The Shark Navigator NV355 Professional Upright Vacuum is designed to offer a lightweight yet powerful cleaning solution for homes with a mix of hard floors and carpets. Positioned as a mid-range option in Shark’s extensive vacuum lineup, the NV355 aims to deliver the essential features needed for effective everyday cleaning without the premium price tag. It’s particularly appealing to those who want the convenience of a portable canister vacuum combined with the power of an upright.
The Shark Navigator NV355 stands out due to its lift-away design, allowing users to detach the canister for easy cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. Its lightweight construction ensures maneuverability, making it a practical choice for multi-story homes and users who prefer a less cumbersome vacuum. In this review, we’ll delve into its design, performance, features, and how it stacks up against the competition, providing a comprehensive overview to help you decide if the Shark Navigator NV355 is the right vacuum for your needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Pros: Lightweight and easy to maneuver, strong suction on both hard floors and carpets, lift-away design enhances versatility, includes useful attachments for detailed cleaning.
- Cons: Smaller dust cup requires more frequent emptying, some users find the hose a bit short, build quality isn’t as robust as higher-end models.
- Verdict: The Shark Navigator NV355 is a reliable and versatile vacuum that offers excellent cleaning performance for its price point, making it a great option for everyday use. 8.2/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | NV355 |
| Vacuum Type | Upright, Lift-Away |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.2 dry quarts |
| Cord Length | 25 feet |
| Filtration | Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology®, HEPA filter |
| Cleaning Path Width | 9.5 inches |
| Attachments | Dusting Brush, Crevice Tool |
| Motor Power | 1200 watts |
| Hose Length | 5 feet (approximately) |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Price and Availability
The Shark Navigator NV355 Professional Upright Vacuum is widely available through major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and the official Shark website. Pricing typically ranges from $120 to $160, but it’s frequently on sale, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Keep an eye out for bundled deals that may include additional attachments or extended warranties.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark NV355 features a predominantly white and gray plastic construction, which aligns with its goal of being lightweight and maneuverable. The lift-away design allows you to detach the canister from the main unit, instantly converting it into a portable vacuum for stairs and above-floor cleaning. The plastic components, while functional, do not feel as premium as those found on Shark’s higher-end models, but they offer sufficient durability for regular household use.
The ergonomics are well-considered, with a comfortable handle and easy-to-reach controls. The vacuum head swivels smoothly, allowing for effortless navigation around furniture and obstacles. The dust cup, although adequately sized for small to medium-sized homes, may require more frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions. Overall, the Shark Navigator NV355 strikes a good balance between functionality and lightweight design, though it sacrifices some build quality in the process.
Performance and Features
The Shark Navigator NV355 is engineered for strong suction power and versatile cleaning capabilities. Its performance is particularly noteworthy on both hard floors and carpets, thanks to its powerful motor and efficient brush roll design.
Suction Power
The NV355 boasts a 1200-watt motor that delivers impressive suction, effectively lifting dirt, dust, and debris from various surfaces. In our tests, it excelled at picking up embedded pet hair from carpets and removing fine dust particles from hardwood floors. The suction remains consistent even as the dust cup fills, which is a significant advantage over some competitors in this price range.
Carpet Cleaning
On carpets, the Shark Navigator NV355 utilizes a motorized brush roll to agitate fibers and loosen embedded dirt. It performed admirably on both low-pile and medium-pile carpets, removing a high percentage of test debris in a single pass. The brush roll can be turned on or off, which is essential for preventing scattering on hard floors.
Hard Floor Cleaning
The NV355 also shines on hard floors. With the brush roll turned off, the strong suction effectively pulls dirt and dust without scattering debris. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability, allowing for easy cleaning around furniture and in tight spaces. Edge cleaning is decent, though some users may find that the included crevice tool is necessary for reaching corners and baseboards.
Lift-Away Functionality
One of the standout features of the Shark Navigator NV355 is its lift-away design. By detaching the canister, you can easily carry the vacuum around for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces. This feature significantly enhances the vacuum’s versatility and makes it a practical choice for multi-story homes.
Attachments
The NV355 comes with a few essential attachments, including a dusting brush and a crevice tool. The dusting brush is perfect for cleaning delicate surfaces and upholstery, while the crevice tool is ideal for reaching tight spaces and corners. While the attachment selection is somewhat limited compared to higher-end models, the included tools are sufficient for most everyday cleaning tasks.
Battery Life
The Shark Navigator NV355 is a corded vacuum and does not have a battery.
Software and User Experience
As a traditional upright vacuum, the Shark Navigator NV355 does not incorporate software or smart features. The user experience is straightforward and intuitive, focusing on ease of use and effective cleaning performance.
Controls and Interface
The controls are conveniently located on the main unit and are easy to access while vacuuming. A simple on/off switch controls the power, while a separate switch allows you to toggle the brush roll on or off, depending on the floor type.
Maintenance
Maintaining the Shark Navigator NV355 is relatively simple. The dust cup is easy to remove and empty, and the filters are washable, which helps to prolong their lifespan. The brush roll can also be easily accessed for removing tangled hair and debris. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the vacuum’s overall lifespan.
Comparison to Competitors
When compared to other vacuums in its class, the Shark Navigator NV355 holds its own, particularly in terms of suction power and versatility. Here’s how it stacks up against a couple of key competitors:
Dyson V8 Animal
The Dyson V8 Animal is a cordless stick vacuum known for its powerful suction and lightweight design. While the V8 Animal offers greater portability and cordless convenience, the Shark Navigator NV355 provides comparable suction power at a lower price point. The Dyson is better for quick clean-ups and smaller spaces, but the Shark offers more consistent power for larger areas.
Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach is another strong contender in the upright vacuum category. It features a similar swivel design for maneuverability and a rewindable cord for convenient storage. The Shark Navigator NV355 edges out the Bissell in terms of its lift-away functionality and slightly stronger suction, making it a more versatile option for tackling various cleaning tasks. However, the Bissell’s rewindable cord is a feature that some users may find appealing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Strong suction on hard floors and carpets
- Lift-away design for versatile cleaning
- Includes useful attachments
Cons:
- Smaller dust cup
- Hose may be short for some users
- Build quality could be more robust
Value for Money
The Shark Navigator NV355 offers excellent value for money. It provides powerful suction, versatile cleaning capabilities, and a lightweight design at a price point that is accessible to most consumers. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it delivers reliable performance and essential features that make it a worthwhile investment for everyday cleaning needs.
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Shark Navigator NV355 is ideal for:
- Homeowners with a mix of hard floors and carpets
- Individuals looking for a lightweight and maneuverable vacuum
- Those who need a versatile vacuum for cleaning stairs and upholstery
- Budget-conscious buyers who want strong performance without breaking the bank
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
Consider other options if you:
- Have a large home and require a vacuum with a larger dust cup
- Prefer a cordless vacuum for maximum portability
- Need a vacuum with more advanced features and attachments
Verdict
The Shark Navigator NV355 Professional Upright Vacuum is a solid performer that offers a compelling combination of power, versatility, and affordability. Its lightweight design, strong suction, and lift-away functionality make it a practical choice for tackling a variety of cleaning tasks around the home. While it may not be the most premium option on the market, it delivers excellent value for money and is a reliable choice for everyday use. We rate it an 8.2/10.
