Kenmore Elite Ultra Plush 700 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum | 2-Motor System, Powerful Suction, HEPA Filter, Pet PowerMate for Pet Hair, Thick Carpet, Hard Floors, Stairs and More - 81714

The Kenmore 81714 (700 Series) is a specialized deep-cleaning powerhouse designed for households with ultra-plush carpeting and heavy-shedding pets. Its primary value proposition is the Ultra Plush nozzle, which utilizes dedicated airflow channels to prevent the machine from "sealing" to dense, high-pile rugs—a common failure point for almost every other vacuum on the market. This is paired with a motorized Pet PowerMate that provides aggressive mechanical agitation for upholstery and stairs, and a true HEPA filtration system that traps 99.97% of dander and allergens inside a sealed bag.

The trade-offs are typical of a heavy-duty canister. At 22 pounds, it is significantly bulkier and heavier than modern stick vacuums, making it a chore to carry between floors. Additionally, the build quality leans heavily on plastic, which lacks the refined, "indestructible" feel of premium European brands. You will also need to account for the recurring cost of HEPA bags and the logistical hurdle of storing a large, hose-dependent unit in small closets.

Despite these ergonomic inconveniences, the Kenmore 81714 is an undeniable "buy" because it delivers professional-grade suction and pile-specific performance at nearly half the price of luxury competitors. For the right user—someone with thick rugs and high-shedding animals—the minor trade-off in weight and refinement is easily justified by a machine that actually cleans the surfaces other vacuums cannot even push across.