In the vast world of home cleaning appliances, finding a vacuum cleaner that truly meets your needs can be a daunting task. From powerful suction to versatile attachments, the options are endless. Today, we delve into a detailed review of a popular contender: the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV360. This upright vacuum has garnered significant attention for its innovative design and promises of deep cleaning. But does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore its features, analyze its performance, weigh its pros and cons, and compare it to other models on the market, helping you make an informed decision for a cleaner home.
At the heart of the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV360’s appeal are its distinctive features, designed to enhance the cleaning experience. Let’s break down what makes this vacuum stand out:
Lift-Away Technology
One of the most celebrated aspects of the NV360 is its revolutionary Lift-Away® technology. With a simple touch of a button, the canister detaches from the upright vacuum, transforming it into a portable cleaner. This allows for effortless cleaning of hard-to-reach areas, such as stairs, upholstery, and high shelves, without the cumbersome task of dragging the entire unit. This versatility is a significant advantage for those with multi-level homes or a variety of cleaning surfaces.
Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology® and HEPA Filter
For allergy sufferers, the NV360 offers a breath of fresh air. It boasts Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology® which, combined with a HEPA filter, traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This ensures that the air expelled from the vacuum is cleaner, preventing allergens from recirculating back into your home. This feature is particularly beneficial for households with pets or individuals sensitive to dust.
Powerful Suction and Brushroll Control
The NV360 is equipped with powerful suction, designed to tackle dirt and debris on various surfaces. It features a brushroll on/off switch, allowing you to seamlessly transition from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor cleaning. This control prevents scattering of debris on hard floors and protects delicate surfaces from potential damage by the rotating brushroll.
Lightweight and Maneuverable Design
Weighing in at approximately 14 pounds, the Shark Navigator NV360 is relatively lightweight for an upright vacuum, contributing to its ease of use and maneuverability. Its swivel steering allows for smooth navigation around furniture and obstacles, making cleaning less of a chore. The compact design also aids in storage.
Large Capacity Dust Cup
The vacuum features a large-capacity dust cup, minimizing the frequency of emptying during cleaning sessions. This is a convenient aspect, especially for larger homes or those with significant pet hair accumulation.
Every product has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV360 is no exception. Here’s a balanced look at its advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
•Versatile Lift-Away Design: As highlighted earlier, the detachable canister is a major plus, offering exceptional flexibility for cleaning various surfaces and hard-to-reach areas .
•Excellent for Pet Hair: Reviews consistently praise the NV360’s ability to effectively pick up pet hair from carpets and other surfaces .
•Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology & HEPA Filter: This combination is highly effective in trapping allergens, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers and pet owners.
•Strong Suction: The vacuum provides good suction power for general cleaning tasks on different floor types.
•Maneuverability: Its lightweight design and swivel steering make it easy to navigate around furniture and obstacles .
•Reasonable Price: Compared to some higher-end models, the NV360 offers a good balance of features and performance for its price point.
Cons:
•Brushroll Maintenance: The brushroll is not easily removable, which can make cleaning tangled hair and debris a tedious task .
•Bulky Design for Under Furniture: While maneuverable, its upright design can make it challenging to clean effectively under low-lying furniture .
•Limited Suction on High-Pile Carpet: According to some reviews, the NV360 may struggle with deep cleaning and picking up larger debris on very thick, high-pile carpets .
•Manual Pile Height Adjustment: The lack of automatic pile height adjustment means users need to manually adjust it, which can be inconvenient .
•Non-Retractable Cord: The manual-wind cord can be less convenient than a retractable cord found on some other models .
•Regular Filter Maintenance: While beneficial, the filters require regular cleaning, and proper drying time is essential after washing .
How Does it Compare? NV360 vs. Other Vacuums
To truly understand the value of the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV360, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against other popular vacuum cleaners on the market. While the NV360 is an entry-level upright vacuum, it still offers decent performance for its price point .
NV360 vs. Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away
The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away generally offers a better build quality, a slightly longer power cord, and superior performance across all surface types compared to the NV360. However, the NV360 is a bit lighter, which can be an advantage for some users . If build quality and overall performance are top priorities and you don’t mind a slightly heavier vacuum, the Rotator might be a better choice. However, for those seeking a more lightweight option, the NV360 holds its own.
NV360 vs. BISSELL CleanView/CleanView Swivel Pet Rewind
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe (NV360) generally outperforms the BISSELL CleanView/CleanView Swivel Pet Rewind. The NV360 boasts better build quality, a longer hose, and is easier to maneuver. It also performs better on high-pile carpets. Conversely, the BISSELL models show better performance on bare floors and low-pile carpets . So, if you have a lot of high-pile carpet, the NV360 is likely the better option, while the BISSELL might be preferred for homes with mostly bare floors or low-pile carpets.
NV360 vs. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Pet
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Pet can be considered a straightforward upgrade to the Lift-Away Deluxe (NV360). The Pet version features a better build, is easier to maintain, has a larger dustbin capacity, and provides stronger suction . If your budget allows for a slight upgrade and you’re looking for enhanced features, especially for pet hair, the Navigator Lift-Away Pet is a strong contender.
NV360 vs. Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra/Complete
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra/Complete is a more premium option and generally superior to the NV360. The Dyson features a height-adjustable floorhead for easier maneuvering on thick carpets, a more powerful suction motor, and a longer reach. It also has lower recurring costs and is easier to maneuver despite being heavier. However, the NV360’s ‘Lift-Away’ design makes it slightly easier to clean tight spots . If you’re seeking top-tier performance and don’t mind a higher price point, the Dyson is an excellent choice. But for those on a budget who still need versatility for tight spaces, the NV360 remains a viable option.
Conclusion
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV360 stands as a reliable and versatile vacuum cleaner, particularly for its price point. Its standout Lift-Away technology offers unparalleled flexibility for cleaning various surfaces and hard-to-reach areas, making it a strong contender for households with diverse cleaning needs. The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology combined with a HEPA filter is a significant advantage for allergy sufferers, effectively trapping dust and allergens within the vacuum.
While it excels in pet hair removal and general cleaning, it does have some limitations, such as the non-removable brushroll which can be a hassle for maintenance, and its performance on very high-pile carpets may not be as robust as some higher-end models. However, considering its affordability and the array of features it offers, the NV360 presents a compelling value proposition.
Ultimately, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV360 is a solid choice for those seeking a versatile, lightweight, and effective vacuum cleaner that prioritizes allergen control. It may not be the most powerful or feature-rich vacuum on the market, but its balance of performance, convenience, and price makes it a worthy investment for many homes.
- POWERFUL SUCTION: Deep-clean carpets and tackle bare floors with multi-surface powerful suction.
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- PERFECT FOR PETS: Powerful pet hair pickup attachments like the upholstery tool make cleaning pet hair a breeze.
- SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
- BRUSHROLL SHUTOFF: Feature allows you to instantly switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor cleaning.
- LARGE-CAPACITY DUST CUP: 0.9-quart capacity for longer cleaning sessions. Easily remove dust cup to empty debris in seconds.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum, Upholstery Tool & Crevice Tool. Rinse filters under running tap water until the water runs clear. Squeeze filters and let air dry for 24 hours before replacing. Do not wash in dishwasher or washing machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV360?
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV360 is a versatile upright vacuum cleaner known for its unique Lift-Away® technology, allowing the canister to detach for portable cleaning. It also features Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology® and a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens.
What is Lift-Away Technology?
Lift-Away Technology allows you to detach the vacuum’s canister from the main unit with the touch of a button. This transforms the upright vacuum into a portable canister vacuum, making it easy to clean stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas above the floor.
Does the NV360 have a HEPA filter?
Yes, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV360 is equipped with a HEPA filter and features Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology®. This system traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, preventing them from being released back into the air.
Is the NV360 good for pet hair?
Yes, the NV360 is highly effective at picking up pet hair from various surfaces, including carpets. Many reviews highlight its strong performance in this area.
How much does the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV360 weigh?
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV360 weighs approximately 14 pounds, making it relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver.
How often should I clean the filters?
The pre-motor foam and felt filters should be cleaned every three months with lukewarm water. The post-motor (HEPA) filter should be cleaned regularly with lukewarm water. Shark’s website recommends replacing the HEPA filter every six months, while the user manual suggests washing it every two years. Always ensure filters are air-dried for at least 24 hours before reinserting them.
Can I use the NV360 on all floor types?
The NV360 is designed for use on various floor types, including bare floors and carpets. It features a brushroll on/off switch, allowing you to turn off the brushroll for delicate bare floors and turn it on for deep cleaning carpets.
What attachments come with the NV360?
The NV360 (blue variant) typically comes with a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, and a wand clip. Other variants may include additional tools like a pet power turbo brush or dusting brush.
Does the NV360 have a retractable cord?
No, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV360 has a manual-wind cord, which is 25 feet long.
