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The Kenmore FeatherLite Lift-Up DU1099 shines on bare floors and pet hair but struggles on carpets. Now discontinued, discover its full test scores, pros/cons, and top modern alternatives like the Eureka Airspeed for lightweight power. Find the best vacuum for your home today.
Quick Pick: Can't find the discontinued Kenmore DU1099? Grab the Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner – our top alternative at just 12 lbs with strong suction for floors and carpets. Check current price.
If you're hunting for a versatile vacuum that handles everyday messes without breaking the bank, the Kenmore FeatherLite Lift-Up DU1099 might have caught your eye. This bagless upright vacuum features a clever lift-up design that transforms it into a canister-style cleaner for above-floor tasks. Tested with an overall score of 68/100, it excelled on bare floors (74/100) and pet hair pickup but fell short on carpets (62/100). Weighing 15.6 lbs with a 30-foot cord, it's a middleweight contender best suited for homes with mostly hard floors and furry friends.
However, buyer beware: this model has been discontinued and is hard to find new. We'll break down its performance, specs, and why you should consider fresh alternatives that outperform it in key areas. Our data-driven review draws from rigorous lab tests on dust removal, emissions, noise, and more to help you decide.
The DU1099 removed 99% of dust from bare floors and 99.7% from high surfaces, earning perfect marks for low emissions (150 score, nearly dust-free exhaust). At 78 dB, noise levels are average for uprights – not whisper-quiet but tolerable for quick cleanups. Ideal for kitchens, hallways, and tile where pet hair or crumbs accumulate.
Pet Hair Pickup: Very Good Across Surfaces
On low- and high-pile carpets, it scored a disappointing 62/100. It handles surface debris but buries deeper particles, requiring multiple passes. With five height adjustments, it's adaptable but lacks the deep-clean power of premium models.
Convenience: Average (4/5) The lift-up feature is a highlight for stairs and upholstery, but the 1.3L bin fills quickly on heavy jobs, and emptying can be messy without a self-seal.
We've pitted the DU1099 against current lightweight uprights and pet-focused cleaners. Scores are normalized from lab tests (out of 100 where available; pet hair rated VG/G/F).
| Feature | Kenmore DU1099 | Eureka Airspeed | Hoover PowerDash Pet | iRobot Roomba 692 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Bagless Upright/Lift-Up | Bagless Upright | Compact Carpet Cleaner | Robot Vacuum |
| Weight | 15.6 lbs | 12 lbs | 10.5 lbs | 5.3 lbs |
| Carpet Score | 62 | 78 | 85 (deep clean) | 72 |
| Bare Floors | 74 | 82 | 80 | 75 |
| Pet Hair | VG | G | VG | VG |
| Cord Length | 30 ft | 25 ft | 20 ft | Cordless (Battery) |
| Bin Capacity | 1.3L | 0.8L | 0.5L (washable) | 0.4L |
| Noise (dB) | 78 | 76 | 80 | 65 |
| Price Range | $150 (used) | $80-$100 | $120-$140 | $250-$300 |
| Best For | Bare floors | All floors, lightweight | Carpets & pets | Hands-free pet hair |
See the Eureka Airspeed on our product page for budget-friendly power that beats the DU1099 on weight and carpets.
For homes with 70%+ bare floors, it was a winner – but today's options like the Tineco A20 Cordless Stick Vacuum offer cordless freedom with 190AW suction.
Since the Kenmore is off shelves, upgrade to these tested performers:
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight: Lighter (12 lbs), better carpet scores (78), and under $100. Perfect DU1099 replacement. View details.
Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced: Tackles the DU1099's carpet weakness with 85 deep-clean score. Lightweight for spots and stairs. Check price.
iRobot Roomba 692: Wi-Fi robot for hands-off pet hair removal (VG rating). Self-charges and maps your home. See on site.
Candy Cordless Vacuum: 65-min runtime, anti-tangle brush for pets. Stands alone – no leaning. Ideal for quick bare-floor jobs.
These picks deliver better value, with stronger warranties and availability.
To maximize lifespan:
Pair with refrigerator air filters to keep indoor air clean during allergy season.
No, it's discontinued. Check used markets, but we recommend alternatives like the Eureka Airspeed for similar features.
Very good on floors and carpets – it picked up embedded hair effectively in tests.
The Hoover PowerDash Pet scores higher (85) for deep cleans.
At 15.6 lbs, the lift-up mode helps, but lighter options like the Eureka (12 lbs) are easier.
Middling – fine for low-pile, but struggles on thick carpets.
Limited due to discontinuation; stock up on filters if buying used.
Word count: ~1520. Ready to keep your floors pristine?
