Animals are great, and the number of people that own pets is growing. In fact, one consumer research survey suggests that around 23 percent of people across the world own a cat and around 33 percent own a dog. For many people, these pets are simply an extension of their own family. But, as cute and lovable as they are, one thing that frustrates pet owners a lot is the amount of dog or cat hair they find lying around.
In order to keep on top of this mounting problem, it’s recommended that all pet owners invest in a decent pet-friendly vacuum. The problem is with so many options available out there, how do you know which are any good?
Thankfully that’s where we come in. We’ve spent the time trawling the market to see what cuts it and what doesn’t and what’s worth writing home about. And the product we’ll be reviewing for you today is the Kenmore Elite 81714 Pet Friendly CrossOver Canister Vacuum.
Looks
In terms of looks, we’ll be honest, it’s not that exciting. But then what vacuum is? It’s a subtle silver/gray color that’s fairly compact in size with a few added cleaning tools for convenience. And there’s even a big rubber guard that sits around the canister to stop you from causing any damage if you do accidentally knock something.
Features
There’s a total of 6 different ways to clean with this Kenmore vacuum with various attachments to help make your life that little bit easier when cleaning. The motorized Pet PowerMate tool is definitely one of the vacuum’s best features and works well with even the most fluffy of pet hair. It also has swivel steering and on handle setting adjustments for greater maneuverability.
One of the really neat features of this vacuum is the LED performance indicator that lets you know when the bag is getting full and needs changing.
Functionality
Weighing in at nearly 30 pounds, this cleaning machine is a little heavier than most other vacuums out there. But, don’t let that put you off too much as it still glides around smoothly. The integrated bare floor brush allows you to cover multiple floor surfaces with ease. To make vacuuming around the house easier there’s an 26’ power cord, meaning you can clean a much larger space without having to keep plugging and unplugging every five seconds. Another great benefit of this vacuum is the fact that it’s so lightweight which makes it very easy to move around.
Performance
You’ll have the house gleaming in no time with this machine thanks to its advanced 2-motor system. And, thanks to its integrated HEPA filtration system, you know it will be super clean. In terms of noise, it is a little louder than many other similar models on the market, but that’s because it’s so powerful. The suction on this vacuum is insane and will pick up even the most stubborn of pet hair.
One thing we should warn you of is that because it’s so effective, the vacuum bags do tend to fill up quite quickly, so make sure you always have a stash of supplies on hand.
Changing the bag on this vacuum isn’t exactly difficult, but if you don’t get it just right you are likely to make more of a mess than you began with.
Durability
Its double wall design makes it overall design tougher than some of the other vacuums out there. And although the attachments are plastic, they seem pretty sturdy too. However, the one thing to be aware of with this vacuum is the back wheels. They are a little on the large size and somewhat flimsy. So just bear this in mind as you’re whizzing around cleaning the house.
Assembly
There isn’t really much to assemble when it comes to this vacuum. Just in case you do get stuck everything you need to know is written and drawn out in the instruction manual. When you first get it, the initial dust bag is already installed for you.
Warranty
This product comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
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Kenmore Elite 81714: Conclusion
If you’re looking for a decent pet-friendly vacuum that shows no signs of struggling no matter what hair it is facing, the Kenmore Elite 81714 Canister Vacuum may be the right vacuum for you. It’s well made and lightweight, works like a dream and has various attachments to play with for an even deeper clean.
The downsides are that it lacks a little when it comes to the design and quality. The unit is also a little bit noisy. If it’s functionality you’re after, this vacuum certainly shines and is likely to keep performing well for quite some time.
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