The Shark LA455 Apex Upright Vacuum is designed to deliver a comprehensive cleaning experience with its innovative features and powerful performance. Aimed at households with pets and diverse flooring, it promises to tackle everything from embedded pet hair to fine dust on hard floors. The LA455 stands out in the crowded upright vacuum market by offering a balance of strong suction, versatile cleaning modes, and user-friendly design.
With its Lift-Away feature, DuoClean technology, and a self-cleaning brush roll, the Shark LA455 attempts to be a one-stop cleaning solution. This model aims to provide the convenience of a lightweight vacuum without sacrificing the power and features of a full-sized upright. Whether you’re dealing with carpets, hard floors, or above-floor cleaning, the LA455 is built to adapt to various cleaning needs, making it a compelling option for those seeking an all-in-one vacuum.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- DuoClean Technology: Excels at cleaning both carpets and hard floors with its dual brush roll system.
- Lift-Away Design: Offers versatility for cleaning stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas.
- Self-Cleaning Brush roll: Minimizes hair tangles and ensures consistent suction power.
- HEPA Filtration: Traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it suitable for allergy sufferers.
- Maneuverability: Advanced swivel steering allows for easy navigation around furniture and tight spaces.
Verdict: The Shark LA455 Apex Upright Vacuum is a versatile and powerful cleaning tool that is well-suited for homes with pets and multiple flooring types. Its innovative features and user-friendly design make it a strong contender in the upright vacuum market. 8.5/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | LA455 |
| Vacuum Type | Upright |
| Bagged/Bagless | Bagless |
| Dust Cup Capacity | Info not found |
| Cord Length | 25 feet |
| Weight | 16 lbs |
| Filtration | HEPA Filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal |
| Brush roll Type | DuoClean with Self-Cleaning Brush roll |
| Attachments | Electric Pet Brush, Crevice Tool, Upholstery Brush |
| Floor Types | All Floors (Carpet, Hardwood, Tile) |
| Special Features | Lift-Away, Swivel Steering, LED Headlights |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Dimensions | Info not found |
| Warranty | Info not found |
| Color | Brown |
Price and Availability
The Shark LA455 Apex Upright Vacuum is available at major retailers such as Amazon [1] and eBay [3]. Pricing can vary, but it typically ranges from $180 to $300, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions [7, 13]. It is also available in refurbished condition for a lower price at some retailers [5].
Design and Build Quality
The Shark LA455 Apex Upright Vacuum features a robust design, constructed with durable plastics and metal components that provide a sense of quality and longevity. The vacuum’s brown color scheme gives it a sleek and modern appearance [1]. Its upright configuration is complemented by the Lift-Away feature, allowing the canister to be detached for portable cleaning.
The design incorporates several user-friendly elements, such as an ergonomic handle and swivel steering, enhancing maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces [1]. The LED headlights on the nozzle are a thoughtful addition, illuminating hidden debris and improving visibility in dimly lit areas [1]. The dust cup is easy to remove and empty, contributing to a hassle-free cleaning experience. While the vacuum weighs around 16 pounds, which is a bit heavy compared to some competitors, its well-balanced design makes it relatively easy to push and pull on various floor types [10, 11].
Performance and Features
The Shark LA455 Apex Upright Vacuum is packed with features designed to enhance cleaning performance across various surfaces and scenarios.
DuoClean Technology
The DuoClean technology is a standout feature, combining a soft brush roll for hard floors and a bristle brush roll for carpets. This dual-brush roll system allows the vacuum to seamlessly transition between different floor types without the need to switch attachments [1, 2]. The soft brush roll effectively captures fine dust and debris from hard floors, while the bristle brush roll digs deep into carpets to lift embedded dirt and pet hair [10].
Lift-Away Functionality
The Lift-Away feature transforms the upright vacuum into a portable canister vacuum, making it easy to clean stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces [1, 4]. This versatility is particularly useful for tackling hard-to-reach areas and cleaning car interiors. The Lift-Away mode maintains strong suction power, ensuring effective cleaning in portable mode [5].
Self-Cleaning Brush roll
The self-cleaning brush roll is designed to prevent hair tangles, which is a common issue with many vacuums, especially in households with pets [1, 4]. The brush roll actively separates and removes hair, directing it into the dust cup, which reduces the need for manual cleaning and ensures consistent suction power [11].
HEPA Filtration System
Equipped with a HEPA filter and complete anti-allergen seal technology, the LA455 traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum [1, 2]. This makes it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers and those concerned about indoor air quality. The sealed system prevents allergens from escaping back into the air during vacuuming.
Battery Life
The Shark LA455 Apex Upright Vacuum is a corded model, so battery life is not applicable [1]. The corded design ensures continuous power for uninterrupted cleaning sessions, eliminating the need to recharge or replace batteries. The 25-foot power cord provides a decent cleaning radius, though some users may find it limiting in larger homes [11].
Software and User Experience
As a traditional upright vacuum, the Shark LA455 Apex Upright Vacuum does not rely on software or an app ecosystem [1]. The user experience is straightforward, with intuitive controls and easy-to-use features. The vacuum is designed for ease of use, from its swivel steering to its simple dust cup emptying process [1, 10]. The attachments are easy to swap, and the Lift-Away feature is engaged with a simple button press [1, 5].
Comparison to Competitors
When compared to other upright vacuums in its class, the Shark LA455 Apex Upright Vacuum holds its own with its unique features and performance.
- Dyson Ball Animal 2: The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is known for its powerful suction and maneuverability, but it comes at a higher price point [6]. The Shark LA455 offers comparable cleaning performance at a more affordable price. The Dyson performs better on carpets, while the Shark excels on bare floors.
- BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus: The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is another strong competitor, particularly for homes with pets [6]. However, the Shark LA455’s DuoClean technology gives it an edge on hard floors. The BISSELL is lighter, but the Shark has a larger dirt compartment.
- Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum: While the Stratos is a newer model with advanced features like odor neutralization, the LA455 provides a similar level of cleaning power and versatility at a potentially lower cost [9, 12]. The Stratos has a slightly more powerful suction motor, but the LA455 remains a strong contender for value.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- DuoClean technology for effective cleaning on all floor types
- Lift-Away design for versatile above-floor cleaning
- Self-cleaning brush roll minimizes hair tangles
- HEPA filtration system traps allergens
- Swivel steering enhances maneuverability
- LED headlights illuminate hidden debris
Cons:
- Can be a bit heavy compared to other models
- Short hose length may limit reach in Lift-Away mode
- May tip over easily when using the hose in upright mode [10]
Value for Money
The Shark LA455 Apex Upright Vacuum offers excellent value for money, providing a range of features and strong cleaning performance at a competitive price point [8, 10]. It is particularly well-suited for:
- Pet Owners: The self-cleaning brush roll and powerful suction make it effective at removing pet hair from carpets and upholstery [1, 3].
- Allergy Sufferers: The HEPA filtration system ensures that dust and allergens are trapped, improving indoor air quality [1, 2].
- Homes with Multiple Floor Types: The DuoClean technology allows for seamless transition between hard floors and carpets [1, 2].
However, those who might want to consider other options include:
- Those Seeking a Lightweight Vacuum: At 16 pounds, the LA455 may be too heavy for some users, especially those with mobility issues [10, 11].
- Users with Primarily Carpeted Homes: While the LA455 performs well on carpets, other models like the Dyson Ball Animal 2 may offer superior deep-cleaning capabilities [6].
Verdict
The Shark LA455 Apex Upright Vacuum is a versatile and powerful cleaning tool that is well-suited for homes with pets and multiple flooring types. Its innovative features, such as DuoClean technology, Lift-Away functionality, and a self-cleaning brush roll, make it a strong contender in the upright vacuum market. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as its weight and hose length, its overall performance and value for money make it a solid choice for those seeking a comprehensive cleaning solution. 8.5/10
