The Shark VACMOP Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop VM251 aims to simplify hard floor cleaning by combining vacuuming and mopping into a single, lightweight, cordless device. It promises convenience and ease of use for quick cleanups, targeting busy households and those seeking to minimize cleaning time and effort. However, its reliance on disposable pads and cleaning solution raise questions about long-term cost and environmental impact.
The Shark VACMOP Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop VM251 occupies a unique space in the floor cleaning market. It’s not a full-fledged vacuum or a traditional mop, but rather a hybrid designed for light-duty cleaning on hard floors. Its appeal lies in its cordless design, lightweight maneuverability, and the combination of vacuuming debris and mopping in one step.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Convenient and Lightweight: Easy to maneuver and store, making it ideal for quick cleanups.
- Combines Vacuuming and Mopping: Simplifies floor cleaning by performing two tasks simultaneously.
- Disposable Pads and Solution: Requires ongoing purchases of disposable pads and cleaning solution, increasing long-term costs.
- Limited Suction Power: Not suitable for deep cleaning or heavily soiled floors.
- Verdict: 7/10 – A convenient option for light-duty cleaning on hard floors, but not a replacement for a full-fledged vacuum or mop.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | VM251 |
| Type | Cordless Vacuum Mop |
| Floor Type | Hard Floors |
| Pad Type | Disposable VACMOP Pads |
| Solution | Shark VACMOP Cleaning Solution |
| Weight | 5 lbs |
| Cordless | Yes |
| Headlight | Yes, LED Headlight |
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion |
| Charge Time | 3.5 hours |
| Run Time | Up to 20 minutes |
| Tank Capacity | 12 oz |
| Dimensions | 5.12″ L x 10.24″ W x 47.24″ H |
Price and Availability
The Shark VACMOP Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop VM251 is widely available at major retailers such as:
- SharkClean.com
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Best Buy
Pricing typically ranges from $79 to $99. Bundles that include extra pads and cleaning solution are often available. Keep an eye out for sales and promotions, especially during holidays and seasonal events.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark VM251 sports a lightweight and slender design, primarily constructed from plastic. This makes it easy to maneuver and carry around the house. The handle features a comfortable grip and the power and spray trigger are conveniently located. The mop head is designed to be low-profile, allowing it to reach under furniture and into tight spaces.
The build quality is adequate for its intended use, but the plastic construction feels somewhat flimsy. The disposable pad attachment mechanism is simple and straightforward, but it may wear down over time with frequent pad changes. The LED headlight is a nice touch, illuminating the cleaning path in dimly lit areas. Overall, the design prioritizes convenience and ease of use over premium materials and robust construction.
Performance and Features
The Shark VACMOP Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop VM251 is designed for light-duty cleaning on hard floors. It combines vacuuming loose debris and mopping up spills and messes in a single step.
Vacuuming Performance
The vacuuming function is adequate for picking up small particles of dust, dirt, and crumbs. However, it lacks the suction power to effectively clean larger debris or heavily soiled areas. In tests, it struggled to pick up pet hair and larger food particles. It’s best suited for quick cleanups of surface-level messes.
Mopping Performance
The mop sprays cleaning solution onto the floor, which is then absorbed by the disposable pad. The pad effectively wipes up spills and removes light stains. However, the mopping performance is limited by the absorbency of the disposable pad and the amount of solution sprayed. For tougher stains or larger spills, multiple passes may be required. The solution tank holds 12 oz, which is enough to clean a moderate-sized area.
Ease of Use
The Shark VACMOP Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop VM251 is incredibly easy to use. Simply attach a clean pad, fill the solution tank, and you’re ready to go. The cordless design and lightweight construction make it easy to maneuver around furniture and tight spaces. The swivel steering allows for effortless navigation. The disposable pads are easy to attach and remove, making cleanup a breeze.
Battery Life
The Shark VACMOP Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop VM251 is powered by a lithium-ion battery that provides up to 20 minutes of runtime.
- Runtime: Up to 20 minutes on a full charge.
- Charging Time: Approximately 3.5 hours.
In real-world use, the runtime is sufficient for cleaning small to medium-sized areas. However, for larger homes or more extensive cleaning tasks, you may need to recharge the battery mid-session. The long charging time is a drawback, as it can be inconvenient to wait several hours for the device to be ready for use again.
Software and User Experience
The Shark VACMOP Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop VM251 does not have any software or app integration. It’s a simple, straightforward device with minimal features. The user experience is intuitive and easy to understand. The power button and spray trigger are conveniently located and easy to operate. The disposable pad attachment mechanism is simple and effective.
Comparison to Competitors
- Swiffer WetJet: The Swiffer WetJet is a similar product that combines spraying cleaning solution and wiping with a disposable pad. However, the Swiffer WetJet does not have a vacuuming function. The Shark VACMOP Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop VM251 offers the added convenience of vacuuming up loose debris before mopping.
- Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max: The Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max is a more expensive and versatile option that combines vacuuming and washing hard floors and area rugs. It features a two-tank system that separates clean and dirty water, and it uses a reusable brush roll instead of disposable pads. The Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max offers superior cleaning performance and is better suited for larger homes and more demanding cleaning tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Cordless and lightweight
- Combines vacuuming and mopping
- Easy to use
- Convenient disposable pads
- LED headlight
Cons:
- Limited suction power
- Disposable pads and solution add to long-term costs
- Short battery life
- Long charging time
- Flimsy plastic construction
Value for Money
The Shark VACMOP Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop VM251 offers decent value for money if you’re looking for a convenient and easy-to-use solution for light-duty cleaning on hard floors. However, the ongoing costs of disposable pads and cleaning solution can add up over time. If you need a more powerful and versatile cleaning device, or if you’re concerned about the environmental impact of disposable products, you may want to consider other options.
Verdict
The Shark VACMOP Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop VM251 is a convenient option for quick cleanups on hard floors. Its lightweight design, cordless operation, and combination of vacuuming and mopping make it easy to use and store. However, its limited suction power, reliance on disposable pads and solution, and short battery life are drawbacks to consider. If you’re looking for a simple and convenient solution for light-duty cleaning, the Shark VACMOP Pro Cordless Hard Floor Vacuum Mop VM251 is worth considering. However, it’s not a replacement for a full-fledged vacuum or mop.
Score: 7/10
