Comparison of Shark Stick Vacuums and Dyson Vacuums: A Look at Their Efficiency
Shark, a popular brand known for its range of cordless stick vacuums, offers a variety of products at different price points, with options starting from $400 and reaching up to $1000 for the high-end Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System ($999).
Performance and Features
One of Shark's standout features is its DuoClean technology, which seamlessly transitions between carpets and hard floors. This makes it an ideal choice for users who need to clean various surfaces without swapping heads. Shark vacuums are also renowned for their effectiveness in handling pet hair, thanks to their self-cleaning brush rolls.
Some Shark models, like the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System, feature an auto-emptying and charging dock, a feature not currently available in Dyson stick vacuums.
Price and Value
Shark vacuums generally offer more budget-friendly options compared to Dyson models, with prices starting around $300, while Dyson models can range up to $1,500. Shark often provides versatile attachments and features that enhance functionality, making them a strong value proposition for those on a budget.
Design and Ergonomics
Dyson vacuums are typically lightweight and ergonomically designed for easy maneuverability, while Shark models can be bulkier but offer more attachments. Shark vacuums like the Shark PowerDetect Cordless come with flexible wands, which can be beneficial for reaching under furniture without straining.
Conclusion
Shark is definitely worth considering as an alternative to Dyson for a new stick vacuum. Shark offers competitive features like DuoClean technology, effective pet hair management, and innovative accessories such as auto-emptying docks. Additionally, Shark vacuums are often priced more affordably than Dyson models, making them a compelling choice for those seeking a budget-friendly yet feature-rich option. However, if you prioritize lightweight design and advanced suction power, Dyson might still be the better choice.
It's essential to consider where and how the vacuum will be used before making a purchase. Factors such as the size of your home, the mix of carpet and hard floors, the presence of pets, storage space, and the attachments you'll use should all be taken into account.
Remember, the effectiveness of a vacuum across a broad range of tests, including hard floors, carpets, pet hair removal, and corner cleaning, depends a lot on the vacuum head. Brands such as Shark, LG, Samsung, and others are starting to make 'double heads', which are a combined hard floor and brush head. However, CHOICE testing shows that double heads are not as effective as specific heads for carpet.
Several of the Shark models achieved a score high enough to be recommended in the latest stick vacuum review by CHOICE experts. The Shark Stratos Cordless Pet Pro Vacuum with Clean Sense received a perfect score of 100% when tested on pet hair in CHOICE's labs.
However, it's important to note that battery life, when used at full power on carpet, averages about 10 minutes 30 seconds for Shark stick vacuums. Also, some users have reported issues with the design of the Shark Clean and Empty vacuum, particularly with a triangular chamber within the dust receptacle/bin that can become congested with dirt and debris.
Most Shark stick vacuums come with a two-year warranty. The LG CordZero stick vacuum is one of the few stick vacuums that comes with a self-emptying function, a feature not commonly found in Shark models.
The Shark brand was launched in 2007 but only started selling vacuums in Australia in the mid-2010s. Stick vacuums can be expensive, but a good stick vac can be a huge help for day-to-day cleaning.
CHOICE experts rigorously test stick vacuums in their labs, and their reviews are available to CHOICE members. Before making a purchase, it's always a good idea to check these reviews to ensure you're getting the best vacuum for your needs.
When deciding on a smart-home device, privacy concerns are essential to consider, with brands like Shark offering products that prioritize user privacy. (Shark privacy policy)
For tech enthusiasts looking to modernize their homes, gadgets like Shark's range of smart-home devices, including cordless stick vacuums and other appliances, offer innovative features and competitive pricing. (smart-home-devices, technology, Shark)
