Comparing this to last years Top of the kenmore, it clearly wins. This new Kenmore has the wheels as part of the lower power head which means when you tilt the vacuum handle up and down it does not effect the angle of the power head. The new LED headlights are from the Panasonic Japan canister power heads used on their MC-PA line and are much more helpful than the previous model. I turn off the kitchen light when vacuuming the kitchen tile and the LED lights seem to magnify the debris you need to vacuum. Zoom in in the photo of the front and you will see the floor plate has been redesigned to increase airflow from last years model. This Vacuum is made by Panasonic in their factory in China and the workmanship seem superior to the last years which were made in Mexico. Give this upright a try, I am confident you will Be impressed. My bet is this kenmore will run away with the Consumer Reports best upright vote this spring.

After only 1 year, the beater bar bristles are worn down to nubs. Ordered a replacement, only to be sent the wrong one. While disassembling the unit, I found out that the motor that turns the bar is integrated into the bar. That explains why the part is $199. EXTREMELY disappointed that this unit is manufactured in an unserviceable manner.