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The Amazon Basics upright vacuum is a very light, low-cost bagless cleaner built for carpet and quick jobs. Model PD-KNRMY6AYFK weighs 8.4 lb, holds 1.7 liters of dirt, and has a 25 ft cord. Amazon also lists a 720W motor with 12 kPa of suction, plus a detachable handle and two tools.
It fits small homes and low to medium pile carpet, and it is easy to carry between floors. The trade-offs matter, though. An independent test found that it scatters debris on hard floors, and it has no height adjustment, no brush roll switch, and basic filtration. This review covers the specs, owner feedback, and test results so you can decide if it suits your home.
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)
Best for: Small homes and apartments with low to medium pile carpet, shoppers who want a very light upright, and anyone who needs a cheap second vacuum for quick cleanups.
Skip if: Your floors are mostly hardwood or tile, you have thick or high pile carpet, you need HEPA filtration for allergies, or you want a quiet vacuum.
Bottom line: A light, low-cost upright with a big dust cup and a long cord. It does best on low to medium pile carpet. An independent test found weak hard-floor pickup, so check your floors before you buy.
Before You Buy: 4 Things to Know
- Hard floors are the weak spot. There is no brush roll off switch, and an independent test found it scatters debris on bare floors.
- The floor head does not adjust. An independent test found that the low front opening pushes medium-size debris along on carpet, and thick carpet is likely a poor match.
- Filtration is basic. The listing mentions a washable filter, not HEPA. If you have allergies, look at sealed HEPA models instead.
- Check the model number. Amazon Basics has sold other bagless uprights with different specs. This review covers model PD-KNRMY6AYFK with a 25 ft cord and a 1.7 L cup. Consumer Reports lists a different Amazon Basics bagless upright with an 18 ft cord and a small dustbin, so do not mix the two up.
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Amazon Basics Upright Vacuum Specifications
These specs come from the Amazon listing and the user manual. The 12 kPa suction figure is the brand’s claim, not an independent measurement.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Amazon Basics |
| Model number | PD-KNRMY6AYFK |
| Type | Corded upright, bagless |
| Motor and suction (listed) | 720W motor, 12 kPa suction (brand claim) |
| Weight | 8.4 lb (3.81 kg) |
| Dust cup capacity | 1.7 liters, quick-release cup |
| Power cord length | 25 ft |
| Filter | Washable, pre-installed (listed as cloth type) |
| 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 |
What’s in the Box
- Vacuum body with 1.7 L dust cup
- Detachable handle
- Washable filter (pre-installed)
- Flexible hose
- Crevice tool
- Upholstery tool
What Is the Amazon Basics Upright Vacuum?
The Amazon Basics upright vacuum is a corded, bagless cleaner for carpet and hard floors. Dirt goes into a clear 1.7 liter cup instead of a bag, and a washable filter comes pre-installed. A corded motor gives steady power for the whole job, so you do not get the power fade that battery stick vacuums can have as the charge runs down.
The controls are basic. A single power button near the base turns the vacuum on and off when you press it with your foot. At 8.4 lb and about 41 inches tall, it is easy to store and to carry between floors.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- Budget shoppers who want a very light upright at 8.4 lb
- Homes with mostly low to medium pile carpet and area rugs
- Apartments, dorms, and multi-level homes where you carry the vacuum
- A cheap second vacuum for quick cleanups
Skip If
- Your floors are mostly hardwood, tile, or laminate with loose crumbs
- You have thick, plush, or high pile carpet
- You need sealed HEPA filtration for allergies
- You want a quiet vacuum for early or late cleaning
Key Features Breakdown
1. 720W Motor and 12 kPa Suction (Brand Claim)
Amazon lists a 720W motor with 12 kPa of suction and says it suits carpets, rugs, and hardwood. Those are the brand’s claims. A kPa number alone does not show how well a floor head picks up dirt.
In independent testing, Vacuum Wars found decent pickup of fine dirt on short to medium pile carpet. Its deep-clean carpet result was average for the price class and below average overall. Hard floors were a weak point.
2. Lightweight Frame and Detachable Handle
At 8.4 lb, this vacuum is far lighter than most uprights. Vacuum Wars reports an average weight of about 14.5 lb across the 400+ uprights in its data. That makes stairs and multi-level homes easier.
The handle detaches, and you can connect the hose to clean curtains, wall corners, and furniture.
3. 1.7L Quick-Release Dust Cup
The cup is large for a budget upright. For comparison, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet holds 1.0 liter, and the Shark Navigator Swivel Pro Complete holds about 0.8 liter. Press the quick-release button to take the cup off, then open the bottom flap over a trash can.
The manual lists a full cup as a cause of weak suction, so empty it before it gets too full.
4. 25-Foot Power Cord
A 25 ft cord reaches across most rooms from one outlet. One owner said they only had to change outlets two or three times to cover their home. The listing does not mention automatic cord rewind, so plan to wrap the cord by hand.
5. Washable Filter
The filter comes pre-installed and is washable, so there are no bags to buy. Amazon lists the filter type as cloth. It is not described as HEPA, and Vacuum Wars found that filtration was minimal. If you have allergies, a sealed HEPA model is a better fit.
Best Uses and Where It Struggles
Low to Medium Pile Carpet and Area Rugs
This is where the vacuum fits best. Vacuum Wars found decent pickup of fine dirt and debris on short to medium pile carpet. One owner cleaned a busy 8 x 10 rug and was surprised by how much dust and debris ended up in the cup. Go slowly over larger bits, since the low floor head can push them along.
Apartments, Small Homes, and Stairs
At 8.4 lb, the vacuum is easy to carry up and down stairs. The 25 ft cord covers most rooms from one outlet, and the body is easy to store. Pairing the hose with the detachable handle helps on stair edges and upholstery.
Furniture, Curtains, and High Spots
Detach the handle, connect the hose, and add the crevice or upholstery tool. The manual says this setup reaches high areas such as ceilings and curtains. One owner liked the wand for high spots but found the hose short.
Hard Floors: Use With Care
Amazon markets the vacuum for carpet and hard floors, but the brush roll cannot be switched off and the floor head has no squeegee. Vacuum Wars found that it scatters debris on hard floors. If your home is mostly hardwood, tile, or laminate, a model with a brush roll switch or a squeegee is a safer pick.
What Owners and Testers Report
This section sums up what buyers and an independent tester say. Owner comments are paraphrased from Amazon reviews, and the test notes come from a hands-on review by Vacuum Wars.
What Owners Like
- A buyer who replaced an eight-year-old Bissell called it compact and light, with plenty of suction and cord. They also liked the roomy bin and how easily it empties.
- A buyer who usually avoids Amazon-brand products said it worked better than expected. The long cord meant only two or three plug changes to cover their home.
- One reviewer vacuumed a busy 8 x 10 area rug and was surprised by how much dust and debris ended up in the cup. They found the dust cup and filter easy to clean.
- Another reviewer called it a good light-use vacuum and great value. They praised the long cord, secure connections, and small, light body.
What Owners Flag
- One owner found the hose short, though they loved the detachable wand for high spots.
- One reviewer saw a film of dust on top of the vacuum and the canister after cleaning.
What an Independent Test Found
Vacuum Wars bought this exact model (ASIN B0BN5F6MJY) and tested it. Its review dates from August 2023 and was last updated in March 2025.
- Good: Very light, with decent pickup of fine dirt on short to medium pile carpet.
- Weak: It scatters debris on hard floors because it has no brush roll switch or squeegee.
- Weak: The floor head does not adjust, and its low front opening pushes medium-size debris along on carpet.
- Average: Its deep-clean carpet score was about average for the price and below average overall, and its filtration was minimal.
- Verdict: A very cheap vacuum that suits some homes. Vacuum Wars suggested slightly more expensive alternatives.
Vacuum Wars also says the design is a near copy of the Bissell PowerForce Helix 2112, with a larger dust bin.
Setup and Maintenance
Quick Setup and Use
- Line up the detachable handle with the opening on top of the vacuum body, then push until it clicks.
- Plug in the cord and press the power button near the base with your foot.
- Keep the floor head flat on the surface as you vacuum.
- For high spots or furniture, detach the handle, connect the hose, and add the crevice or upholstery tool.
- Press the power button again to switch off, unplug the cord, and wrap it up.
Routine Care
- Dust cup: Empty it when it is full. Press the quick-release button, open the bottom flap over a trash can, close the flap, and click the cup back in.
- Washable filter: Rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. Do not use detergent or hot water, and let it air dry for at least 24 hours.
- Brush roll: If you hear odd noises or smell burning, unplug the vacuum, clear hair and debris from the brush roll, and let the motor cool.
- Hose and tools: If suction drops, check the hose and attachments for blockages.
Pro Tip: The filter needs a full day to dry, so wash it on a day you do not plan to vacuum. Never run the vacuum with a damp filter.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very light at 8.4 lb, easy to carry between floors
- Large 1.7 L dust cup with a quick-release button
- Long 25 ft power cord
- Detachable handle and hose for curtains, corners and furniture
- Washable filter, so there are no bags to buy
- Decent on fine dirt on low to medium pile carpet
Cons
- Scatters debris on hard floors, with no brush roll off switch
- Fixed floor head with no height adjustment
- Basic filtration with no HEPA filter listed
- Listed noise level of 82 dB
- No automatic cord rewind listed
Is It Worth the Price?
Amazon Basics built this vacuum for shoppers who want a low price and a light frame. It is lighter than all three alternatives below and has a bigger dust cup than all three. Those alternatives weigh from under 12 lb to about 13 lb, and they usually cost more.
It is good value if your needs are light: low to medium pile carpet, a small space, and a tight budget. It is poor value if your floors are mostly hard or you need better filtration, because Vacuum Wars points those shoppers to slightly more expensive models. Check the current price on Amazon before you decide.
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How the Amazon Basics Upright Vacuum Compares to Alternatives
Vacuum Wars suggests the Bissell and Kenmore models below as step-ups from this vacuum, and Consumer Reports favors the Shark as a budget bagless upright. Specs come from the makers’ pages and published reviews, and all three usually cost more.
| 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 calls this the cheapest model it can recommend for homes with both carpet and hard floors. It scored a perfect 100 in the testers’ carpet deep-clean test and handled hard-floor debris without scattering it. You give up weight (about 12.5 lb) and cup size (1.0 L), and it has no HEPA filter.
Kenmore FeatherLite Lift-Up DU4080
Vacuum Wars picks this model for shoppers who care about filtration. Kenmore lists a sealed air path with HEPA filtration, a brush roll you can switch off, a lift-up pod for stairs, and an LED headlight, all at under 12 lb.
Shark Navigator Swivel Pro Complete NV150
Consumer Reports found this model excellent on bare floors and pet hair but only adequate on carpet. Shark lists a sealed system with a HEPA filter and a hose that reaches up to 11 ft. At about 13 lb with a cup of roughly 0.8 L, it is heavier and holds less than the Amazon Basics.
How We Evaluated It
We have not tested this vacuum ourselves. This review draws on the Amazon listing, the Amazon Basics user manual, a hands-on test by Vacuum Wars, published specs for the alternatives, and owner comments on Amazon.
We cross-checked the specs table against the Amazon listing and the user manual (last check: October 5, 2026). We label brand claims, such as the 12 kPa suction rating, as claims, and we keep owner comments apart from test results. We do not show prices or star ratings because they change often.
Our 7/10 score is an editorial judgment, not a lab measurement. It rewards the low weight, large dust cup, and long cord. It takes points off for weak hard-floor results, no height adjustment, and basic 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 paper bag. To empty it, press the quick-release button, lift the cup off, and open the bottom flap over a trash can. You will not buy bags, but you will need to rinse the washable filter from time to time.
Is it good on hardwood and tile floors?
It is the weak spot. The vacuum has no brush roll off switch and no squeegee on the floor head, and an independent test found it scatters debris on hard floors. Expect crumbs and other loose bits to get pushed around. If your home is mostly hard floor, look for a model with a brush roll switch or a squeegee.
Can I adjust the floor head height for thick carpet?
No. Independent testing found no height adjustment, and neither the listing nor the manual mentions one. The low floor head can push medium-size debris along instead of lifting it, and thick or plush carpet is likely a poor match. It works best on low to medium pile carpet.
Does it have a HEPA filter?
Not as far as the listing shows. Amazon describes a washable filter and lists the filter type as cloth, not HEPA. Vacuum Wars found that this vacuum’s filtration was minimal, which is common at this price. If you have allergies or asthma, choose a sealed system with HEPA filtration instead.
Is it good for pet hair?
The listing does not advertise pet hair features such as a tangle-free brush roll or a motorized pet tool. Hair can wrap around the brush roll, and the manual tells you to unplug the vacuum and check the brush roll for hair and debris if it jams or makes odd noises. For heavy shedding, choose a model built for pets.
How do I clean the washable filter?
Remove the filter from the dust cup and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. Do not use detergent or hot water. Let it air dry for at least 24 hours before you put it back, because the manual warns that a damp filter can damage the vacuum. Wash it on a day you do not need to vacuum.
How long is the power cord?
The power cord is 25 feet long, which reaches across most rooms from a single outlet. One owner only had to change outlets two or three times to cover their home. The listing does not mention automatic cord rewind, so plan to wrap the cord by hand when you finish. Very large homes may still need extra outlet changes.
What attachments come in the box?
You get a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, a flexible hose, and a detachable handle. The two tools store on the vacuum body. To clean curtains, wall corners, ceilings, or furniture, detach the handle and connect the hose. One owner found the hose on the short side, so measure your reach before you count on it.
How loud is it?
Amazon lists the noise level at 82 dB, and the brand does not advertise this model as quiet. A corded upright is not silent, so you will hear it clearly in small rooms. If you clean early in the morning or late at night, or have pets that dislike noise, a quieter model may suit you better.
What does the 12 kPa suction rating mean?
kPa is a unit of pressure, and a higher number points to stronger suction. Amazon lists 12 kPa and a 720W motor for this model. Those figures are the brand’s claims, and they do not show how well the floor head picks up dirt. Independent testing found average deep-cleaning results for the price and weak pickup on hard floors.
The Bottom Line
The Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is a light, low-cost vacuum with a big dust cup and a long cord. It makes sense for low to medium pile carpet, small spaces, and quick cleanups. We rate it 7/10.
It is a weaker match for hard floors, thick carpet, and homes that need strong filtration. If that sounds like your home, compare the alternatives above before you buy.
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