Shark Vertex DuoClean Review: Not a Dyson-Killer

When we tested out the vacuum, we were pleased to find that it came fully assembled, and that its serious power was immediately obvious the moment we turned it on. It picked up all debris and hair buried deep in the carpet, yet the dustbin was big enough that it still wasn’t full even after a long test. It’s stayed just as effective month after month, and it’s become an everyday cleaning staple in our lives, particularly for small messes and tight corners. Want a vacuum that can effectively clean up not just debris but liquids, too?

shark stick vacuum

The slim design makes it easy to store, and the reusable microfiber mop head can be tossed in a washing machine. Check your vacuum’s owner manual for specific instructions on cleaning the filter, and do this task as often as the manual recommends (PDF). “Remember that the motor is trying to draw air to breathe through the filter. Clean the filters often, like at least every other use,” said Tom Gasko, vacuum-cleaner collector and repair specialist and owner of Mid Missouri Vacuum.

But, because it doesn’t stand up on its own either, you’ll have to lean it against your furniture or gently rest it on the floor if you need to pause your vacuuming session. Like other stick vacs, you can use the Shark Rocket in handheld mode to clean furniture, ceilings, stairs, and more. After two months of usage the battery life has also held up, and the compact shark pet vacuum design proves to be great for storing it. All in all, if you need a handheld vacuum with suction that rivals a larger machine, it’s a great choice with the reliability and consistency that Shark’s known for. An extension hose also provides almost 11 feet of reach and makes it easy to clean drapes, stairs, or cobwebs without lugging the entire unit with you.

You’ll know the filters are due for a cleaning when the airflow or suction decreases. All that said, read your Shark vacuum’s user manual beforehand to make sure your particular model has a rinsable filter, and to ensure there aren’t further guidelines. It’s in the same line as our best overall pick, so there are some similarities, but this model is a bit more pared down in design and features to warrant a smaller price tag. For starters, it shark pet vacuum still has a HEPA filter, swivel steering, consistently strong suction across multiple surfaces, and the same cord length (25 feet) to clean rooms and hallways without an outlet switch. Since it’s a corded, upright vacuum, you won’t have to worry about running out of battery power, though. The 25-foot cord gives plenty of reach and the lift-away canister is useful for accessing all of the hard-to-reach areas (think, between couch cushions).

We will continue to test new Shark vacuums as they’re released and update this article accordingly. We particularly liked this vacuum’s crevice tool, which was ideal for cleaning out tight cracks between car seats, but the nozzle did occasionally get stuck to the fabric when we tried to clean the seat upholstery. If you’re looking for a good wet-dry vacuum, the Shark Vacmop Pro is a versatile tool to add to your cleaning arsenal. This lightweight cordless vacuum actually doubles as a spray mop, allowing you to pick up debris and scrub stains at the same time. Dirt and other debris is captured inside the unit’s disposable mop pads, and we love that the vacuum’s spray leaves a light, fresh scent behind in the room.

You do have to hold a button to activate the vacuum’s suction, but it’s mostly designed for supplementary cleaning — not to be the main vacuum in your home. When you’re finished cleaning, the mopping pads can be ejected without you ever having to touch the dirt and grime, and the whole thing is so compact that it can be easily stored in even the smallest apartments. As its name implies, the Vertex DuoClean has two modes—one for hard surfaces and one for soft ones. This powerful Shark Lift-Away comes with a PowerFins brushroll, engineered to pick up more hair with no hair wrap (vs. Shark bristle brushrolls).

It’s also surprisingly quiet for a powerful device, and we were able to operate the vacuum for up to 60 minutes at a time. However, it’s worth noting that the vacuum doesn’t have a big dust bin, so we had to empty it much more often than competing devices. shark pet vacuum The vacuum also does not have any place to house its attachments on its slim body, so you’ll need to store them elsewhere. Ryobi’s three-year warranty on this model is longer than the coverage on most other stick vacuums, including Dyson’s.