Kenmore Vacuum 34721 - The Dust Ye Shall Return
Written: Jun 16 '06 (Updated Jul 20 '07)
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Pros: Low Price. Easy to Push. Decent suction
Cons: Tedious and messy to empty. You'd best empty this thing outside.
The Bottom Line: Personally I prefer a vac with bags.
The flaw here is in the design. Never thought I'd meet a vacuum I didn't like.
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| nagels's Full Review: Kenmore 34721 Upright Vacuum |
In every person’s life there are major moments, significant events that are milestones, or rites of passage. These life markers are referral points to which lesser events are chronicled and referenced. Some such events might be: the first step, the first word, first grade, the first bicycle, that first French-fry, the first kiss, graduations, certain birthdays, passing the driving test, engagement, marriage, and many others. My daughter recently experienced one of these milestones, one that I consider one of the most memorable and precious, one which I was privileged to share with her and one which we shall both never forget. Yes, my little girl bought her first grown up vacuum cleaner! I took it out of the box for her, assembled it, and even christened it by vacuuming her bedroom in her new place. Alas, I wasn’t there for the decisive moments of choosing and of purchase to offer my wise guidance and advice, but there’s no sense dwelling on what might have been.
She bought the Kenmore bagfree upright vacuum, model 34721 and hasn’t yet disclosed to me how much she paid for it. Was it a good choice? Read on.
Features
Ultrabright headlight – It does project light, but not impressively so.
Bagfree cyclonic action – Sounds impressive and powerful. Dust and dirt are trapped in a large plastic container. Bags never need to be bought for this vacuum. The plastic reservoir is clear, making it easy to see when it needs emptying.
Auto-height adjust – “The nozzle height adjusts automatically for different carpet heights.
Tools on board – An attached extension hose, crevice tool, dusting brush, and wand are included.
Easy assembly – Just attach the handle with one screw out of the box.
Quick release cord hook – Most vacuums have this. Nothing special.
Handle release pedal – The handle release pedal is foot operated, as is the on-off switch. Might be awkward to operate for those who are not left footed.
Thermal protector – Store your thermal underwear in the secret compartment to protect from thieves. Not! Actually this means that the vacuum has a thermal protector that automatically trips to protect the vacuum from overheating. Hopefully the user won’t trip simultaneously.
Filters – There’s a primary filter in the dust reservoir, a secondary filter below the dust reservoir, and an exhaust foam filter just above the light.
Easy belt access – Simply rotate the nozzle cover retainers to the unlock position and lift up to remove the nozzle cover for access to the belt and agitator.
12 amps of power.
The owners’ manual is written in English and Spanish with all graphics shown in English and Spanish also.
My Thoughts
This is a light vacuum, easy to push, easy to maneuver, and no noisier than the average vacuum.
I like seeing the dustbin fill up with crud from the carpet.
For an economy-priced machine the suction is adequate.
Emptying the dust cup is cumbersome and tedious. Both my daughter and myself had a difficult time replacing the dust reservoir’s lid and then replacing the assembly into the vacuum body. I’d recommend emptying the cup outside, otherwise dust is being released into the inside air.
I don’t like having the main filter sharing space with the dust cup. The filter quickly becomes saturated with dirt and must be shaken or tapped against something to clean. The filter may be rinsed with water but must be allowed to dry for 24 hours before replacing. What if you need to vacuum in the meantime?
I don’t like the three filter design, three filters to clean. I’m also not confident that these filters clean the exhaust air effectively.
For those on a tight budget I suppose this isn’t a bad vacuum. Personally I would prefer a vacuum that uses bags. The dust bag itself serves as a filter. Emptying this vacuum is a messy chore that returns more dust back to the living environment.
Should you buy this vacuum? I wouldn’t. There are better choices in this price range. Seek them out.
THANKS FOR READING.
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Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): not divulged
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