There’s a moment every owner of a bagless vacuum knows all too well. You’ve just spent an hour meticulously cleaning every corner of your home. The floors look pristine. You take the full, grimy dustbin outside, position it over the garbage can, and press the release button. In an instant, a plume of fine dust, dander, and allergens erupts into the air, coating your hands, your clothes, and undoing all the clean-air-confidence you just built. It’s a frustrating, messy ritual that sent me on a quest for a better solution. I wanted raw power and deep-cleaning capability, but I also craved a more hygienic, allergen-friendly disposal process. This search for the perfect balance between performance and cleanliness is what led me to the Kenmore BU4022 Bagged Upright Vacuum, a machine that promises the best of both worlds.
- Lift-Up enables versatile handheld freedom to clean above floors and stairs. Simply press a button to lift away from the floor nozzle to clean all of your hard to reach areas.
- No Touch Bag Technology eliminates the annoyingly stains process of emptying and cleaning a full cup with a single button press to get rid of your stains. No need to touch dirty cups or bags again,...
What to Consider Before Buying an Upright Vacuum Cleaner
An upright vacuum cleaner is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for maintaining a healthy and clean living environment. For homes with a mix of plush carpets and hard surfaces, a powerful upright can provide a level of deep cleaning that canister or stick vacuums often struggle to match. Its primary benefit lies in its ability to agitate carpet fibres with a motorized brush roll, pulling up deeply embedded dirt, pet hair, and allergens. This makes it an indispensable tool for pet owners and families with allergy sufferers, where surface-level cleaning simply isn’t enough to manage indoor air quality.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily challenge of pet shedding, high foot traffic, or significant dust accumulation across various floor types. If you prioritize powerful suction and comprehensive filtration over minimalist design or cordless convenience, an upright is likely your best bet. However, it might not be suitable for those who live in small apartments with limited storage space or for individuals who have difficulty maneuvering heavier appliances. In those cases, a lightweight stick vacuum or a compact canister model might be a more practical alternative. For those of us tired of the dust cloud from bagless models, a bagged upright like the Kenmore BU4022 represents a return to a cleaner, more contained cleaning cycle.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Upright vacuums require dedicated storage space in a closet or utility room. The Kenmore BU4022 weighs approximately 14 lbs, which is relatively lightweight for a full-sized upright, but it’s still more substantial than a stick vacuum. Consider its footprint (33 x 30.5 x 86.4 cm) and ensure you have a convenient place to store it.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance is paramount. Look for features like a multi-motor system—the Kenmore BU4022 boasts a 2-motor design, one for suction and one for the brush roll, ensuring consistent power. For allergy sufferers, a sealed system with HEPA filtration is non-negotiable, as it traps over 99.97% of dust and allergens, preventing them from being exhausted back into the air.
- Materials & Durability: The build quality dictates a vacuum’s lifespan. While many modern vacuums rely on plastics for weight reduction, the quality of that plastic varies. The Kenmore BU4022 feels robust out of the box, but as we’ll explore, durability concerns, particularly regarding its hoses, are a significant factor to weigh in your decision.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like swivel steering, a Lift-Up canister for portable cleaning, and LED headlights enhance the user experience. For maintenance, a bagged system simplifies disposal, but you must also consider how easy it is to access and clean the brush roll and check for clogs. Some designs are far more user-friendly than others in this regard.
Making the right choice involves balancing raw power with everyday usability and long-term reliability. The Kenmore BU4022 certainly makes a strong case on paper, but a closer look is needed to see if it holds up to real-world demands.
While the Kenmore BU4022 Bagged Upright Vacuum is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Easily clean around furniture and other obstacles with Swivel Steering
- Upgraded Cyclone System: The Eureka PowerSpeed is now upgraded with new cyclone technology to handle larger debris, smaller dirt, and even microscopic dust.Specific uses:hard floor,carpet,dual action
- Light as It Is Capable: At just 7.7 lb, this canister-style upright glides across hard floors and low-pile carpets without strain, ideal for multi-level homes or small-space living.
First Impressions: A Modern Take on a Classic Cleaning Machine
Unboxing the Kenmore BU4022 Bagged Upright Vacuum was a refreshingly simple affair. As one user noted, the instructions are easy to follow, and I had the machine assembled in minutes. The vibrant green accents give it a modern, energetic look that stands out from the typically muted appliance palette. At around 14 pounds, it felt substantial without being oppressively heavy. The plastics feel higher quality than many of its competitors, an observation echoed by a user who found it better engineered than their previous Oreck vacuums. The initial handling is impressive; the swivel steering is smooth and responsive, allowing it to navigate around furniture with surprising agility for a full-size upright.
The standout feature is immediately apparent: the Lift-Up canister. With the press of a button, the main motor and dust bag pod detach from the floor head, transforming the unit into a portable canister-style vacuum. This design immediately conjures up possibilities for cleaning stairs, car interiors, and high drapery without lugging the entire machine. Combined with the AllergenSeal system and the promise of “No Touch Bag Technology,” my first impression was of a thoughtfully designed machine that directly addresses the primary pain points of both upright and bagless vacuum ownership.
Key Benefits
- Extremely powerful 2-motor suction for deep cleaning carpets
- Versatile Lift-Up design for portable, above-floor cleaning
- Excellent sealed HEPA filtration for superior allergen control
- Hygienic and completely mess-free “No Touch” bag disposal
Limitations
- Widespread and significant durability issues with the lower hose splitting
- Difficult to perform routine maintenance or repairs due to complex assembly
Performance Deep Dive: Power, Versatility, and a Potential Pitfall
A vacuum can have all the features in the world, but it lives or dies by its cleaning performance and long-term reliability. We put the Kenmore BU4022 through its paces on every surface, from deep-pile carpets littered with pet hair to hardwood floors covered in fine dust and kitchen debris. The results were, in a word, polarizing.
Dual-Motor Suction Power & Multi-Surface Mastery
Let’s be clear: the suction on this vacuum is phenomenal. The 2-motor system is not a gimmick. On carpets, the Kenmore BU4022 Bagged Upright Vacuum is an absolute beast. It pulls so strongly that you can feel it grabbing onto the carpet, and the aggressive brush roll visibly lifts the pile, leaving those satisfying clean lines. One user perfectly captured this, saying it “leaves my ‘Orecks’ in the dust” with its “super strong suction, it gets everything.” We found this to be true; it effortlessly lifted embedded dog hair, fine dust, and tracked-in dirt that our stick vacuum had missed. The PowerFlow bag chamber design also seems effective, as we noticed no discernible drop in suction as the bag filled up.
Transitioning to hard floors, the performance is still strong, though with a small caveat. The brush roll can be turned off to protect delicate surfaces, and it does an excellent job capturing dust along baseboards and in corners. However, as one reviewer noted, the floor head has a very low clearance. While this is great for getting under furniture, it can cause the vacuum to push larger debris, like spilled cereal or cat litter, around rather than sucking it up on the first pass. This required a “lift and place” technique for larger messes, a minor inconvenience but worth noting. The height adjustment feature helps optimize airflow, but it can’t fully compensate for the low-profile design on certain types of debris.
Versatility Redefined: The Lift-Up Feature and Onboard Tools
The Lift-Up technology is the BU4022’s trump card and the feature that truly elevates its functionality. Detaching the canister is intuitive and quick, instantly giving you the freedom to tackle tasks that are impossible for a traditional upright. We found ourselves using it constantly for cleaning our carpeted stairs, a task that typically involves precariously balancing a heavy machine. One user highlighted their appreciation for this feature, using it to “vacuum the dust from high ledges in my home.” The included hose and extended wand provide excellent reach for ceiling corners and behind appliances.
The onboard tools are genuinely useful. The 3-in-1 combination tool handily serves as a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool, while the Pet Handi-Mate is a mini motorized brush that makes short work of pet hair on furniture and car seats. Its air-driven turbine is powerful and effectively agitates fabric to release stubborn fur. It is this versatility that makes the Kenmore BU4022 a compelling whole-home cleaning system. The only minor ergonomic quibble we found, which a user also cleverly solved, is that the power cord routing can interfere with wand usage. By skipping the upper cord wrap on the wand, we were able to use the hose and attachments freely without fighting the cord.
The Achilles’ Heel: A Deep Dive into the Durability Crisis
For all its brilliant performance and thoughtful design, the Kenmore BU4022 is haunted by a single, catastrophic flaw: the durability of its lower hose. In our research and analysis of user feedback, a clear and alarming pattern emerged. The flexible hose that connects the floor head to the main body is prone to cracking, splitting, and tearing, often within a year of purchase. We saw numerous, heartfelt reports from users whose vacuums went from five-star performers to useless in a matter of months. One user’s hose failed after nine months, another’s after seven, and many just after the one-year warranty expired.
This isn’t a case of rough handling; as one devastated user wrote, “I have been extremely careful and gentle with this vacuum. I have babied it. There is no reason this should have happened.” The issue appears to be a material or design defect in the hose itself. The problem is compounded by the fact that this is not a simple, user-replaceable part. One frustrated owner who attempted a DIY repair reported having to remove 13 screws only to find the unit is wired together internally, making a hose replacement a complex and punishing task. While some users have successfully received full replacements under warranty, the process can be cumbersome. This single point of failure is so prevalent that it casts a dark shadow over the entire product, turning a potential recommendation into a serious gamble. It’s a tragic flaw in an otherwise outstanding machine, and one that any potential buyer must weigh very, very carefully.
A Breath of Fresh Air: HEPA Filtration and No-Touch Bag System
Ending on a high note, the filtration and bag system is where the Kenmore BU4022 Bagged Upright Vacuum truly shines, especially for households with allergy or asthma sufferers. The combination of a High-Grade HEPA filter with the AllergenSeal system creates a completely sealed path from floor to bag. This means that microscopic particles like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites are captured and stay captured. You can feel the difference in the air quality after vacuuming; it smells cleaner, without the dusty odour some vacuums leave behind.
The real star, however, is the patented No Touch Bag Technology. This is the ultimate answer to the messy ordeal of emptying a bagless canister. When the bag is full, you simply open the chamber, pull a handle, and the bag self-seals as you lift it out. The entire process is clean, hygienic, and completely hands-free. As one happy user exclaimed, “So over the bagless vacuums and the dust storm that comes with them!” For anyone who dreads that final step of the cleaning process, this feature alone is a massive quality-of-life improvement and a core reason why bagged vacuums are making a major comeback.
What Other Users Are Saying
The user experience with the Kenmore BU4022 is a tale of two extremes. On one side, there is effusive praise for its core performance. Owners moving from other brands are often blown away, with one stating, “The machine is much more functional, better engineered, quieter… Kenmore have hit it out of the park with this vacuum.” Many celebrate the return to a bagged system, loving the clean disposal and powerful, consistent suction that they felt was missing from bagless alternatives.
However, this enthusiasm is consistently tempered by the crushing disappointment of premature failure. The hose issue dominates negative feedback. One review encapsulates this perfectly: “I LOVE this vacuum cleaner… However, it has one fatal flaw: the connection hose at the base has torn out on two cleaners.” Another user, whose machine failed just before hosting family for the holidays, wrote, “Now my vacuum is worthless… I’m actually crying right now. This SUCKS.” This emotional response highlights how deeply frustrating it is when a product that performs so well is let down by a single, recurring defect, transforming brand trust into deep disappointment.
How Does the Kenmore BU4022 Compare to the Competition?
The Kenmore BU4022 operates in a competitive space with excellent alternatives from well-known brands. While its combination of bagged design, Lift-Up feature, and raw power is unique, other models offer different strengths that may be a better fit for your needs, especially considering the BU4022’s durability concerns.
1. Shark AZ2002C Vertex Upright Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFin Self-Cleaning Brushroll
- Shark’s most powerful vacuum ever, with incredible suction and innovative cleaning technologies
- Duo Clean Power Fins - A Power Fin roller and a soft roller combine on all floors. Continuous cleaning contact to dig deep into carpets, directly engage floors, and pick up more in every pass. (vs...
The Shark Vertex is a top-tier bagless competitor that goes head-to-head with the Kenmore on power and features. Its key advantages are the DuoClean PowerFins—a system with a soft roller and a finned brush roll that work in tandem to deep-clean carpets and directly engage hard floors for a polished look. It also features a self-cleaning brushroll to prevent hair wrap, a major maintenance plus for pet owners. While it shares a Lift-Away design and a sealed HEPA system, it is a bagless model. For those who prioritize the latest cleaning technology and are willing to manage a dustbin, the Shark Vertex is a formidable, and likely more reliable, alternative.
2. Bissell CleanView Allergen Lift-Off Upright Vacuum HEPA
- Every Purchase Saves Pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- Lift-Off Technology. Clean pet hair anywhere with the removable, portable cleaner. On-Board Pet Tools. 2-in-1 Dusting Brush + Crevice Tool and Pet TurboEraser Tool store right on the machine.
The Bissell CleanView Allergen Lift-Off is another strong contender that directly mirrors the Kenmore’s core value proposition. It features a Lift-Off detachable pod for portable cleaning and a HEPA Sealed Allergen System, making it another excellent choice for allergy sufferers. While it may not match the sheer suction force of the Kenmore’s 2-motor system, it offers a very similar feature set from a trusted brand, often at a competitive price point. For budget-conscious buyers looking for a Lift-Off HEPA vacuum who are wary of the Kenmore’s hose issues, this Bissell model presents a very safe and compelling alternative.
3. Bissell Allergen Lift-Off Pet Vacuum Tangle-Free
- SURFACESENSE TECHNOLOGY. Automatically transition from carpets to hard surfaces.
- LIFT-OFF DETACHABLE POD. Easily switches from a powerful upright vacuum to a detachable, portable canister vacuum.
This Bissell model is specifically tailored for pet owners. Its main differentiator is the Tangle-Free Multi-Surface Brush Roll, engineered to actively minimize hair wrap—a constant battle for those with shedding pets. Like the Kenmore and the other Bissell, it features Lift-Off technology for versatile cleaning and a sealed allergen system. It essentially takes the successful Lift-Off formula and adds a specialized tool to solve one of the biggest vacuuming annoyances. If your primary cleaning challenge is relentless pet hair, this Bissell might be a more specialized and durable tool for the job.
Our Final Verdict: A Brilliant Vacuum Betrayed by a Fatal Flaw
The Kenmore BU4022 Bagged Upright Vacuum is one of the most frustrating products we have ever reviewed. In terms of pure cleaning power, brilliant filtration, and user-friendly features like the Lift-Up canister and no-touch bags, it is a spectacular machine. It delivers a deep, satisfying clean that makes you feel like your home is truly free of dust and allergens. It is a vacuum you will genuinely love using… right up until the moment it breaks. The overwhelming evidence of a critical and recurring failure in the lower hose makes it impossible to recommend without a major caveat.
If you can find it at a significant discount and purchase a robust extended warranty, the gamble might pay off. For that period, you will own one of the best-performing vacuums in its class. However, for most people, the risk of a premature and difficult-to-repair failure is simply too high. It is a powerhouse performer trapped in a flawed body. Before making your final decision, we strongly urge you to check the latest price and user reviews to see if any design changes have been implemented, but proceed with caution.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API