The Bissell CleanView Bagless and the Shark Navigator Lift-Away are two popular contenders in the affordable vacuum cleaner market. Both promise powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities, but cater to slightly different needs. The Bissell CleanView Bagless is known for its straightforward design and budget-friendly price tag, making it an appealing option for those seeking a no-frills cleaning solution. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away, on the other hand, boasts a lift-away canister design for enhanced portability and maneuverability, along with features that specifically target pet owners. This review dives deep into the specifics of each vacuum, comparing their design, performance, features, and overall value to help you decide which one is the right fit for your home.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Bissell CleanView Bagless: Simple to use, powerful suction on carpets, great for budget-conscious buyers, struggles a bit with pet hair, and a shorter hose limits reach. Verdict: 7.5/10
- Shark Navigator Lift-Away: Excellent pet hair removal, lift-away canister enhances versatility, swivel steering improves maneuverability, slightly more expensive, and can be a bit bulky. Verdict: 8.5/10
- Performance: Both offer strong suction, but the Shark Navigator Lift-Away excels in pet hair removal and edge cleaning.
- Design: The Shark Navigator Lift-Away’s lift-away feature provides added convenience, while the Bissell CleanView Bagless prioritizes simplicity.
- Value: The Bissell CleanView Bagless wins on price, but the Shark Navigator Lift-Away offers more features for the money.
Specifications
| Feature | Bissell CleanView Bagless | Shark Navigator Lift-Away |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | 3195A | NV352 |
| Type | Upright Bagless | Upright Bagless |
| Weight | 12.5 lbs | 13.7 lbs |
| Cord Length | 25 ft | 25 ft |
| Hose Length | 6 ft | 5 ft |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 2.0 Liters | 1.2 Quarts |
| Filtration | Multi-Level | Anti-Allergen Seal |
| Attachments | Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush | Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush |
| Swivel Steering | No | Yes |
| Lift-Away Canister | No | Yes |
| Brushroll On/Off | No | Yes |
Price and Availability
The Bissell CleanView Bagless typically retails for around $70-$90, making it one of the most affordable upright vacuums on the market. It’s widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon, and the Bissell website. Keep an eye out for sales and promotions, especially during holiday shopping periods.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away generally costs between $150-$200. It can be found at retailers such as Best Buy, Kohl’s, Amazon, and directly from the Shark website. Bundles with additional attachments or extended warranties are sometimes available.
Design and Build Quality
The Bissell CleanView Bagless sports a straightforward, no-frills design. Its plastic construction feels relatively sturdy for its price point, but it lacks the refined feel of more expensive models. The dust cup is easy to remove and empty, and the overall assembly is simple and intuitive. However, the absence of swivel steering and a relatively short hose can limit maneuverability in tight spaces.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away features a more sophisticated design with its signature lift-away canister. This allows you to detach the canister from the main body, making it easier to clean stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. The swivel steering provides excellent maneuverability around furniture and obstacles. While the plastic construction is similar to the Bissell, the Shark feels slightly more robust and well-engineered. The dust cup is smaller than the Bissell’s, requiring more frequent emptying during larger cleaning sessions.
Performance and Features
Suction Power and Cleaning Performance
Both the Bissell CleanView Bagless and the Shark Navigator Lift-Away offer impressive suction power for their price range. In testing, the Bissell CleanView Bagless performed admirably on carpets, effectively lifting dirt and debris. However, it struggled somewhat with pet hair, especially on thicker carpets. On hard floors, the Bissell performed adequately, but some users reported scattering of debris due to the lack of a brushroll on/off switch.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away demonstrated exceptional performance on both carpets and hard floors. Its powerful suction, combined with the brushroll on/off switch, allowed for efficient cleaning of various surfaces. Notably, the Shark excelled in pet hair removal, easily lifting embedded fur from carpets and upholstery. Edge cleaning was also superior on the Shark, thanks to its optimized design and strong suction.
Filtration System
The Bissell CleanView Bagless utilizes a multi-level filtration system designed to trap dust and allergens. While it’s effective at capturing larger particles, it lacks the advanced filtration found in some higher-end models.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away features an Anti-Allergen Seal Technology that traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This is a significant advantage for allergy sufferers, as it helps to prevent the release of allergens back into the air.
Attachments and Accessories
The Bissell CleanView Bagless comes with a basic set of attachments, including a crevice tool and a dusting brush. These are useful for cleaning edges, corners, and upholstery, but the limited hose length can make them awkward to use in certain situations.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away also includes a crevice tool and a dusting brush, but the lift-away canister adds a level of versatility that the Bissell can’t match. The ability to detach the canister and carry it separately makes cleaning stairs, car interiors, and other tight spaces much easier.
Battery Life
Since both the Bissell CleanView Bagless and the Shark Navigator Lift-Away are corded vacuums, battery life is not applicable.
Software and User Experience
Both the Bissell CleanView Bagless and the Shark Navigator Lift-Away are straightforward to use, with simple controls and intuitive designs. The Bissell CleanView Bagless requires minimal assembly and is easy to operate, making it a good choice for users who prefer a no-fuss cleaning experience.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away offers a slightly more refined user experience, with features like swivel steering and the lift-away canister enhancing maneuverability and versatility. The brushroll on/off switch is also a welcome addition, allowing for seamless transitions between carpets and hard floors.
Comparison to Competitors
Shark Navigator Lift-Away vs. Dyson V8: The Dyson V8 is a cordless stick vacuum that offers excellent performance and convenience. However, it’s significantly more expensive than the Shark Navigator Lift-Away. The Shark offers comparable suction power and better pet hair removal at a lower price point, but the Dyson’s cordless design provides greater freedom and flexibility.
Bissell CleanView Bagless vs. Eureka Whirlwind Bagless: The Eureka Whirlwind Bagless is another budget-friendly upright vacuum that competes with the Bissell CleanView Bagless. Both offer similar suction power and features, but the Bissell CleanView Bagless has a slightly larger dust cup and a longer cord. The Eureka is lighter and easier to maneuver, however.
Pros and Cons
Bissell CleanView Bagless
Pros:
- Affordable
- Strong suction on carpets
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Struggles with pet hair
- Short hose
- No swivel steering
- No brushroll on/off switch
Shark Navigator Lift-Away
Pros:
- Excellent pet hair removal
- Lift-away canister for versatility
- Swivel steering
- Anti-Allergen Seal Technology
- Brushroll on/off switch
Cons:
- More expensive
- Smaller dust cup
- Can be bulky
Value for Money
The Bissell CleanView Bagless offers excellent value for money for budget-conscious buyers who primarily need a vacuum for carpets. However, its limitations with pet hair and maneuverability may be a deal-breaker for some.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away provides a better overall value, offering superior performance, versatility, and features for a slightly higher price. Its pet hair removal capabilities and lift-away canister make it a worthwhile investment for those with pets or those who need to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Verdict
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away emerges as the winner in this comparison. While the Bissell CleanView Bagless is a decent option for those on a tight budget, the Shark’s superior performance, versatility, and features make it a better overall choice. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is particularly well-suited for pet owners and those who need a vacuum that can handle a variety of cleaning tasks.
Shark Navigator Lift-Away: 8.5/10
