Shark and Bissell are two well-known brands in the vacuum cleaner market, each offering a range of models designed to tackle various cleaning needs. The Shark Apex series is celebrated for its innovative DuoClean technology and powerful suction, making it a popular choice for homes with mixed flooring types. On the other hand, Bissell’s Pet Hair Eraser line is specifically engineered to combat pet hair, dander, and odors, appealing to pet owners seeking specialized cleaning solutions.
When deciding between the Shark Apex and Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, consider your specific cleaning challenges. Do you need a versatile vacuum that can handle both hardwood floors and carpets effectively? Or is your primary concern removing stubborn pet hair from upholstery, carpets, and hard-to-reach areas? This comparison will delve into the features, performance, and design of both vacuum series to help you determine which one best fits your lifestyle and cleaning requirements.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark Apex Vacuums
- Short Review of Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Vacuums
- Key Differences at a Glance
- Specifications Comparison
- Price Comparison
- Design and Build Quality
- Performance Face-Off
- Special Features Comparison
- Usability and User Experience
- Maintenance and Longevity
- Who Should Buy the Shark Apex?
- Who Should Buy the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- Shark Apex: Ideal for users who need a versatile vacuum cleaner capable of handling various floor types and cleaning tasks. Its DuoClean technology and powerful suction make it effective on both carpets and hard floors.
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser: Best suited for pet owners struggling with persistent pet hair, dander, and odors. Its specialized pet hair tools and filtration systems excel at removing pet-related messes.
Short Review of Shark Apex Vacuums
The Shark Apex series represents Shark’s commitment to innovation and performance in the vacuum cleaner market. These vacuums are designed with advanced features like DuoClean technology, which combines a bristle brush and a soft roller to effectively clean both carpets and hard floors. The powerful suction ensures thorough dirt and debris removal, while the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
Shark Apex vacuums stand out for their versatility and ease of use. Many models come with a lift-away feature, allowing you to detach the canister for portable cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and tight spaces. LED headlights illuminate hidden dirt and debris, ensuring a comprehensive clean. The advanced swivel steering provides excellent maneuverability, making it easy to navigate around furniture and other obstacles.
Short Review of Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Vacuums
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser series is specifically designed to tackle the unique challenges of cleaning up after pets. These vacuums are equipped with specialized tools and features that effectively remove pet hair, dander, and odors from various surfaces. High-powered suction and innovative brush designs ensure thorough cleaning, while advanced filtration systems capture allergens and freshen the air.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser vacuums are known for their user-friendly design and pet-focused features. Many models include a tangle-free brush roll, which prevents hair from wrapping around the brush and reduces maintenance. The motorized pet tool is perfect for cleaning upholstery and stairs, while the crevice tool and dusting brush help reach tight spaces and delicate surfaces. Additionally, Bissell supports animal welfare through its partnerships and donations, making it a socially conscious choice for pet owners.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Shark Apex | Bissell Pet Hair Eraser |
|---|---|---|
| Floor Types | Excellent on all floor types | Good on carpets, excellent on pet hair removal |
| Pet Hair Removal | Very good | Excellent |
| Technology | DuoClean, Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology | Tangle-Free Brush Roll, SmartSeal Allergen System |
| Design | Versatile, Lift-Away feature | Pet-focused tools, Odor control |
| Maneuverability | Excellent | Good |
| Filtration | Advanced allergen filtration | Specialized pet allergen filtration |
Specifications Comparison
|
| Feature | Shark Apex Upright Vacuum (e.g., AX912) | Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Upright (e.g., 2475A) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Upright | Upright |
| Weight | ~16 lbs | ~18 lbs |
| Cord Length | ~30 ft | ~30 ft |
| Dust Cup Capacity | ~0.88 quarts | ~1.5 liters |
| Filtration | Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology | SmartSeal Allergen System |
| Brush Roll | DuoClean (Bristle & Soft Roller) | Tangle-Free Brush Roll |
| Attachments | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool, Pet Power Brush | Pet TurboBrush Tool, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush |
| LED Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Swivel Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Lift-Away Feature | Yes (on some models) | No |
Price Comparison
- Shark Apex: Typically ranges from \$300 to \$450, depending on the model and features. Offers a strong value proposition with its versatile cleaning capabilities and advanced technologies.
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser: Generally priced between \$200 and \$350. Provides excellent value for pet owners, with specialized tools and features designed to tackle pet hair and odors effectively.
The cost-to-feature ratio is competitive for both brands. The Shark Apex offers more advanced features for versatile cleaning, while the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser provides targeted solutions for pet-related messes at a slightly lower price point.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark Apex vacuums are designed with a focus on versatility and user convenience. The Lift-Away feature allows you to detach the canister for portable cleaning, while the LED headlights illuminate hidden dirt and debris. The build quality is robust, with durable materials that can withstand regular use. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability, making it easy to navigate around furniture.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser vacuums are designed with a specific focus on pet owners’ needs. The tangle-free brush roll prevents hair from wrapping around the brush, reducing maintenance. The motorized pet tool is perfect for cleaning upholstery and stairs. While the build quality is generally good, some users may find the plastic components less durable compared to the Shark Apex.
Performance Face-Off
Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors
- Shark Apex: The DuoClean technology excels on hard floors, picking up both large debris and fine dust particles with ease. The soft roller gently polishes the floor while the bristle brush agitates and lifts dirt.
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser: Performs well on hard floors, though it may not be as effective as the Shark Apex at picking up fine dust. The brush roll can sometimes scatter debris instead of capturing it.
Cleaning Performance on Carpets
- Shark Apex: The powerful suction and bristle brush effectively agitate and lift dirt from carpets, providing a thorough clean. The adjustable suction control allows you to optimize performance on different carpet types.
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser: Designed with specialized features for pet hair removal, this vacuum excels at lifting embedded pet hair from carpets. The tangle-free brush roll prevents hair from wrapping around the brush, maintaining consistent performance.
Pet Hair Removal
- Shark Apex: While effective at removing pet hair, it may require more passes to pick up stubborn hair from upholstery and carpets. The pet power brush attachment helps improve performance in these areas.
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser: Engineered specifically for pet hair removal, this vacuum provides superior performance in this category. The motorized pet tool and tangle-free brush roll ensure efficient and thorough removal of pet hair from various surfaces.
Suction Power
- Shark Apex: Known for its strong suction power, the Shark Apex effectively lifts dirt, debris, and pet hair from various surfaces. The adjustable suction control allows you to customize the suction level for different cleaning tasks.
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser: Offers powerful suction that is specifically optimized for pet hair removal. While the suction power is strong, it may not be as versatile as the Shark Apex for general cleaning tasks.
Special Features Comparison
- Shark Apex:
- DuoClean Technology: Combines a bristle brush and soft roller for effective cleaning on all floor types.
- Lift-Away Feature: Allows you to detach the canister for portable cleaning of stairs and upholstery.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology: Traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser:
- Tangle-Free Brush Roll: Prevents hair from wrapping around the brush, reducing maintenance.
- Motorized Pet Tool: Designed for effective pet hair removal from upholstery and stairs.
- SmartSeal Allergen System: Captures allergens and freshens the air.
Usability and User Experience
The Shark Apex vacuums are designed for ease of use, with features like swivel steering and LED headlights enhancing maneuverability and visibility. The Lift-Away feature adds convenience for portable cleaning tasks. However, some users may find the vacuum slightly heavy.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser vacuums are also user-friendly, with intuitive controls and specialized tools for pet owners. The tangle-free brush roll reduces maintenance, while the motorized pet tool simplifies cleaning upholstery and stairs. The lack of a lift-away feature may limit its versatility for some users.
Maintenance and Longevity
- Shark Apex: Requires regular cleaning of the dust cup and filters. The DuoClean brush rolls may need occasional cleaning to remove tangled hair and debris. The build quality is robust, suggesting good longevity with proper maintenance.
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser: The tangle-free brush roll reduces maintenance, but the dust cup and filters still require regular cleaning. Some users may find the plastic components less durable compared to the Shark Apex. Bissell offers a limited warranty on its vacuums, providing some protection against defects.
Who Should Buy the Shark Apex?
The Shark Apex is the better choice for:
- Users who need a versatile vacuum cleaner that can handle various floor types effectively.
- Those who appreciate advanced features like DuoClean technology and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology.
- Individuals who value maneuverability and ease of use, with features like swivel steering and LED headlights.
Who Should Buy the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser?
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is the better choice for:
- Pet owners who struggle with persistent pet hair, dander, and odors.
- Those who prioritize specialized pet hair removal tools and features like the tangle-free brush roll and motorized pet tool.
- Individuals who want a vacuum cleaner specifically designed to tackle pet-related messes.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark Apex and Bissell Pet Hair Eraser offer excellent cleaning performance and innovative features. The Shark Apex stands out for its versatility and advanced technologies, making it a great choice for users who need a vacuum cleaner that can handle various floor types and cleaning tasks. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser excels at pet hair removal, with specialized tools and features that cater to the unique needs of pet owners.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific cleaning requirements and priorities. If you need a versatile vacuum cleaner for general cleaning and occasional pet hair removal, the Shark Apex is a solid option. If you’re primarily concerned with removing stubborn pet hair and odors, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is the clear winner.
