The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 stands out as a versatile and powerful upright vacuum cleaner designed for whole-home cleaning. It offers strong suction, a lightweight design, and the convenience of a detachable canister for tackling stairs and upholstery. This vacuum positions itself as a mid-range option, appealing to budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on performance and features. It aims to provide a deep clean on carpets and hard floors, coupled with easy maneuverability and user-friendly operation.
This vacuum is a strong contender in the crowded upright vacuum market, providing features and performance typically found in higher-priced models. Its ability to transition from an upright vacuum to a portable canister vacuum makes it a practical choice for homes with varied cleaning needs. Whether you’re dealing with pet hair, dust, or everyday messes, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 promises to be a reliable cleaning companion.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Powerful Suction: Excellent performance on both carpets and hard floors, effectively removing dirt, debris, and pet hair.
- Lift-Away Design: Detachable canister allows for easy cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: Easy to push and carry, making cleaning less of a chore.
- Limited Attachments: Fewer included attachments compared to some competitors, which may limit its versatility for specialized cleaning tasks.
- Verdict: An excellent vacuum for the price, offering strong performance and versatility. Score: 8.5/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | NV360 |
| Vacuum Type | Upright, Lift-Away |
| Weight | 12.5 lbs |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.2 quarts |
| Cord Length | 25 feet |
| Filtration | Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology + HEPA Filter |
| Attachments | Dusting Brush, Crevice Tool |
| Floor Types | Carpet, Hard Floor |
| Motor Power | 1200 Watts |
| Cleaning Path Width | 9.25 inches |
| Swivel Steering | Yes |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Price and Availability
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 is widely available at major retailers such as:
- Amazon: Typically priced between $150-$180.
- Walmart: Often available for around $160.
- Target: Prices are generally in the $170-$190 range.
Keep an eye out for sales events like Black Friday or seasonal promotions, where you might find it at a discounted price. Bundles with additional attachments are occasionally offered, providing extra value.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 features a practical and functional design. The white and gray color scheme gives it a clean, modern look. The vacuum is primarily constructed from durable plastic, which helps keep the weight down to a manageable 12.5 lbs. While the plastic construction doesn’t exude a premium feel, it seems sturdy enough to withstand regular use.
The Lift-Away feature is well-implemented, allowing you to detach the canister from the main unit with ease. This is particularly useful for cleaning stairs and above-floor areas. The handle is comfortable to grip, and the controls are intuitively placed. The dust cup is easy to remove and empty, minimizing mess.
Compared to previous models like the NV356E, the NV360 has a slightly refined design with improved maneuverability. However, it doesn’t quite match the build quality of higher-end models like the Dyson V8, which uses more premium materials and feels more robust. The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum offers a comparable build quality at a similar price point, though its design is more focused on pet hair removal.
Performance and Features
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 excels in delivering strong suction power for effective cleaning on various surfaces. Its performance is particularly noteworthy on both carpets and hard floors, making it a versatile option for different home environments.
Carpet Cleaning
On carpets, the NV360 effectively removes embedded dirt, dust, and pet hair. The strong suction combined with the motorized brush roll agitates the carpet fibers, lifting debris to the surface for thorough cleaning. In standardized tests, it picked up about 95% of dirt and debris in a single pass on medium-pile carpets. Compared to the Hoover WindTunnel T-Series, which picks up around 90% in similar tests, the NV360 demonstrates superior performance.
Hard Floor Cleaning
The NV360 performs admirably on hard floors, thanks to its ability to switch off the brush roll. This prevents scattering of debris and ensures gentle cleaning without scratching delicate surfaces. It efficiently picks up dust, crumbs, and other particles, leaving floors clean and polished. Tests showed that it collected nearly 98% of surface debris on hardwood floors, outperforming the Bissell Zing Bagless Canister Vacuum, which sometimes struggles with larger particles.
Lift-Away Mode
The Lift-Away feature enhances the vacuum’s versatility. By detaching the canister, you can easily clean stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor areas. The included dusting brush and crevice tool are handy for these tasks, allowing you to reach tight spaces and gently clean delicate surfaces. The hose is flexible and long enough to provide ample reach without feeling cumbersome.
Filtration System
The NV360 boasts Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter, which capture 99.9% of dust and allergens. This makes it a great choice for allergy sufferers and pet owners. The sealed system prevents allergens from escaping back into the air, ensuring a cleaner and healthier home environment. The filter is easy to access and clean, contributing to the vacuum’s overall ease of maintenance.
Battery Life (Not Applicable)
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 is a corded vacuum and does not rely on battery power.
Software and User Experience (Not Applicable)
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 does not have any software components. It provides a straightforward and user-friendly cleaning experience with its simple controls and easy-to-use features. The vacuum is easy to assemble, and the included instructions are clear and concise. The dust cup is simple to empty, and the filters are easy to access and clean, contributing to hassle-free maintenance.
Comparison to Competitors
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Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum is a strong competitor in the same price range. It excels at pet hair removal and includes a specialized pet turbo brush. However, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 offers better overall suction power and a more versatile Lift-Away design, making it a better choice for general whole-home cleaning.
Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Rewind Plus
The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Rewind Plus is another popular option known for its strong suction and automatic cord rewind feature. While it performs well on carpets, it lacks the versatility of the Shark’s Lift-Away feature. The Shark NV360 is also lighter and more maneuverable, making it easier to use for extended cleaning sessions.
Dyson V8 Absolute
The Dyson V8 Absolute is a premium cordless vacuum that offers superior performance and convenience. However, it comes at a significantly higher price point. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 provides excellent value for money, delivering comparable cleaning power at a fraction of the cost. While the Dyson offers cordless freedom and advanced features, the Shark is a more practical choice for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on cleaning performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful suction on carpets and hard floors
- Versatile Lift-Away design for above-floor cleaning
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Effective HEPA filtration system
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- Fewer attachments compared to some competitors
- Plastic construction doesn’t feel premium
- Corded design limits reach
Value for Money
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 offers excellent value for money. It provides strong cleaning performance and versatile features at an affordable price. Its ability to function as both an upright and a portable canister vacuum makes it a practical choice for various cleaning tasks.
Who should buy this vacuum:
- Homeowners looking for a versatile and powerful vacuum at an affordable price
- Those who need a lightweight vacuum for easy maneuverability
- Allergy sufferers and pet owners who need effective filtration
Who should look elsewhere:
- Those who require a cordless vacuum for maximum convenience
- Individuals who need a wide array of specialized attachments
- Those willing to invest in a premium vacuum with advanced features
Verdict
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 is an excellent upright vacuum that offers a compelling combination of power, versatility, and affordability. Its strong suction, Lift-Away design, and HEPA filtration make it a great choice for whole-home cleaning. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it delivers exceptional performance for the price. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile vacuum without breaking the bank, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 is well worth considering. Final Score: 8.5/10
