6 models in this file
Kenmore Bagged Canister Vacuums: 200, 400 or 600 Series?
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Kenmore has long stood as one of the most recognizable names in household floor care, earning a solid reputation for dependable, high-suction cleaning appliances. In the canister vacuum category, the brand is especially known for combining motorized power nozzles with sealed bagged systems that trap allergens and debris securely. Unlike standard uprights or bagless vacuums that release plumes of fine dust when emptied, Kenmore bagged canisters emphasize sanitary disposal, durable multi-motor suction systems, and versatile wands capable of transitioning between delicate hard flooring and deep-pile carpeting.
Across the Kenmore lineup, the 200, 400, and 600 series differ primarily in their operating weight, cleaning wand extension, cord length, and the inclusion of specialized brush attachments such as tangle-free brushrolls or rapid-release bare floor tools.
The line-up at a glance
Kenmore Bagged Canister Vacuums Compared
| Model | Weight | Reach and Cord | Filter System | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore 81414 400 Series Pet Friendly | Less than 20 lb | 9 ft reach, 26 ft cord | Triple HEPA | 4-level height adjustment |
| Kenmore Pet Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister | Less than 20 lb | 9.5 ft reach, 26 ft cord | Triple HEPA | 210W hose suction, 2 HEPA bags |
| Kenmore 81214 200 Series Pet Friendly | 9.07 kg | 9 ft reach, 24 ft cord | Enhanced HEPA | 2 power levels, compact frame |
| Kenmore 600 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum | 23 lb | 9.5 ft reach, 28 ft cord | HEPA Filter | Hair Eliminator nozzle, Stair Grip |
| Kenmore 600 Series Pet Friendly Bagged | 22.6 lb | 10 ft reach, 28 ft cord | Triple HEPA | Pop-N-Go floor brush, Pet Powermate |
| Kenmore 400 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum | 19 lb | 9 ft reach, Not listed | HEPA Filter | Hair Eliminator, completely sealed path |
No. 1 of 6 · Kenmore
Kenmore 81414 400 Series Pet Friendly for Versatile Home Cleaning
8.2/10 Our score
Best for: Medium homes needing balanced reach and filtration
What the listing says
- BAGGED CANISTER VACUUM Designed to clean all areas and surfaces of your entire home, den, kitchen, car or garage…
- ALUMINUM TELESCOPING WAND Adjustable lightweight wand lengthens to an extended reach of 9' to access difficult areas.
- TRIPLE HEPA FILTER SYSTEM Enhanced HEPA filter system traps 99.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND MANEUVERABLE At less than 20 pounds, this lightweight design, with swivel head, is easy to maneuver
- 3 ATTACHMENTS Dusting brush, crevice tool and second bare floor tool
- STORAGE 26' cord is retractable and all accessories and attachments store neatly on the vacuum making it easy to store.
Pros
- Triple HEPA filter system
- 9 foot wand reach
- Automatic cord rewind
Cons
- Single power level
- Friction fit attachments
The Kenmore 81414 400 Series Pet Friendly is engineered as an all-around bagged cleaner suited for medium-sized homes, apartments, and mixed-surface living spaces. Built around a capable two-motor drive, this canister pairs strong suction performance at the nozzle with an adjustable four-position height selector, allowing you to regulate airflow across bare floors, laminate, linoleum, and variable carpet piles. Its bold red casing rests on four smooth-rolling wheels that follow cleanly behind the user without tipping during rapid directional changes.
According to the product specifications, the machine draws 12 amps with a 120-watt motor, operating at a moderate 78-decibel sound output. Reach is a clear focus: the aluminum telescoping wand extends up to 9 feet for clearing crown moldings, valances, and tall shelves, while the 26-foot power cord retracts automatically into the canister body at the tap of a button. For allergen control, an enhanced Triple HEPA filter system captures 99.97% of fine debris, pet dander, and dust down to microscopic sizes, working alongside an active air purification setup like a kenmore air filter to maintain clean indoor air. Onboard tool storage holds the included dusting brush, crevice tool, and a secondary dedicated bare floor nozzle with friction-fit connections.
This model is ideal for shoppers looking for a classic, dependable kenmore canister vacuum that balances reach and overall bulk. While its sub-20-pound weight keeps it relatively easy to carry between floors, households dealing with heavy pet shedding may prefer a model with a self-cleaning brushroll, as this standard nozzle requires manual maintenance when long fibers wrap around the roller.
No. 2 of 6 · Kenmore
Kenmore Pet Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister for Multi-Surface Suction
8.6/10 Our score
Best for: Pet owners needing dedicated floor tools
What the listing says
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: At less than 20 pounds, this lightweight design with swivel steering is easy to maneuver.
- Storage and 3 Attachments: 26-foot cord is retractable and all accessories attachments store neatly on the…
- Bagged Canister Vacuum Designed to clean all areas and surfaces of your entire home, den, kitchen, car or garage…
- Powerful Cleaning and Aluminum Telescoping Wand: 2-motor system excels in suction strength.
- Triple HEPA Filter System Enhanced HEPA filter traps 99.97% of stains, trapping dirt inside the vacuum
- Pet Friendly Design Effectively removes pet hair and dander from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors with powerful suction and…
Pros
- 210W hose end suction
- 5 foot extended wand
- Two HEPA bags included
Cons
- Single power level
Presented in a crisp blue finish, the Kenmore Pet Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister brings specific performance tuning to pet owners handling daily dander and hair across both hard floors and carpets. Designed around a two-motor architecture with motorized suction, this version delivers 210 watts of suction power measured directly at the hose end, providing the air velocity required to dislodge embedded hair from rugs, car interiors, and upholstered furniture.
The system features a 14-inch cleaning path width, swivel steering on a four-wheel chassis, and four mechanical height adjustments for precise carpet clearance. Its extendable aluminum telescoping wand adds extra flexibility, expanding to a 9.5-foot overhead reach with a quick-release handle tailored for close-up vehicle and upholstery cleaning. Filtration relies on Kenmore’s Triple HEPA filter arrangement, rated to capture 99.97% of indoor particles, backed by an integrated allergen seal design. In addition to a dusting brush, crevice tool, and dedicated bare floor tool, the package includes two HEPA replacement bags, while the 26-foot cord retracts smoothly into the base for storage.
This 400-series variant is well matched to pet owners who want dedicated suction power and extra wand extension without exceeding the 20-pound threshold. It trades away advanced motorized specialty tools like the Pop-N-Go nozzle found on the higher series, making it a straightforward choice for shoppers seeking core motorized carpet capability at a manageable carrying weight.
No. 3 of 6 · Kenmore
Kenmore 81214 200 Series Pet Friendly for Compact Spaces
8.0/10 Our score
Best for: Apartment dwellers prioritizing compact storage
What the listing says
- BAGGED CANISTER VACUUM Designed to clean all areas and surfaces of your entire home, den, kitchen, car or garage…
- HEPA FILTER SYSTEM Enhanced HEPA filter system traps 99.
- POWERFUL CLEANING 2-motor system excels in suction strength.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND MANEUVERABLE At less than 20 pounds, this lightweight design is easy to maneuver
- 3 ATTACHMENTS Dusting brush, crevice tool and bare floor tool for convenient cleaning transitions, store on the vacuum
- ENHANCEMENTS 9 foot attachment reach, 24 foot retractable cord
Pros
- Two variable power levels
- Lightweight 9.07 kg body
- Compact onboard storage
Cons
- Shorter 24 foot cord
The Kenmore 81214 200 Series Pet Friendly is the most compact entry in this comparison, sporting a distinctive orange shell and a streamlined layout optimized for smaller floor plans. Weighing in at 9.07 kilograms (under 20 pounds), it prioritizes ease of movement and simple storage in utility closets or compact apartment laundry nooks where larger canister models prove cumbersome.
Despite its trimmer footprint, the 81214 preserves essential cleaning features, including a dual-motor configuration and four carpet height adjustments. A notable advantage on this model is its two distinct power levels and speed settings, allowing users to dial down the motor pull when vacuuming lightweight throw rugs or delicate drapery without choking the intake. The cleaning radius includes a 24-foot retractable power cord alongside an adjustable wand providing a 9-foot attachment reach. Filtration is handled by an enhanced HEPA filter trapping 99.97% of allergens, while the dusting brush, crevice tool, and bare floor tool clip directly to the vacuum chassis for rapid access. For quick spot treatments between deeper canister sessions, some users keep a portable shark hand vac nearby, leaving the 200 series for full-room floor cleaning.
Shoppers deciding which kenmore canister to buy will find the 81214 best suited for apartments, single-level condominiums, and small homes with moderate carpet areas. The slightly shorter 24-foot cord requires more frequent outlet switching in expansive homes, where a longer reach from the 400 or 600 series would be more practical.
No. 4 of 6 · Kenmore
Kenmore 600 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum for Tangle-Free Maintenance
9.6/10 Our score
Best for: High ceilings and extensive floor plans
What the listing says
- Hair Eliminator Automatic removal of hair from the brushroll, so it's always ready to clean.
- POP-N-GO Tool Quickly transition from carpet to bare floor cleaning without bending down to switch nozzle
- Extended Reach Telescoping wand extends for 9.5' of cleaning reach for a floor-to-ceiling clean.
- Auto Cord Rewind No more manually winding up cords, 28' cord automatically retracts with the push of a button
- Stair Grip Technology Increased stability on stairs for peace of mind while performing above floor cleaning
Pros
- 10 foot telescoping reach
- Pop-N-Go bare floor brush
- Motorized Pet Powermate
Cons
- Weighs 22.6 pounds
Best for: Multi-story homes with stubborn pet shedding
Pros
- Hair Eliminator brushroll
- Stair Grip technology
- 28 foot retractable cord
Cons
- Heavier 23 pound frame
Stepping up into premium functionality, the Kenmore 600 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum addresses one of the most frustrating aspects of floor care: tangled hair wrapped around the motorized roller. Finished in modern gray, this machine incorporates Kenmore’s Hair Eliminator brushroll nozzle, which automatically removes bound hair from the roller bar during active cleaning so you never have to cut fibers free with scissors.
Beyond brushroll innovation, this model introduces practical structural upgrades for multi-level homes. It incorporates Stair Grip technology, giving the canister body stable, non-slip footing when rested vertically on steps during staircase cleaning. An integrated Pop-N-Go bare floor tool releases from the floor head without requiring the user to bend down, streamlining transitions from living room carpets to tiled kitchens. The telescoping wand delivers 9.5 feet of cleaning reach, the automatic cord rewind draws back a generous 28-foot power cord, and the internal bag compartment provides a 2.1-liter debris capacity. Filtration adheres to HEPA standards, ensuring exhausted air remains clean across all floor types.
At 23 pounds, this vacuum represents a heavier package than the 200 or standard 400 units, making it less featherweight to haul up stairs in one hand. However, for homes with long-haired pets and extensive carpeting, the combination of self-cleaning rollers, longer cord span, and stair stability easily justifies the added bulk.
No. 5 of 6 · Kenmore
Kenmore 600 Series Pet Friendly Bagged for Extended Reach
9.8/10 Our score
What the listing says
- Bagged Canister Vacuum Multipurpose design with swivel head cleans all areas and surfaces in your home, den, kitchen, car and garage.
- Powerful Cleaning 2-motor system excels in suction strength and includes 2 floor nozzles with exclusive Pop-N-Go floor brush.
- Triple HEPA Filter System Enhanced HEPA filter traps 99.97% of dirt, trapping dirt inside the vacuum
- Pet Powermate & POP-N-GO Brush Motorized attachment lifts stubborn pet hair and dirt quickly from surfaces.
- Aluminum Telescoping Wand Adjustable lightweight wand lengthens to an extended reach of 10 feet to access difficult areas.
- Versatile Attachments Included Comes with upholstery brush for furniture, curtains, stairs, and car seats, plus dusting brush for corners, baseboards and cabinets.
The Kenmore 600 Series Pet Friendly Bagged in rich purple delivers the most comprehensive attachment suite in the lineup, tailored for sprawling households that demand maximum overhead and upholstery reach. This two-motor canister vacuum delivers 183 watts of suction power at the hose end across a 14-inch cleaning swath, backed by a quiet 75-decibel operating level.
This model is equipped with the motorized Pet Powermate attachment, a specialized handheld tool designed to lift stubborn pet hair, dander, and deep-set lint from furniture, car interiors, and carpeted risers without brush tangling. It also features the hands-free Pop-N-Go bare floor brush stored directly inside the canister casing, attaching securely to the wand in seconds. The aluminum telescoping wand reaches an impressive 10 feet into vertical spaces, while the 28-foot cord retracts automatically into the canister body. Multi-stage filtration utilizes a Triple HEPA filter setup to capture 99.97% of dust and dander, and four smooth wheels ensure responsive corner tracking on hard surfaces.
This purple 600-series machine is the definitive recommendation for larger properties with tall ceilings, stairs, and heavily upholstered furniture. Weighing 22.6 pounds, it is substantially heavier than the compact 200 series, making it best suited for homeowners who prioritize extensive tool versatility and extended reach over ultra-lightweight portability.
No. 6 of 6 · Kenmore
Kenmore 400 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum for Sealed Air Filtration
8.4/10 Our score
Best for: Allergy-sensitive households cleaning carpets
What the listing says
- Hair Eliminator Automatic removal of hair from the brushroll, so it's always ready to clean.
- Completely Sealed Air Path Traps 99.97% of dust down to 0.3 microns inside your vacuum, keeping them out of the…
- 2-Motor System Pet hair and other ground-in dirt don't stand a chance with the advanced suction performance of…
- HEPA Bagged Design No dust plume or touching filthy dust cups for cleaner and more hygienic disposal
- Extended Reach Telescoping wand extends for 9ft of cleaning reach for a floor-to-ceiling clean.
Pros
- Completely sealed air path
- Self-cleaning brushroll
- Two power levels
Cons
- Cord length not listed
The Kenmore 400 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum combines the lightweight form factor of the 400 platform with advanced features typically reserved for flagship models. Clothed in a sleek black casing, this edition includes both the Hair Eliminator self-cleaning brushroll nozzle and a completely sealed air path, making it an exceptional contender for allergy-sensitive households.
The sealed air path design ensures that all incoming air and dust particles are directed entirely through the HEPA bag and filter matrix without leaking fine debris through body seams, trapping 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. Suction is driven by a two-motor assembly with two available power levels and speed settings, allowing users to adapt motor intensity to different floor coverings. The telescoping wand provides a 9-foot overhead cleaning reach with a detachable handle for tight corners, car interiors, and baseboards. The cleaner rolls on two stable wheels and tips the scales at a lightweight 19 pounds, making it one of the easiest tangle-free models to carry across multiple levels.
This 400-series model offers an attractive middle ground for shoppers seeking brushroll convenience and strict allergen containment without the 23-pound heft of a 600-series canister. While its listing does not state the exact cord length, its low weight, two power speeds, and self-cleaning head make it an outstanding all-around choice.
Before you choose
How to Choose the Right Kenmore Bagged Canister Vacuum
Selecting the best model from a kenmore canister vacuum comparison depends primarily on your home layout, floor types, and how often you encounter pet shedding. While every Kenmore bagged canister shares a multi-motor platform and certified HEPA filtration, the series distinctions create clear practical advantages depending on your space.
- Home Size and Cord Reach: The Kenmore 81214 200 Series provides a 24-foot cord, which works seamlessly in apartments and single-story layouts. For larger single floors or open-concept living, the Kenmore 600 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum and its purple 600-series sibling offer longer 28-foot cords that reduce the need to swap electrical outlets mid-clean.
- Stairs and Carrying Weight: If your home features multiple staircases, weight becomes a central factor. The Kenmore 400 Series models weigh around 19 to 20 pounds, making them noticeably lighter to carry than the 22.6 to 23-pound 600-series units. However, the 600 series includes Stair Grip technology, allowing the body to sit securely on steps during riser cleaning. For hands-free daily floor upkeep, some homeowners complement their canister vacuum with an automated wet dry roomba, reserving the corded Kenmore for deep stair and corner work.
- Pet Hair and Maintenance: If you regularly vacuum shedding dogs or cats, brushroll maintenance is a major consideration. The Kenmore 600 Series with Hair Eliminator and the black Kenmore 400 Series with Hair Eliminator feature self-cleaning rollers that prevent bound strands, whereas the standard Kenmore 81414 and 81214 use traditional rollers that require occasional manual untangling.
- Overhead and Above-Floor Reach: For high ceilings, light fixtures, and ceiling fans, wand extension is critical. The Kenmore 600 Series Pet Friendly delivers the maximum reach at 10 feet, followed closely by the blue 400-series model at 9.5 feet, while the remaining models provide a standard 9-foot cleaning radius.
- Variable Motor Control: The Kenmore 81214 200 Series and the black Kenmore 400 Series both feature two selectable power levels. This feature is especially valuable in homes with delicate curtains, fringe-edged area rugs, or light upholstery where full suction could cause fabric to bunch against the nozzle.
Questions people ask
FAQ
Which Kenmore canister to buy for homes with stairs?
The Kenmore 600 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum is particularly well suited for multi-story homes because it features built-in Stair Grip technology. This specialized ledge helps the canister rest securely on individual carpeted steps without sliding down while you clean the risers. If total carrying weight is your main concern, the lighter Kenmore 400 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum at 19 pounds is easier to carry between floors.
How does the Hair Eliminator brushroll work on Kenmore canister vacuums?
The Hair Eliminator nozzle on select Kenmore 400 and 600 series vacuums uses an automatic comb mechanism built directly into the floor head. As the motorized roller spins during regular vacuuming, integrated ridges guide pet and human hair away from the roller cylinder and draw it straight into the suction stream. This prevents hair from winding tightly around the roller bar, eliminating the need to cut fibers away with scissors.
What is the difference between Kenmore 200, 400, and 600 series vacuums?
The primary differences lie in attachment features, reach, and weight. The 200 series is the most compact and affordable baseline, featuring a 24-foot cord, dual power settings, and a 9-foot reach. The 400 series steps up to longer cords, extended wands up to 9.5 feet, and options for sealed air systems. The 600 series adds premium features including the Pop-N-Go bare floor brush, Stair Grip stability, extended 10-foot wand reach, and motorized Pet Powermate tools, with a slightly heavier overall weight.
Do all Kenmore bagged canister vacuums use HEPA filtration?
Yes, all six Kenmore canister vacuums in this comparison feature HEPA filtration systems that capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. Certain models, such as the 81414, the blue 400 series, and the purple 600 series, feature an enhanced Triple HEPA filter system, while the black 400 series adds a completely sealed air path to ensure zero dust escapes through canister seams.
Can Kenmore bagged canister vacuums clean delicate bare floors?
Yes, each of these Kenmore canisters comes equipped with dedicated bare floor tools designed specifically to prevent scratching on delicate hardwood, laminate, tile, and linoleum. On the 600 series, the Pop-N-Go bare floor tool can be attached directly to the wand without bending down, allowing seamless transitions from rugs to hard floors.
Prices, specifications and the feature lines above are read from the product listing and can change without notice. Scores are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback; nothing on this page is written from handling the product.
