Compare Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Upright Vacuum vs Kenmore Bagless Upright Vacuum Lift

Tool kits are decent for the price (crevice/dusting combo, extension wand, turbo brush, sometimes an upholstery tool), but content varies by SKU and some tools are criticized for being small or not very effective.

Most reviews mention a useful kit including a 3-in-1 combo tool (crevice/dusting/upholstery) plus a powered or rotating pet handymate tool for stairs and furniture.

Blowback/scatter control is described positively in some marketing-style commentary and in bare-floor sealing discussions, but performance varies by model and floorhead seal quality.

Rug handling is mixed: several reviewers like the cleaning, but some say it can feel hard to push or can lose effective contact depending on the height setting and rug thickness.

Assembly experiences range from quick to frustrating. One unboxing shows awkward screw placement and parts that do not seat easily without extra fiddling.

Assembly/setup is described as straightforward in an unboxing-style review, with quick connections for wand and hose and minimal fuss.

The bin is easy to remove and empty in concept, but real-world experience varies: some call it simple, while others report stiff latches or accidental release/fit issues.

The bin is described as adequately sized and easy to remove, with users noting it can capture surprising amounts even after a recent cleaning with another vacuum.

Build quality is often described as better than expected for the price, with thicker plastics and a sturdier feel, though fit/finish issues show up in some assembly/handle reports.

Build quality impressions are mixed: several reviewers describe the unit as solid and well-built for the price, but at least one owner reports cracked hose components.

High-pile carpet results are inconsistent across sources; one review suggests pet hair can be collected but general debris pickup may lag behind stronger competitors.

High-pile performance is described as good but more situational; at least one user notes using the brushroll on very high pile despite some carpet guidance against it.

Low-pile carpet pickup is generally rated good to very good in the hands-on reviews, though one lab-style review found weak overall debris pickup despite decent pet-hair results.

Low-pile carpet pickup is consistently rated strong, with lab-style tests and user demos showing thorough debris removal.

On medium-pile carpets and typical rugs, reviewers report solid cleaning but note that height settings can be finicky, sometimes reducing brush contact and requiring a re-pass.

Medium-pile pickup is a standout, including at least one report of a 100% deep-clean style test and other tests in the high-90% range.

Clogging is most often mentioned around the turbo tool and narrow passages, especially with pet hair. Keeping the brush/tool path clear is a recurring recommendation.

Comparisons are split: one review ranks it as a low performer versus other sub-$200 uprights, while other reviewers say it is a notable step up from older Dirt Devil models but still not best-in-class versus brands like Bissell.

In head-to-head comparisons, reviewers often rank Kenmore favorably versus similarly priced uprights for suction, usability, and pickup, while conceding competitors may offer longer warranties or different conveniences.

Controls are mostly simple (power, height settings, and in some versions brush or floor-mode controls). The main complaint is less about the buttons and more about how settings translate to real contact/performance.

Controls are generally simple and intuitive, including floor-type switching on some models and suction-control vents on the hose/wand in at least one review.

Cord length is commonly referenced as about 25 feet. Some reviewers consider that fine for small areas, while others call it short versus 30-foot uprights.

Cord length is repeatedly called out as generous (around 30 ft), improving room-to-room reach without frequent outlet changes.

Cord management ranges from basic wrap hooks to models with cord rewind. Rewind versions are praised for convenience; non-rewind versions still have clips/hooks that work but feel budget.

Cord management is functional but not premium; wrapping is often manual, and retractable-cord convenience is referenced as a feature competitors may offer instead.

Crevice/groove pickup is a reported weak spot on some versions, tied to design choices that reduce sealing at the floor for better large-debris intake.

Cyclone separation is described as improved versus older models but still imperfect; one detailed review notes dust can bypass the cyclone and reach filters sooner than expected.

Ease of use is generally good once set up, with simple controls and straightforward mode changes. A few owners cite annoyances like finicky height settings or awkward latches.

Ease of use is repeatedly framed as a highlight due to swivel steering, lift-up/away versatility, and simple emptying, with only under-bed access and weight as recurring friction points.

Emptying is generally straightforward, but several reviews mention mess potential (dirty bottom hatch, stiff doors, or awkward re-seating) depending on the model.

Emptying is commonly described as quick and low-effort with push-button release, though routine upkeep (filters/brushroll) matters for maintaining performance.

Filtration is typically described as average for an unsealed bagless upright. Some reviewers note the lack of a true HEPA-style seal and report dust reaching filters/motor-side areas.

Multiple testers call out a sealed HEPA air path that keeps fine dust and allergens contained, and smoke/leakage style tests are reported as passing well for the price tier.

The floorhead/brush system is aggressive and carpet-focused. Reviewers mention stiff bristles, felt strips, and height setting quirks that can affect contact and ease of pushing.

At least one review highlights better sealing on hard floors that reduces debris spit-out, but others describe limited sealing and less controlled bare-floor behavior.

Carpet hair pickup is a relative strength in several reviews, especially for a lower-cost upright, though performance varies by model and test method.

On carpet, testers report very high pickup performance (often high-90% results) and strong pet hair removal, especially in medium/low pile situations.

Hard-floor hair pickup is less consistent, particularly if the brush is disabled or the head does not seal well; some users still report acceptable results on bare floors.

Hard-floor hair pickup is generally described as effective, helped by strong airflow and floorhead design; some versions emphasize better performance than similarly priced rivals.

Hair-wrap resistance is average at best. Multiple reviewers mention hair wrapping around the brushroll and needing periodic cleaning.

Tangle resistance is mixed: some tests show hair wrapping on the brushroll (especially longer hair), while other variants include hair-eliminator features that reduce buildup.

Fine dust on hard floors is described as acceptable when the head is set correctly, but overall hard-floor refinement varies and depends heavily on the specific model/SKU discussed.

Fine dust pickup on hard floors is described as above average, supported by strong suction/airflow measurements and visible debris capture with headlights.

Large debris intake on hard floors ranges from poor to good. One review reports weak pickup of larger pieces, while another notes a bare-floor setup/seal that helps prevent blowback.

Large debris intake is noted as unusually capable on some variants due to wider front gates, improving chunky pickup versus many uprights at similar prices.

LED headlights are mentioned as genuinely helpful for spotting debris in darker areas and along typical cleaning paths.

Hose reach is described as usable to solid for above-floor tasks, with some reviewers satisfied for stairs and furniture, though exact length varies across versions mentioned.

Hose durability is specifically criticized in one report that mentions cracking and snapping, suggesting the hose can be a weak point if stressed or used heavily.

Low-profile reach is limited in at least one unboxing, with the body/cyclone area preventing the head from getting truly flat. Under-furniture access depends on clearance and the specific model shape.

Maintenance is routine for a bagless upright: regular filter washing and brush/hose checks. Some designs make brush access or tool cleaning more tedious than expected.

Maintenance is emphasized for bagless performance: multiple reviews mention regular filter cleaning and occasional brushroll hair removal, with outcomes (tangles, suction consistency) improving when upkeep is done.

Handling is decent for a non-swivel budget upright, but some users report it can feel hard to push on thicker rugs and does not match premium maneuverability.

Handling is generally praised with responsive swivel steering and easy navigation around furniture, though the weight can still feel cumbersome for carries.

Noise is described as typical to loud for a corded upright. The turbo tool is singled out as especially loud in one review.

Noise is commonly described as loud for a corded upright, with test numbers around the high-70 dB range and user notes that it can be noticeable at higher power.

Onboard storage is a plus in several reviews, with dedicated spots/posts for tools. Some note wasted space or a storage position for a tool that is not included.

Ongoing costs come up mainly via filters, with one complaint that replacements feel expensive; multiple reviewers stress routine filter cleaning to preserve bagless performance.

Long-term longevity is uncertain. Reviewers like the improved design but caution that motors and sealing are not premium, and expectations should match the budget tier.

Durability/longevity is the most polarized theme: some short-term impressions are positive, while a negative owner report describes early motor failure within months.

Overall sentiment skews positive in test-focused and owner demo reviews, but there is at least one strongly negative experience centered on early failure and repairability.

Pet capability is repeatedly highlighted via the included pet tool and strong carpet pickup, though brushroll hair management varies by model and user cleaning habits.

Value is a common theme: strong performance for the money around the lower price point, but the proposition weakens if priced closer to higher-performing competitors.

Value is a consistent strength: reviews frame these Kenmore uprights as delivering near-premium pickup and sealed HEPA features at a notably lower price.

Stair cleaning is generally rated good when using the hose and tools; one hands-on review specifically notes reaching multiple steps without moving the unit often.

Stair cleaning is a strong use case when leveraging lift-up/away mode and the pet tool, making the weight less of a barrier than a traditional full-unit carry.

Most reviews describe strong suction and improved airflow versus older Dirt Devil uprights, with a stiff brushroll that can pull embedded debris. Performance can dip if filters clog or if the brush/head loses contact at certain height settings.

Across reviews, Kenmore’s Lift bagless uprights are described as very strong for a corded upright, with suction readings around the low-20 kPa range in testing and noticeably aggressive pull on carpet in home use.

Support and reliability feedback is mixed. One source notes a multi-year limited warranty, while another warns warranty handling may be frustrating and recommends purchasing from a retailer with easy proof-of-purchase.

Reliability and warranty confidence is mixed, with comparisons noting shorter warranty terms than some competitors and at least one report of repeated shutdown/no-power issues.

Surface safety is a concern on delicate hard floors in some reviews due to an always-on or aggressive brushroll and inconsistent hard-floor sealing.

Tool swapping and compatibility can be a pain point. Multiple reviewers call out a proprietary fitting, which can limit use of universal attachments.

Tool changes are described as easy, with combo tools that switch modes quickly and attachments that lock into place without much effort.

Under-furniture pickup is often limited by the head not lying fully flat and by bulk around the cyclone/body, making it harder to reach low-clearance areas.

Under-furniture access is a common tradeoff: the main head may not fit under low beds, but lift-up/away plus hose/tools can partially compensate.

Above-floor cleaning is helped by a usable hose and included tools, and at least one reviewer reports stair reach of roughly 9-10 steps. The turbo tool can be loud and may clog with hair.

Above-floor performance is supported by long reach wands and the included tools, with upholstery and ceiling reach called out as practical benefits.

Weight is repeatedly described as manageable for an upright (mid-teens pounds in some discussions), helping with carry and room-to-room moves.

Weight is consistently in the mid-teens (about 14–15 lb), which is manageable for a corded upright but noticeably heavier than cordless options.