7 Best Kenmore Upright Vacuums to Buy in 2025

This powerhouse performer redefines what an upright vacuum should be—delivering relentless suction, exceptional filtration, and premium versatility in one robust build. At the heart of its performance is the 3D Inducer Motor, which merges three motor systems to generate 20% more airflow than standard vacuums while maintaining consistent suction from start to finish. The Triple HEPA Filter System captures 99.97% of dust, dander, and allergens, making it a lifesaver for allergy sufferers, while the beltless agitator design eliminates a common failure point, drastically reducing maintenance needs.

In real-world testing across carpeted living rooms, hardwood kitchens, and pet-heavy zones, this vacuum consistently pulled up embedded pet hair, fine dust, and larger debris without clogging or losing power. The wide cleaning path covers more ground quickly, cutting cleaning time significantly—ideal for medium to large homes. Its 10-foot extended reach via hose and aluminum wand makes ceiling cobwebs, baseboard crevices, and car interiors surprisingly accessible.

However, at 26 pounds, it’s heavier than most modern uprights, making stair cleaning a two-handed effort and limiting portability for smaller users. Compared to lighter models like the DU1275, the Floor Care Elite trades agility for raw power and filtration superiority—making it best suited for households with pets, allergies, or deep-cleaning demands. It outperforms budget bagless models in sustained suction and air quality control, thanks to its sealed bag system.

While pricier than entry-level options, its build quality, filtration, and motor innovation offer a level of performance that justifies the investment—especially when stacked against less refined competitors.

Don’t let its sub-11-pound frame fool you—the DU1275 punches far above its weight class with smart engineering that solves real household headaches. The standout Hair Eliminator brushroll automatically ejects tangled pet hair, eliminating the dreaded scissors-and-yank routine that plagues most vacuums. Paired with swivel steering and a featherlight design, this vacuum glides effortlessly under furniture and around tight corners, making it a chore-crushing companion for pet owners on a budget.

During testing, the extra-large dust cup proved its worth—handling a full home clean without needing emptying, even in homes with multiple shedding pets. The four height adjustments allowed seamless transitions between plush carpets and bare floors, optimizing airflow and brush contact without manual tweaks. The 7-foot extended reach, while not the longest in the lineup, was sufficient for lamps, vents, and stair corners.

That said, suction fades slightly as the bin fills, a common bagless drawback, and the motor isn’t as quiet as higher-end models, producing a noticeable hum on high settings. When compared to the BU4050, the DU1275 lacks a HEPA-sealed system and lift-up handheld function, but its aggressive value positioning makes it a smarter pick for renters or small homes where deep allergy control isn’t critical.

It’s not built for commercial use or massive homes, but for daily maintenance in pet-friendly, space-conscious environments, it delivers more than expected. While it skips premium touches, its tangle-free brushroll and maneuverability outshine other vacuums in its price range.

The CU7005 Litening isn’t just cordless—it’s a game-changer for whole-home cleaning, combining the freedom of wireless operation with the muscle of a full-sized upright. With up to 80 minutes of runtime from dual 24V batteries, it outlasts nearly every cordless competitor, enabling uninterrupted cleaning across large, multi-surface homes. Its 4X suction power—measured against standard cordless stick vacuums—translates into real-world dominance on both thick carpets and tile, effortlessly pulling up tracked-in dirt and pet hair.

In hands-on use, the Lift-Up Technology transformed stair and furniture cleaning from a chore into a one-motion task: simply detach the pod and go. The LED display provides instant feedback on battery mode and life, while the headlight illuminated dust under sofas and beds with precision. The completely sealed HEPA system kept allergens locked inside, a rarity in cordless models.

However, the vacuum begins to feel front-heavy when used in handheld mode, and while the docking station keeps batteries charged, it requires wall space and permanent mounting. Against the DU4080, the CU7005 offers superior runtime, better filtration, and more intelligent controls—but at a higher cost and with less portability than simpler corded models.

It’s the clear choice for tech-savvy homeowners who prioritize convenience and performance without sacrificing air quality. For those tired of outlet-hopping or battery anxiety, this vacuum’s endurance, power, and smart design make it the most advanced option in Kenmore’s lineup.

Allergy warriors, meet your new secret weapon—the Intuition Bagged Upright is engineered from the ground up to purify the air while it cleans, thanks to its completely sealed HEPA system that traps 99.97% of dust and dander down to 0.3 microns. The No Touch Bag Technology is a revelation: one-button bag ejection with self-sealing disposal means you never see or smell the gunk you’ve collected. At just 14 pounds, it’s one of the lightest bagged uprights available, and swivel steering ensures it turns on a dime, even in cluttered rooms.

In real-world use, the PowerFlow bag chamber maintained suction strength across multiple rooms without faltering, even as the bag neared capacity—a major win over bagless models that lose power as bins fill. The Lift-Up function allowed quick cleaning of stairs, drapes, and car seats without lugging around attachments.

However, the motor is less aggressive on high-pile carpets compared to the Floor Care Elite, and the lack of included tools beyond the 3-in-1 combo piece limits versatility for detailed cleaning. Next to the BU4050, it shares core DNA—both offer lift-up pods and No Touch bags—but the Intuition lacks the Hair Eliminator feature, making it less ideal for heavy pet homes.

It’s best for allergy-prone households prioritizing air quality and ease of disposal over pet-hair-specific tools. With its lightweight design, sealed filtration, and mess-free emptying, it strikes a compelling balance between health and convenience—making it a top-tier pick for sensitive users.

Built for the pet-obsessed home, the BU4050 Intuition masterfully combines allergen control with tangle-free cleaning, delivering peace of mind and spotless floors without the usual maintenance hassle. The Hair Eliminator brushroll actively sheds hair during operation, preventing clogs and ensuring peak performance on long-haired dogs and cats—a feature that puts most vacuums to shame. Its No Touch Bag Technology allows one-click, hands-free disposal, while the completely sealed HEPA system traps 99.97% of allergens, making it ideal for homes where sniffles follow vacuuming.

In testing, it excelled on area rugs, stairs, and furniture—transitioning seamlessly thanks to the Lift-Up Canister that detaches in seconds for handheld cleaning. The PowerFlow bag technology maintained strong suction even when the bag was two-thirds full, outperforming many bagless rivals. At 14 pounds with swivel steering, it’s easy to maneuver, though the cord isn’t as long as the BU1001’s 31.5-foot reach, requiring frequent outlet changes in larger homes.

Compared to the DU1275, the BU4050 offers superior filtration and a more hygienic disposal system, but at a higher cost. It doesn’t have the cordless freedom of the CU7005, but it delivers more consistent suction and better allergen containment. For homes drowning in pet hair and dander, this vacuum is a no-compromise solution—blending convenience, filtration, and pet-specific innovation like no other in the lineup.

The DU4080 Featherlite is a nimble, no-fuss cleaner that proves lightweight doesn’t mean low-power—especially with its 2-motor system delivering deep cleaning across carpets and hard floors. Weighing under 12 pounds, it’s a dream for upstairs cleaning, tight hallways, or anyone who dreads hauling heavy vacuums. The Lift-Up Technology turns it into a handheld unit in seconds, perfect for quick spot cleans on stairs or upholstery, while the 9-foot hose gives it one of the longest reaches in the bagless category.

During daily use, the swivel steering and LED headlight made it easy to navigate under beds and around furniture, illuminating dust bunnies invisible in dim corners. The completely sealed HEPA path is rare at this price, offering real allergen control without a bagged system. However, the dust cup fills quickly on pet-heavy carpets, requiring mid-clean emptying, and the lack of height adjustment means it can’t fine-tune for different carpet pile depths, leading to slightly less efficient pickup on plush rugs.

Against the DU1275, it shares similar weight and ease of use but offers better filtration and longer reach—though it lacks the Hair Eliminator feature. It’s a stronger pick for allergy-aware users who want bagless convenience without sacrificing air quality. While not the most powerful or feature-rich, its lightweight agility, sealed HEPA, and extended reach make it the best-balanced bagless option for small to medium homes.

Built like a workhorse for big spaces, the BU1001 B200 dominates in environments where endurance and capacity matter most—think multi-room homes, rental properties, or pet-friendly households with high foot traffic. Its 14-liter bag capacity is massive, allowing whole-house cleans without bag changes, while the 31.5-foot power cord drastically reduces outlet hopping—a game-changer for large floorplans. The 2-speed motor lets you switch between gentle bare-floor mode and aggressive carpet cleaning at the flick of a switch.

In real-world testing across 2,000+ sq ft homes, it maintained strong suction across all surfaces, pulling up everything from cereal crumbs to tracked-in gravel. The LED headlight made under-furniture cleaning effortless, and at under 11 pounds, it’s surprisingly easy to carry up stairs despite its commercial-grade build. That said, it lacks advanced features like HEPA filtration or automatic hair removal, and the basic tool set limits versatility for detailed cleaning.

Compared to the Floor Care Elite, it sacrifices premium filtration and motor complexity for raw utility and reach. It’s not designed for allergy sufferers or tech-focused users, but for cleaning pros or large-home owners who prioritize coverage and capacity, it’s unmatched. With its industrial-grade cord, XL bag, and dual-speed control, it delivers commercial-level performance in a residential-friendly package—making it the ultimate large-area workhorse.