Kenmore DU4080 Featherlite Lift-Up Bagless Upright Vacuum 2-Motor Power Suction Lightweight Carpet Cleaner with HEPA Filter, 2 Cleaning Tools for…

This initial review is after a single use of this new vacuum. Since the negative reviews all seem to indicate problems in the long run, I will update the review in 6 months to a year, and if all remains the same, will add a star.

My situation: I finally reached the point where, after replacing the internal and external hose, the power switch, and the power head on my Dyson Ball Animal 2, the power head stopped working and I was unable to determine the cause after extensive troubleshooting. As such, I decided to look for a replacement.

I live in a 1900 square foot home with bare floors and area rugs on the 1st floor, and wall to wall carpeting on the stairs and 2nd floor. I have one short hair dog, but the last of my long haired dogs recently passed so it was a good test for the Kenmore DU 4080.

Unpacking and assembly.

I love how this vacuum was packaged. The container was only 2 feet tall by 1 foot wide. There was no unnecessary packing or excess plastic bags wrapped with miles of packing tape. Unpacking and assembly took less than 10 minutes. The unit comes with a laminated quick start guide that has large font print, as well as a detailed owner’s manual, also with clear instructions and large print, great for us old folks who can’t seem to read the micro font in most manuals even with our glass on!. Assembly is completed in 4 easy steps, simply inserting components together until you hear a click.

Initial use.
I was surprised by several things upon initial use. First, the motor has great suction with a variable suction switch for decreasing it for things like vacuuming drapes, and in fact, when using it on the low-pile area rugs it actually pulls itself forward quite strongly (I used it on max suction setting). It works very well on bare floors, picking up kitchen debris and dog kibble without launching it all over the place. The power switch allows you to choose between the roller off or roller on positions.

I then decided to test the upright removable cannister and onboard tools. The cannister removes easily from the base simply by stepping on the lever and lifting straight up. I attached the (non-powered) stair tool and set to work. Suction remained quite strong, and it made a noticeable difference on the stair carpeting.

Minor quibble no. 1: The debris cannister is relatively small compared to the Dyson. I had to empty it after completing each floor, whereas the Dyson could run and not fill the cannister until the whole house was vacuumed.

Re-attaching the cannister was quite easy; just line it up and push until you hear the click, and that’s it. It was lighter than the Dyson and hence easier to carry up the stairs. It continued to perform well, and even sucked up a noticeable amount of dog hair from the longer haired dog who had passed 2 weeks earlier, so that tells me the beater brush and the suction are quite powerful. Emptying the container is a breeze; just hold it over your garbage can, push the button on the bottom and the door opens to release the debris into the can. Snap it back together, place it on the base, and push until you hear the click to return. I did not notice any excess debris stuck in the cannister, although I make a point of shaking and banging lightly on the side when emptying it to remove anything that gravity could not pull out.

Minor quibble no. 2: The cord is way shorter than the Dyson, so I had to unplug and find new outlets to complete each floor, whereas the Dyson cord was long enough to only have to change outlets once upstairs, and not at all downstairs. I can live with this. 🙂

Overall, the unit is light but sturdy, does not seem cheaply made, and did a great job on its initial use. I do have a minor concern where the hose goes into the upper handle, as even with the strain relief, the bend is rather sharp, and may wear out in the long term.

I will update this review as required later on, but for now it seems the 150 bucks I paid was a good investment.

This is the best vacuum I’ve ever had and I’ve had a lot! Its so versatile and light weight. It makes everything so much easier. The cord is long, like 25′ and can reach everywhere I need it to. It’s small but it packs a punch! It has some serious suction! I can hold it still turn it on and watch the dirt around it suck up instantly. I also like that the hose has an adjuster under the handle that you can switch from min to max to adjust the suction of the hose when needed. It’s helpful when clean blinds or ceiling fans, I even dust the tops of my curtains and lamp shades when needed. I can also carry this thing around everywhere. I use it in the house( vinyl ) in the car (carpet) in the motorhome ( carpet), everywhere. I have vinyl flooring and sand not dirt outside and this vacuum sucks up the sand like nothing. I can’t remember the last time I used the broom! It’s so easy to clean too. I just take everything apart wash it and lay all the pieces on a towel, put it back together the next day and it’s ready to go. I do this once every two weeks or so just depending on how dirty it is. I use this vacuum every day a few times a day and it’s running strong. Great product Kenmore! If for whatever reason I have to get another one ( it would be a great gift) I’m definitely getting this one! I was sceptical on the color but when I opened it, it’s actually very pretty. I highly recommend this vacuum!! It would be perfect for seniors because it’s so light weight. Love love love it!!!!

WOW is this machine HOT. I haven’t made any reviews before, but I am compelled to review this item. I live in a large one bedroom, all carpeted except the kitchen and bathroom. This vacuum does it all. Great suction very versatile, the way it turns is awesome. When you don’t need the roller brush the first switch position turns it off. The way the vacuum separates lets you get at the highest places. Been using the machine for 5 months. Easy to get at the filters for cleaning, easy to dump the holding bin. I am really glad that I bought this product. David Kelly

This vacuum is SO easy to push. I just retired a Dyson that I bought in 2010. It was coming apart and dying. I don’t know WHY I waited so long. It weighed a ton and was just super bulky. This Kenmore is definitely super light. The suction is really good…it did the job very well on my low pile carpet that shows EVERYTHING. Some reviews say it’s too small but I love that it’s a tad bit smaller. It fits better around furniture etc… I can vacuum a room in the same amount of time I could the bigger Dyson. It literally takes no longer. The lift away feature made stairs a lot easier, too. This vacuum is definitely worthy of five stars and for the price point, I don’t think you can beat it. I tried a couple Eurekas before this one and they were difficult to push and cheaply made, basically like plastic. This vacuum feels like a quality vacuum to me. I am super happy with this purchase!

The Vaccuum cleaner works good. It is very light, made of a light plastic. I hope it is tougher than it feels.