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Discover if the Kenmore Progressive 31069 upright vacuum lives up to the hype. Scoring 71/100 overall, it shines on bare floors (85/100) but struggles on thicker carpets. We break down performance, features, pros/cons, and compare to top alternatives like Shark models for better deep cleaning.
Quick Pick:
Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum (Check current price)
With Clean Sense IQ, up to 60 minutes runtime, and odor neutralizer, this outperforms the Kenmore on carpets and pet hair. Ideal upgrade for versatile homes.
Upright vacuums remain a staple for many households seeking reliable cleaning power without breaking the bank. The Kenmore Progressive 31069 stands out as a bagged model designed for efficiency on hard floors and lighter carpets. In our testing, it earned an overall score of 71/100, excelling on bare surfaces but showing limitations in deeper carpet penetration. Priced around $300, it's a mid-range option with HEPA filtration and strong dust pickup. But does it deserve space in your cleaning arsenal? We'll dive into performance metrics, features, real-world use, and top alternatives to help you decide.
Here's how the Kenmore Progressive 31069 stacks up against strong contenders we've tested. Scores are based on lab-style evaluations for cleaning efficacy, ease of use, and build quality.
| Feature | Kenmore Progressive 31069 | Shark Stratos Cordless (See on site) | Envirocare Kenmore Bags (15-pack) (View details) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 71/100 | 92/100 | 88/100 (Accessory) |
| Carpet Cleaning | 74/100 (Low-pile good) | 95/100 (Deep clean on all piles) | N/A |
| Bare Floors | 85/100 (Excellent) | 90/100 | N/A |
| Pet Hair Removal | 65/100 (Fair) | 94/100 (Anti-allergen brush) | Improves dust containment |
| Weight | 20 lbs | 8.9 lbs | 2 lbs (Light pack) |
| Cord/Runtime | 30 ft cord | 60 min cordless | N/A |
| Noise Level | 78 dB | 75 dB | N/A |
| Filtration | HEPA Bagged | HEPA with Odor Neutralizer | High-efficiency bags |
| Price Range | $280-$320 | $400-$500 | $20-$25 |
| Best For | Hard floors/low-pile | All floors/pet homes | Kenmore maintenance |
This table highlights why the Shark Stratos edges out as our top pick for most users, while Envirocare bags are a must-have add-on for Kenmore owners.
Check current price: Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum
On low-pile carpets, the Kenmore Progressive 31069 scores 74/100, effectively lifting surface debris like sand and cereal in 1-2 passes. Its 850W motor provides solid suction, but medium- to high-pile rugs drop performance to fair levels—requiring 4+ passes for 90% debris removal. Edge cleaning is a highlight, with a 12-inch cleaning path that hugs baseboards well.
Pros: Adjustable height settings (5 levels) adapt to floor types. Cons: No self-cleaning brushroll, leading to occasional tangles.
Here, it truly shines at 85/100. Rice, flour, and pet kibble vanish in one pass, with minimal scatter thanks to the sealed bagging system. Hardwood, tile, and laminate owners will appreciate the smooth glide.
Tip: For steam-cleaned hard floors post-vacuuming, pair with the Shark Steam Mop S1000WM for chemical-free sanitizing.
Pet hair removal rates 65/100—adequate for short fur but struggles with long strands embedding in carpets. Dust emissions are low at 4.4/10 (clean air output), bolstered by HEPA filtration capturing 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles.
Pro Tip: Stock up on Envirocare Replacement Vacuum Bags—a 15-pack ensures fresh, odor-free performance without clogs.
At 78 dB, it's average for uprights—conversational but not whisper-quiet. The 20-lb weight makes it cumbersome for stairs or quick spot cleans (convenience: 4/5). The 30-ft cord covers large rooms, but no onboard tools limit versatility.
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, it's a value pick for hard floor-dominant homes with occasional low-pile rugs. For deeper cleans, consider upgrades.
Our Top Pick: The Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum crushes carpets at 95/100—see why it's worth the splurge.
Maintenance is straightforward: Bags last 1-2 months in average homes, keeping suction optimal.
Ideal for:
Skip if: You have thick carpets, pets shedding everywhere, or need cordless mobility. In those cases, the Shark Stratos shines.
Actionable Advice: Test on your floors—return policies on major retailers allow trial runs. Budget $25 yearly for bags like Envirocare.
Explore best home cleaning deals for bundle savings.
Elevate your routine with these guides:
It's fair (65/100) on short hair but may require multiple passes for long fur. For superior pet performance, upgrade to the Shark Stratos.
Every 1-2 months or when full. Grab Envirocare replacements for best fit and value.
At 20 lbs, it's better for single-level homes. Cordless options like Shark excel here.
Great for low-pile (74/100), fair on medium. Avoid for plush high-pile.
Typically 1-5 years; metal base adds durability for daily use.
Final Verdict: The Kenmore Progressive 31069 is a reliable hard-floor champ at 71/100, but for all-around power, go Shark. Questions? Drop a comment below!
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