There is nothing more difficult than comparing two very similar products, as is the case with this pair, Kenmore BU4022 vs BU4050. After having the opportunity to experience both machines, I concluded that the winner this time is the Bu4050.
Kenmore BU4022 is such a great bagged upright vacuum cleaner. It has amazing suction power, especially when you use it to deep clean carpets. The machine’s lift-up mode allows users to take it with them to clean everywhere without any difficulty. It’s also quieter than most vacuums I’ve reviewed in the past.
Aside from the same features as the BU4022, Kenmore BU4050 benefits from a powerful 2-motor system and the hair eliminator brushroll function. If you have been struggling all day to untangle the hair stuck on the brushroll after every cleaning, with this machine, you no longer have to worry about that problem anymore.
Kenmore BU4022 vs BU4050: Comparison Chart
Kenmore BU4022 vs BU4050: Differences
After testing both of these vacuums, I found Kenmore BU4050 wins 2:0 and ties 2 against Kenmore BU4022. To explain this conclusion of mine, I have an analysis below.
Dirt bin and filtration
Tie
Dirt Bin
Both machines have the same structure for their dust compartments. Personally, I especially love their dust compartment design. It’s quite spacious, so it doesn’t need to be replaced too often. They all have an indicator light design so that users can see when the dirt bag is full.
Replacing the bag is also very easy. To access the dirtbag, you need to press the opening latch of the bag compartment door, then press the release button, and the bag will automatically fall out. When you buy these two machines, each comes with six bags. What I love about this upright vacuum cleaner is that when emptying the trash, the dust doesn’t get splashed around, so you won’t have to worry about it getting on your clothes or inhaling it.
Filtration
These two machines’ filtration systems are the same and include two filters. The pre-motor filter is a foam filter that is located in the bag compartment. It can be removed and washed under cold water if you notice it accumulates too much dirt. You can also wash it with warm water and soap, if needed. The second filter is a HEPA filter, which is located near the front of the vacuum, behind the chrome filter cover. It should be cleaned under cold running water once a year.
Talking about the performance of this type of filter, they work really well with the ability to filter up to 99.97% of the contaminants inside the machine. This type of filtration system is especially suitable for allergy sufferers and pet owners.
Cleaning performance
The winner: Kenmore BU4050
Compatible floor type
These two machines are compatible with both hard floors and carpets. From my experience, I have found that their performance on these two types of surfaces is similar.
With the carpet deep cleaning test, they sucked up 100% of the sand on the low-pile carpet with ease. Compared to other vacuum cleaners with fixed-height gate systems that I have previously reviewed, these two machines have bigger gates, so they can better handle debris of different sizes, especially on carpet surfaces.
Besides, each machine also has a switch so you can turn the brushroll on or off, which allows for better vacuuming on carpets. When the machine operates on hard floors, you can turn the brushroll off to avoid scratching the floor and limit the amount of dust and dirt from being diffused.
However, because both machines don’t have a nozzle height adjustment function, moving the machine on high-pile carpets is a little hard.
Suction Power
The power of both machines is 10 amps, and they generally have good suction power. With the BU4022, the airflow is 87 CFM at the hose and 72 CFM at the head. The BU4050 also has similar stats. The higher the CFM, the greater the suction power. Compared to the previous upright vacuum cleaners that I have reviewed, these are quite impressive numbers.
In addition, the BU4050 also owns a powerful 2-Motor system. Each motor does a separate job, one motor is used to create suction and another to turn the brush. The advantage of the dual-motor system is increased suction power for deeper cleaning and protection of the engine from debris. Motors of this type also have a longer life span.
Design and convenience
Tie
Build Quality
The external design of both these machines is almost no different except for their color. They are also about the same size and weight. Compared to the machines that I have reviewed before, these two machines are quite light, weighing when switched to lift-up mode, their weight is only 8 pounds. Thanks to that, you can comfortably carry the machine to clean everywhere in the house.
Except for the metal wands, rubber wheels, and handles, these two machines are mostly plastic. Overall, they’re all pretty solid, and the parts are easy to put together.
Maneuverability
Both Kenmore BU4022 and Kenmore BU4050 have great maneuverability. Besides the lift-up mode, they also have a swivel head function that allows the machine to move more flexibly.
Their power cord is just the right length, allowing you to clean large spaces without changing outlets. Their wands are much longer than many other machines’ wands, which also increases their cleaning range.
Also, all tools are stored on board so you can clean them effectively.
Noise
The noise level of the two machines is similar, about 78 dB. In my experience, they are less noisy than many other upright vacuums in the same price range. However, this level is still slightly above average when it comes to the noise level of a vacuum cleaner. You will need to raise your voice to speak while the machine is on.
Utilities
The winner: Kenmore BU4050
Besides the similarities between the two machines, the Kenmore BU4050 also adds a hair-eliminator brushroll feature. The function is especially useful for pet owners during the shedding period. Usually, other upright vacuums have a problem with hair getting stuck on the brush, and users have to work hard to remove it. But with the BU4050, it is different; after vacuuming, I still turned the vacuum cleaner upside down to check the brush roll as usual, but surprisingly, there was no cat hair wrapped in it.
Quick Rundown Of Kenmore BU4050
- Lift-Up Canister: Simply press a button to quickly transition to a lightweight pod for stairs and above floor cleaning.Voltage:120 volts.120.0 watts
- Hair Eliminator Nozzle: Brushroll automatically removes hair from the brushroll so it’s always ready to clean. This full-sized upright leaves dirt nowhere to hide while being lightweight at 14lbs and maneuverable with swivel steering
- No Touch Bag Technology: Eliminate the annoyingly dirty process of emptying and cleaning a full dust cup with the single button press of a button. No need to touch dirty dust cups or bags again, hands free operation and self-sealing bags keep your home environment clean – no touch and no messy cleanup
- PowerFlow Bag Technology: Double-wall design keeps air flowing to maintain powerful suction even as the bag fills, so you can expect excellent cleaning up until your bag needs emptying.
- Completely Sealed System: Advanced HEPA filter system traps 99.97% of dust inside your vacuum, keeping them out of the air you breathe
Quick Rundown Of Kenmore BU4022
- Lift-Up enables versatile handheld freedom to clean above floors and stairs. Simply press a button to lift away from the floor nozzle to clean all of your hard to reach areas
- No Touch Bag Technology eliminates the annoyingly stains process of emptying and cleaning a full cup with a single button press to get rid of your stains. No need to touch dirty cups or bags again, hands free operation and self-sealing bags keep your home environment clean – no touch and no messy cleanup
- PowerFlow bag chamber is designed to enable strong suction even as the bag fills. This means that you can still expect excellent cleaning up until your bag needs emptying
- Lightweight and Maneuverable – weighing only 14lbs. and with swivel steering, this lightweight and maneuverable vacuum achieve cleaning.Height adjustments for optimal airflow and cleaning efficiency with LED headlights lighting the way to a cleaner home
- Filtration System- This High Grade HEPA filtration is combined with a completely sealed system to provide excellent filtration
Product Video
Related Articles to Kenmore Bu4022
- Kenmore BU4018 vs BU4022: Which Is The Best Choice?
- Kenmore BU4022 vs BU4020: Which Is The Best Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum?
References:
- Kenmore BU4022: https://kenmorefloorcare.com/intuition-bagged-upright-vacuum
- Kenmore BU4050: https://kenmorefloorcare.com/kenmore-intuition-bagged-upright-vacuum-with-hair-eliminator-brushroll-bu4050
Victor K. Giles is a leading consultant and expert in vacuum cleaner technology with over a decade of experience. As a mechanical engineering graduate in the University of Michigan, he specializes in product development, design optimization, and performance analysis. Victor collaborates with manufacturers and educates consumers, making her a sought-after guest speaker at industry events. His work has been featured in renowned publications, and he shares his expertise on his blog, “The Vacuum Teria”. Victor’s passion for cleaner, healthier living spaces drives his to help clients choose the best vacuum solutions for their needs.