The Kenmore Progressive 21714 canister vacuum cleaner includes a upholstery tool, floor brush, dusting brush, and crevice tool. It weighs 24 pounds and provides usability features such as a retractable cord, brush on and off switch, suction control, manual carpet-height adjustment, and a telescopic wand.
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.
I bought a Kenmore thinking that Sears' quality was the best for the money. Boy was I ever disappointed!! The workmanship and ergonomics were poor. The plastic undercarriage broke literally 1 year and a month after owning it. In essence, 1 month after the warranty expired. I bought a Sebo and have had it for 5 years and it continues to be the best vacuum of 4 vacuums I have owned. What a shame!!!! Go German craftsmanship!!
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
By Tim
from Utica, NY
5.0
Great Product
2/3/2013
Pros
Easy to Use
Efficient
Lightweight
Long Power Cord
Powerful/Good Suction
Cons
Best Uses
Carpet
Hardwood Floors
Pet Hair
Stairs
Comment:
The only problem I found is with the bag that originally came with the cleaner (paper) - blew 2 holes in it. Will get the HEPA bags which I understand are heavier.
How long have you owned it:
A month or less
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
By Jo1000
from Tampa Bay FL
(1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
1.0
Not reliable
1/30/2013
Pros
Easy to Use
Long Power Cord
Powerful/Good Suction
Cons
Unreliable
Best Uses
Carpet
Tile Floors
Comment:
I purchased this vacuum in spite of the poor user reviews because my last Kenmore lasted for 20 yrs. and CR recommended it. However, one yr. and a day past my purchase date, the power head stopped working. The cost of replacement parts, if they could be found, were more than the cost of the vacuum. Only one vacuum repair shop in my area would even consider looking at it.