When choosing a vacuum cleaner, it’s essential to understand the differences in functionality, features, and performance to determine which one fits your needs. In this article, we will compare two popular upright vacuum models from Kenmore: the Kenmore DU4080 and the Kenmore DU2015. Both are bagless upright vacuums with HEPA filtration systems, but they have distinct features that may make one more suitable for certain cleaning needs than the other.
1. Design and Portability
- Kenmore DU4080 is designed to be a lightweight vacuum, weighing only 12.4 pounds. This makes it easy to carry around the house, especially for those who need a vacuum that can be transported up and down stairs without much effort. Its lightweight design combined with Lift-Up technology allows the user to quickly convert the vacuum into a portable pod for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. This makes it versatile and convenient for multi-level homes.
- Kenmore DU2015 is slightly heavier at 14 pounds, but it is still considered lightweight for an upright vacuum. While not as portable as the DU4080, the DU2015’s added weight may provide a more grounded feel when moving across thick carpets. It also features swivel steering, making it easy to maneuver around furniture and corners, although its design doesn’t allow for the same Lift-Up pod functionality as the DU4080.
2. Suction Power and Performance
- Kenmore DU4080 features a 2-motor system, which offers powerful deep cleaning on both bare floors and carpets. This vacuum excels at pulling dirt, dust, and debris from various surfaces, providing an efficient clean in one pass. It’s designed for multi-surface use, making it a good option for homes with a mix of carpets, hardwood, or tile. The inclusion of a 9-foot hose reach also extends the vacuum’s reach to areas that are usually hard to clean, such as high shelves or ceiling corners.
- Kenmore DU2015 also employs a 2-motor system, but with the added benefit of suction control, which allows users to adjust the vacuum’s suction based on the type of flooring or fabric. This is particularly useful for delicate materials such as rugs or curtains, where full suction might be too strong. The DU2015 is especially well-suited for homes with pet hair, thanks to the included Pet HandiMate attachment, which helps to remove pet hair from furniture and upholstery with ease.
3. HEPA Filtration System
Both vacuums come with a HEPA filtration system, designed to trap 99.97% of dust and allergens down to 0.3 microns, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. The HEPA filters in both models help ensure that dirt, dust, and allergens stay contained within the vacuum, improving the air quality of the room.
- Kenmore DU4080 also features a completely sealed air path, which prevents any allergens or dust from escaping the vacuum while in use, ensuring that what gets sucked up stays in the vacuum.
- Kenmore DU2015, while also equipped with a HEPA filtration system, does not explicitly mention a completely sealed air path. However, it still performs exceptionally well in trapping dust and allergens inside, ensuring that pollutants are minimized during the cleaning process.
4. Attachments and Tools
- Kenmore DU4080 comes with two versatile tools: a 3-in-1 combination tool (which acts as a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool) and a dedicated upholstery tool. These tools can handle common household cleaning tasks such as vacuuming furniture, baseboards, and other hard-to-reach areas. The tool selection is relatively simple but effective, making the DU4080 a good choice for everyday cleaning tasks.
- Kenmore DU2015 offers a more extensive range of attachments, making it more versatile for specialized cleaning. It includes:
- A 3-in-1 combination tool for crevices, dusting, and upholstery.
- An upholstery tool.
- The Pet HandiMate attachment, specifically designed for removing pet hair from fabric surfaces.
- A rotating fan tool, which is particularly useful for cleaning ceiling fans or other high surfaces.
The extended reach of 10 feet on the flexible hose makes the DU2015 highly efficient at cleaning areas from floor to ceiling without having to move the vacuum constantly.
5. Multi-Surface Cleaning and Height Adjustment
- Kenmore DU4080 is built for multi-surface cleaning, handling both carpet and hard floors with ease. The LED headlights on the swivel head provide visibility, helping you clean in dimly lit areas such as under furniture or in corners. The swivel steering, combined with the Lift-Up technology, offers excellent maneuverability for navigating furniture and tight spaces. However, it does not have a height adjustment feature for transitioning between different carpet pile heights.
- Kenmore DU2015 is designed for all floor types, including carpets, hardwood floors, and upholstery. It also has a wide sweeper path for faster cleaning of larger areas. While it doesn’t have LED headlights like the DU4080, it compensates with its suction control feature, which allows for efficient cleaning across different surfaces without sacrificing cleaning performance. The ability to control suction on different carpet types adds to its versatility, especially when dealing with varying floor textures or fabric types.
6. Cord Length and Convenience
Both vacuums feature corded electric power sources, but neither model includes automatic cord rewind.
- Kenmore DU4080 offers a relatively standard cord length and 9 feet of extended hose reach, which provides flexibility when cleaning stairs or elevated surfaces.
- Kenmore DU2015 features a 10-foot hose reach, slightly longer than the DU4080, which makes it easier to clean high surfaces such as shelves or ceiling fans. The additional attachments further enhance its reach and cleaning versatility.
7. Durability and Build Quality
- Kenmore DU4080 is designed to be lightweight yet durable, making it easy to move but still capable of handling regular household cleaning tasks. Its compact and portable design means it’s less cumbersome than heavier vacuums, and its Lift-Up technology adds convenience for different cleaning needs.
- Kenmore DU2015 is slightly heavier but still considered lightweight and easy to maneuver. Its heavier build may offer more stability when cleaning carpets, and its durable construction is designed to handle more demanding tasks, such as pet hair removal and cleaning larger homes. The extra attachments also suggest that the vacuum is built for versatility and regular use.
8. Price and Value
- Kenmore DU4080 is typically priced slightly lower than the DU2015, making it a great option for those looking for a lightweight, affordable vacuum that doesn’t compromise on essential features such as HEPA filtration and powerful suction. Its LED headlights and Lift-Up pod functionality add extra value to its price.
- Kenmore DU2015 is priced slightly higher due to its additional features, including the extended attachment set and enhanced suction control. The extra cost may be worth it for pet owners or those needing a vacuum that can handle more diverse surfaces and cleaning challenges.
Conclusion
Both the Kenmore DU4080 and Kenmore DU2015 are excellent vacuums, but they cater to different needs:
- Kenmore DU4080 is ideal for users who want a lightweight, versatile vacuum with Lift-Up technology for cleaning stairs and above-floor areas. Its powerful suction, HEPA filtration, and ease of use make it great for multi-surface cleaning, particularly for those looking for an affordable yet high-performing vacuum.
- Kenmore DU2015 is a better choice for those who need a vacuum with more advanced features, including pet hair removal tools, extended reach, and suction control for different surfaces. Its slightly heavier build and broader attachment set make it more versatile for deep cleaning, particularly in homes with pets or a variety of surfaces.
In summary, choose the Kenmore DU4080 if you prioritize portability and ease of use, and the Kenmore DU2015 if you need a more comprehensive solution for handling pet hair, varied floor types, and deeper cleaning.