July 2008
First Look: Kenmore Intuition 28014 canister vacuum
This innovative vacuum from Sears has performed well in our tests
PIONEERING CLEANER The Kenmore Intuition 28014 canister model introduces some new vacuum technology that really works.
Price we paid: $500
Date of Consumer Reports full report: October 2008
What it is. This 11-amp, 24-pound canister vacuum with HEPA filtration is a departure from the Progressive line, which seems to have evolved in small steps from model to model. The Intuition 28014 introduces several technologies that are unique among the canister models we've tested. It incorporates, for example, a cage structure in the bag housing to allow airflow and suction through the entire bag, not just the rear or bottom, and also features what Kenmore calls the CrossOver powerhead.
What we liked. The CrossOver powerhead is a clever tool and performed well in our preliminary testing. To move from cleaning carpets to bare floors, you simply hit a release lever on the rear of the powerhead and lift the nested floor brush from its cradle on top. The Intuition has done an excellent job of cleaning bare floors.
Many vacuums with bags lose suction when dirt and debris get plastered to the bottom of the bag—blocking airflow through the motor. The plastic cage that surrounds the bag on the Intuition 28014 seems to help maintain suction after collecting dirt, leading to very good performance in airflow for tools. That means you can pick up large quantities of dusty messes and still have suction until the bag is full.
The large powerhead is easy to maneuver, and all the electronic keypad controls are conveniently on the handle.
What we didn't like. The hose and powerhead assembly are slightly heavy—together they weigh about 2½ pounds more than those on Progressive line models do. Although the powerhead is easy to turn, it takes some effort to push and pull it when vacuuming.
Our initial take. The innovations on the Intuition 28014 work—they're not just bells and whistles. This vacuum has performed well so far, and while it's expensive (the regular price is $600), it is a competitively priced canister vacuum.
Essential information. Watch our video vacuum buying guide and visit our vacuum product page for buying advice, Ratings, and model recommendations. Look for our full report on vacuums in the October 2008 issue of Consumer Reports.
Date of Consumer Reports full report: October 2008
What it is. This 11-amp, 24-pound canister vacuum with HEPA filtration is a departure from the Progressive line, which seems to have evolved in small steps from model to model. The Intuition 28014 introduces several technologies that are unique among the canister models we've tested. It incorporates, for example, a cage structure in the bag housing to allow airflow and suction through the entire bag, not just the rear or bottom, and also features what Kenmore calls the CrossOver powerhead.
What we liked. The CrossOver powerhead is a clever tool and performed well in our preliminary testing. To move from cleaning carpets to bare floors, you simply hit a release lever on the rear of the powerhead and lift the nested floor brush from its cradle on top. The Intuition has done an excellent job of cleaning bare floors.
Many vacuums with bags lose suction when dirt and debris get plastered to the bottom of the bag—blocking airflow through the motor. The plastic cage that surrounds the bag on the Intuition 28014 seems to help maintain suction after collecting dirt, leading to very good performance in airflow for tools. That means you can pick up large quantities of dusty messes and still have suction until the bag is full.
The large powerhead is easy to maneuver, and all the electronic keypad controls are conveniently on the handle.
What we didn't like. The hose and powerhead assembly are slightly heavy—together they weigh about 2½ pounds more than those on Progressive line models do. Although the powerhead is easy to turn, it takes some effort to push and pull it when vacuuming.
Our initial take. The innovations on the Intuition 28014 work—they're not just bells and whistles. This vacuum has performed well so far, and while it's expensive (the regular price is $600), it is a competitively priced canister vacuum.
Essential information. Watch our video vacuum buying guide and visit our vacuum product page for buying advice, Ratings, and model recommendations. Look for our full report on vacuums in the October 2008 issue of Consumer Reports.
