Kenmore vs Shark

For many buyers, getting the most bang for their buck is essential, and price is a key factor. Let’s see how Kenmore and Shark compare in terms of affordability and value.

Shark offers excellent performance at a competitive price, particularly with its feature-packed models. Their entry-level models start at $149.00, while mid-range models are priced between $160 and $250. Higher-end models, like the Vertex and Stratos, are priced at $350 and above.

While both brands deliver value at various price points, Shark provides more high-tech options at mid-range prices, whereas Kenmore offers solid, budget-friendly models with excellent performance for the price. 

When you’re investing in a vacuum, you want it to last and keep delivering, and this is where Kenmore truly shines.

Kenmore has been in the market for decades, and it shows in their durable, heavy-duty vacuums. Designed to last 15-20 years with proper care, their motor systems are incredibly robust, keeping things running smoothly without losing suction.

On the flip side, Shark brings solid performance, but with a more tech-heavy approach. Shark vacuums tend to show wear quicker, especially with cordless models, and may need more frequent repairs. It’s great for quick, reliable cleans, but Kenmore really shines for those who need something to stand the test of time.

In the durability game, Kenmore is built to last, delivering reliable performance year after year.

Winner: Kenmore – Built to last, unmatched durability & reliable performance for years.

In terms of variety, Kenmore offers a diverse range of vacuum formats to meet various cleaning needs. Let’s explore their top models in each category.

• Canister Vacuums: Models like the Kenmore Elite 21814 Pet Friendly CrossOver™ provide powerful suction and versatility, suitable for both carpets and hard floors.
• Upright Vacuums: The Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright offers a lightweight design with a powerful two-motor system, making it effective for deep cleaning carpets.
• Cordless Stick Vacuums: The Kenmore Elite Litening Cordless combines the convenience of cordless operation with strong suction power, ideal for quick clean-ups.

Shark, on the other hand, provides a diverse lineup with advanced features, making it a strong contender for all types of cleaning. 

• Cordless Stick Vacuums: The Shark Stratos offers powerful suction and a lightweight design, making it suitable for various floor types.
• Corded Stick Vacuums: The Shark Rocket® Corded offers high-performance suction with a lightweight design that’s perfect for deep cleaning without worrying about battery life.
• Upright Vacuums: Models like the Shark Rotator combine the convenience of an upright vacuum with the versatility of a detachable canister.
• Heavy-Duty Vacuums: The Shark Apex™ offers strong suction power, advanced filtration, and multi-floor cleaning options with a professional-grade design that can handle intense cleaning tasks.
• Canister Vacuums: Shark also offers a few canister models, like the Shark NR96 Series.

Winner: Shark – Offering a wide range of vacuums to meet various cleaning needs in any home.

That said, both brands offer handheld and robotic vacuums, which are not the focus of our discussion.

Generally, Kenmore vacuums are designed with user comfort in mind. Their canister models, weighing approximately 20 pounds, offer a balance between portability and robust cleaning performance. The ability to move around furniture and stairs is also acceptable. Their noise levels are moderate and suitable for households sensitive to sound. Maintenance is straightforward, with features like the Hair Eliminator® brushroll that reduces hair wrap. Floor type transition is pretty easy with the Pop-N-Go® brush.

Shark vacuums, overall, prioritize a lightweight design and advanced features. Their cordless stick models weigh around 8.9 pounds and are highly maneuverable. They are ideal for quick clean-ups and reaching tight spaces. The PowerDetect™ sensors automatically adjust suction based on floor type, enhancing cleaning efficiency. Noise levels are relatively low, contributing to a quieter cleaning experience. Maintenance is made easier with features like the self-emptying base, which reduces the frequency of manual dustbin emptying.

Winner: Shark – Lighter, easier to maneuver, and quieter.

Kenmore mostly brings practical features for enhancing the cleaning experience. Their Lift-Up Technology allows users to easily transition from floor to above-floor cleaning. The Hair Eliminator Brushroll reduces maintenance, and the AllergenSeal™ HEPA filtration system captures 99.97% of dust and allergens. With up to 60 minutes of runtime on their cordless models and a 3-mode LED display, they offer powerful suction and versatility for various cleaning tasks.

Shark leads in integrating advanced technologies into their vacuum designs. For example, their PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum features PowerDetect™ sensors that automatically adjust suction based on floor type, optimizing cleaning performance. Its Clean Sense IQ™ system uses infrared sensors to detect debris levels and adjust suction accordingly.

Winner: Shark – Packed with innovative features that simplify cleaning.

Motor performance is the power behind the vacuum cleaners that makes all the difference in their cleaning ability.

On the one hand, Kenmore’s vacuums, such as the Kenmore Intuition, are equipped with a Dual-Motor System™, delivering consistent, strong suction across multiple surfaces, including deep carpets. This motor system is engineered for long-term reliability and is particularly effective at maintaining suction power, even when the dust bag fills up.

On the other hand, Shark vacuums, like those with the HyperVelocity™ motor and DuoClean® technology, offer impressive suction in a lightweight design, making them excellent for quick pickups and cleaning multiple floor types. However, their suction strength can diminish a bit over time, especially in bagless models.

Winner: Kenmore – Consistent, long-lasting suction that handles everything from carpets to hard floors with ease. 

Now, this is one of the most important factors in choosing a vacuum cleaner.

Kenmore comes with advanced tools like the Parquet Twister™ and Electro+ brush, which are engineered for precise floor-type adjustment. Their canister models excel at switching between different flooring types, providing a seamless transition from thick carpets to delicate hardwood floors. The adjustable height settings and strong suction ensure a deep clean on all surfaces, especially when dealing with deep-pile carpets.

Shark, however, takes a slightly different approach with its DuoClean® technology, which features two specialized brushrolls — one designed for carpets and the other for hard floors. This makes it easy to clean both flooring types without needing to adjust settings manually. Shark's PowerFins technology, found in models like the Shark Vertex™, offers deeper penetration into carpets and improved pick-up on hard surfaces.

Winner: Shark – Best for versatility and quick transitions across various floor types.

Kenmore models are equipped with a Sealed HEPA filtration system and the AllergenSeal® feature, which ensures that 99.97% of dust and allergens are trapped inside the vacuum. This makes Kenmore an excellent choice for allergy sufferers or homes with sensitive individuals. The self-sealing dust bags in Kenmore models also prevent allergens from escaping back into the air.

Shark vacuums, including those with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal® technology, also come with HEPA filters designed to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns. While Shark’s filtration is effective, its bagless system means the dustbin can get a little messy during emptying, and the seals around the dustbin are not as tight as Kenmore’s.

Kenmore’s combination of HEPA system and sealed bags makes it the ideal choice for homes needing maximum filtration and cleaner air, while Shark offers solid filtration with a focus on their convenient designs, suitable for quick cleaning.

Winner: Kenmore – Superior filtration that traps dust, allergens, and dirt without letting anything escape.

Pet hair can be a challenge to clean, especially if you have multiple furry friends. For our last aspect, let’s break down how Kenmore and Shark stack up when it comes to tackling stubborn pet hair.

Kenmore's Pet Handi-Mate® tool is a standout, featuring a motorized brush that excels at removing pet hair from upholstery, stairs, and tight spaces. This tool uses anti-tangle technology, ensuring a smooth, mess-free experience, even with longer pet hair.

Shark’s TruePet® motorized tool also delivers solid performance, designed specifically for pet hair, and its brushroll design is better suited for quick pickups with minimal tangling. Shark's motorized brush is highly effective at removing pet hair, particularly in homes with lighter shedding, and its ease of use makes it ideal for fast, everyday cleaning. 

While Kenmore offers anti-tangle technology that performs exceptionally well in pet-heavy homes, Shark’s TruePet® tool excels in providing an easy, efficient solution for pet hair removal, especially for households with moderate shedding.

Winner: Shark – TruePet® tools and advanced motorized brushes make Shark an ideal choice for pet owners.