Kenmore Elite 31150 Beltless Pet Friendly Bagged Upright Vacuum, 22.62lbs - Silver

We owned the previous version of this vacuum since 2012, the 31100. It is running well in 2021 but has some cosmetic issues with the handle and bumper that wore out, and we want to donate it while it is in good shape. We use this upright vacuum for a deep clean of our rugs and carpets. We use a foam roller stick vacuum for the hardwoods, and we own a robot vacuum. We are a little obsessed. This vacuum has direct drive motors on the agitator (not so on the 31140), which was a big reason we bought it again. No maintenance on that part for 10 years. It has incredibly strong suction but unlike the Dyson Ball Animal 2 and a few others, it isn’t hard to push. It has larger and wider set wheels than the old model. It doesn’t feel like a 20 lb vacuum, but our old model might have weighed more. An able bodied teen or adult can carry this up or down the stairs. If you lower the agitator too much it can feel self propelled — but could tear up the rugs. We have one Berber rug that recommends we not use the agitator. The 31150 has plenty of suction to clean it. We also bought it for the included attachments. Our old vacuum had a similar Pet Handimate but the one that comes with the 31150 is like a jet engine and beats on upholstery incredibly well. (There is a separate upholstery brush and suction reduction if the agitator is too much). We have two boys and a dog, and the vacuum and attachment can get their barbed short hairs out of our furniture without tangling. I know some report that the Handimate doesn’t do well with long hair. We haven’t had an issue but don’t have much long hair. This new version makes it much easier to clean out — a couple of tabs pop the bottom off to get to the belt and agitator. This vacuum also has an extension wand. The old vacuum had this attached to the flexible hose all the time but in this model it’s clipped to the side. It’s well built, extendible and handy. It has more limited reach than a canister vacuum or one with lift-away function. We use a strong stick vacuum for that need. I know Vacuum Wars was critical of the extension hose attachment. It’s simple enough but the suction control valve is right next to that so I think the guy was a little confused. This 31150 also stands up a lot better than our old 31100. The dirt sensor is useful. We don’t mind the location of the height adjustment. I know Consumer Reports has an issue but the alternatives are either less section or auto adjustment which doesn’t work for thick pile rugs (see Dyson Ball Animal 2). If you want THE strongest suction on a vacuum for deep cleaning and can’t justify paying 2 - 3x as much for a Miele or Sebo, this is a great choice. We looked seriously at the Sebo Felix, which has its advantages but we knew this vacuum well and it offers 80-90% of the features for a fraction of the price. It is very well built. Our old vacuum was a rebadged Panasonic and the 31150 is a Cleva using Panasonic’s engineering and manufacturing.