Winner
The Shark Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Pet Pro excels in several areas making it a strong contender for hard-floor vacuums. One of its standout features is the Anti Hair Wrap Plus technology, which effectively removes hair from the brush roll, making it ideal for households with pets. Its Clean Sense IQ feature is another plus, as it senses hidden dirt and adjusts cleaning power automatically, ensuring thorough cleaning. The vacuum is designed to transition smoothly from carpets to hard floors with its DuoClean floorhead, which includes two motorized brush rolls. Additionally, the vacuum includes anti-odor technology that helps maintain a fresh-smelling home, especially useful for pet owners. The vacuum's weight of 2.16kg makes it lightweight and easy to maneuver, and it offers up to 120 minutes of runtime thanks to the two removable batteries, which is convenient for long cleaning sessions without interruptions.
However, it has a few drawbacks. The dustbin capacity is relatively small at 0.7 liters, which means more frequent emptying, especially in larger homes or with extensive use. At 70 dB, the noise level is moderate but might still be noticeable during operation. On the plus side, its cordless design adds to the convenience, and the included tools, such as the pet and crevice tools, enhance its versatility. This vacuum is particularly well-suited for pet owners and those looking for a versatile, lightweight vacuum that can handle both hard floors and carpets efficiently.
The Shark Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner offers a strong performance with its 750W suction power, making it suitable for efficiently cleaning hard floors. Its Anti Hair Wrap Technology is particularly effective for households with pets, as it prevents hair from tangling in the brush roll, ensuring consistent performance. The DuoClean feature is versatile, allowing you to transition seamlessly between carpets and hard floors with its motorized brush-rolls. Additionally, the vacuum includes LED headlights that help you spot hidden dust and pet hair, enhancing its cleaning effectiveness in dimly lit areas.
Although it's not cordless, the 8m cord provides sufficient reach for most rooms. It includes a Powered Lift-Away function, transforming the vacuum into a portable unit for easy cleaning of stairs and high surfaces. The vacuum's Anti-Allergen Complete Seal captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers.
However, the unit weighs 7.29 kg, which might be cumbersome for some users, despite its advertised lightweight in-use weight of 1.6 kg. The dustbin capacity is 0.83L, which may require frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions. Its foam filtration system, while effective, might need regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. The vacuum is relatively quiet considering its power, providing a peaceful cleaning experience.
The inclusion of various tools like the Pet Power Brush and Upholstery Tool adds versatility, making it suitable for comprehensive cleaning tasks. While the vacuum lacks the convenience of a cordless model, its robust features and attachments make it a competitive option for thorough hard-floor cleaning, especially in homes with pets.
The Shark Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner, model HZ500UK, offers a robust cleaning solution for those with a variety of hard floors and carpets. With its strong suction power and impressive 450-watt motor, it tackles dirt and debris effectively. The DuoClean floorhead, featuring two motorized brush-rolls, transitions smoothly from carpets to hard floors, making it versatile for different surfaces. A standout feature is the Anti Hair Wrap technology, which is particularly beneficial for households with pets or those dealing with long and short hair, as it actively removes hair from the brush-roll during cleaning.
One of its strengths is the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal which captures 99.9%* of dust and allergens, ideal for allergy sufferers. The vacuum is equipped with LED headlights to expose hidden dust and pet hair, ensuring a thorough clean. With a 10-meter cord, it offers a wide operating radius, although being corded might limit its mobility compared to cordless models. Weighing 3.9 kg, it is relatively lightweight and features a Flexology wand that bends to clean under furniture and fold for easy storage, adding to its maneuverability.
However, at 80 dB, it is on the louder side, which might not appeal to everyone. The 2.6-liter dustbin capacity is sufficient for most household needs, but the need for a power outlet due to its corded nature could be a drawback for those seeking more flexibility. Moreover, while it converts into a handheld vacuum for quick clean-ups and cleaning stairs, it may not replace a dedicated handheld vacuum.
This Shark vacuum suits those looking for a powerful and efficient cleaner for mixed flooring and who appreciate features that tackle hair and dust allergies effectively. Its strength lies in its specialized features for hair management and allergen capture, though it may not be the best fit for those prioritizing quiet operation or cordless convenience.