ralph123
Well-known member
I had always heard that Shark was junk. Yet somehow according to Consumer Reports, Shark has the highest scores for owner satisfaction among upright vacuums. Has Shark gotten better?
Shark - amazing rise to the top of Consumer Reports
- Thread starter ralph123
- Start date
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dysonman1
Well-known member
Shark actually got worse. Look on their facebook page at all the people complaining about broken parts and lack of customer service. Communist Reports is NEVER a magazine that you can actually believe. They only got it right twice that I know of in almost 100 years of reporting on vacuums.
People love their Sharks. They really do. Until they break down after three years and the customer has to throw it away. Just had a customer come into the shop with his 2 year, 2 month old Shark Powered Lift Away. The electric wand didn't conduct electricity, and the wand is no longer available from Shark. I helped him get it into the dumpster after we cut the cord off. He's now got a Titan 4000 upright that will last and last.
People love their Sharks. They really do. Until they break down after three years and the customer has to throw it away. Just had a customer come into the shop with his 2 year, 2 month old Shark Powered Lift Away. The electric wand didn't conduct electricity, and the wand is no longer available from Shark. I helped him get it into the dumpster after we cut the cord off. He's now got a Titan 4000 upright that will last and last.
tseg
Well-known member
I'm in year 1 of having one and I like it. If it breaks within 3 years I likely will not replace it. It was a Costco impulse buy. The downside is having to wash the filters monthly that then take a 1/2 day to dry.
huskyvacs
Well-known member
The Shark Powered Lift Away electric wand is all over eBay for $20.
It took me 10 seconds to find it. Also the problem was likely dusty pins or the owner was too rough with the bin and the pin contacts got stretched out and didn't make a connection. Very simple and easy fix.
It took me 10 seconds to find it. Also the problem was likely dusty pins or the owner was too rough with the bin and the pin contacts got stretched out and didn't make a connection. Very simple and easy fix.
Hmm
I love sharks. They are indeed better with zero m and duo clean. The liftaway navigator apex is their best.
Out of big box or sub $300 vacuums there the best. I'd take a pneumatic Henry over it.
Dysons are not as complete as a shark.
You don't have to empty bags and you have to clean filters. That's about average for any vacuum. Dyson every other bagless same routine.
The rainbow you have to clean the water basin and water seperator.
They are as advertised. Ive had a navigator for 5 years. I've cleaned filters replaced once. I've never had to change the belt. I've never changed the brush roll. If you maintain them they last.
There not derp clean like Kirby. If you have low to med pile carpet and hardwood or tile this is ideal. I like to use to vacuum up after working on a vacuum as they suck everything up. In most vacuums it could ruin them. If you use it right it's a good vacuum.
Les
I love sharks. They are indeed better with zero m and duo clean. The liftaway navigator apex is their best.
Out of big box or sub $300 vacuums there the best. I'd take a pneumatic Henry over it.
Dysons are not as complete as a shark.
You don't have to empty bags and you have to clean filters. That's about average for any vacuum. Dyson every other bagless same routine.
The rainbow you have to clean the water basin and water seperator.
They are as advertised. Ive had a navigator for 5 years. I've cleaned filters replaced once. I've never had to change the belt. I've never changed the brush roll. If you maintain them they last.
There not derp clean like Kirby. If you have low to med pile carpet and hardwood or tile this is ideal. I like to use to vacuum up after working on a vacuum as they suck everything up. In most vacuums it could ruin them. If you use it right it's a good vacuum.
Les
honestjoe68
Well-known member
Any vacuum can last if it’s taken care of and NOT abused!
I always avoid talking about my Shark vacuums here because it’s not worth the crap and complaining that certain people on here voice how much they Detest and Hate Shark.
But I probably have at least 30 Shark Vacuums in my collection and they all work and I’ve not had one single issue with any of them and some are over 7 years old. That said, I also am careful and keep my filters impeccably clean and I don’t abuse my vacuums. I have second sets to all the filters so when I need to Rinse them, I take the second set and put it in my vacuum while the others are rinsed and drying on the window sill. That way I never accidentally pick one of them being cleaned and use it without filters. It’s how they are cared for is what determines their durability as you can Ruin a Sebo or Kirby or Miele vacuum if you are rough and abuse or mistreat the vacuums.. I’ve seen it on many of these at garage sales. But if you take care of your property like a sane human being.. there should be very little problems!
I have contacted Shark many times with questions and to order extra accessories and such and Never had a problem finding what I wanted to buy or the part I needed. I also have been treated with great respect by very polite and helpful Customer Service people at Shark, but I also have all my Shark vacuums registered so they see how many I own and YES that could influence how I am treated.
I just yesterday ordered the brand new APEX UpLight Corded Lift-Away Vacuum so soon see, first hand, the quality and durability of this newest Vacuum. My Shark APEX DuoCLean with Zero-M Upright has been very durable and my personal opinion is it is great quality for the $299. Price. You get what you pay for as in if I am expected to pay $700 for a Sebo.. I expect to get the High Quality you get from Sebo. That said, I feel for the price most Shark are great vacuums.
Now, Consumer Reports is total BS.. I would NOT trust them for any ratings and I used to get the magazines and pay for the website access for years.. But NO Longer as I feel they are biased by these companies and I personally (No proof, but a hunch) that CR takes bribes or donations from these companies to give them high ratings. You will get MUCH better and honest reviews if you check out The Amazon (Verified Purchase) ratings that are NOT the Vine Customers that were given the item free.
Again, Vacuums are very personal and everyone has their own opinions and I respect that, but what I don’t respect is when I post something or someone else posts something about a vacuum we personally Love and find great performers and then simply because another member here doesn’t like the Brand.. they Bash everything instead of posting appropriate opinions. Not bashing anyone here, I just have not posted a lot of my new vacuums on here, Specifically Shark and Dyson.. because of all the people who get over zealous with their Hatred of these vacuums. I have bought 20 some new vacuums but didn’t post here because I get my feelings hurt too easily and it just takes ALL the fun out of sharing and my excitement when I hear that what I bought, Love and enjoy should be thrown in the dumpster! Or even though I’m a “Collector” that I should have bought a $700 - $1500 vacuum from a dealer instead of my $200 vacuum I bought simply for Fun or as part of my vast 300 plus vacuum collection. So enough said, I just wanted to voice that as I feel the fun of this website is gone for me personally and I won’t be renewing my membership here after it expires.
Everyone have a great day and again, I am simply voicing my distaste with the experiences I’ve had, NOT trying to start a fight or throw shade to anyone.. I like everyone here and never want to alienate or upset any member here. I just wish everyone could just put their Hate and STRONG feelings of disdain for certain vacuums aside when someone else Loves that vacuum, instead of tearing it apart. I support every brand of vacuum on here and you’ll never hear me say I think a vacuum belongs in the Dumpster or your stupid to buy a certain brand.. even though I have strong opinions of some vacuums and some brands I would never buy myself (I keep that to myself). I just see this as a vacuum collectors site where I support and compliment each person on their collection in a polite way. To each his own and NO one person is going to like every brand and that is fine, it just sometimes gets too intense here in my opinion.
Take care and thanks! Patrick.
I always avoid talking about my Shark vacuums here because it’s not worth the crap and complaining that certain people on here voice how much they Detest and Hate Shark.
But I probably have at least 30 Shark Vacuums in my collection and they all work and I’ve not had one single issue with any of them and some are over 7 years old. That said, I also am careful and keep my filters impeccably clean and I don’t abuse my vacuums. I have second sets to all the filters so when I need to Rinse them, I take the second set and put it in my vacuum while the others are rinsed and drying on the window sill. That way I never accidentally pick one of them being cleaned and use it without filters. It’s how they are cared for is what determines their durability as you can Ruin a Sebo or Kirby or Miele vacuum if you are rough and abuse or mistreat the vacuums.. I’ve seen it on many of these at garage sales. But if you take care of your property like a sane human being.. there should be very little problems!
I have contacted Shark many times with questions and to order extra accessories and such and Never had a problem finding what I wanted to buy or the part I needed. I also have been treated with great respect by very polite and helpful Customer Service people at Shark, but I also have all my Shark vacuums registered so they see how many I own and YES that could influence how I am treated.
I just yesterday ordered the brand new APEX UpLight Corded Lift-Away Vacuum so soon see, first hand, the quality and durability of this newest Vacuum. My Shark APEX DuoCLean with Zero-M Upright has been very durable and my personal opinion is it is great quality for the $299. Price. You get what you pay for as in if I am expected to pay $700 for a Sebo.. I expect to get the High Quality you get from Sebo. That said, I feel for the price most Shark are great vacuums.
Now, Consumer Reports is total BS.. I would NOT trust them for any ratings and I used to get the magazines and pay for the website access for years.. But NO Longer as I feel they are biased by these companies and I personally (No proof, but a hunch) that CR takes bribes or donations from these companies to give them high ratings. You will get MUCH better and honest reviews if you check out The Amazon (Verified Purchase) ratings that are NOT the Vine Customers that were given the item free.
Again, Vacuums are very personal and everyone has their own opinions and I respect that, but what I don’t respect is when I post something or someone else posts something about a vacuum we personally Love and find great performers and then simply because another member here doesn’t like the Brand.. they Bash everything instead of posting appropriate opinions. Not bashing anyone here, I just have not posted a lot of my new vacuums on here, Specifically Shark and Dyson.. because of all the people who get over zealous with their Hatred of these vacuums. I have bought 20 some new vacuums but didn’t post here because I get my feelings hurt too easily and it just takes ALL the fun out of sharing and my excitement when I hear that what I bought, Love and enjoy should be thrown in the dumpster! Or even though I’m a “Collector” that I should have bought a $700 - $1500 vacuum from a dealer instead of my $200 vacuum I bought simply for Fun or as part of my vast 300 plus vacuum collection. So enough said, I just wanted to voice that as I feel the fun of this website is gone for me personally and I won’t be renewing my membership here after it expires.
Everyone have a great day and again, I am simply voicing my distaste with the experiences I’ve had, NOT trying to start a fight or throw shade to anyone.. I like everyone here and never want to alienate or upset any member here. I just wish everyone could just put their Hate and STRONG feelings of disdain for certain vacuums aside when someone else Loves that vacuum, instead of tearing it apart. I support every brand of vacuum on here and you’ll never hear me say I think a vacuum belongs in the Dumpster or your stupid to buy a certain brand.. even though I have strong opinions of some vacuums and some brands I would never buy myself (I keep that to myself). I just see this as a vacuum collectors site where I support and compliment each person on their collection in a polite way. To each his own and NO one person is going to like every brand and that is fine, it just sometimes gets too intense here in my opinion.
Take care and thanks! Patrick.
vacuumdevil
Well-known member
Shark is the vacuum devils hellspawn. I don't care what communist report says. I'm sure they also rate the Honda CRV as a car that handles well and accelerates adequately. 
I read that "report" in CU and its BS!DON'T rely on CU ratings for vacuums!Yes,if you care for your Shark vacuum it will last.Know someone that has one and he cleans and replaces the filter regular-and empties the dust cup after using the machine.Told him to keep that up and his Shark should last like any other vacuum cleaner.Not my choice in cleanrs-but if it works for you--I can't argue.At the vacuum place I have along with the shop owner thrown many Sharks into their dumpster-their owners didn't want them fixed.He sold them a different vacuum.
madman
Well-known member
Well I like my Shark Rocket Pro.
I found it in the trash... and unlike every other vac I've garbage-picked, there was not a single thing wrong with it, not even a clog. Now you might be thinking, they threw it away BECAUSE it's a Shark, but like... it was missing a cord, so I'm thinking the cord got damaged, and peeps be too dumb to electric, yo.
It's never given me any problems. It's designed well, user friendly. Looks sleek and simple. And like, I have this crappy plastic Hoover from the 90s, it's made like garbage, the plastic is easy to break, it's bulky and not user friendly, it's the polar opposite of my Shark.
The other day, I legit dropped it (by accident) from 5 feet in the air, onto concrete. Not a single piece broke - it's perfectly fine.
And sure, the filter needs cleaning once in a while - welcome to owning a bagless vac - but the best part is, the filter is right in your face every time you take off the dust cup, so very easy to see if it's dirty. And it's washable.
So idk about their other crap, but I'm very pleased with mine.
I found it in the trash... and unlike every other vac I've garbage-picked, there was not a single thing wrong with it, not even a clog. Now you might be thinking, they threw it away BECAUSE it's a Shark, but like... it was missing a cord, so I'm thinking the cord got damaged, and peeps be too dumb to electric, yo.
It's never given me any problems. It's designed well, user friendly. Looks sleek and simple. And like, I have this crappy plastic Hoover from the 90s, it's made like garbage, the plastic is easy to break, it's bulky and not user friendly, it's the polar opposite of my Shark.
The other day, I legit dropped it (by accident) from 5 feet in the air, onto concrete. Not a single piece broke - it's perfectly fine.
And sure, the filter needs cleaning once in a while - welcome to owning a bagless vac - but the best part is, the filter is right in your face every time you take off the dust cup, so very easy to see if it's dirty. And it's washable.
So idk about their other crap, but I'm very pleased with mine.
ralph123
Well-known member
One interesting tidbit from Consumer Reports. They distribute 100 grams of dirt on the test rug. They don't provide details, but they say that tested vacuums picked up 20 to 60 grams of the dirt. So in their tests, even the best vacuums only removed 60% of the dirt (sand & wood flour mixture).
desiredname
Well-known member
I have a navigator lift away and a rotator. My biggest problem with them is how much dust the foam filters allow to go through the motor. They could have designed the pre motor filters much better. I believe they did this to wear out the motors quickly. Other than that they are an average plastivac.
huskyvacs
Well-known member
Yeah I have exactly one Shark in my collection. Sharks are hard to find cheap on eBay, even as broken people pay $60+ for them. They sell like crazy. I don't have silly fanboyism over vacuum brands to the point of purposely destroying and throwing away a brand I don't like just so somebody else less fortunate that cannot afford a $150-$200 cleaner can't have it.
I like my Shark, even broken as a $40 store salvage buy it still performed very well, and sucked so much fine dirt out of my wool fiber area rug - I mean really sandy type dirt. I had to use it crooked during the time it worked, as the toggle switch that tells the brushroll to shut off when the vacuum is upright was dirty. It worked like that for a week or 2 and then it quit, so I have to take it apart and clean that toggle, but it was a great vacuum for the short time I got to use it, and I have been on the lookout for more cheap full Shark uprights since then.
(And yes I have all kinds of vacuums from Hoover to Bissell to Eureka to antique brands from the 20s and 30s to brand new vacs from the last 2 years and they are all equals to me.)
All bagless vacs have filters to clean - sometimes 2 - and you have a bin of dust to empty or fish out of the machine as well, that's the tradeoff compared to owning a bagged cleaner.
I like my Shark, even broken as a $40 store salvage buy it still performed very well, and sucked so much fine dirt out of my wool fiber area rug - I mean really sandy type dirt. I had to use it crooked during the time it worked, as the toggle switch that tells the brushroll to shut off when the vacuum is upright was dirty. It worked like that for a week or 2 and then it quit, so I have to take it apart and clean that toggle, but it was a great vacuum for the short time I got to use it, and I have been on the lookout for more cheap full Shark uprights since then.
(And yes I have all kinds of vacuums from Hoover to Bissell to Eureka to antique brands from the 20s and 30s to brand new vacs from the last 2 years and they are all equals to me.)
All bagless vacs have filters to clean - sometimes 2 - and you have a bin of dust to empty or fish out of the machine as well, that's the tradeoff compared to owning a bagged cleaner.
mpbyrd
Well-known member
They are not to bad compared to some...
My only new shark purchase and only one I own is the Shark Flex Duo Clean corded. I got it off QVC for $189.00. It’s good for light use and daily vacuuming but I would never use one for my only vacuum for the entire house. It has a 5 year warranty and for that price point I think it’s an okay buy. Yeah it might break but if they will repair or replace it for 5 years after the original purchase date, that’s not to bad for a vac under $200. Sadly most all vacuums now days are disposable and non serviceable unless it’s a high end machine. That’s why I have many other high end vacuums to depend on.
My only new shark purchase and only one I own is the Shark Flex Duo Clean corded. I got it off QVC for $189.00. It’s good for light use and daily vacuuming but I would never use one for my only vacuum for the entire house. It has a 5 year warranty and for that price point I think it’s an okay buy. Yeah it might break but if they will repair or replace it for 5 years after the original purchase date, that’s not to bad for a vac under $200. Sadly most all vacuums now days are disposable and non serviceable unless it’s a high end machine. That’s why I have many other high end vacuums to depend on.
dartman
Well-known member
I'm quite happy with the Refurb IOnFlex x2 Duoclean I got from Woot for 140. Batteries last a while and it came with 2. It picks up all the crap my Parrot Dobby drops all over his favorite spots, even really big stuff, and it grooms the carpet well and really cleans bare floors. I have no clue how long it will last but most of these you can get common parts for and batteries. I hardly use my Royals any more because between the cheap robot I picked up and the Shark everything stays clean now.
I just run the Shark over the bird places and where the robot misses.Of course my Royals will be here long after the shark is gone and they wont break but it's SO EASY to drag out and clean up a area quickly, only bother is emptying the small bin often.
I just run the Shark over the bird places and where the robot misses.Of course my Royals will be here long after the shark is gone and they wont break but it's SO EASY to drag out and clean up a area quickly, only bother is emptying the small bin often.
I know that they are disposable
vacs. People seem to want them. They are cheap but seem to work. I don't like the way most of the navigators groom the carpet. It looks like it has been raked especially on a plush carpet. I've picked up a couple to refurbish and resell.
vacs. People seem to want them. They are cheap but seem to work. I don't like the way most of the navigators groom the carpet. It looks like it has been raked especially on a plush carpet. I've picked up a couple to refurbish and resell.
huskyvacs
Well-known member
HonestJoe68/Patrick
A very well said and thorough statement, couldn't have said it any better. You always have well spoken reviews and you have a great attention to the little details.
A very well said and thorough statement, couldn't have said it any better. You always have well spoken reviews and you have a great attention to the little details.
kirbyklekter
Well-known member
HonestJoe68/Patrick
Patrick, I agree with huskyvacs, and I want you to know I always read your posts. They are newsy and fun and I would certainly trust your reviews on vacs over C/R's any day.It's not easy or fun to read a slew of negative comments on a particular vacuum that you like and others too. I don't think that will change and that's probably a good thing in that they are telling it the way they see things and being honest. It may not be what we'd like to hear. Trite as this sounds please don't take it personally because I know it isn't directed towards you. I totally get what you're saying and concur. Bottom line, you're a nice person who writes good posts and I hope you'll stick around. Billy
Patrick, I agree with huskyvacs, and I want you to know I always read your posts. They are newsy and fun and I would certainly trust your reviews on vacs over C/R's any day.It's not easy or fun to read a slew of negative comments on a particular vacuum that you like and others too. I don't think that will change and that's probably a good thing in that they are telling it the way they see things and being honest. It may not be what we'd like to hear. Trite as this sounds please don't take it personally because I know it isn't directed towards you. I totally get what you're saying and concur. Bottom line, you're a nice person who writes good posts and I hope you'll stick around. Billy
rowdy141
Well-known member
Remember that SOME Consumer Reports are biased. At best, they tend to be skewed.
Assessing only machines donated for review (they don't buy any).
Or the review is limited to those manufacturers paying for advertising space.
Or they question a restricted consumer demographic.
Was the review limited only to recent purchase trends?
Anyone who's had a reliable vacuum (Meile, Royal, Kirby...) for years and years, isn't going to vote for ANY machine. So Shark, Dyson, and rechargeable stick-vacs appear highly rated.
Assessing only machines donated for review (they don't buy any).
Or the review is limited to those manufacturers paying for advertising space.
Or they question a restricted consumer demographic.
Was the review limited only to recent purchase trends?
Anyone who's had a reliable vacuum (Meile, Royal, Kirby...) for years and years, isn't going to vote for ANY machine. So Shark, Dyson, and rechargeable stick-vacs appear highly rated.
