Kenmore BU4050 Review — Pet Hair Eliminator
Overview:This Lift-Up Canister vacuum gives U.S. homes powerful, allergy-conscious cleaning with hands-free bagging and HEPA filtration. Weighing just 14 lbs, it converts quickly to a lightweight pod for stairs and above-floor cleaning.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Enjoy cleaner air with HEPA filtration that captures 99.97% of dust.
- Get hands-free disposal using No Touch Bag Technology and self-sealing bags.
- Remove hair automatically with the Hair Eliminator Nozzle and brushroll.
- Maintain powerful suction as bags fill with PowerFlow double-wall bag design.
- Maneuver easily with swivel steering; full-sized performance in a 14 lb body.
- Convert quickly for stairs and above-floor cleaning with the lightweight pod.
Original price was: $148.53.$125.59Current price is: $125.59.
Introduction
This is a bagged upright vacuum that combines a full-sized cleaning head with a lightweight, lift-up canister for stairs and above-floor cleaning. It’s designed for people who want the pickup power of a traditional upright but prefer the hygiene and airflow consistency of a bagged system.
Who it’s for: apartment and house owners with pets and long hair, allergy sufferers who want a sealed HEPA capture system, and anyone who prefers a no-touch bagged workflow over dust cups. Quick verdict: a practical, allergy-friendly bagged upright vacuum with useful no-touch features and a lighter-than-average 14 lb profile (source: listing, checked 2025).
What’s in the Box
- Not specified (manufacturer components and included accessories are not listed in the provided content).
Design & Build
The listing emphasizes a full-sized upright form factor with a lift-up canister function that converts part of the machine into a lightweight pod for above-floor work. The vacuum is described as “lightweight at 14 lbs,” which makes it easier to steer and carry up stairs than many traditional uprights (source: listing, checked 2025).
Materials and finish are not detailed in the listing, so exact plastics, metal parts, or brushroll composition are Not specified. Ergonomically, the vacuum appears to prioritize maneuverability: swivel steering is explicitly called out, and the lift-up canister is intended to reduce the weight you carry when cleaning stairs or upholstery. Handle shape, cord management, and on-board tool storage are not listed, so assume standard upright ergonomics unless otherwise specified.
Key Features
Lift-Up Canister
Benefit: Converts a portion of the upright into a lighter pod so you can clean stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces without hauling the full weight of the machine.
Where it helps: If you live in a multi-level home or need to frequently vacuum stairs, the lift-up canister reduces strain and makes transitions between floors faster. It’s also handy for vacuuming curtains, car interiors, and tight spots where a full upright would be awkward.
Hair Eliminator Nozzle
Benefit: A brushroll design that automatically removes hair wrap from the brush so the roller stays ready to clean.
Where it helps: Homes with pets or long-haired residents often face clogged brushrolls that reduce cleaning effectiveness. This nozzle reduces the frequency of manual brushroll cleaning, saving time and keeping performance more consistent between maintenance cycles.
No Touch Bag Technology (No-touch bag)
Benefit: Hands-free bag removal with a self-sealing bag system eliminates direct contact with dust and debris when you change bags.
Where it helps: For allergy-prone users or anyone who dislikes handling dust cups, this system keeps your hands clean and reduces airborne dust release when emptying. It’s especially useful after cleaning dusty basements, pet areas, or high-traffic entryways.
PowerFlow Bag Technology
Benefit: Double-wall bag design maintains air passage to preserve suction as the bag fills.
Where it helps: Unlike single-wall bags that can choke off airflow as they collect debris, double-wall PowerFlow bag tech aims to keep suction steady longer. That means more consistent cleaning performance over the life of a bag — helpful during extended cleaning sessions or in larger homes.
Completely Sealed System (HEPA capture)
Benefit: An advanced HEPA filter system that the listing says traps 99.97% of dust inside the vacuum.
Where it helps: If you or household members suffer from allergies or asthma, a sealed HEPA system reduces the amount of fine particles returned to room air during vacuuming. The listing specifies 99.97% capture (source: listing, checked 2025), which is the commonly cited efficiency for HEPA-grade filtration.
Where to buy
Performance & Use
Setup is standard for a bagged upright: insert the recommended bag, clip or lock the bag compartment closed, and attach any included tools if present. Specific assembly steps and included accessories are Not specified in the listing, so keep the packaging handy for model-specific directions.
Practical tips
- Use the lift-up canister for stairs and switch back to the upright position for floors; this reduces fatigue and accelerates multi-surface cleaning.
- Keep a small supply of replacement bags on hand. The no-touch bag design is convenient but does mean you’ll incur replacement-bag costs over time.
- Replace the HEPA filter per the manufacturer’s instructions. The sealed system and HEPA element work best when filters and seals are intact.
- Check the brushroll occasionally despite the Hair Eliminator feature. While brush-wrap is reduced, strings and very long hair can still catch on the endcaps or bearings and may require manual attention.
- Monitor suction and bag fill. PowerFlow bags aim to keep suction consistent as they fill, but all bagged systems will eventually need replacement to preserve peak performance.
Maintenance
- Bag changes are designed to be hands-free and self-sealing; follow the listed procedure to avoid accidental dust release.
- Replace or clean pre-filters and HEPA elements according to the schedule in the owner’s manual (Not specified in the listing).
- Store the machine in a dry place and avoid vacuuming liquids unless the unit is rated for wet pickup (Not specified).
Performance expectations
- The combination of a full-size upright head and a sealed HEPA system suggests this model is tuned for deep pile carpets and multi-surface tidying, but the listing does not provide airflow (CFM), suction (air watts), or cleaning test results. Avoid comparing raw power figures to other machines unless you have lab-verified numbers.
Pros vs Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hands-free, self-sealing No Touch Bag Technology for cleaner bag changes (source: listing, checked 2025) | Ongoing cost and availability of replacement bags (inherent to bagged systems) |
| Completely Sealed HEPA system that “traps 99.97% of dust” — good for allergy control (source: listing, checked 2025) | Bag capacity and runtime between bag changes Not specified in the listing |
| Hair Eliminator nozzle reduces brushroll hair wrap and maintenance interruptions | Noise level and exact suction performance figures are Not specified |
| Lift-Up Canister allows lightweight pod use for stairs and above-floor cleaning (source: listing, checked 2025) | Exact included accessories and spare filter policy Not specified |
| PowerFlow double-wall bag design aims to maintain suction as bag fills (source: listing, checked 2025) | As a bagged upright, you’ll need to keep replacement bags stocked and may have slightly higher operating cost than bagless models |
Who Should Buy
- You want a bagged upright vacuum with no-touch bag removal for cleaner, less dusty bag changes.
- Allergy sufferers looking for a sealed HEPA capture system to limit airborne dust during vacuuming (listing claims 99.97% capture).
- Homes with pets and long hair where reduced brushroll wrapping is a priority.
- People who prefer the consistent suction characteristics of a bagged machine and want a lighter-weight upright for stairs and above-floor use.
Who Shouldn’t Buy
- You prefer bagless vacuums to avoid periodic bag replacement costs.
- You need detailed power or performance specifications (CFM, air watts, bag capacity) for side-by-side comparison — those figures are Not specified in the listing.
- You need wet pickup or specialized floor-care attachments that are not listed as included.
- You prioritize extremely quiet models where decibel ratings are required for purchase decisions — noise level is Not specified.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Power | 120.0 watts |
| Weight | 14 lbs (listed description: “lightweight at 14lbs”) |
| Filtration | Completely Sealed System with HEPA that traps 99.97% of dust (source: listing, checked 2025) |
| Bag Technology | PowerFlow double-wall bag; No Touch Bag Technology (self-sealing) |
| Brushroll | Hair Eliminator nozzle (automatic hair removal from brushroll) |
| Cord Length | Not listed |
| Bag Capacity | Not listed |
| Included Accessories | Not specified |
Note: Where the listing provided explicit specs, they’re shown above. For common consumer specs that weren’t in the provided content (cord length, exact bag capacity, decibel level), the table notes “Not listed.”
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
If you want the cleanliness and filtration benefits of a bagged system plus the maneuverability of a lighter upright, this model is a sensible option. It combines practical features — lift-up canister for stairs, a hair-eliminating nozzle, no-touch bag changes, PowerFlow bags to maintain suction, and a sealed HEPA system that the listing claims captures 99.97% of dust (source: listing, checked 2025) — into a package that should suit pet owners and allergy-conscious households.
If ongoing bag costs, unspecified bag capacity, or the lack of detailed performance metrics are dealbreakers, consider comparing against bagless uprights or other bagged models that publish more complete spec sheets.
If you’re ready to buy or want to see current pricing and offers, check the retailer listings below.
Specification: Kenmore BU4050 Review — Pet Hair Eliminator
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Jordan –
They gave me a vacuum with a US power cord 😭, so even if I use an adapter it trips my kitchen, bedroom etc. USA use 110v unlike in Europe so I don’t know why they sold it to me. Or it is just broken from the start but I guess it’s because it’s from USA
Finnulf –
The best of all worlds! Bagged vacuums are less messy in general; this one has a great mechanism that keeps the bag self-contained even when changing it out. It’s an upright vacuum, it’s a canister vacuum, it’s lightweight yet rugged, it has excellent suction and maneuvers easily. I have never been so excited by purchasing a new vacuum cleaner as this one! Does the trick in a household with four cats, no less!
Wicca Wolf –
I was really excited to buy this vacuum cleaner as mine has seen better days. It arrived quickly and well packaged, but when I opened the box, I noticed that the plug is for a USA socket. I was very disappointed. I had to return the item, but was given a swift refund with no problems, so although I was disappointed with the vacuum, the company were helpful about the return and refund, which is why I have given 3 stars.
Paulina –
I’ve used this twice and so far so good. Seems to pick everything up on my low pile carpet including cat hair (I have two long haired cats so I need a good vacuum). Sucks better than my previous Shark, but that vacuum was 2-3 years old. Navigates smoothly and easily. Not too big and bulky or heavy. Has a good array of attachments whereas my Shark had none. I’m looking forward to not having to pull hair out of a filthy bagless container and have dust fly everywhere, creating yet another mess to clean.
I will update this review after I’ve had this vacuum for a longer period of time. I will be happy if it maintains its suction strength for at least 3 more years. We’ll see.
KeatonGuano –
This vacuum has been great for me. The suction has been consistently great, both for floor vacuuming and hose vacuuming. After a little over 6 months of owning and using the vacuum, I just had to replace the bag for the first time today. Granted, it only gets used for a living room rug and a bedroom, but that’s still pretty good. I’m really glad I decided to make the switch from a vacuum with a dust cup to a bagged vacuum. So much easier and cleaner!
The closest thing to a complaint I have is that it would be really nice if I could remove the wand/hose (for higher vacuuming) without having to unwrap the entire cord. Since the upper hook that the cord wraps around is on the removable wand, you have to completely unwrap the cord any time you want to use the wand. That’s the one thing that annoys me.
My first time replacing the bag didn’t go super smoothly, but now that I know what to do, it should be quick and easy next time. Even though I looked at the instructions, I didn’t realize that the bracket you insert the top of the bag into is supposed to pop out at an angle like it does. When I was pressing the bag release button, that was not happening (and it took me a while to get the bag to release). I managed to also awkwardly slide the new bag into the bracket without the bracket being in the position it was supposed to be in. Then, when I couldn’t get the dust cover assembly to snap back into the vacuum afterward, I knew something was wrong and consulted a video on YouTube. After seeing what it was supposed to do in the video, I managed to get the bracket to pop out like it was supposed to (not sure why it didn’t before) and then clicked it successfully back into place, and the assembly snapped back onto the vacuum fine then. Now that I’ve got that learning out of the way, it should be smooth sailing.
I’ve had no problems with the brush roll or anything else. It has done great with my cat’s long hair, my long hair, cat litter that gets tracked on the floor, dirt, etc. I even vacuumed up ants with it once and then wondered if they would end up crawling out. No ants made it back out that I observed.
So far, this has been a great vacuum, and the price is quite decent at $170. You can spend a lot more money on a vacuum, especially bagged vacuums. Very happy with my choice to get this Kenmore!
(Review is for Kenmore BU4050 Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum, liftup Cleaner with Hair Eliminator brushroll, pet Handi-Mate for Carpet, Hard Floor, Rose Gold)
Dean R. Smith –
This is an impressively powerful and beautiful vacuum cleaner. It’s completely functional and has giant bags.
See Sea –
I just used this vac for the first time tonight, so I can’t comment on how long it will last. But it was easy to put together, and if I can do that, anyone can. It came with a bag already on it, and came with three extra.
It’s light, easy to use, and so far has good suction. I hate vacuum cleaners, it’s the household job I dislike the most. So for a vacuum to seem pretty good is saying a lot for me. So far I’m pleased with it. If it doesn’t last for some reason i will add to this review. My ten year old vacuum seems like a dinosaur compared to this one. One month later 1/25- I love it! Its nice and light and is so easy to push, and I like the way it turns around making it easier to get around furniture legs, etc. I also like the handle on the front so you can lift if up easily if it needs to be lifted over the corner of a scatter rug, or it you want to vacuum the stairs without bothering to put it down to use the hose with a brush attachment. My old Kenmore did not have a handle on the front and it was very hard to lift . This one has good suction, cleans nicely. Easy spot to reach with the on/off button. Easy to switch from bare floor to rug. I hate vacuuming, I have all my life. But so far i love this vac and I don’t dread vacuuming as much .
Very happy with this item so far, hope it continues to be good. 3/25- still loving this vac. i haven’t even had to change the bag yet ( not that I vac that much). I rolled that old one out to the curb, it still worked, just heavy and bulky. Someone took it for free. That made the guy happy.
6/25 Still in love with this vacuum. One other thing that I just noticed, when I’m vacuuming, there are these little lights near the start button that light up telling you how fill the bag is. So far two lights have popped on, telling me the bag is half full. There is one more regular light, then a fourth one that says “time to change bag”. I love it!
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