Kenmore 81214 Vacuum Review 2025 – A Reliable Choice for Pet Owners
Keeping a home clean with pets is a never-ending challenge. Between pet hair, dust, and allergens, it feels like you’re always vacuuming. I’ve tried upright vacuums, cordless sticks, and even robot cleaners. While each has its place, I recently switched to the Kenmore 81214 200 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum, and I must admit—it’s one of the most practical and powerful vacuums I’ve used in years.
This bright orange canister model may not be the flashiest vacuum on the market, but it’s built with pet owners in mind. From its HEPA filter to the dual motor system, it offers performance and reliability in a lightweight design.
First Impressions & Design
The Kenmore 81214 stands out right away with its bold orange color. It’s not just eye-catching—it’s also easy to spot in the closet among other appliances.
The vacuum is lightweight for a canister model, weighing around 20 lbs. The telescoping wand is adjustable, and the 360° swivel hose makes it easy to maneuver around furniture. The bagged design means you don’t have to deal with messy dustbins—a huge plus for people with allergies.
Powerful Dual Motor System
The most impressive feature is the two-motor system. Unlike basic vacuums that rely on a single motor, this model has separate motors for suction and brush roll control.
That means:
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Stronger suction on carpets
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Consistent airflow on hardwood floors
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Better pickup of stubborn pet hair
I tested it on a thick area rug where my dog usually leaves behind a trail of fur. The Kenmore 81214 cleaned it thoroughly on the first pass—something my older upright vacuum always struggled with.
HEPA Filtration – Allergy Relief
For households with pets or allergy sufferers, the HEPA filter system is a lifesaver. HEPA captures 99.97% of dust, dander, pollen, and allergens down to 0.3 microns.
I noticed the difference right away. Usually, after vacuuming with cheaper models, I’d get a stuffy nose from the dust blowing back into the air. With this vacuum, the air feels fresher, and there’s no musty odor after cleaning.
Bagged vs. Bagless – Why I Prefer Bagged
Some people lean towards bagless vacuums, but after using the Kenmore 81214, I’ve started to appreciate bagged systems again.
✅ Cleaner disposal – Just remove the bag and toss it, no clouds of dust.
✅ Better for allergies – HEPA bags trap dust securely.
✅ Low maintenance – No need to constantly wash filters.
Replacement bags are affordable and last a while if you vacuum regularly.
Cleaning Performance on Different Surfaces
I tested the Kenmore 81214 on multiple floor types:
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Carpets & Rugs: The dual-motor power picked up deep dirt and pet fur easily.
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Hardwood Floors: Excellent suction without scattering debris.
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Tile Floors: Cleaned fine dust and crumbs without leaving residue.
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Furniture & Stairs: The included attachments made cleaning tight spaces simple.
The adjustable suction settings are also useful—low for curtains and delicate fabrics, high for carpets and pet zones.
Attachments & Tools
The vacuum comes with three versatile tools:
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Crevice Tool – For corners, baseboards, and car interiors.
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Dusting Brush – Great for furniture, blinds, and shelves.
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Upholstery Tool – Perfect for couches, beds, and pet beds.
Switching tools is quick, and they store neatly on the vacuum, so you don’t lose them.
Noise Levels
No vacuum is silent, but the Kenmore 81214 is surprisingly quiet for its power level. On the lowest suction setting, it’s barely noticeable. On high, it’s louder but not unbearable—I could still hear the TV in the background while cleaning.
Maintenance & Usability
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Bag replacement is simple and takes less than a minute.
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The HEPA filter needs changing occasionally, but it lasts months.
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The cord rewind feature is a small but handy touch—no messy wrapping.
Overall, it’s a low-maintenance machine compared to bagless vacuums that require frequent filter washing.
Real-Life Benefits I Noticed
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Pet Hair Control: My golden retriever sheds heavily, but this vacuum handled the fur like a champ.
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Cleaner Air: The HEPA system made my living room smell fresher after vacuuming.
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Easy for Stairs: The canister design + lightweight build made cleaning stairs much less frustrating.
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Long Cord Reach: I could vacuum multiple rooms without constantly unplugging.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✅ Dual-motor system for strong suction
✅ HEPA filtration for allergens & dust
✅ Pet-friendly design
✅ Lightweight for a canister vacuum
✅ Bagged system – hygienic and easy to empty
✅ Multiple attachments included
Cons:
❌ Slightly bulky compared to stick vacuums
❌ Bags need replacing (extra cost)
❌ Orange design might not appeal to everyone
FAQs – Kenmore 81214
Q1: Does it work on thick carpets?
👉 Yes, the dual-motor system makes it very effective even on high-pile rugs.
Q2: How often do I need to change the bag?
👉 Typically every 1–2 months, depending on how often you vacuum.
Q3: Is it good for pet owners?
👉 Absolutely—it’s designed with pets in mind and handles hair/dander very well.
Q4: Does it come with a warranty?
👉 Yes, most units come with a 1-year warranty.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy It?
If you’re a pet owner or someone who struggles with allergies, the Kenmore 81214 200 Series Canister Vacuum is a reliable choice in 2025.
It combines:
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Strong suction power
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HEPA filtration for clean air
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Pet-focused design
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User-friendly features
It’s not the trendiest or most compact vacuum, but it does the job exceptionally well, which is what really matters. For me, it has made cleaning less of a chore and more of a satisfying routine.
