Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Extended Reach+ Upright vs Kenmore DU1275 Featherlite Bagless Upright Vacuum

Design and Weight

When comparing the design and weight of the Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Extended Reach+ and the Kenmore DU1275 Featherlite, both vacuums emphasize lightweight builds for ease of use. The Kenmore specifically highlights its weight at under 11 pounds, making it quite portable for a full-sized upright vacuum. While the Dirt Devil’s exact weight isn’t stated, it is described as lightweight and easy to maneuver, designed for cleaning from floor to ceiling with its extended reach hose and versatile tools.

The Kenmore’s swivel steering adds to its maneuverability, allowing it to navigate corners and furniture seamlessly. In contrast, the Dirt Devil focuses on its extended reach and onboard tool storage, which keeps all accessories organized. Overall, both models prioritize user-friendly design, but Kenmore’s explicit weight and swivel steering may offer a slight edge in handling around tight spaces.

Cleaning Performance and Versatility

Both vacuums are designed to tackle multiple surfaces, including carpets and hard floors, with adjustable height settings to optimize cleaning efficiency. The Dirt Devil offers PowerPass technology and a 4-level height adjustment, which helps prevent dust and dirt scattering on hard floors while cleaning low to high pile carpets effectively. The Kenmore also features 4 height adjustment levels, ensuring airflow and cleaning efficiency tailored to any surface.

The Dirt Devil’s extended reach hose, combined with a Click Lock tool kit including an extension wand, crevice/dusting brush, and upholstery tool, allows cleaning from floor to ceiling and in hard-to-reach spots. Kenmore matches this with a 6-foot hose and a generous 7-foot extended reach, along with a dedicated upholstery tool and a 3-in-1 combination tool for crevice, dusting, and upholstery cleaning.

The Kenmore’s Hair Eliminator brushroll is a standout feature, automatically removing hair and strings to maintain performance without frequent manual cleaning. This is particularly beneficial for homes with pets. The Dirt Devil does not mention a hair removal function but compensates with versatile tools and PowerPass technology for thorough cleaning.

Dirt Cup Capacity and Maintenance

The Kenmore DU1275 offers a significant advantage in dirt cup capacity, boasting three times more capacity than standard models. This larger dirt cup enables users to cover a greater area with fewer interruptions, streamlining the cleaning process. While the Dirt Devil’s dirt cup is large and features a one-touch, easy-release mechanism for quick emptying, it does not specify capacity relative to competitors.

Both vacuums emphasize convenient maintenance. The Dirt Devil’s easy-empty dirt cup with a one-touch button simplifies cleanup, reducing the number of trash trips. Kenmore’s larger capacity also reduces the frequency of emptying, and the Hair Eliminator keeps the brushroll free of pet hair and strings, cutting down on brush maintenance.

Tool Kit and Extended Reach

The Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Extended Reach+ shines with its comprehensive Click Lock tool kit, including a 15-inch extension wand, an 11-inch 2-in-1 crevice/dusting brush, and an upholstery tool. This toolkit supports cleaning from floor to ceiling and in hard-to-reach areas, making it versatile for various household cleaning needs.

Kenmore’s tool kit is more modest but still effective, featuring a 6-foot hose and a 7-foot total extended reach, alongside two onboard tools: a dedicated upholstery tool and a 3-in-1 combination tool that serves as a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool. While Kenmore’s reach is slightly shorter than Dirt Devil’s, it compensates with fewer but multifunctional tools.

Overall, Dirt Devil’s tool kit offers more specialized attachments, while Kenmore provides fewer but versatile tools and a solid extended reach, giving users options depending on their cleaning priorities.

Price and Value

The Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Extended Reach+ is priced at $84.99, making it about 29% cheaper than the Kenmore DU1275, which sells for $119.99. This price difference of $35 offers a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious buyers seeking a versatile vacuum cleaner.

Considering their features, the Dirt Devil delivers extensive tools, good reach, and PowerPass technology at a lower price point. The Kenmore, while pricier, includes features like a larger dirt cup and the Hair Eliminator brushroll, which may justify the premium for users with pets or larger cleaning areas.

Both vacuums hold respectable sales ranks, with Kenmore slightly better ranked at 49,000 compared to Dirt Devil’s 61,242, hinting at slightly higher popularity or sales volume for the Kenmore model.

Maneuverability and Usability

The Kenmore DU1275 Featherlite boasts swivel steering, which allows it to effortlessly navigate corners and furniture. This feature can significantly improve the ease of vacuuming in cluttered or tight spaces. Its lightweight design at under 11 pounds further enhances portability and user comfort during extended cleaning sessions.

The Dirt Devil emphasizes quick and easy reach with its extended hose and versatile tools, enabling it to clean upholstery, floors, and high areas without much hassle. Onboard storage of tools also means nothing gets misplaced during cleaning.

While both models are designed for ease of use, Kenmore’s explicit swivel steering gives it an advantage in tight spaces, whereas Dirt Devil focuses more on extended reach and tool accessibility for a broader range of tasks.

Cleaning Technology and Floor Adjustment

Both vacuums feature 4-level height adjustment, allowing users to optimize suction and brush height for different carpet piles and hard floors. The Dirt Devil incorporates PowerPass technology, which helps prevent dust and dirt from scattering on hard floors, ensuring a more thorough clean in fewer passes.

Kenmore also offers height adjustment to tailor cleaning efficiency but does not specify additional technology to control dust scattering. However, Kenmore’s Hair Eliminator brushroll is a specialized feature that automatically removes hair and strings from the brushroll, maintaining optimal cleaning performance without manual intervention.

In terms of technology focused on cleaning efficacy, Dirt Devil’s PowerPass and Kenmore’s Hair Eliminator offer distinct benefits tailored to different cleaning challenges.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Extended Reach+ and the Kenmore DU1275 Featherlite depends largely on your cleaning priorities and budget. The Dirt Devil is about 29% cheaper at $84.99 and offers a robust set of tools, extended reach, and PowerPass technology that prevents dust scattering, making it a strong contender for households needing versatile floor-to-ceiling cleaning at a reasonable price.

On the other hand, the Kenmore DU1275, priced at $119.99, provides a larger dirt cup capacity, swivel steering for superior maneuverability, and a Hair Eliminator brushroll ideal for pet owners or those dealing with hair and strings frequently. Its lightweight design and 7-foot extended reach also ensure comfortable use and access to hard-to-reach areas.

If you prioritize budget and a wider assortment of specialized tools for various surfaces, the Dirt Devil is the better choice. If you value enhanced maneuverability, less maintenance on the brushroll, and a larger dirt cup for extended cleaning sessions, the Kenmore justifies its higher price. Both are competent vacuum cleaners, but your specific cleaning needs will determine the best fit.