Why I love my Kenmore canister vacuum

Emma Roth is a news writer here at The Verge, “and for me,” she explains, “that means every day is different. During the four years I’ve been here, I’ve covered breaking news and written about basically everything in the realm of tech, whether it’s streaming price hikes, the latest in AI chatbots, privacy issues surrounding age verification, and a whole lot more.”

Although she covers the latest tech news and products, it turns out that one of Emma’s favorite home appliances is a decades-old vacuum cleaner. I asked her about it.

When (and why) did you get the vacuum cleaner? 

I purchased this Kenmore Progressive 116 vacuum for just $7 while browsing my local Savers thrift store several years ago. I was in need of a vacuum, and it instantly caught my eye because my parents used to have one just like it. I have fond childhood memories of going to Sears to pick up new vacuum bags.

How well does it work?

Despite being around a couple of decades old, this thing works just as well as any new vacuum. It may not be cordless, bagless, or ultra lightweight, but it has impressive suction that can pick up anything from crumbs to more stubborn pet hair. (I don’t have any furry pets now, but growing up with several cats and dogs, this thing ripped.)

It also comes with a number of attachments, including a brush, crevice cleaner, and a hard floor tool. I use it in between my robovac’s cleanings, which unfortunately doesn’t pick up half as much as the Kenmore. It’s great for just about everything in the house, including rugs, tiled floors, on the couch, and cobwebby corners.

Is there anything you don’t like about it, or that you’d improve if you could?

As you can see, this isn’t the prettiest-looking vacuum around — the white plastic has completely yellowed over the years. It can also be a pain to lug around the house. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t violently yank the hose every so often to get this thing rolling around the house.

Every time I accidentally rip its plug out of the wall, I’m tempted to get a cordless Dyson. But I know it just wouldn’t be the same.

Is there anything I should have asked that I didn’t?

I just want to mention that I love the availability of replacement parts for this vacuum and just how straightforward it is to open up to clean the roller. Definitely a plus!