The Shark ZU562 Navigator Lift-Away Zero-M Speed Upright Vacuum is designed to tackle pet hair and everyday messes with ease. It’s an upright vacuum that also offers a lift-away feature, providing versatility for cleaning floors, stairs, and upholstery. With its Zero-M technology aimed at preventing hair wrap around the brush roll, this vacuum aims to provide a hassle-free cleaning experience. It positions itself as a mid-range option, balancing price and performance for households with pets and varied cleaning needs.
This vacuum stands out due to its effective hair removal capabilities and Lift-Away design, offering users a flexible cleaning solution for various surfaces. While it may not boast all the advanced features of higher-end models, it provides a strong cleaning performance at a competitive price point. For those seeking a reliable vacuum that can handle pet hair without constant maintenance, the Shark ZU562 is a worthy contender.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The Zero-M technology effectively prevents hair from wrapping around the brush roll, reducing maintenance.
- The Lift-Away feature allows for versatile cleaning of stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas.
- Good suction power and effective cleaning on both carpets and hard floors.
- Lightweight design and swivel steering enhance maneuverability.
- Anti-allergen complete seal technology traps dust and allergens, making it suitable for allergy sufferers.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | ZU562 |
| Type | Upright |
| Weight | Lightweight (specific weight not consistently provided in search results) |
| Cord Length | 25 feet |
| Dust Cup Capacity | XL Dust Cup (3 Litre Capacity) |
| Filtration | Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with HEPA filter |
| Brush Roll Technology | Zero-M Self-Cleaning Brush Roll |
| Attachments | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool, Power Pet Brush (in some models) |
| Floor Types | Suitable for Carpets and Hard Floors |
| Lift-Away Feature | Yes, detachable canister for portable cleaning |
| Swivel Steering | Yes |
| Power | 750W |
Price and Availability
The Shark ZU562 Navigator Lift-Away Zero-M Speed Upright Vacuum is available at major retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon. The price typically ranges from $109 to $178, but can vary based on retailer and promotions. It’s often available in a red peony color. Keep an eye out for deals, especially during holiday sales events.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark ZU562 features a lightweight design, making it easy to maneuver around furniture and carry up stairs. The build quality is generally sturdy, though some components may not feel as robust as higher-end models like the Shark Apex series. The Lift-Away feature is well-integrated, allowing for easy detachment of the canister for portable cleaning. The dust cup is easy to remove and empty, contributing to a user-friendly design. Compared to older Navigator models, the ZU562 has an improved brush roll system and a more convenient release switch for the dust bin.
Zero-M Technology
The Zero-M technology is the highlight of this vacuum. The brush roll is designed with small protrusions that actively remove hair and prevent it from wrapping around the brush. This reduces the need for manual cleaning of the brush roll, a common pain point with many vacuums, especially for pet owners.
Lift-Away Feature
The Lift-Away feature allows you to detach the canister from the floor nozzle, transforming the upright vacuum into a portable cleaner. This is particularly useful for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces. The included attachments, such as the crevice tool and upholstery tool, further enhance the versatility of the Lift-Away mode.
Performance and Features
The Shark ZU562 delivers strong suction power, effectively cleaning both carpets and hard floors. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability, allowing you to easily navigate around furniture and tight spaces. The anti-allergen complete seal technology ensures that dust and allergens are trapped inside the vacuum, making it suitable for allergy sufferers.
Carpet Cleaning
On carpets, the ZU562 provides excellent agitation and deep cleaning. It effectively removes pet hair, dirt, and debris from various carpet types. Some tests have shown that it performs comparably to more expensive Dyson models in terms of carpet cleaning ability.
Hard Floor Cleaning
For hard floors, the ZU562 has a switch to slow down the brush roll, preventing scattering of debris. The floor nozzle is designed to maintain a good seal with the floor, ensuring effective suction. It can pick up fine particles like sand, which some older models struggled with. However, for larger debris, you may need to use the wand attachment.
Attachments and Accessories
The ZU562 comes with several useful attachments, including a crevice tool for cleaning tight spaces, an upholstery tool for furniture, and in some models, a power pet brush for enhanced pet hair removal. These attachments are easy to connect and provide added versatility for various cleaning tasks.
Battery Life
Since the Shark ZU562 is a corded vacuum, battery life is not applicable. The 25-foot cord provides ample reach for most rooms, though some users may find it limiting in larger spaces.
Software and User Experience
Being a traditional upright vacuum, the Shark ZU562 doesn’t have any software or app-based features. The user experience is straightforward, with simple controls for switching between floor types and detaching the canister for Lift-Away mode. The dust cup is easy to empty, and the overall design is user-friendly.
Comparison to Competitors
Shark ZU562 vs. Dyson Ball Animal 3
- Performance: The Dyson Ball Animal 3 may have slightly better suction and deep cleaning performance on carpets.
- Features: The Shark ZU562 has the Lift-Away feature and Zero-M technology, while the Dyson has a longer cord (35 feet vs. 25 feet).
- Price: The Shark ZU562 is significantly more affordable than the Dyson Ball Animal 3.
- Verdict: The Shark ZU562 offers a better value for money with its versatile features, while the Dyson excels in raw cleaning power.
Shark ZU562 vs. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360
- Performance: Both models offer good cleaning performance on carpets and hard floors.
- Features: The ZU562 has the Zero-M technology, which the NV360 lacks.
- Price: The ZU562 is typically priced slightly higher than the NV360.
- Verdict: The ZU562 is a worthwhile upgrade due to its Zero-M technology, which reduces maintenance and enhances convenience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Effective Zero-M technology prevents hair wrap
- Versatile Lift-Away feature
- Good suction power
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Anti-allergen complete seal technology
- Easy-to-empty dust cup
Cons:
- Cord length may be limiting for some users
- Some components may not feel as robust as higher-end models
- May require the wand attachment for larger debris on hard floors
Value for Money
The Shark ZU562 Navigator Lift-Away Zero-M Speed Upright Vacuum offers excellent value for money. It provides a strong cleaning performance with innovative features like the Zero-M technology and Lift-Away design, all at a competitive price point. For households with pets and varied cleaning needs, this vacuum is a worthwhile investment.
Verdict
The Shark ZU562 Navigator Lift-Away Zero-M Speed Upright Vacuum is a solid performer that effectively tackles pet hair and everyday messes. Its Zero-M technology, Lift-Away feature, and good suction power make it a versatile and convenient cleaning solution. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, it offers excellent value for money and is a great choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable vacuum.
Score: 8.5/10
