We came close to recommending the Shark Navigator Swivel Pro NV150 because the dustbin is easy to empty and the handle is comfortable to hold. In our fine-debris pick-up test, however, it picked up less sand and baking soda than any of the other upright models we tested. Buying a plug-in vacuum is like saving for retirement or sorting your laundry—a boring but sensible endeavor that should pay off in the long run. Cordless sticks and robot vacuums are convenient, but the best plug-in uprights and canisters clean better and last longer.
It comes with the upholstery tool and crevice tool and also has the Lift-Away detachable pod for reaching above the floor areas. Though this bagless has a smaller dust cup than the NV356 it’s still a decent size and reviews say that it has the same great suction of shark canister vacuum the pricier version. It has two options for upright cleaning, switch to bare floor for hardwoods or “brushroll ON” for carpet cleaning. However, the cleaner head works extremely well on hard floors, and its self-cleaning brushroll won’t get tangled with pet hair.
Though it’s better if you approach the baseboards with the side of the floorhead, as opposed to the front. Plus, with the tools conveniently on board, switching to the crevice tool is quick and easy and meant we could collect up anything left behind. The Vertex is not one of those vacuums that comes with a mountain of accessories that’ll end up gathering dust at the back of a cupboard. It’s supplied with just a pet crevice tool to reach into narrow spots or for overhead cleaning. Plus, you’ll get an upholstery tool that can be used on sofas, headboards, and even curtains.
Most of Shark’s accessories have a handy storage spot, but the various model numbers (we tested the AZ1000W) may include accessory brushes that don’t have a home. The Shark Navigator series is already relatively light, at about 12 pounds, but there are plenty of great vacuums that are even lighter. The last big downside to buying a Miele is that you may not have an authorized service shark robotic vacuums center near you. Most large and midsize cities have at least one, but it’s worthwhile to check the service map before you buy a Miele so that you don’t end up having to drive 90 minutes to a vacuum shop if you need service under warranty. To be on the safe side and since they are not expensive, my practice is to replace the foam/felt filters annually and the HEPA filter as needed.
Plus, the Vertex series from Shark includes dual rollers in the floor head and one is equipped with grippy rubber fins to maintain contact with the floor. While making use of the 60-minute battery life, which is significant compared to many other cordless models, you can feel this technology working. We noted the vac essentially pulls itself, and we gave it a perfect rating for maneuverability.