Consumer Reports tests Kenmore's beltless vacuum

If you've ever had a vacuum that's stopped working, it's probably been due to a broken belt. But now a new model promises to make broken belts a thing of the past. But can it get your floors clean? Consumer Reports has partnered exclusively with 7 On Your Side to find out.

Sal Galasso has been repairing vacuums for 34 years and says belts can be a pesky problem.

"We call them rubber bands. They stretch and after two, three months, they stretch out and everything starts vibrating," said Galasso.

Consumer Reports just tested a beltless vacuum from Kenmore for $350. It's what's known as a direct-drive vacuum.

"With direct-drive vacuums, a motor drives the brush directly without a belt," said a Consumer Reports tester.

Consumer Reports put Kenmore's beltless vacuum through its standard tests. Technicians sprinkle sand onto bare floors, embed sand and talcum powder into carpets, they even use pet hair to challenge the vacuums.

The Kenmore Elite 31150 cleaned up - outscoring every other vacuum. It did an excellent job on bare floors and was impressive on carpets, and has strong suction. But most vacuums still come with belts. And if yours breaks, Consumer Reports says it isn't hard to replace.

"There are basically two ways to access the belt and brush to change in the vacuum cleaner. One requires a screwdriver. And the other one just requires releasing a couple clips on the cover," said a Consumer Reports tester.

You just undo the clips, and the cover slides off; then you slide the brush off the belt, and then slide the belt off. Now you can install a new one. Of course, if you aren't the handy type at all, there's always your local vacuum repairman like Galasso to get the job done.

Consumer Reports says to maintain your vacuum, it's a good idea to clean hair and carpet fibers from the brush roll regularly. Also, change bags before they're totally full. If you hear or feel anything unusual, consider taking it to a repair shop before it becomes a major issue.

Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union. Both Consumer Reports and Consumers Union are not-for-profit organizations that accept no advertising. Neither has any commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site.

(All Consumer Reports Material Copyright 2010. Consumers Union of U.S. Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)