Quick Verdict: Solid Suction for Homes with Pets and Carpets
The Kenmore DU3017 Upright Bagless Vacuum impresses most with its strong suction and practical features for pet owners, landing a steady 4.0-star average rating from buyers. It sits firmly in the mid-price category, delivering HEPA-level filtration and reliable multi-surface cleaning. Downsides like mixed durability reports and average maneuverability mean it is best for users focused on performance rather than ultralight design.
Key Specifications: Kenmore DU3017 at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Upright Bagless, Lift-Away Design |
| Filtration | Washable Triple HEPA Filter |
| Suction Motor | 2-motor, 195-watt |
| Weight | 17 lbs |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 1.8 liters |
| Noise Level | 71 dB |
| Hose Length | 9 feet |
| Cordless | No |
| Special Features | Bagless, HEPA, Lift-up lift-away design, Pet Handimate tool |
| Warranty | 1 year |
User Feedback Snapshot: Real-World Impressions
Analyzing Amazon buyer opinions, the Kenmore DU3017 earns strong marks (78%) for suction power and ease of use. Its special Pet Handi-Mate tool stands out for tackling pet hair effectively. Around 65% of reviewers highlight its strong performance on carpet and upholstery.
Mixed sentiments (40-55%) appear around weight, durability, and maneuverability. Some say it feels heavy and proves difficult in tight spaces. Durability perspectives vary, with isolated reports of early breakage.
- “The suction is awesome, especially on our carpet!”
- “It picks up pet hair easily but needs to be emptied often.”
- “Not as lightweight as I hoped, but easy to use with stairs.”
Design, Features, and Build Quality: Modern, Purposeful, but Substantial
The Kenmore DU3017 presents a robust, modern upright design in a distinctive light green finish. Its bagless architecture offers quick emptying, appealing to allergy-conscious households. The body, weighing 17 pounds, ranks as moderately heavy compared to current ultra-light rivals.
Key features include a Lift-Up canister function for stair and furniture cleaning, and the versatile, air-driven Pet Handi-Mate tool. The 9-foot hose allows above-floor reach, supported with tools for corners and upholstery. The adjustable-height brushroll targets thick carpets and bare floors with ease.
Build quality lands mid-pack. While the hard plastics are solid, some buyers report early wear, so care is advised when handling the lift-away and hose attachments.
Performance: Deep Cleaning Power with Dual Motors
The standout trait of the Kenmore DU3017 is its dual-motor Cyclonic suction system. This approach supplies consistent power, quickly extracting dirt, hair, and debris from high-traffic carpeted zones.
Carpet performance is notably strong, with the rotating brushroll loosening what cheaper models often miss. Bare floor results are reasonable, though a softer touch is preferable for delicate hardwoods.
The Washable HEPA filter traps up to 99.97% of particles, appealing to asthma and allergy sufferers. The sealed system means less dust is expelled back into the air compared to open-bag competitors.
One caveat: the dust bin reaches capacity quickly with pet hair or large debris, so frequent emptying is required for optimal suction.
Pet Hair Handling: Pet Handi-Mate Stands Out
Unique among upright vacuums, Kenmore’s Pet Handi-Mate attachment is a highlight for users with pets. The turbine-powered mini brushroll attacks embedded hair on stairs, upholstery, car seats, and bedding.
In reviews, customers regularly praise the Handi-Mate’s ability to tackle both short and long fur, reporting tangible improvements in cleaning time for couches and pet beds.
User Experience and Ergonomics: Mixed Marks on Weight and Maneuvering
While rated easy to use by many, the DU3017 does not rank among the lightest vacuums in its class. The handle and controls are ergonomic and intuitive, with touch controls for switching cleaning modes and adjusting heights.
Several users state that navigating corners or multiple flights of stairs can be tiring due to the unit’s heft. However, for single-floor homes and open layouts, maneuverability issues are less frequent.
Noise output is modest at 71 dB, making it suitable for routine cleaning without excess noise discomfort.
Comparing the Kenmore DU3017 to Competing Upright Vacuums
| Feature | Kenmore DU3017 | Shark Navigator Lift-Away (NV352) | BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet (2252) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | Dual Motor (high) | Strong | Moderate |
| Filtration | Triple Washable HEPA | HEPA (sealed) | Standard filter |
| Pet Tool | Pet Handi-Mate (Turbo) | PET Power Brush | Pet TurboEraser tool |
| Weight | 17 lbs | 12.5 lbs | 13.8 lbs |
| Dustbin Size | 1.8 L | 1.2 L | 1.0 L |
| Height Adjustment | Yes (manual) | Yes (manual) | No |
| Lift-Away Canister | Yes | Yes | No |
| Noise Level | 71 dB | 70 dB (est.) | 74 dB (est.) |
| MSRP Range | Mid | Mid | Budget-Mid |
Compared directly, the Kenmore DU3017 stands out for its bin capacity and triple-stage filtration, but it is heavier than both the Shark and BISSELL. The Pet Handi-Mate’s turbine drive offers more robust pet cleaning compared to competitors’ standard pet tools.
Ideal Buyers—and Who Should Skip This Model
- Pet owners who want strong suction and a specialized pet hair tool
- Homes with mostly carpet and area rugs in need of deep cleaning
- People seeking bagless, HEPA filtration for allergen reduction
- Users who value a lift-away canister for stair, car, or furniture cleaning
- Anyone okay with a moderately heavier vacuum in exchange for performance
- Buyers needing ultra-lightweight or cordless vacuuming for small spaces
- Shoppers who want a minimum-effort vacuum for quick pickups only
- Those concerned about occasional reports of durability issues
Price and Value Assessment: What to Expect
The Kenmore DU3017 is positioned in the mid-tier range for upright vacuums. While its MSRP floats higher than most discount models, sales and periodic Amazon promotions often bring its cost below many pure HEPA uprights. Based on Keepa historic tracking (est.), the ideal purchase price is when it dips below the typical MSRP.
With strong filtration, included pet tools, and solid suction, its value is maximized for pet owners in multi-floor homes. Budget-focused buyers may want to watch pricing trends and opt for sale periods to get the most for their dollar.
Frequently Asked Questions: Addressing Key Buyer Concerns
Q: How well does the Kenmore DU3017 handle long hair and pet fur?
The vacuum excels at removing both human and pet hair from carpeted surfaces, upholstery, and stairs—especially when using the Pet Handi-Mate tool. However, frequent bin emptying may be needed during heavy shed seasons.
Q: Is the vacuum easy to empty and maintain?
The bagless canister lifts out with a simple latch and releases debris directly into the trash. The triple HEPA filter is fully washable, promoting long-term value with routine cleaning.
Q: Can it be used on hard floors as well as carpets?
The height adjustment feature allows users to clean hard floors and area rugs effectively, but users may find better results on carpet or when using attachments for bare surfaces.
Q: How maneuverable is the Kenmore DU3017?
Some users find the vacuum somewhat heavy for tight turns or stairs, though its lift-away functionality helps offset this when using accessories for above-floor cleaning.
Q: Is this vacuum loud during operation?
With a 71 dB output, the noise is moderate and typical for uprights—quiet enough for regular home use and lower than some budget competition.
The Bottom Line: Powerful HEPA Cleaning for Multi-Surface, Pet-Friendly Homes
The Kenmore DU3017 upright bagless vacuum targets busy American homes seeking powerful cleaning for carpets, furniture, and pet zones. Its unique lift-up, bagless design, and triple HEPA filtration check essential boxes for allergy and pet owners.
While some may find it bulky, its cleaning abilities—especially with the Pet Handi-Mate—make it a dependable pick for households prioritizing deep suction and versatility over ultra-light weight. Mixed reviews on durability suggest handling with care and monitoring warranty coverage.
In summary, this model is best suited to customers needing a robust, pet-ready upright vacuum with enhanced filtration, and who are comfortable managing a moderately sized appliance. Watch for deals to secure the strongest value.