The Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601 stands out as a versatile and powerful vacuum cleaner designed to tackle a variety of cleaning tasks around the home. Marketed as a premium option within Shark’s extensive vacuum lineup, the LZ601 aims to deliver exceptional suction, innovative features, and user-friendly design. Its Lift-Away functionality allows for easy conversion into a portable vacuum, making it suitable for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. With its self-cleaning brushroll and advanced filtration system, the Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601 promises a hassle-free and thorough cleaning experience.
This vacuum attempts to deliver both the power of an upright and the convenience of a handheld in one package. In this review, we’ll delve into the Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601’s design, performance, and features to determine if it lives up to its promises and whether it’s the right choice for your cleaning needs. We’ll put it through a series of tests to assess its suction power, maneuverability, and overall effectiveness on different types of flooring and surfaces.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Exceptional Suction Power: The Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601 delivers impressive suction, effectively removing dirt and debris from various surfaces.
- Lift-Away Functionality: The Lift-Away design allows for easy conversion to a portable vacuum, enhancing versatility.
- Self-Cleaning Brushroll: The self-cleaning brushroll minimizes hair tangles, reducing maintenance.
- Advanced Anti-Allergen Filtration: The sealed HEPA system captures dust and allergens, improving air quality.
- Maneuverability: Good maneuverability, though it can feel heavy during extended use.
Verdict: The Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601 is a powerful and versatile vacuum cleaner, scoring an 8.5/10 for its exceptional suction, Lift-Away functionality, and self-cleaning brushroll.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | LZ601 |
| Vacuum Type | Upright Lift-Away |
| Cord Length | 30 feet |
| Weight | 16 lbs (7.26 kg) |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.88 quarts (0.83 liters) |
| Filtration | Sealed HEPA System with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology |
| Brushroll Type | Self-Cleaning Brushroll with Zero-M Technology |
| Cleaning Path Width | 11 inches |
| Attachments | Pet Power Brush, Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool |
| Suction Power | 1350 Watts |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Dimensions | 13.39″ L x 9.45″ W x 46.46″ H |
| Noise Level | 78 dB |
| Warranty | 5-Year Limited Warranty |
Price and Availability
The Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601 is widely available through major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and the Shark official website. Pricing typically ranges from $250 to $350, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. Bundles that include additional attachments or accessories may also be available. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday for potential discounts.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601 boasts a sturdy and well-engineered design. The vacuum cleaner is primarily constructed from high-quality plastics that feel durable and capable of withstanding regular use. The color scheme is modern, typically featuring a combination of gray and metallic accents.
The Lift-Away feature allows the canister to detach from the main body, transforming the upright vacuum into a portable unit, ideal for cleaning stairs and furniture. The controls are intuitive and conveniently located on the handle, allowing for easy switching between different cleaning modes and suction settings. The dust cup is easy to remove and empty, minimizing mess and hassle.
Compared to previous Shark models, the LZ601 features enhanced maneuverability and a more refined overall design. While the vacuum can feel somewhat heavy during extended use, its swivel steering and balanced weight distribution make it relatively easy to maneuver around furniture and obstacles.
Performance and Features
The Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601 excels in delivering powerful and efficient cleaning performance. Its key features, such as the self-cleaning brushroll and advanced filtration system, contribute to its overall effectiveness and user-friendliness.
Suction Power and Cleaning Performance
The LZ601’s standout feature is its exceptional suction power. In testing, it effectively removed embedded dirt and debris from both hard floors and carpets. On hard floors, the vacuum easily picked up fine dust and larger particles without scattering them. On carpets, it proved capable of deep cleaning, extracting dirt and allergens from the fibers.
The vacuum offers multiple suction settings, allowing users to adjust the power level according to the surface being cleaned. This is particularly useful for delicate rugs and upholstery. Edge cleaning performance is also commendable, thanks to the edge-to-edge cleaning design that maximizes suction along walls and baseboards.
Self-Cleaning Brushroll with Zero-M Technology
The self-cleaning brushroll, featuring Shark’s Zero-M technology, is another significant advantage. This innovative design effectively prevents hair from wrapping around the brushroll, reducing the need for manual cleaning and maintenance. In tests involving pet hair and long human hair, the brushroll remained tangle-free, maintaining consistent cleaning performance.
Lift-Away Functionality
The Lift-Away feature enhances the vacuum’s versatility, allowing it to be easily converted into a portable unit. By detaching the canister from the main body, users can comfortably clean stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. The included attachments, such as the Pet Power Brush and crevice tool, further expand the vacuum’s cleaning capabilities.
Advanced Anti-Allergen Filtration
The Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601 is equipped with a sealed HEPA filtration system that captures 99.97% of dust and allergens, down to 0.3 microns. This makes it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers and households with pets. The filtration system effectively traps dust, pollen, and pet dander, improving indoor air quality.
Battery Life
Since the Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601 is a corded vacuum, battery life is not applicable. The 30-foot cord provides ample reach for cleaning large rooms without needing to switch outlets frequently.
Software and User Experience
As a traditional vacuum cleaner, the Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601 does not feature any software or app integration. The user experience is straightforward, with intuitive controls and easy-to-use features. The vacuum is easy to assemble and disassemble, and the dust cup is simple to empty.
The swivel steering and lightweight design make the vacuum relatively easy to maneuver. However, some users may find the vacuum to be somewhat heavy, especially during extended cleaning sessions. The noise level is moderate, typical for a vacuum cleaner of this power.
Comparison to Competitors
Dyson Ball Animal 2
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is a high-end competitor known for its powerful suction and advanced features. While the Dyson offers superior maneuverability and a slightly more compact design, the Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601 provides comparable cleaning performance at a lower price point. The Shark’s Lift-Away feature and self-cleaning brushroll give it an edge in versatility and maintenance.
Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach is a mid-range option that offers good value for money. While the Bissell is more affordable, the Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601 outperforms it in terms of suction power and overall cleaning performance. The Shark’s self-cleaning brushroll and advanced filtration system are also significant advantages.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional suction power
- Lift-Away functionality for versatile cleaning
- Self-cleaning brushroll minimizes maintenance
- Advanced anti-allergen filtration system
- Long cord length
Cons:
- Can feel heavy during extended use
- Moderate noise level
Value for Money
The Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601 offers excellent value for money, combining powerful cleaning performance with innovative features at a competitive price point. Its Lift-Away functionality, self-cleaning brushroll, and advanced filtration system make it a versatile and user-friendly option for a variety of cleaning needs.
Who should buy this product:
- Homeowners looking for a powerful and versatile vacuum cleaner
- Pet owners seeking a vacuum that can effectively remove pet hair
- Allergy sufferers who need a vacuum with advanced filtration
- Individuals who want a vacuum that is easy to maintain
Who should look elsewhere:
- Those seeking an ultra-lightweight vacuum cleaner
- Individuals on a very tight budget
Verdict
The Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601 is a highly capable and versatile vacuum cleaner that delivers exceptional cleaning performance and innovative features. Its powerful suction, Lift-Away functionality, and self-cleaning brushroll make it an excellent choice for a wide range of cleaning tasks. While it may feel somewhat heavy during extended use, its overall performance and user-friendly design make it a worthwhile investment. We rate the Shark Apex Lift-Away LZ601 an 8.5/10, recommending it to anyone seeking a reliable and effective cleaning solution.
