Kenmore DU1275 Featherlite Bagless Upright Vacuum

Kenmore DU1275 Featherlite Bagless Upright Vacuum Review

The Kenmore DU1275 Featherlite Bagless Upright Vacuum is designed for homeowners who want the deep-cleaning power of a full-sized upright without the back-breaking weight of traditional machines. Weighing in at under 11 pounds, the DU1275 redefines what a full-sized upright vacuum can be, combining impressive lightweight portability with smart engineering that makes whole-home cleaning both efficient and genuinely comfortable.

Exceptionally Lightweight Without Sacrificing Performance

The most immediately noticeable quality of the Kenmore DU1275 is its weight — or rather, the surprising lack of it. At under 11 lbs, this vacuum is dramatically lighter than many competing upright models that tip the scales at 15 to 20 lbs. This makes a meaningful difference not just for users carrying the machine up stairs, but for anyone who finds extended cleaning sessions physically demanding. Seniors, those with limited upper body strength, and anyone who cleans multiple floors regularly will appreciate how much easier the DU1275 is to maneuver and carry.

Despite this focus on lightweight design, Kenmore has not compromised on the DU1275's cleaning ability. The machine maintains powerful suction across carpet and hard floors, making it suitable as a daily driver for most household cleaning tasks.

Hair Eliminator Brushroll: No More Scissors Required

One of the DU1275's most practical innovations is its Hair Eliminator brushroll, which automatically removes hair and strings from the brush during operation. For anyone who has ever had to flip their vacuum upside down and cut out tangled strands with scissors, this feature is genuinely liberating. Pet owners and households with long-haired family members will find this particularly valuable — the brushroll stays clear and fully functional without any manual intervention, ensuring consistent suction and agitation performance over time.

Traditional brushrolls can lose significant cleaning efficiency when wrapped with hair, as the fibers effectively insulate the bristles from the carpet surface. The Hair Eliminator design keeps the brushroll working at full capacity, maintaining deep cleaning effectiveness session after session.

Extra-Large Dust Cup Capacity

The DU1275 features a 3X larger dust cup capacity than comparable vacuum models, which directly translates to fewer interruptions during cleaning. A larger dust cup means you can vacuum more floor area before needing to stop and empty the canister. This is especially valuable in larger homes or when doing a thorough whole-home clean. The bagless design also eliminates the ongoing expense and inconvenience of replacement bags, keeping maintenance simple and cost-effective over the life of the machine.

Swivel Steering for Effortless Navigation

Modern homes are full of obstacles — chair legs, table bases, toys, pet beds, and furniture clusters that make straight-line vacuuming impractical. The DU1275's swivel steering addresses this directly, allowing the vacuum head to pivot fluidly around corners and obstacles without requiring the user to lift and reposition the machine. This makes cleaning around furniture dramatically faster and more thorough, as the vacuum can follow irregular paths and reach spots that rigid uprights simply cannot access without repositioning.

Four-Level Height Adjustment for Any Surface

Carpet height varies significantly between homes — from low-pile commercial-style carpeting to plush high-pile bedroom rugs. The DU1275's four-position height adjustment control allows users to dial in the optimal setting for each surface type, ensuring maximum airflow and brushroll contact regardless of carpet thickness. Proper height adjustment is more than a convenience feature; it directly affects cleaning effectiveness and can extend carpet life by preventing the brushroll from working against the wrong pile height.

Extended Reach with 6-Foot Hose

The included 6-foot hose combined with the accessory tools provides a generous 7 feet of extended reach, making it practical to vacuum above-floor surfaces without straining. Upholstered furniture, drapes, ceiling fan blades, high shelves, and stair risers are all within comfortable reach. The included upholstery tool and 3-in-1 combination tool (which combines a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery attachment) round out the accessory kit and make the DU1275 a genuinely capable whole-home cleaning solution.

Who Should Buy the Kenmore DU1275?

The DU1275 Featherlite is an excellent choice for anyone prioritizing ease of use and portability without sacrificing full-sized cleaning performance. It is ideal for multi-story homes, users who find heavier vacuums difficult to manage, households with pets or long hair that wraps around traditional brushrolls, and those who want a reliable, low-maintenance bagless upright at a competitive price point. Kenmore's long heritage in home appliances ensures the DU1275 is built to last, backed by a brand known for dependable performance and customer support.