Buying Guide for the Best Kenmore Vacuums
Choosing the right vacuum cleaner is all about understanding your cleaning needs, preferences, and the spaces you'll be cleaning. Vacuums come in various shapes and styles, and each offers its own strengths for different tasks. When comparing different options, it's best to go beyond the brand name and focus on the features and specifications that suit your lifestyle and home environment. Pay attention to technical details, but always relate them back to how you’ll actually use the vacuum most often—whether you’re dealing with carpets, hard floors, pet hair, allergies, or just general dust and debris.Vacuum TypeVacuum type refers to the general shape and function of the machine, such as upright, canister, stick, or handheld. Each type is designed for specific tasks: uprights are great for deep cleaning larger carpeted areas, canisters offer flexibility for reaching tricky spots, sticks are lightweight for quick cleanups, and handhelds are for small messes and tight spots. Think about your main cleaning surfaces and how much maneuverability you need—uprights are best if you have mostly carpets, while canisters can be useful for homes with stairs or a mix of surfaces.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system determines how well the vacuum can trap dust, pollen, pet dander, and other fine particles. HEPA filters are most popular for people with allergies or asthma as they capture extremely small particles. Standard filters may be enough if allergies are not a concern. If indoor air quality matters to you, look for vacuums with advanced multi-stage or HEPA filtration.
Suction PowerSuction power indicates how strongly the vacuum can pick up dirt and debris. Higher suction is better for deep cleaning carpets, while lower suction may suffice for hard floors and delicate rugs. Suction can sometimes be measured in air watts or similar units, but the most important thing is how well the vacuum performs on your specific floors—if you have thick carpets, go for higher suction; for mostly hard floors, moderate suction will do.
Bagged vs. BaglessVacuums can be either bagged or bagless. Bagged vacuums collect dirt in replaceable bags, which can be more hygienic and great for allergy sufferers, but require buying and changing bags. Bagless models store debris in a dustbin you empty yourself, which can be more convenient but potentially messier. Your choice depends on personal preference and tolerance for dust exposure.
Corded vs. CordlessA corded vacuum plugs into an outlet and has unlimited run time, making it ideal for cleaning large areas without worrying about recharging. Cordless models run on batteries, offering better portability and convenience, especially for quick tasks and hard-to-reach places. Choose cordless if you need flexibility and have smaller spaces, or go corded for big, uninterrupted cleaning sessions.
Weight and ManeuverabilityThe weight and maneuverability of a vacuum affect how easy it is to use, especially if you have multiple floors or physical limitations. Lighter vacuums are easier to carry and use for quick jobs, while heavier models may offer more power but require more effort. Think about how often you'll need to move or lift the vacuum, and choose a weight that won’t tire you out.
Attachments and ToolsAttachments include items like crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and turbo tools for pet hair. These add-ons let you customize the vacuum for various tasks such as cleaning furniture, stairs, or tight spaces. If you have pets or special cleaning needs, make sure the vacuum comes with the right attachments; otherwise, a more basic kit might suffice.
Dust CapacityDust capacity tells you how much debris the vacuum can hold before it needs emptying. Larger capacities are good for big homes or if you don’t want to empty the vacuum often, while smaller capacities are fine for apartments or light cleaning. Match the capacity to how often you clean and the size of your space.