Kenmore Vacuum Comparisons

Feature and Definitions

• HEPA stands for "high efficiency particulate air" and describes the filtration system. Simply put, HEPA filtration allows the vacuum to trap extremely small particles, making this a useful feature for people with allergies. Motor sizes are listed by current capacity and range from 6.3 to 12.0 amperes. Motor power increases with ampere rating. Dirt sensors look at the amount of particles being collected. Green means little to no dirt, red shows medium to high concentrations. Direct drive vacuums do not use belts to drive the systems. The pet hair attachment contains extra features to loosen and remove hair from furniture and steps.

Handheld Vacuums

• The Evo 21000 and the 2-in-1 cordless are both suitable for bare floors and carpets. Each may be operated as a stick-type vacuum, as well as a handheld. Both utilize dust cup collection systems. The 2-in-1 is powered by a 14.4-volt rechargeable battery that runs for 18 minutes on a full charge. A charging station and extending crevice tool are included. The vacuum weighs in at 8.1 pounds and has a folding handle. The Evo uses a 6.3-ampere motor with a 20-foot power cord, and is much lighter, weighing in at 4.5 pounds. An included nozzle adapter narrows the suction. The telescoping wand and nozzle are provided separately for use as a stick type vacuum.

Upright Vacuums

• Intuition models 31400 and 31200 cover Kenmore's low- and high-end uprights, respectively. Similarities include bare-floor-to-carpet coverage, 12-ampere motors, direct drive, LED headlamps and HEPA filters. Model 31400 is bagless with a 12-foot telescoping wand and a single-speed motor. The cleaning width is 15 inches. A pet hair attachment is included. At the high end, the 31200 is a bag type and has an ample 12-ampere 3-speed motor to drive a 14-inch cleaning head. HEPA filtration is more sophisticated utilizing three filters, giving the 31200 an asthma- and allergy-friendly certification. Electronic dirt sensor and check-full-bag indicator top off this model's features. A crevice tool, combination brush, and pet hair attachment come standard.

Canister Vacuums

• Among the company's canister vacuums, the model 24194 is the most basic and model 28014, the most sophisticated. Both models cover bare floor and carpets. Each model has two HEPA filters. The 24194 comes with an auto retract cord reel, single-speed motor and telescoping wand. A combination dust brush and crevice tool is included. As we ascend the price scale, features and attachments abound. Model 28014 is asthma and allergy certified. The unit has separate motors for the agitator and for 14-inch suction. The suction motor is a 12-amp variable-speed type. You have the option to operate the vacuum with or without bags. The 28014 has a dirt sensor and is sound-insulated for quieter vacuuming. Finally, an electronic control pad gives you convenient access to its many features.