Kenmore 81214 Multi-Surface Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner with Cord Rewind, Orange

This is the THIRD vacuum cleaner I've bought in the past year, after 20+ years of using a great Kenmore canister. I broke an essential element of the older Kenmore, and I figure that maybe it was a sign to buy a new one. So, I bought the Kenmore "Ultra Plush" at about $400 a year ago. It worked all right, but was a bit too large and incredibly heavy. Gave it to my sister. Next up: my first-ever upright, the Kenmore Intuition at about half the price. HOW do people use uprights? Maybe it's my wonky shoulder, but pushing that thing around was crazy, and the whole changing-tools/functions process seemed a bit much. Gave it to my community theatre. And here we are with this, 200 Series, 81214 (Orange). PROS: Lightweight., great suction. CONS: On/Off is on the canister instead of the hose handle; no headlight (I knew that, but I thought it wouldn't matter—it does); swivel head (like the other two, and I'll never understand why that feature has been introduced—I want to shift to the right, and the head is insisting on going left), and ... the Power Brush Indicator light on the new one doesn't work. NOT the end of the world, but new vacuum, all features should function (the power brush, itself, DOES work). I called Kenmore Customer Service, it took the guy forever to say he couldn't find this model, and when he found one similar, I asked that I be sent a new Power Head. Nope. He said to PACK UP THE WHOLE THING and return it to Amazon. If you've bought a vacuum recently, you KNOW what a nonstarter REPACKING and schlepping a vacuum cleaner to UPS is. I asked why he can't just send a replacement powerhead. He finally said that he could send me one that has the Indicator, but that it would be a different color. Is it really possible that, in all of Kenmoreville, they don't have another 200 Series in Orange?? Whatever, I asked that he send it. AND ... it's out of stock. He hopes he gets it in a couple of weeks. WHAT is the story with Kenmore? Again, the unit seems good, but I've used it for only 10 minutes, the indicator doesn't work, and the whole Kenmore experience is less than encouraging. What has happened to this company? February 22: I received the new powerhead. And the Brushroll Indicator light doesn't light. I decided to CAREFULLY read the Use/Care Guide, and the only mention of the Indicator light is in the Overload Protection section and notes that if there is an overload, the Indicator light will show red. Stupid me: I thought the Indicator light would light whenever the Brushroll was in use, to confirm that element was engaged. So. Now I have two Powerheads and a renewed sense of idiocy. (It still would be better if it didn't swivel, if it had a headlight, and if the On/Off were on the handle v the body of the canister. But all in all, a powerful, functioning Kenmore.)

You cannot beat Kenmore canister vacuums for longevity. My 30-year-old Kenmore vacuum is still going strong. I bought this vacuum so that I do not have to carry vacuums between floors at my home; now there is one on each level. I like ALMOST everything about this new vacuum. My key points: PROS: Excellent suction; simple design with less electronic gadgets to break; excellent quality hose; can use either HEPA dust bags or regular dust bags (much less expensive); very light and maneuverable. CONS: Short hose length (6ft long; old Kenmore hose is 8ft long); all attachments are cheaply made (shame on you Kenmore!); comes with a regular dust bag installed and NOT a HEPA dust bag as you would expect based on the advertising (not a deal breaker for me). SUMMARY: Despite a couple shortcomings, I highly recommend this vacuum; great value for the money!

Great suction, only complaint would be the head for the floor is way to small.

As expected this vacuum works really well and does a good job on floors and carpet. Only issue is that start stop button is not on handle but on machine. Awkward at times.

really love this vacuum cleaner..had a Kenmore for 40yrs till the power head broke down..I researched many new types and models for 4 momths..was going to settle with Miele vacuum cleaner because of the power and suction,,,but the power head is air activated. ,,not electric. The Kenmore has an electric power head which is better from maintaining rotation. The price was perfect,,only $300.00.it does have high suction and I like the heap exhaust filter to catch small particals that escape through the bag..the noise level is not bad at all. Typical high hum..its much smaller than the older version canister model. This is a great vacuum for condos,,small homes and townhouses ( which I have) with under 2,000 sqft. its very light and easy to work with,,wheels are bigger and prevents tip-over,,if you own a larger home that's up in the 2500m to 3000 sqft. ,,central vac would be better,,just because you only need to plug in the hose into the wall..