The Shark Navigator Professional stands out as a versatile upright vacuum designed for homes with a mix of carpets and hard floors. With its Lift-Away technology, it easily transforms into a portable canister vacuum, making it ideal for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. This vacuum aims to provide powerful suction and convenient features at an affordable price, positioning itself as a strong contender in the crowded upright vacuum market.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
* Lift-Away Design: Easily converts to a portable canister for versatile cleaning.
* Strong Suction: Effective on both carpets and hard floors, tackling various types of messes.
* HEPA Filtration: Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology traps dust and allergens.
* Swivel Steering: Excellent maneuverability around furniture and obstacles.
* Value for Money: Offers a compelling balance of performance and features at an accessible price point.
Verdict: The Shark Navigator Professional is a reliable and versatile vacuum that offers excellent cleaning performance and convenient features for its price. It’s a great option for those seeking an affordable yet effective cleaning solution. 8.2/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | NV80 (various models exist with similar features, such as NV360, NV356E) |
| Vacuum Type | Upright with Lift-Away Canister |
| Cord Length | 25-30 feet (depending on the specific model) |
| Weight | Around 13.75 – 15.96 pounds (depending on the model) |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.9 – 1.0 liters (depending on the model) |
| Filtration | HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology |
| Cleaning Path Width | 9.5 – 12 inches (depending on the model) |
| Attachments Included | Crevice tool, upholstery tool, dusting brush, pet power brush (depending on the model) |
| Amperage | 10 amps |
| Wattage | 1200 watts |
| Dimensions | Varies slightly by model, but generally around 45.5″ H x 11.4″ W x 14.9″ L |
| Brushroll Shutoff | Yes, for bare floor cleaning |
| Swivel Steering | Yes |
| Warranty | 5 years (check with retailer as warranty periods may vary) |
Price and Availability
The Shark Navigator Professional series vacuums are widely available at major retailers such as:
- Amazon
- Best Buy
- Walmart
- Costco
- Sharkclean.com (Canada/Ninja Kitchen)
Pricing varies depending on the specific model and retailer, but generally falls in the range of $150 to $250. Keep an eye out for sales and deals, especially during holiday seasons, where prices can be significantly reduced. Also, consider refurbished models which can offer substantial savings.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark Navigator Professional series features a predominantly plastic construction, which helps keep the vacuum lightweight and maneuverable. The design is practical, with a focus on functionality and ease of use. The Lift-Away feature is a standout, allowing the canister to detach quickly for portable cleaning.
Compared to older models, the Navigator Professional maintains a similar design language but may incorporate improvements in motor efficiency and filtration. When compared to competitors like Bissell CleanView, the Shark often feels more robust and offers better maneuverability due to its swivel steering. However, some users may find the plastic components less premium than higher-end models from Dyson or Miele.
Performance and Features
Carpet Cleaning
The Shark Navigator Professional excels at carpet cleaning, effectively removing dirt, debris, and pet hair from both low and medium-pile carpets. Its strong suction and motorized brush roll work in tandem to lift embedded particles.
- Real-world usage: In tests, the Navigator Professional has shown good performance in picking up common household messes like flour, Cheerios, rice, and oats from carpets.
- Data-driven analysis: While specific metrics vary, the Navigator Professional generally achieves above-average scores in carpet cleaning tests compared to other vacuums in its price range.
Hard Floor Cleaning
While primarily designed for carpets, the Navigator Professional also performs adequately on hard floors. The brush roll shutoff feature is crucial for preventing scattering of debris and protecting delicate floor surfaces.
- Real-world usage: The Navigator Professional can effectively pick up dust, crumbs, and other loose debris from hard floors.
- Data-driven analysis: Some tests indicate that while it performs well, it may not be as efficient as dedicated hard floor vacuums in picking up fine particles like flour.
Lift-Away Feature
The Lift-Away feature is a key selling point, allowing the canister to detach from the main unit. This transforms the upright vacuum into a portable canister, ideal for:
- Cleaning stairs
- Reaching under furniture
- Upholstery cleaning
- Above-floor areas
Filtration System
Equipped with a HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, the Navigator Professional captures and contains over 99.9% of dust and allergens. This makes it a suitable choice for allergy sufferers and those concerned about indoor air quality.
Other Features
- Swivel Steering: Enhances maneuverability around furniture and obstacles.
- Brushroll Shutoff: Allows users to switch between carpet and hard floor cleaning seamlessly.
- Attachments: Depending on the model, attachments include a crevice tool, upholstery tool, dusting brush, and pet power brush.
Battery Life
The Shark Navigator Professional is a corded vacuum and does not have a battery.
Software and User Experience
Since the Shark Navigator Professional is a traditional upright vacuum, it does not have software or an app ecosystem. The user experience is straightforward, with simple controls and easy-to-understand operation.
Comparison to Competitors
- Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Rewind: The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Speed is better than the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Rewind. The Shark performs much better on all surface types and is easier to maneuver. The dirt compartment is bigger, and it incurs lower recurring costs.
- Bissell PowerForce Helix: The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Speed is better than the Bissell PowerForce Helix. The Shark feels better built, incurs virtually no recurring costs, has an allergen-trapping HEPA filter, and delivers significantly better performance on bare floors.
- Dyson Upright Vacuums: While Dyson vacuums often offer superior suction and advanced features, they typically come at a significantly higher price point. The Shark Navigator Professional provides a more budget-friendly alternative with comparable performance for most household cleaning needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
* Versatile Lift-Away design
* Strong suction on carpets and hard floors
* HEPA filtration system
* Swivel steering for maneuverability
* Affordable price
Cons:
* Predominantly plastic construction
* May not be as effective as dedicated hard floor vacuums on fine particles
* Can be a bit heavy to carry around
Value for Money
The Shark Navigator Professional offers excellent value for money, providing a compelling combination of performance, features, and affordability. Its versatility and strong cleaning capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for most households.
Who Should Buy It
The Shark Navigator Professional is ideal for:
- Homeowners with a mix of carpets and hard floors
- Individuals seeking a versatile and portable vacuum
- Allergy sufferers looking for a HEPA-filtered vacuum
- Those on a budget who don’t want to compromise on cleaning performance
Verdict
The Shark Navigator Professional is a dependable and versatile cleaning solution that offers excellent value for its price. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, its strong suction, Lift-Away feature, and HEPA filtration make it a top contender in the upright vacuum market. Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone seeking an affordable yet effective cleaning companion. 8.2/10
