Kenmore - BC4030

Since you move frequently, a cordless stick vacuum might be sufficient if your homes typically have hard floors. However, it will struggle with carpets. A good option for you would be to have two vacuums. A powerful, corded, bagged vacuum for deep cleaning and "do it all" versatility. Then a simple cordless vacuum for quick cleanups and light maintenance between deeper cleans. This combination will give you the best of both worlds. Deep cleaning power with proper filtration and grab-and-go convenience for everyday light duty cleaning. It will give you more longevity from both machines and future proof you no matter your flooring and cleaning needs. If it were my money and I had $500-$600 I would get a Kenmore 600 Series and a LG A9 to supplement it.

The 600 is a great machine, a very good value. It's a canister which will be a bit of a learning curve from your old Shark, but will offer more versatility and power. The powered hand tool (Kenmore calls it the Pet Powermate) is amazing with furniture/stairs.

Agreed with the Kenmore 600 series. Does everything you need and you’ll never need to wash filters with it. Just replace an inexpensive bag every couple months (maybe slightly more often with 5 animals). The bag is a HEPA filter so you’d have a new filter with every bag change. It’s a very versatile, powerful machine. One of the best values around at the moment.

The Miele C1 Turbo Team meets your needs, but the cord length at 18 feet might not work for the reach you need for your stairs. The SEBO K2 Turbo has a 25ft cord and with the hose about 35ish feet of total reach from an outlet. The Kenmore 600 series has a slightly longer cord at 28ft, but I think the hose is a tad shorter than the SEBO so you get about the same total reach. All clean very well, light years better than any cordless vacuum. Of these 3 I would say SEBO K2 Turbo is the best pick if quality and longevity are priority. It comes with a DECADE of warranty when purchased through a dealer. 15-20+ years of life is common. Miele offers similar quality, but only a year of warranty and more difficult to source parts should you ever need them. The Kenmore is a fantastic value. With care 5-7+ years is totally possible.

Look at the Kenmore Intuition models (BU4050, BU4030). Pretty versatile, inexpensive and clean well.

They are all basically variations of the same machine with small differences like included accessories. All will work with dog hair, but the BU4050 specifically has a better brush roll for dealing with hair wrap. Any of them will work for your needs. I've had good luck in the past buying used - like new on Amazon. It's easy enough to return it if the "used" one isn't up to snuff.

If you want to deep clean, cordless ain’t it. Bagged is going to be better for allergies since the bag acts as a very effective filter. Also, doesn’t require you to empty it constantly or have clean the machine itself like you do with cordless, which just stirs all those allergens back up. Bagged is just more hygienic. A canister style machine will give you the most versatility and ability to get into tighter spots. Within your budget? Look at the Kenmore 600 or 400 series.

R/vacuumcleaners Realistically it depends on budget. A good one that won't destroy the bank is the Kenmore BC4030 especially if you can get it on sale for <$200 but you can usually find it for ~279. Next best one would probably be a Miele cat&dog or Sebo but those are very pricey.

That’s a great price and an excellent cleaner.

Canister vacuums suck their cords in with the push a button! For the lower end, I’d probably rec a Kenmore 600. They’re on sale today at [Amazon for $247](https://www.amazon.com/Kenmore-Lightweight-PowerMate-Telescoping-Retractable/dp/B08JTVDQ2G). It’s maybe not a buy it for life, but it’s a dang good cleaner and I love the PetPowermate, a mini electric brush that’s fab for pet hair and couches and rugs. Not even the expensive canisters have that. For more expensive, I also love my Miele C1 Cat and Dog. I’ve seen them hover around $650 right now. This model comes with an electro brush floor, which some might say is overkill for your floors, but if there’s cat hair on your rugs, I say it’s worth it. This model does have a pretty short cord, so it’s good for smaller spaces. There are also Sebo models (I’m not a Sebo expert) like the E3 that are fab. I like how sebo is easier to clean, like you can quickly pop the brush out if you need to get hair off it. This model runs around $1k, but will last 10-20 years.

The Kenmore has a notch on the bottom of the vacuum base where the end of the wand slides in. Slide that in, you can leave the powerhead on. Then unclip the hose handle, wrap it once around the wand pole, and then click it back into the wand. Boom. A tight package ready for storage.  Is the broken main head just a worn belt? That’s the most common issue, it’s wear and tear item. Amazon an $8 belt + use a screw driver and that will fix it for you. Glad the Powermate is warrantied, but that’s also often a belt. 

I have an older Miele (2001 iirc) and a new Kenmore, they honestly trade blows. The Miele is much quieter, the attachments, hose, bags, and filters seem nicer, and I'm betting it does actually filter better too (or did when it was newer). But the Kenmore has the badass mini electric brush head, the handle controls for on/off as well as suction is pretty dang nifty, the bags are much larger (but for some asinine reason don't fit well inside the vaccuum), the bags and filters are all *significantly* cheaper to buy, it feels like it has similar suction, and it costs a fraction as much as a new Miele. Essentially, the Kenmore feels like a *good* knockoff Miele, and for the price they ask I think that's pretty dang good for most people.

I've got a Kenmore canister vac that has the small electric brushroll that more or less does what this does, issue being you do then still have the big canister to worry about. Still though, works excellent on stairs, couches, and tight spaces.

I had this same model for close to 10 years until the motor decided to just blow out. I did so much research on them and tried to find the same model, but what I found was a big drop in quality. I went with a nice Kenmore Elite bagged upright and won't ever look back . (The Kenmore was for my mother and is easier to maneuver than a canister and stick)

I love my Kenmore canister for this as it has the powered stair attachment and the canister also has a little stair catch so it sits fairly securely (and is quite stable) on a stair as I vacuum plus the hose is long enough that I really only ever need to sit it on one step above the landing usually and then one step from the bottom of the stairs and I can reach every step.

We have one and it’s awesome

I also found a "near-new, used only a couple of times", Kenmore 600 series on Facebook, as our other Kenmore finally bit the dust after about 15 years. I also can tell the build quality of this 600 isn't the same from previous models, but knowing that we are in the age of planned obsolescence on pretty much everything, I realize this canister won't last 15 years. But, it will do the job as we will be looking to downsize and the future is uncertain of what kind of flooring we will have. Still looking for a light, day-to-day quick to pick up vacuum mainly for fur of 2 Golden's and 4 cats, especially for carpeted stairs. Since the Golden's are in the "get rid of the summer coat" season, I try to brush daily to keep down clumps of fur everywhere, but still need to vacuum and or carpet rake nearly every day in high shedding season.

I just bought the Kenmore 600 and used it for the first time today. Our last vacuum broke so we haven’t vacuumed in 3 weeks (ahhhh!) and I have two cats so I put it to work today. My carpet has never ever looked or felt cleaner. It far exceeded my expectations. 100% recommend.

I just got the Kenmore 600 series with power pet mate It's a bit heavy and my apartment isn't amazing for a cannister BUT it's great, powerful, picks up hair and has the handheld brushroll attachment for the couch. I'm extremely happy. Bought at $299.99

Love seeing this as I just bought my first bagged vacuum in years I just got a Kenmore because I have a small budget and shitty apartment but MY GOD the difference!!!!

600 series w pet power mate I love it!

That’s a tough budget tbh. You need something corded and bagged (contrary to what you might think, a bagged vacuum actually compresses the fur as opposed to bagless which actually fluffs up the fur, so you won’t be burning through a bag every vacuum session. It should last you at least 1-2 months. If you can stretch a little, a Kenmore 600 series pop and go. The pet powermate is worth the premium alone. It amazing with fur on upholstery.

Look at Kenmore then. 600 series or BU4050

If you can bump your budget - a Sebo dart would be fantastic. Otherwise. Kenmore 600 series or Kenmore intuition BU4050. You want something corded **and bagged**

If you prefer an upright - Sebo dart. If you like a canister style - Kenmore 600 series or if you can stretch your budget a Sebo K3 or Miele C1 cat and dog.

Kenmore is your best bet. I’m not a fan of the 200 series (although it cleans well) it’s very compromised (short cord and hose). Look at the 400 series or 600 series if you can catch it on a sale. Or a Kenmore Intuition BU4050 if you like uprights.

I’d recommend a Kenmore canister 600 series. They’re a solid performer. Reasons to get bagged and corded. Bagged keeps the suction and performance solid because filters can’t get clogged up. The Kenmore 600 series comes with an electric handheld powerhead that is great for removing hair from furniture. For the price point, Kenmore is the best. Lastly, canisters are superior to uprights when there are multiple surfaces because they can clean wall to wall and from floor to ceiling.

Sharks are definitely meant to be trashed after a year or two and lost suction quickly. Sebo and Miele are very expensive compared to Kenmore. Granted Sebo and Miele will last longer, however as long as you take care of your Kenmore it should last quite awhile.

Yes, that’s more in your price range. Sebo and Miele are in their 800’s and up. Kenmore 600

Kenmores may be available in some Kohls. They aren’t BIFL, however they ARE going to last for awhile (treat it nicely). Kenmore 400/600 series.

No one, that I have seen, says Kenmores are junk, on here. In fact, especially when someone has a budget of $500 or less I go right to the Kenmore line. Those who mention lots of pet hair, I also recommend the Kenmore 600. They’re very good vacuums.

A canister is probably the best option for those floors. Two models I would suggest are the Miele C3 Kona or the C1 Cat Dog. You’re going to want a power head (electric) for medium pile carpet. A cheaper option would be the Kenmore 600 series canister. Kenmore is still a solid brand. You can checkout Sebo and Miele at a local dealer near you (or your parents) and see what you all think.

Check out Kenmore 400/600 canister series, those will be great for wall to wall carpet and all the stairs.

Lol, well the difference is you’ll use the warranty on the Bissell you won’t need to on the Kenmore. It’s a superior machine in all aspects. Numbers are only numbers. If you want a machine that will perform for the first couple months then deteriorate quickly go for the Bissell with the 5 year warranty. If you want a machine that will last and the performance won’t change go Kenmore.

Go for the Bissell. FAFO, friend.

Many brands have short warranties, that have nothing to do with reliability and build quality. That said, many brands offer a longer warranty to get you to buy them over better built machines. Think cars: Hyundai/Kia offer the longest warranties out there, yet they’re some of the least reliable cars with poor build quality. Meanwhile, Toyota/Lexus (and most other Japanese brands) offer 3 to 5 year warranties and are extremely reliable. Miele and Sebo are German made, much higher priced. Great machines and usually lighter. Kenmore is solid built, a bit heavier and that shows in a lower price. You’re getting a great vacuum for the price. I’m just trying to work with your budget. If you were pushing $1200 budget, I’d say go with a Sebo K3 Premium or Miele C3 Kona. You choose. Miele also doesn’t offer long warranties yet I’ve got 5 family members with Mieles that are 3 to 20 years old, no issues or complaints. Warranty? Irrelevant. Sebo owners will likely never utilize the warranty either. They’re well built in the first place.

Priced high. Just note, that canister is very heavy compared to its German counterparts. If you’re looking for something that’ll last awhile that’s new, get a Kenmore BU4050 or 600 series.

The 600 is a canister, the BU4050 is an upright.

I made the switch from bagels to bagged after I found a lightly used Kenmore 600 on eBay for $150. So far it’s been great.

I just bought one and used it for the first time this evening and so far my initial impressions are that it feels kind of cheap, it’s awkward to use and doesn’t stand alone without falling over, but it has a helluva motor and great suction, nice long cord, and the hand controls are pretty nice. For the price (bought at $250 on Amazon) it’s a great machine. I will eventually save up and purchase a Sebo E3, but in this economy the 600 will do just fine.

Kenmore 600 series, bought one a few weeks ago at Home Depot for $299 and it’s a beast. Theres a youtube video out there where a guy tests the Kenmore 600 against the classic Miele C1 (i think?) and the Kenmore performs great.

Everyone here is all about BIFL. I have a Kenmore 600. Consider I got mine for just under $300. If it lasts 10-15 years and breaks I could buy 30-45 years of these vacuums for less than the alternative and in a decade or two maybe they'll be even better anyway. I don't find it cumbersome at all. It does a 20x better job than anything rocket makes. I think its a great vacuum but among the most pretentious vacuum owners yea maybe its far from the greatest. It still makes a dyson or rocket look like a childs toy in comparison

I paid under $250 for a Kenmore 600 brand new open box. And even not open box they're under $350. Its an amazing vacuum.

Best all around option in that price range would be a Kenmore 200 or 600 series canister with the motorized powerhead. Very good performance on all surfaces and all the tools and flexibility you'd need to clean anywhere. But, they don't last forever. 5-10 years probably if you take care of it, but they aren't the most robust machines. To get something better and more durable we would be looking more 600+ range. The reason I haven't recommended the miele models within your price range is because they lack motorized power brushes, essential for deep carpet cleaning. Even if in every other way a miele C1 pure suction is superior to the Kenmore.

Ignore the purple one from walmart, its the same price as the orange one on amazon, but comes with fewer and worse small attachments. It's not a good deal. The main difference between the two on Amazon is the blue one has a variable suction adjustment built into the handle. This let's you lower the suction motor down, for cleaning throw rugs, dusting drapes, etc. Or allows it to vacuum really dense rugs. Really underrated feature imo. The orange one on Amazon is mostly the same minus the suction adjustment. Personally I'd get the blue one off Amazon but if you don't think the suction adjustment would be useful, the orange one is fine.

Ah sorry, the purple one on Amazon is the 600 series. It's a bit larger and more capable, with more attachments than the 200. It sort of goes like this, 200 orange is most basic, then the 200 series blue, then the purple 600, then the silver top of the line one. What kinds of floors are you looking to clean? This will determine how much a miele or sebo would run you for your situation.

I'd say that was a good deal. Good price on a good mid-to-low range vac.

Sebo and miele are usually top choices, but Kenmore is usually a pretty decent budget option. They run a lot lower in price than miele or sebo. Less capable in almost every way but adequate and much cheaper.

Kenmore is decent. In your budget thats probably the best option. Something like a 200 or 600 series canister with the motorized powerhead. Good on carpets and hard floors alike. That being said kenmore is no longer made by panasonic and quality has definitely gone down some. I still recommend them as theyre still worth it for the price in most cases. Parts availability may not be fantastic but unfortunately thats the case for basically everything in this price range. I really wish it weren't the case but that's where we're at. Not trying to be too much of a downer but want to temper expectations a little.

im jealous because i just bought the same vacuum for $300 off amazon :(

Kenmore 600 series. Practically bulletproof and they clean like nobody’s business.

I love mine. It’s a very good machine and sturdy build quality.

I got one last year and it’s a great machine 👍 (Kenmore 600)

Avoid Shark can be the one tl;dr from this entire subreddit. They used to be kind of alright (by vac enthusiast standards) but now they're built to break and [near impossible to fix](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uEat894ywQ&t=173s&ab_channel=VacuumsRUs). $449 can get you some great vacuums. For pets, you *don't* want a bagless. They stink up and get unhygienic very fast. The Oreck Elevate Conquer is a great machine, the Kenmore Elite upright is too. If you want a canister, the Kenmore 600 might be a good pick. I'm probably forgetting some machines, but these are the best picks off the top of my head. The good thing about bagged vacuums is you don't have to empty them often, and when you do you're getting rid of all the dust. With bagless vacuums, dust gets on the seals, making them useless and blowing more dust around your home.

I recently bought a Kenmore 600. It was a rude awakening as I've been using Dyson stick vacuums pretty much exclusively.

400 series is a slightly better version of the 200, I think the main upgrades are controls on the handle vs on the canister and a longer cord. If you can move up to the 600 though I’d highly recommend it. Longer hose, better hard floor tool, and mini power brush which is really useful if you have carpeted stairs. I used a 400 for a while and eventually sold it and bought a 600. They’re both good machines though

Kenmore 600 canister would be my recommendation. The 200 or 400-series would be OK too.

I ordered and returned a Shark Rotator from Amazon. I wasn't impressed at all. Replaced it with a Kenmore 600 canister. I had one before and it served me well. I was eyeballing a Sebo oe Miele canister but couldn't get myself to spend that much on a vacuum.

I was mainly using a Dyson V11 then decided to delve into the cannister world. I couldn't justify buying a Miele or Sebo before I tried using a cannister and found a Kenmore 600 on Facebook for around $100. I figured I could use it and see if a cannister works for me. I've been so happy with it I've lost any desire to use anything else, and so far it's good enough that I've lost my urge to step up to a higher end machine. Build quality does appear to be a bit lacking, and I don't expect this to last forever, but it's a pretty good vacuum, especially if you're on a budget and can get one from the secondary market.

https://youtu.be/aPNfuEPuoEE I see this machine recommended here . It's good on paper but terrible in person. Hence the name paper tiger.

It cleans all right no complaints there. But it's so much more cumbersome to use than other canister vacuums. I think if it was between this and a used nicer machine I would definitely pick a used machine. Here's a video that kind of illustrates some of the issues. https://youtu.be/73N6lPxTQHU

I just got a kenmore 600 after being recommended on here and I highly recommend it. If I would have realized I might have spent a little more for the 700 elite but imo the 600 is one of the if not the best bang for your buck you can get.

I have that Shark Stratos. I bought it before I knew better. It's okay but if I were you I would go with the Kenmore 600 or Sebo Dart. Bagless vacuums are NOT as good as bagged ones.

If you prefer an upright, I think you would be happier with the Dart. Plus you can get an AWESOME deal on it right now and it has an incredible warranty. You may never need to buy another vacuum. Personally, I prefer canisters so I would probably get the Kenmore 600. One day I want to get the Sebo E3.

I just mentioned the BU4050 because it's pink but since they have several common failure points they are not long lasting vacuums. Better than bagless but it won't last as long as other bagged vacuums. Hetty 160 is a pink Henry with eyelashes added. She has great suction and she's quiet too but the lack of a powered brushroll is a weakness if you have large area rugs where pet hair gets caught. The Kenmore 600 is a canister vacuum with a lot of features like the carpet powerhead and the motorized pet tool. Weaknesses are a cheaper build quality and a less manueverable wheel setup. Another weakness is Kenmore's proprietary tool size, you can buy additional 1.25 inch brushes and tools for Hetty but Kenmores are limited to what they sell. Hetty is better at hard floors the Kenmore 600 is better at carpets.

Of course everyone will recommend Sebo or Miele.  I think a good choice would be a Kenmore  Canister with a power head. Since you have stayed as you can use it on that as well, put the attachments.. With a little care it should last many many years.

You'd be better off with a Kenmore  600 Canister....

You mean you didn't buy a Sebo or Miele.... Good for you. The Kenmore  600 is a great vacuum...

If you have a multi floor home or plan to do anything more than floor cleaning, you should definitely get the Kenmore 600. The canister form factor is better for versatility and comfort and above floor cleaning. The darts hose is not good. The Kenmore offers more comfort features as well (lights, cord rewind, onboard tools). Overall electro canisters are kinda the gold standard vacuum for all cleaning cases.. but if you have a specific preference for upright go with the dart. Best bet is to get a Kenmore now, and a Miele/Sebo electro canister in about 15 years after the Kenmore 😘

Yeah definitely go HEPA for wildlife smoke. Pet dander is slightly largely particles that Miele and Sebos basic filters will cover. For Kenmore might as well always go HEPA. Yeah they are definitely expensive but I believe those prices are well commanded. My used machine goes hard, I can't imagine what it was like new 😅 The Kenmore elite canisters have some nice features neither Sebo nor Miele have (powered mini brush and lights galore) and are definitely worthy contenders if you can't find good used deals. I believe the 600 series comes with an extra unpowered hose set which is lighter for hard floor and above ground cleaning. They're under $450 new. I use Facebook marketplace almost exclusively for used things. I've heard people using some estate sale app, that might help you? Also checkout your local vacuum dealers if they have refurbished machines to sell. Which metro area are you located near? I always see some very very good Miele deals along the northeast corridor & PA. you can definitely get a newer electro Miele in this area pretty quickly.

Probably the Kenmore bagged canisters. 600 or elite for the ease of use and fingertip controls. Maybe the elite crossover? They're not ultra well built and may only last your business about 5 years, but you have to be gentle on them. Mieles and Sebos will last much longer but you need to spend a little more than 500 for something that's carpet capable. The sebo k3 is their cheapest option tho (from a dealer ofc). The warranties don't apply ofc, but I think sebo might honor 1 year for commercial use? You should check that out. I know many cleaning businesses in my area who use Mieles, from the classic C1 all the way up to the brilliant. It depends what you prefer and what your clients demand. My sister has some carpets but her cleaning person only uses a suction Miele and my sister doesn't care (and the cleaning person does an excellent job). The worst Miele/sebo outperforms most vacuums. Just make sure to buy large boxes of original bags for the bulk discount and to make them last. With any new product, you're going to want to do a quick educational tour of the product with the folks who'll need to use it so they're getting the most out of it and aren't encumbered. And especially so they don't accidentally damage the machine. Commercial machines exist as well, but may not be as convenient and maneuverable for cleaning homes. Canisters are the only option imo for their versatility and reduced fatiguing.

I have had the Kenmore 600 for about 5 years it’s been amazing!!! Even though the lid hinge broke it still seals and keeps on performing perfectly! I use the envirocare bags and change the Hepa filter about every three bag changes…I only have one hairy doggo but we are in a small space and I work outside so the dirt and hair builds up fast…this vacuum is easy to use and works excellently well!!

Kenmore 600 or Simplicity S20EZM. Simplicity isn't the absolute best on bare floors but it is a smidgen less than the Kenmore 600. You won't find either in store, but there's a pretty good chance that a vacuum shop will have both models to look at and possibly try

Rereading the part about not having a preference between bagged or canister, I want to clarify that the kenmore I recommended does have a bag. Sorry if I was confusing about that at all. For upright I still recommend the Simplicity. A lower entry Riccar would be great too, but it might be a bit above your budget (I admit I don’t know the price of them off the top of my head)

I have a Kenmore 600 Series. It switches quickly between the power brush roll for carpet and the bare floor head. It also comes with a mini power brush roll that's great for getting hair off stairs and furniture. It has lots of suction, a HEPA filter and disposable bags.

I have a Kenmore from early 2000 and kind of want to replace it with a 600 series. Mine runs great but will need a new hose and power cord soon but afraid the 600 will only last a few years before dying. 

Amazon resale offering 35% discount for prime days on the Kenmore 600. Like new only $150. I bought it new last week and so far like it a lot. YMMV on condition. I've bought 4 "like new vacuums" (not all from Amazon) in the past. One was truly like new, two were acceptable, and one was in terrible shape.

Hi. Based on research on this sub, I bought the Kenmore 600 series canister a couple of weeks ago. Paid less than $300. I have medium pile plush carpet and it works very well. Gets all the pet hair. I find a canister easier to use on stairs. My other vac is a Shark Stratos upright and I have to say, my carpet looks better after using the Kenmore compared to the Shark. The Shark is better on hard surfaces. Both vacs are on the heavy side. The Kenmore also comes with quality attachments including a powered brush that is fantastic.

Bought the Kenmore 600 a week or so ago and like it a lot so far. We have medium plush and low berber carpet. Gets all the pet hair off. I have a Corgi that sheds like crazy. Canister is easy to use on stairs and with the attachments. The attachments are really nice. The Pet Powermate is terriifc. Haven't used it much on hard surfaces. My other vacuum is a Shark Stratos and it is outstanding on hard surfaces.

Sadly no. It doesn’t come with a power head. I’d recommend looking at c1 cat and dog if you can extend budget a tad or a kenmore canister with a power head. Or a sebo Dart would also work really well.

Just don't by a stick one - useless. Get either an upright or a canister corded one - maximum real suction power. I have 2 canister corded vacuums, Kenmore and Panasonic, one for each floor level of our home. Work perfect for hardwood and carpeted.

It depends on what you mean by “repairing”. Repairing usually refers to replacing a worn belt, the brush roller gets hair tangled around it on the sides where you can’t cut it and needs to be taken out and cleaned, and the vacuum can get clogged and needs to be cleared out. If you want to do any of that, don’t get a shark, because you can’t open them up to do any of those basic things that you could do on most vacuums 10 years ago. Look at a simplicity, or kenmore for plug in. Or Henry quick for cordless 👍🏼