The Kenmore 81714 Bundle Ultra Plush Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum with Pet PowerMate, HEPA, Extended Telescoping Wand, Retractable Cord, and 3 Cleaning Tools, 700 Series, Gold – a comprehensive review of a product I’ve used extensively.
For years, pet hair and dust bunnies seemed to multiply faster than I could clean them up. My old upright vacuum was struggling, leaving behind streaks and stubbornly clinging pet hair. A more powerful solution was desperately needed; otherwise, my home would become increasingly unlivable. A powerful canister vacuum would have been a game changer back then, offering the suction and maneuverability to tackle my cleaning challenges effectively.
- The motorized Pet PowerMate attachment gets even the most stubborn pet hair or dust out of carpets and hard-to-reach corners. An Ultra Plush nozzle uses airflow to get into even your ultra-plush...
- HEPA media filter captures 99.97% of dust, including pollen, pet hair and more. The Performance Indicator tells you when the bag is full or when to check for clogs.
- A double-wall design that's designed to keep airflow strong and steady.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Canister Vacuum
Canister vacuums are excellent for homes with various flooring types, offering superior suction and maneuverability compared to uprights. They’re ideal for those with allergies due to their often-included HEPA filtration, like the Kenmore 81714 Bundle Ultra Plush Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum. However, they’re not for everyone. If you primarily have hard floors and need lightweight portability, a stick vacuum might be a better choice. Consider your budget, the size of your home, the types of flooring you have, and your specific cleaning needs (like pet hair removal). Think about the features that matter most to you: HEPA filtration, powerful suction, ease of maneuverability, cord length, and included attachments.
- GERMAN ENGINEERED: Bagged canister vacuum cleaner ideal for homes with hard floors and low-medium pile carpeting
- BAGGED CANISTER VACUUM: Designed to clean all areas and surfaces of your entire home, den, kitchen, car or garage quickly and efficiently.Wattage : 120 watts.Specific uses:Bare floors.Is it cordless?:...
- BAGGED CANISTER VACUUM: Multipurpose design w/swivel head cleans all areas and surfaces in your home, den, kitchen, car and garage.Suction power(hose end) ≥183W. Number of Amps 12.Cleaning Width...
Introducing the Kenmore 81714 Bundle Vacuum
The Kenmore 81714 Bundle Ultra Plush Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum promises a deep clean for various surfaces, boasting a powerful motor, HEPA filtration, and several attachments for tackling pet hair, carpets, and upholstery. It’s designed to be a step up from previous Kenmore models and a more budget-friendly alternative to high-end brands like Miele. This vacuum is perfect for pet owners with carpets and various floor types but might be less suitable for those seeking an extremely lightweight option or who primarily clean hard floors.
- Pros: Powerful suction, HEPA filtration, long cord, multiple attachments, Pet PowerMate attachment
- Cons: Can be heavy and cumbersome, some plastic components feel less durable, hose maneuverability can be challenging.
Exploring the Kenmore 81714’s Features and Benefits
Suction Power and Performance
The Kenmore 81714‘s suction is a significant upgrade from my previous vacuum. It effortlessly picks up pet hair from carpets and upholstery, a feature I truly appreciate given my furry companions. The Ultra Plush nozzle is particularly effective on plush carpets, pulling out deeply embedded dirt and dust. The difference is noticeable—my carpets look cleaner than ever before.
HEPA Filtration for Allergy Sufferers
As someone with allergies, the HEPA filter is a must-have. The Kenmore 81714 captures a significant amount of dust, pollen, and pet dander, leaving my air noticeably cleaner and alleviating my allergy symptoms. This is a significant advantage over my older vacuum which allowed dust to recirculate, exacerbating my allergies.
Attachments and Versatility
The included attachments are a real boon. The Pet PowerMate attachment is fantastic for pet hair, the crevice tool gets into tight corners, and the dusting brush is perfect for delicate surfaces. The extended telescoping wand adds reach, making cleaning high areas easier. I found all the attachments exceptionally useful for various cleaning tasks around the house, far exceeding the capabilities of my old vacuum.
Maneuverability and Design
While the vacuum’s powerful suction is a benefit, its weight and size are drawbacks in terms of maneuverability. It’s not as nimble as some lighter models, and navigating tight corners or furniture can sometimes be a bit of a struggle. The swivel steering helps, but the overall bulkiness limits its agility in confined spaces. The hose’s length and flexibility were adequate, but the handle sometimes feels cumbersome for delicate cleaning tasks.
Durability and Build Quality
The Kenmore 81714 feels sturdy for the most part, but some plastic components feel a bit less robust than I would expect for a vacuum in this price range. I’ve had no major issues, but some parts, like the accessory latch (as mentioned in user reviews), seem more prone to breakage than other parts of the vacuum.
Bag Changing and Maintenance
The bag changing process is reasonably straightforward, though a bit messy due to the design of the bag compartment and seal. I do find it’s imperative to change the bag quite often to avoid strong odors. The performance indicator is helpful in reminding me when it is time to replace the bag.
Overall Value and Satisfaction
Despite its drawbacks regarding maneuverability and durability concerns over certain plastic parts, the Kenmore 81714 offers excellent cleaning power and valuable features for the price. The powerful suction, HEPA filtration, and versatile attachments justify the investment, especially for pet owners like myself with various flooring surfaces.
User Feedback: Real Experiences with the Kenmore 81714
Across various online platforms, the Kenmore 81714 receives mixed but generally positive reviews. Many users praise its powerful suction and the effectiveness of the Pet PowerMate attachment. However, recurring complaints center around the vacuum’s weight and maneuverability and some concerns about the durability of specific plastic parts. The overall sentiment suggests that while the cleaning performance is generally highly rated, some users experience frustration with the vacuum’s bulk and certain design aspects.
Final Verdict: Is the Kenmore 81714 Right for You?
If you’re facing the same cleaning challenges I once faced—stubborn pet hair, deeply embedded dirt, and allergy concerns—the Kenmore 81714 Bundle Ultra Plush Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum is a strong contender. Its powerful suction, HEPA filtration, and versatile attachments offer a superior cleaning experience. While its weight and maneuverability might be limiting factors for some, the overall value and cleaning performance make it a worthwhile investment. To see if this vacuum is the right fit for your cleaning needs, click here to check it out.