August 3, 2011
Great low-pile and bare floor performance
Not the best for thick carpets
Loud, and a major energy hog
Some really cheap plastic parts
Introduction
If you’re a neat freak with a home full of wood floors, you should consider cleaning with a Kenmore Progressive 21514. Based on a design that hasn’t changed in decades, this vacuum still packs a performance punch in an increasingly crowded field of cleaners. Its outstanding bare floor and low-pile carpet performance is, however, offset by subpar cleaning on high-pile carpets and some aggravating design flaws. The canister design may take some getting used to, but for many users it’s even more maneuverable than most uprights. MSRP is $329.99, but wait for a sale, as the price can go as low as $229.
Comparisons
Jump to a quick comparison of the Kenmore Progressive 21514 with these other vacuum cleaners...
| This review is organized into 9 pages | ||
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Page 1
Design
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Page 2
Cleaning Performance
The Kenmore Progressive 21514 could have bested any vacuum we tested in cleaning performance if only it did a better job cleaning long carpet and picking up heavy debris. Still, it’s a great choice for anyone who has mostly wood floors or short-pile carpet. Read More... |
Page 3
Usability
Those used to cleaning with a compact upright may take a little while to get used to a big canister vacuum, but it’s not a steep learning curve. What we can’t forgive, however, are a few maddeningly cheap pieces of plastic that manage to sabotage an otherwise ideal design. Read More... |
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Page 4
Noise & Efficiency
More than any other vacuum we’ve tested, the Kenmore Progressive 21514 is a loud energy hog. Read More... |
Page 5
Dyson DC28 Comparison
 We compare the 21514 to the DC28 Animal. Read More... |
Page 6
Hoover S3865 Comparison
 We compare the 21514 to the S3865. Read More... |
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Page 7
Panasonic MC-UL915 Comparison
 We compare the 21514 to the MC-UL915 Jetspin. Read More... |
Page 8
Conclusion
Read our final conclusion of the Kenmore Progressive 21514. Read More... |
Page 9
Specs & Ratings
See all the scores for the Kenmore Progressive 21514. Read More... |
Latest News
& Reviews
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04-May-2012
Miele S2121 Olympus Lotus White Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner Review
The $299 Miele S2121 Olympus is a well-built, lightweight and quiet canister vacuum. It impressed us with its cleaning and debris performance on hardwood floors and short carpets. But without a powered brushroll or the option to add one, it’s nearly useless on high pile carpet. Read More...
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11-Apr-2012
Dyson DC39 Multi Floor Vacuum Cleaner Review
Dyson improved the DC39, but we’re not sure it’s enough to warrant its price. Read More...
Top Rated Vacuum Cleaners
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$199.991Oreck XL Element
If all you need is on-floor cleaning, the Oreck XL Element is a reasonably-priced option. Read full 10-part review
$199.99 -
$249.992Kenmore Progressive 21514
The Kenmore Progressive 21514 is a canister vacuum that excels at cleaning wood floors, low-pile carpet and pet hair. It's maneuverable and ergonomically optimal, though a few minor design tweaks could vastly improve its usability. Read full 10-part review
$249.99 -
$649.993
Dyson DC28 Animal
(Upright / Bagless / Silver-Purple)The Dyson DC28 Animal is the top of the range in Dyson's lineup, and it offers extreme cleaning power in a large, bulky cleaner. It also offers plenty of cleaning tools and a long reach to make cleaning large spaces easier, and a dedicated pet hair tool. Read full 10-part review
$649.99 -
$499.994Oreck Magnesium
Cleans well, but whether the Magnesium is worth the price depends on the customer. Read full 10-part review
$499.99 -
$229.995Hoover U6485900 Anniversary WindTunnel
(Upright / Bagged / Windtunnel / Blue)You can count on the U6485900 Anniversary WindTunnel on all surface types. Read full 10-part review
$229.99
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