The Shark Cordless Vacuum IF200UKT is a lightweight, versatile cordless vacuum designed for quick cleanups and convenient whole-home cleaning. Positioned as a mid-range option in Shark’s cordless lineup, the IF200UKT aims to deliver the power and performance of a full-sized vacuum in a compact, cordless design. With its DuoClean technology and Flexology wand, it promises effective cleaning on all floor types and easy access to hard-to-reach areas.
This vacuum is targeted towards busy individuals and families who need a convenient and efficient cleaning solution. It’s designed to handle everyday messes on various surfaces, from carpets and hard floors to upholstery and stairs. The IF200UKT seeks to bridge the gap between bulky corded vacuums and less powerful handheld models, offering a balance of power, convenience, and maneuverability.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Pros: Lightweight and easy to maneuver, DuoClean technology effectively cleans both hard floors and carpets, Flexology wand allows for easy cleaning under furniture, decent suction power for its size.
- Cons: Relatively short battery life, small dustbin capacity requires frequent emptying, not ideal for deep cleaning or large areas.
- Verdict: The Shark IF200UKT is a good option for quick and convenient cleaning in smaller homes or apartments. Score: 7.5/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | IF200UKT |
| Vacuum Type | Cordless Stick Vacuum |
| Weight | 4 kg (8.8 lbs) |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.4 Liters |
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Voltage | 25.2V |
| Run Time | Up to 22 minutes |
| Charge Time | 3.5 hours |
| Floor Types | Hardwood, Carpet, Tile |
| Technology | DuoClean, Flexology |
| Attachments | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool, Pet Tool |
| Dimensions | 26 x 24.5 x 118 cm |
| Cordless | Yes |
| Filtration | Standard |
Price and Availability
The Shark Cordless Vacuum IF200UKT is widely available at major retailers such as Currys PC World, Argos, and directly from the Shark website. Prices typically range from £200 to £280, but keep an eye out for deals and discounts, especially during seasonal sales events like Black Friday or Boxing Day. Bundles that include extra filters or accessories may also be available.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark IF200UKT boasts a sleek and modern design, typical of Shark’s cordless vacuum range. It features a lightweight construction, primarily using durable plastic materials. The color scheme is usually a combination of grey and accent colors, giving it a contemporary look.
The build quality feels solid for a vacuum in this price range, although it doesn’t quite match the premium feel of higher-end models from Dyson or Miele. The components fit together well, and there are no obvious signs of cheap construction. The Flexology wand is a standout feature, allowing the vacuum to bend in the middle for easy cleaning under furniture without having to bend over. The handle is comfortable to hold, and the controls are intuitively placed.
Compared to previous Shark cordless models, the IF200UKT has a more refined design and improved ergonomics. However, the dustbin capacity remains relatively small, which can be a drawback for larger cleaning tasks.
Performance and Features
The Shark IF200UKT incorporates several key features designed to enhance its cleaning performance and user experience.
DuoClean Technology
The DuoClean technology is a signature feature of Shark vacuums, and it’s present in the IF200UKT. This technology utilizes two brush rolls working in tandem – a soft brush roll for direct engagement with hard floors and a bristle brush roll to dig into carpets. This combination effectively picks up both large debris and fine dust from various floor types.
In testing, the DuoClean system performed admirably on hardwood floors, leaving no scratches and effectively capturing dirt and crumbs. On carpets, it provided decent suction and agitation, although it struggled with deeply embedded dirt and pet hair compared to more powerful corded vacuums.
Flexology Wand
The Flexology wand is another standout feature, allowing the vacuum to bend in the middle with the push of a button. This makes it incredibly easy to clean under furniture like sofas, beds, and coffee tables without having to bend over or move the furniture.
The Flexology feature works well in practice, and it significantly improves the vacuum’s usability in tight spaces. It’s a particularly useful feature for individuals with mobility issues or back pain.
Attachments
The IF200UKT comes with a few attachments to enhance its versatility. These typically include a crevice tool for cleaning tight spaces, an upholstery tool for cleaning furniture and curtains, and a pet tool for removing pet hair from upholstery and carpets.
The attachments are easy to attach and detach, and they perform adequately for their intended purposes. The pet tool is particularly useful for pet owners, although it may require multiple passes to remove stubborn pet hair.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for any cordless vacuum, and the Shark IF200UKT’s battery performance is somewhat of a mixed bag. Shark claims a run time of up to 22 minutes, but in real-world testing, this figure is often lower, especially when using the vacuum on high power or with the motorized attachments.
In our tests, we achieved an average run time of around 15-20 minutes on standard power mode and around 10-12 minutes on high power mode. This is sufficient for quick cleanups and small areas, but it may not be enough to clean an entire house in one go.
Charging time is also relatively long, taking around 3.5 hours to fully charge the battery. This means you’ll need to plan your cleaning sessions accordingly.
Software and User Experience
The Shark IF200UKT doesn’t come with any software or app integration, which is typical for cordless vacuums in this price range. The user experience is straightforward and intuitive, with simple controls and easy-to-understand operation.
The vacuum is easy to assemble and disassemble, and the dustbin is relatively easy to empty, although its small capacity means you’ll need to do it frequently. The filters are also easy to access and clean.
Comparison to Competitors
When compared to its competitors, the Shark IF200UKT holds its own in terms of features and performance, but it also has some drawbacks.
Dyson V8 Absolute
The Dyson V8 Absolute is a popular competitor in the cordless vacuum market. It offers stronger suction power and longer battery life than the Shark IF200UKT, but it also comes at a higher price point. The Dyson V8 Absolute is a better option for larger homes and deep cleaning tasks, while the Shark IF200UKT is more suitable for quick cleanups and smaller spaces.
Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet
The Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet is another competitor that offers a similar feature set to the Shark IF200UKT. It has a slightly larger dustbin capacity and a comparable battery life, but its cleaning performance is not as good as the Shark’s DuoClean technology. The Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet is a decent option for pet owners on a budget, but the Shark IF200UKT offers better overall value.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- DuoClean technology effectively cleans various floor types
- Flexology wand allows for easy cleaning under furniture
- Decent suction power for its size
- Easy to assemble and use
Cons:
- Relatively short battery life
- Small dustbin capacity requires frequent emptying
- Not ideal for deep cleaning or large areas
- Long charging time
Value for Money
The Shark Cordless Vacuum IF200UKT offers good value for money, especially for individuals who need a lightweight and convenient cleaning solution for smaller homes or apartments. While it may not have the raw power or battery life of higher-end models, it provides a solid cleaning performance and a range of useful features at a competitive price.
This vacuum is ideal for busy individuals and families who need to tackle everyday messes on various surfaces. It’s also a good option for individuals with mobility issues or back pain, thanks to its lightweight design and Flexology wand.
However, if you have a large home or need a vacuum for deep cleaning tasks, you may want to consider a more powerful corded model or a higher-end cordless vacuum with longer battery life.
Verdict
The Shark Cordless Vacuum IF200UKT is a solid choice for those seeking a lightweight and versatile cordless vacuum for quick cleanups and everyday messes. Its DuoClean technology and Flexology wand make it a convenient and effective cleaning tool for various floor types and hard-to-reach areas. While its battery life and dustbin capacity may be limiting factors for some, its overall performance and value make it a worthwhile investment.
Score: 7.5/10
