The catch
Kenmore Featherlite Lift-Up
You still handle brush and filter maintenance by hand.
Side by side
Kenmore DU4080 vs Shark Detect LA492: Kenmore makes carrying upstairs easier, and Shark automates changes between mixed floors
Quick verdict
Kenmore DU4080 is the choice if you carry the whole vacuum upstairs and want to stop the brush by hand. Shark LA492 is the choice for automatic floor response and a self-cleaning floor brush in daily sessions across mixed floors.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Hauling upstairs favors the lighter whole machine
Kenmore specifies the DU4080 at below 12 lb, and Shark lists the LA492 at 13.12 lb. By the published full-unit figures, the Kenmore is more than 1.12 lb lighter, which helps when you carry the complete vacuum between floors. The weight of the detached pod and how it feels on the stairs remain unmeasured.
Where this comes from
Subtract a value below 12 from 13.12 and the gap is more than 1.12 lb.
The catch
Shark Detect Lift-Away ADV
Its full-unit spec is heavier.
Kenmore Featherlite Lift-Up
- Why pick it
- Lift a complete unit specified at under 12 lb
- Switch the brush off on suitable bare floors
- The catch
- You still handle brush and filter maintenance by hand.
Shark Detect Lift-Away ADV
- Why pick it
- Have sensors adjust brush speed as floors change
- Cut down on hands-on hair upkeep for the floor brush
- The catch
- Its full-unit spec is heavier.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money
What this page compares
Carrying weight, bare-floor brush control and pet tools, compared for anyone who moves a vacuum between floors.
Kenmore DU4080 is the choice if you carry the whole vacuum upstairs and want to stop the brush by hand. Shark LA492 is the choice for automatic floor response and a self-cleaning floor brush in daily sessions across mixed floors.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
You regularly carry the whole vacuum up stairs
The Kenmore's specified weight for the full unit is lower.
- Kenmore Featherlite Lift-Up
- Better fit
- Shark Detect Lift-Away ADV
- Caution
Need a floor setting that turns the brush off on purpose
Manual shutoff is documented for Kenmore.
- Kenmore Featherlite Lift-Up
- Better fit
- Shark Detect Lift-Away ADV
- Caution
Switch back and forth between carpet and bare floor
The Shark changes brush speed on its own.
- Kenmore Featherlite Lift-Up
- Good
- Shark Detect Lift-Away ADV
- Better fit
Need a sofa tool that rotates
Pet HandiMate is on the Kenmore's list, whereas the Shark set that was checked lists passive pet tools.
- Kenmore Featherlite Lift-Up
- Better fit
- Shark Detect Lift-Away ADV
- Caution
In practice
Differences you will notice
Hauling upstairs favors the lighter whole machine
Kenmore specifies the DU4080 at below 12 lb, and Shark lists the LA492 at 13.12 lb. By the published full-unit figures, the Kenmore is more than 1.12 lb lighter, which helps when you carry the complete vacuum between floors. The weight of the detached pod and how it feels on the stairs remain unmeasured.
How we worked this out
Subtract a value below 12 from 13.12 and the gap is more than 1.12 lb.
Sensing the floor is not the same as choosing no brush rotation
The DU4080 gives you a manual brush shutoff for bare-floor work, while the LA492 changes brush speed according to the surface it detects. If the floor-care instructions call for suction with the brush stopped, choose Kenmore. If automatic transitions suit flooring that you have confirmed it can clean, choose Shark.
How we worked this out
For Kenmore, manual shutoff is documented. Automatic speed response on its own does not show that the Shark can turn its brush off.
The brush on the carpet will not clean the cat tree
Either one lets you carry a detached pod over to furniture, but the supplied tool sets are different. Kenmore lists Pet HandiMate, and Shark lists Pet Multi-Tool along with crevice and dusting tools. Look at the tool that will touch your fabric before you put the Shark floor brush first. No timed sofa-hair test picks a winner.
How we worked this out
What the floor brush does and which hose tools come in the box are separate facts.
Option A
Kenmore, DU4080
Featherlite Lift-Up
Listed at under 12 lb, this bagless upright has a detachable pod and sealed HEPA filtration. The floor brush can be stopped for bare floors, and the specified cup size is 1.5 L.
- Best for
- Lift a complete unit specified at under 12 lb
Facts we checked
- Whole-unit weight: Under 12 lb full unit
- Floor control: Manual brushroll shutoff for bare floors
- Portable configuration: Lift-Up pod for hose and accessory cleaning
- Included fabric tools: Pet HandiMate and 3-in-1 combination tool
Option B
Shark, LA492
Detect Lift-Away ADV
Floor and direction sensors tune this single-roller upright. It has an ordinary detachable pod, and its pet tools for above-floor cleaning are passive.
- Best for
- Have sensors adjust brush speed as floors change
Facts we checked
- Whole-unit weight: 13.12 lb full unit
- Floor control: Floor Detect varies brush speed and Direction Detect changes suction routing
- Portable configuration: Standard Lift-Away pod for hose and accessory cleaning
- Included fabric tools: Pet Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool and Anti-Allergen Dust Brush
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Kenmore Featherlite Lift-Up | Shark Detect Lift-Away ADV | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-unit weight | Under 12 lb full unit | 13.12 lb full unit | The figures describe the complete unit and do not apply to the detached pod. |
| Floor control | Manual brushroll shutoff for bare floors | Floor Detect varies brush speed and Direction Detect changes suction routing | Wanting a dedicated stop is not the same concern as wanting automatic speed changes. |
| Portable configuration | Lift-Up pod for hose and accessory cleaning | Standard Lift-Away pod for hose and accessory cleaning | Each detaches for cleaning with tools, and no powered floorhead claim is made here. |
| Included fabric tools | Pet HandiMate and 3-in-1 combination tool | Pet Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool and Anti-Allergen Dust Brush | The Kenmore comes with Pet HandiMate, and the Shark set has passive pet tools. |
| Power cord | 25 ft cord | 25 ft cord | The nominal cord length is identical on both. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Kenmore Featherlite Lift-Up
- You have to pick the floor setting yourself.
With Shark Detect Lift-Away ADV
- Nothing about the supplied pet tools shows motorized sofa brushing.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
What holds you back is lifting the whole cleaner
Go with Kenmore Featherlite Lift-Up. Published weight for it is lower than the Shark’s full-unit weight.
I want floor changes handled for me
Go with Shark Detect Lift-Away ADV. Brush speed shifts with the surface under Floor Detect.
Decision guide
How to decide
Pick Kenmore DU4080 if carrying the whole vacuum upstairs and stopping the brush manually are your main concerns. Pick Shark LA492 if you want automatic floor response and a self-cleaning floor brush for daily use on mixed floors.
Hauling upstairs favors the lighter whole machine
Kenmore specifies the DU4080 at below 12 lb, and Shark lists the LA492 at 13.12 lb. By the published full-unit figures, the Kenmore is more than 1.12 lb lighter, which helps when you carry the complete vacuum between floors. The weight of the detached pod and how it feels on the stairs remain unmeasured.
Sensing the floor is not the same as choosing no brush rotation
The DU4080 gives you a manual brush shutoff for bare-floor work, while the LA492 changes brush speed according to the surface it detects. If the floor-care instructions call for suction with the brush stopped, choose Kenmore. If automatic transitions suit flooring that you have confirmed it can clean, choose Shark.
The brush on the carpet will not clean the cat tree
Either one lets you carry a detached pod over to furniture, but the supplied tool sets are different. Kenmore lists Pet HandiMate, and Shark lists Pet Multi-Tool along with crevice and dusting tools. Look at the tool that will touch your fabric before you put the Shark floor brush first. No timed sofa-hair test picks a winner.
What this page can’t tell you
- The recommendations here come from documented features and operating limits. No matched cleaning, noise or odor test was performed.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the upright vacuums we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore Featherlite Lift-Up |
|
|
|
| Shark Detect Lift-Away ADV |
|
|
|
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Kenmore Featherlite Lift-Up
Lift a complete unit specified at under 12 lb
See price & reviews on AmazonShark Detect Lift-Away ADV
Have sensors adjust brush speed as floors change
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money