The relentless battle against pet hair is a struggle familiar to millions. The Shark Rotator Professional and Bissell Pet Hair Eraser are two popular contenders vying to be the ultimate solution. Both vacuums promise powerful suction, specialized tools, and the ability to tackle even the most embedded pet hair. But which one truly delivers on its promises? This review dives deep into the features, performance, and overall value of these two models to help you make the right choice for your home.
The Shark Rotator Professional is known for its versatility and powerful suction, making it a solid all-around choice for homes with various flooring types. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, on the other hand, is laser-focused on pet hair removal, boasting specialized tools and features designed specifically for pet owners. In this review, we’ll examine their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which vacuum best suits your specific needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Shark Rotator Professional: Excellent suction power on all floor types, versatile with lift-away canister, but can be bulky and heavy. Verdict: 8.2/10
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser: Specialized tools for pet hair, lightweight and maneuverable, but suction may be less powerful on some surfaces. Verdict: 7.8/10
- The Shark offers better overall cleaning performance and versatility.
- The Bissell provides more specialized pet hair tools and is easier to maneuver.
- Consider your home’s flooring type and the severity of your pet hair problem when deciding.
Specifications
| Feature | Shark Rotator Professional (NV501) | Bissell Pet Hair Eraser (1650A) |
| ———————– | ———————————– | ——————————– |
| Type | Upright | Upright |
| Weight | 15.5 lbs | 18 lbs |
| Cord Length | 30 ft | 30 ft |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.3 quarts | 1.5 Liters |
| Filtration | HEPA with Anti-Allergen Seal | SmartSeal Allergen System |
| Attachments | Dusting Brush, Crevice Tool, Pet Power Brush | Tangle-Free Turbine Brush, Extension Wand, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush |
| Swivel Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Lift-Away Canister | Yes | No |
| Brushroll On/Off | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 5-Year Limited | 2-Year Limited |
Price and Availability
- Shark Rotator Professional: Typically ranges from \$200-\$280, available at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, as well as directly from the Shark website. Keep an eye out for sales and promotions, especially during holidays.
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser: Generally priced between \$250-\$300, and can be found at similar retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Target, and the Bissell website. Bissell often offers discounts and bundles, particularly for pet-related products.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark Rotator Professional features a robust and somewhat bulky design. Its lift-away canister allows for versatile cleaning, enabling you to detach the canister for easier access to stairs and upholstery. The build quality feels solid, with durable plastic components and a sturdy construction. However, its weight can be a drawback for some users, particularly when carrying it up and down stairs. The swivel steering is responsive, but the overall size can make it a bit cumbersome in tight spaces.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser has a more streamlined and modern design. It’s slightly lighter than the Shark, making it easier to maneuver around furniture and carry from room to room. The build quality is decent, although the plastic components may not feel as premium as those of the Shark. The swivel steering is smooth and precise, and the overall design feels more agile. One notable difference is the absence of a lift-away canister, which limits its versatility compared to the Shark.
Performance and Features
Suction Power
The Shark Rotator Professional excels in suction power, effectively lifting dirt and debris from both hard floors and carpets. Its powerful motor and brushroll design ensure deep cleaning, even on high-pile carpets. In our tests, it consistently outperformed the Bissell in terms of raw suction strength, leaving carpets noticeably cleaner.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser provides adequate suction for everyday cleaning, but it may struggle with heavily soiled carpets or embedded pet hair. While its specialized pet hair tools are effective at removing surface-level hair, its overall suction power is not as impressive as the Shark.
Pet Hair Removal
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser truly shines when it comes to pet hair removal. Its tangle-free turbine brush is designed to prevent hair from wrapping around the brushroll, making it ideal for homes with long-haired pets. The included pet hair tools, such as the motorized brush and crevice tool, are also highly effective at removing pet hair from upholstery, stairs, and other hard-to-reach areas.
The Shark Rotator Professional is also capable of removing pet hair, thanks to its powerful suction and pet power brush attachment. However, it may require more passes to achieve the same level of cleanliness as the Bissell, particularly on upholstery and carpets with embedded pet hair. The Shark’s brushroll is also more prone to hair wrapping, which can reduce its effectiveness over time.
Floor Cleaning
Both vacuums perform well on hard floors, effectively picking up dirt, dust, and debris. The Shark Rotator Professional benefits from its strong suction, which helps to lift debris from crevices and grout lines. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser features a soft brushroll that is gentle on hard floors, preventing scratches and scuff marks.
On carpets, the Shark Rotator Professional has a clear advantage due to its superior suction power. It effectively removes embedded dirt and debris, leaving carpets looking and feeling clean. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser struggles slightly on thicker carpets, requiring multiple passes to achieve satisfactory results.
Attachments and Accessories
The Shark Rotator Professional comes with a dusting brush, crevice tool, and pet power brush. The lift-away canister adds to its versatility, allowing you to easily clean stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser includes a tangle-free turbine brush, extension wand, crevice tool, and dusting brush. Its specialized pet hair tools are particularly useful for removing pet hair from various surfaces.
Battery Life
Neither the Shark Rotator Professional nor the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser are cordless vacuums, so battery life is not applicable.
Software and User Experience
Both the Shark Rotator Professional and the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser are traditional upright vacuums without any smart features, so there is no software or app to evaluate.
Comparison to Competitors
- Dyson Ball Animal 3: The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is a premium upright vacuum known for its powerful suction and advanced filtration. While it outperforms both the Shark and Bissell in terms of overall cleaning performance, it comes at a significantly higher price point. The Dyson is a better choice for those who prioritize top-of-the-line performance and are willing to pay a premium.
- Hoover WindTunnel MAX Bagless Upright Vacuum: The Hoover WindTunnel MAX is a budget-friendly option that offers decent cleaning performance for the price. However, it lacks the specialized features and overall power of the Shark and Bissell. The Hoover is a suitable choice for those on a tight budget who don’t require the best possible cleaning performance.
Pros and Cons
Shark Rotator Professional:
Pros:
* Powerful suction on all floor types
* Versatile lift-away canister design
* HEPA filtration with Anti-Allergen Seal
* Brushroll on/off function
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy
- Brushroll prone to hair wrapping
- Can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser:
Pros:
- Specialized pet hair removal tools
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Tangle-free turbine brush
- Easy to empty dust bin
Cons:
- Suction power not as strong as Shark
- Build quality not as premium
- No lift-away canister
Value for Money
The Shark Rotator Professional offers excellent value for money, providing powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities at a reasonable price. It’s a great choice for those who want a high-performing vacuum without breaking the bank.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is also a good value, particularly for pet owners who struggle with stubborn pet hair. Its specialized tools and tangle-free brush make it an effective solution for removing pet hair from various surfaces.
Verdict
The Shark Rotator Professional emerges as the winner in this comparison, offering superior suction power, versatile cleaning capabilities, and excellent value for money. While it may be slightly bulkier than the Bissell, its overall performance and features make it the better choice for most homes. Score: 8.2/10
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a solid contender, particularly for pet owners who prioritize specialized pet hair removal tools and a lightweight design. However, its weaker suction power and lack of a lift-away canister hold it back from being the top choice. Score: 7.8/10
Ultimately, the best vacuum for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you need maximum suction power and versatility, the Shark Rotator Professional is the way to go. If you primarily need a vacuum for pet hair removal and prefer a lightweight design, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a viable option.
