Quick Take: Strong Performance for the Price
The Kenmore DS1030 Cordless Stick Vacuum delivers lightweight convenience with solid suction and versatility, earning a 4.1-star average after thousands of user ratings. In the sub-$200 (est.) price tier, this upright/handheld combo offers notable cleaning power and impressive runtime for its class. Those seeking an easy-to-carry vacuum—especially pet owners and people with mixed flooring—will value its practical features and overall user satisfaction.
Core Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Kenmore DS1030 |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless stick (2-in-1 handheld) |
| Filter | HEPA (with replacement included) |
| Weight | 8.1 lbs (whole unit) / Handheld: under 3 lbs |
| Battery/Runtime | 24V Lithium Ion, up to 45 minutes (Low) |
| Noise | 75 dB (est.) |
| Floor Types | Hardwood, tile, carpet, linoleum, pet hair |
| Special Features | Easycut nozzle, LED headlight, 2-speed, bagless, upright/handheld form |
| Charge Time | 5 hours |
| Warranty | 1 year (manufacturer) |
Real-World User Feedback: What People Love (and Don’t)
With over 4,000 ratings and a 4.1 out of 5-star average, the Kenmore DS1030 resonates strongly with everyday users. While detailed sentiment and percentages are not disclosed, customer response highlights quick cleanup, excellent pet hair removal, and harnesses much of the heritage of Kenmore’s larger vacuums in a lightweight package.
Positive reviews praise the easycut nozzle for managing pet hair, and the simplicity of switching between stick and handheld modes. Here’s a snapshot of the feedback:
- “Picks up dog hair off hardwood easily!”
- “Light enough for daily use.”
- “Battery lasts long enough for the whole house.”
A few negatives include long charging time (5 hours) and the small dustbin, which can fill quickly during heavier jobs, but the majority of users appreciate the trade-off for portability.
Feature Overview: What Sets the DS1030 Apart
Kenmore equips the DS1030 with a unique Easycut nozzle, letting users clear tangled hair from the agitator at the push of a button. This is particularly useful for pet owners, reducing maintenance frustration.
The vacuum also features a bright LED headlight to illuminate shadowy corners, making debris visible even under furniture. Two cleaning speeds allow you to balance power versus runtime—low for hard floors, high for carpet.
A detach-and-go handheld unit makes light work of stairs, upholstery, and cars. The handheld body weighs less than 3 lbs, keeping strain low even during extended cleaning sessions.
Kenmore includes a replacement HEPA filter, crevice tool, dusting brush, and a 2-in-1 combination tool. The 24V battery charges from a custom stand and holds up to 45 minutes on a single charge (low mode), enabling uninterrupted cleaning in most homes.
How the Kenmore DS1030 Stacks Up: Competitor Comparison
| Model | Kenmore DS1030 | Shark IZ163H Rocket Pet Pro | Bissell ICONPet 22889 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 2-in-1 stick/handheld | 2-in-1 stick/handheld | 2-in-1 stick/handheld |
| Weight | 8.1 lbs | 7.2 lbs | 7 lbs |
| Battery Runtime | Up to 45 min (Low) | Up to 40 min (est.) | Up to 50 min (est.) |
| Brushroll/Tangle Feature | Easycut nozzle | Self-cleaning brushroll | Tangle-free brushroll |
| Included Accessories | HEPA, dusting brush, crevice, combo tool | Crevice tool, pet multi-tool | Motorized turbo brush, crevice tool |
| Cleaning Modes | 2-Speed | 2-Speed | 3-Speed |
| LED Headlight | Yes | Yes | No |
| Noise Level | 75 dB | 80 dB (est.) | 78 dB (est.) |
| MSRP (est.) | Mid-range | Mid-range | Mid-range+ |
The Kenmore DS1030 holds its own by offering an even balance of battery life, included tools, and unique tangle-removal. Both Shark and Bissell competitors feature their own anti-hair-wrap technology and similar run times, though Bissell adds a motorized pet brush and a higher price tag (est.).
Who Is the Kenmore DS1030 Best For?
- Homes with pets or long hair who need anti-tangle brush features
- People needing a lightweight, quick-use vacuum for daily messes
- Users with a mix of hardwood, tile, and low-pile carpet
- Apartment or small house dwellers seeking cordless portability
- Anyone wanting above-floor cleaning using handheld conversion
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
- Large houses needing all-day runtime for deep, full-house cleaning
- People opposed to frequent dustbin emptying
- Those requiring power for plush, high-pile carpet
- Buyers who want instant recharge—battery takes 5 hours
Price & Value Insights: Where the DS1030 Lands
Based on its feature set, performance, and competition, the Kenmore DS1030 typically falls into the mid-range price bracket for cordless sticks. The MSRP is competitive for the capabilities, with frequent Amazon sales (based on Keepa tracking, est.) bringing the best deals below MSRP on major shopping events. An ideal target price would be under $180 (est.), especially during peak sales or when bundled with extra filters.
With a one-year manufacturer warranty, the investment feels justified for anyone prioritizing easy handling, modular cleaning, and pet-hair management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Kenmore DS1030 really work on both carpets and hard floors?
Yes, the vacuum is built to handle both hard surfaces and low-to-medium pile carpets. Toggle between two speed settings for optimal performance depending on floor type.
How do you clean the brushroll on this model?
The Easycut nozzle allows you to remove tangled hair and strings from the brushroll with a button—no scissors needed.
Will the battery last enough to clean a whole house?
With up to 45 minutes of runtime on Low, it’s sufficient for apartments or small to mid-sized homes. Larger spaces might require cleaning in stages or a spare battery.
Can you wash the HEPA filter?
Yes, the HEPA filter is washable. Kenmore includes a replacement in the box for easy swapping during cleaning cycles.
What maintenance is required?
Regularly empty the dirt cup, clean/wash the HEPA filter, and occasionally check the brushroll for excess buildup. The Easycut system helps minimize hands-on maintenance.
Final Verdict: Practical, Portable, and Pet-Friendly
The Kenmore DS1030 Cordless Stick Vacuum stands out for practical pet-hair management, lightweight handling, and a solid run time, making it a great everyday solution for busy homes. Advanced features like the Easycut nozzle, HEPA filtration, and a convertible handheld add value in a streamlined design, particularly at a mid-range price point. Those prioritizing convenience for hard floors, basic carpet, and spot cleaning will find it well worth the purchase—just be ready for regular bin emptying and scheduled charging between cleanups.