The Shark Cordless Navigator series offers affordable, lightweight, and cordless convenience for quick cleanups on both carpets and hard floors. Models 1100 and 1106 are popular choices for those seeking a basic, bagless stick vacuum without the bulk and hassle of cords. These vacuums are particularly appealing to users in smaller homes or apartments, or as a secondary vacuum for quick messes.
Choosing between the Shark Navigator 1100 and 1106 can be tricky, as they share many similarities. Both offer cordless operation, a two-speed brush roll, and an XL dust cup. However, subtle differences in battery voltage, design, and included accessories can influence which model is best suited for your specific needs. This detailed comparison will explore these nuances to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark Cordless Navigator 1100
- Short Review of Shark Cordless Navigator 1106
- 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 Navigator 1100)?
- Who Should Buy(Shark Navigator 1106)?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For the budget-conscious: Both are good options, but keep an eye out for sales as pricing can fluctuate.
- For slightly more power: The 1100 has a 14.4V battery compared to the 1106’s 10.8V, potentially offering stronger suction.
- For ease of finding replacements: The SV1106 and its parts are readily available.
The Shark Cordless Navigator 1100 is a lightweight, cordless stick vacuum designed for quick and easy cleaning. It excels at picking up pet hair, dry food, and kitty litter on both carpet and bare floors. Its swivel head enhances maneuverability, allowing for easy navigation around furniture.
The Navigator 1100 is praised for its powerful suction and long battery life, making it suitable for small to medium-sized homes. The vacuum’s design is simple and straightforward, featuring an easy-to-empty dust canister and a deeply reclining handle for reaching under furniture. While it lacks attachments and a handheld conversion, its focus on essential cleaning tasks makes it a reliable and convenient option for everyday use.
The Shark Cordless Navigator 1106, also known as the Freestyle, is a cordless stick vacuum designed for lightweight and convenient cleaning. Weighing only 7.5 pounds, it is highly portable and easy to maneuver around the house. It features a 2-speed brush roll optimized for both carpet and hard floors, and an XL dust cup for extended cleaning sessions.
The Navigator 1106 excels at picking up surface-level debris and pet hair, making it ideal for quick cleanups. Its precision charging stand also doubles as a storage dock, adding to its user-friendly design. While it may not offer the deep cleaning capabilities of more expensive models or the versatility of handheld conversions, its simplicity and effectiveness make it a practical choice for maintaining tidy floors.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Battery Voltage: The Navigator 1100 typically features a 14.4V battery, while the Navigator 1106 has a 10.8V battery.
- Model Availability: The SV1106 is commonly found in white/grey, while the SV1100 is white.
- Weight: Both models are lightweight, but the SV1106 is listed at 7.5 lbs.
- Attachments: Neither model includes additional attachments.
- Availability: The SV1106 (“Freestyle”) is widely available, and parts are easy to find.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark Navigator 1100 | Shark Navigator 1106 |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | SV1100 | SV1106 |
| Weight | ~7 lbs | 7.5 lbs |
| Voltage | 14.4V | 10.8V |
| Cordless | Yes | Yes |
| Bagless | Yes | Yes |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.17 quarts (Cited for “Freestyle”) | 0.64 quarts |
| Brushroll Speeds | 2 | 2 |
| Surface Types | Carpet and Bare Floors | Carpet and Bare Floors |
| Filtration | Standard | Washable Foam Filters |
| Battery Charge Time | 4-7 hours | 4 hours |
| Run Time | ~17 minutes (High Speed) | 17 minutes (Bare Floor), 12 minutes (Carpet) |
| Special Features | Swivel Steering, Deep Reclining Handle | Precision Charging Stand, XL Dust Cup |
| Dimensions | 45.5″ H x 11″ W x 9″ D | 46″ H x 10.5″ L x 9.6″ W |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited | 1-Year Limited |
| Other SKUs Supported | SV1100C, SV1106, SV1114, SV1106BRN, SV1107, SV1110, SV1112, SV1112BRN, SV1112C, SV1112QGA, SV1112QGN, SV1112QPR, SV1112QRD, SV1112QRG and SV1115(These are models covered under the SV1100 series FAQs, meaning parts are likely interchangeable) | N/A |
Price Comparison
The Shark Navigator 1100 and 1106 are typically positioned as budget-friendly cordless vacuums. Pricing can vary based on retailer and promotions. Both models offer a good value proposition for their price point, providing cordless convenience and decent cleaning performance for smaller spaces. The cost-to-feature ratio is reasonable, considering their lightweight design, ease of use, and adequate suction power for everyday messes. However, it’s essential to compare current prices and consider any available discounts before making a purchase.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Shark Navigator 1100 and 1106 feature a similar upright stick vacuum design. They are constructed with lightweight plastic materials, making them easy to maneuver and carry around the house. The aesthetics are simple and functional, with a focus on practicality rather than premium design elements.
The build quality is adequate for their price range, but these vacuums are not designed for heavy-duty use. Durability may be a concern with prolonged use, particularly with the plastic components and battery life. Ergonomics are generally good, with a comfortable handle and swivel steering for easy navigation.
Performance Face-Off
Suction Power
The Navigator 1100, with its 14.4V battery, may offer slightly stronger suction compared to the 1106’s 10.8V battery. However, both are designed for surface-level cleaning and may struggle with embedded dirt or heavy debris.
Carpet Cleaning
Both models feature a two-speed brush roll optimized for carpet cleaning. They can effectively pick up pet hair and surface debris from carpets, but deep cleaning performance is limited.
Hard Floor Cleaning
Both vacuums are suitable for hard floor cleaning, with a brush roll setting designed to prevent scattering of debris. However, some users have noted that the brush roll may not stop completely in hard floor mode, which can affect performance.
Battery Life
Both models offer a similar battery life, with a runtime of around 12-17 minutes depending on the surface type and speed setting. This is sufficient for quick cleanups in smaller spaces but may not be adequate for larger homes.
Filtration
The Navigator 1106 utilizes washable foam filters for basic filtration.
Special Features Comparison
- Shark Navigator 1100: The main special feature is its potentially higher voltage (14.4V), which could translate to slightly better suction. It also has a deep-recline feature.
- Shark Navigator 1106: The precision charging stand that doubles as a storage dock is a notable feature.
Usability and User Experience
Both the Shark Navigator 1100 and 1106 are designed for ease of use. Their lightweight design and cordless operation make them highly maneuverable and convenient for quick cleanups. The simple controls and easy-to-empty dust cup further enhance the user experience.
These vacuums are well-suited for novice users or those seeking a hassle-free cleaning solution. Experienced users may find their performance and features limited compared to more advanced models.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both models require minimal maintenance, primarily involving emptying the dust cup and cleaning the filters regularly. The washable foam filters in the Navigator 1106 can be easily rinsed and reused.
The longevity of these vacuums may be limited by their build quality and battery life. The battery will eventually degrade over time, requiring replacement. Warranty coverage is typically limited to one year.
- Users who prioritize potentially stronger suction power.
- Those who find it at a similar or lower price point than the 1106.
- Those who want a deep-recline.
- Users who prioritize easy storage with the precision charging stand.
- Those who prefer readily available replacement parts.
- Individuals seeking a lightweight and maneuverable vacuum for quick cleanups.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark Navigator 1100 and 1106 offer affordable and convenient cordless cleaning for small spaces. The choice between them depends on individual priorities. If slightly more power is desired and the price is right, the Navigator 1100 with its 14.4V battery may be a better option. However, if ease of storage and readily available parts are more important, the Navigator 1106 is a solid choice. Ultimately, both models excel as lightweight, no-frills stick vacuums for everyday messes.
