I have been using this vacuum regularly for over 6 months and have to say, I'm quite smitten. I was surprised to see a few negative reviews. My friends and I all bought similarly priced vacuums out of college, so I can offer what I hope is a reasonable comparison here. Positives - 1.) The Power. It's impossible not to be amazed by it unless you're coming from a considerably higher priced vacuum. The suction power picks up everything, reduces time spent vacuuming (I only have to go over an area once) and even makes my carpet feel like new walking over it again. I can't stress this enough, the Bissells and Hoovers don't come close here. 2.) The modular abilities. I'm not going to walk through them all, but the vacuum has two ways to detach the hose while still using the handle, can adjust pressure when detached, can deactivate the agitator at will, and the whole canister even moves horizontally and vertically to get in and out of tight spaces. Is the agitator too large to clean small rooms like a closet space? You can remove the entire agitator with one switch! 3.) Build quality. Using my Kenmore and then checking my friend’s vacuums, there’s no comparison. With the Kenmore, all the parts snap rigidly in and out of place, none of the modular parts ever come loose, and there are two large filters protecting the exhaust from what’s in the canister. Whenever you’re working with the appliance, you feel the quality. 4.) Size. The Kenmore is only slightly larger than the vacuums my friends have, but considerably more powerful and similarly priced. 5.) Price. I got this on sale so I may be biased (although I see it on sale right now for less than I paid for it), but after paying $150 for a vacuum like this, and seeing what my friends have, I’m very satisfied. Drawbacks – Talk to me in 5 years, maybe I’ll have some? Addressing Criticism – 1.) Bagless – I actually agree, strongly, that bagged vacuums are preferable. However, the market clearly disagrees, and all the best-selling vacuums are bagless. This is obviously not the fault of the appliance itself and no reason to give it a low score. 2.) Weight – When I was younger my Mom’s vacuum was so heavy she would ask me to move it around for her. This unit is 17lbs. It did seem a bit heavier than the vacuums my friends have; however, it’s considerably more powerful. That’s a trade-off I’d take in a heartbeat. 3.) Noise – I have to pushback against this. By ear test, the Kenmore is no louder than any of my friends’ vacuums and much less noisy than my old one. Additionally, it’s much more powerful. I was considering listing this as a plus. Conclusion – This is an excellent vacuum and is the standard in its class, in my opinion. From what I’ve read it was designed by Panasonic, Kenmore’s longtime vacuum partner (the replacement parts fit both the Panasonic model and the Kenmore model). You can buy with confidence here.

After purchasing this vacuum and using it for about a month, I am beyond frustrated. I consider my house to be relatively clean and vacuum 1-2 times per week. I love the versatility and movement of this vacuum, but the primary filter clogs very quickly and sets off the by-pass valve (part of the motor protection system) after 1-2 rooms. This requires emptying and cleaning of the filters and they want you to run the primary filter under water to clean and allow 24 hours to dry. It took mine closer to 48 hours to dry. And then repeat the same process. I have 8 carpeted rooms and a hallway to vacuum and I don't have that kind of time. The design of the vacuum is great. I just wish it functioned better.