Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet Friendly Bagged vs Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright

Design and build quality

The Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet Friendly Bagged features a design engineered for larger homes with pets. It utilizes Ball technology to help navigate around obstacles with a simple turn of the wrist, allowing for easy and precise maneuvering around the home. The unit is built to tackle big messes and removes dirt and pet hair effectively. In contrast, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright is designed as a multifloor, multi-surface vacuum for use in homes, dens, or kitchens. It features a wide sweeper path and includes a lightweight aluminum wand. Both units are upright vacuums, but the Kenmore Elite emphasizes navigation through its ball mechanism while the Dyson Ball Animal 3 focuses on reach with its wand extension.

Filtration and allergen control

Filtration is a critical component for maintaining indoor air quality. The Kenmore Elite 31150 employs advanced whole-machine filtration to ensure that dirt and allergens are contained within the unit. This system helps remove dirt from the home effectively. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright utilizes a Triple HEPA Filter System. This enhanced system traps 99.97% of debris, including dander and dust, inside the vacuum. By trapping these particles, it reduces allergy-induced pollutants in the room. While both systems aim to contain dust, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 provides a specific efficiency percentage, offering quantifiable data on its filtration performance compared to the general whole-machine description of the Kenmore Elite.

Performance

Suction power determines how effectively a vacuum cleans various surfaces. The Kenmore Elite 31150 uses pioneering Radial Root Cyclone technology which increases suction and helps remove dirt from your home. It is engineered to tackle big messes and remove dirt around the home. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright features a 3D Inducer Motor that combines the power of three motors. This configuration gives the unit 20% more air power than a conventional vacuum while never losing suction. Both models claim strong performance capabilities, with the Kenmore focusing on cyclone technology and the Dyson focusing on motor induction and sustained air power.

Pet hair removal

For households with animals, specialized tools are essential. The Kenmore Elite 31150 includes specialized pet tools such as a groom tool for medium and long-haired pets. It also features a tangle-free turbine tool that removes pet hair from upholstery and cars. The motorbar cleaner head includes de-tangling technology that automatically clears wrapped hair from the brush bar as you clean. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright includes a Pet Handimate. This air-driven turbine spins a roller brush to high RPM, easily removing dander, stubborn pet hair, and other debris off furniture, stairs, and car seats. Both units offer dedicated solutions for pet hair, with the Kenmore providing a specific groom tool and the Dyson offering a high-RPM turbine tool.

Maneuverability and reach

Navigating a vacuum cleaner around furniture and into tight spaces requires flexible design. The Kenmore Elite 31150 uses Ball technology to help navigate around obstacles with a simple turn of the wrist. This allows for precise maneuvering around the home. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright offers a flexible hose and lightweight aluminum wand that lengthen to reach 10 feet. This extended reach facilitates convenient cleaning transitions and allows users to access higher or deeper areas without moving the main unit. While the Kenmore focuses on steering precision at floor level, the Dyson emphasizes vertical and horizontal reach through its wand system.

Maintenance and durability

Long-term ownership depends on how easy the vacuum is to maintain. The Kenmore Elite 31150 features a motorbar cleaner head with de-tangling technology that automatically clears wrapped hair from the brush bar. This reduces the need for manual cleaning of the brush roll. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright features a Beltless Agitator which reduces maintenance and repairs. Additionally, it is a bagged upright vacuum, which can simplify debris disposal compared to bagless models. Both units incorporate features designed to minimize user intervention regarding brush roll maintenance and motor upkeep.

Price and value

Cost is a significant factor in the purchasing decision. The Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet Friendly Bagged is listed at a price of $434.99. This higher price point reflects its inclusion of 5 Dyson-Engineered accessories and specialized pet tools. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright is priced at $289.99. This lower price makes it a more accessible option for budget-conscious consumers. Given the price difference of over $140, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 offers a compelling value proposition, especially considering it still includes essential attachments and a HEPA filtration system. The Kenmore Elite commands a premium for its additional accessories and specific suction modes.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between these two vacuums depends on your specific household needs and budget. If you require extensive accessories and specialized tools for grooming pets, the Kenmore Elite 31150 Pet Friendly Bagged is the stronger candidate. Its 5 accessories and 3 suction modes provide versatility for different floor types and pet care tasks. However, if budget and filtration specifications are your primary concerns, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright is the recommended choice. It offers a lower price point of $289.99 and a Triple HEPA Filter System with a 99.97% trapping rate. Additionally, its 10-foot wand reach provides excellent versatility for above-floor cleaning. Both units are capable upright vacuums, but they prioritize different aspects of the cleaning experience.