The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV355WM is a corded upright vacuum designed for whole-home cleaning. It aims to deliver powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities at an affordable price point. While newer models have emerged, the NV355WM remains a popular choice, particularly for those seeking a balance between performance and value. It’s designed to be effective on both carpets and hard floors, and its Lift-Away feature allows for convenient above-floor cleaning.
This vacuum has been around for a while, but it’s still being sold. Is it still a good option in today’s market? This review will delve into the NV355WM’s design, performance, features, and value to help you decide if it’s the right vacuum for your needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Pros: Lightweight and maneuverable, strong suction, Lift-Away feature enhances versatility, HEPA filtration, and good value for money.
- Cons: Short cord length, some users find it difficult to maneuver, the hose may be prone to cracking, and several parts require regular cleaning.
- Verdict: The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV355WM is a solid, budget-friendly upright vacuum that offers good performance and versatility for the price. It’s especially suitable for smaller homes with a mix of carpets and hard floors. 7.8/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | NV355WM |
| Vacuum Type | Upright |
| Bagless/Bagged | Bagless |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs |
| Cord Length | 25 feet |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.1 quarts (dry debris) |
| Filtration | HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology |
| Attachments | Dusting brush, crevice tool, wide upholstery tool, Hard Floor Hero attachment |
| Brushroll On/Off | Yes |
| Lift-Away Feature | Yes |
| Recommended Surface | Carpet, Floor, Hardwood, Upholstery |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
Price and Availability
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV355WM is widely available at major retailers such as Walmart and Amazon. Pricing typically ranges from $130 – $170, making it a budget-friendly option in the upright vacuum market. Prices can fluctuate depending on sales and promotions, so it’s worth comparing prices across different retailers. Check for bundled deals that may include additional attachments or extended warranties.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV355WM features a lightweight design, weighing in at just 13.7 pounds, making it easy to carry and maneuver around the house. The body is constructed primarily of thick plastic, which feels reasonably durable. The wand is made of lightweight metal with plastic fittings. The clear plastic dustbin allows you to monitor the amount of dirt collected.
The Lift-Away feature is a key design element, allowing you to detach the canister from the main unit for easier cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces. Components come apart and reattach easily with clip mechanisms. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces.
Some users have reported that the hose can be prone to cracking over time, which is a potential concern. The power cord is also shorter than some competitors, which may require more frequent outlet changes.
Performance and Features
Suction Power
The NV355WM boasts strong suction power, effectively picking up both fine and large debris on carpets and hard floors. It excels at removing embedded dirt from carpets. The vacuum is designed to maintain consistent suction even as the dust cup fills up.
Bare Floor Cleaning
The NV355WM comes with a Hard Floor Hero attachment, which uses a microfiber pad to gently and effectively clean hard floors. The brushroll shutoff feature prevents scattering of debris on bare floors. It’s effective at picking up surface litter and stuck-on debris.
Carpet Cleaning
The NV355WM performs well on both low and high-pile carpets. It can handle pet hair and most larger debris. For especially fine debris embedded in high-pile carpet, multiple passes may be required.
Lift-Away Functionality
The Lift-Away feature allows you to detach the canister from the main unit, instantly converting the upright vacuum into a portable canister vacuum. This is particularly useful for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. The included attachments, such as the dusting brush and crevice tool, further enhance its versatility.
Filtration
The NV355WM features Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter, which traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This makes it a good choice for allergy sufferers. However, like any bagless vacuum, emptying the dustbin can release a cloud of dust.
Battery Life
Since the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV355WM is a corded vacuum, battery life is not applicable. You have continuous power as long as it’s plugged in. The cord length, however, may be a limiting factor for some users.
Software and User Experience
Since the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV355WM is a vacuum and not an electronic device, the software and user experience is not applicable.
Comparison to Competitors
- Dyson V8: The Dyson V8 is a cordless stick vacuum that offers more maneuverability and convenience than the NV355WM. However, the NV355WM has a longer runtime (since it’s corded) and often comes at a lower price point. The Dyson V8 may offer slightly better performance on carpets, but the NV355WM holds its own on hard floors.
- Bissell CleanView: The Bissell CleanView is another budget-friendly upright vacuum that competes with the NV355WM. The NV355WM offers a Lift-Away feature that the CleanView lacks, making it more versatile for above-floor cleaning. The CleanView may be slightly better at picking up pet hair, but the NV355WM has superior filtration.
- Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360: The NV360 is similar to the NV355WM but often includes additional features or attachments.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Strong suction
- Lift-Away feature for versatile cleaning
- HEPA filtration
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Short cord length
- Some users find it difficult to maneuver
- The hose may be prone to cracking
- Several parts require regular cleaning
Value for Money
Yes, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV355WM provides excellent value for money. It offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and affordability. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it delivers reliable cleaning power and versatility for everyday use.
Who should buy this product?
- Individuals or families looking for an affordable and versatile vacuum cleaner
- People with smaller homes or apartments with a mix of carpets and hard floors
- Allergy sufferers who need a vacuum with HEPA filtration
- Those who appreciate a lightweight and maneuverable vacuum
Who should look elsewhere?
- People with large homes who need a vacuum with a long cord length
- Those who prefer a cordless vacuum for maximum convenience
- Individuals who require specialized attachments for specific cleaning tasks
Verdict
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV355WM remains a relevant and reliable upright vacuum in today’s market. Its lightweight design, strong suction, Lift-Away feature, and HEPA filtration make it a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers. While it has some limitations, such as a short cord length and potential hose durability issues, its overall performance and value are hard to beat.
Final Score: 7.8/10
