Shark and Dyson are two of the biggest names in the vacuum cleaner industry, known for their innovative technologies and powerful cleaning performance. Both brands offer a wide range of models, from uprights to cordless sticks, catering to various needs and budgets. When choosing between a Shark APEX AZ912 and a Dyson, it’s important to consider factors like your home’s flooring type, the presence of pets, your budget, and your preferred cleaning style. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these vacuums to help you make an informed decision.
The Shark APEX AZ912 is an upright vacuum known for its DuoClean technology, which features a bristle brush and a soft roller brush working together to clean both carpets and hard floors effectively. It also boasts a Powered Lift-Away mode for enhanced versatility. Dyson, on the other hand, offers a diverse lineup of vacuums, with cordless stick models like the V8, V11, V15, and Gen5detect being popular choices. Dyson vacuums are recognized for their strong suction, advanced filtration, and innovative features like laser dust detection. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual cleaning needs and preferences.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark APEX AZ912
- Short Review of Dyson 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 Shark APEX AZ912?
- Who Should Buy Dyson?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For users who want powerful suction and innovative features: Dyson vacuums, particularly the cordless stick models, are a great choice. Dyson’s advanced filtration and features like laser dust detection justify their higher price tag.
- For users who want versatility and effective cleaning on all floor types at a mid-range price: The Shark APEX AZ912 is a solid option. Its DuoClean technology and Powered Lift-Away mode make it a versatile tool for various cleaning tasks.
- For pet owners: Both brands offer models designed for pet hair removal. Dyson’s de-tangling technology and Shark’s self-cleaning brush rolls are worth considering.
Short Review of Shark APEX AZ912
The Shark APEX AZ912 is an upright vacuum designed to deliver a comprehensive cleaning experience. Its standout feature is the DuoClean technology, which utilizes two brush rolls working in tandem. The bristle brushroll tackles carpets, while the soft brushroll directly engages hard floors to capture large particles and fine dust. The Powered Lift-Away mode allows you to detach the canister for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces.
The APEX AZ912 also incorporates Shark’s Zero-M technology, which actively removes hair from the brush roll to prevent tangling. It has advanced Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens. Active-Glide technology provides smooth maneuverability, and LED lights illuminate dark spaces. While it’s a corded model, the 30-foot cord provides a decent cleaning radius. Reviewers often praise its powerful suction, versatile cleaning capabilities, and ease of use.
Short Review of Dyson Vacuums
Dyson vacuums are synonymous with innovation and powerful performance. The brand is best known for its cordless stick models, such as the V8, V11, V15 Detect, and Gen5detect, which offer a lightweight and versatile cleaning experience. These vacuums feature Dyson’s signature cyclone technology, which separates dust and debris from the airflow for consistent suction. They also have advanced filtration systems that capture allergens and microscopic particles.
Dyson cordless vacuums come with a range of attachments for various cleaning tasks, including motorized brush heads, crevice tools, and dusting brushes. Some models, like the V15 Detect and Gen5detect, have laser dust detection that reveals hidden dirt and debris on hard floors. Dyson’s latest vacuums boast powerful motors, generating up to 280 AW of suction power. While Dyson vacuums are generally more expensive than Shark models, their innovative features, strong suction, and advanced filtration make them a popular choice for discerning consumers.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Type: The Shark APEX AZ912 is a corded upright vacuum, while Dyson offers a wide range of models, including cordless stick vacuums, uprights, and canister vacuums.
- Technology: The Shark APEX AZ912 features DuoClean and Zero-M technologies. Dyson vacuums utilize cyclone technology and, in some models, laser dust detection.
- Filtration: Both brands offer HEPA filtration systems to trap allergens and dust.
- Versatility: The Shark APEX AZ912 has a Powered Lift-Away mode for above-floor cleaning. Dyson cordless vacuums convert to handheld mode for versatile cleaning.
- Price: Shark vacuums generally have a lower price point than Dyson vacuums.
- Weight: Shark APEX AZ912 is heavier than Dyson’s cordless stick vacuums.
- Corded vs Cordless: Shark APEX AZ912 is corded, while Dyson has many cordless options.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark APEX AZ912 | Dyson V8 Absolute | Dyson V15 Detect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Corded Upright | Cordless Stick | Cordless Stick |
| Technology | DuoClean, Zero-M, Powered Lift-Away | Cyclone | Cyclone, Laser Dust Detection |
| Filtration | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA |
| Weight | 17.1 lbs | 5.82 lbs | 6.6 lbs |
| Cord Length | 30 ft | N/A | N/A |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.5 qts | 0.14 gallons | 0.2 gallons |
| Run Time | N/A (Corded) | Up to 40 minutes | Up to 60 minutes |
| Suction Power | Not Specified | 115 AW | 230 AW |
| Attachments | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool, Pet Power Brush | Motorbarâ„¢ cleaner head, Fluffyâ„¢ cleaner head, Combination tool, Crevice tool, Hair screw tool | Digital Motorbarâ„¢ cleaner head, Fluffy Opticâ„¢ cleaner head, Hair screw tool, Combination tool, Crevice tool |
| Dimensions | 11.2″ L x 12.2″ W x 46″ H | 10.5″L x 9.8″W x 49.6″H |
Price Comparison
Shark vacuums are generally positioned as a more budget-friendly option compared to Dyson. The Shark APEX AZ912 typically retails in the $300-$400 range, though discounts may be available. Dyson vacuums, particularly the cordless stick models, command a premium price. Models like the V8 Absolute can be found around $350, while the V15 Detect often exceeds $600 or more.
When evaluating the cost-to-feature ratio, consider your specific needs and priorities. If you’re looking for powerful suction, advanced filtration, and innovative features like laser dust detection, a Dyson vacuum may be worth the investment. However, if you want a versatile and effective cleaning experience at a more affordable price, the Shark APEX AZ912 presents a compelling value proposition. Also, Shark vacuums often go on sale, so it might be possible to get a better deal.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark APEX AZ912 features a robust, upright design. Its construction utilizes durable plastics and metal components. The Powered Lift-Away mode allows for easy conversion to a handheld configuration. Some reviewers find it to be a bit heavy.
Dyson vacuums are known for their sleek, modern aesthetics and lightweight designs. The cordless stick models are particularly easy to maneuver, thanks to their balanced weight distribution. Dyson uses high-quality materials, but some reviewers have noted that their plastic components may not feel as sturdy as those found in some Shark models.
Performance Face-Off
Bare Floors
- Shark APEX AZ912: The DuoClean technology excels on bare floors, effectively capturing large particles and fine dust. Its soft brushroll directly engages the floor, leaving a polished look.
- Dyson: Dyson vacuums also perform well on bare floors, especially models with the Fluffy cleaner head. The soft roller gently lifts dust and debris without scratching delicate surfaces.
Carpets
- Shark APEX AZ912: The bristle brushroll on the APEX AZ912 effectively agitates carpets, lifting dirt and debris. Some reviewers note that it may require multiple passes on high-pile carpets.
- Dyson: Dyson vacuums are known for their strong suction, which translates to excellent carpet cleaning performance. Models with automatic power adjustment can optimize suction based on carpet type.
Pet Hair
- Shark APEX AZ912: The APEX AZ912 performs well in clearing pet hair on bare floors and low-pile carpets. It also has a HEPA filter, which is good for pet owners.
- Dyson: Dyson offers a range of “Animal” models specifically designed for pet hair removal. These vacuums often include specialized attachments like de-tangling brush heads.
Stairs
- Shark APEX AZ912: The Powered Lift-Away mode makes cleaning stairs easier by allowing you to carry the canister separately. However, its hose is fairly short.
- Dyson: Dyson cordless vacuums are lightweight and easy to maneuver on stairs. Their handheld mode and various attachments provide versatility.
Special Features Comparison
- Shark APEX AZ912:
- DuoClean Technology: Two brush rolls work together to clean all floor types.
- Zero-M Technology: Actively removes hair from the brush roll.
- Powered Lift-Away: Detach the canister for above-floor cleaning.
- Dyson:
- Cyclone Technology: Separates dust and debris from the airflow for consistent suction.
- Laser Dust Detection: Reveals hidden dust on hard floors (available on select models).
- De-tangling Technology: Removes hair from the brush bar (available on select models).
Usability and User Experience
The Shark APEX AZ912 is relatively easy to use, with straightforward controls and a comfortable handle. The bagless dust cup is easy to empty, and the filters are washable. Some users may find its weight to be a drawback.
Dyson cordless vacuums are designed for ease of use, with lightweight designs and intuitive controls. The cordless operation provides freedom of movement, and the various attachments make it easy to tackle different cleaning tasks. The LCD screen on some models displays battery life, cleaning mode, and filter cleaning reminders.
Maintenance and Longevity
The Shark APEX AZ912 requires regular cleaning of the brush rolls and filters. The Zero-M technology helps to prevent hair tangling, but occasional manual removal may still be necessary. Shark vacuums come with a 5 year warranty.
Dyson vacuums also require regular filter cleaning. Dyson washable parts are engineered to be reused, not replaced.
Who Should Buy Shark APEX AZ912?
- Homeowners who want a versatile and effective cleaning experience on all floor types.
- Users who prefer the power of a corded vacuum but also value the flexibility of a lift-away design.
- Budget-conscious shoppers who want a feature-rich vacuum without breaking the bank.
Who Should Buy Dyson?
- Users who prioritize powerful suction, advanced filtration, and innovative features like laser dust detection.
- Those who prefer the convenience and versatility of a lightweight, cordless stick vacuum.
- Pet owners who want a vacuum specifically designed for pet hair removal.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark APEX AZ912 and Dyson vacuums offer compelling cleaning solutions. The Shark APEX AZ912 stands out for its versatility, DuoClean technology, and Powered Lift-Away mode, making it a solid choice for users who want effective cleaning on all floor types at a mid-range price. Dyson vacuums, particularly the cordless stick models, excel in suction power, innovative features, and lightweight maneuverability, justifying their higher price tag for discerning consumers. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual cleaning needs, preferences, and budget.
