BISSELL BigGreen Commercial PowerForce Bagged vs Kenmore DU1275 Featherlite Bagless Upright Vacuum

Design and Portability

When it comes to design and portability, both the BISSELL BigGreen and the Kenmore DU1275 prioritize lightweight construction, making them easy to maneuver. The BISSELL BigGreen weighs 12 pounds and features a 13-inch cleaning path, while the Kenmore DU1275 is slightly lighter, coming in under 11 pounds. This weight difference of about 1 pound makes the Kenmore marginally easier to carry and handle, especially for extended cleaning sessions or moving between floors.

The BISSELL BigGreen features a classic upright industrial design with a long 30-foot power cord, which provides ample reach without frequent unplugging. The Kenmore DU1275, while not specifying cord length, compensates with swivel steering, allowing for smoother navigation around furniture and corners. Both vacuums include attachments stored conveniently on the unit, enhancing their portability and ease of use around the home.

Filtration and Cleaning Technology

Filtration and cleaning efficiency are key factors in vacuum performance. The BISSELL BigGreen boasts a three-stage filtration system combined with a cyclonic cleaning mechanism, which helps maintain suction power and traps fine dust particles effectively. This is particularly valuable for users concerned about air quality and allergens.

In contrast, the Kenmore DU1275 does not specify a multi-stage filtration process but emphasizes practical features like a hair eliminator brushroll that automatically removes hair and strings. This feature is especially useful for homes with pets, reducing maintenance time. Additionally, Kenmore’s bagless design means users won’t need to purchase replacement bags, although it may require more frequent emptying compared to bagged models like the BigGreen.

Attachments and Tools

Both vacuum cleaners come with useful attachments to extend their cleaning versatility. The BISSELL BigGreen includes a crevice tool, a combination dusting brush/upholstery tool, and an extension wand. These tools are stored on the back of the vacuum, making them accessible during cleaning without interrupting workflow.

The Kenmore DU1275 offers a slightly broader set of attachments, featuring a dedicated upholstery tool and a 3-in-1 combination tool that acts as a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool. Its 6-foot hose plus accessory tools extend the cleaning reach to 7 feet in total, allowing users to tackle hard-to-reach areas more comfortably. This extended reach is a notable advantage over the BigGreen’s tools, which rely primarily on the extension wand without a dedicated hose.

Height Adjustment and Surface Compatibility

Both vacuums allow users to adjust the cleaning height, adapting to different floor surfaces. The BISSELL BigGreen offers five height settings, which provide greater flexibility for cleaning a variety of surfaces, from bare floors to high-pile carpets. This feature benefits users who need a vacuum capable of handling mixed flooring types effectively.

The Kenmore DU1275 provides four height adjustment levels, slightly fewer than the BigGreen but still sufficient for most household needs. The vacuum also highlights optional airflow control linked to height adjustment, which can optimize cleaning efficiency on different surfaces. While the difference in height settings may be minor, BISSELL’s five-position adjustment gives it a slight edge for users seeking precise customization.

Suction Power and Cleaning Performance

The BISSELL BigGreen is powered by a 10-amp motor, designed for commercial and industrial use, which suggests strong suction capabilities suitable for heavy-duty cleaning tasks. Its three-stage filtration and cyclonic system work together to maintain consistent suction and thorough dirt removal.

The Kenmore DU1275, while not specifying motor amperage, emphasizes features that improve cleaning performance, such as swivel steering for easy maneuvering and a hair eliminator brushroll to maintain brush efficiency. Although it may not match the BigGreen’s industrial motor rating, the Kenmore’s design focuses on practical usability for home environments, especially for pet owners.

Capacity and Maintenance

A key distinction between these vacuums lies in their dust containment systems. The BISSELL BigGreen employs a bagged system, which can be preferable for users wanting cleaner disposal of dirt and allergens, though it requires purchasing replacement bags.

The Kenmore DU1275 uses a bagless design with a dust cup that offers three times more capacity than many standard models, allowing for longer cleaning sessions without interruption. This larger capacity is a significant advantage for extensive cleaning jobs, reducing the frequency of emptying. Additionally, the Kenmore’s automatic hair removal system cuts down on brushroll maintenance, enhancing ease of upkeep compared to the BigGreen.

Price and Popularity

Price is a major consideration, and the Kenmore DU1275 comes in at $119.99, which is about 19% cheaper than the BISSELL BigGreen’s $149.00 price point. This price difference may be significant for budget-conscious buyers looking for a capable upright vacuum.

In terms of popularity, the BISSELL BigGreen holds a better sales rank at 8,645 compared to the Kenmore DU1275’s 49,000. This suggests the BigGreen is more popular or widely purchased in the vacuum cleaner category, possibly reflecting its commercial-grade performance and trusted brand reputation.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the BISSELL BigGreen Commercial PowerForce Bagged Lightweight and the Kenmore DU1275 Featherlite Bagless Upright Vacuum depends on your priorities. If you value strong suction power from a 10-amp motor, industrial-grade filtration with three stages, and the convenience of five height adjustments, the BigGreen is a solid choice, especially for mixed surfaces and heavier cleaning demands. Its bagged system is ideal for those sensitive to allergens, though it comes at a higher price and slightly heavier weight.

On the other hand, the Kenmore DU1275 offers excellent value at nearly $30 less, with a lightweight design under 11 pounds, a larger dust cup capacity, and convenient features like swivel steering and a hair eliminator brushroll. Its bagless design and extended reach tools suit households with pets and larger areas to clean. Although it has fewer height settings and a lower sales rank, it provides practical features that enhance everyday usability.

Ultimately, opt for the BISSELL BigGreen if you need robust commercial-style cleaning power and advanced filtration. Choose the Kenmore DU1275 if you want an affordable, lightweight, and user-friendly vacuum with strong pet-hair handling and a roomy dust cup.