The Shark NV354E Pro Navigator Lift-Away is designed to offer a powerful and versatile cleaning solution in a lightweight package. Aimed at consumers who want the functionality of a full-sized vacuum without the bulk, the NV354E Pro boasts strong suction, a lift-away canister for portable cleaning, and a range of features tailored for homes with both carpets and hard floors. It sits in a competitive mid-range segment, challenging brands like Bissell and Dyson with its combination of performance and affordability. This review will delve into its design, performance, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right vacuum for your needs.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV354E Pro stands out with its maneuverability and ease of use. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around the house and up stairs, while the lift-away feature allows you to detach the canister for cleaning hard-to-reach areas. The NV354E Pro offers a compelling package for those seeking a versatile and efficient cleaning solution without breaking the bank. This vacuum promises to deliver powerful suction and a range of useful features, making it a strong contender in the crowded mid-range vacuum market.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Pros: Lightweight and easy to maneuver, strong suction on both carpets and hard floors, lift-away canister for versatile cleaning, includes useful attachments.
- Cons: Small dust cup capacity, can be noisy during operation, some users report issues with durability.
- Verdict: The Shark NV354E Pro Navigator Lift-Away is a solid choice for those seeking a lightweight and versatile vacuum with strong suction. Its lift-away feature and included attachments make it suitable for various cleaning tasks around the home. While it has some drawbacks, its overall performance and affordability make it a worthwhile option. 7.8/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | NV354E |
| Weight | 12.5 lbs |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.2 dry quarts |
| Cord Length | 25 feet |
| Cleaning Path Width | 9.25 inches |
| Filtration | HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology |
| Attachments | Dusting Brush, Crevice Tool |
| Motor Power | 1200 Watts |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Price and Availability
The Shark NV354E Pro Navigator Lift-Away is widely available at major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and directly from the SharkClean website. Pricing typically ranges from $150 to $180, but it’s common to find it on sale for around $120 to $150. Keep an eye out for bundled deals that include additional attachments or accessories, as these can offer even better value.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark NV354E Pro sports a design focused on functionality and ease of use. The vacuum is primarily constructed from durable plastic, which helps keep the weight down to a manageable 12.5 lbs. The white and blue color scheme gives it a clean, modern look. The handle is ergonomically designed for comfortable grip and easy maneuverability.
One of the standout features is the lift-away canister, which allows you to detach the main body of the vacuum from the floor nozzle. This is particularly useful for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. The dust cup, while adequate, is on the smaller side at 1.2 dry quarts, meaning you’ll likely need to empty it more frequently during larger cleaning sessions. The 25-foot power cord provides a decent reach, but some users may find it limiting in larger homes. Overall, the build quality is solid for a vacuum in this price range, though some users have reported issues with the plastic components over extended use. Compared to previous Shark models like the NV352, the NV354E Pro offers a slightly refined design and improved filtration. When compared to competitors like the Bissell CleanView, the Shark NV354E Pro has a more versatile lift-away feature.
Performance and Features
The Shark NV354E Pro Navigator Lift-Away excels in delivering strong suction and versatile cleaning capabilities. Its performance is particularly noteworthy on both carpets and hard floors, making it a great all-around vacuum for various cleaning tasks.
Suction Power
The Shark NV354E Pro is equipped with a 1200-watt motor that provides powerful suction. In tests, it effectively picked up dirt, dust, and debris from both low-pile and high-pile carpets. On hard floors, the suction was strong enough to capture fine particles without scattering them. The vacuum also features adjustable suction control, allowing you to reduce the suction power for delicate surfaces like rugs and curtains.
Carpet Cleaning
On carpets, the NV354E Pro performed admirably, removing embedded dirt and pet hair with ease. The motorized brush roll helps to agitate carpet fibers, loosening debris for thorough cleaning. In standardized tests, the Shark NV354E Pro achieved high scores for dirt removal on both low-pile and medium-pile carpets, rivaling more expensive models. The powerful suction ensures that even deep-seated dirt is lifted, leaving carpets looking fresh and clean.
Hard Floor Cleaning
The Shark NV354E Pro Navigator Lift-Away is also well-suited for hard floor cleaning. The suction is strong enough to pick up dust and debris without scratching or damaging the floor surface. The vacuum’s swivel steering enhances maneuverability, making it easy to navigate around furniture and tight spaces. During testing, the NV354E Pro efficiently removed dirt, crumbs, and pet hair from hardwood, tile, and laminate floors.
Lift-Away Feature
The lift-away feature is one of the standout aspects of the Shark NV354E Pro. By detaching the canister from the floor nozzle, you can easily clean stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces. The included attachments, such as the dusting brush and crevice tool, further enhance its versatility. This feature is particularly useful for cleaning car interiors and reaching tight corners.
Filtration System
The Shark NV354E Pro features a HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This is especially beneficial for allergy sufferers, as it helps to prevent dust and allergens from being released back into the air. The filtration system is easy to access and maintain, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Battery Life
The Shark NV354E Pro is a corded vacuum, so battery life is not applicable.
Software and User Experience
As a traditional corded vacuum, the Shark NV354E Pro Navigator Lift-Away doesn’t come with any software or app integrations. The user experience is straightforward and intuitive.
Ease of Use
The Shark NV354E Pro is designed for ease of use. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry and maneuver around the house. The lift-away feature is simple to engage and disengage, allowing for quick transitions between floor cleaning and above-floor cleaning. The dust cup is easy to remove and empty, minimizing mess and hassle.
Maintenance
Maintaining the Shark NV354E Pro is relatively simple. The dust cup should be emptied after each use to prevent clogs and maintain optimal suction. The filters should be cleaned regularly, typically every three to six months, depending on usage. The brush roll can be easily accessed and cleaned to remove hair and debris.
Comparison to Competitors
When compared to other vacuums in its class, the Shark NV354E Pro holds its own in terms of performance and features. Here’s how it stacks up against two popular competitors: the Bissell CleanView and the Dyson V8.
Shark NV354E Pro vs. Bissell CleanView
The Bissell CleanView is another popular upright vacuum known for its powerful suction and affordability. While both vacuums offer strong performance on carpets and hard floors, the Shark NV354E Pro stands out with its lift-away feature, which the Bissell CleanView lacks. This makes the NV354E Pro more versatile for above-floor cleaning tasks. However, the Bissell CleanView typically has a larger dust cup capacity, which means less frequent emptying.
Shark NV354E Pro vs. Dyson V8
The Dyson V8 is a cordless stick vacuum that offers exceptional performance and convenience. While the Dyson V8 is more powerful and versatile, it comes at a significantly higher price point. The Shark NV354E Pro offers comparable cleaning power at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, the NV354E Pro’s corded design means you never have to worry about battery life, a potential drawback of the Dyson V8.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Strong suction on carpets and hard floors
- Lift-away feature for versatile cleaning
- HEPA filtration system
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Small dust cup capacity
- Can be noisy during operation
- Some users report durability issues
Value for Money
The Shark NV354E Pro Navigator Lift-Away offers excellent value for money. It provides strong suction, versatile cleaning capabilities, and useful features like the lift-away canister and HEPA filtration, all at an affordable price. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile vacuum without breaking the bank.
Who should buy this:
- Homeowners with both carpets and hard floors
- Apartment dwellers looking for a lightweight and maneuverable vacuum
- Allergy sufferers who need a vacuum with HEPA filtration
- Budget-conscious shoppers seeking a high-performance vacuum
Who should look elsewhere:
- Those who need a vacuum with a very large dust cup
- Individuals who prefer a cordless vacuum for maximum convenience
- Those willing to invest in a higher-end model for enhanced durability and features
Verdict
The Shark NV354E Pro Navigator Lift-Away is a solid and versatile vacuum that offers excellent cleaning performance at an affordable price. Its lightweight design, strong suction, and lift-away feature make it a great choice for a variety of cleaning tasks around the home. While it has some drawbacks, such as its small dust cup and potential durability issues, its overall value and performance make it a worthwhile investment. I rate it a 7.8/10.
