Shark Rotator Lift-Away Review — Pet-Friendly Power
The Shark Rotator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is a multi-surface Shark vacuum cleaner built for pet owners who need powerful hair pickup and allergy control. It features a Lift-Away detachable pod with an easy-release pedal for cleaning stairs, furniture, and above-floor areas.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Enjoy deeper cleaning on carpet and hard floors with DuoClean PowerFins two-brushroll system.
- Remove pet hair effortlessly with the self-cleaning brushroll—zero hair wrap.
- Trap 99.9% of dust and allergens using HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal.
- Get the included Pet Power Brush and crevice tool for targeted upholstery and edges.
- See hidden debris under furniture with bright LED headlights on the nozzle.
- Maneuver easily with smooth swivel steering—lightweight design delivers strong suction.
Original price was: $349.99.$269.99Current price is: $269.99.
The Shark Rotator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is a multi-surface upright designed to handle carpets, hard floors and above-floor cleaning without the usual fuss. It combines a dual-brush head system with a detachable pod and targeted pet-hair features, aiming to give whole-home coverage for households with kids, pets, or allergy concerns.
Who it’s for: pet owners, allergy-prone households, and anyone who wants the cleaning power of an upright plus the flexibility to clean stairs and upholstery. Quick verdict: If you need an upright that reduces hair wrap while trapping allergens and simplifies above-floor cleaning, this model is a strong, practical choice.
What’s in the Box
- Shark Rotator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
- Crevice Tool
- Pet Power Brush
- Upholstery Tool
(If your retailer package includes extras, check the seller listing — contents can vary by retailer.)
Design & Build
The design follows Shark’s familiar upright-and-pod formula: a main upright vacuum for floor use plus a Lift-Away detachable pod that releases from the base to become a portable cleaner. Materials are typical of modern vacuums — durable plastics for the housing and clear plastic for the dust cup so you can see debris levels. The manufacturer emphasizes a lighter weight compared with an earlier Shark Lift-Away model (vs. NV351), suggesting easier handling for longer cleaning sessions, though the listing doesn’t provide a specific weight or dimensions (Not specified).
Ergonomics are practical: an easy-release pedal frees the Lift-Away pod, and the swivel steering makes it easier to navigate around furniture and into tight spaces. The upright form factor means a compact cleaning head and stable storage upright, but like most uprights it requires a vertical storage footprint rather than the wall-mounted convenience of many stick vacuums.
The clear dust cup and tool storage on the body keep accessories handy. Because the exact weight and dimensions aren’t specified in the listing, if storage size or lifting weight are critical for you (for example, for carrying between floors), check the retailer specs or test in-store before buying.
Key Features
DuoClean PowerFins brush system
DuoClean PowerFins pairs two distinct rollers — a PowerFin and a soft roller — to maintain continuous contact with both carpet and hard floors. That creates a smoother transition when moving between surfaces and helps pick up both fine dust and larger debris in a single pass. In practice, this reduces the need to go over high-traffic areas multiple times and makes routine cleanups faster and more efficient. Use it on living room rugs and kitchen tile to avoid swapping attachments between surfaces. (Primary keyword used: Shark Rotator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum)
Self-cleaning brushroll for pet hair
The brushroll is engineered to remove and channel pet hair away from the roller so you don’t have to cut strands off with scissors after each session. This self-cleaning action helps keep suction consistent and cuts down maintenance time—particularly useful in multi-pet homes and for people who vacuum daily or several times a week. (Secondary keyword used: self-cleaning brushroll)
Engineered for hair pickup (zero hair wrap)
Beyond the self-cleaning roller, the unit is optimized against the typical bristle-nozzle tangles other designs get. The result is less downtime for detangling and better long-term performance where animal fur and long human hair are a problem. Expect fewer blockages and more reliable pick-up along baseboards, stairs, and upholstery.
Lift-Away detachable pod
The Lift-Away pod detaches easily using a pedal, converting the machine into a portable vacuum for stairs, upholstery and above-floor cleaning. This feature is practical for homes with multiple levels and for anyone who needs to clean drapes, car interiors or lampshades without hauling the whole upright. The pod is also handy for spot-cleaning on staircases where a full-size machine would be cumbersome.
HEPA filter & Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology
A HEPA filter combined with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology is designed to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum — a meaningful detail for people with sensitivities to dust, pollen or pet dander. If allergy control is a priority, this system reduces the chance that captured particles re-enter the room. The 99.9% figure is from the product listing (source: listing, checked 2025).
LED headlights
LED lights on the nozzle illuminate dark edges under furniture and along baseboards, helping you find dust bunnies and pet hair that are easy to miss by eye alone. This is especially useful under low-profile beds and sofas where visibility is limited.
Smooth Swivel Steering
Enhanced swivel steering helps you navigate around table and chair legs and reach corners without repeatedly repositioning the whole vacuum. It shortens cleaning time in furniture-dense rooms and makes it easier to maintain consistent brush contact across the floor.
Lightweight with stronger suction (vs. NV351)
The manufacturer states this model is lighter than a previous best-selling Lift-Away (NV351) yet provides increased suction for carpets, rugs and hard floors. That suggests a focus on balancing maneuverability with cleaning power, though exact weight and suction specs are not listed in the product information (Not specified).
Performance & Use
Setup is straightforward: attach the cord (if applicable), fit the hose/tools as needed, and you’re ready to clean. Because the dust cup is visible, you can monitor how often it needs emptying; empty it before the debris reaches the fill line to maintain airflow and suction. The listing does not indicate whether filters are washable or if replacement HEPA filters are available as accessories—check the manufacturer’s care instructions or product manual for filter maintenance specifics (Not specified).
For pet hair: use the Pet Power Brush for upholstery, stairs and car interiors. The self-cleaning roller reduces time spent trimming hair around the brushroll; still, check the brush housing occasionally for long-fiber tangles around hose entries and tool connections.
For multi-surface use: take advantage of the DuoClean PowerFins system by moving from hard floors to carpet in a single pass. If deeply embedded dirt remains, a slower pass or a targeted spot-clean with a pet tool or crevice tool can help.
Maintenance tips:
- Empty the dust cup after heavy use or when debris reaches the mark.
- Inspect the inlet and hose for clogs if suction drops; remove blockages following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Replace or clean filters per the user manual. If filter care isn’t detailed on the retail page, refer to the included manual or the Shark website for maintenance schedules and replacement part numbers.
- Use the Lift-Away pod for upright cleaning of crevices and to extend the vacuum’s reach to above-floor surfaces to minimize kneeling.
Noise and power: the listing emphasizes stronger suction but does not provide decibel ratings. Like most uprights, expect noticeable motor noise during operation.
Pros vs Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| DuoClean PowerFins system cleans carpets and hard floors in one pass, reducing transition misses. | Upright form factor requires vertical storage space—less compact than many stick vacuums. |
| Self-cleaning brushroll and pet tools reduce hair wrap and maintenance time for pet owners. | Exact weight and dimensions are not listed, so it’s hard to assess lift/portability precisely (Not specified). |
| HEPA filter + Anti-Allergen Complete Seal captures 99.9% of dust/allergens (source: listing, checked 2025). | No cord length, power rating, or sound levels listed on the product page (Not specified). |
| Lift-Away pod converts to portable use for stairs, upholstery, and above-floor tasks. | As an upright, it isn’t as convenient for quick spot-cleaning as a cordless stick. |
| LED headlights and swivel steering improve coverage and visibility under furniture. | Replacement filter availability and wash/no-wash instructions are not detailed on the listing (Not specified). |
Who Should Buy
- Pet owners who want a vacuum designed to minimize hair wrap and that includes a Pet Power Brush.
- Allergy sufferers who need a sealed HEPA filtration system to trap small particles.
- Households with mixed flooring (hard floors + carpets) that benefit from a dual-roller cleaning head.
- Anyone who wants an upright with a detachable pod for stairs and above-floor cleaning without buying separate machines.
Who Shouldn’t Buy
- Buyers who prioritize ultralightweight cordless convenience for very quick pickups — a stick vacuum may be a better fit.
- People who need exact dimensions, weight, or cord length listed before purchase; those specifics are not provided on the standard product listing (Not specified).
- Shoppers who prefer an ultra-compact storage form (wall-mounted or fold-flat) should compare form factors; uprights generally require upright storage space.
Specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model name | Not listed |
| Weight | Not listed |
| Dimensions | Not listed |
| Filtration | HEPA filter + Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology |
| Brushroll | DuoClean PowerFins + Self-cleaning brushroll |
| Included tools | Crevice Tool, Pet Power Brush, Upholstery Tool |
| Corded/Cordless | Not listed |
| Suction/power rating | Not listed |
| Noise level (dB) | Not listed |
Final thoughts and buying advice
The Shark Rotator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is a practical, well-rounded choice for those who need a capable upright that reduces hair wrap, traps allergens and converts to a portable unit for stairs and upholstery. It’s particularly suited to homes with pets and mixed floor types. Before you buy, confirm any model-specific dimensions, cord length and filter-care details from the retailer or the Shark product page if storage size or portability are decisive factors.
If the features above match your cleaning needs—better pet hair handling, HEPA-level filtration, and a Lift-Away pod for above-floor jobs—this model is worth considering. To compare prices and retailer offers, check the buying options below.
Specification: Shark Rotator Lift-Away Review — Pet-Friendly Power
|
3334 reviews for Shark Rotator Lift-Away Review — Pet-Friendly Power
Add a review
Related Products
Cyn –
It is so light easy to use works perfectly
Trisha –
I’ve been a loyal Dyson user for about 10 years, always replacing one with another whenever it wore out. But this last time, I decided to try a Shark—and honestly, the difference blew me away. Dyson is a good vacuum, but Shark is officially my go-to now.
I have six cats and a dog, so I need a vacuum that can really keep up with the constant pet hair and mess. This one absolutely does.
Here’s what stood out to me:
It’s super lightweight. I didn’t even realize how heavy my old vacuums were until I started using this one. It glides across the floor effortlessly and is really easy to push.
The canister is more secure. It has specific buttons and latches to open and empty it, so it feels less messy and more controlled.
The deodorizer capsule works. I was skeptical, but it actually makes the air smell fresher after vacuuming, which is a nice touch, especially with pets.
The floor light is amazing. I had no idea how helpful a vacuum light could be on tile floors. When I vacuum with the lights dim, every bit of hair and dust lights up, and my house looks noticeably cleaner.
The hose handle release is super handy. It makes it really easy to clean around animal cages and window sills without having to wrestle with attachments.
Bottom line: I’m SO glad I bought this vacuum. It’s made cleaning easier and more effective, and I won’t be going back.
IZZY –
I have tried everythingggg for vacuuming pet hair, from wet mops, to robot vacuums, and even yes, I have tried the Dyson (more than once) and this is the only vacuum that can successfully and consistently vacuum pet hair without getting clogged! I have an Australian Shephard who sheds his undercoat two times a year and this vacuum has given me back control of my house. The storage capacity is unreal; I can vacuum the house twice before needing to dump it out. The value for my money is also a huge factor. It is not an expensive vacuum, but it works better than any other pricey one I’ve tried. I don’t think I will need a new vacuum again for a while, but once I do this one will def be a second purchase.
Nate Squibb –
Powerful yet light. It’s all about hair and It’s all about the double brush. I “sold” the Kirby vacs as a teenager waiting to get in the military. We were trained on various vacuums and I was in a lot of homes showing people how junk their other vacuums were. Never sold one because even though they were amazing because of the price tag. I just couldn’t bring myself to do that to people. But. What I learned there separated me from many others. My favorite vacuum was the older Kenmore progressive intelliclean vacuum. Bought it for my wife on Christmas. Madder than heck until she tried it. Spent HOURS testing it at sears vs the dysons etc before I bought it. Drove two sales guys crazy. Bought old parts off other broken units just to keep it going. Later (we have two) went with the new Kenmore progressives. Extremely powerful suction. Direct drive brush. But it did not have the ease of use and versatility of the intelliclean.
Telling all this because I know vacuum cleaners. And also I am an engineer. So I know quality.
As I stated above it’s all in the brush. Yes this vacuum is powerful. It’s so well designed to go from hand wand suction to wand for long reach to floor cleaning to lift and carry the unit. There are a few shortcomings but…it’s all about the brush. I live in the house of hairs. Wife, two daughters all with LONG hair. The kind of hair you will get your feet tangled in and fall down long hair. Then. A Husky who’s sole purpose in life is to shed and a black English lab who’s black hairballs will suffocate a small child. After vacuuming the house with the former vacuums I would have to get scissors out and cut the wrapped girls hair off the brush. Not a pleasant job but a must. Then when I would run our carpet scrubber a bunch of dog hair would clump up right after using the vacuum. So they never got all the hair. Like . A lot of left over dog hair. Our carpet is medium plush as an FYI.
This new vacuum has rubber wipes on it along with a brush. No real beater bar that actually damages your carpet up like other vacuums. This instead uses what I would call friction to remove the hair from the carpet fabric. It is absolutely amazing how well it works. And the dander this thing sucks up is significantly more dense than the former vacuums.
The only important downside that I figure I would mention is with this double brush system is that it won’t do light rugs. Neither did our Kenmores cause they would just suck the dang things up into the bag almost. This double roller instead will grab the rug and pinch it between the two rollers and then it will trip off the rollers. You then have to turn off the vac (easy) extract the rug (not too bad and no damage to the vac or rug) then you can turn it back on to get the rollers to work again. So if like my house where my wife buys rugs Every time I turn around then know that like most vacuums (even with the brush on slow (hardwood setting) and the min suction (which is just a port on the handle to allow air bypass)…the rollers is what will grab the rug. On heavier rugs it has zero issues.
Haven’t had to clean the brush head yet of hair so that’s like worth going out to the bar with your buddies. They would understand.
Any other downsides are not downsides. If this was your first ever vacuum in life you would name your first child after it. But if you have gone through many vacuums you see minor things you would change but all of them are not worth even blinking about. Shark did extremely well and I am glad I went with this model even though there are more exotics they make. No matter what model you get…if you are losing the war on hair this double brush system is it. You will claim victory 10 seconds after you turn it on and will probably call your buds over to celebrate. Please don’t tell my wife about this post cause she won’t let me tell her all about vacuum cleaners and will get mad at me for sharing.
Chao Chao –
Great Shark vacuum cleaner. I’ve had a shark for 10 years and decided to upgrade it. My house has a robot vacuum and I mainly use this one for deep cleaning of the carpets. Bought this one renewed and it worked great. Suction power is very strong. The bin is always full of dust and hair when I vacuum. I like the feature to detach the bin and use it to clean hard to reach areas or stairs. The weight is not that heavy, way lighter than the ones they made 10 years ago. Led light on the head is very bright as well. I like the new roller and silicone fins that dont get hair caught now. No more cutting hair off the rollers. The only small downside the the way the fabric roller works. It basically keeps rolling forward so I does make it easier to push the vacuum. But pulling it back takes some effort if that makes sense. In a sense the vacuum always wants to move forward. A good sized vac.
Juan Francisco Anchondo Garcia –
Es muy potente y muy versatil.
LeAnne –
Whew — I almost returned this because I bought it when my Dyson stopped working, but I fixed the Dyson before this arrived. I don’t have a heavy-duty corded vacuum, and while my Dyson is great, it wasn’t the best for pet hair or deep-cleaning the carpet and couch. I decided to try this before sending it back, and wow — what a difference.
This thing is intense. It cleans night-and-day better. My house finally feels as clean as I wanted. The attachments are handy for different messes, and the suction is ridiculously strong — it pulled dirt and hair out of hard-to-reach spots like nothing else. It’s lightweight and even helps when you push it forward.
My only complaint is storage: there are two slots on each side but one attachment has no home. It’s a bit pricey, but honestly worth it. I snagged it on Prime Day and I’m glad I did. My dogs aren’t completely sure about it yet, though.
WY Guy –
After almost 25 years, I gave up on my Miele canister vacuum – I’d been vain about it being the “BMW of vacuums”.
Turns out that this somewhat random replacement blows it away. Mind you, there are undoubtedly slight, if not major, differences between this vacuum and its competitors. But the difference between this and what I used to have is like night and day.
I’d been prejudiced against the “Shark” name – didn’t it used to be sold on infomercials or home-shopping TV channels? So I took a chance on this. It turns out to be an amazing product.
Pros are that it’s lightweight and pretty versatile. Can reach a few inches under furniture. Cord is very long (but maybe still not enough if you have a huge house). Dust compartment is easy to clean. And after almost 25 years, I have NO BAGS to buy! The slight left/right swiveling action is handy for moving around, as is the moderate self-propelling forward motion.
My household is one person and two cats, and I’m astounded at how much stuff this vacuum picks up. Its ease of use means that I can use it more often without it feeling like a huge chore.
I can’t really think of any minuses, to be honest. I’ve only had it a few months, so we’ll see how it fares over the long haul.
Rick J. Sallee –
Great vacuum that cleans perfectly. My only complaint is the cord is ridiculously stiff and a real nuisance — I plan to have it rewired with a better one; this is the first Shark I’ve seen with such a problematic cord.
Cyn –
It’s extremely lightweight, easy to use, and works perfectly.
Trisha –
I’ve been a loyal Dyson owner for about 10 years, always replacing one with another, but I finally tried a Shark and the difference is night and day. Dyson is good, but Shark is officially my go-to now. With six cats and a dog, I need a vacuum that can handle nonstop pet hair—and this one absolutely delivers.
It’s incredibly lightweight; I didn’t realize how heavy my old vacuums were until I started using this. It glides across floors and is effortless to push. The canister feels much more secure with dedicated buttons and latches for emptying, so it’s less messy and more controlled. The deodorizer capsule actually works and leaves the air smelling fresher, which is a huge bonus with pets. The floor light is surprisingly helpful on tile—dim the room and every bit of hair and dust lights up, making the house look noticeably cleaner. The hose handle release is a game-changer for cleaning around animal cages and window sills without wrestling with attachments.
Bottom line: I’m so glad I bought this—cleaning is easier and more effective, and I won’t be going back.
Juan Francisco Anchondo Garcia –
Very powerful and highly versatile.
Amber Giesbrecht –
Just delivered today and I just vacuumed my house. It picked up so much cat hair (3 cats), so much more than my old vacuum. I did a lot of research before deciding on this one, and I absolutely recommend.
Jorge Idfc –
Excellent vacuum — it even picks up the fine dust that a traditional broom sometimes leaves behind.
LeAnne –
Whew! I was debating returning this cuz initially I bought this when my dyson stopped working, but I fixed it before this vacuum arrived. However I do not have a heavy duty corded vacuum and my dyson is great, but its not the best at getting all the pet hair & vacuuming the carpet/couch. I figured I would at least TRY this vacuum before returning it. I haven’t bought a new vacuum in years- my oh my have things changed.
This thing is intense. It REALLY cleans. Like night & day cleans. I always felt like before my house wasn’t as clean as I wanted. Not anymore. These attachments are great & helps with other messes. The suction goes HARD!! It was pulling dirt/hair from hard to reach places like nothing!!! Its lightweight and even helps when youre pushing forward.
I just wish there was a place on the vacuum for all the attachments to fit. There’s 2 on each side but that leaves one left with no home. 🥺
Its a bit expensive but honestly I think its worth it. I snatched it on prime day & im glad I did. My dogs aren’t too sure about it yet though 😅
Amber Giesbrecht –
Just delivered today — I vacuumed the whole house and it picked up an incredible amount of cat hair from our three cats, far more than my old vacuum. I did a lot of research before choosing this one and I highly recommend it.
Rick J. Sallee –
Great vacuum that works perfectly. Only issue is the cord is so stiff it is a total pain in the…Going to hopefully get it rewired with a better cord. First Shark vacuum I’ve seen with such a ridiculous cord.
Trisha McCarthy –
I’ve only had it a few days and used it a couple times, but tried every feature and attachment. It works perfectly — no complaints. It’s fairly lightweight, the dust bin is easy to empty, and I love the lift-off feature with the built-in wand — great for stairs and getting under beds and dressers. It did an excellent job picking up cat hair. I highly recommend it.
Rumor –
This vacuum is excellent. We have cats and dogs, and it handles pet hair really well. The auto-detect floor feature works reliably. The brush bar spins aggressively on carpet and automatically slows down on hardwood/vinyl. It uses fins instead of a traditional brush—I was skeptical at first, but it’s performing fine. Suction and weight are both good. I also like that the main unit detaches so you can carry it around for quick cleanups. The LED light seemed unnecessary at first, but it’s actually very bright and useful.
Karen M. –
Easy to use and easy to empty. Works great on both carpet and tile. It disassembles easily to reach high places and is very versatile with excellent attachments. The suction picks up all my dog’s hair.
brandi barnes –
Wow never thought I would get excited about a vacuum but I am. I bought this for my mom and when it arrived it was so easy to put together only a couple of snaps. I had just vacuum her floor with the Dyson that this vacuum was replacing so I thought when I try this out I will not pick up much. Boy was I wrong one room and half the canister was full. This really picks up the dirt. I love the light that comes on to tell you there is dirt in the rug. I would recommend this vacuum it is not to heavy so it will work good for my mom as she is not as young as she once was.
Emily –
I love this vacuum; the suction power is great! I can see it pulling in the dog fur on my hardwoods. The cord is really long, so I don’t have to unplug and plug it back in that many times. I love the attachments, I can vacuum my couches and my comforters, it doesn’t get tangled in my shag rugs or my thicker rugs.
Rumor –
This thing is pretty great. We have cats and dogs, and it really does a great job. I like the auto detect floor feature it works great. The brush bar is fast on the carpet, and really ramps down on the hardwood/vinyl floor. It doesnt use a brush, it uses fins. I was a little worried about that, but seems to be doing ok. The suction and the weight are good. I like how the main section can separate and you can just walk around with it. Very nice for when you need to do quick clean ups. The LED light on it, while at first I thought was stupid, is actually quite nice. Its very bright also.
HawkEye –
This vacuum has been a revelation. With Berber carpet and several pets, I needed powerful suction — and this machine pulls up every bit of pet hair. I have very long hair that used to wrap around brushes on every other vacuum I owned, but that’s no longer a problem. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and after getting used to the bagless design I really appreciate it. The clear canister shows how much it picks up (I empty it after every use), and without bags there’s no pet odor. It even has slots for air-freshener tablets to keep the air smelling fresh. I wish I’d found it sooner — I’d choose this one again and again.
Jorge Idfc –
Es una excelente aspiradora, limpia hasta el polvo ligerito que se queda pegado a veces con la escoba tradicional
Hawaii Remote –
Excellent performance — powerful suction and a flexible, non-stiff hose. Much easier to use than my old Dyson Ball, with more filters (washable and disposable). The detachable canister makes accessing tight spots simple, and the dual-roller system cleans both hardwood and carpeted floors effectively.
awesome –
This vacuum cleaner is excellent. It doesn’t clog if we accidentally pick up a larger item, it’s easy to assemble, and the extendable hose reaches high places like ceiling fans. Another plus is the variety of brush sizes for different areas, such as under couches and chairs.
Ann M. –
This vacuum has great suction power. It’s light weight and barely makes any noice. The cord is a little shorter than my previous Shark vacuum but not by much. Nice sleek look and more compact. Also has odor control filter. Very happy with this purchase.
Trisha McCarthy –
Just got this and have only used a couple of times; however, I have used all the features and attachments. Works great – zero complaints. Reasonably lightweight. Easy to clean out the bin. Love the lift-off feature and the incorporated wand – great for stairs, under beds/dressers. Did a dandy job picking up cat hair. Would highly recommend.