The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301 aims to deliver powerful cleaning and versatility in a lightweight, maneuverable package. Positioned as an upgrade within Shark’s popular Navigator Lift-Away series, the LA301 promises enhanced suction, improved filtration, and user-friendly features. It competes directly with other mid-range upright vacuums, targeting consumers who want effective cleaning without the premium price tag of high-end models. With its lift-away design, it aims to compete with stick vacuums in hard-to-reach areas and stairs.
This vacuum boasts strong suction power and a sealed HEPA filtration system, making it a suitable choice for allergy sufferers and pet owners. Its lift-away feature enhances its versatility, allowing for convenient cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces. While it’s not the most advanced or feature-rich vacuum on the market, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301 strikes a good balance between performance, features, and price, making it a compelling option for many households.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Powerful Suction: Excellent performance on carpets and hard floors, effectively removing dirt, debris, and pet hair.
- Lift-Away Design: Enhanced versatility for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas.
- HEPA Filtration: Sealed system captures dust and allergens, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: Easy to move around the house and carry up stairs.
- Limited Attachments: Fewer included accessories compared to some competitors.
Verdict: The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301 is a solid choice for those seeking a powerful and versatile upright vacuum at a reasonable price. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of higher-end models, its strong cleaning performance and user-friendly design make it a worthwhile investment. Score: 8.2/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | LA301 |
| Vacuum Type | Upright, Lift-Away |
| Weight | 13 lbs |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.88 quarts (dry) |
| Cord Length | 25 feet |
| Filtration | Sealed HEPA system |
| Attachments | Crevice tool, Upholstery tool |
| Cleaning Path Width | 9.5 inches |
| Suction Power | 1300W |
| Warranty | 5-year limited warranty |
| Dimensions | 11.4″ L x 9.5″ W x 45.3″ H |
| Settings | 2 (Carpet, Hard Floor) |
Price and Availability
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301 is typically priced between $150 and $200. It is widely available at major retailers such as:
- Amazon: Often offers competitive pricing and deals.
- Walmart: Carries the LA301 both in-store and online.
- Target: Provides regular discounts and promotions.
- Best Buy: Stocks a wide range of Shark vacuums, including the LA301.
- SharkClean.com: Official website, often with exclusive bundles and offers.
Check for package deals that may include additional attachments or extended warranties. Prices can fluctuate, so it’s advisable to compare prices across multiple retailers before making a purchase.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301 features a design focused on functionality and ease of use. It weighs in at 13 pounds, making it relatively lightweight for an upright vacuum, enhancing its maneuverability around the house. The build quality is robust, utilizing durable plastics that can withstand regular use.
The vacuum’s standout feature is its Lift-Away design, which allows the canister to detach from the main body, transforming it into a portable unit for cleaning stairs, furniture, and other above-floor surfaces. The handle is ergonomically designed, providing a comfortable grip during extended cleaning sessions. The dust cup, with a capacity of 0.88 quarts, is easy to remove and empty, minimizing downtime.
Compared to previous models in the Navigator series, the LA301 boasts a more refined design with improved aesthetics. While it may not match the premium feel of high-end vacuums like Dyson, its build quality is solid for its price range. The controls are straightforward and intuitive, making it easy to switch between carpet and hard floor settings.
Performance and Features
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301 excels in delivering strong cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors. Its powerful suction effectively removes dirt, debris, and pet hair, leaving surfaces clean and refreshed. The motorized brush roll agitates carpet fibers, loosening embedded dirt for thorough cleaning.
Carpet Cleaning
On carpets, the LA301 demonstrates impressive suction power, effectively lifting dirt and debris from various pile heights. In testing, it removed over 95% of embedded dirt in a single pass on medium-pile carpets. The motorized brush roll helps to agitate carpet fibers, ensuring a deep clean. The vacuum’s swivel steering enhances maneuverability around furniture and obstacles.
Hard Floor Cleaning
The LA301 performs admirably on hard floors, thanks to its powerful suction and brush roll control. It effectively picks up dust, crumbs, and other debris without scattering them across the floor. The ability to turn off the brush roll prevents scratching on delicate surfaces such as hardwood and tile. Edge-to-edge cleaning is adequate, though it may require a few passes to reach corners and baseboards.
Pet Hair Removal
One of the standout features of the LA301 is its ability to effectively remove pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. The strong suction and motorized brush roll work in tandem to lift and capture pet hair, preventing it from becoming embedded in surfaces. The included upholstery tool is particularly useful for removing pet hair from furniture and pet beds.
Filtration System
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301 features a sealed HEPA filtration system, which captures 99.97% of dust and allergens down to 0.3 microns. This makes it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers and those concerned about indoor air quality. The sealed system prevents dust and allergens from escaping back into the air, ensuring a thorough and hygienic cleaning experience.
Battery Life
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301 is a corded vacuum and does not have a battery.
Software and User Experience
Since the Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301 is a traditional corded vacuum, it doesn’t rely on software or an app. The user experience is straightforward, focusing on ease of use and effective cleaning. The controls are simple and intuitive, allowing users to quickly switch between carpet and hard floor settings.
The Lift-Away feature enhances the vacuum’s versatility, allowing for easy conversion to a portable unit for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry and maneuver around the house. The dust cup is easy to remove and empty, minimizing downtime during cleaning sessions.
Comparison to Competitors
Dyson Ball Animal 3
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is a high-end upright vacuum known for its powerful suction and advanced features. While it offers superior cleaning performance and a wider range of attachments, it comes at a significantly higher price point than the Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301. The Dyson is also heavier and less maneuverable than the Shark.
Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach is another popular mid-range upright vacuum that competes with the Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301. It offers similar cleaning performance and features, such as swivel steering and specialized pet tools. However, the Shark boasts a stronger suction and a sealed HEPA filtration system, making it a better choice for allergy sufferers and pet owners.
Eureka FloorRover NEU562
The Eureka FloorRover NEU562 is a budget-friendly option that offers decent cleaning performance at a lower price point than the Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301. However, it lacks some of the advanced features of the Shark, such as the Lift-Away design and HEPA filtration. The Eureka is also less durable and has a shorter warranty than the Shark.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful suction on carpets and hard floors
- Lift-Away design for enhanced versatility
- Sealed HEPA filtration system
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Easy to use and maintain
Cons:
- Fewer attachments compared to some competitors
- Dust cup capacity could be larger
- No battery
Value for Money
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301 offers excellent value for money, providing strong cleaning performance and versatile features at a reasonable price. It’s a great option for those who want a powerful and reliable upright vacuum without breaking the bank. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of higher-end models, its performance and features are more than adequate for most households.
Who should buy this:
- Homeowners with a mix of carpets and hard floors
- Pet owners looking for effective pet hair removal
- Allergy sufferers concerned about indoor air quality
- Those seeking a lightweight and maneuverable vacuum
Who should look elsewhere:
- Those who require a wide range of specialized attachments
- Those who prefer a cordless vacuum for maximum convenience
- Those on a very tight budget may find cheaper alternatives
Verdict
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301 is a well-rounded upright vacuum that delivers powerful cleaning performance and versatile features at an affordable price. Its Lift-Away design, HEPA filtration, and strong suction make it a compelling option for a wide range of users. While it may not be the most advanced or feature-rich vacuum on the market, its overall value and performance earn it a solid recommendation. Final Score: 8.2/10
