Fast Take: Strong Suction in a Versatile, Lightweight Upright
The Kenmore DU4399 Featherlite Lift-Up Bagless Upright Vacuum earns a solid 4.1 out of 5 stars from over 2,400 reviewers, cementing its place in the mid-priced market. Praised for its strong, adjustable suction, easy-to-empty design, and genuine portability, it stands out for small homes and pet owners. While not perfect—some report durability concerns—it’s a compelling, feature-packed upright at this price tier.
Key Specs and Features at a Glance
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand / Model | Kenmore DU4399 Featherlite Lift-Up |
| Design | Bagless upright, lift-away pod, portable |
| Weight | 12.5 pounds |
| Dustbin Capacity | 3 liters |
| Filtration | HEPA filter, fully sealed air path |
| Brushroll | Hair Eliminator, self-cleaning |
| Motor / Suction | Dual-motor, adjustable suction (960 watts) |
| Cordless? | No |
| Noise Level | 80 dB |
| Accessories | Pet HandiMate tool, upholstery tool, 3-in-1 tool |
| Extended Reach | 6 ft. hose, 7 ft. total reach |
| Main Use | Home (carpet, floors, stairs, upholstery, pet hair) |
| Warranty | 1 year (est.) |
Who’s This Vacuum Designed For?
- Pet owners seeking hassle-free hair management
- Small to medium households valuing lightweight and maneuverable design
- Allergy sufferers wanting a HEPA-filtered, sealed vacuum
- Any user prioritizing easy emptying and tool-less assembly
- Budget shoppers seeking versatility without premium pricing
Standout Features That Set It Apart
A pivotal draw of the Kenmore DU4399 is its Lift-Up Technology, blending upright power with portable, stair-friendly cleaning. The 3-liter dustbin—three times larger than some rivals—reduces the need to empty mid-clean, a distinct perk for busy routines.
The Hair Eliminator Brushroll employs automatic hair removal, a huge win for homes with pets or long hair, sparing you from detangling sessions. Adjustable dual-motor suction ensures strong performance on carpeted and bare floors alike.
With its sealed HEPA filter, the Featherlite excels at containing dust and allergens, making it a logical pick for those with allergies or sensitivities who need a vacuum that won’t compromise indoor air quality.
Real-World Impressions: User Feedback Snapshot
The Kenmore DU4399 scores consistently high for powerful suction, lightweight handling, and easy use. About 84% of users rate its suction as strong, adjustable, and suitable for pet hair and everyday debris. Portability and maneuverability receive praise from nearly 8 in 10 owners, many highlighting how the vacuum “glides smoothly” while remaining easy to carry.
| Customer Sentiment Breakdown (est.) | |
| Suction | Positive (84%) |
| Ease of cleaning/dustbin emptying | Positive (80%) |
| Lightweight/Portability | Positive (79%) |
| Functionality/Build Quality | Mixed (~65% positive) |
| Size | Mixed (Large for some, small for others) |
Representative owner comments:
- “Suction is powerful but not too noisy. Super easy to empty and much lighter than my old vac.”
- “Pet hair disappears from the rug and I never need to cut the brush free anymore!”
- “I like how portable it is, but the vacuum seemed smaller than expected. Good for apartments.”
- “Worked great but mine broke after a year. Good if you want affordable and easy to use.”
Core Strengths: Cleaning Performance and Everyday Handling
When it comes to cleaning hard floors and low/medium pile carpet, the Kenmore DU4399’s dual-motor system and adjustable suction offer impressive, consistent pickup. The sealed HEPA filtration and self-cleaning brushroll prove valuable for controlling dander and daily grime in active, pet-loving homes.
As a lightweight upright vacuum under 13 pounds, it’s easy to lug up stairs, pivot under tables, or transition between rooms. The generous dustbin and tangle-free brush reduce the “fuss factor,” further helped by the inclusive tool set (Pet HandiMate, 3-in-1 combo, upholstery).
Assembly is straightforward, as most users report tool-free setup in around 10 minutes. Controls and attachments are intuitive, making the Kenmore DU4399 accessible for most ages and skill levels.
Durability and Build: Where It Delivers—and Where It Doesn’t
Owners give the Featherlite high marks for out-of-the-box build quality, but long-term durability divides opinion. About two-thirds of reviewers are satisfied with the vacuum’s materials and reliability across the first year of use.
However, a vocal minority (~15%) experienced issues like body cracks, minor hose detachment, or motor failure after extended daily duty or rough handling. For its price tier, these concerns are not uncommon—but may be worth weighing if robust construction is your top priority.
The included one-year warranty (est.) is in line with most comparable vacuums. Some users recommend gentle use and regular cleaning for optimal lifespan.
Comparing the Kenmore DU4399 to Key Rivals
This vacuum competes most directly with value-packed uprights offering similar capacity, pet features, and HEPA filtration. Here’s how it stacks up against two logical alternatives:
| Kenmore DU4399 Featherlite | BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet (2252) | Eureka PowerSpeed NEU182A | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 12.5 lbs. | 15 lbs. | 10 lbs. |
| Dust Capacity | 3L | 1L | 3.7L |
| Brush Type | Hair Eliminator, self-cleaning | Tangle-free | Standard, no tangle management |
| Filtration | HEPA, sealed | Multi-level, not true HEPA | Washable filter (not HEPA) |
| Lift-Away Function | Yes (portable pod) | No | No |
| Accessory Tools | Pet, upholstery, 3-in-1 | Pet, dusting, crevice | Standard accessories |
| Typical Price Range (est.) | Mid ($$) | Low-mid ($) | Low ($) |
| Avg. Owner Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
The Kenmore stands out with lift-up pod flexibility, superior HEPA filtration, and automatic brush cleaning. It trades off slightly higher cost and some isolated durability complaints versus less versatile but reliable alternatives.
Who Should—and Shouldn’t—Consider the Featherlite Upright
- Highly recommended for pet households and allergy sufferers who need sealed HEPA and hairless brushrolls
- Best for apartments, condos, or homes with stairs due to easy carry and pod design
- Ideal for users seeking simple operation and infrequent dustbin emptying
- Not ideal for large homes craving premium durability or quietest operation
- May disappoint those expecting oversized, full-featured uprights at this price
Price, Discounts, and Value: What to Expect
At launch, the Kenmore DU4399 listed at a mid-range MSRP (est.) that undercuts flagship models while outclassing basic value uprights. Typical sales and periodic Amazon discounts offer even better deals, with a healthy drop on holiday promotions and Prime Day.
According to Keepa tracking (est.), the Featherlite commonly dips up to 20% off MSRP during major sales. For optimal value, try to buy under the average sale price. Compared to mid-priced competitors, the Kenmore offers a strong feature-to-cost ratio, especially for users prioritizing pet and allergy solutions.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kenmore Featherlite effective for pet hair and dander control?
Yes, the Hair Eliminator brushroll and HEPA-sealed filter work together to lift and trap both pet hair and dander, minimizing allergies and brush clogs.
How does the Lift-Up function work?
The Lift-Up design lets you detach the main canister as a portable pod, making stair, upholstery, and above-floor cleaning more convenient than classic uprights.
Is maintenance straightforward for this vacuum?
Yes. Dustbin emptying is tool-free, and filters are washable. Hair does not wrap around the brush, further simplifying upkeep.
How loud is the Featherlite in use?
At 80 dB, it’s on par with most standard uprights. It isn’t whisper-quiet, but isn’t unusually loud for this category.
Can it vacuum thick, high-pile carpets effectively?
The dual-motor suction can handle moderate pile, but may struggle with plush, extra-thick carpets compared to premium uprights or canisters.
Final Assessment: What Makes the DU4399 Worth Buying?
The Kenmore DU4399 Featherlite Lift-Up delivers on its core promises: strong suction, true HEPA filtration, and standout pet hair management in a lightweight, budget-conscious upright. Its Lift-Up pod, tangle-free brush, and generous accessories boost its real-world usefulness, especially for pet parents and allergy-prone homes.
While longevity and size may be trade-offs, most owners agree that for everyday cleaning, its versatility and ease of use impress. When discounted, it’s a top value pick for singles, couples, or small families seeking reliable, convenient cleaning power. For the best deal, watch for price drops below the regular MSRP.