![Shark Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner [IZ420UKT]](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/9/2023/06/Shark-Stratos-Cordless-Stick-Vacuum-Cleaner-IZ420UKT.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
If your vacuum has seen better days, you're probably considering one of the best Shark vacuums to replace it. After all, it is one of the UK's most popular vacuum cleaner brands and for a good reason, too. From ones that are great for tackling pet hair to ones that are designed for picking up those smaller messes with ease, Shark has got a powerful answer for every type of dirt, floor and home in its range of vacuums.
If you're having to vacuum your home twice over and use a dustpan and brush to pick up the last of the debris, this is your sign that you need a new vacuum cleaner. When choosing your next vacuum cleaner, you'll want to make sure you're picking the right model to tackle cleaning your home. You may be looking for the perfect cleaner for hard floors or you might be on the hunt for a vacuum cleaner for pet hair that will help you clean up all the fluff left behind by your beloved companion in your carpets.
Best Shark vacuums at a glance:
• Best Shark vacuum overall: Shark Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner IZ420UKT – view on Amazon
• Best cordless Shark vacuum: Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner IZ320UKT – view on Amazon
• Best upright corded Shark vacuum: Shark Anti Hair Wrap Upright Vacuum NZ690UK – view on Amazon
• Best handheld Shark vacuum: Shark WandVac 2.0 Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner WV270UK – view on Amazon
Packed with incredible technologies to make sure you can clean every nook and cranny of your home with ease, The best Shark vacuums have been made specifically for us, the regulars at home, so we can face any and every cleaning challenge that's thrown our way. With options for cordless, corded, handheld vacuum cleaners, plus a bunch of handy accessories to help you get into those harder-to-clean areas, we're sure there's a Shark vacuum with your name on it.
We’ve explored the whole range and found the best, most advanced Shark vacuums you can buy and explained exactly what you should be looking for so you can find the perfect vacuum for your home.
The best Shark vacuums 2023
Best Shark vacuum overall
Shark's Stratos vacuum cleaners are the brand's more premium offering. Claiming to have Shark's 'best ever hair pick-up', this Shark Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner [IZ420UKT] is a great option for pet owners who need something with great suction power for de-fluffing their carpets and soft furnishings. It's equipped with DuoClean floorhead that has Shark's Anti Hair Wrap Plus technology that will remove hair from the brush roll as you clean, as well as a Motorised Pet Tool for more targeted floof removal. Alongside this, it has Anti-Odour Technology with a unique cartridge system that guards against dust cup odours commonly caused by pet hair, dust and dander, transforming bad smells into fresh-smelling air.
Customer review: "I have just gone from a rubbish Vax handheld cleaner that drops everything it had picked up as you lift it to put away to a Shark Stratos Pet Pro which is like moving from Dagenham to Beverly Hills, the difference is night and day and i do not have a single thing i dislike about my new cleaner. What are you waiting for "Just buy it now while on offer" you won't regret it a single bit as its better than any dyson I've used.
Highly recommended 👍"
Pros
- Up to 120 minutes run time from two removable batteries
- Equipped with Clean Sense IQ to pick up 50 per cent more dirt compared to other Shark models
- Anti hair wrap technology to pick up hair and removes it from the brush roll so no need to do it yourself
Cons
- Small capacity so have to empty dust cup often if you have a larger home
| Capacity: | 0.7 litres |
| Weight: | 5.5kg |
| Battery runtime: | 120 minutes from two batteries |
| Shark technology: | Anti Hair Wrap Plus, Clean Sense IQ, Anti-Odour Technology, DuoClean, Flexology, Anti-Allergen Complete Seal |
| Attachments included: | Multi-Surface Tool, Cervice Tool, Motorised Pet Tool |
Best cordless Shark vacuum
If you're looking for a cordless vacuum to save you from getting in a tangle or keep you from feeling restricted by cables, the Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner IZ320UKT is the vacuum for you. Not only does the floorhead incorporate PowerFins, DuoClean, and Anti-Hair Wrap to pick up even more hair on all floor types without getting caught, but this vacuum has versatile cleaning options too. Transform into a cordless handheld, bend under furniture or fold for storage with Flexology, and use the LED screen to toggle between Eco, Deep Clean, and Boost suction. And just because it's cordless, doesn't mean you'll be short of power. This vacuum has an amazing 120 minutes of battery life thanks to the interchangeable twin batteries.
Customer review: "I love it. The suction is great. If you think your last Hoover 'hoovered', think again! After a few vacuums, as I use mine, every day the carpet pile was looking great. It definitely collects the pet hair. Easy to use. No cord to trip on. Compact and easy to put away. This is my 2nd Shark and I wouldn’t use anything else."
"I did wonder if the charge time was a lot, but then compared it to others and they came out with 4+ hrs, so this Shark’s charge time of 2.5hrs is actually short! I love it for the convenience of not having to get my big vacuum out for small jobs. I’d recommend this to anyone!"
Pros
- Comes with two removable batteries so you can have one charging and one in use
- Flexible and lightweight to make hoovering a breeze
- DuoClean and Anti Hair Wrap technology
Cons
- Some reviewers found it quite heavy for a cordless vacuum
| Capacity: | 0.7 litres |
| Weight: | 4.58kg |
| Battery runtime: | 120 minutes with twin battery |
| Shark technology: | Flexology, PowerFins, DuoClean, Anti-Hair Wrap, and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal |
| Attachments included: | Crevice Tool, Multi-Surface Tool, Anti-Allergen Brush, and Motorised Pet Tool |
Best upright corded Shark vacuum
If you prefer a more traditional, upright corded vacuum with endless power, we have to recommend the Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner NZ850UK. Not only does it have an Anti-Hair Wrap floorhead for tackling all floor types with ease, but with Powered Lift-Away you have the freedom to transform it into a lightweight, portable vacuum - perfect for cleaning up high or under furniture. Powerful and versatile, this vacuum has easy-to-use controls on the handle where you can switch between floor settings and Shark's signature LED lights in the floorhead to help illuminate hidden dust - you'll never miss a spot again.
Customer review: "Great hoover so happy with it!!! So easy to use, it’s lightweight and very easy to clean.
Great at getting up cat hair."
Pros
- Two modes for carpets and hard floors with adjustable controls on the handle
- Detachable main unit to clean furnitures and stairs
- Anti Hair Wrap technology
Cons
- Although the power cord is fairly long, it just doesn't offer the same amount of flexibility as a cordless cleaner
| Capacity: | 1.1 litres |
| Weight: | 6kg |
| Battery runtime: | Corded - 8m power cord |
| Shark technology: | Anti-Hair Wrap, Powered Lift-Away, and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal |
| Attachments included: | Crevice Tool and Multi-Surface Tool |
Best handheld Shark vacuum
A handheld vacuum is great for having alongside your main vacuum cleaner if you're looking to do quick and easy clean-ups of surfaces. Extra lightweight at just 650g and ergonomic, the next-generation Shark WandVac 2.0 Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner WV270UK charges on display on its base, something we'd be more than happy to do with its sleek and stylish design. But what makes it next-generation? Compared to the earlier model, it's upgraded on battery and suction. You can enjoy 15 minutes of runtime with two suction modes available including Boost to customise your clean, and the dust cup is super easy to empty with just the touch of a button.
Customer review: "The shape of this is great; I tried a few others in a shop and the weight of them didn’t suit the design, whereas this is quite ergonomic and lightweight. The suction is the best I’ve seen in a handheld device, compared to other ones that a bit cheaper. So in my opinion, it’s worth the money for the ease of use and suction power.
Pros
- Slim and lightweight that can be use anywhere in the home for quick clean ups
- Comes with two attachments - multi-surface pet tool and duster crevice tool
- Two power modes with upto 15 minutes run time
Cons
- Capacity and run time could be better
| Capacity: | 0.1 litres |
| Weight: | 650g |
| Battery run time: | 15 minutes |
| Shark technology | N/A |
| Attachments included: | Duster Crevice Tool, Multi-Surface Pet Tool |
Best cylinder Shark vacuum
While cylinder vacuums may feel like a thing of the past, Shark has brought them back with a bang in their Shark Bagless Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner CZ250UKT. Bringing it into 2023, these vacuums are bagless, come with automatic cord rewind, and best of all, incorporate Shark's Dynamic Technology. This tech has resulted in a vacuum with powerful suction, an extra-lightweight 4kg pod-design, and smooth gliding wheels for an effortless clean. With Shark's signature Anti-Hair Wrap technology, it can clean all floor types and the Flexology wand bends under furniture so you don't have to. There's also the perfectly weighted pod that can easily be perched on the stairs as you're cleaning, something we definitely couldn't say of cylinder vacuums in days gone by.
Promising review: "What an excellent buy!!!! I am so pleased with my shark hoover the suction is 2nd to none! I will go as far as saying i prefer it to my Kirby and i have had them for the last 30 years. It is not heavy to use and the performance is amazing especially as I have a dog. The power of this product has left me amazed. All the tools you could possibly need are attached to the hoover. I was a bit unsure about mobility of this machine but its on wheels and the cord follows you round so no chance of it easily getting in the way, and it retracts the lead back in at the press of a button. I was so thrilled with my new shark hoover my elderly parents also bought one!!!! Amazing customer services well done Shark i am really impressed and its guaranteed for 5 years!!!!!"
Pros
- Bends to easily clean underneath low-lying furniture
- 3 cleaning modes and suction settings with LED display
- Folds for freestanding storage
- Led headlights to illuminate dust
Cons
- Some users find the vacuum to be quite heavy
| Capacity: | 1.6 litres |
| Weight: | 7.99kg |
| Battery runtime: | Corded - 9m power cord |
| Shark technology: | Anti-Hair Wrap, Flexology and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal |
| Accessories included: | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool and Anti-Hair Wrap Power Brush |
Best Shark vacuum for smaller homes
The Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner IZ201UK was reportedly the UK’s best-selling cordless vacuum cleaner in 2021 and it's still a fantastic choice for 2023. First and foremost, storage is limited in smaller homes, but thanks to Shark's Flexology Technology, this vacuum can bend to reach those tricky spots under furniture and be stored anywhere. You can even store the vacuum away when the battery pack is charging elsewhere. In terms of usage, this vacuum has an impressive 40 minutes of runtime even with just one battery and it can be transformed into a handheld with ease. Simple to use, it has DuoClean and Anti-Hair Wrap for seamless cleaning on all floors of your home and a one-touch empty dust cup for emptying when you're done.
Customer review: "This is an amazing vacuum cleaner, I was appalled when the LED lights showed up just how much dust was still under the furniture after using my other cordless cleaner, I used it at night with the house lights off. The machine is so flexible, powerful, and versatile that I was literally taken by surprise the first time I used it. This is also the best cleaner I have ever used on my car. "The only drawback is the weight, it's just too heavy for my wife to use with her arthritis, not a problem for me though."
Pros
- Duo mode - can be use on both carpet and hard floors
- Flexology wand that bends for getting to those hard-to-reach areas
- Has Anti Hair Wrap Technology and a Motorised Pet Tool so it's a great option for homes with animals
- Detaches to a hand held vacuum with tools to clean stairs and soft furnishings
Cons
- Could be lighter especially if using it as a hand held vacuum
| Capacity: | 0.7 litres |
| Weight: | 4.1kg |
| Battery runtime: | 40 minutes |
| Shark technology: | DuoClean, Anti-Hair Wrap, Flexology, and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal |
| Attachments included: | Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Upholstery Tool and Motorised Pet Tool |
Best Shark vacuum for large homes
www.currys.co.uk
The Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner XL PZ1000UKT has an extra-large dust cup capacity and wide floorhead, perfect for capturing more debris between empties and saving you from doing as many vacuum strokes across your flooring. Equipped with DuoClean and Anti-Hair Wrap, this TruePet model is a must-have for modern homes, being able to effortlessly glide from carpet to hard flooring whilst picking up those tough embedded pet hairs too. This model has Powered Lift-Away so you can instantly transform from a powerful upright into a portable vacuum cleaner and even in this mode the brush-rolls will continue to rotate for a deep clean every time. So don't worry, you won't be restricted to using the full weight at all times!
Customer review: "Straight out the box, so impressed with the power of suction, the amount of dirt it picked up - I was impressed and a little shocked, and the no hair tangle works well, although had to clear a little but nothing half as bad as a normal hoover. Would definitely recommend."
Pros
- Can be used for cleaning carpets and hard floors
- Powered Lift-Away so you can turn it into a smaller vacuum for tackling stairs
- Captures up to 99.9 per cent of allergens and dust
Cons
- Reviewers have commented that it's quite heavy
| Capacity: | 1.6 litres |
| Weight: | 6.8kg |
| Battery runtime: | Corded - 8m power cord |
| Shark technology: | TruePet, DuoClean, Anti-Hair Wrap, Powered Lift-Away, and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal |
| Attachments included | Crevice Tool, Multi-Surface Tool, and Anti-Hair Wrap Pet Tool |
Best easy-use Shark vacuum
We never thought we'd say it, but this vacuum is beautiful. If you're looking for an easy grab-and-go vacuum that does more than just a handheld, this is the perfect pick for you. Not only that, but it's the lightest floor vacuum available in the Shark range, ideal if you struggle with hand dexterity or heavier vacuums.
This vacuum incorporates the handheld Shark WandVac into a complete cordless system so you can tackle the crumbs and debris on surfaces and floors as well. And in floor mode, the Shark Purple Lightweight 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum WV361PLUK model has Anti-Hair Wrap Technology so you can briskly clean up pet and human hair without it getting tangled. Available in grey, blue, gold and purple, it's a great companion to your regular-sized vacuum if you're looking for a quick and decent clean.
Customer review: "Very pleased with my purchase. Lightweight and so easy to use and charge. Much more efficient than my last cordless hoover."
Pros
- Two power modes - floor mode and handheld mode
- Can be used as a handheld for quick clean-ups
- Anti Hair Wrap Technology when used in floor mode
Cons
- With a short run time, this vacuum would be suitable if you're looking for a model to clean your whole house in one go with
| Capacity: | 0.13 litres |
| Weight: | 3kg |
| Battery runtime: | 16 minutes |
| Shark technology: | Anti-Hair Wrap in floor mode |
| Attachments included: | Crevice Tool and Multi-Surface Tool |
FAQs
What's so good about Shark's technology?
Not only does Shark build its products based on consumer research to make sure it's giving us exactly what we need in a vacuum, but Shark vacuums are also loaded with a range of cleaning accessories and technologies to make cleaning less of a chore - something we're definitely on board with! To breakdown some of the jargon and help you find the right Shark vacuum for your home, here's the tech you can find on selected models:
Anti-Hair Wrap Technology: Actively removes hair from the bristle brush roll as you clean.
DuoClean Technology: Two brush-roll floorhead that work together to clean all floor types.
Lift-Away Technology: Allows you to lift the pod away from the floorhead for portable cleaning.
PowerFins: Brush-roll is designed to agitate and pick up more dirt in one pass. Ideal for carpets.
Flexology: With one click, the flexible wand bends so you don’t have to. Folds down for compact storage and easily cleans beneath furniture.
TruePet: Purposefully designed to remove embedded pet hair.
Anti-Allergen Complete Seal: Captures and traps 99.9 per cent of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
Choosing the right Shark vacuum for you and your home.
Besides the advanced technology that makes Shark so special, there are other features and specifications you need to be wary of when choosing the right vacuum for your home. These can be identified when looking at the size of your home.
Corded or cordless: There are corded and cordless vacuum cleaners available from Shark, but if you'd prefer cordless to save getting in a tangle, you'll need to ensure you're picking one with an adequate runtime to match your cleaning schedule. You can opt for vacuums with a battery runtime from 15 minutes up to 60 minutes, or even choose models that come with two swappable, rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries that double the runtime so you’re never caught short.
Capacity: You'll also need to consider the dust cup capacity. While Shark's vacuums are bagless and easy to empty, many just require the touch of a button, they can really vary: Corded upright vacuums can have a capacity up to 1.65L, cordless vacuums up to 0.7L, and handheld vacuums up to 0.45L. If you're looking to empty less frequently or often find yourself picking up a lot of debris on your run-around-the-house, consider models with a larger capacity.
Weight and size: Another key consideration is the weight and size of the vacuum in relation to your own strength and available storage space in your home. Upright vacuums are typically larger and heavier weighing up to 7.5kg, whilst cordless stick vacuum cleaners weigh as little as 3kg. A number of models also come with Flexology which means they can fold for storage and make cleaning easier if you struggle to bend.
How to get the most out of your Shark vacuum.
Whilst many of the models come with a five-year guarantee, you'll be wanting to keep them in tip-top condition as with any vacuum cleaner for peace of mind and so you don't have to hunt for a new one sooner than you'd hoped. Thankfully, Shark has provided some fab tips to help your Shark vacuum continue to thrive for years to come:
• Register your guarantee in order to get your free extended guarantee on Shark Clean UK.
• Empty the dust cup: make sure to periodically clean out your vacuum, especially if dust and debris are reaching the MAX fill line.
• Check for blockages in the floorhead, wand, hose, and airways.
• Clean your filters to keep suction at its best. To do this, remove the filter, tap off loose dirt, hand wash underwater, and allow it to dry before reinserting.
• Take advantage of your accessories!
• Tidy before you vacuum for a speedier clean and to prevent things getting sucked up that shouldn’t.
• Clean your brush rolls – for vacuums with one brush roll, detach from your vacuum and use scissors to cut away any string, hair, or debris wrapped around it. For DuoClean floorheads, clear away debris or blockages from the bristle brush roll and clean the soft front roller by wiping clean and handwashing in the same way as the filters if necessary.
Make sure to check your instruction booklet for details before dissembling.
Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Yours, specialising in home décor, furnishings and appliances. Having worked commercially on Yours magazine and Yours.co.uk for the past six years, she's previously hosted Yours Live events and loves looking for home inspiration online.
