In this article, we will talk about two very popular canister vacuums – Kenmore 21814 vs 81714.

There are many new vacuum designs introduced to the market each year, however, not all of them will provide the same convenience of a standard canister vacuum. Many people prefer this design, thanks to the powerful motors and a wide range of usability. 

Those vacuums are usually great for cleaning many types of surfaces, upholstery, or even furniture. What’s more, those vacuums can store a powerful motor, that can be used in order to remove the most stubborn dirt and debris.

Due to those reasons, the canister vacuums still do great, and this is why today, we will talk about two very popular units – Kenmore 21814 vs Kenmore 81714.

Based on opinions online, as well as our own experience, we will try to give you a thorough review of each device. At the end of the article, you can also find a winner of this comparison, however, we highly recommend reading the whole article – This way, you can learn all the crucial details.

Without further ado, let’s get into the proper part of the comparison.

Kenmore 21814 vs Kenmore 81714

NAME:	Kenmore 21814	Kenmore 81714
SIZE:	27.76 x 17.91 x 13.98 in.	27.76 x 17.91 x 13.98 in.
WEIGHT:	23 lb.	22 lb.
UNIQUE FEATURES:	Full bag indicator, 5 different attachments	4 different attachments
HOSE LENGTH:	11 ft.	10 ft.
CORD LENGTH:	26 ft.	26 ft.
CHECK THE PRICE ON AMAZON:	Amazon.com	Amazon.com

Main differences

In the beginning, we would like to address, that both products are actually very efficient units. What’s more, we are convinced, that either one of them should do just fine in most scenarios. However, there are some key differences, that you should keep in mind before you make the final decision.

The first major difference is the number of included attachments. Many people ignore the attachments when comparing two different vacuums. In our opinion, it’s a mistake since those can really alter the way you think about a particular unit. They can make the cleaning much more bearable, especially if it takes a long time.

The Kenmore Elite 21814 boasts 5 attachments (Elite dusting brush, fan tool, Crevice tool, Elite floor brush, pet Powermate), whereas the Kenmore 81714 has only 4 attachments (Motorized Pet Powermate, Dusting Brush, Floor Brush, Crevice Tool).

The second crucial dissimilarity is the hose reach. Removing dirt from all those hard-to-reach spots will be easier with the Kenmore Elite 21814, which has a maximum length of 11 ft. The Kenmore 81714 isn’t much worse, having a hose reach of 10 ft.

The last important difference is the full bag indicator. This feature is only available in the Kenmore Elite 21814. However, we have to point out, that this system can be faulty from time to time. Some users claim, that the indicator stopped working only couple of months after purchase.

On the other hand, the Kenmore Elite 81714 doesn’t have this feature at all, therefore it’s still a noticeable improvement. Besides, you can always return the vacuum if the model turns out to be faulty.

Those are pretty much all the things you should know before making the final decision. Based on the factors above, we will also pick a winner of this comparison which can be found at the end of the article. Although we highly recommend reading the whole post.

Cleaning performance

The cleaning performance is, probably, the most important factor when it comes to choosing your new cleaning device. By this, we mean how well a particular unit does, compared to other vacuums from a similar price range.

Suction is usually the first thing, that we check when comparing two different robotic vacuums, however, in this case, the suction remains completely the same. This is due to the same motor used in both units, which is rated at 12 Amp.

This much power should be sufficient for most people, and the vacuums are fairly good at removing the deeply embedded dirt. This is also why both vacuums are suitable for many different surfaces such as hardwood, carpets, upholstery, or even furniture.

The units are also adjusted for people with allergies, offering a special HEPA Media filtration system, with “AllergenSeal”. This ensures, that no dust will flow around your room during the cleaning process. We are surprised, that this feature isn’t present in most of today’s vacuums, as it noticeably enhances the comfort of cleaning.

The manufacturer also includes special HEPA dust bags, which don’t leak any dust or smaller debris.

There are also additional features for extra convenience during cleanings, such as LED headlights on the telescopic wand, stair grip for attaching the vacuums safely during stair cleaning, or crossover handle, which allows you to easily switch between carpet and floor cleaning. Pressing a button on the wand is all you have to do.

Both units also come with a convenient dirt sensor, that is connected to an LED light. This helps you determine whether a particular spot is well-cleaned, even when you can’t clearly see the place. We found this super helpful when removing dirt from all hard-to-reach spots.

The Kenmore Elite 21814 also has a full bag indicator, that alarms you when there is no place left for the debris. Although we highly recommend regularly do the basic maintenance steps such as emptying the dust bin, it can be helpful if you forget when was the last time you cleaned.

We also need to point out, that the mentioned above indicator can be faulty, as many online reviews claim it stopped working after a couple of months. However, there’s always an option to return the vacuum and exchange it for a less faulty model.

In both units, there is a suction control function, that lets you adjust the suction based on the currently cleaned surface.

If you are planning to do a lot of above-head cleaning, we would suggest considering the Kenmore Elite 21814, due to more hose reach. This unit also has more attachments, and those are Elite dusting brush, fan tool, Crevice tool, Elite floor brush, pet Powermate.

The Kenmore 8174 has only 4 attachments, and those are Motorized Pet Powermate, Dusting Brush, Floor Brush, Crevice Tool.

This is pretty much all you have to know about the overall cleaning performance. Of course, there are some aspects, which can indirectly affect the performance, however, we will talk about those in the latter part of the article.

Capacity

The dust bin capacity is the main limiting factor in canister vacuums, as those units don’t have to worry about battery life, opposed to the robotic ones. Therefore, it’s worth checking out the maximum dust bin capacity, so you know how much area you can cover in one go.

Even though we didn’t find the bag capacity listed on the manufacturer’s website, we can say, that it reaches the maximum capacity quickly when you are cleaning pet hair. Unfortunately, this is the case in both vacuums, so it’s something to keep in mind.

Nonetheless, we are convinced, that in most cases the vacuums should do just fine.

Design

The design is another important aspect when it comes to choosing your new cleaning device. It’s even more essential in robotic vacuums, however, when it comes to the canister ones, this is also something to keep an eye on.

The vacuum needs to have an ergonomic construction, so you won’t feel too much exhaustion or soreness. This can be especially problematic if you have a big household, and you spend loads of time cleaning.

Fortunately, in both units, the design remains fairly convenient and comfortable. Both Kenmore 21814 and Kenmore 81714 were designed for easy gliding and optimal swiveling. You can easily go around and under most of the furniture with those two models.

On the handle, you can also find a convenient suction switch, and quick release lever to change between carpeting and hard floor cleaning.

The are many more features such as LED headlights, dirt indicators, stair grip, easy storage compartments, etc.

Cord length

The cord length is something to keep in mind if you own a big household, or you are not planning on using an extension cord. Other than those two options, there’s nothing to worry about, as the cord length in both units is at the satisfying level.

Both Kenmore Elite 21814 and Kenmore Elite 81714 have a cord length of 26 ft. This is actually more than you can find in the majority of standard upright vacuums. Therefore, we really think, there’s nothing to worry about.

Price

The price is usually the first thing people check when comparing two different vacuums, therefore you probably already know the price difference. However, we still decided to touch on this aspect.

The Kenmore Elite 21814 is currently listed on Amazon for the price of $499.99, although it’s discounted 20% (Click here to see the price!). The Kenmore Elite 81714 is also available on Amazon for the price of $449.99, although it’s also discounted 16% (Click here to see the price!).

We strongly suggest checking the price yourself, as it tends to fluctuate quite a bit. Keep in mind, that the total price may also differ if you decide to add some extras, that can be purchased along.

Package content

As we mentioned earlier, people often skip looking at different attachments, that come included in the package. In our opinion, it’s a mistake since those can highly alter the way you are cleaning. Using specialized tools not only makes the whole process faster but also more convenient and comfortable.

We have to mention, that there is a difference when it comes to the included tools. The Kenmore Elite 21814 comes with 5 attachments, and those are:

• Elite dusting brush
• Fan tool
• Crevice tool
• Elite floor brush
• Pet Powermate

The Kenmore 81714 comes only with 4 attachments, although, those also hugely help with the cleaning process. Those are:

• Motorized Pet Powermate
• Dusting Brush
• Floor Brush
• Crevice Tool

As you can see, the Kenmore Elite 21814 is clearly the better choice in terms of the included cleaning equipment. Not only there is one more tool but also most of them seem to work better, compared to the tools from the Kenmore 81714.

Necessary maintenance

The necessary maintenance is another thing, that’s often skipped when looking at different vacuums. It’s a huge mistake since maintenance is necessary to keep the unit working at the desired level. The maintenance also prevents permanent damage.

We won’t be getting into details, as it would make the article too long, however, we will try to give you a few basic maintenance steps, that should work for most of the canister vacuums.

In order to keep your new Kenmore unit operating at the desired level, you will need to:

• Regularly empty the dust bag
• Regularly check the nozzle or any other attachments for any stuck dirt and/or debris
• At least once a week clean the cover of the brush, nozzle, and other tools
• Replace any used or damaged elements as fast as possible
• Regularly rinse the washable filter

Those are only some of the basic maintenance steps, we would highly recommend learning more about this process from the user guide. You can find there all the necessary information you will need, in order to take proper care of your new vacuum.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both vacuums are a great choice, due to their efficiency and convenient design. What’s more, we are convinced, that either one of those should be sufficient for most people. However, there are some things, that you will have to keep in mind before making the final decision.

To some of the most important differences, we can include the included attachments (the Kenmore Elite 21814 has one more attachment), hose reach (the Kenmore Elite 21814 has one ft. longer reach), and full bag indicator (this feature is only present in the Kenmore Elite 21814).

Based on the factors above, we would strongly recommend getting the Kenmore 21814. It comes with more attachments, has a longer reach, and features a convenient full bag indicator. Even though the indicator can be faulty, you can always return the vacuum.

We hope, that after reading this article you will be satisfied with your final choice.