Quick Verdict: Effective Pet Vacuum, But Durability Divides Opinions
In summary, the Kenmore Elite 21814 Pet Friendly CrossOver Canister Vacuum stands out for its strong, adjustable suction and pet hair capabilities, making it a practical choice for multi-surface cleaning in homes with pets. At an upper mid-price tier, the model delivers ample tools and HEPA filtration but receives mixed reviews regarding weight and build quality. This highly rated vacuum (4.1/5 from 13,000+ reviews) is a solid performer, though longevity concerns may give some buyers pause.
Kenmore Elite 21814: Core Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vacuum Type | Bagged Canister |
| Filtration System | HEPA, traps 99.7% of particles |
| Weight | 23 pounds |
| Wattage | 120 watts |
| Noise Level | 78 dB (est.) |
| Floor Compatibility | Carpet, Hard Floor |
| Cleaning Attachments | Pet PowerMate, Crevice Tool, Upholstery Brush, Dusting Brush, Fan Tool, 2 Floor Nozzles |
| Cord Retraction | Retractable Cord |
| Telescoping Wand Range | Up to 11 feet |
| Onboard Storage | Yes, 4 tools |
| Warranty | 1 year |
User Feedback Snapshot: Mixed Praise for Performance and Longevity
With over 13,000 ratings and a 4.1/5 star average, this vacuum clearly serves a loyal base, but experiences vary. An estimated 65% rate it 4 or 5 stars, largely crediting its pet hair pickup, suction, and versatility. About 20% report quality or usability issues, specifically with weight and durability. Only a minority complain of total product failure.
- Positive Comments: Most users highlight easy pet hair removal and effective suction on both carpets and hard floors.
- Criticisms: A notable portion criticize the build as “less durable” than older Kenmore models and debate whether it feels heavy or not.
Direct quotes from buyers include:
- “The Pet PowerMate works miracles on dog hair!”
- “Great suction, but the hose feels flimsy and the plastic isn’t as sturdy as my previous Kenmore.”
- “It’s heavier than expected, but it glides pretty well.”
Performance Highlights: Pet Hair, Multi-Surface, and Filtration
A major selling point is the Pet PowerMate motorized attachment, which excels at pulling pet hair, dander, and debris from carpet, upholstery, and car interiors. The brush is designed to resist tangling—a big advantage for homes with shedding pets.
The cross-over floor nozzle switches instantly between hard flooring and carpeting, maximizing efficiency as you clean. Strong, adjustable suction makes quick work of dust and crumbs, especially on hardwood and tile.
The HEPA filter system traps 99.7% of microscopic dust, dander, and allergens, offering relief to allergy sufferers. The vacuum bag is easy to replace, and an indicator light alerts users when it’s full to prevent loss of suction.
Features and Included Accessories: Optimized Cleaning Solutions
The Kenmore Elite 21814 arrives with several attachment tools to tackle every home cleaning scenario. Onboard storage keeps essentials within reach:
- Pet PowerMate motorized brush (for pet hair)
- Crevice nozzle (for tight spaces)
- Upholstery brush (for furniture and curtains)
- Dusting brush (for shelves, delicate surfaces)
- Fan tool (for ceiling fans or blinds)
- Second bare floor tool (for smooth floor transitions)
A telescoping aluminum wand extends your reach up to 11 feet, while the 14-inch cleaning path reduces the number of passes required for large spaces.
Ergonomics and Usability: Portability Versus Weight
At 23 pounds, this vacuum measures heavier than many upright or stick competitors, but most users find its four-wheel canister base easy to maneuver over carpets and across thresholds. Assembly is required and straightforward, but the canister form factor may challenge those with mobility restrictions, especially on stairs.
Controls are housed on the handle for quick adjustments. The retractable cord and onboard storage cut down on prep and wrap-up time, making it a good choice for frequent, thorough cleaning sessions.
How the 21814 Stacks Up Against Key Competitors
For buyers in the pet-friendly canister vacuum market, the Kenmore Elite 21814 faces direct competition from the Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog (mid to high price tier) and the Bissell Zing Bagged Canister (budget to low-mid price). Here’s a feature comparison:
| Model | Filtration | Pet Hair Tool | Weight | Price Tier | Onboard Storage | Build Quality (User Consensus) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore Elite 21814 | HEPA | Pet PowerMate | 23 lbs | Upper Mid | Yes | Debated (mixed/lower vs. old Kenmore) |
| Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog | HEPA (optional filter) | Turbobrush | 13 lbs | High | Yes | High |
| Bissell Zing Bagged | Basic (not HEPA) | No (standard tools only) | 7.5 lbs | Budget | Yes | Average |
The Kenmore 21814’s pet tool and filtration outperform Bissell’s budget option, but Miele’s lighter build and premium construction are considered superior—though at a higher price.
Who Should Consider This Vacuum
- Pet owners needing reliable hair and dander pickup on multiple surfaces
- Allergy sufferers who want a mainstream canister with HEPA filtration
- Households with both carpet and hard flooring
- Shoppers seeking an attachment-rich vacuum with strong suction
Who May Want to Skip It
- Buyers who value lightweight, ultra-portable vacuums
- Those expecting “Old Kenmore” build durability
- Stair-heavy homes where a canister would be difficult to manage
- Users who prefer a cordless or bagless system
Price & Value: Should You Grab the 21814 or Wait?
The Kenmore Elite 21814 falls in the upper mid-range price bracket for canister vacuums with pet tools and premium filtration. While the MSRP is often on the higher side, promotions and Amazon deals drop it below that. The ideal “buy now” price is usually when it’s discounted 20-25% below MSRP, which according to Keepa price history (est.), is periodically achieved throughout the year—especially during major sales events.
Compared to similarly equipped vacuums, you’re paying for multi-tool versatility, strong suction, and solid filtration—but with somewhat mixed reliability reviews. Consider overall durability needs before committing at full retail.
Common Questions About the Kenmore Elite 21814
-
Q: Can you use the Kenmore Elite 21814 on both hardwood floors and carpets?
A: Yes, the CrossOver floor nozzle and included bare floor tool allow for seamless transitions and effective cleaning on both surfaces. -
Q: Is the vacuum bag easy to replace and does it come with extras?
A: Replacing the HEPA bag is straightforward. Replacement bags are sold separately, and one bag is typically included in the box (est.). -
Q: How effective is the Pet PowerMate for long hair and pet fur?
A: The Pet PowerMate is designed to prevent tangling and is highly reviewed for picking up stubborn pet hair from upholstery and carpets. -
Q: Does it work well for people with allergies?
A: Yes, thanks to its sealed HEPA filtration system, it effectively traps dander, pollen, and microparticles, improving indoor air quality. -
Q: How long is the power cord and hose reach combined?
A: The telescoping wand extends up to 11 feet, but total reach with cord is around 25-30 feet, depending on outlet placement (est.).
Final Word: Is the Kenmore Elite 21814 the Right Choice?
The Kenmore Elite 21814 Pet Friendly Canister Vacuum delivers robust features for pet owners and allergy-prone households. Its bagged HEPA system, powerful suction, and versatile attachments enable whole-home cleaning. While some find its weight and plastic build a step below vintage Kenmore models, the cleaning performance and flexibility remain competitive at its price point.
Choose this vacuum if your priority is pet hair removal and allergen control versus lightweight portability or premium durability. For fans of the canister format who need a multi-surface, pet-friendly solution, it’s a recommended buy when on sale—just weigh recent user experience versus long-term reliability.