The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E stands out as a versatile and affordable upright vacuum designed for homes with a mix of carpets and hard floors. It offers powerful suction and a unique “Lift-Away” feature, transforming it into a portable canister vacuum for tackling stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. Positioned as a mid-range option within Shark’s extensive lineup, the NV356E aims to deliver performance and convenience without breaking the bank, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a reliable cleaning solution.
The Shark Navigator NV356E is designed for pet owners needing deep carpet cleaning. Its ability to swap configurations makes vacuuming much easier. While it may not boast all the bells and whistles of premium models, its focus on practical features and strong cleaning performance makes it a compelling option. With a HEPA filter, swivel steering, and multiple attachments, the NV356E tries to provide a comprehensive cleaning experience for various household needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
* Pros: Excellent cleaning performance on hard floors and low-pile carpets, Lift-Away design enhances versatility, HEPA filter for allergen control, and long power cord for extended reach.
* Cons: Can struggle with high-pile carpets and fine debris, the hose is relatively short, and the unit can feel heavy in handheld mode.
* Verdict: A solid and versatile vacuum for homes with mostly hard floors and low-pile carpets, offering good cleaning power and convenience at an affordable price. 7.8/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | NV356E |
| Type | Upright Vacuum |
| Bagless/Bagged | Bagless |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 2.2 quarts |
| Weight | 13.7 pounds |
| Power Cord Length | 30 feet |
| Hose Length | Not specified, but noted as short |
| Filtration | HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology |
| Attachments | Dusting brush, crevice tool, pet power brush (may vary by retailer) |
| Floor Types | Hardwood, carpet, upholstery |
| Lift-Away Feature | Yes, detachable canister for portable cleaning |
| Dimensions | Not specified |
| Brushroll On/Off | Yes |
| Swivel Steering | Yes |
| Wattage | Not specified |
| Amperage | 10 amps |
Price and Availability
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is widely available at major retailers such as Walmart, Costco, and Amazon, as well as directly from the SharkClean website. Pricing typically ranges from $150 to $200, but it’s common to find it on sale, especially during holiday seasons. Bundles with additional attachments or extended warranties may also be available, offering added value.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark Navigator NV356E features a modern design with a white body and a redesigned dust cup, giving it a sleek appearance. The build quality is generally good for its price point, with durable plastic components that can withstand regular use. Its standout design element is the Lift-Away feature, allowing the canister to detach from the main unit for enhanced portability.
Compared to previous models, the NV356E has a more streamlined dust bin design, with a thinner profile and elongated form. The vacuum is relatively lightweight for an upright, but the canister can feel a bit heavy when used in handheld mode. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability around furniture and obstacles, though the turning radius isn’t ideal. The long power cord is a definite plus, providing ample reach without frequent outlet changes.
Performance and Features
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E combines spinning brushes and suction to effectively clean various surfaces. The brushroll can be turned on or off, making it suitable for both carpets and hard floors. The vacuum also allows you to manually adjust the suction power.
Hard Floor Cleaning
The NV356E performs well on hard floors, effectively picking up debris such as rice, kitty litter, and sugar. However, it may struggle with larger particles like cereal, tending to push them around before fully collecting them. The absence of a brushroll off switch can also cause scattering of larger debris.
Carpet Cleaning
On low-pile carpets, the NV356E excels, removing most debris with ease. The adjustable suction is particularly useful for preventing the vacuum from sticking to the carpet. However, it may struggle with high-pile carpets, leaving behind a significant amount of debris. The included pet power brush helps in removing pet hair from carpets and upholstery.
Lift-Away Mode
The Lift-Away feature transforms the NV356E into a portable canister vacuum, ideal for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and tight spaces. While the canister can feel heavy during extended use, it provides added convenience for above-floor cleaning. The included crevice tool and dusting brush further enhance its versatility.
Battery Life
Since the Shark Navigator NV356E is a corded vacuum, battery life is not applicable. The 30-foot power cord provides ample reach for most rooms, eliminating the need for frequent outlet changes.
Software and User Experience
As a traditional upright vacuum, the Shark Navigator NV356E doesn’t incorporate any software or smart features. The user experience is straightforward, with simple controls for power, brushroll on/off, and suction adjustment. The bagless design makes emptying the dust cup easy, and the washable filters minimize maintenance costs.
Comparison to Competitors
Dyson V8 Absolute
The Dyson V8 Absolute is a cordless stick vacuum known for its strong suction and lightweight design. While more expensive than the NV356E, it offers greater convenience and maneuverability. However, the NV356E provides comparable cleaning performance on carpets and hard floors at a lower price point.
Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach is another affordable upright vacuum that competes with the NV356E. It features a similar swivel design and pet-specific attachments, but the NV356E’s Lift-Away feature gives it an edge in versatility.
Shark Rotator Lift-Away ADV DuoClean PowerFins
The Shark Rotator Lift-Away ADV DuoClean PowerFins is a step up from the NV356E, offering improved cleaning performance and advanced features like the DuoClean brushroll. However, it comes at a higher price, making the NV356E a more attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
* Excellent hard floor cleaning
* Effective on low-pile carpet
* Lift-Away feature enhances versatility
* HEPA filter for allergen control
* Long power cord
Cons:
* Struggles with high-pile carpet
* Short hose
* Canister can be heavy in handheld mode
* Turning radius not ideal
Value for Money
The Shark Navigator NV356E offers excellent value for money, delivering strong cleaning performance and versatile features at an affordable price. It’s a great option for homeowners with mostly hard floors and low-pile carpets who want a reliable and convenient vacuum without breaking the bank. However, those with predominantly high-pile carpets may want to consider a more powerful model.
Verdict
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and versatile upright vacuum. Its excellent performance on hard floors and low-pile carpets, combined with the convenience of the Lift-Away feature, make it a worthwhile investment for many households. While it has some limitations, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, earning it a recommendation for budget-conscious consumers. 7.8/10
