Last updated on March 17th, 2019
I finally purchased a Shark “Rotator Lift Away Professional” vacuum cleaner. Would you like to know what I think of this lightweight, inexpensive, and much-touted appliance? Here goes:
I think the Shark Rotator Lift Away REALLY SUCKS.
It really sucks up the dust from my 200-year-old hardwood floors.
It sucks up the embedded pet hair on my staircase carpeting.
It sucks up the invisible-to-the-naked-eye lint and debris on my antique rugs.
Shark’s suction is INTENSE. In a nutshell, it swallows everything my Kenmore canister routinely left behind.
The aforementioned Kenmore was expensive to buy (about $400). Furthermore, it demanded monthly ransom payments for disposable bags.
Like myriad other vacuum cleaners on the market today, the Shark is a bag-less picker upper. Its removable dust bin is super easy to clean.
Is a Shark vacuum cleaner right for you? Check with your doctor. Side effects may include:
1) Smiling while effortlessly maneuvering the Shark around couches, tables, and chairs
2) Avoiding social obligations because you’d rather stay home and vacuum
3) Frequently pressing — without bending — the “lift away” button that permits the easy cleaning of staircases and other cumbersome spaces
I have not lived with my Shark long enough to evaluate it thoroughly. Still, I’ve employed it in almost every room of this monstrous house. It’s fun to watch the gadget greedily imbibe all of the crumbs, pet hair, and other flotsam that my hefty and pricey Kenmore merely pushed around like unappetizing food on a plate.
Want more information about Shark vacuum cleaners? Click here to check them out at Amazon. There, not only will you get a great price plus free shipping, but you will also get valuable reviews from verified purchasers. Between the Amazon reviews and those achieved from your family, your neighbors and your Facebook friends, you can make a confident purchasing decision, just as I did.
In the comments field below, tell me about your own vacuum cleaner. Is it a Dyson? A Miele? Something else? And do you love the appliance — or loathe it?
xKevin
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Eileen says
I have an Oreck upright. Have had it for 15 years. Love it. I bought it because it was lght weight and I have back problems. I did buy a small shark cordless model for quick cleaning that cost $99. It does the trick!
Kathy says
I asked my cleaning company what they used and if they recommend this model. They said they use all Shark products, and they particularly like this one for households with pet hair. I’ve had an Oreck upright for quite a few years that has been adequate but not exceptional, esp. with pet hair. I’m planning on donating it and purchasing this one.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Eileen — How long does the battery last on your cordless Shark before you have to recharge it? Inquiring minds want to know!
Hi Kathy – Like you, I spoke a pro cleaning crew. They, too, said “Get a Shark!”
Katheryn Osborne says
I have had my Shark liftaway for about 4 years now and still love it and am amazed how much it sucks up every time I use it ! Just make sure you don`t run the rolling brush over any fringe on rugs..nice that there is the option to turn it off or on…my braided rugs love it ! Also the dust container can be taken off and washed and dried before putting back on your machine as well as the 2 filters under the dust container. I will def keep one of these in my house even when this one gives up the ghost..but doesn`t seem likely yet.. 🙂
Patty Wall says
Kevin, do you know how this vacuum compares to a Dyson? I have a Dyson Animal and it really doesn’t pick up the dust from my hardwood floors all that great.
Amy says
I am so devoted to my Miele. I had no idea what I was missing until I bought an excellent vacuum (sounds like you, Kevin). I have a 110 year old house and I think it’s still sucking up dirt from the original owners 🙂
Merry Mindy says
So happy you like the new vacuum!!
Lisa says
I have a Dyson. I love it. Dysons have an incredible warranty. Mine is older now, but I only needed to repair the cord, years after purchase. It was included in the warranty, repair at a local shop. It’s close to, maybe over, 10 years old now, still works great! i have pets, so I have to cut hair out of the roller part, but that is with any vacuum. No bags, no loss of suction.
I’ve paid $200 for Hoovers that need replacing within 4 or so years. Dysons are well worth more.
Kate says
I couldn’t agree more, Kevin! I recently purchased a Shark LiftAway and it’s wonderful. Vacuuming was always my least favorite house chore… my old machines —all of them hand-me-downs— had to be pushed over the same areas over and over again to get up the dust or dirt, and would sometimes spit particles out to the side that I would have to chase down and pick up by hand. Now vacuuming is effortless (especially stairs!) and the Shark LO picks up everything on the first pass. In fact it’s so powerful I sometimes think it must be pulling up dust through the floorboards from the cellar!? Wishing you much happiness with yours, Kevin.
Mary Pat says
Miele. Love it…lightweight upright. Bought it after surgery on arm. 16 years later it is still awesome. Variable speed, too.
Victoria Miller says
I have a Dyson Ball that came with my husband when we married a decade ago. He adores it, and it’s still running strong. But I can’t use it at all because it is a heavy beast. The wand is super long and not flexible or collapsible, so virtually unusable for lampshades or anything closer than 6 feet away. ☹ Would not recommend this vacuum cleaner even though it could live forever, and it looks like it just might!
Georgeann Brown says
I am not sure why anyone would buy a vacuum cleaner that uses bags. A bagless model is the only way to go, especially with furry (non human) roommates.
Lois says
I love my less-fancy-than-yours but still fantastic Shark. It was a little scary to see all it found that my last bagless upright left behind. I had a bagged Oreck for many years, but am so happy to go bagless. I do wash the canister and filters often just to keep it running at top efficiency.
I still use a small (bagless) canister to get the mostly dog hair from around all the table and chair legs, tight spaces, etc., and am using a small Bissell that fills up fast! After that, nothing like Swiffers to get the rest!
Victoria says
I’m so glad to read this post! We have an elderly and unsatisfactory Kenmore that has never done its job as well as I’d like, so your review has helped me to decide on its replacement. Thank you!
jackie serba says
I am a vacuum freak, I have a 30 year old upright bissell that I keep upstairs that sucks great to this day..I have gone through 2 dysons.which were ok but 2nd one which was purple wouldn’t stand upright when using the nossle so I returned it. I bought a shark 3 years ago and it still works great..the only down fall is the cord is shorter then I like. I also bought the shark hand vacume and it is fantastic. I am now a shark lover and would never pay the price for a dyson again.
Linda says
Kevin, thank you so very much for your review as I am just needing a new vac. For years now I have used a shop vac because of no storage space so I just hung it on a wall space and nobody even noticed it. It had great suction for my pet hair but I did not kill it with small pieces of wood material from my wood stove. I love your choice of words about the bags! That was one thing I always despised. Thank you very much, I am going to check out the SHARK AND SINCE I HAVE AQUARIUMS IT MIGHT JUST SWIM IN.LOL
Mary says
Dyson has my vote…just had it serviced and I’m sure it will be great for at least another 15 years.
Patti Lapp says
I have two Sharks. My original navigator was wonderful! When the hoses cracked, I decided to replace it with a lift away. Based on my previous Shark experience, I also bought one as a house warming gift. Sadly, both the giftee and I have come to the same conclusion. The Shark lift away sucks, but not in a good way. Now after two years of being annoyed I am looking to replace it. I am contemplating a Miele, but I am curious which professional rotator you purchased as there are a few models with this title on Amazon. I would love to stick with a Shark as I think mine might just have been a fluke. Thanking you in advance.
Leslie says
I have a Dyson ball – I love that it’s lightweight, since I have so many stairs. But, it tends to tip over when cleaning stairs. Does the Shark clean stairs efficiently? Thanks!
Sandy Evans says
I love my Dyson cordless ! It runs for at least 1/2 hour (I have never had it run out while vacuuming) and it picks up the cat hair and fine dirt perfectly on area rugs and hardwood. I recommend to a friend and she loved it so much she purchased two. This is the best vacuum I have ever owned because no cord to hassle with and it vacuums everything perfectly.
Karin says
Here’s a tip: I purchased an extra filter set so that I always had a clean, dry one on hand to pop into my Shark. It’s amazing how dirty they become in a short period of time. You can wash them, but then have to wait for it to dry before using.
Jena says
I started out adult life with a Kenmore.
20 years later decided to trade it in for a stupidly expensive Miele.
After 2 days I ran back to the store asking if I could give up my trade-in dollars and have my Kenmore back.
I kept the Miele for the house and used the Kenmore as a workhorse to clean up my garage/workshop that got lots of use and has old oriental rugs on the floors.
The Miele never performed well but I suffered with it because of the money spent. Last year when the Kenmore died at 28, I bought the Shark Rotator Lift Away and relegated the Miele to the garage.
The Shark does a superior job. I love that I can wash out the filters and canister after using.
The only negative for me is the damn cord. It’s always getting in the way and I’m constantly using my other hand to hold it out of the way.
That said, I like the Shark so much I bought the Shark steamer
Cathy says
I also love Shark and have a Lift Away. Because I have a dog with long hair I had to clean it off the roller twice every time I used it. Made the decision to get a new one with the Zero M and soft roller in one head. It does a great job on the bare floors, but also the hard roller cleans itself of dog hair. Heaven!
Karole says
Glad you are happy with your new purchase, I also have a Shark Professional and my hoses are cracked, hot glued and praying they will hold. I don’t have a large home, but I still feel that the cord is a shorter than my old Hoover.
Mary says
I have a Miele that is 38 years old !! Have it serviced maybe every 5 years . Never a big problem . Yes , the bags are an inconvenience but all in all I have nothing but praises for the Miele .
If and when I may need to say goodbye to my workhorse , I will consider the Shark .
Sharon says
Congrats on 10 years here. Ironically I received a memory post on FB that today is my 10 year anniversary on FB too! I’ve been following you pretty much since I joined FB and have thoroughly enjoyed every post, and especially your AMAZING recipes!
Keep up the good work and thanks for
opening your home to all of us. <3
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Patti Lapp – I bought the Shark NV500. This model comes with 3 attachments. Other models in the 500 series have additional attachments, including a caddy.
Hi Karin – I did what you did, and purchased an extra filter kit. This way, no down-time while waiting for the washable filter to dry!
Hi Sharon – Thank you so much!
Janis says
That us great, Kevin! Many happy years for service and easy cleaning. Oh, and a Happy St Paddy’s Day to you!!
Irene Clum says
I have basically the same machine and I LOVE IT! I was dealing with German Shepherd fur and it was very gratifying to watch the cannister fill up with swirling fur! It is also simple to take apart and clean when needed- even the hoses. You are right – it really sucks!
Cyn says
My experience is with Miele.
One we bought 25.years ago when, because of allergies, we had hardwood floors throughout and no carpets, and needed a HEPA system. It was made to do floors and it did an excellent job on floors, and still does. We now also use it to vacuum out the vehicles. It’s the cutest little red canister, and it has a HEPA system. In the 25 years we’ve used it, I’ve not had any problems with that vacuum. It has never needed a repair. Admittedly, using disposable bags is an expense. It would be nice to have a vacuum cleaner that meets all of my other requirements and doesn’t use disposable bags, but I shop for best price and don’t believe they cost much more than other disposable vacuum bags. I don’t like that they contribute to the landfill. On the other hand, I’m betting both of my Miele machines will be in use long after I’m around.
A few years we bought a second Miele, because we now have oriental rugs and the old Miele is only practical for floors. I don’t recall the model offhand but it does an excellent job and is easy to handle.
Of course the machines themselves are expensive, but their system meets established HEPA guidelines and that’s important in my house. And in my experience, they just never die.
My mother always bought Electrolux and I never liked the smell of the exhaust. Because of Miele’s HEPA system even the very finest particles are kept ‘in the bag.’ The Miele has no exhaust odor.
We have 3 big and furry Maine Coon cats and though They Truly Rule, it’s important to me that my house doesn’t smell of their dander or display their fur.
I also like that the accessory tools are stored within the vacuum cleaner. I have several upholstered furniture pieces and one tool is reserved for use on them.
Barb Ahlrichs says
I have had a Filter Queen vacuum (expensive) since 1995, or 23 years. It has great suction and cleans edges and corners well. I have to buy filters every so often, available locally. Drawback, it’s not useful for stairways. Wheelbase is a little wider than most steps. I think that Shark would be wonderful. Just hate to spend money on new vacuum when I have one that works well. And I no longer have carpeted stairs.
Bev says
Thank you!!! I have an antique upright that might as well be a broom. I keep looking at different brands and wishing there was a reliable source for recommendation. Thinking I know what my next vacuum will be!
Jody Mandel says
Thank you, Kevin, for this info! I am looking for a new vacuum, and this one looks perfect.
I have an older Dyson, and it is difficult to open and close one of the filter compartments. It’s also a pain to clean all the hair that gets stuck in the rollers. Need to use a scissor to cut it away. (Well, my younger son has VERY long hair.)
Elizabeth Baker says
I have a 20 year old miele flamingo that has outlasted two labs. Yes, the bags are expensive, but I have severe allergies and so emptying a good closing bag is ideal for me. It is great on my flat rugs and hardwood floors but it is not great with fine dog hair on a plush rug, fortunately I only have a small space with such a rug that is dog free. I appreciate knowing about the other vacuums because surely this miele cannot last forever.
Annie says
Love my new Shark PRO Navigator Rotator vacuum. I retired my previous Shark PRO after 8-ish years of happy vacuuming (after the a plastic piece on the cannister broke off). My only negative would be that it is awkward to vacuum stairs. I have two dogs and yes, it picks up the hair and the dirt…..no doubt about that. I have been considering getting a large cordless Shark or Dyson, to supplement my vacuuming fun, as I love the idea of not having a cord, which does seem to get in the way. Some people like the Dyson….some people like the Shark. I am convinced that whether it is a Shark or a Dyson, you can get a lemon, which is uncalled for when you consider how much you pay. And I chuckle when I read here how people have been happily using the same vacuum for years and years…..it is so true that they really don’t make anything like they used to. Today, a washing machine, a vacuum, a coffee maker etc… are not made to last. If I can get 8 years out of my SHARK, I will be a very happy camper….LOL!
Kara says
SHARK! SHARK! SHARK! …with accompanying sound effects from the movie… I LOVE MY SHARK. I also have a Roomba that I love, and It certainly has a place in my home, but I love the SHARK!
When I first got it, I vacuumed a small rug that rests in front of my husband’s recliner (UGH!). The rug was to protect the area rug underneath, and it collected a right nasty grey/ brown patch from his outdoor shoes. Of course, I regularly vacuumed the small rug, but to really clean it, I tossed it into the wash.
WELL. When I got my Shark, I thought to give it the ultimate test-o, and used it to vacuum the very dirty small rug. I was shocked when I removed ALMOST all of the stain from the small rug, simply with concentrated vacuuming and re- vacuuming. Yay Shark! Really stupendous. I had no idea that that dirt could be vacuumed out. Previous machines didn’t touch it. I’m sure the Dyson is agreat cleaner. I have (rich) friends who love theirs, but for my money, the Shark is de bomb! Cannot imagine doing without it!
Do this : vacuum with your old machine, then vacuum again with the Shark. Shocking what the old machine leaves behind. Love that Shark, so glad you went with the practical rather than the glitz!
Joanne in Zone 6b says
I am so sorry you didn’t need a new vacuum before Christmas, Kevin! I use a Roomba and two Oreks (upright and cannisters), and I need to replace the upright and the Roomba about every 8 years or so; Orek’s trade-in deals are pretty attractive in comparison to repair. If I’d have read your entry and all of the responses, I would have looked into the Shark when the upright needed work/replacement in December. Next time! Happy vacuuming!
Deb Zillich says
I’m so glad you are having great results with your Shark. I’ve had a Dyson for several years and have been satisfied with it but I’m not sure it was worth the heftier price tag. It is also a little heavier than I would like now that I moved into a split level house and carry it up and down steps.
Nancy says
I have been using Shark products for several years. My first was a Navigator. I ran it into the ground, almost literally! I now have an older model lift-away, and I love it. Also purchased a Rocket on clearance for smaller jobs. I’m a Shark owner for life!
Jo Fincato says
I love my Shark Navigator.. I often use the lift away and I am pleased that the wand is so easy to detach… it is so easy to clean the dust container…no bags….very pleased with rotating feature to get into tough places, like under a recliner….amazing how much dog hair and dirt it sucks up in my daily vacuuming….have had an Oreck before but donated it…bags were a hassle I do not need…also have a Shark Rocket and steam cleaner for the kitchen floor…
Ardelle F Tuxen says
Love my Kenmore canister vacuum and my 2 Miele’s as well. Have heard a lot about the Sharks but not in a market right now. It’s always great to hear others view of household appliances for future needs though. Glad you are happy with it – and I have looked at them – Sharks – but really do not need another vacuum right now. What I really want is someone to clean my ceramic floors regularly. 🙂
Barbara J Chaisson says
I had my own little house cleaning business for 16 years (Me, Myself and I) I started out with a Rainbow canister vacuum cleaner that uses water. Did a fabulous job except I quickly discovered that is it not the best idea to drag a vacuum cleaner behind you when vacuuming other people’s houses (too easy to bump into things when it is behind you). So I started using my Oreck, but that has no attachments and it is really limited and not really powerful. Then I bought a Bissell upright and used that, but they seldom lasted longer than a year or two. Then went to the Hoover bagless upright. Loved it but again didn’t last long. So, now that I am retired I still have my Rainbow canister and my Hoover bagless upright. They both work very well for what they are designed for. I did have a Shark for hard floors but it was very noisy and didn’t last long. Nothing is meant to last forever. I will say that the Rainbow is at least 20 years old now and still works very well.
Samantha says
We own a Dyson Pet vacuum because of our rough collies. Think “Lassie X 3″ plus a cat in our home, and you can understand why. I find it hard to use, heavy and awkward – probably because it’s really BIG and I’m 5’3” – but it really does the job; my husband has become the designated curator of the vacuum, therefore! I have a canister that I use myself on hard surfaces and it works just fine. In a home with 16 paws and 4 feet, no floor – even newly washed, newly vacuumed – is EVER going to be immaculate!
Billie Stanton says
I bought an Oreck upright in 1992, after back surgery, for its light weight. It was still working 22 years later when I returned to the wonderful Denver store where I had bought it, All Ray’s Vacuum, to get it serviced so I could give it to my daughter and buy another. The daughter got it, but Ray’s son told me Oreck had moved its factory to China and the machines had gone to hell. He recommended Riccar, not cheap but all made in the U.S.A. and fairly lightweight too. I love it. Yes, it needs bags, but it, too, Sucks So Good. I bought a Shark steam cleaner years ago when I was trying to sell my Tucson house, and it steamed all the glaze off the tiles. So beware! Congratulations on your 10 years, Kevin. I must have started reading you about then. I love your site. Thanks for all the wonderful cooking and gardening advice. (I live in an 1894 former bordello, so I also enjoy seeing the photos of your wonderful old house.)
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Billie – The description of your house made me smile. If only your walls could talk!
Carillon Orban says
I have a Dyson and a Dyson portable. We used to have a Miele, but it didn’t seem to be doing the job, so we bought the Dyson. What a difference! The first time we used the Dyson on our 3 year old bedroom carpet, it sucked up loose fibers as if it was a new carpet. I would never have a Miele again.
Sally says
I have to add that I, too, just replaced a too costly Kenmore with the Shark, made especially for pet hair. I am happy with it, as is my housekeeper. I especially like the clear plastic debris container, which, in my house, is a container full of cat hair.
Linda says
I’m surprised no one mentioned a Simplicity S10P as an excellent vacuum, although with bags. It only weighs 10 lbs and is self propelled so using it is a breeze. It’s got amazing suction. The drawback is no additional hose or tool add ons. So thanks you for your review Kevin. I’m thinking of getting the Shark as a second vacuum for the tools and to leave on my second floor.
Mary says
I’ve had a dozen or more vacuum cleaners in my lifetime. Filter queen is about 50 years old. Can’t find parts easily, so this one is relegated to the basement. I’ve owned all the cheap ones-Hoover, Eureka, Kenmore- you get the idea. Those are long gone. I have a small Shark canister that I really like, but I can’t find new filters for it and the ones that came on it can’t be cleaned. I have a Dyson but the thing is a heavy monster and I feel like Wilma Flintstone pushing an elephant around the room. I’m currently using a Hoover bagless. It’s adequate but would never pass the white glove test. I’ll have to investigate your new Sharp. Thanks for your insights.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Mary – Ah, Wilma Flintstone’s vacuum cleaner. A brilliant invention!
Kip says
I have used a Rainbow vac for years. It doesn’t use bags, it has a ‘tub’ the vacuum sits on that holds water. Sometimes I stick a sprig of Rosemary from my yard into the water. If you have a ‘stream of dust’ coming through the light of a window, before you insert the hose, just turn it on and the vacuum sucks it out.
When you are finished vacuuming, you you simply empty the water (I put a strainer over the bowl of the toilet and dump the contents into that….then you can see if you vacuumed up anything you shouldn’t have such as a ring etc (not the cat.) After each use simply turn the vacuum over and remove the filter; rinse it out and sometimes I stick it in my dish washer…so you never have to replace filters either. ALSO, you can put the hose on the OUT TAKE (air blows out rather than pulling in the air like it does when you vacuum) and stick it in your chest type freezer and the ice will fall right off….put the hose on the IN TAKE, and vacuum up the defrosted ice/water and dump it! The vacuum is made in the USA in Michigan.
Sandy B says
I purchased a Shark after a couple of “this should do the job” inexpensive vacuums when I had to replace the ELECTROLUX cannister style that my parents bought when I was in high school. I lucked into a case, as in endless supply, of the disposable bags so that wasn’t an issue but eventually pieces and parts began to crack or fall off. Since I will be going to my 50 year class reunion this summer, I thought it deserved retirement. It went to the curb on trash day but was scooped up within the hour. I can only hope it went to a good home.
Sue Rewerts says
I’ve had a Kirby for years. It’s heavy-duty, built like a brick…well, you know. BUT not only is it HEAVY, it also has to have the head removed every time you want to use the nozzle. Too much hassle for me. I’ve been wondering about a Shark for a long time. This sounds like it might fit me and my cleaning personality perfectly. 🙂 Thanks for the review.
Jeanne says
I also have a shark rotator lift-away, but mine is not as fancy as yours. It is the best for pet hair as I have a cat, a puggle (pug-beagle mix, so super sheddy and really lazy), and a lionhead rabbit who all like to re-carpet my floors with hair (and a fair amount of filth) on a daily basis. I also have a shark robot vacuum who we’ve named Mr. Belvedere (as he’s my butler) who runs around every morning for an hour for a quick hair pickup. I have largely hardwood floors in my 1850’s teeny tiny eyebrow colonial but still the amount of dust and hair that these two vacuums pick up both amazes and disgusts me. Funny enough, I also have a $20 dirt devil stick vacuum upstairs that I use in the kids rooms. While not as hardcore as the Shark lift-away, that little $20 stick does a pretty good job for in-betweens when I don’t feel like carrying the big vacuum up the stairs.
Julie R says
Kevin, I’m glad that you found a great new vacuum that works for all of your needs. Years ago I had a bagged heavy Kenmore vacuum, which did not pick up good. Finally decided that I had enough with dealing with vacuum bags. Currently using a Bissell Powertrak vacuum. It is bagless, light weight, and has lots of attachments. It works great and didn’t cost a bundle. I also still have an older Erueka Optima bagless vacuum which also still works pretty good. With lack of storage space, I have to store the vacuums in the basement and lug them upstairs every time I vacuum. Also have back issues, so for me, it is important to have a light weight vacuum that has great suction because I have pets, one dog and two birds. I am happy with both of my vacuums.
Donnamae Grannemann says
I have a Shark like yours and I love it. Purchased one for our church nursery as well. Also have the Shark Cordless to clean up small areas and our grand caravan. They are the best. The newer model with the smooth roller which attracts hair without getting tangled in the brush is the best yet. Cleaning stairs is a breeze because the lift-away is so light, balanced and easy to handle. The older navigator type Shark did tend to have balance problems, but the newer models stand up fine when the wand is used. News columnist Everyday Cheapskate, Mary Hunt, also highly recommends the Shark.
Victoria Stefani says
To follow up on my earlier comment, we bought the Shark and we love it! It was astonishing to see what it sucked up (and sort of disgusting to think I’d been walking barefoot on those rugs, thinking they were at least moderately clean).
maria says
I have a wonderful vacuum is a Kirby with a permanent bag that I wash in mild soap once every Summer it dries hanging in my clothes line in one sunny afternoon, I bought it in 1981 and I love it, is powerful and has multiple attachments that had made my life easier, I will keep in my mind your good advise if I ever need it. Thank you for sharing with us!
Porter Leggett says
We have 3 Sharks! One for each level of the house. With 6 indoor cats there is a lot of fur and dander. Even though they are lightweight enough to carry floor to floor, we find it easier to pull them out when we see things floating about rather than wait and do a whole house cleaning.
Lori says
I loved my Kenmore but the husband dropped it as he lowered it to the outside of the boat. We couldn’t find the same Kenmore, so we resorted to the Panasonic’s (I know)….and then to the Kirby. If I ever have to replace a part in the Kirby, I’ll just replace with the Shark. Daughter #3 got us a Stanley vac for rough cleaning but the Kirby attachments fit on the Stanley. So I use the Stanley when needing to vacuum around small things or a quick vacuum but for the big open areas I use my Kirby.
Kirby bags are expensive, so I cut them open and empty the contents and sew it back together. I usually get 3 uses from one bag.
#1 son was looking for a vac and we gave him a Hoover. I saw the Sharks but thought they were just gimmicks….been kicking myself ever since.
Carly says
30 years and counting, I’m a MIELE girl. So far, we have tidied up after 4 sons, 2 golden retrievers, and thousands of family and friends. If she were to go to vacuum heaven tomorrow, I would re-MIELE immediately.
Elaine Murray says
I too just broke down and purchased the same Shark as you Kevin. You are right….it does SUCK! Powerful is not an appropriate word…its more then that! LOVE IT!!!
MARGARET KEARNEY says
Kevin, I have a Simplicity canister vacuum, I can’t remember the model’s name, but it was the top of the line model when I bought it 3 years ago. It’s candy apple red! I love it. A critical thing I did was trade out the rolling brush that came with it (plastic bristles) for once with boar/ natural bristles. The vacuum store guy told me that plastic can harm Persian rugs, and after vacuuming with the new, better vacuum, I understood what he was saying about the damage I was doing with my old vacuum for 10 years
So I strongly recommend that anyone with antique rugs change the roller brush.
Anne Paulson says
Kevin, do you still love your Shark vacuum? I’ve read rave reviews and horrible reviews and don’t know who to listen to. Most of the complaints are that the vacuum broke after just a few months of use. Is yours still working well? I really need a new vacuum and don’t know which to purchase. Thanks for your wonderful posts, by the way!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Anne – Yes, vacuum cleaner is still working. And yes, I still love it!
geraldine says
The shark rotator was by far the best. It’s quite expensive though that I got mine as a second hand but it still worked well.