Kenmore Elite 81714 Pet Friendly Ultra Review
Finding the right vacuum for a home full of pets is exhausting. You’ve probably tried more than one model that either clogged immediately, lost suction after a few weeks, or felt like wrestling a bowling ball up the stairs. That’s exactly the research question that drove our editorial team to evaluate the Kenmore Elite 81714 Pet Friendly Ultra Plush Lightweight Bagged canister vacuum across dozens of verified buyer reports, manufacturer specifications, and performance comparisons against every major competitor in this space.
Worth it if you have medium-to-heavy pet hair and want deep-cleaning power without sacrificing maneuverability. Skip it if you primarily need a lightweight stick vacuum for quick daily run-throughs or you are allergic to disposable bags. Below is everything we found after a thorough research comparison.
What it is
The Kenmore Elite 81714 Pet Friendly Ultra is a bagged canister vacuum engineered around a single problem. Pet owners need serious suction power paired with effective allergen containment, and most vacuums force a compromise between the two. This model resolves that tension by combining a sealed HEPA filtration system with a dedicated powered pet tool called the Pet PowerMate.
The canister body sits low and rolls on wheels rather than standing upright like a traditional upright vacuum. That design lets you glide it under furniture and around legs without lifting the unit itself.
The vacuum occupies the mid-to-upper tier of Kenmore’s canister lineup. It sits alongside competitors like the Miele Complete C3 series, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Pro, and the Dyson Ball Animal 2 in the same price neighborhood. What separates it is the emphasis on bagged filtration.
Some buyers view bags as a liability because they require replacement. The engineering argument flips that assumption. Bags trap fine particles inside a sealed barrier rather than exhausting them back into the air through a washable filter.
That makes the Kenmore Elite 81714 a strong choice for households where indoor air quality matters as much as surface cleanliness.
Setup & first impressions
Verified buyers consistently describe the unboxing experience as straightforward. The canister unit arrives mostly assembled. You attach the telescoping metal wand, snap the hose onto the intake nozzle, and connect the preferred cleaning tool.
Most reviewers note that the color-coded connectors reduce guesswork during assembly. The retractable power cord extends smoothly and retracts with a firm but manageable tug. Several buyers appreciated that the cord lock engages reliably rather than slowly unwinding after each use.
Out of the box, the first thing most users notice is how light the canister body feels relative to its suction power. Verified reviews cite the unit at approximately twenty-one pounds, which is manageable for carrying upstairs but still heavy enough to feel solid on carpet. The Champagne finish resists fingerprints better than pure white plastics tend to.
Buyers also report that the Pet PowerMate tool produces a noticeable whirring sound when powered on. That vibration indicator signals the brush roll is engaging correctly. One repeated observation involves the intuitive foot pedal on the hose that controls power to the motorized tool.
You step on it to activate and step off to deactivate. No reaching required.
| Model Number | 81714 |
| Type | Bagged canister vacuum |
| Weight | Approximately 21 lbs |
| Color | Champagne |
| Filtration | HEPA filtration system |
| Power Cord | Retractable, automatic rewind |
| Wand | Extended telescoping metal wand |
| Included Tools | Pet PowerMate, upholstery tool, crevice tool |
| Bag Compatibility | Universal paper bags (type G or equivalent) |
| Amperage | 12 amps |
| Warranty | Limited warranty (refer to manufacturer documentation) |
Daily-use experience
Suction performance and pet hair removal
Suction quality is where this vacuum justifies its price tier. Verified buyers emphasize that the Pet PowerMate motorized brush roll lifts embedded hair from both low-pile carpet and area rugs more effectively than most passive nozzles. The rotating bristles agitate fibers while the vacuum mouth pulls loosened debris upward.
Reviewers frequently describe the transformation in furniture and stair carpet between the first and second pass as noticeably different. One recurring comment involves the crevice tool pulling stray hair from baseboards and tight corners where brush rolls cannot reach.
On bare floors, the same suction power can feel aggressive if you do not adjust expectations. Some buyers note that blowing lightweight debris like dust or crumbs requires feathering the airflow rather than dragging the tool quickly. The telescoping wand extends high enough for ceiling fans and high corners without bending over.
The retractable cord length covers most rooms in a single setup before requiring a outlet change. For average-sized living spaces, this balance between raw power and controlled distribution works well.
Filtration and allergy control
HEPA filtration refers to High Efficiency Particulate Air standards that capture ninety-nine point nine seven percent of particles down to 0.3 microns. The Kenmore Elite 81714 applies this principle through a multi-stage sealed system. Dust enters the bag chamber first, where the paper media captures the bulk of particulates.
Remaining air passes through the HEPA filter before exiting the exhaust port. Because the system remains sealed throughout the cycle, contaminated air does not bypass the filtration layers and re-enter your living space.
Buyers with pet-related allergies report measurable improvements in indoor air quality after switching to this model. The sealed bag environment means you dispose of all captured allergens without opening a dust cup. That detail alone distinguishes bagged systems from many bagless competitors.
You simply remove the full bag, tie it closed, and discard it. The next fresh bag installs in seconds without exposing your hands to trapped dander or pollen. For sensitivity-prone households, that routine difference translates directly into reduced sneezing and clearer breathing after vacuuming sessions.
Maneuverability and storage logistics
Canister vacuums trade upright storage convenience for floor-level mobility. The Kenmore Elite 81714 rolls smoothly on its chassis wheels across hardwood, tile, and low-pile carpet. Turning tight corners requires pivoting the canister body rather than leaning the entire machine forward like an upright model.
Most buyers adapt to this motion within the first few uses. The handle position allows controlled pushing while the compact body slides under sofas and beds without lifting.
Storage presents the main compromise. The canister unit requires floor space in a closet or garage corner. The wand and hose store along the body when not in use.
Several reviewers mention keeping the pet tool mounted on the side of the canister for quick access. If your utility closet lacks shelf height, verify clearance before purchasing. The retractable cord eliminates tripping hazards during operation but adds a mechanical component that some users monitor for long-term reliability.
No major reports of cord failure appear in verified buyer feedback, though that pattern often only emerges after months of repeated rewinds.
Noise level and sustained comfort
Noise output registers slightly below average for high-suction canister models. Verified reviews describe the sound profile as a steady hum rather than a harsh drone. The motor enclosure dampens vibration enough that extended cleaning sessions do not trigger the headache effect some users experience with louder models.
Children and pets tend to react less negatively to this vacuum than to older upright machines with comparable wattage.
One comfort factor worth noting is the hose weight. The flexible suction hose connects the canister to the wand assembly. Its length provides reach flexibility but adds slight drag when pulling it across carpet edges.
Most buyers accept this trade-off given the alternative of repositioning the canister body repeatedly. The foot-pedal tool activation eliminates hand fumbling during transitions between floor types and furniture details. That small ergonomic decision improves overall session comfort more than marketing descriptions convey.
✓ Pros
- HEPA sealed filtration captures allergens instead of exhausting them back into the room, which matters significantly for pet-dander management
- The Pet PowerMate motorized brush roll removes embedded hair from carpet and upholstery faster than passive nozzles
- Retractable cord eliminates tripping hazards and reduces the need for outlet hopping in most standard rooms
- Telescoping wand reaches high ceilings, light fixtures, and tight baseboard corners without extra ladders or stretch positioning
- Canister body glides smoothly under low furniture with minimal lifting effort compared to upright alternatives
✗ Cons
- Bagged design requires ongoing purchase of compatible vacuum bags, adding recurring expense that bagless models avoid
- Canister footprint demands dedicated floor storage space, which smaller apartments or cramped closets may not accommodate comfortably
- Heavier overall unit compared to ultralight stick vacuums, making frequent stair carries feel more labor-intensive over time
- High suction on bare floors can scatter lightweight debris if the operator does not moderate speed and technique
Who should buy it
Buy it if you
live in a household with one or more shedding pets and you have tried stick vacuums that clog after the first ten minutes. The combination of sustained bagged suction and the motorized Pet PowerMate addresses the specific pain point of hair wrapped around brush rolls and trapped deep in carpet fibers. You will appreciate the sealed HEPA system if anyone in the home suffers from seasonal allergies or pet dander sensitivity.
The canister body size suits homes with primarily hard floors and area rugs rather than wall-to-wall plush carpet. You also benefit from the retractable cord if your cleaning routes stay within standard room footprints.
Skip it if you
prioritize minimal storage overhead and prefer vacuums that hang on a wall hook like a broom. Canister designs require floor placement even when stored. You should also reconsider this model if your primary cleaning target is stairs, ceiling fans, and upholstery rather than floor surfaces.
A lighter stick or handheld unit serves those tasks more efficiently. Additionally, the recurring cost of universal vacuum bags may bother buyers who calculate total ownership expense over several years. If you dislike disposable consumables, a bagless canister or cyclonic stick vacuum aligns better with that preference.
Better alternatives
The Miele Complete C3 Calima offers comparable HEPA performance with a larger dust capacity and longer hose reach, though it carries a higher price tag. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Pro NV356E provides excellent pet hair pickup in a lighter package at a lower entry price, but it relies on a washable filter rather than a sealed bag system. Both models deserve consideration depending on whether your priority shifts toward premium build quality or budget-friendly versatility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do replacement bags cost a lot over time?
Replacement bags for the Kenmore Elite 81714 use widely available universal paper filters rather than proprietary Kenmore-only packaging. Verified buyers report purchasing multi-packs at reasonable per-unit costs through major retailers. The ongoing expense remains predictable, and most households replace bags only when visibly full rather than on a fixed schedule.
Budget-conscious buyers should compare annual bag costs against the absence of filter-washing routines with bagless models.
How often should I replace the HEPA filter?
The manufacturer recommends inspecting and replacing the HEPA filter periodically based on usage intensity. Heavy pet households typically see optimal performance when the filter receives attention every six to twelve months. Visible discoloration or reduced suction indicates the filter needs service regardless of calendar timing.
Some users report extending intervals by gently tapping out loose surface dust, but washing the HEPA element can damage its media structure and compromise filtration efficiency.
Is the Pet PowerMate loud?
The motorized brush roll produces audible whirring noise, but it stays within normal canister-vacuum ranges. Verified buyers compare it favorably against older upright models with exposed belt-driven brushes. The sound profile registers as consistent hum energy rather than mechanical grinding.
Households with sound-sensitive pets may notice the initial startup tone, but the operational noise typically does not trigger anxiety responses after the first few exposure sessions.
Can this vacuum handle Pet hair on furniture?
Yes. The included upholstery tool pairs with the Pet PowerMate attachment for fabric surfaces. Verified buyers use the combination on sofas, chair cushions, and car interiors with reported success.
The rotating brush agitation loosens hair while suction lifts it away before it resettles. For delicate fabrics, reduce suction power gradually and test a hidden corner first. The crevice tool also serves narrow furniture seams where hair accumulates between cushions.
Does the retractable cord ever fail to rewind fully?
Occasional partial retraction appears in a small subset of verified buyer reports, usually after years of repeated use. The mechanism generally resumes full function after a few manual pull-and-release cycles. Users who encounter resistance sometimes clear debris from the cord guide channel with a soft brush.
Total cord failures remain rare in aggregate feedback, but mechanical components always carry gradual wear potential in any retractable system.
Is this vacuum suitable for hardwood floors?
Absolutely. Hardwood and tile floors benefit from the adjustable suction delivery and the wide floor nozzle that distributes airflow evenly. Several reviewers specifically praise the transition from carpet to hard surface because the vacuum maintains stable tracking without digging or bouncing.
The roller brush on the main tool can disengage when moving between surfaces, preventing scratch risks on finished wood. Gentle strokes produce polished results without scattering dust clouds.
Final verdict
The Kenmore Elite 81714 Pet Friendly Ultra earns a solid 4.6 out of 5 stars based on research findings across verified buyer experiences, manufacturer specifications, and category benchmarks. It delivers exceptional pet-hair removal paired with genuine allergen containment through its sealed HEPA bagged system. The main compromises involve ongoing bag costs and the storage footprint typical of canister designs.
If your home features mixed flooring, active shedding pets, and residents who notice dust and dander, this vacuum represents a responsible investment. If you value ultra-lightweight convenience above deep-cleaning authority, look toward stick or handheld options first.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes my recommendation, I only suggest gear I’d actually buy myself.
1. Kenmore Elite 81714 Pet Friendly Ultra
Our editorial research identified this model as the strongest match for pet-owning households that prioritize deep filtration and sustained suction over portable convenience. The combination of HEPA sealing, a motorized pet tool, and a retractable cord places it ahead of comparable bagged canisters in the same price range.
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