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The Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner (model PD-KNRMY6AYFK) is an ultra-lightweight, low-cost corded upright built for low- to medium-pile carpet and quick everyday cleanups. Weighing just 8.4 lb, it pairs a generous 1.7-liter dust cup with a 25 ft power cord, a detachable handle, and two basic above-floor attachments. Amazon also lists a 720W motor rated at 12 kPa of suction.
For small apartments, dorms, and multi-story homes with mostly short carpet, its featherweight frame is easy to carry up and down stairs. However, the budget cuts show in key areas. Independent lab testing found that its always-on brush roll scatters debris on bare floors, and the unit lacks carpet height adjustment, a brush roll shutoff switch, and HEPA filtration. This review breaks down the verified specifications, buyer sentiment, independent test results, and stronger alternatives so you can decide whether it fits your floors.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 7/10 (Good value for light use on low- to medium-pile carpet)
1.7 L dust cup
25 ft cord
720W motor (listed)
Washable filter
82 dB (listed)
Top pros: Featherlight 8.4 lb frame, extra-large 1.7 L bagless bin, long 25 ft cord, and solid fine-dust pickup on short carpet.
Top cons: Scatters debris on hard floors, no carpet height adjustment or brush roll switch, unsealed non-HEPA cloth filter, and short stretch hose.
Best for: Small homes and apartments with low- to medium-pile carpet, shoppers who need an easy-to-carry upright for stairs, and anyone seeking a budget secondary vacuum for quick touch-ups.
Skip if: Your floors are mostly hardwood or tile, you have thick or high-pile carpet, you need sealed HEPA filtration for allergies, or you want a quiet cleaner.
Bottom line: A lightweight, low-cost upright with a roomy dust cup and a long reach. It performs best on low- to medium-pile carpet, but weak hard-floor pickup means mixed-floor homes should consider a step-up model.
Before You Buy: 4 Things to Know
- Hard floors are the weak spot. There is no brush roll shutoff switch or rear squeegee, so the spinning bristles scatter dry crumbs on bare floors.
- The floor head does not adjust. Because the nozzle height is fixed with a low front clearance, it can snowplow medium-sized debris forward on carpet and bog down on thick, plush pile.
- Filtration is basic. The listing specifies a washable cloth filter rather than a sealed HEPA system. Allergy sufferers should look at sealed HEPA uprights instead.
- Check the exact model number. Amazon Basics has sold multiple bagless uprights with different specs. This review covers model PD-KNRMY6AYFK (ASIN B0BN5F6MJY, released in 2023) with a 25 ft cord and a 1.7 L cup. Consumer Reports evaluated a different Amazon Basics bagless upright with an 18 ft cord and a smaller dustbin, so verify the specs before ordering.
Jump to a section
- Specifications and what’s in the box
- What it is and how it compares to similar models
- Who should buy it
- Key features
- Best uses and where it struggles
- What owners and testers report
- Setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting
- Pros and cons
- Is it worth the price?
- Alternatives
- How we evaluated it
- Frequently asked questions
- The bottom line
Amazon Basics Upright Vacuum Specifications
These specifications come from the Amazon product listing and the official user manual. Note that the 12 kPa suction figure is the manufacturer’s claim rather than an independent lab measurement.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Amazon Basics |
| Model number / ASIN | PD-KNRMY6AYFK (ASIN B0BN5F6MJY, released 2023) |
| Type | Corded upright, bagless |
| Motor, power, and suction (listed) | 720W motor (120V AC, 60 Hz), 12 kPa suction (brand claim) |
| Weight | 8.4 lb (3.81 kg) |
| Dust cup capacity | 1.7 liters, quick-release bottom-empty cup |
| Power cord length | 25 ft (manual wrap) |
| Filter | Washable, pre-installed (cloth type, non-HEPA) |
| Surface compatibility | Best on low- to medium-pile carpet and area rugs; weak on bare floors and thick plush carpet |
| Noise level (listed) | 82 dB |
| Dimensions (listed) | 11.9 x 11.4 x 41.3 in |
| Attachments | Crevice tool, upholstery tool, flexible hose, detachable handle |
| Controls | Foot-operated power button near the base; no height dial or brush roll switch |
| Warranty | 1-year limited Amazon Basics warranty |
What’s in the Box
- Vacuum body with 1.7 L quick-release dust cup
- Detachable handle
- Washable cloth filter (pre-installed)
- Flexible stretch hose
- Crevice tool (stores on board)
- Upholstery tool (stores on board)
- User manual and warranty guide
What Is the Amazon Basics Upright Vacuum?
The Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is a stripped-down, corded upright built for straightforward floor care on a tight budget. Dirt collects in a clear 1.7-liter plastic bin rather than disposable paper bags, and a washable filter comes pre-installed. Because it runs on standard 120V household wall power, the motor delivers continuous suction without the battery fade or recharge wait times common to budget cordless stick vacuums.
Everything about the operation is simple. A single foot-operated power switch near the base turns the unit on and off, and there are no suction sliders, surface selectors, or carpet height dials to adjust. Standing 41.3 inches tall and weighing 8.4 lb, it fits easily into small closets and carries effortlessly up stairs.
How Model PD-KNRMY6AYFK Compares to Similar Uprights
Shoppers researching this cleaner often run into two closely related machines: an older, smaller Amazon Basics upright variant and the Bissell PowerForce Helix 2112. Here is how they differ:
| Model Variant | Cord Length | Dust Cup | Floor Head Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics PD-KNRMY6AYFK (this model) | 25 ft | 1.7 L | Fixed height (no dial) |
| Smaller Amazon Basics Upright Variant (tested by CR) | 18 ft | Smaller bin | Fixed height |
| Bissell PowerForce Helix 2112 (design counterpart) | 23 ft | 1.0 L | 5-setting height dial |
As independent tester Vacuum Wars noted, the Amazon Basics PD-KNRMY6AYFK shares a nearly identical body mold with the popular Bissell PowerForce Helix 2112, trading the Bissell’s 5-position carpet height dial for a larger 1.7 L dust cup and an extra 2 feet of cord.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- Budget shoppers who want an ultra-light upright at 8.4 lb
- Homes with mostly low- to medium-pile carpet and low-profile area rugs
- Apartments, dorms, and multi-level homes where you carry the vacuum upstairs
- Anyone needing an inexpensive secondary vacuum for quick upstairs or basement cleanups
Skip If
- Your floors are mostly hardwood, tile, or laminate with loose crumbs
- You have thick, plush, frieze, or high-pile carpet
- You need sealed HEPA filtration for allergies or asthma
- You want a quiet vacuum for early-morning or late-night cleaning
Key Features Breakdown
1. 720W Motor and 12 kPa Suction (Brand Claim)
Amazon lists a 720W motor generating 12 kPa of suction and markets the cleaner for carpets, rugs, and hardwood floors. Keep in mind that raw kPa pressure numbers are manufacturer claims and do not tell the whole story—nozzle geometry, airflow seal, and brush agitation matter just as much for real-world pickup.
In hands-on testing, Vacuum Wars recorded respectable pickup of fine dust and surface grit on short- to medium-pile carpet. Its deep-cleaning score on embedded carpet sand was average for an entry-level budget upright and below average across all price tiers, while bare-floor pickup lagged behind competitors.
2. Lightweight Frame and Detachable Handle
At 8.4 lb, this model weighs significantly less than a traditional full-size upright—Vacuum Wars puts the average weight across the 400+ uprights in its database at roughly 14.5 lb. That 6 lb savings makes a noticeable difference if you have stairs, back sensitivity, or tight storage spaces.
For above-floor jobs, the top handle releases from the body and connects directly to the flexible hose so you can reach curtains, ceiling corners, baseboards, and couch cushions.
3. 1.7L Quick-Release Dust Cup
A 1.7-liter dirt bin is unusually generous for a compact upright. By comparison, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet holds 1.0 liter and the Shark Navigator Swivel Pro Complete holds roughly 0.8 liter. A quick-release latch lets you lift the bin off the body and pop open the bottom trapdoor over a trash bag.
Because airflow drops as dirt approaches the max fill line, the manual recommends emptying the cup before it packs full.
4. 25-Foot Power Cord
Many ultra-cheap vacuums cut corners with 15 ft or 18 ft cords that force constant unplugging. A 25 ft cord easily spans standard bedrooms and living areas from a single hallway outlet. There is no spring-loaded automatic cord rewind, so you wrap the cord manually around the rear hooks after each session.
5. Washable Filter
The pre-installed cloth filter rinses clean under cold tap water, eliminating recurring bag costs. However, it is not a HEPA filter and the chassis is not sealed, so fine allergens can escape back into the room. Shoppers with dust allergies should step up to a sealed HEPA upright.
Best Uses and Where It Struggles
Low- to Medium-Pile Carpet and Area Rugs
Short carpet and tight-weave rugs are this machine’s sweet spot. Lab testing confirmed solid pickup of fine surface dirt and everyday dust on low- to medium-pile carpeting. When vacuuming larger crumbs or cereal pieces, move forward slowly; because the front lip sits low to the floor without height adjustment, fast strokes can push medium-sized debris ahead of the nozzle.
Apartments, Small Homes, and Stairs
Carrying a 15 lb upright up a narrow staircase is a chore, whereas an 8.4 lb cleaner is easy to lift with one hand. Combined with the 25 ft power cord and compact 11.9-inch footprint, it works well for studios, dorm rooms, and townhomes.
Furniture, Curtains, and High Spots
Detaching the handle and coupling it to the flexible hose creates an extended wand for upholstery, stair risers, drapes, and crown molding. Keep the vacuum base close to your work area, as the stretch hose is relatively short and pulling too far can tip the lightweight 8.4 lb body.
Hard Floors: Use With Care
Although the product listing mentions hardwood floors, the brush roll spins continuously whenever the vacuum is powered on, and the nozzle lacks a rear rubber squeegee seal. In independent testing, the spinning bristles flung dry debris across hard surfaces rather than drawing it into the airflow channel. If your home is mostly bare wood, tile, or vinyl plank, choose a vacuum with a brush roll shutoff or a dedicated hard-floor squeegee.
What Owners and Testers Report
To give you a balanced picture, this section combines aggregated buyer sentiment with hands-on laboratory test notes from Vacuum Wars.
What Owners Commonly Praise
- Featherlight handling: Buyers consistently highlight how easy the 8.4 lb frame is to push, carry upstairs, and tuck into small apartment closets compared with older, bulkier uprights.
- Long reach and roomy bin: Owners appreciate that the 25 ft cord covers multiple rooms with minimal outlet changes, and that the 1.7 L cup holds plenty of lint and dust before needing a trip to the trash can.
- Strong surface pickup on rugs: Many users report that the spinning brush roll lifts a surprising amount of visible dust, lint, and surface hair from low-pile area rugs and entryway mats.
- Simple assembly and upkeep: Shoppers praise the tool-free handle click-in setup and the straightforward bottom-release dirt bin.
Common Owner Complaints
- Short stretch hose: Several owners note that the flexible hose has limited reach for above-floor cleaning, requiring you to hold or move the vacuum body when reaching high corners.
- Static dust on the exterior: Some users notice fine static dust settling on the outside of the plastic canister and motor housing after vacuuming dusty rooms, reflecting the basic cloth filtration.
What an Independent Test Found
Vacuum Wars purchased this exact model (ASIN B0BN5F6MJY) at retail for hands-on testing (published in August 2023 and updated in March 2025). Here are the key findings:
- Strengths: Exceptionally light at 8.4 lb, with solid pickup of fine dirt on short- to medium-pile carpet.
- Hard-floor weakness: Scattered debris on bare floors because the brush roll cannot be turned off and the nozzle has no rear squeegee.
- Carpet height limitation: The non-adjustable floor head sits low and snowplows medium-sized debris forward on carpet.
- Deep-clean and filtration scores: Embedded carpet deep-cleaning was average for its ultra-budget price tier (below average overall), and unsealed filtration performance was minimal.
- Tester verdict: A serviceable ultra-cheap vacuum for carpeted rooms on a strict budget, though spending slightly more gets you much better all-surface versatility.
Setup, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting
Quick Setup and Use
- Align the detachable handle with the top socket on the vacuum body and push firmly until the locking tab clicks into place.
- Attach the flexible hose and store the crevice tool and upholstery brush on their onboard clips.
- Plug the polarized cord into a standard 120V wall outlet and tap the foot pedal power switch on the lower housing.
- Recline the handle and guide the floor nozzle smoothly across low- to medium-pile carpet.
- For furniture or high corners, switch the vacuum off, detach the handle, connect the flexible hose, and slide on the crevice or upholstery tool.
- Tap the foot switch off when finished, unplug the unit, and wrap the 25 ft cord around the storage hooks.
Routine Care
- Dust cup: Empty the bin before debris reaches the MAX line. Press the quick-release button, hold the bin over a trash receptacle, press the bottom latch to drop the dirt, and snap the door shut before clicking the bin back onto the chassis.
- Washable filter: Pull the cloth filter assembly from the top of the dust cup and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. Never use soap, detergent, or hot water, and let it air-dry completely for at least 24 hours before reinstalling.
- Brush roll: Periodically unplug the cleaner, flip the floor nozzle over, and snip away tangled hair or carpet threads wrapped around the brush bar so the belt and motor do not overheat.
- Hose and airflow path: If pickup drops suddenly, unplug the vacuum, detach the stretch hose, and check the hose bends and nozzle neck for trapped paper or sock blockages.
Pro Tip: Because the washable filter requires a full 24 hours to air-dry, rinse it right after you finish vacuuming so it is bone-dry before your next cleaning day. Never run the motor with a damp filter.
Quick Troubleshooting
- Vacuum shuts off by itself: The motor includes a thermal protector that trips if airflow is blocked by a full cup, clogged hose, or jammed brush roll. Unplug the unit, clear the blockage, empty the bin, and allow 30 to 60 minutes for the motor to cool and reset.
- Debris kicks back toward your feet: On bare floors, the spinning bristles throw hard particles backward; use the hose and floor tools for hard-floor edges or switch to a broom on bare kitchen tile. On carpet, check that the nozzle neck behind the brush bar is free of compacted lint.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very light at 8.4 lb, making it easy to carry between floors
- Large 1.7 L dust cup with a bottom-empty quick-release button
- Long 25 ft power cord for fewer outlet changes
- Detachable handle and hose for curtains, corners, and furniture
- Washable cloth filter with no replacement bags to buy
- Decent fine-dirt pickup on low- to medium-pile carpet
Cons
- Scatters debris on hard floors due to no brush roll shutoff switch
- Fixed floor head with no carpet height adjustment
- Basic unsealed filtration with no HEPA filter listed
- Relatively loud at a listed noise level of 82 dB
- Short stretch hose and no automatic cord rewind
Is It Worth the Price?
Amazon Basics engineered this upright around three priorities: rock-bottom cost, low weight, and high bin capacity. At 8.4 lb with a 1.7 L cup, it is roughly 3.5 to 4.5 lb lighter than the main step-up alternatives below and holds more dirt between trips to the trash can.
Whether it is worth buying comes down to your flooring. It delivers solid value if you live in a small apartment or dorm with low- to medium-pile carpet and want the lightest, simplest corded cleaner available. It is poor value if you have mostly hardwood or tile floors, thick plush carpet, or allergies—in those homes, spending slightly more on one of the alternatives below will save you daily frustration.
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How the Amazon Basics Upright Vacuum Compares to Alternatives
If the fixed floor head or basic filtration is a dealbreaker for your home, three budget-friendly uprights solve those exact weaknesses. Vacuum Wars recommends the Bissell and Kenmore models below as direct step-ups, while Consumer Reports highlights the Shark as a top budget bagless upright.
| Model | Weight | Dust cup | Cord | Floor head and filter notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Upright (this review) | 8.4 lb | 1.7 L | 25 ft | Fixed height, no brush roll switch, washable filter (not HEPA) |
| Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252 | About 12.5 lb | 1.0 L | 27 ft | 5 height settings, squeegee on floor head, no HEPA |
| Kenmore FeatherLite Lift-Up DU4080 | Under 12 lb | 1.5 L | 25 ft | Sealed air path with HEPA, brush roll can be switched off, lift-up pod |
| Shark Navigator Swivel Pro Complete NV150 | About 13 lb | About 0.8 L | 25 ft | Sealed system with HEPA filter, hose reaches up to 11 ft |
Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252
Vacuum Wars names this the least expensive upright it can recommend for homes that mix carpet and bare floors. It earned a 100% score in the lab’s carpet deep-clean test and uses an under-nozzle squeegee plus a 5-setting height dial to pick up hard-floor crumbs without scattering them. You trade away ultra-low weight (it weighs about 12.5 lb) and bin volume (1.0 L), and it still lacks HEPA filtration.
When to choose it: Pick the Bissell 2252 if you have thicker carpet or a mix of carpet and hard floors and do not need HEPA filtration.
Kenmore FeatherLite Lift-Up DU4080
The Kenmore DU4080 fixes every major limitation of the Amazon Basics while staying under 12 lb. It features a sealed air path with true HEPA filtration, a brush roll shutoff switch for bare floors, an LED headlight, and a detachable Lift-Up canister pod for cleaning stairs.
When to choose it: Pick the Kenmore DU4080 if you suffer from allergies, have plenty of hardwood or tile, or want a lift-off pod for stairs.
Shark Navigator Swivel Pro Complete NV150
Consumer Reports rated the Shark NV150 excellent on bare floors and pet hair and adequate on carpet. It pairs a sealed HEPA system with swivel steering and a hose that stretches up to 11 ft—solving the short-hose complaint on the Amazon Basics. At roughly 13 lb with a 0.8 L dust cup, it is heavier and requires more frequent emptying.
When to choose it: Pick the Shark NV150 if bare floors, pet hair, sealed HEPA filtration, and long above-floor hose reach are your top priorities.
How We Evaluated It
We have not tested this vacuum in-house. Instead, this review synthesizes verified specifications from the Amazon product listing, the official Amazon Basics user manual, hands-on instrumentation testing by Vacuum Wars, manufacturer specs for competing models, and recurring themes in owner feedback.
We cross-checked the specifications table against the Amazon listing and user manual (last checked October 5, 2026). We clearly label unverified manufacturer numbers—such as the 12 kPa suction rating—as brand claims, and we separate owner sentiment from controlled test results. We omit static prices and star ratings because they fluctuate daily.
Our 7/10 rating is an editorial assessment of overall value. It rewards the ultra-low 8.4 lb weight, 1.7 L dust bin, 25 ft cord, and solid surface pickup on short carpet, while deducting points for poor bare-floor handling, the fixed-height nozzle, and basic non-HEPA filtration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Amazon Basics upright vacuum bagless?
Yes. This vacuum is bagless, so dirt collects in a clear 1.7-liter dust cup instead of a disposable paper bag. To empty it, press the quick-release button, lift the cup off the body, and pop open the bottom flap over a trash can. You will not need to buy replacement bags, though you should rinse the washable filter periodically.
Is it good on hardwood and tile floors?
Hard floors are its main weak spot. The vacuum has no brush roll shutoff switch and no squeegee behind the floor head, and independent testing confirmed that the spinning bristles scatter dry debris across bare floors. If your home has mostly hard floors, choose a model with a brush roll switch or a rear squeegee.
Can I adjust the floor head height for thick carpet?
No. The floor nozzle sits at a fixed height with no adjustment dial. Because the front opening sits low, it can push medium-sized debris forward instead of lifting it, and thick or plush high-pile carpet is difficult to push across. It works best on low- to medium-pile carpet.
Does it have a HEPA filter?
No. Amazon describes a washable cloth filter and does not claim HEPA filtration. Independent testing by Vacuum Wars found minimal fine-particle filtration, which is common among entry-level budget uprights. If you have allergies or asthma, choose a sealed system with a true HEPA filter instead.
Is it good for pet hair?
It can pick up light surface hair on short rugs, but the listing does not include pet-specific features such as a tangle-free brush bar or a motorized pet upholstery tool. Long hair will wrap around the brush roll over time, requiring you to unplug the unit and snip away tangles. Homes with heavy shedders should opt for a dedicated pet upright.
How do I clean the washable filter?
Remove the filter from the dust cup and rinse it under cold tap water until the water runs clear. Do not use detergent, soap, or hot water. Let it air-dry for at least 24 hours before reinstalling it, because the manual warns that operating the vacuum with a damp filter can damage the motor.
How long is the power cord?
The power cord is 25 feet long, which easily spans most bedrooms and living rooms from a single outlet. There is no automatic cord rewind mechanism, so you wrap the cord by hand around the hooks on the back of the machine when finished.
What attachments come in the box?
You get a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, a flexible hose, and a detachable handle. Both tools clip onto the vacuum body for storage. To clean curtains, wall corners, ceilings, or furniture, detach the handle and connect it to the hose—though keep the base nearby since the hose is relatively short.
How loud is it?
Amazon lists the operating noise level at 82 dB, which is fairly loud and typical for an uninsulated budget upright. You will hear it clearly in small rooms, so if you clean early in the morning or have noise-sensitive pets, consider a quieter model.
What does the 12 kPa suction rating mean?
Kilopascals (kPa) measure sealed suction pressure, where a higher number indicates stronger pull. Amazon lists 12 kPa and a 720W motor for this model. Those figures are brand claims and do not guarantee real-world pickup, which also depends on floor-head design and airflow. Independent testing showed average deep-cleaning for the price on carpet and weak pickup on bare floors.
What warranty comes with the Amazon Basics upright vacuum?
Amazon Basics backs model PD-KNRMY6AYFK with a standard 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use. Keep your Amazon order confirmation and consult the warranty PDF linked on the product listing if you need service.
The Bottom Line
The Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner (PD-KNRMY6AYFK) is an ultra-light, low-cost cleaner with a roomy 1.7 L dust cup and a practical 25 ft cord. It earns a 7/10 for small spaces, dorms, and apartments with low- to medium-pile carpet where easy carrying and rock-bottom cost matter most.
It is a poor match for mostly bare floors, thick high-pile carpets, and households that need sealed HEPA filtration. If any of those apply to your home, step up to the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252, Kenmore FeatherLite Lift-Up DU4080, or Shark Navigator Swivel Pro Complete NV150 above.
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