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Emma Roth, Barbara Krasnoff
Guest
Emma Roth is a news writer here at The Verge, βand for me,β she explains, βthat means every day is different. During the four years Iβve been here, Iβve covered breaking news and written about basically everything in the realm of tech, whether itβs streaming price hikes, the latest in AI chatbots, privacy issues surrounding age verification, and a whole lot more.β
Although she covers the latest tech news and products, it turns out that one of Emmaβs favorite home appliances is a decades-old vacuum cleaner. I asked her about it.
When (and why) did you get the vacuum cleaner?
I purchased this Kenmore Progressive 116 vacuum for just $7 while browsing my local Savers thrift store several years ago. I was in need of a vacuum, and it instantly caught my eye because my parents used to have one just like it. I have fond childhood memories of going to Sears to pick up new vacuum bags.
How well does it work?
Despite being around a couple of decades old, this thing works just as well as any new vacuum. It may not be cordless, bagless, or ultra lightweight, but it has impressive suction that can pick up anything from crumbs to more stubborn pet hair. (I donβt have any furry pets now, but growing up with several cats and dogs, this thing ripped.)
It also comes with a number of attachments, including a brush, crevice cleaner, and a hard floor tool. I use it in between my robovacβs cleanings, which unfortunately doesnβt pick up half as much as the Kenmore. Itβs great for just about everything in the house, including rugs, tiled floors, on the couch, and cobwebby corners.
Is there anything you donβt like about it, or that youβd improve if you could?
As you can see, this isnβt the prettiest-looking vacuum around β the white plastic has completely yellowed over the years. It can also be a pain to lug around the house. Iβd be lying if I said that I didnβt violently yank the hose every so often to get this thing rolling around the house.
Every time I accidentally rip its plug out of the wall, Iβm tempted to get a cordless Dyson. But I know it just wouldnβt be the same.
Is there anything I should have asked that I didnβt?
I just want to mention that I love the availability of replacement parts for this vacuum and just how straightforward it is to open up to clean the roller. Definitely a plus!
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