The Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV681 is designed as a versatile cleaning appliance, offering both upright and portable canister modes. It aims to provide powerful suction and ease of use for whole-home cleaning, from carpets and hard floors to stairs and upholstery. Positioned as a mid-range vacuum, it competes with models from brands like Dyson and Bissell, promising a combination of performance and features at a competitive price point. This review dives deep into its design, performance, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right vacuum for your needs.
The NV681’s key selling point is its “Lift-Away” feature, allowing users to detach the canister for portable cleaning while maintaining power to the brushroll. This, coupled with a suite of attachments and HEPA filtration, positions it as a comprehensive cleaning solution for various surfaces and allergy sufferers. While it may not boast the same brand recognition or cutting-edge technology as some of its higher-end competitors, the NV681 seeks to provide a balanced offering that caters to a wide range of users.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Pros: Versatile Lift-Away design for portable cleaning, strong suction on carpets and hard floors, HEPA filtration for allergy sufferers, includes useful attachments.
- Cons: Can feel bulky and cumbersome, power button located low on the vacuum body, dust cup requires frequent emptying.
- Verdict: The Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV681 is a solid mid-range vacuum that offers good cleaning performance and versatility. It is best suited for homes with a mix of carpets and hard floors, and for users who appreciate the convenience of a portable canister mode.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | NV681 |
| Type | Upright Vacuum |
| Bagged/Bagless | Bagless |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.9 Gallons |
| Cord Length | 30 feet |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs |
| Dimensions | 12.2″ L x 12.1″ W x 45.7″ H |
| Filtration | HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology |
| Motor Power | 900 Watts (7.5 Amps, 120V) / 1100W (9.1A, 120V) |
| Cleaning Path Width | 12 inches |
| Attachments | Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool, Pet Power Brush, Dust-Away Pro Cleaner Head |
| Settings | 2 (Carpet and Hard Floor) |
| Warranty | 7-Year limited warranty (parts and labor) |
Price and Availability
The Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV681 is available from various retailers, including:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Lowes
- Office Depot
Pricing can vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. Refurbished models are sometimes available at a lower price.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark NV681 features a typical upright vacuum design, constructed primarily of plastic. It sports a green color scheme. The build quality feels reasonably sturdy, though not as premium as some higher-end models.
The “Lift-Away” feature is a key design element, allowing the canister to detach from the main unit for portable cleaning. The vacuum weighs around 13.2 pounds, which may feel heavy for some users, especially when using it in canister mode. The handle has a comfortable grip and fingertip controls for switching between carpet and hard floor modes.
Compared to previous Shark models, the NV681 aims for a more compact design. However, some users may find it bulkier than competitors like Dyson’s cordless stick vacuums. The 30-foot cord provides a decent cleaning radius, but a cordless option would offer greater freedom of movement.
Performance and Features
The Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV681 is designed to deliver strong suction and versatile cleaning capabilities. Its performance is highlighted by its ability to transition between different floor types and its Lift-Away feature.
Suction Power and Cleaning Performance
The NV681 is equipped with a 900-watt motor that provides powerful suction. It effectively picks up dirt, debris, and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors. In tests, the vacuum routinely collected around 97 to 98 percent of test waste on various surfaces. The motorized brushroll helps to agitate carpets for a deeper clean, while the suction control allows users to adjust the power for delicate surfaces.
Lift-Away Mode
The Lift-Away feature allows users to detach the canister from the main unit, turning the upright vacuum into a portable canister vacuum. This is useful for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas. The brushroll continues to operate in Lift-Away mode, providing consistent cleaning power.
Attachments and Accessories
The NV681 comes with several attachments to enhance its versatility:
- Duster Crevice Tool: For cleaning edges, corners, and tight spaces.
- Pet Multi-Tool: Designed for removing pet hair from upholstery and carpets.
- Pet Power Brush: A motorized brush for deep cleaning pet hair from surfaces.
- Dust-Away Pro Cleaner Head: For gentle and effective hard floor cleaning with a microfiber pad.
Filtration System
The NV681 features a HEPA filter and Shark’s Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology. This system traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, preventing them from being released back into the air.
Battery Life
Since the Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV681 is a corded vacuum, battery life is not a factor. The constant power supply ensures uninterrupted cleaning sessions.
Software and User Experience
As a traditional upright vacuum, the Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV681 does not feature any software or smart features. The user experience is straightforward and intuitive, with simple controls and easy-to-use attachments.
The fingertip controls on the handle allow for seamless switching between carpet and hard floor modes. The LED headlights on the floor nozzle illuminate the cleaning path, making it easier to spot hidden debris.
Comparison to Competitors
When compared to other vacuums in its class, the Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV681 holds its own in terms of performance and features. Here’s a comparison to two potential competitors:
- Dyson Ball Animal 3: The Dyson Ball Animal 3 offers slightly better ergonomics and a longer cord (35 feet vs. 30 feet), but it is more expensive and has fewer features than the Shark NV681. The Shark Vertex outperforms the Dyson in pickup tests, making it a stronger performer on both hard floors and carpets.
- Shark Vertex DuoClean: The Shark Vertex DuoClean is another option from Shark that offers a cordless stick vacuum experience. It has a strong suction and is easy to maneuver. However, it’s cordless and battery-powered, which means a limited run time of around 50 minutes.
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lift-Off: The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lift-Off offers a similar Lift-Off design for portable cleaning and is often priced competitively with the Shark NV681. However, the Shark NV681’s HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology may make it a better choice for allergy sufferers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lift-Away design offers versatility for portable cleaning
- Strong suction on carpets and hard floors
- HEPA filtration for allergy sufferers
- Includes useful attachments
- Fingertip controls
Cons:
- Can feel bulky and cumbersome
- Power button located low on the vacuum body
- Dust cup requires frequent emptying
- Not as technologically advanced as some competitors
Value for Money
The Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV681 offers good value for money, providing a balance of performance, features, and affordability. While it may not have the same level of prestige or cutting-edge technology as some higher-end models, it delivers solid cleaning power and versatility at a competitive price point.
Who should buy this product?
- Homeowners with a mix of carpets and hard floors
- Pet owners looking for a vacuum with strong suction and specialized attachments
- Allergy sufferers who need a vacuum with HEPA filtration
- Users who appreciate the convenience of a portable canister mode
Who should look elsewhere?
- Those who prefer a lightweight, cordless vacuum for greater maneuverability
- Users who want a vacuum with advanced features like automatic floor type detection or smart home integration
- Individuals who don’t mind spending more for a premium brand and cutting-edge technology
Verdict
The Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV681 is a well-rounded vacuum that offers a compelling combination of performance, versatility, and value. Its Lift-Away design, strong suction, and HEPA filtration make it a solid choice for homes with a mix of carpets and hard floors, as well as for pet owners and allergy sufferers. While it may not be the most technologically advanced or lightweight vacuum on the market, it delivers reliable cleaning power and ease of use at a competitive price point.
