Shark - Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe

So I have a rug similar to this and even my tuned Kirby G4 struggles on it. It’s high pile microfiber shag and air does not flow through it. The few machines I’ve found that do work on it are turbo nozzle canisters and surprisingly, Shark Navigator Lift-Away with the brush on and suction bleed valve open. My Miele H1 with an SEB-236 nozzle does not work, neither does my SEBO Felix or Oreck Classic or XL21 platform. Oreck Magnesium/Discover supposedly does work because it’s very light so the machine doesn’t burry the nozzle. I’ve found you’ll want a lightweight nozzle so it can float on top of the pile. My rug is so thick that height adjustment doesn’t really work. The best way to deep clean these rugs is to flip them over and vacuum the underside with a machine that has lots of agitation and vibration. That will cause the grit to fall onto the floor. Carefully remove the rug and clean up the grit.

I do not recommend the eureka power speed. It does not have a legitimate filtration system and will blow dust right back into the air. Shark isn’t the most recommended machine on this market but some are far better than others. The Navigator Lift-Away NV350 series or NV360 (Walmart) are actually decent cleaners inexpensive if maintained properly. There’s a few things to keep an eye on and they can last quite a long time. 1. Keep the lint screen in the dust bin clean. Hair can sometimes wrap around it. It’s easy to access through the top of the bin. 2. Keep the brush roll free of hair. There is a built-in groove that allows you to easily cut hair. 3. Filters. Purchase a jumbo pack online for $20. Wash the foam and felt pre-motor filters once a month and just replace them every 3. Do not wash the post motor HEPA filter, and replace every 6 month I’ve found these to work well on carpet and hard floor. There is a suction reducing valve on the hose handle that makes it work well on tricky rugs. The Kenmore Intuition upright is another great inexpensive choice. It’s bagged and eliminates the hassle of constant bagless maintenance. Also look at a Kenmore 200 or 400 series canister. Canisters are better for lots of different floor surfaces. You can get a Kenmore pet powermate mini power nozzle that fits the 200 / 400 for extra tough stuff and the fitting it uses is generic so lots of attachments will work with it. I think this is probably going to be your best bet. The 400 series goes on sale online for $220 if you can stretch

I have that vacuum and I love it

I have this exact model. Works great and no complaints. Had a shark previous to this one that I lost in a move, but that one lasted 10 years before it got stolen from me. Never had a problem with the brand.

That shark is actually a fantastic vacuum.

I use a shark navigator deluxe. It was $189 :) I have a cleaning business and have zero complaints and ALL my clients have pets. Other ways to manage pet hair: Dry dusting swiffer floor pads (thin and trap fur. You use them dry on a swiffer) Regular dusting from top to bottom before vacuuming Basic I know! :)

My parents and I have each had the shark for over a decade, and we just replaced the tube that was cracking, but otherwise it's still going strong. The Amazon reviews also might be due to a decrease in quality, since we each got ours for like $100 in the days of stacking Bed Bath and Beyond coupons with other discounts.

I love this Shark. I’ve had it for 5 years. It’s light weight, easy to empty, easy to clean, works on long hair pet fur. https://a.co/d/ixP5aFy I’ve had a more complex Shark, I don’t like those, heavier and harder to empty.

It has great suction, gets up fine dust/grime deep within carpet, check the reviews too, love it! It’s my all time fact vacuum, seriously

The Shark liftaway is far and beyond the best bang for your buck on this list.

My Shark upright was $150, has lasted 15 years, and hasn’t needed a repair once. To me there’s things that are worth BIFL and others that aren’t. Vacuums are one of them. If my Shark broke today, I could buy 4 more for a lot less than a Meile and have a vacuum for life without treating my vacuum like I spent a paycheck on it.

Yup!

You’re welcome. I have one going on 15 years with absolutely no maintenance besides cleaning off the roller bar every couple of years.

I used to love Eureka vacuums when I was younger due to the value. Got a Dyson around age 26 and it wasn't bad, but omg way overpriced plastic! I was so mad I dropped $600 on it. Next up a Bissel Pet vac 5 yrs ago at age 34 worked okay, but I got tired of how bulky it was and the brush never stopped spinning, even while using the attachments. So I went a grabbed a Shark NV360 online and I love how much suction this thing has and it brought up so much dirt. Best of all it has lift away canister I can take around house to clean with attachments. The only negative thing, is the suction is so good it gets stuck a bit on my area rugs. However, it has a suction adjustment on it somewhere I read about. I just haven't tried to adjust it yet. Anyways, I haven't tried a wireless vac either, I guess I'm old school.

I have \*serious\* allergies. I need to have a HEPA air purifier running 24/7. When I've used most vacuums, I end up coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. Even brand new ones cause this. Last year, I got a Shark Navigator Professional NV360, and it's been great. No coughing, sneezing, or wheezing. Consumer Reports rated it as one of the best vacuums for allergy sufferers. It's got a HEPA filter, and unlike other vacuums with HEPA filters, it seals the dust inside the vacuum instead of leaking it back into the room. You can detach the canister and use it like a hand vacuum. And it's the only upright in that Consumer Reports category that's under $200. Here's info from the Shark site. Lots of stores carry it. You may want additional upholstery attachments, however. I have a carpeted bedroom, and tile floors elsewhere. [https://www.sharkninja.com/shark-navigator-lift-away-deluxe-upright-vacuum/NV360.html](https://www.sharkninja.com/shark-navigator-lift-away-deluxe-upright-vacuum/NV360.html)

I have two recommendations for you. If you're ok with a bagged vacuum, I’d go with the Kenmore BU4050 [https://amzn.to/3ULrUBD](https://amzn.to/3ULrUBD) It has great suction on carpet, keeps dust sealed in HEPA bags, and comes with a powered pet tool that works well for hair on stairs and furniture. If you’d rather go bagless, the Shark Navigator [https://amzn.to/4mnnuwA](https://amzn.to/4mnnuwA) is my go to choice for under $200. It’s powerful, has a switch to go between hard floors and carpet, and the lift away canister makes it great for stairs and tight spots. Both work well for pet hair and carpet.

I found this comment looking for a replacement for my Shark navigator lift away lol It just died after maybe 4-5 years and it has been terrible at getting hair off our rug for about 2.5 years now. Replaced the roller brush and everything but it never improved. Loved it when we first got it! But now my partner hates it and wants to replace with something else.

https://a.co/d/iVCqVFQ I’ve got this shark one. I like it because I can disconnect the bottom when I vacuum the stairs. It’s bagless so major win since corgi hair is never ending and I can take the filter out and wash it in the sink.

you can find the nv360 on sale for $100, that would be the way to go. i am super allergenic, have a nv360, sebo k3, and roborock q revo. the nv360 with the power brush will get the job done. just clean it outside your apartment.

The new shark power detect is awesome with the auto empty base but a bit out of your price range. If you want a really cheap one as a secondary I’d recommend smoture (vacuum wars tested it and it actually looks pretty great for the price) and you could get a $199 upright shark from Costco while staying in your price range. Costco is great because sharks aren’t very repairable so being able to return 2 years later is great if you have a membership. Having an upright and a cordless is the way to go, deep clean every week or two with the upright then use the cordless for daily pick ups

I would disregard the recommendation list posted here as it does not reflect the availability and value in the Australian market.  The Miele models down under completely eliminated an electric nozzle and at best offer just a turbo nozzle for carpet.  For wall to wall carpet with pets, the turbo nozzle will be a vacuuming and  maintenance nightmare. I would suggest you prioritize a vacuum with an electric nozzle.  Sebo still sells canisters and upright vacuums electric nozzles, but as you found out they are disproportionately $$$. If you want a Sebo for the BIFL quality and maintenance ease, save up gradually or  maybe try looking second hand. Otherwise I would suggest you look at what's actually available around you that has an electric brush roll.  Even a basic Shark Navigator (not the duo clean heads with 2 brush rolls) will perform better on carpeted households than an air driven turbobrush.

I've got a Sebo e3 and a mixed flooring household with pets and long hair.  Quality bags are a bit expensive, but hassle free and last for months (more hassle with Miele and their re-seating issue).  Filters on the e3 are changed every 10 bags or so depending on usage, so for me it's about 2 years of use.  Cost for bags and filters end up about $40-50 annually when I take into account my expenses after 2 years. That's $4 a month, about the cost of a decent cup of coffee these days. European bags and filters are identical and before the tariff mess could have been importer to the US at a cheaper cost than the US retail.  Dust buildup is noticeably better.  Emptying and cleaning the vacuum is very hygienic compared to bagless vacuums.  The brushroll binds up hair, but easy to remove for cleaning and the whole nozzle just stays cleaner compared to my shark navigator. The downside is the cost and the musty bag smell after a month or so.   The bagless vacuum canister would fill after a couple of rooms and needed to be emptied repeatedly during a vacuuming session.  Usually i have to reach in to get stuck long hair clumps and there's dust all over the canister and seals despite doing this outdoors. For ideal maintenance, you should  wash and air dry the canister and filter monthly and replace them at least annually.  Generic options are available cheap at Amazon. My shark lasted 5 years, so that's a ton of plastic in a landfill, much more impact than disposable vacuum bags.

I had the purple Navigator Lift Away and I loved it, until my kid borrowed and subsequently ruined in. Now I have an orangeish brown one that works just as well, but it's not the cute purple color 🙁. It was more expensive but the store didn't have the original one and I needed a vacuum.

I have a Shark that I bought in 2018 that's still going strong. I've taken it to a local repair shop twice, each time spending less than $100. It's worth it to care for what we already have.

we have a shark navigator lift away vacuum and it’s fantastic. easy to use, easy to clean (you can wash the parts easily), and not an overly limiting profile for storage. definitely a top pick in my opinion

I use the shark navigator lift away as well, I am yet to find a better vacuum

Shark Navigator lift away. It's absolutely amazing! Light, easy to maneuver, works so well. Mine is about 10 years old. I've been able to find replacement filters online.

I’ve got a toddler and I’ve found myself vacuuming every night because I hate crunchy floors, blegh! Here’s my current situation: - I got a Miele Classic C1. I use it mainly upstairs because it’s a little unwieldy to drag it up and down stairs (with said toddler, plus two cats). I LOVE the bag and how there’s no roller for my hair to clog up. for upstairs and it’s amazing but a pain in the ass to drag up and downstairs every night. It works great on the thick carpet in our hallway/landing and the hardwood, but it’s a bit too strong for the Ruggable in my kid’s room, so I put it on its lowest setting and try to keep things chill. - Downstairs, I vacuum the kitchen (tile) and living room (hardwood and another Ruggable) with my old Shark Navigator lift-away. The roller is always encased in my hair, I hate dealing with the cord, I HATE the canister and how gross it gets, and I hate how it spit backs tiny things at me (like sand or the tiny rocks from our driveway). I’d like to get something for downstairs that has no roller (necessity), preferably cordless or a cord that retracts, isn’t too gigantic, and has good suction but not so good that it makes vacuuming the Ruggable a pain. I’m not too picky about whether or not it has a bag but I do like the bagged option from a sensory perspective… Does this unicorn vacuum exist? I’d probably go up to $1,000 with my budget if I could find something that comes close to checking those boxes.

Wait. What's an "auto detangler"? I have the lift away, too (and love it!) but with lots of pets and long-haired humans the roller bar is a daily nightmare

I've had mine for a few years and love it! I ordered a 2nd battery so I can keep going when one runs out, lol. We have tile, vinyl, carpet, and hardwood floors; lots of rugs, and pets, and long-haired humans. I really really like how versatile it is -- I only wish the roller was self-cleaning 😄

I LOVE my Shark Navigator Lift-Away. I’ve heard that Bissell’s pet vacs are great also.

I love my shark navigator lift-away. Using it 3 years straight, reasonably price, good suction and easy to clean. I do have a separate hose attachment to get under furniture

This is absolutely the best one! After 15 years I’ve tried nearly every vacuum on the market and this is the only one that is consistently worth the money. If you get one on sale on amazon it is a ridiculously good deal.

Carpet or hard floors? I have a roborock S4 pure and it is fantastic on my hard floors for cat hair. for carpet, I have a shark navigator lift away and it does a really good job at get pet hair out of carpet and off the couch.

I've had the shark navigator lift away for years and I love it. I bathe and blow dry my corgalorg at home every 6 weeks and that helps so much with the shedding. His bath time is a whole routine, but very worth it!

My pick is the Shark Navigator Lift-Away. I've had mine for 10 years so far.

I've had a Shark Navigator Liftaway for the past 10ish years. Picked up a Shark Powerdetect Stuck vacuum.

I have the Shark Performance Lift-away. Best purchase that I ever made. I wish that I would have made the investment much sooner in life. It was gross to see how little my previous vacuum(s) was doing. It took probably 5 separate vacuuming sessions before I got everything up. It was less and less each time, but it was a lot lol.

I work at a restaurant, that shark navigator at 21 is what we purchase when one breaks. It’s used 3 times daily (openers, midday before dinner, and closers) and it normally last about 2 years. Fir a home I can assume it would last for 4-5 years not sure if that’s good for a vacuum but I just know that one

I vacuum for someone who has 3 shorthair dogs, 1 long hair dog and one that sheds year round. 4 of these dogs are huge and one is a shitzu. I use their Shark Extreme or something like that. It's bagless and has a big cup. I think it cost them 2 to 300 dollars. The last one they had I used for over a year before it said, "enough", and died. So a shark bagless for that amount. It has really good suction when the cup isn't full.

This is exactly what I have and it’s lasted for years! We incidentally have two of them because my husband had the same vacuum when the dog and I moved in with him. Mine was relegated to car vacuum duty because it’s so beat up but it’s no less effective at fluff busting than the one in the house. Definitely recommend this one.

tl;dr - I've had the [Shark Navigator Lift Away ](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/shark-navigator-lift-away-vacuum-review/)for like 5 or 6 years and it's a workhorse. Just remember to replace the filters once in a while. I try to once a year or so.

I’ve had a white shark navigator “lift away” for what has to be a decade now and I’ve beat the living hell out of it. Never had anything break on it until the motor went out when I subjected it to cleaning up a nor’easter of drywall dust. Dead simple DIY fix with an eBay motor and it’s stronger than ever. Anyone that thinks this vacuum is bad sucks even more. That said we did pick up a newer one as a new primary and I much prefer the old.

I've had this vacuum for what feels like at least a decade now. It is ridiculous picking up the hair. Makes me cringe with how much it picks up, especially as someone who is allergic to cats and dogs LOL I know there's hair all over our house but what it manages to pull out is shocking "Shark Navigator Lift-Away Lightweight Bagless Corded HEPA Filter Portable Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Multi-Surface in Purple"

I have a Shark Navigator Liftaway that has handled 10 years of shedding and is still going strong! Drawback is that its kinda big compared to other brands, but for carpet I've found it works much better than some of the smaller stick models. You can adjust the suction and my dog lets me use the brush attachment to do some informal grooming while I'm vacuuming.

I 100 percent agree with you, except for changing the filters monthly. We have to vacuum almost every day because we have dogs and live in a dusty/muddy environment. The vacuum is great.

I just don't see how a vacuum could possible be $1000+ better. I'll second the Shark Navigator Liftaway, mine's been great for over a decade now.

I use the Dyson 360 Vis Nav Robot vacuum. It is a square-ish shape and has side suction so it gets right against the walls and baseboards and under kitchen cabinets to clean. It has the most powerful suction of any robot vac. All robot vacs have middling ratings at best because the technology just isn’t there yet, and people expect too much. But I think it still beats manually vacuuming, especially on hardwood floors. I don’t think Dyson is worth it for their non-robot vacuums. I use a Bissell Power Pet with a retractable cord. It’s a workhorse for far less than a Dyson. I also had a corded Shark Navigator for years that was great. However my Shark Duo cordless batteries are trash and can’t keep a charge after 6 months. Also look into a maid. A weekly clean might cost less than you think, and you don’t have to have everything perfect like you do with a robot vacuum that will break if it sucks up the wrong thing.

My first shark lasted 15 years until it just didn't suck enough (pun intended). Granted, I didn't have a ton of carpet but we do have a kid and cats. The one I have now I got from my dad when I had to move him into memory care. It's nearing 10 years old. Probably didn't get a ton of use by him. Still works fine, although I don't like this model as much as the OG lift away I had. Clean the canister and clean/replace the filters and it does fine.

Check out the Shark Navigator series. Good balance of price and performance; plus, they usually have sweet deals around Black Friday. Dyson's cool but kinda pricey unless there’s a serious discount. Also, don’t sleep on looking up solid backup options from places like Costco or Walmart- return policies are normally stellar if things go sideways. Keep an eye on online daily deal sites too!

I have 8 cats. I use a Shark Navigator. It vacuums up hair like crazy. Mine is 10+ years old, and vacuums just as well as it did the first time I used it. Also, Consumer Report rates high.

I have two Maine coon cats (the large, hairy ones). I also have asthma. I love my Shark Navigator vacuum

I prefer the shark navigator. I used to have a Dyson, then got a job as a cleaner and was supplied the vacuum, it was so good, when I quit, I went out and bought myself one

I have a Shark navigator that is the best non-canister vacuum I've ever had. It's lasted a long time for a budget vacuum.

I used to have the miele cx1 and while it is absolutely fantastic, the plastic parts are a let down. Now we have shark navigator and while bulky, it is incredible. So much suction power, big canister, lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.

I have a Shark Navigator like seemingly everyone here, and I couldn't be happier with it. It seems lightweight and not up to tough vacuuming, and I have five cats, but damn if it doesn't always do a spectacular job. It's also extremely easy to access and clean the filters, the brush, etc.

I'm telling you, that diagonal swivel motion changed my life. And yeah, the upholstery attachment is SO useful. I really just love that the whole machine is so light and easy to maneuver or clean, but it still like... really gets the pet stuff and dirt up pretty hardcore.

We got a stick vacuum Miele and I would not recommend for the price. While the suction is good, the batteries do not last longer than 10 minutes and the hardwood to carpet sensor is constantly breaking. I am not impressed for the high price tag. We also have the Shark navigator for our bigger vacuum and I love it. It’s seen four dogs over 6 years and is still going strong.

I own two different shark navigator models - one for upstairs and one for downstairs. I also own a Great Pyrenees and a short haired cat - we have to vacuum at least twice a week to keep up with the unbelievable amount of shedding; filling the canister each time. One model is 5 years old, the other is now 9 years old. They have had zero issues besides a small tear in one of the vacuum hoses which I fixed with some adhesive. Their suction is still nearly as strong as the day I pulled them out of the box. Additionally, parts are widely available and cheap with even third party support for filters. The navigator line (even the cheapest $100 model available at Walmart) is not garbage and do not deserve to be labeled as such.  Having said that: I have owned one Shark's cordless vacs and it was a hot piece of trash. 

My Shark Navigator is 12 years old and still going strong.  I always make sure to change filters every six months, cut hair out of the brush and empty it before it’s too full.

I always thought of Sharks as cheap vacuums. I have a central vacuum in my house and I bought a refurbished Kirby. The Kirby needed a repair so I went ahead and bought a Shark Navigator til I could get it fixed. I never bothered to take it to the shop. This Shark is amazing with what it pulls out of the carpet. Wish I would have bought one sooner.

my shark navigator is the best vacuum i have ever invested in for my golden that sheds a metric ton of fur every week. highly recommend :)

I’m very happy with my Shark Navigator

I’m a professional cleaner. Sharks all the way. I love my shark rocket stick vacuum. I love my shark navigator for carpet. Had a shark handheld that I used daily for years. You could easily get two of these for less than the price of a Dyson. Dysons are mid. THAT BEING SAID, I ADORE my Hoover porta-vac. Its suction is insane for hard floors. Has a bunch of useful attachments. Super long cord. Can’t get enough of that thing and it’s $125 on Amazon.

Yep! I know a lot of professional house cleaners who use that model and love it. I think Dysons are completely overrated.

Dyson Animal stick vacuum and a Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum that runs every day. I also have an older Shark Navigator upright that still works great and was reasonably priced.

My shark vacuum is still going after 15+ years. I think it’s a Shark Navigator

I have the shark navigator. Extremely reasonably priced which was important to me. A bit heavy but dependable, have had it for a few years and never an issue.

I’ve been browsing this sub for months getting an idea for the next vacuum we want. We use a Shark Navigator right now and we have LOTS of dogs in our house and 2 cats and it gets the job done well. It sucks and I can see the dog hair being sucked in from 2-3 inches away. I also recommend this vacuum as a good cheap option. I clean it regularly and it keeps working for me

I'm going to second the Shark. I've had my cat for 14 years, and I bought a shark navigator around the same time. Had to finally replace it as the hose had gotten a couple of tears in it. The motor still runs pretty good, it's a garage vacuum now with some duct tape in spots. Perfect for cars and dryer lint.

Another vote for the Shark Navigator! I have 2 pets and 2 kids, our vacuum works very hard. It's got a lift away mode and a long hose which is great for stairs and things, but also more unconventional stuff like vacuuming crumbs out of kitchen cabinets or cobwebs off the ceiling, and vacuuming out your car! We've had it for a few years and if it kicked the bucket we would definitely be buying a new one. Edited to add, a more affordable option might be one of those crazy rubber broom things. I've seen them get recommended for catching pet hair on hard surfaces and carpet!

I’ve had a Dyson v8 for 5 years and it still works great which seems impressive for a stick vacuum. I also have a near decade old shark navigator that still works like the day I bought it. Now if I could just find a robot vacuum that lasts better than the POS roomba I have.

I have 2 sharks and as long as everything is cleaned a couple times per year they’ve been great! My everyday shark is a cordless ion flex, it needs to be cleaned a bit more often because we have cats. It’s been going strong for at least 8 years and I don’t baby it. I use the navigator once every week or 2 and have had no issues in the 3 years I’ve had it.

Shark is great! I’ve got a normal Shark Navigator and it works well for dog fur, the dual rotors help brush it up on hard surfaces and carpet, highly recommend it. Also features the lift away which comes in convenient to get under some surfaces.

This sub will mostly try to lean you away from what it considers a disposable vacuum and into a buy it for life vacuum. The difference generally being complexity in design, gimmicky features, no parts availability and no way to repair once broken. But based on your situation I think a “disposable” vacuum would be just fine. You can use it/beat it up for a few years, move it with you, and not spend a ton. Then down the line maybe consider a buy it for life brand. In that case I would recommend looking at Costco (either in store or online) and getting either the Hoover Onepwr or LG CordZero if you want a cordless vacuum, or a Shark Navigator or Shark Duoclean if you’re ok with a cord. Id personally stay away from Dyson as they tend to be the same disposable quality but with a buy it for life price tag. The exception is the Dyson Ball Animal 3 on sale at Costco right now for $280, but it’s very large which you stated not wanting.

I think the closest BIFL in the cordless market would probably be the LG CordZero. Aside from that you’re probably looking at a 5 years or less lifespan and maybe a battery replacement or two within that timeframe. If you really want a BIFL vacuum, you’d want to look into a bagged unit, and most of this sub will recommend either Miele or Sebo in that market. I personally own a Sebo E3 but also a Shark Apex. I expect the Sebo to last forever and have parts easily available when needed, but I’ve also owned the Shark for around 5 years now with no issues that I keep as a backup/beater vacuum for things I don’t want to use the Sebo for. But for $189 you honestly can’t beat a Shark Navigator from Costco. You can beat the hell out of it and not worry about tearing it up. And the Costco return policy/warranty will help bridge the gap of Sharks truly awful customer service.

I have a Shark Navigator as well (6 years old). We have 6 pets and my hair. It's fantastic.

Shark is great. I have an 8 year old Navigator that still does a great job, and a newer one gifted to me by a friend. Love them!

Shark navigator for sure! They weigh 13 pounds have great suction and a big canister and they’re cheap! I’ve had about 5 of them over the years because I usually end up dropping them and breaking something but they’re inexpensive enough to replace.

The Navigator works fine. The one you have pictured- I have two. I actually look for these on curbs and fix them up and resell them all the time. They are really easy to service and fix. Surprised to read all of the hate on this subreddit but that's been my experience. Never had one fail and I've sold dozens pretty easily. Lately I think I more prefer the one with the brush roll that doesn't collect as much hair but the regular Navigator is good.

I do this all the time on bulk trash days. I haven't seen any recently but people would pile old Shark Navigators up for trash on the curbs. Took them apart, emptied, unblocked hoses and they all work great. I sold them for over $50 apiece... I still do this but Goodwill charges at least $20 for them and I still have to service them. I've literally sold dozens.

We have the shark vacuum others have mentioned, a Roomba, and a cordless Dyson 😅 I still feel like I'm struggling to keep up with dog hair. We just got a new Dyson, but the shark vacuum is 6 years old and still working fine. I do have to replace or clean the filters pretty often though. Edited to add the shark one we have is the navigator.

We have 2 cats (used to have 3) and have used shark for years. We've had many sharks over the years. Specifically the lift away, power lift away, navigator I think it's called and then a rocket. Rocket died in like 3 years but the lift away lasted almost a decade. the power lift away can't remember but I think it lasted a few years. Navigator I can't remember lmfao. Currently we have a dirt devil "endura reach" I think it's called and a Kirby avalir. Both are pretty good. Endura reach has a pretty short cord tho. But most sharks or some have anti hair wrap technology on their brush rolls. That's already worth every penny if you've got cats. So I'd look at a shark if you've got pets. Hope this helps.

We have 2 cats (used to have 3) and have used shark for years. We've had many sharks over the years. Specifically the lift away, power lift away, navigator I think it's called and then a rocket. Rocket died in like 3 years but the lift away lasted almost a decade. the power lift away can't remember but I think it lasted a few years. Navigator I can't remember lmfao. Currently we have a dirt devil "endura reach" I think it's called and a Kirby avalir. Both are pretty good. Endura reach has a pretty short cord tho. But most sharks or some have anti hair wrap technology on their brush rolls. That's already worth every penny if you've got cats. So I'd look at a shark if you've got pets. Hope this helps.

I have the same one and bought it at least 8 years ago. Still trucking.

I love my Shark Navigator, we've had it for years. We have a XL sized husky mix who goes through quite a spring and summer shed of his winter undercoat and it handles the job well. Goes from bare floor to carpet with a click of a button. I bought it on sale from Amazon for close to 150 I believe.

I got a barely-used Shark Navigator from cleaning out a relative's condo (after they died) and it lasted me 9 years of regular use due to a high-shedding dog before the wheels broke. I saw replacements on ebay and videos on how to replace, but none for my exact machine, and I had to weigh ER copay from impaling my hand as I tried to pry things apart vs buying new. I got a new one with the lift-away feature and self-cleaning brushroll for $99 in a black Friday sale, and it's been heavily used so far a few years. I'd be going through bags like nobody's business with the amount of hair I vacuum up if my main vacuum was bagged.

I LOVE my Shark Navigator. I had my parents old one that was probably purchased in 2009 and only got a new one last year as a wedding gift. The old one was still kicking and I sold it for like $50 on Facebook marketplace. For the price point you can’t beat it

We tried a 2 different Sharks, one a navigator and some other one I don't recall, a Hoover wind tunnel. The Hoover had a height adjustment which make it work better than the others, but still not good. One of the Sharks had a suction control but that didn't seem to help much.

I’ve had Dysons and Sharks and the Shark always wins in performance and longevity, hands down. My Shark Navigator was thrifted and has duct tape on the hose and works like a dream. I’ve seen the same model at Ollie’s but it’s worth whatever price it’s listed at.

Love my shark navigator. It's not BIFL - mine died after 7 years - but I vacuum free roaming bunnies. It got clogged probably 60 times (imagine not picking up hay, bunny poops, and litter, before you vacuum 🙃), which was user error, but it still managed to live a long life. Got another one no questions asked. I'm sure it would have lived another year or couple of years had I actually treated it a lil better. $20-$30 a year for a heavily used appliance seems okay to me.

According to the vacuum store guy on tiktok, Shark Navigators are the only vacuum available at big box stores worth buying. I can attest to them as I've owned two, and the first one I got second-hand. The only reason I had to get a new Shark was because my springer chewed on the cord one day when he was 2 years old. I have 2 long-haired cats, a springer spaniel, and a golden retriever. I also recommend a carpet shampooer if you have carpet in your home. They're also great for shampooing couches. We cover ours with blankets to prevent them from getting dirty, but they still benefit from shampooing.

We just replaced our shark navigator after 15 years. It still worked but the flexible hoses had reached end of life and were beginning to crack. Being that a whole new vac was $150 it was time for a new one. For what it’s worth I see a lot of hotel staff using the same unit we have. Probably not as BIFL as some but I had zero hesitation replacing the shark with another of the same model

Nope. I am on my third Shark (all different models) within 5 years. It’s horrible, I have the Apex, which was replaced 3 times by Shark due to the motor burning out. I then bought the 3m model Navigator, which lasted a year before it stopped working completely, and finally tried out the old faithful, base Navigator, didn’t even make it 6 months. My first Shark Navigator lasted 9 years and I actually gave it to a friend when I “upgraded” to the Apex and I regret it. Currently searching for a reliable brand or I’ll just go to a Bissell and replace when needed for way less money.

I had the shark navigator. Bought it refurbished from a seller on Ebay that sells specifically refurbished vacuums. Worked super well until my dumbass was holding it in a stupid way and dropped it from several feet up. Even so, it's repairable, just one of those project we haven't quite got to. Very much reccommend.

Ebay dawg, I've had my shark for 11 years, hose is all I've had to replace so far.

Love mine to, it's perfect for stairs and I love detaching it from the base and walking around doing corners.

I'm horrified that people from this sub might see my home, I consider it very clean, but from the standards they have on here I think I'd be burned at the stake. I spent 125 for my shark navigator over 11 years ago, all I've replaced so far has been the hose, which I got off ebay for $20. I vaccum multiple times per weem. Yes I maintain it, all part of cleaning imo.

I have a Shark Navigator. We own a Golden Retriever, and a teen daughter with hair to her waist. It's above your price range, but we LOVE it - got it on sale at Amazon for $160. Our carpet had been vacuumed weekly. The first time I used the Shark on the carpet, I was horrified by what was sucked out. It's 4 years old, and still going strong. Despite the piles of hair it deals with. I know people can feel strongly on bagged versus non-bag vacuums, but it doesn't really matter that much to me.

I bought a Shark Navigator nearly 3 years ago from Home Depot (got a discount as it was the display model) and paid - I think - $120-$150. It’s been wonderful. It’s not the best vacuum on the planet, but it hasn’t broken or needed anything, and it’s simple enough to empty the canister in the outdoor trash and wash the filter periodically. If I had it my way, I’d love a central vacuum like my parents had (Electrolux) but I have a townhome and I’m not willing to spend the money.

I would have said Dyson years ago, but in the latest generations they have removed all of the washable filters. That means once the dog smell gets trapped deep inside the very expensive "pet model" vacuum, it stinks your house up like rotten corn chips each time you use it. I have a Shark Navigator now and I feel it does just as good of a job at a price point under 200 bucks. Sure, you may have to empty it more often but it does a great job and every part of it can be washed, so all pet smells can be controlled. The washable post filter is chief among the washable parts!

I have a plug in Shark Navigator, but it's heavy!

Shark navigator is my goto for the last ten years

A stick vacuum will never pickup as well as a plug in vacuum. I have a shark navigator which is an upright plug in and I love it.

Hey everyone, Just wanted to share some thoughts on my recent vacuum upgrade in case it helps anyone else out. After deciding between the Sebo E3 and Miele C3, I recently made the switch from a Shark upright (bagless) to the Sebo Airbelt E3 Premium canister, and I’m honestly blown away. This is my first bagged and canister-style vacuum, as I’ve used uprights my whole life. I didn’t really care much about vacuums until I had a baby—so I decided to do some research. ⸻ My situation: • 3 dogs (1 of them double-coated 🙃) • An 8-month-old baby • Mostly hardwood floors, with some rugs and low-pile carpet • Coming from a Shark Navigator upright – which I cleaned and maintained regularly, but it always smelled gross and struggled with hair ⸻ Why I switched: The constant dog smell from my Shark was driving me nuts, even with frequent washing of the dustbin and filters. I was also tired of the nonstop filter maintenance and the hair clogs. After a ton of research (and lurking here), I pulled the trigger on the Sebo E3 Premium. ⸻ My thoughts on the E3 Premium: ⭐ Hair pickup is insane The ET-1 powerhead is a beast. It pulls up hair I didn’t even know was there—especially on rugs. My carpets legit look fluffed up after vacuuming. And no more wrapping hair around the brushroll every session. ⭐ Odor is non-existent The sealed bag + multi-layer filtration system is a dream. I don’t smell anything when vacuuming anymore. The air actually smells cleaner afterward. This alone makes it worth the price, IMO. ⭐ Super convenient handle controls One thing I love is the slide suction control and power switch for the brushroll right on the handle. No more bending down or fiddling with buttons on the canister. I can easily lower suction for curtains or hard floors and turn off the brushroll for delicate rugs—all without stopping. ⭐ Much quieter than I expected It’s super quiet. I can run it while the baby naps and not worry. My dogs still run and hide (or bark at the vacuum lol), but it’s noticeably quieter than my Shark. ⭐ Build quality feels bulletproof Everything feels premium, even though the shell is plastic. German-made, smooth hose, easy-click accessories, and the canister glides like butter. I didn’t expect to care about things like bumper padding or telescopic wands—but now I do. ⭐ The bagged system just works I was skeptical about bags at first, but honestly, it’s been a relief. No dust clouds. No emptying a nasty bin. The bags hold a lot, and the hygiene cap makes disposal clean and easy. ⭐ Better warranty and more competitive pricing than the Miele C3 I bought mine through a local vacuum store that carries both Sebo and Miele. I got the 10-year non-wear and motor part warranty, plus 7 years on labor—which edged out Miele’s standard offering. ⸻ Minor Cons: 👎 The hose is a bit bulky, especially coming from an upright 👎 No headlights on the powerhead (not a dealbreaker, but I sometimes miss it). I ordered a green LED to attach to the head—will report back on that. 👎 Pricey — I paid $999 before tax, which was cheaper than most online prices ($1,050–$1,100). After tax, I paid $1,075 total. Still not cheap, but absolutely worth it for how much better it performs and how solid it feels. ⸻ TL;DR: If you’re in a multi-pet household and tired of the smell and hair clogs from a bagless upright, the Sebo E3 Premium is 100% worth checking out. It’s quiet, powerful, clean, and feels like it’ll last a lifetime. The handle controls for suction + brushroll on/off are an underrated upgrade. Happy to answer any questions if you’re on the fence. Thanks to this sub for helping guide my decision—y’all rock.

They are usually hated in these types of spaces online I’ve noticed, but mine (the navigator, same as this post) has been very reliable and I was actually able to afford it as a college student. I couldn’t afford most of the beloved ones. Still runs well though heavy use, though I do make sure to keep the floor brush stripped of my long hair and clean the filter etc. occasionally.

Personal opinion, I ask my clients to provide a solid, efficient working vacuum. All of my clients have one except for one and I bring my company vacuum. They are charged a nominal maintenance fee because it’s time consuming to clean a vacuum and care for it. It’s not good to have a community vacuum and definitely dicey if they aren’t the cleanest people. I’ve got one client who has a severe allergy to pet dander and others who have multiple dogs. Nobody has a shared anything and my clients appreciate that. Personal opinion aside, because I use many vacuums I’ve been fortunate enough to figure out which ones are great and which ones are terrible. A lot of it is just personal preference however, Shark is still the leader for me. They have some pretty great vacuums, equally great attachments and are really easy to maintain and care for. I don’t care for the cordless models but the Shark Rocket corded model is one that I use for clients if they need a vacuum. My own personal vacuum is a Shark Navigator. I just keep going back to it because it’s so good. Dyson is decent but heavy. The Dyson Animal works well but it’s super bulky and difficult to carry up stairs. They make a cordless model that has a great battery life on one - that version is 4 or 5 years old and is FAR better than their newest model that has the green light bar on the head of the vac. Max 45 minutes run time so you’ve got to be real careful about when and how long you use it without having to charge it again. A lot of the cordless models also have the charging stations so you’ll have to buy multiple batteries if you travel with it. If you’re going to invest in a vacuum though, Miele is a terrific brand. Not talked about enough but it’s by far the Porsche of vacuums. It is the lightest vacuum I have ever used. The suction is adjustable, it’s ridiculously quiet and they last forever! It’s a canister vac and can be difficult to get used to BUT…I’ve never used a better vacuum. There are a few cleaners in here who use the Sebo backpack vacuums and I know they ride real hard for them! I’m sure one of them will show up soon 😂 Other frontrunners are Bissell. The Clearview is lightweight, easy to use and has great attachments. Comes in a bagged version as well. Hoover has come back into the game recently and they have a pretty stellar vacuum that is comparable to the Shark Navigator. I avoid water vacuums at all costs. Just not practical. I’m sure this is far too much to now think about but now you know 😎

I've had good luck with shark navigators. I've passed them along to relatives and they've loved them

I think this is a fair assessment of the Dart.https://www.reddit.com/r/VacuumCleaners/s/CptdbfcM4y Cost of ownership is a bit higher than suggested by those that suggest it. I would add on another $60 to $80 a year for the filters. If it lasts the mythical 20 years, I haven't seen one posted here. I would calculate the cost at -- $600 for purchas of vacuum, $1800 (60*20), 4 service visits ($400). This is a cost of at least $2800. If you want to maintain an optimum suction. You need to change the bag more often in my experience with the Sebo e3. I had a Shark Rocket that lasted at least 12 years. I've had lift away from Shark that are 5+ years and going strong. I've gifted to others. In your situation, I wouldnt hesitate to by a mid range shark or a Henry or any brand.

My Dyson sucked at sucking. Moved to a shark navigator and am much happier.

I would heavily recommend expanding your budget a bit and using the gift cards as part of the purchase. There are some Shark Navigators which although difficult to repair, aren't bad cleaners. If you're looking to go cheaper than that you're stuck with Bissell/Hoover which are generally considered bad in todays market.

They're "repairable" but not in the sense of replacing individual parts. If you need a new cannister, they sell that. New hose, they've got it. Want an entire head assembly? No problem. Want a belt replacement because your head is broken and the brushroller won't spin? Kick rocks, they only sell the entire head. Also they don't tend to provide long lasting support, so you probably won't find these parts for more than 3-4 years post sale. For your general apartment dweller or renter that has used Dirt Devils, Bissels and Hoovers from the bargain bin, a Shark Navigator is a fantastic cheap cleaner that would be a good holdover until they can afford something nicer. Sure there are trade offs to that cheaper upfront cost, but for the most part they're not as shitty as most people make them out to be. I still wouldn't buy a $700 Shark though, let me be clear.

Dyson handheld is great for small tasks especially after the battery died and I put on an adapter for my Dewalt power tool batteries, lasts a lot longer now! We have an corded Shark convertible upright for around the house but it’s awful in so many ways. Tries to do lots of things and does none of them very well. When it dies we’ll get a sebo or a miele. We have a hetty for any DIY stuff but we’d never use it around the house as it’s filthy!

I love our Shark LiftAway. We got it from Costco three years ago and it still runs like it’s brand new. I do fully clean the canister and filter once every 4-6 weeks depending on weather.

Can you get some plastic carpet protectors? Those are a godsend in my piggy room.  I'll also sweep the carpet that is exposed real quick before vacuuming just to get the long cloggy hay fibers mostly out of there, which cuts down on clogs drastically. I use a shark liftaway vacuum, I actually really like it 😅

I’ve had a Shark liftaway for 15 years and it still works great. It’s possible their quality has deteriorated over time, but I have no complaints.

Yeah my shark liftaway has served me pretty well, I have 2 rabbits so I'm vacuuming up hay and rather large amounts of hair quite often. For the last 4 years I also lived in a college house with a person that had a rather active dog. I really only clean out the filters and other than that abuse the shit out of this thing and it still cleans my carpet very well. Would a sebo be better? Probably. But honestly for like 99% of people they're probably fine with a consumer unit. I worked as an industrial cleaner for a while, and while I liked our johnnyvac ghiblis with the sebo power heads, I found that just like almost every other product there were drawbacks. Mobility and volume being my biggest issue with them, though I'm sure a bagged or bagless standing vac would have resolved one of those problems. This is all really to say: sebo and miele aren't always the answer.

Yeah... I have a shark liftaway that I've had for 3 ish years now. It picks up all the hay dust and rabbit hair my 2 fools can lay down generally without complaint. I do clean the filters fairly often because the hay dust always ends up clogging it fairly quickly, but it's a small price to pay for not having hay stuck to my socks.

I’ve used my sister’s Dyson and own Sharks. I prefer my Sharks. We have a cordless stick, a corded stick (used the most), and a Liftaway. They all work really well, I just got sick of hauling the Liftaway up and down stairs so we got the correcting.

Which Shark do you have? I just bought the Lift Away (corded) at Costco and it seems solid in the few times we've used it.

Which Shark did you get? I just got the Lift Away and it seems fine, especially for the price ($150 at Costco).

No. I got one from Costco (Liftaway). I used it fairly gently for maybe a year or so then it bricked itself. I checked the contacts, power to the head, etc. (I'm an engineer). It's just dead. Seems like poorly built garbage. I'll never buy another.

I have a Shark with the Lift-Away function

Some version of the Shark Lift-Away is typically offered on BF by Walmart for about $99, probably closer to $120 or more now with inflation.  If they are showing out of stock at your local Walmarts, what you want to do is change your zipcode to more rural areas close by you in the app or online. Apparently they have a set number of the BF-priced model at each store. My last shark I had to drive 20 minutes out of the city for, but it was totally worth it to save $70. Also check Target and Costco or Sam's if you have memberships there. I know for a fact I've seen Costco advertising them, too. Oh yeah, to answer your question - from my experience, with vacuums they don't tend to mark them down any further, the danger here is them selling out.

I am having the same issue. I bought a shark lift away which I loved for 2 months then the latch broke so front brush roll won't stay in. Since then I've bought 3 other vacuums and none of them pich up dust or dog hair. I need an affordable vacuum that will work on hard floors that will suck up pet hair and dust. In the past I had a Tineco vacuum mop and I agree with the comment on the smell and mine didn't pick up anything very well. I have long haired dogs and I need something that works. Plus I'm on a fixed income so I can't pay $700 for a vacuum. I'm at a loss

Shark Lift Away, Navigator or professional series - all the way. If you’re looking for a lightweight, versatile and powerhouse suction. I have pets, it does the job. I’ve used Dyson, Hoover, Bissell and never looked back, got rid of the clunkers

Agreed. We’ve had our shark lift away for just over 3 years and I’ve been very happy with it. No noticeable change in performance, great suction, and easy maintenance.

Any of the Shark lift away vacuums 💯

My shark lift away is still kickin after 4 years but it’s happened 3 times where it just stops working and I had to open up the screws and remove some random clog, my buddies Dyson never had that issue although his battery is trash compared to mine

Yea.... I remember being excited by the Shark lift away... bought several over the years..... didn't understand what a dust-free, hair-free home was until we got a Sebo with bag. Now we vacuum 1/3 a much with far better results. Bagless vacs just aren't good.

What kind of vacuum did you buy? I'm thinking of going with a "bag' vacuum. I have a shark lift away now. It works great but just old. I also can't stand emptying the cup anymore as I break out every time and get eye infections (sometimes).

Shark lift off None of the robots will effectively take care of a lot of pet hair. Same with the cordless stuff. I tried a few different models… Loving the shark lift away though.

I've also gotten similar vibes looking here after my Shark Lift-Away broke after 7 years. It was great for my mix of 50% hard surface 50% stairs. Many of the suggestions here seem like overkill / some brand shaming. It's also odd to me that most of the brands suggested still use bags, which I can't imagine going back to from a cost and waste standpoint. For some though, I get it may be the best way to trap irritants for people with bad allergies etc. I don't know, I still want an upright like the Shark lift-away to get decent cleaning, go from carpet to hard, bagless with a drive belt I can repair after 5-7 years. But I think this sub has corrupted me. Suddenly, I'm thinking about Miel Boost CX1. I need to go for a long walk with your rational post in mind, reset on this purchase consideration lol.

I've settled on two, the Tineco Pure One Station 5 or Shark lift away successor corded. Still haven't pulled the trigger lol. Also found the YouTube reviews to be pretty helpful with their tests. Good luck to us both. 

This is so funny, I’ve had the shark lift away for 6 years and liked it. I didn’t realize that was apparently the consensus for it! Ive thought about upgrading since I used it to vacuum some hot cinders from a grill (not an intelligent choice) and now it always smells like fire… maybe I just replace it after seeing this chart

My Shark Lift-Away has bit the dust (pun intended), and I desperately need a new vacuum. In our home, we have a mix of carpet and hard flooring, fabric furniture, two cats, one allergy-prone small dog, and two heavily allergy-prone hairy humans (allergic to pollen, dust mites, mold, etc.). No rugs yet, but I want them someday and I love plush ones! I'm willing to spend no more than $650 using my solutions fund. What would you recommend? What do you like? Thanks, all, for your help and expertise!

Certain models will break down to the pole foot and hose, which is great for under furniture, others don't. It's the lift away part of shark that works for stairs.

I have 2 lift aways and a stick vac (not cordless). I have 4 cats and 2 dogs. Filled the canister 3 times vacuuming just the first floor. I had a Dyson and didn’t realize how bad they actually are until I bought my first Shark.

Dyson cordless (I forget which model exactly, but it was a mid tier one) just couldn't handle the capacity and the roller constantly needed hair cut off of it. Then we had a Shark lift away of some kind from costco, and the gear that spun the brush roll wore out so the brush didn't spin at all. 

I’ve had the Shark Lift Away (line #5) for probably 8-10 years now and it’s been great. Handles long hair and pet hair reasonably well and is very mobile. My only complaint is that you can’t attach the beater head to the wand portion, which limits how far you can reach under furniture. But other than that, it’s a great vacuum, especially for the price!

Mine has been fine for 3.5 years with a dog and fiancé. I clean the filters regularly and wipe the insides down once in a while.

Whatever you do, DO NOT buy the Shark Lift Away models. They are absolutely terrible in longevity, being built with cheap plastic parts at the bottom hinges, which will break in a few years. It is very poorly designed in that section. Suction is great. Longevity is awful.

There is so much weight on the bottom hinge that it eventually gives way. Suction performance is great. Don't expect longevity. I bought mine in 2017. It was broken by 2023. My hoover (bagged) lasted from 99 till 2017 when I gave it away but its suction performance was nowhere near that of the Shark. I just wish Shark made more durable products.

> I had a Dyson and didn’t realize how bad they actually are until I bought my first Shark We did the same. We got new carpets upstairs and the Dyson tank filled after five rooms with new fluff. Changed over the the Shark and the tank was filled 2-3 times over in ever single room. The Shark made the Dyson feel like a wheezy asthmatic. The lift away is also very useful.

Our lift away is 10 years old and still going strong! I'm looking for an upgrade now because we can afford something that cleans a bit better but it's done very well for a vacuum under $200.

Shark Lift Away. It's awesome 👍

Have had my shark lift away for 7 years now and LOVE it. Having the light on the bottom really helps on hard wood & laminate floors. I've gone back to using it over a cordless Dyson I was gifted.

I had my first shark lift away for around 9 yrs. It survived a triple coated dog through many blowout seasons. When I accidentally broke the canister shark sent me a new one free of charge even though it was out of warranty. I will.always buy shark brand vacuums

I like my Shark Lift away. It was both a Wirecutter and consumer reports top pick. My house cleaner likes it better than others she uses at other houses. I got mine at Target but Amazon has them now as well.

I have an old Shark Lift Away that we bought eight years ago when we got our first Sam. It definitely does the job and it’s great although the rollers are a little hard to clean (the dogs’ hairs don’t get stuck in the rollers, mine do 💀). There are definitely better vacuums on the market for people with larger houses but I live in a fairly small house with laminate floors, and an apartment with laminate floors prior to that, so I don’t really need much. For traction I basically have covered the dogs’ travel paths and play areas with area or runner rugs and the vacuum does a good job on those.

The shark lift away is truly BIFL. Every part that could get clogged is removable and makes fixing incredibly easy.

I love my Shark lift away! Have had it for 6 years and it’s fantastic. Agreed no cordless will give the power, esp on carpet, needed for pet hair.

I've had an old hoover and a new hoover....still like my shark lift away way better 🤷‍♀️

I've 2 Sharks. Lift away and the handheld one for stairs or the car. Love them both in equal measure.

A Shark lift away model. Will do carpet and hard floors, and get under things like the bed.

Henry can be quite awkward on stairs as it’s too big to balance, shark lift away fares out better on stairs but not most powerful of suction, using a Miele blizzard at the moment suction is great but a lot of plastic parts that break ..just check eBay selling the parts. I’ve a wee robovac for kids to use upstairs good for quick tidy up but doesn’t replace a corded vacuum. I’m still searching for the one 🤞ever hopeful

Shark owner here too. Is is either 6 or 7 years old so I dont think they make the exact model anymore but it still runs strong. Its corded, up right, has a lift away option, a washable filter, and it has 3 floor settings. It was originally $350 ish dollars and I think we paid $270 or so on sale. It does wonders on carpet and hard floors. We also got a roomba to help for in between cleans. 

The older models are much easier to repair. They started making them much for difficult as the years went on. I have an OG lift-away that has only needed one repair and it was very simple to do myself.

I’ve had a corded shark lift away for 10+ years and it’s still going strong. Seems like a much better value. Only thing I’ve had to fix/replace was the hose.

I bought a Shark Upright Liftaway in 2023 for my upstairs (I have a large house) and I liked it so much that when my main-level vac died I got a Shark "Powerdetect", description includes "with Powerful Suction for Pet Hair Pickup". These vacuum cleaners have the strongest suction I've ever seen and the ability to lift off the canister and just use that is really useful.

I had mine 4 years, but I had to call them after the 4 year mark. The hose split. I really had to turn on the sickeningly sweetness when I called them to send me another hose. That was the most difficult call because they did not want to do it, but finally did. I took very good care of it as I do everything. I had this setup as I keep a bagged vacuum in the laundry room just for lint. When it was time for the shark to be cleaned, I'd go to laundry room and use that vacuum to clean the bins and suck dust off the filters. It worked much better than just dumping the bin into trash and dust flying everywhere. I gave it away to someone but it was still working at 4 years (with a replacement hose they sent me) I now have a HEPA bagged upright and wouldn't go back to a bagless for NO amount of money

I’ve always kind of wondered about that too. Consumer Reports consistently puts Kenmores way up the list while Miele and Sebo get a lot more love here. Part of it is probably how CR weights things: price-to-performance, availability in big box stores, and maybe even the way they test suction vs. long-term reliability. Kenmore also has broader distribution in the U.S., which probably gives CR more samples to work with. I can’t speak to kickbacks or partnerships, but it wouldn’t shock me if brand relationships played a role in how much attention certain models get. All I know from experience is that I went from a bagless Shark to a Miele canister, and the difference in how clean my carpets look and feel is night and day. If you prefer to look at it more objectively, there’s a really helpful [vacuum comparison spreadsheet](https://www.reddit.com/user/lacking_foyer48/comments/1lj76h3/vacuum_cleaners_compared_comprehensive_datasheet/) another Redditor put together where you can line up all the specs across brands. For me, once I saw the numbers side by side, it was pretty clear why Miele gets the reputation it does.