This versatile vacuum comes with 6 different cleaning attachment accessories to tackle any cleaning job from floor level to overhead. The hand vacuum can be used to handle smaller messes or used in combination with the extension tube and floor accessory to clean up floor areas. A HEPA Filter allows for clean efficient cleanup of fine dust and drywall and follows OSHA Table 1 Compliance under housekeeping rules. It comes fully equipped with an extension tube, floor nozzle, flexible hose, crevice nozzle, gulper brush, round brush, belt hook, accessory holder, and HEPA filter. Up to 21.4 minutes of runtime per charge using DCB205 battery (sold separately).
Ogden also tested the Shark AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (our best upright pick), of which she’s a big fan. Our best stick pick, the Shark WANDVAC with Self-Empty Base, has a self-cleaning brush roll that’s also detachable, so the vacuum can easily convert into a compact handheld tool. The battery life lasts up to 15 minutes, which might not sound like a lot but gets us through all short bursts of cleaning, which is what handheld vacuums are best for.
The vacuum’s bulky design can make it a little unwieldy to maneuver handheld. It’s important to note that it doesn’t have a height-adjustable head or a brushroll off switch, so it’s liable to get bogged down on really thick-pile or shag carpeting. That said, on more conventional high-pile carpets, it can handle pet hair and small and large debris without too much fuss, though a very small amount of debris can get stuck to the bottom of its floorhead. The Clean Sense IQ system is effective in boosting power when required, though it’s worth noting that it’ll run out of juice fast in more potent suction modes.
Some rollers on Shark vacuums come fixed in place, so they’re not able to come out for cleaning. It’s best to check the user manual for your model in order to properly remove and clean the brush roll. To remove shark stick vacuum the dust cup from the handheld vacuum, press the release button near the handheld vacuum nozzle. Rinse filters with water only and allow to air-dry completely for up to 48 hours before reinstalling.
We then tried each vacuum on different types of rugs and on bare floors strewn with Cheerios, fur, baking soda, birdseed, and glitter. We also checked each model’s anti-tangling technology by vacuuming up colorful hair extensions. We then ran the top performers in a multi-person, multi-pet, multi-rug home for several weeks to see how they handled a variety of shark stick vacuum surfaces and messes (cat and bunny litter included). The V12 Detect Slim rivals more expensive vacuums (such as the Dyson V15) in suction, airflow, and cleaning power, and it comes with multiple brushes and attachments, including a motorized brush for pet hair. It runs for 45 minutes on a single charge, longer than most of the other vacuums we’ve tested.
We did find it performed a little better on carpets than hard floors, but generally loved how easy it was to keep our house spick and span with this lightweight vacuum. If having a clean home fills you with joy, the Shark stratos will make you euphoric. It’s constantly working out what power levels you need to pick up the most mess. All shark pet vacuum you have to do is steer while it uses clean sense IQ technology to automatically sense the mess you can’t see and adjust cleaning power for up to 50 per cent more dirt pick-up. Some have LED lights, so you can see under furniture, while others have anti-hair-wrap brushes to prevent tangled pet hair from getting in the way of cleaning.