saving me money. Time will tell if it matches the durability of the Eureka, but for now, I’m impressed!
Oh, and I forgot to mention how well it cleans—it does a fantastic job with great suction. The controls on the handle make it easy to switch between settings: on, carpet, bare floor, and off.
Victoria –
Having grown up helping my mom clean houses, I can confidently say this is the best vacuum I’ve ever used. I’ve tried them all, from budget to high-end, and this one stands out. It makes my bi-monthly deep cleans—from ceilings to floors—much quicker. Dusting wood blinds, fan blades, air vents, and baseboards is a breeze now. With ten-foot ceilings, I truly appreciate the extension and telescoping features.
You can easily adjust it to meet your cleaning needs, with a telescoping wand, adjustable suction, and the ability to switch from carpet to tile. Plus, the numerous accessories included and the built-in storage within the canister mean you don’t have to buy extra storage solutions; everything is designed to be efficient and cohesive. All the tools are conveniently at your fingertips, making swaps quick, and the retractable cord feature is a game-changer—after a long day of cleaning, not having to rewind a cord is fantastic.
Kenmore has a solid reputation, and we still have a 30-year-old washer and dryer that work like new. One of my previous clients owned the same Kenmore vacuum for over twenty years, and it outperformed many modern options, especially the bagless and cordless models. Trust me, this vacuum is worth every penny. Its performance and design far exceed that of a Dyson. After just one use, it outperformed our Dyson pet vacuum, and it continues to impress. In a household with dogs, a man who buzzes his head and trims his beard, and a curly-haired woman, that says a lot!
Michelle Stone –
I’ve been using the same model of this vacuum for 25 years and loved it dearly. Unfortunately, I tried to get it repaired, but the parts are no longer available. The new model, however, includes all the features I adored and adds one essential feature I didn’t know I needed. I also own a Miele canister vacuum, so here are some key comparisons.
Pros:
Having loved the features of my 25-year-old Kenmore, I found myself disappointed by the Miele.
Cons:
In summary, I appreciate having both vacuums, but if I had to choose just one, it would be a no-brainer: I’d go with the Kenmore. If budget wasn’t a concern, perhaps the top-tier Miele vacuums would match the Kenmore’s features, but they come at double the price or more.
MARGARET DUDA –
I’ve been a loyal user of Kenmore Canister Vacuums, and the Kenmore Series 81214610 Series 200 has quickly become my favorite. It’s lighter and more compact than my previous models, yet it delivers outstanding suction power. Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver. Plus, the price was just right. I absolutely love this little vacuum!
Ken Ritchie –
Effective suction for picking up pet hair.