Elite CrossOver™ Bagged Canister Vacuum (Model 21814)

Well at that price my recommendations are either a Kenmore canister new/Amazon used can easily fall under $300, even the elite. Aim for getting the 600 series/pop n go as that has most of the useful features from the elites while being about $100 cheaper. Otherwise hunting marketplace for a deal on a used miele or sebo electro (much less likely to find but if you do it'll suck circles around the Kenmore no problem). A new Kenmore with care can last a decade+ (same as an old or abused miele/sebo). Well maintained mieles and sebos can last a lifetime (at least 20-30 years before you'll want to replace the motor). These machines are bagged, filter vacuums designed to suck microscopic dust from the cracks of hard floors and from underneath rug padding, while LOCKING that dust into their bags and filters. Only use original company branded bags & filters for the best result and longevity. Canisters are better for stairs too because they stand up on them and you can easily use the hose/wand with tools to clean the stairs. Kenmore specifically come with an electric mini brush (sebo and miele don't have this) which makes vacuuming stairs and upholstery even easier. I cannot recommend an electro Kenmore canister enough for your scenario. (Even as much as I love miele).

No worries, vacuum marketing these days is getting out of hand. So obejctively the 600series and elites have the same body while the elites have some more lights. They function identically. I would always try and go for the elite when it's on sale or even Amazon used. The elite comes in crossover and ultra plush, the crossover is probably best for you as it doesn't sound like your capreting is plush. I believe the elite crossover and 600 series both come with second suction only hose sets, which is nice and you can keep downstairs or whatever. You should compare the price and attachment kits of the currently available 600 and elites on Amazon and choose which fits you the most. You can't go wrong with the elite, but ofc price exists. Edit: on Amazon it seems like the silver elite (crossover) is only available used while the gold elite (ultra plush) is available. So is the 600 series. The 600 is just an uglier unlit elite. So choose whichever fits your budget. It's unclear if the elite comes with the second hose set. Edit again: I guess if it were me I would try buying the used crossover elite because the crossover tool is genuinely sick and nice to use. Amazon returns are forgiving just be aware that it is a bit of a gamble

Well at that price my recommendations are either a Kenmore canister new/Amazon used can easily fall under $300, even the elite. Aim for getting the 600 series/pop n go as that has most of the useful features from the elites while being about $100 cheaper. Otherwise hunting marketplace for a deal on a used miele or sebo electro (much less likely to find but if you do it'll suck circles around the Kenmore no problem). A new Kenmore with care can last a decade+ (same as an old or abused miele/sebo). Well maintained mieles and sebos can last a lifetime (at least 20-30 years before you'll want to replace the motor). These machines are bagged, filter vacuums designed to suck microscopic dust from the cracks of hard floors and from underneath rug padding, while LOCKING that dust into their bags and filters. Only use original company branded bags & filters for the best result and longevity. Canisters are better for stairs too because they stand up on them and you can easily use the hose/wand with tools to clean the stairs. Kenmore specifically come with an electric mini brush (sebo and miele don't have this) which makes vacuuming stairs and upholstery even easier. I cannot recommend an electro Kenmore canister enough for your scenario. (Even as much as I love miele).