-Shark vs Dyson - Which vacuum is best? In addition, we pit the top machines from each company against one another. When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. What's the best Shark vacuum for hardwood floors? When rearranging furniture, always lift pieces rather than sliding them. 
Vacuum manufacturers are answering that question with vacuums and features designed specifically for wood floors. And its not too shabby at cleaning carpet, either. And if your current vacuum isnt cutting it, see below for the vacuums that knock it out of the park in our bare-floor test. The settings simply adjust the speed of the brushrolls (and in some cases they also ratchet open a suction release valve). CRs take: The ultralight moniker for the Shark Vertex Ultralight HZ2002 refers to its light hand vac mode (our testers weighed it at 2.9 pounds).
This is the result of the two brushrolls pulling the unit forward. Whats the best way to care for hardwood floors? It has a small dust canister and does not have the high level of filtration that you get with the uprights. We also provide in the review a host of videos so you can see the machine operating and view the vacuum features. CRs take: The cordless Tineco Pure One S11 cleans impressively in all our major tests and has many features to boot. -What's the best vacuum under $200 -What's the best vacuum for hardwood floors? The tools can also be stored on-board the vacuum so it is easily accessible when you need it. Like the Vertex, this is a full size upright and it is a bit hefty (it is actually heavier than the Vertex), but it is good fit for larger homes. The vacuum performs well BUT if you dont need the self-cleaning brushroll then we prefer the APEX AX952.
The vacuum has some great features and it does a good job on hard flooring, however we would encourage you to read our detailed Shark APEX Uplight review as there are some things about the vacuum which could use improvement. We have not had a problem with any of our DuoClean machines and we have yet to hear from anyone telling us about actual hardwood floor scraping are scuffing. Our testers found that this vacuum handles well, but its noisier than other upright vacuums. In addition, this brushroll does not seem to gather pet hair, which is another nice feature.
However this tool is not motorized (like the one that comes with the APEX AX952). As a result they are a little smaller and more compact. Our score for the Vertex was 95/100 making it the highest scoring upright vacuum on our website (at the time of writing). -What's the best lightweight vacuum? The cleaner head is also smaller than that on the full-size APEX which means more passes of the vacuum to clean a given area. The APEX is also very quiet for an upright vacuum and our noise level tests have shown it to be less noisy than almost all of our other vacuums (including other Shark uprights). Another great feature on the APEX is its overall versatility. It has a respectably long 30 ft power cord and it comes with both HEPA-level filtration and a sealed system (which ensures that all the air entering the vacuum gets passed through the filters before being exhausted from the machine). It is also corded and it sports a respectably long power cord allowing for a good cleaning reach. Consider any of the IF200 series. This is really nice as many traditional cleaner heads will not do this. Safe Summer Activities for Kids During the Pandemic, What You Need to Know About Bug Spray for Kids, Best Cooling Mattress Toppers From Consumer Reports' Tests.
And it features a brush on/off switch, which minimizes the dispersal of dirt and protects the finish on hardwood floors. Its not a big deal with a medium sized home but with a larger home it could be in issue. Another feature of DuoClean Technology is the ability to grab debris right up to the front of the cleaner head because of the rotating soft roller. In CRs tests, it runs for about 30 minutes per charge on low and 10 minutes on high. I make every effort to write unbiased, intelligent vacuum cleaner reviews and I provide average consumer ratings for each and every vacuum cleaner I investigate. However, we have heard from some folks indicating they do not like to run this on their expensive/delicate area rugs (they want brushrolls off).- On carpet can sometimes pull the vacuum forward. -What's the best Shark vacuum for pet hair? When one battery is being used the other is charging, and they are designed to swap out almost effortlessly. Another great machine for hard floors is the Shark APEX. The vacuum is also capable of laying almost completely flat which helps tremendously when trying to get under low furniture. -Canisters/Uprights - What's the difference? -What's the best Shark vacuum for hardwood floors? Consider models HV380, HV380W, HV381, HV382. We suggest you read our Shark Rocket Pro review to better understand the different models. Also, please note that Shark stick vacs with DuoClean have 2 settings: Hard-Floor and Carpet. Consider the following: - Cant turn brushrolls off. You can check out NV801 owner comments on Amazon. The vacuum is capable on carpet and hard flooring. -How do you fix a vacuum cleaner? -What's the best bagged vacuum? Learn more. Like all Shark vacuums this unit is bagless. We've also written a comprehensive Shark vs Dyson article in which we compare the two brands. However, like the Shark Rocket this vacuum doesnt have robust filtration. If you dont mind that trade-off, the bagless Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog earns top scores for bare floors and earns an Excellent rating in our pet-hair test. UPDATED JAN 2021: We have been working with and testing vacuums for over 12 years. Are you set on a cordless vacuum (these are becoming more and more popular)? Interviews with vacuum cleaner collectors. When the vacuum is tilted back for vacuuming the wheels retract. The feature works and it is handy to be able to leave the vacuum standing in an upright position. The Shark upright vacuums have 3 settings: Hard-Floor, Low Pile Carpet, Thick Carpet. At about 9 lbs the Rocket is a little heftier than some other stick vacs so some folks classify it somewhere in-between and upright and a stick vacuum. The Uplight comes with a 2-in-1 tool (stiff bristle brush and upholstery tool) and a duster/crevice tool that is about 10 inches long. Weve done a very detailed Shark Rocket Complete HV382 review and you may want to check it out if this vacuum is of interest. If youre so inclined, you can connect to a Tineco app that indicates cleaning performance, such as battery life, on your smartphone. This series of vacuums has good filtration and is designed for those with asthma or allergies. On the flip side the ION F80 is popular for its ability to clean both carpet and bare floors, its intuitive vacuum controls, and its powerful suction (for a cordless). What is the difference between canister vacuums and uprights? The soft brushroll really helps with pickup on hard flooring. Its also a champ at cleaning bare floors, earning an Excellent rating at that and getting into hard-to-reach places. No front wall on the cleaner head helps the soft brushroll pull in both small and large particles.- Deep clean carpets. The Shark ION F80 (or Shark IONFlex) is similar to the Shark Rocket above except it is cordless. There is a soft roller brush at the front of the cleaner head and a finned brusholl in the middle of the cleaner head. The APEX AX952 even includes a motorized pet hair tool which fits on-board the vacuum and is great for stairs and upholstery. The 2X in the model number refers to the fact that the vacuum comes with 2 batteries. And the Rotator comes with the very popular Lift Away feature which allows you to detach the dust-canister/motor assembly and carry it while using the tools/hose/wand with the other hand. The Shark APEX was rated 90/100 on Vacuum Cleaner Advisor and we also like that the unit hasa HEPA filterand a sealed system which ensures that all the air entering the vacuum gets filtered before it is exhausted from the machine. CRs take: Though canister vacuums have the edge overall in our bare-floor tests, there are some darned good uprights to choose from, including the top-rated Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly 31150. In addition, it comes with the popular Powered-Lift-Away mode which provides the ability to walk with the dust-canister/motor assembly in one hand and tools/hose/wand in the other. But the real thing is so much better. One unique feature is that there are extendable wheels behind the cleaner head that pop-out when the machine is fully upright so it can stand on its own. The Dyson sticks vacs could learn from this feature. Establishing a no-shoes policy indoors will go even further toward preserving floors. However it may still be a good choice for those with a small hardwood floor area to clean who really want a lightweight vacuum. Removing the wand and cleaner head allows you to attach tools directly to the handheld portion of the machine. A full battery recharge takes about 3.5 hours (a respectable time). In the video below we also investigate large debris pickup on a hard surface (comparing it to a Dyson vacuum). There can be some confusion between this cordless vacuum and the corded Shark Rocket machines (like the corded Shark Rocket above). -What's the best bagless vacuum? -What's the best cordless vacuum? Dont use a steam mop on hardwood floors. They cannot be turned off. Twitter. This allows the wand to bend in the middle a full 180 degrees. This vacuum has DuoClean Technology which utilizes two brushrolls in the cleaner head. We dont find this to be particularly useful but we have spoken with some other owners who really like it. You can also check out owner comments on Amazon. We published a lengthy review of this Shark vacuumrecently and if you are interested in this vacuum you will want to take a look. The Rocket Pro is a cordless stick vacuum and it surprised us with it cleaning ability. Also, this is a very popular upright and there are thousands of ratings for this particular machine on Amazon. This is an excellent feature and one we wish we saw on more cordless machines. It does not have a HEPA filter but the filters it does have are washable. In the kitchen, place a mat in front of the sink and range to avoid wearing out sections of flooring. You can also see Vertex deals at Shark.com. We have the Shark IONFlex 2X IF252. What is the best Shark Vacuum for pet hair? What is the best vacuum for hardwood floors? Shark packed this small vacuum with a host of features such as DuoClean Technology, Zero-M Technology (self cleaning brushroll and special cleaner head that limits brushroll hair tangling), Lift-Away capability, a HEPA filter, a sealed system, headlights, etc. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. It comes with different sets of tools, depending on the model. The vacuum is a little on the loud side and the dust canister is small. In our member survey, Shark earns good marks for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. These vacuums weigh, on average, about 1.5 lbs less than the full size APEX vacuums.
The finned brushroll, in addition to working well on both hard flooring and carpet, also helps to reduce hair/string/thread tangle. Vacuum weight, size, features are considered in the discussion. This is a two-in-one vacuum as it converts easily into a handheld vacuum, and tools can be placed directly on the end of the handheld unit. Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away NV586 (Target).
Use plastic or felt protectors under furniture legs to prevent scratches. Follow me on The vacuum and all its attachments can be stored on the charging base, making it a real space saver. Shark describes DuoClean Technology as having the ability to: - Directly engage hard floors. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. You can also check out ION F80 owner comments on Amazon if you wish. We tested the vacuum on a combination of pet hair and human hair and it did a very good job of keeping hair from wrapping in the brushroll. Vacuum-cleaner-advisor.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Also, the APEX AX models are getting hard to find.
The review also has videos that show cleaning tests. The technology on this vacuum provides very good pickup on hard flooring and the dust canister is large enough that you wont find yourself having to empty it too frequently. Extend the life and beauty of your floors with one of these winners from CR's tests. We recently published an article that highlights the Best Shark Pet Vacuum. While there are several upsides to Sharks DuoClean Technology there are also a few things that you may not like. The vacuum can sometimes feel self-propelled. -What's the best brand of vacuum? This is not noticeable on hardwood floors however.- On carpet can make the vacuum difficult to pull back. Folks who dont like this cordless vacuum have pointed to its weight, its inability to stand on its own, its small dust canister, its battery life, the tendency for the vacuum to pull itself forward, and its cost. Our tests show that the motorized tool requires less maintenance to keep running optimally. Many stick vacuums have to be leaned against something or laid on the floor when you pause/finish your work.
The soft brushroll removes stuck-on dust.- Pull in high piles and large debris. However this vacuum will not stand upright on its own something several owners have complained about. This is a 2-in-1 vacuum so it operates as both a stick vacuum and a handheld vacuum. You can check out our detailed Shark APEX Zero-M review. Essentially DuoClean Technology means there are 2 brushrolls in the cleaner head - 1 stiff bristled brushroll in the center and 1 soft roller brushroll at the front. The vacuum earns top scores down the line in our cleaning tests, and its the best of the best when it comes to cleaning bare floors and edges. You can also remove just the cleaner head and attach tools to the end of the wand if you need extra reach. May not be an issue for most folks but if you have very delicate wood flooring or expensive area rugs it could be - we suggest contacting your flooring or rug manufacturer if you are concerned. Cleaning performance on both carpet and hard flooring is good. -ALL Vacuum Cleaner Ratings -Interviews with vacuum cleaner collectors -Hoover Steamvac Manuals -Vacuum infographics. -What's the best stick vacuum? You may also want to check out our short article that lists APEX Uplight pros & cons and in this article we provide videos of what we like and what we dont like. This tool is very good at pulling up pet hair from upholstery, a set of stairs, or pretty much anywhere. The vacuum is corded and we were pleasantly surprised that the power cord was a full 30 ft. CRs take: A Target exclusive, this Shark Navigator upright vacuum has a 26-foot cord and weighs about 16 pounds. We ran run time tests on a hardwood floor and found that it provided 24 minutes 42 seconds of run time in standard power mode and 12 minutes 30 seconds in boost power mode. The tools click securely into place and work well. Place a doormat outside entrances to keep people from tracking dirt and grit indoors. It helps you quickly weed out the underperformers and shows you the top rated machines. The finned brushroll is a relatively new idea (we see it showing up on a number of Shark machines now) and while it looks odd, it is surprising how effective it is on both carpet and bare floors. It earns a top rating in both our pet-hair and bare-floors tests, though it doesnt fare as well on carpet. In addition to earning an Excellent rating for pickup on bare floors, the vacuum also has exceptionally strong airflow through the hose, and its terrific at containing the dirt and debris it collects (rather than allowing particles to escape back into the room). For more information, see our vacuum buying guide and flooring buying guide and ratings.
If you need to clean only hardwood floors, you might be able to get away with just using a stick vacuum, says Frank Rizzi, who conducts Consumer Reports vacuum tests. To make this as easy as possible weve organized the vacuums based on your cleaning area size. We respect your privacy. Effectively this means more hair sent to the dust canister for disposal and less hair to manually remove from the brushroll. Weve done several cleaning tests and also include videos in the review highlighting the vacuums features and performance. Although not as versatile as a cordless vacuum, this model has a 30-foot cord thats long enough so you wont have to constantly map out your electrical outlets. The Shark Vertex (we have model AZ2002) is also currently #1 in our list of Best Upright Vacuums, #1 in our list of Best Bagless Vacuums, and #1 in our list of Best Vacuums for Pet Hair. We have noticed during this time that some models are better-suited for bare/smooth flooring than others. If you have pets and hardwood floors, AND you are not concerned about potential floor scratching from the spinning bristled brushrolls, then you will want to check out this article (and if you are concerned about scratching then see #5 in that list). A veteran of online and print journalism, I've worked at People, MSNBC, Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, and an online Consumer Reports wannabe. Actually, pickup on our hard floor was better than some DuoClean machines. We have the HV382 and it includes: - TruePet mini-motorized brush- Under-appliance wand- Upholstery tool- Duster crevice tool- Dusting brush. Reach is only limited by the length of the power cord and this setup allows you access to places the upright cant go. It provided very good pickup on both our low pile carpet and our hard flooring (tile). Again, this is not noticeable on hardwood floors.
The Shark aced our tests for carpet, bare floors, and pet hair, and has scores for cleaning edges that are almost as impressive. The Shark Vertex is a full-size upright and is one of the larger and heavier machines in our group of recommended hard floor vacuums. You can also check out owner comments on Amazon. Zero-M Technology helps to keep hair from tangling in the brushroll while still ensuring good hair pickup. And at just 1.4 pounds, its one of the lightest handheld vacuum in our tests. There are three filters, one of which is a HEPA level filter. This combination ensures that the air entering the vacuum is filtered to a very high level before being released back into the room.
My ultimate goal is to ensure you find the best vacuum for your cleaning needs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Find the best vacuum cleaners fast! Bagged vs bagless vacuums - which is best? We like that the AZ1002 includes a tool with a motorized brushroll. Use the Vacuum Cleaner Finder! This is no small achievement as weve been scoring vacuums for over 12 years. An upholstery tool and an 8 inch crevice tool are provided. HEPA filters remove very fine particles from the air such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, etc. -What's the best canister vacuum? A sensor detects the amount of debris and adapts the suction power accordingly. Shark vacuums with DuoClean Technology perform similary on hardwood floors, although the larger vacuums with more suction ultimately do a slightly better job. Weve done tests and you can see the results in our Shark Vertex Review. As this is a cordless unit you do have to consider run times and recharge times. CRs take: The Roomba S9+ is pricey, but it delivers great performance across the board. An LED panel shows how much battery life you have left as well as the suction level, which varies when you switch from bare floors to carpet. These times are a bit short in our opinion but if you have a smaller home they may be sufficient. Weve written a very detailed Shark Rotator NV801 review and you may want to check it out should you be interested in this vacuum. -What's the best upright vacuum? This is a DuoClean machine (2 brushrolls) with a good size dust canister and quality air filtration.
-What is HEPA filtration? If you have carpet and pets then this article is a must-see. Given this, the best Shark vacuum for hardwood floors may best be determinined by considering you and your home. Consider models AX952, AX951, AX950.The Shark APEX is the largest of the recommended hard floor vacuums and also the heaviest. This is a self-emptying model that discharges its dustbin into a dirt bag, no hands required. You may want to read owner reviews on Amazon. The ION F80 also comes with a very unique feature called MultiFLEX Technology.
A switch on the vacuum handle has three settings:1)vacuum power off2)bare floors and area rugs3)carpet. Knowing that I wanted to be a journalist from a young age, I decided to spiff up my byline by adding the middle initials "H.J."
The APEX Uplight is a lightweight vacuum that falls somewhere between an upright and a stick vacuum. If you are interested in the Shark APEX you may want to check out our very detailed Shark APEX AX952 review in which we run the machine through many tests. A Pet Power Brush is provided with the NV800/NV801/NV803 and it works fairly well. The Uplight weighs 10.7 lbs pretty much in the middle between a stick vacuum and an upright. What's the best Shark vacuum for pet hair? Otherwise, opt for a more powerful vacuum, such as an upright or a canister.. Vapor can get pushed into cracks and crevices, causing cupping and a hazing of the finish, says Brett Miller, vice president of education and certification at the National Wood Flooring Association. Like the AX952, the AZ1002 has DuoClean technology which helps with debris pickup - both large and small - on hard surfaces. Shark also provides an accessory holder that you can attach to the vacuum wand and it allows you to carry both tools with you while you vacuum. The Rocket Pro has a bladed brushroll and it really seems to work well. Are you comfortable with a large DuoClean vacuum or would you prefer something more compact/lightweight? It is a good choice for people with a small cleaning area who dont want something too heavy and dont like to be tethered by a cord. Much like many cordless vacuums this units rating depends on who you talk to people have many different expectations from a cordless. Finally, you can see all of our Shark vacuum reviews where we analyse, test and compare vacuums. Whichever type of vacuum you choose, follow these tips to keep your wood floors looking their best. A few years ago Shark introduced a new technology to their cleaner heads - DuoClean Technology - and this took their hardwood floor cleaning to another level. What size cleaning area do you have? Shark also states that the unit has a sealed system which ensures that all the air entering the machine gets passed through the filters before being exhausted back into the room (no leakage of unfiltered air). The bristle brushroll and powerful suction remove dirt and stuck-in debris. This was unexpected for such a small machine. Its just a little bit better in some areas. I love to review vacuums and Ive been doing just that since 2008. CRs take: Not all handheld vacuums can tackle pet hair with aplomb, but the Shark Ion aces that task. Of course, like all DuoClean machines, this vacuum is also designed for carpet. The only downside to its small size is the small dust bin, which may have to be emptied more than once if you have a sizable spill. Canisters/Uprights - What's the difference?
Note that the Vertex also has a tangle-free brushroll. The power cord length is not compromised and is a full 30 feet which provides a good cleaning reach. This means the dust canister is also smaller which results in more frequent emptying. While this is not a DuoClean machine the brushroll still spins in both settings 2 and 3 above, although it spins slower in setting 2.
CRs take: In general, canister vacuums do a better job on bare floors than upright or stick vacuums because theyre less likely to disperse dust and debris while vacuuming it up. During that time weve looked at many different brands (Shark, Miele, Dyson, Bissell, Hoover, etc) but we've probably done more detailed reviews of Shark vacuums than any other brand. But the small size of the unit helps keep the weight down and the Rocket Pro weighs in at about 7.3 lbs much lighter than most uprights. The brushrolls both spin in ALL settings. Which Brands Make the Most Reliable Appliances? See the image below. The Shark Rocket with DuoClean is more a stick vacuum than an upright so it is much lighter than the APEX vacuums or the Shark Rotator. It is a good fit for those who want a slightly lighter upright and have a medium sized area to vacuum. The Vertex also has good air filtration and is a good fit for those with asthma or allergies. However, it is an excellent choice for those who dont have an issue with a larger vacuum and have lots of floor space to clean. This vacuum is good for floor cleaning and also for above-the-floor cleaning (using hose, wand and tools). Tangled brushrolls can be a pain to clean. Consider models NV800, NV800W, NV801, NV803 (please note that the NV801 and the NV803 are the same machine, they are just sold at different retail outlets). Shark has created a video of DuoClean Technology at work: In the follow video we test the Shark APEX and see that it makes short work of debris (hair, dust, lentils, fruit loops, etc.) The ION F80 rated 78 out of 100 on Vacuum Cleaner Advisor and this is a lower figure than all other Sharks vacuums in this article. -Bagged or bagless - which is best? The APEX Zero-M upright vacuum (we have model AZ1002) is almost the same machine as the APEX AX952 (above), however the AZ1002 not only comes with DuoClean Technology, it also includes Zero-M Technology. The AZ1002 is a full size bagless upright that weighs about 16 lbs. This ability makes it a great choice for homes with pets. -What's the best cheap vacuum? This is a corded vacuum and it isnt very large so it is best for smaller homes but could possibly be used for a medium sized home as well. But its great for smaller areas very manueverable and gets into tight places. It actually contacts the floor and pulls up stuck on dust and buffs the surface. It also earns a Very Good rating in our carpet cleaning tests.
We have always felt that a power cord should be a minimum of 30 ft long as shorter cords often dont provide the reach you require without having to hunt for the next power outlet. If you have a home with pets then its a different story the AZ1002 comes into its own in homes with lots of hair. This vacuum is receiving very high scores from many owners and you may want to check out Vertex owner comments on Amazon. The Rocket Pro does not come with a HEPA filter but all the filters can be rinsed and reused so this helps to keep operating costs down. The vacuum is manueverable and the swivel steering makes it easy to change nozzle direction at the twist of the wrist. If you like the APEX and can't find an AX model then another good choice is the newer APEX Zero-M discussed below. The Shark Rotator with DuoClean is a compact upright so it is lighter and smaller than the APEX models described above. Our cleaning tests have shown that the APEX is very effective at pulling up large and small debris on both carpet and hard flooring. Are you set on a cordless vacuum (these are becoming more and more popular)? -What's the best vacuum for pet hair? CRs take: Canister vacuums also come in bagless versions, which save you the hassle and expense of changing bags, though they often require additional filters that need to be replaced. I'm Nigel Russco, a 50 year old professional engineer originally from the west coast of Canada. The Shark Rotator with DuoClean has a HEPA filter and also what Shark calls Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology. Its also a great fit for homes with pets (limited hair wrap on brushroll). What's the best vacuum for hardwood floors?
The hose suction is pretty good too, which means you can use this vacuum on curtains or upholstery without harming the fabric. on a hard surface. The bagged Miele Complete C3 Marin is the best of the best, sucking up sand like a champ.
Weve tested the AZ1002 on low pile carpet and hard floors, and weve tested noise levels and edge cleaning. Some people like this and some people do not.
Vacuum manufacturers are answering that question with vacuums and features designed specifically for wood floors. And its not too shabby at cleaning carpet, either. And if your current vacuum isnt cutting it, see below for the vacuums that knock it out of the park in our bare-floor test. The settings simply adjust the speed of the brushrolls (and in some cases they also ratchet open a suction release valve). CRs take: The ultralight moniker for the Shark Vertex Ultralight HZ2002 refers to its light hand vac mode (our testers weighed it at 2.9 pounds). This is the result of the two brushrolls pulling the unit forward. Whats the best way to care for hardwood floors? It has a small dust canister and does not have the high level of filtration that you get with the uprights. We also provide in the review a host of videos so you can see the machine operating and view the vacuum features. CRs take: The cordless Tineco Pure One S11 cleans impressively in all our major tests and has many features to boot. -What's the best vacuum under $200 -What's the best vacuum for hardwood floors? The tools can also be stored on-board the vacuum so it is easily accessible when you need it. Like the Vertex, this is a full size upright and it is a bit hefty (it is actually heavier than the Vertex), but it is good fit for larger homes. The vacuum performs well BUT if you dont need the self-cleaning brushroll then we prefer the APEX AX952.
The vacuum has some great features and it does a good job on hard flooring, however we would encourage you to read our detailed Shark APEX Uplight review as there are some things about the vacuum which could use improvement. We have not had a problem with any of our DuoClean machines and we have yet to hear from anyone telling us about actual hardwood floor scraping are scuffing. Our testers found that this vacuum handles well, but its noisier than other upright vacuums. In addition, this brushroll does not seem to gather pet hair, which is another nice feature. However this tool is not motorized (like the one that comes with the APEX AX952). As a result they are a little smaller and more compact. Our score for the Vertex was 95/100 making it the highest scoring upright vacuum on our website (at the time of writing). -What's the best lightweight vacuum? The cleaner head is also smaller than that on the full-size APEX which means more passes of the vacuum to clean a given area. The APEX is also very quiet for an upright vacuum and our noise level tests have shown it to be less noisy than almost all of our other vacuums (including other Shark uprights). Another great feature on the APEX is its overall versatility. It has a respectably long 30 ft power cord and it comes with both HEPA-level filtration and a sealed system (which ensures that all the air entering the vacuum gets passed through the filters before being exhausted from the machine). It is also corded and it sports a respectably long power cord allowing for a good cleaning reach. Consider any of the IF200 series. This is really nice as many traditional cleaner heads will not do this. Safe Summer Activities for Kids During the Pandemic, What You Need to Know About Bug Spray for Kids, Best Cooling Mattress Toppers From Consumer Reports' Tests.
And it features a brush on/off switch, which minimizes the dispersal of dirt and protects the finish on hardwood floors. Its not a big deal with a medium sized home but with a larger home it could be in issue. Another feature of DuoClean Technology is the ability to grab debris right up to the front of the cleaner head because of the rotating soft roller. In CRs tests, it runs for about 30 minutes per charge on low and 10 minutes on high. I make every effort to write unbiased, intelligent vacuum cleaner reviews and I provide average consumer ratings for each and every vacuum cleaner I investigate. However, we have heard from some folks indicating they do not like to run this on their expensive/delicate area rugs (they want brushrolls off).- On carpet can sometimes pull the vacuum forward. -What's the best Shark vacuum for pet hair? When one battery is being used the other is charging, and they are designed to swap out almost effortlessly. Another great machine for hard floors is the Shark APEX. The vacuum is also capable of laying almost completely flat which helps tremendously when trying to get under low furniture. -Canisters/Uprights - What's the difference? -What's the best Shark vacuum for hardwood floors? Consider models HV380, HV380W, HV381, HV382. We suggest you read our Shark Rocket Pro review to better understand the different models. Also, please note that Shark stick vacs with DuoClean have 2 settings: Hard-Floor and Carpet. Consider the following: - Cant turn brushrolls off. You can check out NV801 owner comments on Amazon. The vacuum is capable on carpet and hard flooring. -How do you fix a vacuum cleaner? -What's the best bagged vacuum? Learn more. Like all Shark vacuums this unit is bagless. We've also written a comprehensive Shark vs Dyson article in which we compare the two brands. However, like the Shark Rocket this vacuum doesnt have robust filtration. If you dont mind that trade-off, the bagless Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog earns top scores for bare floors and earns an Excellent rating in our pet-hair test. UPDATED JAN 2021: We have been working with and testing vacuums for over 12 years. Are you set on a cordless vacuum (these are becoming more and more popular)? Interviews with vacuum cleaner collectors. When the vacuum is tilted back for vacuuming the wheels retract. The feature works and it is handy to be able to leave the vacuum standing in an upright position. The Shark upright vacuums have 3 settings: Hard-Floor, Low Pile Carpet, Thick Carpet. At about 9 lbs the Rocket is a little heftier than some other stick vacs so some folks classify it somewhere in-between and upright and a stick vacuum. The Uplight comes with a 2-in-1 tool (stiff bristle brush and upholstery tool) and a duster/crevice tool that is about 10 inches long. Weve done a very detailed Shark Rocket Complete HV382 review and you may want to check it out if this vacuum is of interest. If youre so inclined, you can connect to a Tineco app that indicates cleaning performance, such as battery life, on your smartphone. This series of vacuums has good filtration and is designed for those with asthma or allergies. On the flip side the ION F80 is popular for its ability to clean both carpet and bare floors, its intuitive vacuum controls, and its powerful suction (for a cordless). What is the difference between canister vacuums and uprights? The soft brushroll really helps with pickup on hard flooring. Its also a champ at cleaning bare floors, earning an Excellent rating at that and getting into hard-to-reach places. No front wall on the cleaner head helps the soft brushroll pull in both small and large particles.- Deep clean carpets. The Shark ION F80 (or Shark IONFlex) is similar to the Shark Rocket above except it is cordless. There is a soft roller brush at the front of the cleaner head and a finned brusholl in the middle of the cleaner head. The APEX AX952 even includes a motorized pet hair tool which fits on-board the vacuum and is great for stairs and upholstery. The 2X in the model number refers to the fact that the vacuum comes with 2 batteries. And the Rotator comes with the very popular Lift Away feature which allows you to detach the dust-canister/motor assembly and carry it while using the tools/hose/wand with the other hand. The Shark APEX was rated 90/100 on Vacuum Cleaner Advisor and we also like that the unit hasa HEPA filterand a sealed system which ensures that all the air entering the vacuum gets filtered before it is exhausted from the machine. CRs take: Though canister vacuums have the edge overall in our bare-floor tests, there are some darned good uprights to choose from, including the top-rated Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly 31150. In addition, it comes with the popular Powered-Lift-Away mode which provides the ability to walk with the dust-canister/motor assembly in one hand and tools/hose/wand in the other. But the real thing is so much better. One unique feature is that there are extendable wheels behind the cleaner head that pop-out when the machine is fully upright so it can stand on its own. The Dyson sticks vacs could learn from this feature. Establishing a no-shoes policy indoors will go even further toward preserving floors. However it may still be a good choice for those with a small hardwood floor area to clean who really want a lightweight vacuum. Removing the wand and cleaner head allows you to attach tools directly to the handheld portion of the machine. A full battery recharge takes about 3.5 hours (a respectable time). In the video below we also investigate large debris pickup on a hard surface (comparing it to a Dyson vacuum). There can be some confusion between this cordless vacuum and the corded Shark Rocket machines (like the corded Shark Rocket above). -What's the best bagless vacuum? -What's the best cordless vacuum? Dont use a steam mop on hardwood floors. They cannot be turned off. Twitter. This allows the wand to bend in the middle a full 180 degrees. This vacuum has DuoClean Technology which utilizes two brushrolls in the cleaner head. We dont find this to be particularly useful but we have spoken with some other owners who really like it. You can also check out owner comments on Amazon. We published a lengthy review of this Shark vacuumrecently and if you are interested in this vacuum you will want to take a look. The Rocket Pro is a cordless stick vacuum and it surprised us with it cleaning ability. Also, this is a very popular upright and there are thousands of ratings for this particular machine on Amazon. This is an excellent feature and one we wish we saw on more cordless machines. It does not have a HEPA filter but the filters it does have are washable. In the kitchen, place a mat in front of the sink and range to avoid wearing out sections of flooring. You can also see Vertex deals at Shark.com. We have the Shark IONFlex 2X IF252. What is the best Shark Vacuum for pet hair? What is the best vacuum for hardwood floors? Shark packed this small vacuum with a host of features such as DuoClean Technology, Zero-M Technology (self cleaning brushroll and special cleaner head that limits brushroll hair tangling), Lift-Away capability, a HEPA filter, a sealed system, headlights, etc. All email addresses you provide will be used just for sending this story. It comes with different sets of tools, depending on the model. The vacuum is a little on the loud side and the dust canister is small. In our member survey, Shark earns good marks for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. These vacuums weigh, on average, about 1.5 lbs less than the full size APEX vacuums.
The finned brushroll, in addition to working well on both hard flooring and carpet, also helps to reduce hair/string/thread tangle. Vacuum weight, size, features are considered in the discussion. This is a two-in-one vacuum as it converts easily into a handheld vacuum, and tools can be placed directly on the end of the handheld unit. Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away NV586 (Target).
Use plastic or felt protectors under furniture legs to prevent scratches. Follow me on The vacuum and all its attachments can be stored on the charging base, making it a real space saver. Shark describes DuoClean Technology as having the ability to: - Directly engage hard floors. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. You can also check out ION F80 owner comments on Amazon if you wish. We tested the vacuum on a combination of pet hair and human hair and it did a very good job of keeping hair from wrapping in the brushroll. Vacuum-cleaner-advisor.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Also, the APEX AX models are getting hard to find.
The review also has videos that show cleaning tests. The technology on this vacuum provides very good pickup on hard flooring and the dust canister is large enough that you wont find yourself having to empty it too frequently. Extend the life and beauty of your floors with one of these winners from CR's tests. We recently published an article that highlights the Best Shark Pet Vacuum. While there are several upsides to Sharks DuoClean Technology there are also a few things that you may not like. The vacuum can sometimes feel self-propelled. -What's the best brand of vacuum? This is not noticeable on hardwood floors however.- On carpet can make the vacuum difficult to pull back. Folks who dont like this cordless vacuum have pointed to its weight, its inability to stand on its own, its small dust canister, its battery life, the tendency for the vacuum to pull itself forward, and its cost. Our tests show that the motorized tool requires less maintenance to keep running optimally. Many stick vacuums have to be leaned against something or laid on the floor when you pause/finish your work.
The soft brushroll removes stuck-on dust.- Pull in high piles and large debris. However this vacuum will not stand upright on its own something several owners have complained about. This is a 2-in-1 vacuum so it operates as both a stick vacuum and a handheld vacuum. You can check out our detailed Shark APEX Zero-M review. Essentially DuoClean Technology means there are 2 brushrolls in the cleaner head - 1 stiff bristled brushroll in the center and 1 soft roller brushroll at the front. The vacuum earns top scores down the line in our cleaning tests, and its the best of the best when it comes to cleaning bare floors and edges. You can also remove just the cleaner head and attach tools to the end of the wand if you need extra reach. May not be an issue for most folks but if you have very delicate wood flooring or expensive area rugs it could be - we suggest contacting your flooring or rug manufacturer if you are concerned. Cleaning performance on both carpet and hard flooring is good. -ALL Vacuum Cleaner Ratings -Interviews with vacuum cleaner collectors -Hoover Steamvac Manuals -Vacuum infographics. -What's the best stick vacuum? You may also want to check out our short article that lists APEX Uplight pros & cons and in this article we provide videos of what we like and what we dont like. This tool is very good at pulling up pet hair from upholstery, a set of stairs, or pretty much anywhere. The vacuum is corded and we were pleasantly surprised that the power cord was a full 30 ft. CRs take: A Target exclusive, this Shark Navigator upright vacuum has a 26-foot cord and weighs about 16 pounds. We ran run time tests on a hardwood floor and found that it provided 24 minutes 42 seconds of run time in standard power mode and 12 minutes 30 seconds in boost power mode. The tools click securely into place and work well. Place a doormat outside entrances to keep people from tracking dirt and grit indoors. It helps you quickly weed out the underperformers and shows you the top rated machines. The finned brushroll is a relatively new idea (we see it showing up on a number of Shark machines now) and while it looks odd, it is surprising how effective it is on both carpet and bare floors. It earns a top rating in both our pet-hair and bare-floors tests, though it doesnt fare as well on carpet. In addition to earning an Excellent rating for pickup on bare floors, the vacuum also has exceptionally strong airflow through the hose, and its terrific at containing the dirt and debris it collects (rather than allowing particles to escape back into the room). For more information, see our vacuum buying guide and flooring buying guide and ratings.
If you need to clean only hardwood floors, you might be able to get away with just using a stick vacuum, says Frank Rizzi, who conducts Consumer Reports vacuum tests. To make this as easy as possible weve organized the vacuums based on your cleaning area size. We respect your privacy. Effectively this means more hair sent to the dust canister for disposal and less hair to manually remove from the brushroll. Weve done several cleaning tests and also include videos in the review highlighting the vacuums features and performance. Although not as versatile as a cordless vacuum, this model has a 30-foot cord thats long enough so you wont have to constantly map out your electrical outlets. The Shark Vertex (we have model AZ2002) is also currently #1 in our list of Best Upright Vacuums, #1 in our list of Best Bagless Vacuums, and #1 in our list of Best Vacuums for Pet Hair. We have noticed during this time that some models are better-suited for bare/smooth flooring than others. If you have pets and hardwood floors, AND you are not concerned about potential floor scratching from the spinning bristled brushrolls, then you will want to check out this article (and if you are concerned about scratching then see #5 in that list). A veteran of online and print journalism, I've worked at People, MSNBC, Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, and an online Consumer Reports wannabe. Actually, pickup on our hard floor was better than some DuoClean machines. We have the HV382 and it includes: - TruePet mini-motorized brush- Under-appliance wand- Upholstery tool- Duster crevice tool- Dusting brush. Reach is only limited by the length of the power cord and this setup allows you access to places the upright cant go. It provided very good pickup on both our low pile carpet and our hard flooring (tile). Again, this is not noticeable on hardwood floors.
The Shark aced our tests for carpet, bare floors, and pet hair, and has scores for cleaning edges that are almost as impressive. The Shark Vertex is a full-size upright and is one of the larger and heavier machines in our group of recommended hard floor vacuums. You can also check out owner comments on Amazon. Zero-M Technology helps to keep hair from tangling in the brushroll while still ensuring good hair pickup. And at just 1.4 pounds, its one of the lightest handheld vacuum in our tests. There are three filters, one of which is a HEPA level filter. This combination ensures that the air entering the vacuum is filtered to a very high level before being released back into the room.
My ultimate goal is to ensure you find the best vacuum for your cleaning needs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Find the best vacuum cleaners fast! Bagged vs bagless vacuums - which is best? We like that the AZ1002 includes a tool with a motorized brushroll. Use the Vacuum Cleaner Finder! This is no small achievement as weve been scoring vacuums for over 12 years. An upholstery tool and an 8 inch crevice tool are provided. HEPA filters remove very fine particles from the air such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, etc. -What's the best canister vacuum? A sensor detects the amount of debris and adapts the suction power accordingly. Shark vacuums with DuoClean Technology perform similary on hardwood floors, although the larger vacuums with more suction ultimately do a slightly better job. Weve done tests and you can see the results in our Shark Vertex Review. As this is a cordless unit you do have to consider run times and recharge times. CRs take: The Roomba S9+ is pricey, but it delivers great performance across the board. An LED panel shows how much battery life you have left as well as the suction level, which varies when you switch from bare floors to carpet. These times are a bit short in our opinion but if you have a smaller home they may be sufficient. Weve written a very detailed Shark Rotator NV801 review and you may want to check it out should you be interested in this vacuum. -What's the best upright vacuum? This is a DuoClean machine (2 brushrolls) with a good size dust canister and quality air filtration.
-What is HEPA filtration? If you have carpet and pets then this article is a must-see. Given this, the best Shark vacuum for hardwood floors may best be determinined by considering you and your home. Consider models AX952, AX951, AX950.The Shark APEX is the largest of the recommended hard floor vacuums and also the heaviest. This is a self-emptying model that discharges its dustbin into a dirt bag, no hands required. You may want to read owner reviews on Amazon. The ION F80 also comes with a very unique feature called MultiFLEX Technology.
A switch on the vacuum handle has three settings:1)vacuum power off2)bare floors and area rugs3)carpet. Knowing that I wanted to be a journalist from a young age, I decided to spiff up my byline by adding the middle initials "H.J."
The APEX Uplight is a lightweight vacuum that falls somewhere between an upright and a stick vacuum. If you are interested in the Shark APEX you may want to check out our very detailed Shark APEX AX952 review in which we run the machine through many tests. A Pet Power Brush is provided with the NV800/NV801/NV803 and it works fairly well. The Uplight weighs 10.7 lbs pretty much in the middle between a stick vacuum and an upright. What's the best Shark vacuum for pet hair? Otherwise, opt for a more powerful vacuum, such as an upright or a canister.. Vapor can get pushed into cracks and crevices, causing cupping and a hazing of the finish, says Brett Miller, vice president of education and certification at the National Wood Flooring Association. Like the AX952, the AZ1002 has DuoClean technology which helps with debris pickup - both large and small - on hard surfaces. Shark also provides an accessory holder that you can attach to the vacuum wand and it allows you to carry both tools with you while you vacuum. The Rocket Pro has a bladed brushroll and it really seems to work well. Are you comfortable with a large DuoClean vacuum or would you prefer something more compact/lightweight? It is a good choice for people with a small cleaning area who dont want something too heavy and dont like to be tethered by a cord. Much like many cordless vacuums this units rating depends on who you talk to people have many different expectations from a cordless. Finally, you can see all of our Shark vacuum reviews where we analyse, test and compare vacuums. Whichever type of vacuum you choose, follow these tips to keep your wood floors looking their best. A few years ago Shark introduced a new technology to their cleaner heads - DuoClean Technology - and this took their hardwood floor cleaning to another level. What size cleaning area do you have? Shark also states that the unit has a sealed system which ensures that all the air entering the machine gets passed through the filters before being exhausted back into the room (no leakage of unfiltered air). The bristle brushroll and powerful suction remove dirt and stuck-in debris. This was unexpected for such a small machine. Its just a little bit better in some areas. I love to review vacuums and Ive been doing just that since 2008. CRs take: Not all handheld vacuums can tackle pet hair with aplomb, but the Shark Ion aces that task. Of course, like all DuoClean machines, this vacuum is also designed for carpet. The only downside to its small size is the small dust bin, which may have to be emptied more than once if you have a sizable spill. Canisters/Uprights - What's the difference?
Note that the Vertex also has a tangle-free brushroll. The power cord length is not compromised and is a full 30 feet which provides a good cleaning reach. This means the dust canister is also smaller which results in more frequent emptying. While this is not a DuoClean machine the brushroll still spins in both settings 2 and 3 above, although it spins slower in setting 2.
CRs take: In general, canister vacuums do a better job on bare floors than upright or stick vacuums because theyre less likely to disperse dust and debris while vacuuming it up. During that time weve looked at many different brands (Shark, Miele, Dyson, Bissell, Hoover, etc) but we've probably done more detailed reviews of Shark vacuums than any other brand. But the small size of the unit helps keep the weight down and the Rocket Pro weighs in at about 7.3 lbs much lighter than most uprights. The brushrolls both spin in ALL settings. Which Brands Make the Most Reliable Appliances? See the image below. The Shark Rocket with DuoClean is more a stick vacuum than an upright so it is much lighter than the APEX vacuums or the Shark Rotator. It is a good fit for those who want a slightly lighter upright and have a medium sized area to vacuum. The Vertex also has good air filtration and is a good fit for those with asthma or allergies. However, it is an excellent choice for those who dont have an issue with a larger vacuum and have lots of floor space to clean. This vacuum is good for floor cleaning and also for above-the-floor cleaning (using hose, wand and tools). Tangled brushrolls can be a pain to clean. Consider models NV800, NV800W, NV801, NV803 (please note that the NV801 and the NV803 are the same machine, they are just sold at different retail outlets). Shark has created a video of DuoClean Technology at work: In the follow video we test the Shark APEX and see that it makes short work of debris (hair, dust, lentils, fruit loops, etc.) The ION F80 rated 78 out of 100 on Vacuum Cleaner Advisor and this is a lower figure than all other Sharks vacuums in this article. -Bagged or bagless - which is best? The APEX Zero-M upright vacuum (we have model AZ1002) is almost the same machine as the APEX AX952 (above), however the AZ1002 not only comes with DuoClean Technology, it also includes Zero-M Technology. The AZ1002 is a full size bagless upright that weighs about 16 lbs. This ability makes it a great choice for homes with pets. -What's the best cheap vacuum? This is a corded vacuum and it isnt very large so it is best for smaller homes but could possibly be used for a medium sized home as well. But its great for smaller areas very manueverable and gets into tight places. It actually contacts the floor and pulls up stuck on dust and buffs the surface. It also earns a Very Good rating in our carpet cleaning tests.
We have always felt that a power cord should be a minimum of 30 ft long as shorter cords often dont provide the reach you require without having to hunt for the next power outlet. If you have a home with pets then its a different story the AZ1002 comes into its own in homes with lots of hair. This vacuum is receiving very high scores from many owners and you may want to check out Vertex owner comments on Amazon. The Rocket Pro does not come with a HEPA filter but all the filters can be rinsed and reused so this helps to keep operating costs down. The vacuum is manueverable and the swivel steering makes it easy to change nozzle direction at the twist of the wrist. If you like the APEX and can't find an AX model then another good choice is the newer APEX Zero-M discussed below. The Shark Rotator with DuoClean is a compact upright so it is lighter and smaller than the APEX models described above. Our cleaning tests have shown that the APEX is very effective at pulling up large and small debris on both carpet and hard flooring. Are you set on a cordless vacuum (these are becoming more and more popular)? -What's the best vacuum for pet hair? CRs take: Canister vacuums also come in bagless versions, which save you the hassle and expense of changing bags, though they often require additional filters that need to be replaced. I'm Nigel Russco, a 50 year old professional engineer originally from the west coast of Canada. The Shark Rotator with DuoClean has a HEPA filter and also what Shark calls Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology. Its also a great fit for homes with pets (limited hair wrap on brushroll). What's the best vacuum for hardwood floors?
The hose suction is pretty good too, which means you can use this vacuum on curtains or upholstery without harming the fabric. on a hard surface. The bagged Miele Complete C3 Marin is the best of the best, sucking up sand like a champ.
Weve tested the AZ1002 on low pile carpet and hard floors, and weve tested noise levels and edge cleaning. Some people like this and some people do not.