Kenmore BU4018 Review — 2‑Motor HEPA Upright for Pets & Floors
Overview:This lightweight vacuum gives country households versatile handheld freedom and hygienic bagged cleaning for stairs, upholstery, and high areas. Weighing under 14 lbs, it combines Lift-Up lift-away convenience with No Touch Bag Technology and self-sealing bags for cleaner maintenance.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Clean high areas effortlessly—Lift-Up converts to handheld for stairs and upholstery.
- Avoid dust plumes—No Touch Bag Technology self-seals bags.
- Maintain strong suction as bag fills—Powerflow bag chamber.
- Handle easily—weighs under 14 lbs with swivel steering.
- Capture 99.97% of particles—HEPA filtration and sealed system.
- Cover every surface—floor nozzle plus lift-away handheld cleans floors and above-floor spots.
$169.00
Intro
This is a bagged upright vacuum designed for everyday home cleaning with a focus on low-maintenance disposal and allergen control. It combines a conventional upright floor nozzle with a lift-away handheld mode so you can switch from floors to stairs, upholstery and other hard-to-reach places without swapping machines.
Who it’s for: households that prefer the convenience and hygiene of disposable bags, families with allergy concerns, and anyone who wants a lightweight, maneuverable upright that won’t kick up dust when you empty it. Quick verdict: a practical, low-mess bagged upright vacuum that prioritizes air quality and simple upkeep.
What’s in the Box
- Not specified (manufacturer/components not listed in the provided content)
Design & Build
This machine follows the traditional upright silhouette but trims down bulk to stay under 14 pounds, which makes it noticeably lighter than many full-size uprights. The reduced weight improves carryability for stairs and for using the vacuum in lift-away handheld mode. Materials are not fully detailed in the listing; however, the design language implied by the features prioritizes functional plastics for body panels and a disposable-bag chamber rather than a transparent dust bin.
Ergonomics are geared toward easy handling rather than heavy-duty commercial cleaning. A swivel steering mechanism is included to help the head track around furniture legs and into tight spaces with less wrist strain. The carry handle and the lift-away release are likely positioned for one-handed operation, given the emphasis on quick transitions from floor to handheld cleaning.
Because the unit uses self-sealing disposable bags, there’s no heavy dust cup to wrestle with — an advantage for users who dislike cleaning filters or touching collected debris. The sealed system with HEPA filtration suggests the air path is closed and routed through a final HEPA stage before exiting, which matters for allergy sufferers.
Key Features
Lift-Up handheld (lift-away) cleaning
Benefit: Converts the upright into a compact handheld unit for stairs, upholstery, baseboards and tight spaces.
Where it helps: Replacing the nozzle with a lifted handheld lets you reach stair treads, the tops of bookcases, curtains, and vehicle interiors without dragging the full body of the vacuum. This is especially useful for quick spot cleaning when you don’t want to move furniture or assemble additional tools.
No Touch Bag Technology
Benefit: Eliminates the need to touch dust or shake a cup when you change bags by using self-sealing bags.
Where it helps: When emptying, the self-sealing bags close automatically to trap dust and allergens inside the bag, cutting down on airborne dust plumes and the mess commonly associated with bagless dust cups. This is a clear plus for those with sensitivities or for anyone who finds dust disposal unpleasant.
(Note: No Touch Bag Technology phrase as provided by the listing is used here for clarity.)
Powerflow bag chamber
Benefit: Sustained suction as the bag fills, so cleaning performance remains strong until bag replacement is required.
Where it helps: In real-world cleaning sessions that cover a lot of ground or involve heavy debris (pet hair, crumbs), the Powerflow chamber design aims to prevent the usual drop in suction that occurs as bags accumulate dirt. That means fewer passes over the same spot and less frequent frustration with reduced pick-up during larger jobs.
HEPA filtration and sealed system
Benefit: Captures fine particles and helps prevent them from re-entering room air; the listing notes a 99.97% capture rate.
Where it helps: This matters for households with allergy sufferers, asthma, or those who want to ensure that vacuuming does not stir up pollen, dust mite fragments, or fine dust back into living spaces. According to the listing, the vacuum traps 99.97% of dirt inside the unit (source: listing, checked 2025), which is consistent with HEPA-grade expectations.
Lightweight construction and swivel steering
Benefit: Weighing under 14 pounds and featuring swivel steering makes the vacuum nimble and easier to move around furniture.
Where it helps: Maneuverability becomes important in homes with lots of furniture or narrow pathways. Lighter weight reduces fatigue when carrying the machine up and down stairs or when switching to lifted handheld mode repeatedly during a cleaning session.
Where to buy
Performance & Use
Setup and first use
- Unbox and install a self-sealing bag into the Powerflow chamber before the first run. The exact bag model number and initial setup steps aren’t listed here; consult the included manual for compatibility and installation guidance.
- Attach or remove the lift-away handheld module by pressing the lift release (location not specified) and stow or attach accessories as needed.
Daily use tips
- For carpets, run the upright nozzle across the surface at a steady pace; if the vacuum has an adjustable height or brushroll control it will help with thicker pile (adjustment details not listed).
- For hard floors, use a dry setting or turn off any rotating brush if your model supports it to avoid scattering debris.
- Use the lift-up handheld for quick stair touch-ups — one-handed carrying and the lighter weight make this less cumbersome than lifting a full upright.
Maintenance
- Replace the self-sealing bag when the manufacturer’s indicator shows “full” or when pick-up performance noticeably drops. Because this unit relies on disposable bags rather than a dust cup, you avoid washing or emptying a bin, but you will need spare bags on hand.
- Replace HEPA filters per the user manual. A sealed system relies on proper filter maintenance to keep capture rates high; if filters become clogged, performance and air quality could degrade.
- Inspect the brushroll and inlet for wrapped hair or long fibers and remove as needed to maintain suction and cleaning efficiency.
Real-world notes
- Expect consistent suction as the bag fills thanks to the Powerflow bag chamber design; this reduces the need to interrupt cleaning mid-room to change bags.
- The self-sealing bag system reduces exposure to dust at the point of disposal, which is especially helpful for people who are sensitive to airborne particles.
- Because the exact motor power, cord length and accessories aren’t listed here, assess whether the absence of those specs is an issue for you — for example, if you need a very long reach or a motor with specific wattage for heavy pet hair pickup.
Pros vs Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Self-sealing disposable bags prevent direct contact with dust (source: listing, checked 2025) | Requires replacement bags — ongoing cost and need to keep spares |
| HEPA filtration and sealed system that claims to trap 99.97% of dirt (source: listing, checked 2025) | Specific technical specs (motor wattage, cord length, bag model) not listed |
| Lightweight (under 14 lbs) and swivel steering for easier maneuvering | Not as versatile as some tool-heavy uprights if you need many specialized attachments |
| Lift-Up handheld mode for stairs and above-floor cleaning | Lift mechanism details and handheld run-time specifics not listed |
| Powerflow bag chamber maintains suction as bag fills | Bags fill up—users who prefer bagless visibility into debris level may dislike this |
Who Should Buy
-
You should buy this if:
- You prefer the hygiene of disposable vacuum bags and want a no-touch disposal method.
- You or someone in your household has allergies or asthma and you value HEPA filtration and a sealed system.
- You need a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver upright for routine home cleaning and stairs.
-
You should not buy this if:
- You prefer bagless vacuums that show debris level in a clear dust cup.
- You need a vacuum with a long cord or specified motor wattage for heavy-duty pet hair pickup — those specs are not listed here.
- You require a wide range of specialized attachments and tool heads; the listing does not specify included accessories.
Specs
- Weight: Under 14 lbs (source: listing, checked 2025)
- Filtration: HEPA filtration; sealed system; claims to trap 99.97% of dirt (source: listing, checked 2025)
- Bag system: Self-sealing disposable bags; No Touch Bag Technology (source: listing, checked 2025)
- Bag chamber: Powerflow bag chamber designed to maintain suction as the bag fills (source: listing, checked 2025)
- Maneuverability: Swivel steering (source: listing, checked 2025)
- Lift-away/handheld: Lift-Up handheld capability to clean stairs and above-floor areas (source: listing, checked 2025)
- Motor wattage: Not listed
- Cord length / reach: Not listed
- Brushroll settings / height adjustment: Not listed
- Included attachments: Not listed
- Warranty: Not listed
Closing — Should you buy it?
If you value a low-mess disposal system and strong allergen control in a lightweight upright, this bagged upright vacuum is worth considering. It’s best for routine household cleaning where hygiene and simple maintenance matter more than visible dust collection or a long list of specialized tools. If ongoing bag purchases and a lack of some technical specs are acceptable trade-offs, this model delivers a practical, allergy-conscious clean.
If you want to compare features, check for bag compatibility and available replacement bags, confirm the accessory set in the full product listing, and verify warranty details before purchase.
Specification: Kenmore BU4018 Review — 2‑Motor HEPA Upright for Pets & Floors
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509 reviews for Kenmore BU4018 Review — 2‑Motor HEPA Upright for Pets & Floors
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Abby –
This is a great vacuum. It has bags so you never have to touch the dust or empty out a dust bin.
Great price at $160 – $200 range.
Cord wraps with ease.
Nice light to help see you clean darker spaces like underneath a cabinet or table.
Easy to disassemble and to vacuum stairs
Not too many accessories (you don’t need a lot of accessories)
Relatively lightweight and easy to move around
Powerful suction
Great carpet vacuum function; with one button, it makes vacuuming carpet easier / smoother
It’s loud because it’s a vacuum cleaner. You can’t change that.
You don’t need a Miele. That’s just a brand. It won’t vacuum better or make you vacuum more. Few people like the loud sound of a vacuum. However, it’s an extremely powerful and convenient cleaning tool.
Need a vacuum? Buy this one. It has everything you need and it’s bagged which is super convenient. Small footprint. Super easy to use. Well built.
If you need a vacuum, buy this one.
Misty –
Nice looking Kenmore hoover lovely colour purple, just could not get adaptor for it as it is made in the USA.
Had to send it back.
Katherine Clifton –
Piece of crap! Used it 4 times and it over heats after 5 mins . I own a 5th wheel. Bag keeps saying full. Will not reset even when I add new bag.
Poor suction. Unfortunately I did not purchase warranty. Waste of my money.
AJ –
This is a vac that is light weight, flexible and has great pick-up attributes. I use it to keep dog hair in check. The flexibility of the nozzle is a bit hard on the hose that connects it to the vacuum. I had to replace it in the first one of these that I had, which led to a problem with the brush in the nozzle. This led to the purchase of a second Intuition of the same model. It works so good on dog hair and is so easy to use that I wanted another one. This time I will be easier on the flexible head, and I have a better idea of how to work on it if I have a problem.
JigglePuss50 –
I love my Kenmore. My mother has used Kenmore vacuums for as long as I can remember and I had tried several cheap vacuums but finally after none of them measured up I found this little gem (in my favorite color even!) and decided to try it out so I could finally get rid of the other vacuums that weren’t measuring up. What I like about this vacuum is that it is lightweight, easy to put together and use, it has good suction and changing the bag is easy. I also like the lift up feature and the 2 attachments it come with work for my needs but I do hate that hair gets tangled up on the beater bar but it is easy to clean for me. This Kenmore has a smaller head so will take longer to clean larger surfaces but it works very well for my living spaces.
Brian P of Port Credit –
the main feature is that it is a bag device. No more messy emptying of the containers that you experience when using a bagless vacuum. It is very lightweight and easy to maneuver so as to clean in narrow spaces. It is my view that this is a far better vacuum cleaner than the one it replaced, which was a Dyson upright.
humnbrd –
well, where do I begin? I loathe housework – I would rather be outside than inside, and housework requires that I work inside – ugh – however, I have three dogs (two are Border Collies with undercoats), and a cat, I live in the country near a gravel/dusty road, and I burn wood downstairs to heat the house – dirt, dust, soot, and pet hair are simply a way of life around here, and like it or not, I am required to occasionally vacuum it all up 🙂 about 35 years ago I purchased a Kenmore model 116 upright – awesome, simple vacuum – ten years ago I thought I’d give a bagless vacuum a whirl after the Kenmore went underwater during basement flooding – the Bissell Helix bagless was total garbage – after attempting to clean three times with it, I checked the Kenmore, and while now rusted a bit, it was dried out from the flooding – I turned that puppy on and it ran like always – I have used that vacuum right up to now, and the roller brushes are worn to the point I thought it might be time for a new vacuum – I decided to try this Kenmore Intuition since it appeared to have nice features, was certainly modernized from the days of my old clunker Kenmore, and it has bags – the vacuum was delivered and has been sitting in the box for almost two weeks – during that time my dogs have been doing a great job of ensuring the vacuum’s first test was a good one, particularly leaving coat behind on the living room rug – today I assembled the vacuum (easy) and very much liked the ease of reading the various buttons on the machine, as well as how easily the buttons all work – I turned the vacuum on, pushed the button to engage the roller, and it practically vacuumed without assistance – it’s light weight makes it very manageable, the head swivels beautifully, and holy cow, it has got some kinda suction! a once over was enough to clean up the dog hair, and once I was on the laminate wood floor, I turned the roller brush off and the suction was pullin’ stuff in from six inches away! I am very impressed with the power of this thing – it also has a handle built into the body that makes it super easy to pick up and carry around – the wand is wonderful, releases easily for separate use, and reassembles just as readily – the cord is nice and long, and the hooks to wind the cord up on are far enough apart there is a ton of extra availability for winding the cord, so it doesn’t fall off the hooks right away – the head of the machine releases into vacuuming position with a light tap on the head by the diagram of a foot – push the button to engage the roller brush and the green light comes on, or push the button to disengage and the light goes off – I turned the vacuum off for a moment, and when I turned it back on the green light was off – I thought it was already broken, and pushed the button multiple times to no avail – turns out the roller brush doesn’t engage until the head is released to vacuum – nice feature once I realized that was the deal –
if this vacuum holds up 35 years like my first Kenmore has, it will outlive me – I’ll never have to buy another vacuum again – I highly recommend this gem – it might even make me enjoy housework a bit more 🙂
Pennie –
I love this vacuum! It’s easy to use. Cleans very well. I’ve had it for 1 month and no problems suction is fantastic. The two Tahiti like the most is that it has a bag that catches all the pet hair dander and all the dirt in your home and you don’t have to touch it. Last I love how it detaches. It’s a little loud. And the cord is super long
Amazon Customer –
Why did you pick this product vs others?:
I cannot stand bagless vacuums! Therefore, I chose this one as a cleaner alternative. I love it. When you take it out of the box, the major pieces have to be attached together. So very easy and simple to do without requiring anything but your hands to put it together. It’s light weight, pivots so easily, and has a very smooth glide. This vacuum stays clean while using it because everything picked up goes straight into the bag. I also use the hose to clean out my chinchilla’s cage which includes his bath dust and timothy hay remnants. I always check the inside of the vacuum after doing this and each time so far I find that it is clean inside, and I don’t see any dust or hay remnants outside of the bag. I would recommend this vacuum to anyone looking a quality and a good price.