The Kenmore Progressive 21514 canister vacuum cleaner includes a power brush, upholstery tool, floor brush, dusting brush, and crevice tool. It weighs 23 pounds and provides usability features such as a retractable cord, brush on and off switch, suction control, and manual carpet-height adjustment.
About This Brand
Once exclusive to Sears, Kenmore uprights are now available in Kmart stores as a result of a merger of the retailers. Kenmore uprights typically range in price from about $80 to $300. Kenmore is the best-selling canister brand, with a wide array of models ranging from as little as $50 to $600 or so. It also offers canister hard-surface cleaners and a carpet shampooer.
Bag Denotes whether the model has a disposable bag. A growing number of vacuums, particularly upright models, use a container that can be emptied, eliminating the bag. To capture fine-dirt particles, however, these models must use a filter (such as a HEPA filter) that can need routine cleaning or replacement. Replacement filters tend to be significantly more expensive than bags. While vacuums with bags may also use filters, the bag acts as a prefilter that helps to keep the fine-dirt filter cleaner, thus extending its performance until cleaning or replacement. Another caveat: Emptying the dustbin and cleaning a filter can be messy, and handling it may expose you to dust and other allergens.
Bag
Yes
Brush on/off An on/off switch for the rotating brush lets you stop the brush from rotating when using tools or cleaning bare floors. This helps eliminate scattered dirt on bare floors and reduces the risk of injury if the vacuum tips over during use. It also reduces the risk of damaging a carpet or the finish of a bare floor if the vacuum sits in place at the low-height setting.
Brush on/off
Yes
Easy on/off A switch that's located on the handle or where your foot can activate it is more convenient than one on the body of the vacuum.
Easy on/off
Yes
Manual-pile adjust Lets you adjust the height of the machine to a carpet's pile height to allow for easy movement and thorough cleaning. Adjustments are automatic on some models, but we prefer the manual control afforded by some models.
Manual-pile adjust
Yes
Weight (lbs.) Weight of the vacuum cleaner, to the nearest pound.
Bought this Kenmore Progressive 21514 canister vac the end of April 2011 based on previous Kenmore vacs and the CR review. Last week the motor died, cost to replace is over 2/3 of a new vac so now after 18 months in the market for a new vac. Very hesitant to go with a Kenmore again
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
By
Becky, mom of six
from
Winston-Salem, NC
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
2.0
CR needs to update Reliability on Kenmor
12/29/2012
Pros
Easy To Empty
Easy to Use
Long Power Cord
Powerful/Good Suction
Cons
Cheap plastic
Heavy
Poor Design
Best Uses
Carpet
Hardwood Floors
Pet Hair
Stairs
Tile Floors
Comment:
We have owned a Kenmore Progressive vacuum for years now. Our first was purchased in 2002 and it was still the best rated by CR when we had to replace it after it was pushed down the stairs by our 2 year old son, so in 2008 we purchased the 27515 we have already had to take it in for repairs in 2011 and it again in 2012 needs a whole new wand assembly as well as a new hose. Because I didn't want to repair it again so soon, we have been trying to make due with Duck Tape but it isn't working well. The newer version is definitely not as reliable as was the 2002 version. The older version had the metal push button that inserted into the metal lower wand assembly this newer version has a plastic connector that is not durable and problematic. Also it seems that the hose does not last as long as the hoses for the earlier version. We do like the vacuum performance as far as maneuverability and suction. The tools are also convenient, but the tool cover on the newer version has a cheap plastic opening part that breaks easily. I have always like the stair/pet hair tool, but it never has lasted long enough for me to really appreciate it, on both vacuums it broke very quickly. It is disappointing that Kenmore is cheaping down their products but I would not rate their products as reliable anymore.
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
By
NY Marc
from
Upstate NY
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
1.0
Be Careful !! Sears is not what it used
9/19/2012
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comment:
I purchased the Kenmore 27515 (2) two years ago on the recommendation of Consumer Reports Best BUY. Needed a part and ordered it on Sears Direct. They stated that the part is no longer available. A two year old vacuum is now worthless? Checked other sources and the part is discontinued as well. I used to be a great Sears fan but this changes my outlook.