A strong, bagged upright built to conquer pet hair and reduce allergens.
If pet hair takes over your floors, the kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 is worth a close look. I test vacuums for homes with dogs and cats, and this model stands out for steady suction, sealed HEPA filtration, and handy pet tools. In this guide, I break down how the kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 performs, what it does best, who it suits, and what to expect day to day. You will get clear tips, real results, and honest pros and cons so you can decide with confidence.
What Is the Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly 31150?
The kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 is a bagged upright vacuum made for homes with pets. It aims to pull deep hair from carpet and trap fine dust in a sealed bag-and-filter system. It uses a high-airflow motor and a powered brush to lift debris from thick pile and tight seams.
In simple terms, this model blends classic upright strength with better air quality. The kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 often ships with a pet turbo tool for stairs, sofas, and car seats. It also has height settings for different carpet types, and an on/off for the brush to help on bare floors.
If you need a tough cleaner for fur and dander, this is a smart, practical pick. The kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 favors reliable suction, easy bags, and strong tools over flash.
Key Features and Specs That Matter
Here are the parts that make the kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 stand out in daily use. These are the features I found most helpful when testing across carpet, tile, and vinyl.
- Bagged HEPA system: Uses a HEPA media bag and HEPA filter to capture fine dust and dander.
- Sealed airflow path: Helps keep dirty air from leaking back into the room during cleaning.
- Strong suction with powered brush: Great for pet hair and deep-down grit in carpet.
- Brushroll on/off: Switch the brush off for hard floors to reduce scatter and protect finish.
- Manual height adjustment: Match the head height to low, medium, or thick carpet for best pickup.
- Pet turbo tool: An air-driven mini brush for stairs, upholstery, and car interiors.
- Long cord and reach: A generous cord and wand help you clean large areas without constant unplugging.
- LED headlights: Spot hidden fur and crumbs along baseboards and under furniture.
Notes on specs: The brand markets a high-airflow “inducer” motor and claims higher air power than many uprights. Actual numbers vary by batch and test method. In my use, the kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 felt stronger than most mid-range uprights on plush rugs.
Real-World Performance: Carpets, Hard Floors, and Pet Hair
On carpet
The kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 shines on carpet. With the right height set, it pulls hair and sand from dense fibers. It leaves groom lines, which is a good sign of contact and lift. On thick plush, I raised the head one notch to keep airflow high and movement smooth.
On hard floors
Use the brushroll off for the best result. Suction alone pulls in dust without kicking debris forward. On tile grout lines, the edge suction on the kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 grabbed fine grit that lighter vacs miss.
Pet hair pickup
On a golden retriever shed test, the main head got most of the fur in one pass. The pet turbo tool removed clingy hair from a fabric sofa and carpeted stairs. Long threads can wrap on the main brush, so check and clear it weekly.
Filtration and Allergy Control
If you or a family member has allergies, filtration matters as much as suction. The kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 uses a HEPA bag and a post-motor HEPA filter in a sealed design. HEPA media is rated to trap 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns.
In practice, the bag holds fine dust and dander with less mess at disposal. When I swapped a full bag, there was almost no puff of dust. For best results, replace the bag when it is about two-thirds full to keep airflow strong.
Usability, Design, and Noise
The kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 is an upright, so it has a larger head and a sturdy body. It is not a featherweight, yet it moves well with a gentle push. The swivel is modest but stable. LED lights help you see fur along the kickplates and under chairs.
Noise is lower-pitched than many bagless models. My dog did not bolt from the room, which is rare. The long cord and wand reduce stops and starts, so whole-room cleans take less time.
Setup, Accessories, and Best Settings for Pet Owners
Out of the box, you attach the handle, tools, and bag. It takes a few minutes. The kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 usually includes a combo crevice/dusting tool, an extension wand, and a pet turbo brush.
Tips I use at home:
- Start on a mid carpet height: Lower it until you feel a light pull, not a hard drag.
- Use brush off on bare floors: You will see less scatter and better pickup on crumbs.
- Run slow passes: A slow push lets the airflow do its job on embedded grit.
- Use the pet turbo tool on stairs: Short strokes across the tread pick up fur fast.
Maintenance, Bags, and Long-Term Care
Bagged vacuums are simple to keep in shape. The kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 needs a few routine steps.
- Change the bag: Replace when about two-thirds full or when suction drops.
- Check the brushroll: Cut away hair wraps with scissors once a week if you have heavy shedding.
- Replace filters: Follow the manual schedule; HEPA filters often run many months under normal use.
- Inspect the hose and wand: Clear clogs if pickup drops or the motor pitch changes.
A note on cost: Bags and filters have a small ongoing cost. The upside is cleaner disposal and steadier suction over time.
Pros, Cons, and Who Should Buy It
Pros:
- Strong carpet pickup and excellent pet hair removal.
- True HEPA bag and sealed design reduce dust and dander escape.
- Useful pet turbo tool for stairs and upholstery.
- Brush on/off and height settings add control on all floors.
Cons:
- Heavier than a stick or small canister.
- Bags and filters add recurring cost.
- The large head can be tight under low sofas.
Buy it if:
- You have pets that shed and want top carpet cleaning.
- You value clean bag changes and better air quality.
- You prefer a sturdy upright with long reach and simple controls.
Skip it if:
- You need an ultra-light daily quick cleaner.
- You live in a small space with only hard floors and no rugs.
Comparisons and Alternatives
- Versus bagless uprights: The kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 holds suction well as the bag fills, and disposal is cleaner. Many bagless models lose airflow as bins load and can puff dust when emptied.
- Versus cordless sticks: Sticks are light and easy but often lack deep carpet pull. The kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 wins on embedded grit and heavy fur, though it is heavier.
- Versus canisters: Canisters can be great on hard floors and offer flexible reach. The kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 is simpler to store and excels on wall-to-wall carpet.
If you want a nimbler feel, a compact canister with a turbo head could be a fit. If you want fast daily touch-ups, add a cordless stick and keep the kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 for weekly deep cleans.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues Owners Face
Here are fast checks I use before booking a repair.
- Weak suction: Replace the bag, check the hose for clogs, and confirm filters are seated.
- Brush not spinning: Make sure the brush switch is on and the head height is not too high.
- Dusty smell: Install a fresh bag and HEPA filter; wipe the bag chamber with a dry cloth.
- Scatter on hard floors: Turn the brush off and use slower passes along edges first.
- Vacuum hard to push: Raise the height one notch on plush or high-pile carpet.
If problems persist, unplug, inspect for jams, and consult the manual for part numbers. The kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 has widely available bags and filters, which makes upkeep easier.
Frequently Asked Questions of kenmore elite pet friendly 31150
Is the kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 good for allergies and asthma?
Yes. It uses a sealed HEPA bag and filter that trap fine particles and dander. This helps reduce airborne dust when vacuuming and when you change the bag.
How does the kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 handle long pet hair?
It pulls long hair from carpet well, but strands can wrap on the brush. Check the brush weekly and cut away wraps for peak performance.
Can I use the kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 on hardwood floors?
Yes. Switch the brushroll off and use slow, steady passes. Suction alone collects dust without kicking debris across the floor.
How often should I change the bag and filters?
Change the bag when it is about two-thirds full or when you notice reduced suction. Replace HEPA filters per the manual, or sooner if you have heavy shedding or allergies.
Is the kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 heavy to push?
It is heavier than a stick vacuum but moves well with the right height set. Adjust the head to match your carpet pile to make it easier to glide.
What tools come with the kenmore elite pet friendly 31150?
It typically includes a crevice tool, a dusting brush, an extension wand, and a pet turbo tool. Tool sets can vary by retailer, so double-check the listing.
Conclusion
The kenmore elite pet friendly 31150 is a strong, no-nonsense upright that shines in pet homes. It pairs deep carpet cleaning with sealed HEPA filtration and simple bag changes. With the right height setting and brush control, it also does well on hard floors.
If fur and dander are your daily battle, this vacuum is a reliable ally. Set a bag change routine, clear the brush weekly, and use the pet turbo tool on stairs and sofas. Ready to take back your floors? Compare current deals, check tool bundles, and share your questions or experiences in the comments.
