Compare Kenmore Bagless Upright Vacuum Lift vs Simplicity Vacuums Allergy Upright Vacuum, S20EZM

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.

Included tools are usually described as basic but useful (commonly crevice and a combo dusting/upholstery tool). Several reviewers want a wider or softer dusting tool, and some add aftermarket pet or specialty attachments.

A few comments call the vacuum simple, clean, or stylish, while others dislike cosmetic choices or mention broken trim/cover parts that are mostly aesthetic.

Airflow blowback or scatter is specifically mentioned on hard floors by some users, including reports of particles being thrown back toward feet during use.

Area rug handling depends heavily on height setting and rug type. Some owners say it works well when adjusted up; others say it can grab edges, chew bindings, or feel too aggressive on certain rugs.

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

Assembly is repeatedly described as simple and quick, typically sliding in the handle and attaching the hose, with minimal screws.

The bag-full indicator is viewed as helpful when present, but at least one owner reports it failing to reset after changing bags.

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.

The bagged system is a major selling point: owners like cleaner disposal, consistent suction, and less dust exposure than bagless designs. Bag capacity is often praised, but replacement cost and bag consumption (especially with heavy shedding or wool rugs) are frequent notes.

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.

Build quality feedback is polarized: some praise sturdy materials (metal brush roll, aluminum wand, rubber bumpers), while others report cheap-feeling plastics, wobble, broken handles/covers, or hose issues over time.

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.

High-pile carpet performance is generally strong due to agitation and height settings, but some users find it hard to push or overly aggressive if set too low.

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

Low-pile carpet results are typically positive, especially for everyday pickup and pet hair, though pushing effort can increase if suction is high and height is set low.

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.

Medium-pile carpet cleaning is consistently praised, with multiple reports of lifting matted carpet and pulling embedded dirt and pet hair that previous vacuums missed.

Some owners mention clogs or brush/belt issues that require disassembly, while others highlight visible clog indicators and easy access to the roller area for checks.

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.

Comparisons are common: many say it out-cleans certain Sharks/Dysons on carpet and pet hair, while at least one comparison favors a premium canister for ease and deep extraction despite higher upkeep.

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.

Controls are usually described as straightforward, with height adjustment settings that are easy to use. The foot pedal placement is occasionally criticized for accidental shutoffs when bumping furniture.

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

Cord length perception varies: several reviewers call it long enough (often cited as 30 ft), while others say it is shorter than expected and requires frequent outlet changes in larger spaces.

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

Cord wrap is often praised as neat and practical, but multiple users wish for a retractable cord for convenience and to reduce cord management hassles.

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.

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.

Day-to-day use is often described as simple and satisfying on carpet, but usability drops for some due to weight when carrying, strong pull on thick carpet, short hose frustrations, or brush roll behavior during hose use.

Edge and baseboard cleaning is highlighted positively by some owners, while others still avoid edges on delicate rugs due to brush aggression.

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

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.

Filtration is a standout: multiple reviews highlight HEPA-style bags and filters, strong dust containment, and noticeable allergy relief versus bagless vacuums.

The floorhead/brush system is powerful but divisive. Many emphasize strong agitation and carpet grooming; many also complain the brush roll runs continuously and can be too aggressive on hard floors and some rugs.

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 generally described as effective, helped by strong airflow and floorhead design; some versions emphasize better performance than similarly priced rivals.

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

Hard-floor fine dust pickup is inconsistent: some users report very clean results, while others say the brush roll and airflow can scatter particles or require switching to other vacuums for hard floors.

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.

Large debris intake on hard floors gets mixed feedback, including complaints about litter or particles being thrown back during use in some homes.

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

The headlight is frequently mentioned as useful for spotting debris, though at least one owner questions bulb longevity and whether the lights are true LEDs.

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.

Reach is a frequent theme: some are happy with the wand/hose extension for corners and drapes, while others say the permanently attached hose feels too short and can tug the vacuum toward them.

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.

Maintenance expectations are higher than some modern uprights: multiple owners mention periodic belt changes and watching filters/bags, and a few report recurring belt or brush issues.

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

Handling is mixed: some call it easy to maneuver with good wheel roll and a small footprint, while others find it awkward to lift onto steps, hard to push on thick carpet, or unstable/wobbly when parked.

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.

Noise is a common downside. Many describe it as loud, though a few say the tone is acceptable or less irritating than other vacuums.

Onboard tool storage is commonly praised as convenient and secure, helping reduce lost tools and making quick transitions easier.

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

Ongoing costs are mostly about bags and periodic belts/filters. Many accept the trade for cleaner disposal and better dust control, but some find OEM bags or add-on tools expensive.

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

Longevity reports are split: some claim many years across prior Simplicity units and expect long service due to replaceable parts, while others report failures around 1 to 2 years, frequent belt breaks, or brush/motor issues.

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.

Pet owners frequently praise strong pickup on carpet and reduced lingering hair. A few reports note limitations for long hair on upholstery or brush/belt strain in heavy pet homes.

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

Value is usually rated positively for a bagged HEPA-style upright, with several reviewers calling it worth the money. Some disagree when durability or repair frequency becomes an issue.

Some users describe a powered-assist or self-propel-like feel, while others explicitly wish it were self-propelled, especially as they age or when cleaning thick carpet.

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.

Stair cleaning is supported via hose/tools and at least one stair-focused attachment mention, but carrying weight and hose tug can make stair work more demanding for some users.

Several reviewers like the compact footprint and storage friendliness, especially for apartments and tight spaces. Upright stability is occasionally criticized due to wobble or center-of-gravity comments.

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.

Suction is consistently described as strong, often the primary reason people keep the vacuum. A minority say it is good but not on par with their best prior vacuum, or that strong suction can increase push effort.

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.

Support experiences are mixed but lean positive in key stories, including at least one report of a quick refund after failure. Others report difficulty reaching customer service or post-warranty parts frustration.

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

Tool changes are usually straightforward, especially with the telescoping wand. Compatibility with older hoses or certain attachments is a reported pain point for some owners.

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

Above-floor cleaning is generally strong with the wand and crevice tool, but upholstery performance is mixed, including complaints about long pet hair on couches and limited included fabric tools.

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

Weight impressions vary but cluster around sturdy and somewhat heavy. Many say it feels fine while pushing, but heavier when carrying up stairs or doing repeated back-and-forth on thick carpet.

Wool and delicate rug compatibility is a concern in the reviews: some users report damage to a rug or needing to avoid edges, and others note wool rugs fill bags quickly even when they like the cleaning result.