REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Great at handling obstacles
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor hard surface and carpet performance
Short hose length
Kenmore FeatherLite Review
If you value a light vacuum that is easy to handle, then it's worth considering this model, but there are better mid-tier vacuums
Credit: Kenmore
By Jessica Riconscente ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 19, 2023
Contributions From: Benjamin Hickok
RELATED: The Best Upright Vacuums of 2025
Our Verdict
The Kenmore FeatherLite is an average vacuum all around. As the name suggests, it's fairly lightweight and handles well, but it did a rather unexceptional job of carpet and hard surface cleaning when compared to the most premium upright vacuums in our review. Although it has an attractive price compared to so many premium vacuums, other similarly priced models offer greater overall performance and features.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Kenmore FeatherLite promotes itself as a lightweight and compact vacuum cleaner that promises to deliver exceptional cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors. However, our comprehensive testing suggests these are slightly inflated claims and found its actual carpet and hard surface cleaning performance to be average or worse. We also found its physical form factor to be heavier and less maneuverable than other the top models our team has tested.
The Kenmore comes apart so that you can suction debris from hard to reach places.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Carpet Cleaning
The Kenmore FeatherLite eked out a slightly above average performance for the test group.
Noticeable residue after vacuuming with the Kenmore FeatherLite.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente
Ease of Use
Unfortunately, the Kenmore FeatherLite did poorly in our set of tests and assessments and earned a below-average score when compared to the entire test group.
Emptying is made simple with the press of a button.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Handling
The Kenmore FeatherLite proved its ability to maneuver well, and it requires very little pushing and pulling effort.
Maneuvering tests with the Kenmore FeatherLite.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente
While this model is light and handles well, it lacks a true 'lift-away' feature, meaning the whole vacuum will need to travel with you to access stairs. Lack of lift away feature aside, this model scored high marks when it comes to handling.
A narrower brush and vacuum head helps the FeatherLite reach tighter areas.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Hard Surface Cleaning
The Kenmore FeatherLite did a dismal job compared to the other models in the test group.
The Kenmore FeatherLite plowed cereal in our hard surface testing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Pet Hair
The Kenmore FeatherLite does an okay job of picking up debris from carpeted surfaces but is very good at lifting pet hair from deep within carpets, leaving them looking clean and refreshed. In our pet hair test metric, the FeatherLite lifted 94% of hair. To the naked eye, this looks nearly perfect, and only upon closer inspection could our testers find the remaining .3 grams of hair left behind from the test.
This model did an exceptional job of cleaning pet hair from carpets.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente
Should You Buy the Kenmore FeatherLite?
The Kenmore FeatherLite failed to impress our team with its good but not great performance overall. At a similar price point, other models we tested offer a significant step up in terms of performance. As such, we can't recommend the FeatherLite.
What Other Upright Vacuums Should You Consider?
The Kenmore FeatherLite did a poor job on hard surfaces and is just an okay upright vacuum all around. At a similar price point, the Shark Navigator Lift Away offers superior performance and would be a good consideration. If budget is no concern and you are seeking the maximum performance from a vacuum, then you need to look no further than the Shark Stratos, which offers exceptional performance all around.
—Jessica Riconscente and Benjamin Hickok
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