Shark ZU102 Review — Pet Hair Power & Odor Control
Overview:The POWERFINS HAIRPRO upright vacuum actively grips and captures stubborn long hair, short hair, and pet hair — ideal for U.S. households with pets or high-traffic carpets. Its 3XL-capacity dust cup supports long cleaning sessions with fewer interruptions.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Trap 99.99% of dust and allergens with HEPA filter, per ASTM F1977.
- Remove pet and human hair without tangles using the self-cleaning brushroll.
- Clean longer with 3XL-capacity dust cup, reducing emptying interruptions.
- Extend cleaning reach up to 12 feet with the extendable hose.
- Maneuver easily around furniture and corners using swivel steering.
- Get versatile tools: Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool, Odor Neutralization Cartridge included.
$299.99
Introduction
The POWERFINS HAIRPRO upright vacuum (model ZU102 on the included documentation) is a pet- and hair-focused household vacuum built to pull long and short hair — including pet fur — out of carpets and off hard floors. It combines a hair-gripping floor nozzle, a self-cleaning brushroll, and a HEPA-equipped sealed system intended for homes with allergy concerns.
Who it’s for: pet owners, households with shedding long hair, and allergy-aware users who want a single upright vacuum that handles floors, stairs and above-floor tasks with a built-in odor-control option. Quick verdict: a thoughtful, low-maintenance choice if hair pickup and allergen containment are your top priorities.
What’s in the Box
- ZU102 Upright Vacuum
- Crevice Tool
- Pet Multi-Tool
- Odor Neutralization Technology Cartridge
If you need additional attachments or replacement filters/cartridges, those are not listed in the box contents and may be sold separately.
Design & Build
The listing does not specify construction materials or exact weight, so specific details such as plastic type, motor casing materials, or total pounds are Not specified. The vacuum is described as an upright with swivel steering and an extendable hose, which implies a design focused on maneuverability and reach rather than being a compact canister.
Practical design points you can expect from the features listed:
- Upright form factor: easy to store upright and generally quicker to deploy than canisters for floor cleaning.
- Swivel steering: improves navigation around furniture and tight corners and makes back-and-forth cleaning less fatiguing.
- Extendable hose: provides reach for stairs, upholstery and above-floor areas without carrying the entire machine.
- 3XL dust cup capacity: reduces how often you stop to empty the bin during extended cleaning sessions.
Because some physical specs (weight, footprint, cord length) are not listed, consider this a better fit if you prioritize hair pickup and filtration over the smallest, lightest machine on the market.
Key Features
POWERFINS HAIRPRO nozzle
The POWERFINS HAIRPRO nozzle is engineered to actively grab and channel both long and short hair into the intake rather than winding it around the brush. In real life this translates to faster passes on hair-prone carpets and fewer interruptions to cut or pull hair off the roller. If you have shedding dogs, multiple family members with long hair, or a home with rugs that trap hairs, this feature reduces the common “hair-wrap” chore.
Self-Cleaning Brushroll
A self-cleaning brushroll design helps prevent the accumulation of hair around the roller shaft, which is one of the most frequent maintenance tasks on a traditional brushroll. The benefit is twofold: sustained cleaning performance between maintenance cycles, and less time spent manually trimming hair from the brush. For busy households, this means more consistent pickup without frequent hands-on cleaning of the roller.
Odor Neutralizer Technology
Built-in odor control aims to keep the vacuum’s internal airflow smelling fresher during and after use. This is most useful for homes with pets, litter boxes, or other persistent scents you’d rather not re-circulate. The listing distinguishes this vacuum from a similar model without this feature. (source: listing, checked 2025)
Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology + HEPA filter
The vacuum uses Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology together with a HEPA filter to trap microscopic particles inside the machine. According to the manufacturer’s test basis, this system captures 99.99% of particles 0.3 microns and larger (based on ASTM F1977). For allergy sufferers or anyone wanting reduced dust in the room air during cleaning, this can make a meaningful difference relative to non-sealed designs. (source: listing, checked 2025)
3XL Dust Cup Capacity
A larger-than-standard dust cup allows longer cleaning sessions before you need to empty the bin. If you’re cleaning multiple rooms or doing a whole-house pass, the 3XL capacity reduces interruptions and the number of trips to the trash can.
Extendable Hose — up to 12 feet total reach
The vacuum’s hose extends to provide up to 12 feet of total reach, letting you clean stairs, furniture tops, drapes and other above-floor surfaces without moving the machine repeatedly. This reach is convenient for reaching into vehicle interiors or high shelving and is specified in the listing. (source: listing, checked 2025)
Swivel Steering
Swivel steering helps the upright navigate around table legs, sofa bases and tight spaces more easily than fixed-axle uprights. In practice this makes floor cleaning faster and less awkward in rooms with a lot of furniture or clutter.
Cleans Carpets and Hard Floors
The unit is intended for both carpets and sealed hard floors. The brush/nozzle design aims to lift embedded hair and debris from carpet pile while still being safe to use over hard surfaces, making it a one-machine solution for mixed-floor homes.
5-Year Limited Warranty
A 5-year limited warranty is included, which may provide extended peace of mind compared to shorter warranty periods. As with any warranty, check the manufacturer terms for coverage details. (source: listing, checked 2025)
Performance & Use
Setup
- Unbox and attach the included tools (crevice tool, pet multi-tool) as directed by the quick start instructions. Any specific assembly steps or initial filter installation are Not specified in the listing; consult the included user manual for model-specific guidance.
- Install the Odor Neutralization Cartridge if it ships separately or in protected packaging.
Everyday use
- Start on low-traffic floor areas to judge suction and speed. The POWERFINS HAIRPRO head is most effective when the nozzle is in contact with the floor to channel hairs into the intake.
- Use the extendable hose for stairs, upholstery, and high corners. The listed up-to-12-foot reach helps you avoid lifting and carrying the whole unit frequently. (source: listing, checked 2025)
Maintenance tips
- Empty the 3XL dust cup before it becomes completely full; while larger capacity reduces frequency, a very full bin can affect suction.
- Replace the Odor Neutralization Cartridge per manufacturer guidance; the listing confirms the presence of a cartridge but does not provide a replacement interval (Not specified).
- The self-cleaning brushroll reduces hair wrapping, but occasionally check and remove any large entanglements caught around the brush bearings or shaft.
- HEPA and other filters should be replaced or cleaned according to the user manual to preserve allergen-capture performance. The listing notes HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology but does not list filter replacement intervals (Not specified).
Practical tips for pet homes
- Use the Pet Multi-Tool on upholstery, stairs and pet beds to remove embedded fur. For heavier shedding, go slow and make a couple of passes to ensure the POWERFINS head can pick up loose hair before it is ground into the pile.
- If you notice lingering odors, ensure the Odor Neutralization Cartridge is installed and replace it when effectiveness drops (replacement cadence Not specified in listing).
Pros vs Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
POWERFINS HAIRPRO head actively captures long and short hair, reducing hair wrap and improving pickup | Materials, overall weight and cord length are Not specified in the listing, making it harder to assess portability |
Self-cleaning brushroll reduces manual dehairing of the roller | Replacement cartridge/filter intervals are Not specified; extra consumable costs unknown |
Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology + HEPA filter traps 99.99% of 0.3µm+ particles (manufacturer test basis) (source: listing, checked 2025) | Some important physical specs (weight, dimensions) are not provided |
3XL dust cup reduces interruptions for emptying during long cleaning sessions | Odor Neutralizer Cartridge lifespan and replacement availability are Not listed |
Extendable hose with up to 12 ft reach for above-floor cleaning (source: listing, checked 2025) | Upright form may be larger than compact stick alternatives for small storage spaces |
5-year limited warranty provides longer-term protection than many competitors (source: listing, checked 2025) | Exact suction power and motor specifications are Not specified |
Who Should Buy
- Pet owners with medium-to-large shedding animals who want a vacuum that targets hair pickup and avoids brushroll wrap.
- Allergy-aware households seeking sealed filtration and HEPA capture to reduce airborne dust and allergen circulation.
- People who prefer an upright-style vacuum that also provides above-floor reach via an extendable hose.
Who Shouldn’t Buy
- Shoppers who need the lightest possible vacuum for frequent carrying (e.g., seniors or those with mobility limits) — the listing does not list weight and uprights can be heavier than sticks.
- Buyers who prioritize compact storage above all else; an upright with a large 3XL cup and extendable hose requires more storage footprint.
- Customers who require full specification transparency (detailed motor power, cord length, weight, and physical dimensions) before purchasing—those details are Not listed.
Specs
Only verifiable specs from the listing are shown below. If a spec was not included in the provided information, it is listed as “Not listed.”
Spec | Detail |
---|---|
Model | ZU102 (listed as included model) |
Brushroll | Self-cleaning brushroll (description) |
Hair pickup tech | POWERFINS HAIRPRO (description) |
Odor control | Odor Neutralization Technology; cartridge included |
Filter | HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology |
Allergen capture | 99.99% of particles 0.3 microns and larger (based on ASTM F1977) (source: listing, checked 2025) |
Dust cup capacity | 3XL capacity (listed) |
Hose reach | Extendable hose up to 12 feet total reach (source: listing, checked 2025) |
Steering | Swivel Steering |
Floor types | Carpets and hard floors |
Warranty | 5-year limited warranty (source: listing, checked 2025) |
Weight | Not listed |
Dimensions | Not listed |
Motor/airwatts/suction rating | Not listed |
Cord length | Not listed |
Replacement cartridge/filter intervals | Not listed |
Closing — Quick Buying Guidance
If you want a focused solution for pet hair and household allergens and appreciate features that reduce routine maintenance (self-cleaning brushroll, large dust cup), the POWERFINS HAIRPRO upright is worth considering. It blends targeted hair pickup with sealed HEPA filtration and an added odor cartridge for fresher output air. Remember the product page omits several physical and performance specs (weight, cord length, motor ratings), so if those details matter to you, check the manufacturer’s full spec sheet or ask the retailer before purchase.
If you’re ready to decide, review warranty and replacement-part availability so you’re not surprised by consumable costs down the road.
Specification: Shark ZU102 Review — Pet Hair Power & Odor Control
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Patricia T. –
I just returned a Dyson D66 – due to being too awkward and heavy with a big ball, that gets in the way and too many plasticky parts. It also felt like it would break when snapping it back to uproght position, of which it was/felt top heavy.
I LOVE LOVE the SHARK TruPet Vacuum. The fact it has a metal wand, detachable canister, great attachments, lights, smaller rotating power head, easily slips under a couch, to name a few. I am so pleased I chose this, and believe me it is 2+ lbs lighter than the Dyson D66 upright canister. The construction of this vacuum, feels like hardware that will last.
I had a canister hoover for 15 years and I can easily live with this upright, space saver, great suction (equal if not better then DYSON). Our home with pet hair, hardwood floors, ceramic tile floors, high piled carpet, regular pile carpets and low pile rugs, dust/ cobwebs etc, plus cars to clean, will make great use of this lift away vacuum.
WAY TO GO SHARK!!!
Retsy Reiver –
Aspira bien y profundo. Me gustó.
Zek –
This vacuum cleaner is the best I have ever owned, seen, or tried out. It arrived quickly, box was slightly dented but product was fine. Vacuum cleaner was easy to put together, thanks to the “quick start” menu on the box. The vacuum is incredibly well-designed and well-engineered — very user-friendly, and the manufacturer puts stickies and notes on the cleaner to remind users of safety features. I vacuumed my carpets with my OLD vacuum cleaner first, to get rid of some of the pet hair, and then I went over the same area again with my new Shark. It was amazing, how much dirt and dust the old cleaner left behind, and Shark just sucked it up. The machine is quiet, easy to maneuver, and does a totally great job of cleaning up pet hair and dander. I have four dogs, two of whom are of the breed known as Great Big Hairballs (🤭❤😂❤) and every time they plonk down on the carpet for a nap, they end up leaving fur behind, as they shed all year ’round. The Shark vacuum cleaner sweeps it all up effortlessly, and now it is much easier for me to make sure that we all have a clean environment to live in. The Shark may seem a little pricey, but it was worth every penny, since cleaning is now so much easier and more effective. I actually enjoy using the Shark!
Retsy Reiver –
Update — 2025 (after 3 years): Still amazing. It works as well as the day I got it, is easy to clean (including long hair and debris from the roller), and I’ve had zero issues.
I waited a couple months before posting to see how the Shark would hold up. I had a Dyson for 10 years that finally broke, so I researched an affordable yet powerful replacement. I thought Dyson was the best, but this Shark totally surprised me — I wish I’d bought it sooner.
Super easy to assemble, lightweight, and the canister empties from both sides; the top half even catches large items like Lego so you can recover things you accidentally sucked up. The self-powered head caught me off guard — it practically pulled out of my hand and zoomed! The vacuum is very easy to handle, especially with the Lift-Away feature.
Suction is impressive — simple, thoughtful engineering. It picks up pet hair I didn’t even know was there (if it can handle husky floof it can handle anything) and it easily picks up my very long hair. The head is easy to take apart and clean — I usually do it every 4–5 vacuums, which is gross but shows how well it collects hair. My carpets look much better now; I was shocked at how much dust and dirt was hiding even when I thought my Dyson had been doing the job. The wand and main head have lights, which is awesome for seeing crumbs and dust bunnies in corners and on hardwood.
Only cons: I have many stairs, so managing the canister, hose, and cord can be a bit awkward — I wish the cord were 3–4 feet longer. My carpets are about 20 years old, so the brush head bounces in some high-traffic, matted areas; I just vacuum slower and avoid going against the carpet “grain.” Not really the Shark’s fault — my carpets probably need cleaning or replacing. Overall, very happy with my purchase.
Laura Lynne Treehouse Wise Woman –
I have two large dogs that shed a lot and have been through numerous vacs over the years including Dyson, this is my third Shark and is by far the best one for pets and large areas. Easy to assemble, powerful suction, large canister, tools, included, 3 modes for flooring types, very fast and light. Good LED headlights to see hair on floors where it blends in. Very impressed but what would you expect at this price, it is up there but worth the investment. The only caveat is that it is not as good on the wall edges as other vacs I have had, but another run and you are good. Highly recommended, very functional, time will tell how it lasts.
CO –
I returned a Dyson D66 because it was bulky and heavy, the large ball design got in the way, and it had too many flimsy plastic parts — it also felt top-heavy and like it might break when snapping back to the upright position. I absolutely love the SHARK TruPet. The metal wand, detachable canister, sturdy construction, useful attachments, built-in lights, and smaller rotating power head make it much more practical. It easily slips under my couch and feels over 2 pounds lighter than the Dyson D66. After 15 years with a canister vacuum, I’m thrilled with this space-saving upright — the suction is equal to or better than Dyson’s. It handles pet hair, hardwood, ceramic tile, high- and low-pile carpets, rugs, dust and cobwebs, and even cleans my cars well. Way to go, Shark!
Markymarc –
***back in 2025 after 3 years of use to say the vacuum is still amazing , works as good as the day I got it, easy to clean the whole thing, including long hair and debris out of the roller and have had zero issues***
2022 review: I waited until I used the vacuum for a couple of months before posting a review to see how the shark would hold up.
I had a Dyson for 10 years and it finally broke – did my research to find an affordable strong vacuum that I could replace it with. I thought the Dyson was the best out there but WOW I was wrong, I wish I had this Shark to begin with!
Super easy to assemble, it’s not heavy and the cannister empties from both sides, the top half will catch large objects like Lego etc. which makes it so easy to clean out and recover accidentally sucked-up large items from!
The self-powered head caught me off guard and it came right out to of my hand & went zoom lol!
The vacuum itself is lightweight and easy to handle, especially if you’re using the lift away feature
Very impressed with the suction power – simply and thoughtfully engineered I love everything about it.
Picks up pet hair you didn’t know was even there (if this vacuum can handle husky floof it can handle anything lol) and it picks up my very long human hair easily too.
The head is easy to take apart and clean (I have to do it every 4-5th time I vacuum which is gross but it shows how good this is picking hair up)
My carpets look so good now and I am really happy with my purchase, I’m still shocked how much dust bunnies and dirt get into the carpet, especially after thinking my Dyson was getting it all
The wand and main head have lights which is awesome I can see what I’m doing vacuuming in corners and see the dirt and crumbs and dust bunnies on my hardwood 🙂
Only cons: I have many stairs in my house and it can be a little awkward managing the cannister + hose + cord but I’m getting used to it, wishing the cord was another 3-4 feet longer. My carpets are about 20 years old so the brush head bounces around in some high traffic areas where the carpet is matted down – I just slow vacuum and try not to go against the carpet ‘grain’ too much… Not the Shark’s fault I should probably get my carpets cleaned or replaced 😉
CO –
Llevo ocupando la aspiradora por dos meses, sin duda ha sido una herramienta de gran ayuda, pues tengo 5 perros y por pelos no paramos. Me ayuda a aspirar sus camas, tapetes y lozeta .Fue un gran cambio de las inalámbricas que ocupaba a esta, la potencia es superior, el cable que tiene alcanza sin problemas. Lo unico malo es que si es pesada y de repente se cuesta maniobrarla un poco. Le pongo un 9/10
Haley x –
Update: This vacuum failed in two places within four months. A plastic piece on the bottom of the head keeps falling off, and the metal prong on the plug snapped off when I pulled it from the outlet. Very disappointed.
I bought this for my cleaning business. Here’s a full review.
PROS:
CONS:
Overall, a great vacuum — my clients love the lights and how quiet it is. My last vacuum (a Bissell) had huge suction and a large canister that only needed daily emptying, but it was extremely loud and had plastic, squeaky wheels.
Laura Lynne Treehouse Wise Woman –
My favorite Shark vacuum yet and it is my 5th. I have 4 dogs and this vacuum is a beast on fur pick up. It even has a light on the wand when you need to get in the corners of a dark space.
It is super easy and light weight to maneuver with my carpal tunnel and that is the reason it also got 4 stars because I’ve almost broken my toes several times when it comes crashing down on my feet. It is a trade off, easy to maneuver means light weight and unstable.
The tank is really easy to open and empty and I do that often with a 130 pound white Anatolian Shepard with a double coat of fur that sheds twice a year.
It is so functional I even keep it tucked in my living room corner so I can use it all the time.
The cord is fairly long and I always want it just 5′ longer.
I love the adjustability of the suction right on the handle when vacuuming small rugs.
It is also easy to take apart and to get to each section when I get it clogged with something weird like a stick.
I have been super impressed with the durability of this model and the size is perfect for my needs which makes it functional and fabulous for clean carpets.
Gabriela –
**Update**
This vacuum broke in 2 spots within 4 months of use. The plastic piece of the bottom of the head keeps falling off and now the metal prong on the plug has fallen off after pulling out of the outlet. Very disappointed.
I bought this for my cleaning business. Here’s a FULL review.
PROS:
– THE LIGHTS!!! You can see all the dirt that would normally get missed. There’s a light on the hose stick also, so you can stick it between furniture and appliances and see all the dirt!
– Powerful suction
– Fairly quiet in comparison to other vacuums
– The liftaway feature is great! Makes it so much easier to do stairs and get under furniture that most vacuums don’t fit under!
– You can change between 3 floor settings on the actual handle, so you don’t have to bend over to turn a dial or click a button on the vacuum head. Good for my bad back!
– Canister has 2 compartments. One for dirt, hair and small stuff. And a top part where anything larger goes. So if you suck up some jewelry or a small toy, it’s separated from the dirt and hair!
CONS:
– Heavy.
– Needs to be cleaned and maintained frequently, which is less of an issue for household use. I have to clean this between every client because the canister is quite small.
– Pulls out carpet threads sometimes, no matter what setting it’s on. I’ve unraveled threads on a few different area rugs/welcome mats.
– Does not have a fabric brush attachment. (There’s a pet hair power suction head, a wide plastic head and a corner attachment. I prefer the brush for making lines in couches.
Overall, great vacuum. My clients love the lights and how quiet it is. My last vac was a Bissell and while it had amazing suction and a huge canister that only needed to be emptied daily, it was extremely loud and the wheels were plastic and squeaky.
Gabriela –
I’ve been using this vacuum for two months and it’s been a huge help — I have five dogs and hair is nonstop. It cleans their beds, rugs, and tile really well. It’s a big upgrade from the cordless models I had before: more powerful and the cord reaches easily. The only downside is that it’s a bit heavy and can be tricky to maneuver at times. I give it 9/10.
Sarah M. –
Let me start by saying I have two cats — one longhair and one shorthair — and a house full of pet hair. I own two robot vacuums that run a few times a week, a stick vacuum for quick cleanups, an inexpensive Eureka canister (which I always knew was mediocre), and a Tineco S5 combo that I love. I bought this Shark to replace the Eureka because I didn’t have a good tool for upholstery and stairs, and I wanted a corded model with strong suction and an LED light — two non-negotiables for me.
After comparing models and wattages, this Shark stood out: powerful suction and a removable handheld body with a wand attachment, plus an LED light on the wand. I didn’t realize how handy that feature would be until I used it — it makes cleaning furniture and tight spots so much easier. It’s basically like having a canister and upright in one.
The performance blew me away. The first time I ran it in my bedroom (which I’d vacuumed two days earlier), I filled the dust bin in one pass. The same happened in other bedrooms. On my high-pile family room rug — where the cats hang out and wrestle — I filled the canister to capacity four times and it never got tangled. I was grossed out by how much my robots and canister had missed, but also relieved that this vacuum actually worked.
It handled another high-pile rug in the living room just as well. The canister size isn’t the issue — I just had that much debris. The vacuum is heavier than my stick, but that’s expected given its features. The cord is a good length so I can reach multiple rooms without unplugging; I would’ve liked a retractable cord, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
The wand comes with several useful attachments and it’s easy to remove the handheld piece. My only quibble is that the vacuum doesn’t store all the attachments on the body — it only holds a limited number of them. That’s a minor gripe, though.
Overall, this is an excellent vacuum for the price, especially if you have pets. Highly recommended.
MJIS –
I originally had a Shark repaired after wearing it out — I’m hard on vacuums. We’ve had several cats, parrots, and multiple Australian Shepherds (and we foster Aussies), so feathers, fur, and household dirt are constant. The repairman finally told me to toss the old one — I’d killed it. We’ve owned a Kirby (awesome until it died), a Dyson (never again), and two other Sharks.
If you know Aussies, they “blow” their coat twice a year (more like heavy shedding cycles) and then shed regularly the rest of the year. Their coat ranges from short on the snout to several inches elsewhere, so there’s a lot of hair. With that amount of fur, it’s no surprise our old vacuum croaked.
Putting this new Shark together was simple. It practically glides across hardwood, has a low backward bend and a slimmer head that fits under furniture, and the hose/elbow feel upgraded (no more cracking like the old model). The new floor-height adjustments are easy to use — I find it much simpler than our previous model. It’s a bit more compact for closet storage, starts and accelerates quickly, and comes with three attachments: the skinny space arm, sofa head, and flat head. The suction is unbelievably powerful — scan the floor first or it’ll suck up anything left out.
The rotor head has brush rolls, which help, but with my dogs that’s also the main downside. The brush quickly wraps with hair and debris until it’s clogged, and there’s no easy way to remove the rotor — you end up cutting the spun-up hair off with sharp, thin scissors after each use. That maintenance hassle is annoying, though it’s manageable if you broom the main floor beforehand (which I do now). Not everyone has two large, hairy Aussies, but I do and I accept the extra cleanup.
I wish the rotor were easier to remove for cleaning and that the cord and hose were longer for hard-to-reach areas. Because the brush roll collects so much and is difficult to clear, I dock one star. Otherwise it’s a high-quality machine.
All in all, this is a VERY powerful, excellent vacuum — great on stairs and for cleaning the car. Keep that as your final impression; not everyone lives with furball-filled floors like I do.
Kristin –
After much research I decided to buy this vacuum and I’m happy to say that I made the right choice. It works excellent on carpets and floors and has many convenient features.
I love how you can detach the hose from the main unit in two different ways to use it on furniture and hard to reach places. And it’s SO EASY! The dust cup is large and is also super easy to empty – you just hold it over your trash can & click a button! Then it just clicks right back into place when you reattach it to the vacuum.
I also like that it swivels and the odor neutralizer feature is an added bonus.
I should point out that it’s a little bit on the heavy side, but I’m comparing it to my previous vacuum which was an extremely lightweight Oreck.
All in all I’m completely satisfied with my new Shark vacuum and highly recommend buying it.
Patricia T. –
It vacuums deeply and effectively. I liked it.
G & C –
I am just your average, every day, home owning, middle aged man. I should not be so enthusiastic about a vacuum cleaner. But this thing is a game changer. We had a Dyson Animal way back in the day, and I remember really liking it for keeping cat hair under control. When it finally bit the dust (ha! get it?), we bought the exact same vacuum, and neither my wife or I were ever all that impressed by it. I bought this Shark vacuum about a month ago because it seemed like a really good deal, and I could not believe what happened when I started vacuuming. Just in our front room alone, where our dog hangs out the most, I had to empty the vacuum three times through four passes over the carpet. It just kept coming. Finally the fifth pass came out with just a little hair in the vacuum, but I was amazed at how much the Dyson had been leaving behind.
The suction is amazing, and can be adjusted. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver. The catch is easy to empty. Like, REALLY easy. It’s got the attached hand vac that can be long or short, and has multiple attachments. It’s a really great package.
The one big con, and I think it’s a new thing with vacuums because even the new carpet cleaner we got has this issue, is the cord length. It’s pretty short. We live in a pretty modest sized house, and in two of our bigger rooms, the cord doesn’t go all the way across. Not a deal breaker obviously, but can be frustrating when you’re really in the middle of your vacuuming groove.
The other small con is that it’s easy to tip over when using the hand vac. But honestly, it might just be a me thing. I have found that it’s light enough that I can hold the unit in one hand and use the hand vac in the other without issue.
For the price, I’d buy this thing again in a second. Highly recommended.
Kristin –
After researching extensively I chose this vacuum and I’m glad I did. It performs wonderfully on both carpets and hard floors and has plenty of handy features. The hose detaches in two different ways, making it effortless to clean furniture and tight spots — and it’s really simple to use. The dust cup is generous and empties with one click over the trash, then snaps right back into place. I also appreciate the swivel head and the odor-neutralizer feature. It is a bit heavier than my old ultra-light Oreck, but overall I’m very happy with my Shark and highly recommend it.
CR –
I bought this to replace a 12-year-old model of the same vacuum that had served me well for years. With dogs and cats, I’m amazed at how much hair this picks up — my old one had lost suction and couldn’t do that anymore. I had to empty the canister three times on the first use even though I’d vacuumed the house two days earlier. It’s a heavy machine, so not ideal if you want something lightweight, but all my previous attachments fit the new unit (the new tools are a bit smaller and lighter). The updated model didn’t include the bare-floor tool, but the one from my old vacuum fits perfectly. As long as I have pets and this model is available, it’ll be my go-to vacuum.