Effortless Maneuvering and HEPA Clean—But Is It the Right Choice for Pet Owners?
The Kenmore 10701 Pet-Friendly Lightweight HEPA Canister Vacuum delivers mobility and allergen control in a compact design, with particular appeal for hard floor owners and apartment dwellers. While suction and portability receive praise (earning it a 3.8-star rating), mixed feedback on pet hair pickup and durability hold it back. In the U.S. market, this vacuum fits at the mid-range price tier, making it a value choice if HEPA filtration and light weight top your list—but not the last word in pet-hair cleaning.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand / Model | Kenmore / 10701 |
| Vacuum Type | Bagless Canister |
| Filtration System | HEPA Filter (traps 99.97% of particles) |
| Suction Power | 120 watts cyclonic |
| Capacity | 0.6 lbs dust bin |
| Weight | 15.21 lbs |
| Cord Length | Retractable, approx. 16-18 ft (est.) |
| Hose Length | 9 feet |
| Attachments | Dusting Brush, Crevice Tool, Floor Brush, Pet Brush |
| Dimensions | 11.4 x 12.2 x 28.8 inches |
| Surface Recommendation | Carpet & Floor |
Performance: What Makes the Kenmore 10701 Stand Out
A major selling point is the enhanced HEPA filtration, which the Kenmore 10701 leverages to trap up to 99.97% of airborne particles, making it an attractive pick for allergy sufferers. The canister’s lightweight and wheeled design offer convenient mobility, especially on hard floors.
Variable cleaning modes and multiple included attachments—especially the special pet brush and turbine tool—offer versatility for cleaning furniture, car interiors, and more. Users have found its strong cyclonic suction effective on hard surfaces; however, carpeted areas and pet hair collection have received mixed feedback.
User Feedback Snapshot: What Real Owners Say
According to nearly 1,800 reviewers, ease of use and portability are top strengths, but some notable weaknesses exist:
- 87% praise the Kenmore 10701’s lightweight construction and easy portability.
- 63% note very positive suction, especially on hard floors and fine dust.
- 56% report mixed results with pet hair, especially on medium/high-pile carpets.
- 42% cite durability concerns—mentioning issues with plastic component strength.
- 35% are split on value for money given long-term reliability.
Sample reviews from verified users:
“This Kenmore vacuum is super light and has amazing suction. Love how easy it is to maneuver!”
“It’s good on my tile floors but struggles with pet hair on the rugs.”
“Plastic feels cheap—the handle fell apart after six months.”
Functionality and Everyday Use
The Kenmore 10701’s push-button controls and retractable cord make it straightforward for everyday cleaning, minimizing setup time. Customers particularly appreciate the see-through, easy-to-empty canister and on-board accessory storage.
Thanks to the 9-foot telescopic wand and long hose, reaching ceilings, corners, or cleaning the car is much less of a hassle. Assembly and filter maintenance are generally user-friendly, but the small dust bin (0.6 lbs) means frequent emptying if you have pets or lots of debris.
How the Kenmore 10701 Stacks Up Against Competitors
| Model | Kenmore 10701 | Eureka WhirlWind NEN110A | Bissell Zing 2156A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Type | Bagless Canister | Bagless Canister | Bagless Canister |
| HEPA Filtration | Yes | No (standard filter) | No (basic filter) |
| Weight | 15.21 lbs | 8 lbs | 11 lbs |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 0.6 lbs | 3L (est. 6.6 lbs) | 2L (est. 4.4 lbs) |
| Pet Tool Included | Yes | No (floor brush only) | No (basic attachments) |
| Best For | Allergy control, light carpets, hard floors, pet dander | Quick hard floor cleans, apartments | Budget cleaning, multiple surfaces |
Compared to competitors like Eureka WhirlWind and Bissell Zing, the Kenmore 10701 stands out for its HEPA filter and added pet brush, but trails in terms of dust bin size and potentially in weight. If allergies and dander are primary concerns, this Kenmore option may be preferable.
Ideal Owners—and Who Should Skip It
- Should Buy: Those needing HEPA-level filtration, allergy sufferers, or owners of hard floors and low carpets who value lightweight maneuverability.
- Should Buy: Apartment or condo residents with limited storage space.
- Should Skip: Pet owners expecting deep carpet cleaning or heavy-duty pet hair removal.
- Should Skip: Households demanding rugged, long-term durability or larger dust bin capacity.
Pet Hair and Dander: A Closer Look at “Pet-Friendly” Claims
The inclusion of a dedicated turbine brush and HEPA filter makes the Kenmore 10701 a candidate for homes with pets—but performance varies. While it’s adept at tackling dander and fine dust, thicker hair and larger debris (especially on medium-to-high pile carpets) can clog the relatively small bin and exhaust the suction power.
For homes with one or two low-shedding pets (and mostly hard floors), pet dander containment is excellent. For multi-pet or high-shed homes, users should set realistic expectations.
Build Quality, Ergonomics, and Maintenance
User consensus points to noticeably lightweight construction, but with compromises. The plastic body and components contribute to easy handling at the expense of durability; repeated stress on the handle, wand, and hose may result in early wear.
HEPA filter replacement and dust bin cleaning are simple processes, emphasizing user-friendly maintenance. However, extra care is needed with fittings to avoid premature breakage, especially if used daily in high-traffic households.
Value for Money and Pricing Trends
With an original MSRP (est.) near the mid-range segment and frequent Amazon discounts (according to long-term Keepa price charts), the Kenmore 10701 can often be found at a favorable price below SRP. Its best value occurs during major shopping events or digital coupon deals, with a target “buy” price below the average list.
Compared to units costing less, the addition of HEPA filtration and included pet brush commands a premium, albeit with limitations in bin size and build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should the HEPA filter be replaced?
A: For optimal performance, replace the HEPA filter every 6-12 months or according to use level. Always consult the user manual for model-specific guidance.
Q: Does the vacuum work well on thick carpets?
A: Performance on thick carpets is mixed. Suction is solid for surface debris, but deep pet hair and dirt extraction may be limited.
Q: Is the cord length sufficient for large rooms?
A: The retractable cord is best for small to medium rooms. For large or multi-room cleaning, users may need to switch outlets occasionally.
Q: How does it handle pet hair on upholstery?
A: The included pet brush attachment performs well on upholstery, couches, and car seats, though users should empty the dust bin frequently when tackling large volumes of pet hair.
Q: Can the vacuum be stored upright?
A: The canister design is meant for horizontal storage, but it can be nestled upright in tight closets due to its compact footprint.
Conclusion: A Lightweight, Allergy-Friendly Canister for Targeted Cleaning
The Kenmore 10701 Pet-Friendly Lightweight HEPA Canister Vacuum excels in offering mobile, allergy-conscious cleaning for hard floors and light carpeted surfaces. Its HEPA filtration and easy maneuverability appeal to apartment dwellers, allergy sufferers, and those who prioritize ease of use.
However, potential buyers should weigh its limited dust capacity, mixed pet-hair performance, and plastic construction against its accessible price and strong HEPA credentials. For specific use-cases—spot cleaning, apartments, or allergy mitigation—the Kenmore 10701 is a compelling contender on Amazon.
Those seeking a sturdy, high-capacity vacuum or deep-cleaning tool for multi-pet homes should consider alternatives, but for many, this Kenmore remains a smart compromise between price, portability, and performance.