Shark is a household favourite in the world of vacuum cleaners, with several of its vacuums consistently being ranked among Ideal Home's top-rated models. So, when I learned that the brand had quietly dropped its most powerful handheld vacuum last month, I had to test it out for myself.

Naturally, I was keen to see whether the new Shark PowerBoost Pet Handheld lived up to expectations and if it deserves a spot among the best handheld vacuum cleaners. Here's everything you need to know.

In a nutshell

After testing the Shark PowerBoost Pet Cordless 2-in-1 Handheld Vacuum (which is a bit of a mouthful, so I'll refer to it as the Shark PowerBoost Pet from here on) in my busy family home for two weeks, it's fair to say I'm impressed.

The suction is more powerful than I expected for a handheld vacuum, and it handled crumbs, dust and general mess with ease. I found myself reaching for it far more than I'd expected, as its lightweight design and decent battery life made it ideal for quick clean-ups when I didn't want to pull out my full-size vacuum cleaner.

It also includes a car detailing kit, which consists of a flexible hose and various small tool attachments designed to clean computer keyboards, air vents, and car interiors. While I found the results a little underwhelming overall, particularly when using the extension hose, the smaller brush attachments are handy for tackling intricate hard-to-reach spaces.

The motorised hand tool, with its rotating brush roll, is a standout attachment. I noticed a difference when I used it on upholstery and carpets, where it helped lift more stubborn debris and embedded dirt, making it the most useful part of the kit. Cleaning and maintenance are also straightforward, with the dust cup opening with a simple button release. And although its capacity isn't huge, it was easy to get into the habit of emptying regularly, which makes it feel low-maintenance.

How I tested

Specifications

• Max. run time: 40 minutes
• Charge time: 4.5 hours
• Bag/ bin capacity: 0.25L
• Weight: 1.13 kg
• Dimensions: 24.21 cm L x 8.89 cm W x 33.6 cm H
• Modes: 3
• In the box: Car Detail Kit, Charger, Motorised Hand Tool, Shark PowerBoost Cordless Handheld Vacuum
• RRP: £229.99

Unboxing, set-up and first impressions

The Shark PowerBoost Cordless 2-in-1 Handheld Vacuum packaging was fairly plain and compact, and light enough to carry single-handedly.

One thing I really like about Shark products is how eco-friendly the packaging tends to be. There was no plastic at all; everything was protected in paper bags and cushioned on top of a layer of moulded cardboard, with the user manual placed on top. It's a small detail, but always one that I think makes a noticeable difference.

The contents were also refreshingly minimal and included the handheld vacuum, motorised hand tool, charger, and a car detail kit comprising an extension tube, a crevice tool, and precision attachments.

With everything out of the box, I then popped the motorised hand tool onto the end of the vacuum (which clicked into place easily), and took a couple of minutes to take in the design.

The first thing that stands out is how lightweight the Shark PowerBoost Pet feels. At 1.1kg, it sits on the lighter end of the range for handheld cordless vacuums, but it still feels sturdy and built to last. The charcoal grey and blue finish also adds to its premium feel.

The digital display sits neatly at the back of the unit, and there are only two buttons - power and mode- which feels refreshingly straightforward.

It also stands upright when the battery is resting on a flat surface, but it topples when the motorised hand tool is attached. I initially wondered if I'd find this inconvenient during use, but given how easy the attachment is to remove, it's not a dealbreaker.

Before getting started, though, the battery needed to be fully charged. I discovered that it can be removed to charge, but because of its compact size, I didn't feel this was necessary, so I just plugged the charger into a power socket before inserting it into the charging port on the side of the battery.

When it's charging, the battery icon on the digital display flashes until it reaches full charge, after around 4.5 hours.

What's it like to use?

I live in a three-bedroom home with my husband and three children, and it would be accurate to say I vacuum multiple times a day to keep on top of the mess that comes with family life. Generally, I rely on my Dreame V20 Pro Cordless for most of my vacuuming, and I also use the Shark Stratos, which converts to a handheld vacuum. For the purpose of this review, I switched the Stratos for the PowerBoost to allow a fair comparison.

The PowerBoost Pet has three modes - auto, eco and boost - which you'll be familiar with if you've used the Shark Stratos. When you switch it on, the digital display cycles through the modes before settling on auto mode, so I tended to stick to it for general clean-ups. I know from using the Stratos and similar vacuums that boost mode will drain the battery much quicker.

To get a proper feel for the device, I took it on a full lap around the house, using it on both carpets and hard floors. I was impressed instantly at the suction power; it handled everything in its path with ease. I found it particularly effective at reaching along skirting board edges and between the crevices of my bar stools, which are a magnet for stubborn crumbs and dust.

I experimented with the motorised hand tool attachment, as the user guide doesn't specify where it should be used. On carpet, I generally found it improved cleaning performance, particularly when tackling stubborn, embedded debris within the carpet's fibres. The motorised brush helps loosen dirt that suction alone sometimes struggled to lift.

As part of our testing process, I put the vacuum through our flour test to get a clear visual of pick-up performance. On hard flooring, I removed the hand tool attachment, and it had no trouble picking up the flour, collecting most of it in a single pass.

On carpet, I was equally impressed with the results. I used the brush tool for this test, and I've got to say, to my surprise, it glided effortlessly over the carpet and lifted the flour with ease.

There is a car detailing kit included with the Shark PowerBoost Pet, which includes a flexible hose and various different tools and brush attachments. As the manual recommends that the detailing kit is designed to clean hard-to-reach spaces like computer keyboards too, I thought this would be a good place to start before moving onto the car itself.

After attaching the extension hose onto the end of the vacuum, I used the round brush to try and extract the crumbs and debris that had built up in between my laptop screen and the keyboard. While it lifted some of the mess, I immediately noticed a drop in suction compared to using the vacuum without the extension hose.

I switched to the wider brush tool, which did improve performance, although I wouldn't describe the results as transformative. In fact, I did find myself checking the vacuum was drawing enough suction a couple of times.

That said, given the small surface area of the detailing tools, I think the emphasis is on precision rather than outright cleaning power. They feel better suited to tackling hard-to-reach areas rather than cleaning larger surface areas quickly.

I'm completely outing myself here, but my car is embarrassingly messy, and it's honestly the one job I'll put off cleaning for as long as possible. As I'd familiarised myself with the attachments, it felt like the ideal next test.

As with the keyboard, I noticed a drop in suction when using the extension hose. It did still pick up lighter mess but wasn't as powerful as when I used the motorised hand tool or the main unit directly.

I found the angle brush was the most useful attachment in this setting, particularly for reaching tight, fiddly spaces, such as the space underneath the seat belt buckle. And while my car did look cleaner by the end of the cleaning session, I was left slightly underwhelmed by the smaller tools.

Cleaning and maintenance

I'll always favour a floorcare appliance that's low-maintenance when it comes to cleaning - and thankfully, upkeep for the Shark PowerBoost Pet is really straightforward to keep on top of.

Although the dust cup isn't the largest, I found it was more than enough to tackle several clean-ups around the house before I needed to empty it.

When it does fill up, emptying the vacuum cleaner is really simple. There's a button on the side that releases the bin, and it swings open. I'm used to vacuums that open from one end and can be a bit fiddly to empty, but the PowerBoost Pet opens outwards making it much easier to drop straight into the bin.

The filter is just as easy to access. It pulls out of its housing once released and can be rinsed with water before being left to air dry for at least 24 hours. I've not needed to give it a full deep-clean yet, but when I did disassemble it, it was covered in flour and dust, so it's worth getting into the habit of keeping on top of.

The manual also includes a section on additional parts and accessories, which I thought was a useful touch as it highlights how versatile the vacuum can be. Replacement filters can be bought for just under £10, and there's also the additional option to purchase additional tools, including a wider upholstery tool and a duster crevice tool.

Given its price point, it would have been nice to see a couple more tools included in the box, but it's still useful to know what's available if you want to pick up any other accessories down the line.

How does it compare to similar models?

Ideal Home's top-rated handheld vacuum is the Dyson Car+Boat thanks to its impressive suction power and deep-cleaning capabilities. It does come with a much higher price tag than the Shark PowerBoost Pet, positioning it firmly on the premium end of the handheld vacuum market.

Within Shark's own range, the PowerBoost Pet feels like a natural step up from the WandVac 2.0. While both are designed as lightweight, grab-and-go cleaners, the PowerBoost Pet offers stronger suction, a larger dust capacity and three power modes. The trade-off is it is more expensive, slightly heavier and bulkier than the WandVac.

The Shark Cordless Pet is currently rated our best handheld vacuum for dealing with pet hair, but the PowerBoost Pet arguably has the edge when it comes to versatility thanks to its motorised hand tool. During testing, I found this attachment particularly effective on carpets, rugs and upholstery, making it a strong option for homes with pets.

Beyond Shark's range, there are a couple of other handheld vacuum cleaners worth comparing to. The Gtech AIRAM Multi Platinum (in handheld mode) is another Ideal Home favourite. That model impressed our reviewer with its cleaning power, generous battery life, and large dust canister. However, it’s bulkier and pricier than the PowerBoost Pet.

If you're looking for something ultra-light, the Gtech ProLite is one of the lightest handheld vacuums we've tested and has a more affordable price tag. That said, its bagged design means you'll need to factor in the ongoing cost of replacement bags.

How does the Shark PowerBoost Pet Cordless 2-in-1 Handheld Vacuum rate online?

On Shark's website, the PowerBoost Pet currently hold a 4.6 star rating from 24 customer reviews. The feedback was largely positive, praising its powerful suction as well as how lightweight, convenient and easy to use it feels. It's worth noting, though, that the majority of these reviews did come from users who had received free products.

On Amazon, there are 19 reviews, and the product has a 4.5 star rating. The performance feedback was slightly more mixed, with some highlighting how powerful the suction is, while others weren't as impressed. The price point was also flagged as a drawback by one user. Again, most of the reviews were incentivised, but I'd expect to see general feedback increase over time, as it has only recently been launched.

Should you buy the Shark PowerBoost Pet Cordless 2-in-1 Handheld Vacuum?

If you're looking for a powerful handheld vacuum that goes beyond tackling the usual sofa crumbs and everyday carpet refresh, the Shark PowerBoost Pet Cordless 2-in-1 Handheld Vacuum is a brilliant option. The suction is genuinely impressive, the motorised hand tool makes a noticeable difference on sofas and stairs, and the three power modes mean you can adapt it to whatever mess you're tackling.

The smaller dust capacity means you'll be emptying it fairly regularly, and the car detailing kit isn't quite as effective as the main unit, but these feel like fair trade-offs given its overall performance.

While it won't replace a full-sized vacuum, I found myself reaching for it far more than I'd expected during testing. It's lightweight enough to grab for quick clean-ups, and the battery life is long enough that you don't need to worry about constantly recharging it.

For busy homes, particularly those with pets or children, I think it's a solid, reliable choice - and it's certainly earned a permanent place in my cleaning routine.

Let’s be honest; vacuum cleaners aren’t the prettiest. But while most of us simply shove our vacuums in a cupboard and hide them from view, Shark has just flipped the script and released the Shark PowerDetect Speed Luxe Collection Clean & Empty Cordless Vacuum (£499.99 at Shark) that’ll make you proud to have it on show.

The best Shark vacuum cleaners come in so many different shapes and forms, but this new Luxe Collection is designed to ‘live beautifully in your home’ as part of your interior design choices - offering a selection of four muted, luxurious, and admittedly rather sexy colourways. And it’s fair to say that it’s a far cry from the standard black and white options we’re used to.

These luxe colourways have been attached to the brand’s newest release, the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum, which I gave a glowing 5-star review and use almost daily in my house. So, I predict these new colourways will be a sellout...

I was lucky enough to see the new Luxe collection in person a few months ago at Shark’s HQ, and it really does combine the utility of a regular vacuum cleaner with a design aesthetic to be proud of.

With the choice of Walnut, Oatstone, Sagewood, and Harbour Slate - or the classic non-luxe Ultramarine, which I have at home - the Shark PowerDetect Speed Luxe Collection Clean & Empty Cordless Vacuum also comes with a compact auto-empty dock.

This dock can hold up to 45 days’ worth of debris before needing to be emptied (admittedly one of the most tedious aspects of vacuuming), and will automatically charge the cordless vacuum so it’s always ready for grab-and-go cleaning.

As if that wasn’t enough, the tools - combined duster-crevice tool and motorised hand tool, which is perfect for homes with pets - have their own storage spots on the dock, so everything is housed in one place. And in these luxe colourways, it really does make a statement.

The 60-minute run time, Flexology wand and anti-hair wrap technology are all perks, too, but it’s the four Detect technologies that really impressed me most. The vacuum automatically boosts cleaning power and direction based on the floor type and debris level, and detects edges for the ultimate clean.

In fact, I loved this vacuum so much that it’s now become my go-to to use at home - which, as Ideal Home’s Certified Expert in Vacuums, should prove that it’s a worthwhile addition to your cleaning routine.

But if you’re not quite sold on the new Luxe colourways but are still intrigued by the vacuum itself, I’m also happy to report that the classic Ultramarine I have has now been reduced from £499.99 to £299.99 at Shark, following these new releases.

If you are looking to add a luxe colour to your home, though, I’d suggest being quick. When Ninja (from the SharkNinja family) released two luxurious colourways of the bestselling Luxe Café Premier Espresso Machine, they sold out almost instantly.

So, I wouldn’t wait to get your hands on one!

If you’ve been struggling with this May heatwave, I have some good news for you as the frequently sold-out Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo is currently on sale. It’s one of the best personal fans for keeping you cool both at home and on the go.

Since its launch last year, the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo has impressed numerous members of the Ideal Home team, earning its place as one of the best fans you can buy. But it’s not just us who are impressed. This fan is a social media favourite and frequently sells out online.

Currently reduced to below £100, I’d urge you to make the most of this deal. Not only does this fan have form for selling out, but it’s also an excellent choice to combat the May heatwave and help you stay cool.

At the time of writing, the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo has already sold out on the Shark website and online retailers like Argos and Very. However, it is on sale at other retailers. Reduced from £130 to £99.99, you can snap the viral fan up at retailers such as Currys, Debenhams, AO and B&Q.

It’s honestly not that surprising that this fan is selling out once again. Shark fans are excellent at offering relief against the heat. Most recently, the Shark Chill Pill impressed our reviewer with its incredible power for a handheld fan.

The FlexBreeze HydroGo is no exception. It’s lightweight, super quiet and portable, with a misting feature that feels like heaven on a scorching day. You can enjoy up to 12 hours of cordless run time (on speed 1) without misting. It has five fan speeds, two smart breeze modes, and continuous mist or interval mist.

You can even use this fan outdoors, making it a great accompaniment to parks or the beach this summer, too.

‘I have mine on right now! And had it on all last night, as the cordless battery life normally lasts around 8/9 hours on my preferred settings,' comments Lauren Bradbury, Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor. I love the fact that it can be used either inside or outside, and the misting function genuinely makes such a difference by taking the edge off the scorching heat. My only niggle is that it’s very much a one-person fan as it doesn’t oscillate.'

‘I've taken ours to picnics and the beach, and it's a really powerful fan even outdoors!’ added Jenny McFarlane, Ideal Home’s Senior Digital Editor.

This fan will likely sell out yet again. So, just in case, these are a few more of the fans the Ideal Home team recommends.

If you want the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo, don’t hesitate. You’ll regret it!

The world of robot vacuum cleaners has become a competitive place, with brands looking to out-smart and out-tech each other at every turn - and sometimes this can result in gimmicks that nobody really wants or needs. So, when Shark announced the new Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Vac & Mop Robot Vacuum, I wondered whether they’d gone down the gimmick route.

But I don’t like to judge a book by its cover, which is why I decided to test the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal out for myself - and it instantly squashed any concerns I had. Sure, it’s not perfect, but this new robot vacuum cleaner definitely has what it takes to compete with the best robot vacuum cleaners on the market today.

In a nutshell

In all of my years of testing vacuums, I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m a fan of the best Shark vacuum cleaners. Most of the time, I find that they’re easy to use and get the job done with minimal fuss - and the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Vac & Mop Robot Vacuum RV3000XEUK is further proof of that.

Yes, I’m under no illusion that robot vacuum cleaners can be intimidating, but this new model is anything but that. The app couldn’t be simpler, the cleaning and maintenance required is minimal and quite literally spelt out for you, and it’s smart and efficient enough to be left to its own devices without worrying about it going AWOL or bumping into furniture every five minutes.

The eight PowerDetect technologies in this robot vacuum and mop combo deliver a reliable clean every time, and it’s particularly impressive on hard flooring thanks to its three cleaning modes and wet and dry edge-cleaning features. However, it’s the UV Reveal Technology - which I previously thought would be a gimmick - that is truly the winning feature, as it’ll reveal stains you don’t even know are there.

The elephant in the room is that this is a pricier model in Shark’s robot repertoire, and it doesn’t support multi-floor mapping, which could be a dealbreaker for some. But whether you’re a prospective first-time robot vacuum cleaner owner or you’re looking to step up from your current model, I genuinely think you’ll be very happy with this robot vacuum.

Specifications

• Max. run time: 180 minutes
• Suction power: Not supplied
• Bin volume: 0.36L (bot), 1.51L (dock)
• Mop function: Yes
• Charge time: 4 hours
• Noise levels: 69-74dB (tested by us)
• Dimensions: H44.45, W36.32, D46.1cm
• Weight: 12.21kg
• Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

I’ve tested enough robot vacuum cleaners now to know that I shouldn’t expect a small, lightweight package to arrive on my doorstep. So, the 17.2kg box that held the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal didn’t exactly surprise me - but you might need a hand moving it inside if you have any mobility issues or can’t carry that much weight by yourself.

Inside the box, everything was encased in a cardboard scaffold for protection, and the bot was enclosed in a smaller box, while the dock and the dock base were wrapped in recyclable paper. In fact, everything was recyclable, which was a huge tick in my books.

From the get-go, I also knew that I wouldn’t struggle with assembly or getting started. That’s because everything from the stickers on the bot itself to the dock and the ‘Quick Start’ guide printed on the inside of the box gave me all of the information I needed to know. And as setting up robot vacuums for the first time can be intimidating, I really do think Shark stands out from the crowd with these additions.

To get started, I placed the dock on hard flooring in its new home - which, in my case, was my dining room - before installing the ramp, which clicked into place easily. I then attached the side brush (again, with a rather satisfying click), inserted the anti-odour cartridge into the top of the dock, and slid the robot onto the base to start charging.

With that done, I followed the instructions to fill up the clean water tank. This is where Shark impressed me once again, as the brand included a free bottle of their VacMop solution, which was originally designed for the very handy Shark VacMop, but is now compatible with many of its robot vacuums. This was a nice touch, as so many brands don’t offer a sample of their cleaning solution as standard.

The measurements are also easy to follow here. There are lines on the clean water tank indicating the water fill line, and a separate line for the cleaning solution. So, it’s impossible to go wrong during this step.

The last step of the setup process was to link the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal to the Shark Clean app and let it map out my home. This was incredibly easy to do, with the app talking me through everything and laying out exactly what it needed from me. The mapping process then took around 10 minutes, during which it mapped the entire ground floor of my house, detecting floor types and furniture it needed to avoid.

Ease of use

One thing I will say about robot vacuum cleaners is that they always vary in app complexity. But the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal is so easy to use and offers just the right amount of app customisation - making it suitable for newbies or those looking to upgrade an older model.

You can edit the map, set up a schedule, choose which room (or spot) you want to clean, and even change the cleaning mode. This includes Vacuum-only, Mopping-only, and Vacuum + Mop. Within these modes, you also have power levels - three for vacuuming (Eco, Normal and Max) and three for mopping (Eco, Normal and Max).

You can also turn off the UV Stain Detect if you want to, but I really don’t know why you’d want to, as this is one of the model’s key features - as well as one of the most impressive.

Within the ‘Settings’ category, you can also customise the robot and the dock, changing everything from the stain lights to the button sounds, pad dry duration, cleaning preferences and more. Once you’ve found what works for you and your home, it’s unlikely that you’d need to do much with these, but it’s still nice to have the options there.

One touch I really like is that you can also see the completed ‘Mission Report’ after the robot finishes cleaning. This report gives you a lowdown on the stats, from the time spent cleaning to the modes used and any stains detected.

However, my one big niggle with all of Shark’s robot vacuum cleaners is that they don’t allow for multi-floor mapping. This means that you can only store one map in the app - whether that be the upstairs or the downstairs.

It also means that you have to choose between three options. 1) You only use the robot vacuum on one floor of your house and use an alternative cleaning tool to clean any other floor. 2) You use the robot vacuum on another floor without a map or proper navigation. 3) You buy another robot vacuum for the other floors of your house.

Since there’s a very obvious section in the app to add another robot vacuum, I’m going to assume that Shark would prefer you to opt for the latter. But I do think the brand would benefit from offering customers the chance to save multiple maps, as this is something that almost every other robot vacuum brand offers in spades - especially at this price point. In fact, most offer you the chance to save up to five maps.

Aside from this, though, the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal was an absolute dream to use, and I’d go as far as to say that it’s impossible to go wrong with it.

Performance

Shark’s new robot vacuum boasts a whopping eight PowerDetect Technologies, including Dirt Detect, UV Stain Detect, HyperSonic Mopping, Floor Detect, Edge Detect, Wet Edge Detect, Automatic Mop Pickup & Object Detect. And while this sounds impressive on paper, it’s my job to test whether they’re worthwhile.

So, in keeping with our strict robot vacuum testing process, I decided to see how the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal would fare against a debris test. To do this, I threw rice and oats on the floor to test the dry suction power.

The result? Pretty impressive. The bot managed to pick up every speck of debris within 1-2 passes, and it didn’t fling it around like many robot vacuums often do. I then repeated the process on a carpet sample, and the results were still good, but it took the robot a few more passes to pick up every speck.

I then moved on to the mopping test, where I squirted tomato sauce onto the floor and watched how well it removed the wet debris. This was also a positive experience, and the robot vacuum worked hard to remove all visible debris in seconds. Thanks to the VacMop solution, there was absolutely no lingering smell left behind either.

Next up was the obstacle test, where I test a robot vacuum’s ability to both detect and navigate an obstacle it isn’t expecting. In this instance, I popped a dumbbell in its cleaning path and watched it seamlessly do both. And as you can see from the video, it still cleaned the immediate area surrounding the dumbbell without touching it once.

After it passed these tests with flying colours, I used the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal as naturally as any other customer would. And one thing that really impressed me was its ability to adjust to changes in debris level and floor type, and to remove pet hair from my rugs and carpets, as evidenced by the mountain of both human and pet hair visible in the debris chamber after cleaning.

The vacuuming mode is definitely better on hard flooring than it is on carpet or rugs, but it was still more than enough for light cleaning on softer flooring, and I felt extremely confident using it. I didn’t have to follow it around to make sure it didn’t get stuck, and its ability to lift its mop meant that I could breathe a sigh of relief that my rugs wouldn’t get wet either.

The pièce de résistance of this new Shark model, though, is the UV Reveal technology, which is truly remarkable. After all, I obsessively clean my floors as Ideal Home’s Floorcare Expert, and I’d say that they look incredibly clean.

On its first proper clean of the downstairs of my house, though, the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal uncovered four hidden stains that were completely invisible to the naked eye. And when it found these spots with its UV light, it worked hard to remove them with HyperSonic Mopping. This was actually quite fun to watch, as the bot would mop around in circles until it was confident it had removed the stains.

Cleaning and maintenance

Robot vacuum cleaners with docks are far superior to those that don’t have them, and the dock that comes with Shark’s PowerDetect UV Reveal model is proof of that. This is the kind of dock that does everything for you; it’s self-emptying, self-refilling and self-cleaning. In fact, it automatically washes and sanitises the mop pad with hot 85°C water, then dries it with 80°C air to prevent bacterial or mould growth.

Unlike many other robot vacuums, it also empties the dust into a bagless base, preventing the need to buy replacement bags in the future. One thing I do question is the ‘60-day capacity’, though, as I had almost completely filled mine up during the two-week testing period.

However, it is worth noting that I used it every single day (and sometimes twice daily) and performed specific tests with lots of debris that could have impacted this. I also have a new rug that sheds like crazy right now, so it’s hard to judge this exact claim, as there are so many factors at play, including how often you use the robot vacuum and how much debris you’re vacuuming up.

Nevertheless, I do think the 0.36L dust capacity on the bot and the 1.51L capacity on the dock are enough to ensure it remains as hands-off as possible for a couple of weeks, which is still better than emptying it after every use.

One thing I also appreciated was that the base maintenance requirements were printed on the inside of the dock’s lid. This includes refilling and emptying the clean and dirty water tanks after every four mop missions or as needed, emptying the dust bin, cleaning the pre-motor filter (located on the top of the dock) every 30 days or as needed, and the post-motor filter (located on the left-hand side of the dock) every six months or as needed.

Shark also advises replacing the odour puck every six months, and these can be bought directly from Shark for £15.99 for a pack of 2. You can also buy a 2L refill of the Shark VacMop solution for £14.99 from Shark - but this isn’t necessary if you just want to use water instead.

Of course, Shark includes only one spare part with the PowerDetect UV Reveal as standard: a spare side brush. This means you will need to replace items like the mop pad and filters over time, but you can turn on notifications in the app to let you know when they need replacing.

I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention that the bot gets ridiculously dirty during use. I tested the black colourway, and it seemed to pick up a huge amount of dust and hair that needed to be wiped off after every use. So, just be prepared to do that with a clean cloth.

How does it rate online?

The Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Vac & Mop Robot Vacuum is a relatively new addition to the Shark family, but it already has an impressive set of reviews on the Shark website. At the time of writing, it has 43 reviews with an overall rating of 4.8 stars out of 5.

So many customers love how hands-off this robot vacuum is, saying it offers impressive cleaning and navigation, meaning they can leave it to its own devices without worrying about it getting stuck or hitting obstacles. They also found the cleaning solution to be a handy extra and believe the UV reveal functionality to be a worthwhile investment.

Some have criticised the robot vacuum's edge cleaning, stating that it hasn’t always cleaned right up to the edges of their rooms or furniture, and noting that it performs better on hard floors than on thicker carpets and rugs.

However, it is important to note that almost all of the reviews on the website so far have been written by those who received a free product from Shark for testing purposes. They are not obligated to give a positive review, but bear in mind that this may impact their rating. Because of this, I will update this section when more paying customers have reviewed it.

How does it compare to similar models?

I’ve previously tested the Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch 2-in-1 RV2800YEUK, which is sadly no longer available to buy. Both models were very similar, and I also praised this model for its ease of use and cleaning.

However, there’s no denying that the UV Reveal offers a step-up in stain-detection technology and all PowerDetect features. I also think it looks a lot sleeker and more expensive - which, of course, it is. But even if the NeverTouch was still available to buy, I’d still recommend the UV Reveal as the better option.

It’s also worth comparing it to the similarly priced Roborock Saros 20, which I tested just a week before this one, as these two models couldn’t be more different. On the one hand, the Shark is simple to use and offers a little bit of customisation without being overwhelming.

On the other hand, the Saros 20 offers so much choice it could be a little too much for the everyday user. The features available are complex and ideal for those who really want to get stuck in with their cleaning efforts - especially as it’s also the most powerful robot vacuum I’ve ever tested - but it will suit those who are already extremely familiar with robot vacuums.

So, it really depends on what you’re after. If you’d prefer a simple, easy-to-use robot vacuum that will get the job done fairly well, the Shark is your best bet. If you want to ensure a precise, customised clean every time, the Roborock could be a better choice.

Verdict: Should you buy the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Vac & Mop Robot Vacuum RV3000XEUK?

Testing the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Vac & Mop Robot Vacuum was genuinely an enjoyable experience - something that isn’t always the case with these appliances. So much so that I’m writing this almost a week after my testing period was supposed to end, and I’m still using it as my day-to-day robot vacuum.

This is largely because it really does offer the best of both worlds - an effective clean with minimal fuss or hands-on input. It gets the job done quickly and efficiently, while navigating homes, obstacles and hidden stains with ease.

Because of this, I do think the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal is a good investment. Admittedly, it is on the more expensive end of the spectrum, but for what you get, I do think it’s worth it… as long as you’re willing to overlook the fact that you can only save one map.

I've been testing vacuum cleaners for a long time, and one thing I can say with confidence is that the Shark doesn't hang about. This popular cleaning brand is constantly releasing new models to top their bestsellers, and their latest drop is the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT.

And as it's my job to see whether these new vacuums have the legs to compete with the best Shark vacuums (better yet, the best cordless vacuum cleaners as a whole), I've been testing it out in my home. My verdict? It's very, very good.

In a nutshell

The Shark PowerDetect range is ever-growing, and the Shark PowerDetect Clean and Empty Cordless has been an Ideal Home-favourite for the past couple of years. And while I wish Shark would come up with much simpler names for their vacuums, I can’t deny that the new Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro IA3241UKT is just as good as this older model. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that it’s better.

Typically, Shark’s auto-empty vacuum cleaners have been reserved for larger homes with space to store the dock, but this new model offers a compact debris chamber that can still hold up to 45 days’ worth of dust and dirt. It’s also the brand’s ‘best cleaning cordless under 3.5kg,’ making it incredibly lightweight and easy to use - and you can even buy it without the dock if you’d prefer.

Decked out in four of Shark’s impressive PowerDetect technologies - Floor Detect, Edge Detect, Dirt Detect, and Direction Detect - it offers smart, cordless cleaning that will react to anything that comes its way. With these in tow, it excelled during our debris testing, tackling finer particles, larger debris, and even pet hair in a single forward pass across every floor type.

The included tools (handily stored on the dock itself) help you tackle smaller jobs and those awkward nooks and crannies, and the anti-odour capsules, coupled with HEPA filtration, help eliminate odours in homes with pets while keeping nasty airborne allergens sealed inside the dock. The only real downside? The 6-hour charge time is a little longer than I’d like.

Specifications

• Weight: 6.41 kg (vacuum and dock), 3.2kg (vacuum)
• Bin volume: 0.5L vac capacity, 2L dock capacity
• Run time: Up to 60 mins (in Eco mode)
• Charge time: 6 hours
• Modes: Eco, Detect, Boost
• Noise level (tested by us): 77-85dB
• In the box: Main Unit, Auto-Empty Charging Dock, 20 cm Duster Crevice Tool, Motorised Pet Tool, Lithium-Ion Battery, Anti-Odour Cartridge

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

The Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro arrived on my doorstep in a relatively small, lightweight box. The whole box actually weighed just 6.96kg, making it incredibly easy to lift into my home.

And as Shark has done for a while now, everything inside was encased in recyclable materials - including the cardboard scaffolding keeping everything safe and protected, and the paper-like wrappers for the smaller components. So, as always, I let out a little cheer for the brand’s eco-friendliness.

Inside and ready for assembly were the handheld part of the Shark PowerDetect Speed, the main floorhead, flex wand, charging post, and the dock base. All I had to do was click the charging post into the dock, and then assemble the vacuum itself. This took all of one minute, which is always a bonus in my book.

One thing that instantly struck me was how compact and lightweight the auto-empty dock was. And while there’s no denying that you do still need a little bit of space to store it, it’s not overwhelming or obstructive - and the addition of the onboard tool storage on the dock means that you can keep everything in one place without accidentally losing the accessories.

This dock is also where the anti-odour cartridge is located, and to insert this, all I had to do was take it out of its packaging and click it into place.

As I always like to start my testing process with a full tank of juice, I popped the Shark PowerDetect Speed onto the auto-empty dock to charge, then stepped back to assess the overall design of the new vacuum.

The blue colourway is intriguing, and I love the juxtaposition of the orange brush bar as a pop of colour. But more than anything, I loved how sleek and streamlined the whole thing looked. It looks high-quality, but its lightweight, compact nature makes it easy to keep in the house, which is ideal for a small home like mine.

Using the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro

I always like to use any vacuum I test as naturally as possible during the review process, but before I do, I like to perform a few engineered tests that help me compare every model I review against each other.

So, in accordance with how we test vacuum cleaners at Ideal Home, I threw a variety of debris on my hard flooring - including flour, rice and porridge oats. The idea here is to test how well the vacuum picks up this debris. In an ideal world, it’ll be able to pick up every speck on the forward pass. For vacuums with less impressive cleaning power, it may take a few passes to get back to a squeaky-clean floor.

Thankfully, the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro was part of the former category, and you can see from the video just how seamless the pickup power was. Every piece of debris was removed during the first forward pass, and it left nothing in its wake.

Given this cleaning power, the Direction Detect technology (which picks up debris on both forward and reverse strokes, unlike many vacuums that only pick up debris on the forward stroke) was a little redundant, but it was nice to know it was there if needed. Especially if you’re in a rush and want to vacuum as quickly as possible.

I then repeated the process on a carpet sample, and found the results to be just as impressive - even when I added some of my dog’s hair as part of how we test pet vacuums at Ideal Home. Every strand was picked up in one pass, and the pet-friendly brush bar meant that there was no tangling in sight.

I then used the new Shark vacuum cleaner as my main vacuum for the week, cleaning my house and all the floors (and nooks and crannies that come with it). And one thing that I really loved about this new model was the ‘Reveal’ technology, which uses a precision-angled cyan beam to reveal hidden dirt on hard flooring. This was my first time experiencing this new blue light, as I’m used to Shark’s white headlights, and I must admit that it was highly effective.

The blue really showcases those little particles that would typically be invisible to the eye, and the light automatically changes to white when the vacuum uses its Floor Detect technology to detect the change from hard flooring to carpet.

The constantly-changing LCD screen is also a nice touch, as this shows the Dirt Detect technology in real time, changing colour depending on how much debris it detects - and how it’s changed its suction power to cope with it. Plus, I found the Edge Detect successful in sensing edges and corners and increasing (or decreasing) the suction power depending on their state.

However, one thing I did notice during testing was that this particular vacuum struggled with thicker, higher-pile rugs, which I do think is linked to the model's lightweight nature. It seemed as though it just wasn’t tough enough on its own to deal with the resistance of the rug, and it required a little more force on my part to push it along.

I only noticed this with one of the rugs in my home, though, and that one is particularly thick and puts almost every vacuum cleaner I test through its paces. It had no trouble with the others, and vacuuming my regular carpet was a breeze.

Of course, another perk of this vacuum - and most Shark vacuums, to be honest - is the Flexology wand, which allows you to bend the vacuum under furniture without having to move it out of the way. This, coupled with the cordless vacuum's lightweight design, proves that anyone could use it.

Using the attachments

The Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro comes with two attachments - the 20cm Duster-Crevice Tool and the Motorised Hand Tool. I must admit that my initial reaction to this was a little ‘meh’ as I typically expect more from a vacuum cleaner designed for pet owners.

However, the more I used them, the more I realised that they were enough for cleaning those smaller nooks and crannies and the more targeted cleaning you need as a pet parent. I found that they were enough to tackle the jobs that I needed them for, and I didn’t need to use another vacuum with additional tools to make up for the two included.

The multi-purpose crevice tool comes with a movable duster that is super handy for dusting windowsills and even computer keyboards, and the motorised hand tool really is a godsend for pet beds, sofas and the stairs. And when using any of them, the handheld is compact and lightweight, making more targeted cleaning incredibly easy.

One thing I’ll also say is that, in true Shark form, the tools and attachments are very high quality - and the fact that they match the colourway of the main vacuum AND can be stored on the auto-empty dock makes the whole unit seem neat, tidy, and cohesive.

Cleaning and maintenance

The beauty of Shark’s auto-empty dock is that very little cleaning and maintenance is required - and even then, they’ve designed this model to be as hands-free as possible. Of course, the onboard 0.5L dust capacity could be considered small compared to other cordless vacuum cleaners, but the dock allows for an extra 2L and the vacuum auto-empties after every clean.

This means that you only have to empty the larger 2L dust canister when it’s full - and it’ll come up with a warning light when it’s time to do that. Then, all you have to do is hold the canister over the bin and empty it as you would any other cordless. To be honest, this was a little messy, and I did have to deal with a slight dust plume, but I can handle that when I only have to do it once every 45 days.

For those averse to loud noises, it’s worth noting that the auto-empty function isn’t quiet - and the dock actually goes through a 3-step cycle to do this after each cleaning session, which means the whole process takes around 30 seconds. Nevertheless, Shark has found a way to challenge this by adding the ‘Quiet Mode’ to the dock.

When you choose this mode (the moon button is on top of the auto-empty dock), you can dock and charge the vacuum without it auto-emptying and disturbing you. This is ideal for cleaning when the kids have gone to sleep, but just remember to turn that mode off before your next cleaning session.

As this model is also equipped with a HEPA filter, making it once again ideal for homes with pets or those with allergies, you’ll also need to clean it once a month. To do this, remove the dust cup and pull the tab to slide it out of the handheld section. And just as you’d clean any other Shark filter, you simply rinse it under the tap and allow it to air dry before replacing it.

However, one niggle I have with this vacuum cleaner is that the 6-hour charging time is long compared to many other cordless vacuums. This does seem limiting for busy family homes where they might need to whip out the vacuum a few times a day.

How does it compare to similar models?

When talking about this new Shark model, it makes sense to compare it to its older sibling - the Shark PowerDetect Clean and Empty Cordless, which we gave a 5-star review back in October 2024.

In terms of looks and overall design, these two vacuums are incredibly similar, but some differences could affect your decision. For starters, there’s the price, as the older model is more expensive at £549.99, while this newer model has entered the chat at £499.99.

This is largely because, on paper, the older model is slightly more powerful - coming in at a power wattage of 380 compared to the newer model’s 350 watts. It also has an extra 10 minutes of run time compared to the newer model, which could be handy for those with larger, messier homes. It also comes with one extra attachment.

When it comes to size, weight and storage options, though, I do think that the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro is the better option. It’s easier to use and keep in the house, and it’s still kitted out with many of the same technologies, most of which would have been given an upgrade since the older model’s release.

However, it’s interesting to note that, for one of the first times ever, Shark has provided the air watts (AW) of this new vacuum cleaner: 150 AW. This is one of the biggest (but not the only) indicators of how much suction power a vacuum cleaner has, and 150 is about average for a cordless vacuum cleaner in today’s market. But that also makes it identical in suction power to one of Dyson’s newest vacuum cleaners, the Dyson V8 Cyclone.

150AW is nothing compared to 315 AW of Dyson’s most powerful cordless vacuum cleaner, the Dyson V16 Piston Animal, but I’ve tested all of these vacuums personally and can tell you that 150AW is more than enough for everyday household use. They both have the same 60-minute run time, so comparing these Shark vs Dyson vacuums largely comes down to the other available features.

For me, I loved the simplicity of the Dyson V8 Cyclone and appreciated that the lack of an LCD screen or fancy bells and whistles didn’t diminish its impressive cleaning power. The £349 price tag is also incredibly enticing, especially when Dyson appliances are typically on the pricier end of the spectrum.

If I had to choose, though, the new Shark vacuum cleaner would be my winner. It has modern features like an LCD screen and an auto-empty dock that make cleaning way more convenient, and I found it much more enjoyable to use around the house.

Verdict: Should you buy the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum?

If you’re looking for a well-rounded vacuum cleaner that offers the convenience of a powerful cordless and hands-free emptying, I really do think the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum will tick all your boxes. And even if you definitely don’t have space for the auto-empty dock, the option to buy without it is also a nice perk.

Its pickup power seriously proved its worth during testing, thanks to its four Detect technologies, and it’s clearly been designed with ease of use in mind due to its lightweight nature and compact design. The self-cleaning, anti-tangle brush roll and motorised pet tool also make it a game-changer for pet owners who want grab-and-go cleaning that actually gets the job done.

However, it is an investment compared to cheaper models on the market, and finding space for the auto-empty dock might be an issue for those with cosier homes. So, you’ll just need to make sure that you have a spare corner and some spare money to make the most of it.

As Ideal Home’s Cleaning Editor, one of the (many) perks of my job is that I get to try out new products and tools before they hit the market. The latest innovation to cross my desk? The Shark EveryMess Carpet Cleaner (£199.99 at Shark), which launched yesterday.

A hybrid of the best carpet cleaners and the best vacuum cleaners, the Shark EveryMess is a portable 3-in-1 cleaning system that can eliminate stains while also vacuuming up dry and wet spills. It can also be used on both hard and soft surfaces, from your carpets to your bathroom tiles, sofas and upholstery, and more. In short, it’s been designed to tackle every mess on (almost) every surface.

I’ve had the Shark EveryMess for a week now, and while I’ll be writing a full review dissecting everything from the setup to the maintenance and the tools included in due course, I thought I’d quickly share what I’ve learned so far to help you decide whether it’s a product you should add to your cleaning cupboard.

1. You *need* to read the instructions

One thing everyone should know about the Shark EveryMess is that it’s very intimidating. At first glance, the mixture of the two-tone blue colourway and the relatively unassuming appearance means it doesn’t look too dissimilar to other spot cleaners out there, but the reality is that this 3-in-1 appliance isn’t just a spot cleaner. It’s so much more.

Delivered to your door, you’ll get the main unit, tough stain tool, crevice tool, squeegee tool, StainForce Dual-Activated Solution bottle, and the reusable spray bottle head - which is already enough to leave you scratching your head. But when you open up the main unit and face the option of using a bag (or not), along with the rather intense-looking filter system, it all seems like a lot.

That’s before I mention the specific actions required for the separate cleaning tasks. The suction hose and the squeegee tools are easy enough to use, but the stain removal tool comes with reversible bristles, and you need to scrub, push forward, or push backwards, depending on what you want it to do.

I really don’t want this to put you off too much, though, because when you get it right, the results really are impressive. However, it’s essential that you have the instructions to hand for a while. So far, I’ve used the Shark EveryMess on five separate occasions, and I only just feel confident keeping the instructions in another room.

2. Its stain removal power is unmatched

There’s no denying that Shark has designed the ultimate cleaning appliance with the EveryMess. The suction hose and squeegee tool let you quickly suck up spilt milk and cereal, or even the mud and water from a tipped-over houseplant pot, and the crevice tool is handy for those nooks and crannies on your sofa or even in your car.

However, it’s the appliance’s ability to get rid of stains that really sets it apart. After all, I don’t take my testing lightly, and in an effort to see EveryMess’s stain-busting power for myself, I poured a cup of black coffee and spread some chickpea daal on a carpet sample and let them sit for 24 hours to really ingrain themselves into the carpet fibres.

As you can see from the video above, it had no trouble getting them out - as if they weren’t even there in the first place. As mentioned above, you do have to follow the instructions, and the stains require two separate soakings of the StainForce Dual-Activated Solution coupled with some agitation from the tool provided, but the end result is unmatched.

In fact, the carpet sample in question had another lingering coffee stain that a previous carpet cleaner hadn’t been able to shift - but removing it was no issue for the EveryMess. Just be warned that the StainForce Dual-Activated Solution isn’t suitable for cleaning wool carpets, and Shark doesn’t recommend using the appliance on delicate rugs (including cotton, silk, antique, natural hide or leather.)

3. It’ll clean itself (kind of)

One thing many people forget is that you always need to clean the appliances that clean for you, and this is no different with the Shark EveryMess. Thankfully, Shark claims that the EveryMess is ‘Self Cleaning’ thanks to the Rinse and Ready cleaning cycle, and I’d agree with them… to a point.

This cleaning cycle essentially ‘flushes’ the hose and the main internal components, and all you have to do is suck up 300ml litres of water to do just that. And I have to admit that the impressive suction power of the appliance meant that all of the lingering debris in the hose vanished in seconds (quite literally. It all happens very fast).

But on my first try, I didn’t find that this cleaning cycle was enough to dislodge the sticky, solid chickpea daal from the cone-shaped debris screen inside the main unit. Admittedly, all of the smaller components are removable, so all I had to do was twist it off and rinse it under the tap - but I do feel like calling it ‘Self Cleaning’ is a bit of a stretch.

For something that can pick up a lot of debris in one fell swoop, though, I do appreciate how easy it is to clean and maintain. And having the option to use a bag is particularly handy, as you can throw certain debris straight into the bin without getting up close and personal with it.

4. It’s very different to the Shark Stainforce

Shark fans will know that this isn’t the brand’s first foray into carpet and spot cleaning. I’ve previously tested the full-size Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet Deep Carpet Cleaner with Spot Cleaner, and they took social media by storm with the viral StainForce Cordless Spot Cleaner.

The EveryMess is most similar to the StainForce and even uses the same StainForce Dual-Activated Solution to speed up the stain-removal process. However, as someone who has used the StainForce religiously in my home for the past few months, I can’t deny that they’re also very different.

For starters, the EveryMess is corded, which means it doesn’t offer that same grab-and-go mentality that the StainForce does. It’s also slightly heavier and more cumbersome, so you’d have to intentionally get it from your cleaning cupboard as it’s not the kind of thing you’d be able to keep on show or tuck behind the sofa.

Nevertheless, the cleaning ability of the EveryMess is so much better than that of the StainForce. With extra tools and extra functionalities, the EveryMess is a well-rounded cleaning tool that can genuinely be used in so many different situations - whether you just need to vacuum something up quickly or your kids’ mealtimes have descended into messy chaos.

5. For what it does, it’s pretty affordable

I’ve already waxed lyrical about the cleaning power of the Shark EveryMess Carpet Cleaner, and you can probably tell by now that there are many things I like (and also some that I don’t). But for me, I think the biggest selling point is the price of £199.99 - especially when you compare it to the StainForce’s ​​£169.99 price point.

I think what you’re getting for an extra £30 is impressive, and you could argue that you wouldn’t need to spend money on one of the best handheld vacuums when you have this new appliance at your disposal, too. The only thing you need to consider is the replacement bottles of cleaning solution.

It’s also worth mentioning its other competitors, like the Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam, which takes the crown as the best spot cleaner the Ideal Home team has tested so far. After all, this model retails for £299 - £100 more than the Shark EveryMess.

Admittedly, the Bissell model does use steam to extract stains, but it doesn’t come with the ability to vacuum up wet and dry messes as the EveryMess does. So, I really do think that Shark has been relatively conservative when pricing up this appliance (which is always a bonus).

So, will you be snapping one up?

Anything that cuts out harsh chemicals and uses steam to sanitise my floors gets my vote. I'm already a big fan of Shark floor care products, so I was keen to see how the Shark Klik n’ Flip Automatic Steam Mop S6003UK - which combines the simplicity of a traditional mop with Steam Blast Technology - would perform.

I put it through its paces in my busy family home to see how it compares to the best steam cleaners and mops, and whether a straightforward, no-fuss design can still deliver impressive results.

In a nutshell

The Shark Klik n’ Flip Automatic Steam Mop does an impressive job of deep-cleaning hard floors. As its name might suggest, its standout feature is its double-sided cleaning pads, which let you clean an area twice with a quick flip of the mop head.

I love the fact that you don't need to worry about chemicals (especially useful if you have kids or pets), as it relies entirely on steam to sanitise surfaces. There are three steam settings - Low, Medium and High - plus a Steam Blast Technology mode, so it had no trouble tackling stubborn messes and dried-on spills in my kitchen.

It doesn't have the bells and whistles of some of Shark's more advanced models, so you do need to put in a bit of manual effort. However, as a self-confessed lazy cleaner, I've grown used to my Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop (which I gave a 4.5-star review), which practically glides across my floors.

So, the Klik n' Flip feels more hands-on in comparison. My biggest gripe was that it doesn't stand upright on its own, which I did find a bit of a pain when I had to pause mid-clean.

Still, the strengths far outweigh the drawbacks. For fuss-free chemical-free cleaning, the Klik n' Flip is reliable, practical, and surprisingly powerful - it does everything you'd want from a traditional steam mop.

Specifications

• Weight: 2.7kg
• Dimensions: 119cm x 11cm x 10cm
• Cord length: 6m
• Capacity: 0.35L
• Heating Time: 30 seconds
• Power: 1200W
• What's included: Steam mop, additional dirt grip pad, user manual
• RRP: £139.99

How I tested

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

The Shark Klik n’ Flip Automatic Steam Mop arrived in slim, rectangular-shaped cardboard packaging. It was really light, so it was easy to move from room-to-room without any help.

I've tested a few Shark floor care appliances, so I wasn't surprised to find everything securely protected with an extra layer of cardboard. Once I removed the outer sleeve, I was greeted with the branded Shark packaging, complete with an illustration and description of the Klik n' Flip printed on the box.

One factor that consistently impresses me with Shark is its eco-conscious approach - everything came wrapped in recyclable paper rather than plastic. Inside, I found the main unit, two dirt grip pads, a plastic filling jug, a quick start guide and a full instruction manual

Set-up was pleasantly straightforward, and from opening the box to having it ready to use took less than five minutes. The only assembly required was inserting the handle and floor pad onto the main unit; they both slotted into place with a satisfying click. The mop cover - or Dirt Grip pad - arrived attached to the floor head, but even attaching or removing it is easy thanks to the Pad Release button on the back of the unit.

Once I'd assembled the Klik n' Flip, I did what I always do - propped it up and took a proper look before using it. It felt impressively lightweight and slim yet sturdy to hold, and although I usually gravitate towards cordless appliances, I was pleased to see it had a generous cord length (6m). It also has handy storage hooks at the back, which makes it easier keep everything stored neatly when not in use.

The floor head is flexible, so when I lifted the mop off the ground, gravity naturally pulled it downwards - something to bear in mind when manoeuvring. The Dirt Grip pad itself felt thick and durable, which gave me confidence that I wouldn't need to replace it too frequently.

My only real disappointment was that the mop isn't self-standing. While not a major flaw, I did find myself wondering whether it might become slightly inconvenient if I needed to pause mid-clean.

Before switching on the machine, I filled up the clean water tank. The tank isn't removable on the Klik n' Flip, so it was harder to gauge its size at a glance, but I appreciated that it came with a dedicated filling jug, which made the process straightforward and mess-free.

The fact that the Klik n' Flip is chemical-free is a real win for me, especially with three little ones running around. The manual does recommend using distilled water to prolong the mop's lifespan, but as I didn't have any to hand, I used tap water instead. Shark also clearly warns against using any chemicals or vinegar, as these can damage the unit.

At 350ml, the water tank is fairly average for a steam mop, and no smaller than other models I've tested. I took this as a reassuring sign that it would comfortably handle a single cleaning session without constant refilling. To access it, I pressed the button on the front of the unit (just above the steam setting controls), and the lid popped open outwards. The supplied jug has a clear filling line, which makes it easier to measure the water accurately.

One thing I did notice is that the tank is tinted, which made it difficult to see exactly how much water I was pouring in. That said, I could see when the tank reached full capacity, so it wasn't a major issue in practice.

Using the Shark Klik n’ Flip Automatic Steam Mop

To get started, I plugged the power cord into the nearest plug socket, and all three steam level-lights on the front of the mop started blinking – which, according to the user manual, indicated the default standby mode.

Although my kitchen floors didn't look particularly dirty, I hadn't mopped for a couple of days, so I opted for the 'Medium' setting - recommended for everyday cleaning and heavy traffic areas. Pressing the power button twice activated this setting.

I then waited around 30 seconds, during which time I could hear the mop quietly building steam, before I could see it releasing from the base - indicating it was ready to use.

Using the handle, I pushed the mop forward and backwards across the floor. It felt lightweight and smooth to manoeuvre, and while it's not completely effortless, I didn't have to use much pressure to get good results. I'm used to a motorised, self-scrubbing model, so there's naturally a little more hands-on movement here - but for a traditional steam mop it performs impressively well.

It left behind a very light layer of moisture, and within a couple of minutes, they were dry to the touch - something I always appreciate living in a busy house.

Curious to put the Steam Blast Mode to the test, I lifted the base and flipped the floor head to the opposite side. As I moved it forward, it delivered a concentrated burst of steam directly onto the area, making it ideal for targeting specific patches or dried-on spills.

A full tank was enough to tackle my kitchen and conservatory floors - so I was pleased I didn't need to stop to refill at any point. There's no alert to notify that the water tank is empty, and because the tank is tinted, you can't tell from looking - but the mop does stop releasing steam once it's empty, which is your cue.

What really impressed me, though, was the state of the mop pad afterwards - it was absolutely filthy! Considering I didn't think I was tackling particularly dirty floors, the results proved otherwise. The floors were gleaming, too.

While steam mops aren't designed to absorb large volumes of liquid in one pass, I wanted to see how it handled a more obvious mess, so I squirted some tomato ketchup onto my kitchen floor and left it for a good hour to set in.

After switching it on, I selected the 'High' setting and waited for around 30 seconds for it to heat up. Once I could see steam releasing from the base of the mop, I flipped the head into Steam Blast mode. The concentrated burst of steam targeted the ketchup directly, helping to loosen it before I pushed the mop over the area.

At first, it did noticeably smear the spill further along the floor as the pad began absorbing it. After a few controlled passes, the ketchup lifted completely. The mop pad was visibly marked afterwards, which was to be expected given the test.

In hindsight, this is the kind of spill I'd usually blot with a cloth first before steam cleaning. The Klik n' Flip isn't a suction cleaner, so it's designed to sanitise and lift dried stains, rather than absorb large volumes of liquid at once. That said, once the bulk of the mess was dealt with, I was happy with how clean my floors were. And needless to say, I threw the mod pad straight in the washing machine!

Cleaning and maintenance

One of the biggest selling points for me is how low-maintenance this mop is. After cleaning, I simply lifted the mop upright by the handle until the Klik n' Flip head hangs down, pressed the release button on the back of the unit, and the head drops down to release the dirt grip pad. There's no touching anything grubby - it's quick, hygienic and easier than having to peel the pads off by hand.

The pads can also be released using the two secondary release buttons on the side of the mop head if it's detached, which I found handy. The manual doesn't advise how often to wash the pads, but I did so after each use as they always looked dirty.

Shark does warn against using powdered detergents or fabric softeners as they can damage the pads. I opted for a 30-degree wash using liquid detergent, and they came up well.

In terms of upkeep, there's not really much more to it. Shark recommends replacing the pads every three to four months - a twin pack costs £19.99, and you can buy a carpet gilder attachment kit for £39.98 (which also includes spare mop pads), if you want extra versatility.

How does it rate online?

On Shark's website, the Klik n’ Flip Automatic Steam Mop scores a 4.5-star rating from more than 1300 reviews. Customers praise its effectiveness at cleaning floors and its quick heat-up time, and three steam settings. There were some concerns over its lifespan, with some customers noting it needed replacing sooner than they'd expected.

At Currys, it scores an impressive 4.7 stars, with over 1800 reviews. Users praise its floor cleaning power, with one user noting that they didn't even realise how dirty their floors were until they used the mop. It did receive some negative feedback for lacking a stand - an issue I also experienced.

Amazon reviews reflect a similar picture, with a 4.4-star rating from more than 1300 reviews. Users consistently describe it as effective, lightweight and overall good value for money, though again the mop not standing upright was flagged as a minor inconvenience.

How does it compare to its predecessors and similar models?

The Shark Klik n’ Flip Automatic Steam Mop builds on the S6001UK, offering smarter steam settings, better steam distribution and slightly upgraded pads, while maintaining the same recognisable 'Klik n' Flip' design. It feels like a natural evolution, rather than a complete reinvention - notably making it more user-friendly.

I've already mentioned the Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop, so it would be remiss of me not to compare the two properly. While both models offer chemical-free steam cleaning, multiple steam settings, and removable wash-pads, the key difference lies in how they clean.

The Steam & Scrub features rotating pads and automatic scrub action - it practically does all the hard work for you. The Klik n' Flip, on the other hand, works like a traditional mop - it's lightweight, straightforward and relies on manual movement.

I've also previously tested the Kärcher Multi Up and Extra, which arguably sits closer to the Klik n' Flip in terms of performance and hands-on cleaning style. The Karcher does have the added advantage of dual functionality, transforming into a handheld steamer as well as a floor mop.

It's also worth comparing to Ideal Home's top-rated steam mop, the Vileda Steam Mop Plus. Both models offer three steam cleaning settings and generous cord lengths, but the Vileda includes a carpet glider, making it more versatile for mixed flooring. That said, the Shark's double-sided pads and Steam Blast feature give it an edge when it comes to targeted, stubborn mess.

Verdict: Should you buy the Shark Klik n’ Flip Automatic Steam Mop?

If you're upgrading from a traditional mop and bucket, this will feel like a significant step up. It's ideal for families and pet owners as it's chemical-free, so you don't need to worry about the use of harsh chemicals on your floors.

At £139.99, it sits at the more premium end for a steam mop of this type, and there are certainly cheaper models out there. That said, the three steam settings provide more flexibility - from lighter refreshes to deeper cleans. It also includes an extra dirt grip pad, which can be easily popped straight into the washing machine, so ongoing maintenance and upkeep costs should be minimal.

The signature flip feature is really useful and allows you to switch pad sides or remove them without touching any dirt. It's worth noting that it's designed solely for use on hard floors, so it won't work on carpet or upholstery, but for its intended purpose, it delivers strong performance and fuss-free results.

As a family of five, cutting down on cleaning time is always top of my list - particularly in the kitchen, where crumbs and spills seem to appear out of nowhere. That's why I'm a big fan of vacuum mops - they can be a real game-changer when it comes to keeping floors clean with minimal effort.

After testing the Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner WD210UK around the hard floors in my home, it didn't disappoint. I'd happily rank it among the best vacuum mops out there.

In a nutshell

The Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner's standout feature is that it vacuums, mops, and cleans itself at the same time - and I can honestly say I wasn't expecting to be so impressed by how effectively it managed to do all three. It left my floors looking noticeably fresher, and they were dry enough to walk on almost straight away. What's more, since using it, I've not needed to use my regular vacuum on my kitchen floors once.

The word 'stylish' might not immediately spring to mind when you picture a vacuum mop, but this cordless cleaner is also sleek, lightweight and incredibly easy to manoeuvre. I love the LED headlights, which illuminate hidden dirt, and the detailed LED display, which shows battery life and alerts when it's time to empty the tanks.

At first glance, the clean water tank appears small, but it's more than enough to handle a full cleaning session. Combined with a 25-minute run time, it means you can tackle a deep-clean without having to stop to recharge. Plus, its Odour Neutraliser also does a great job of banishing nasty smells and keeping floors smelling fresh.

The HydroVac offers two cleaning modes - Hard Floor and Freshen - to tackle both hard surfaces and area rugs and door mats. Its only real downside is that I can't use it on my carpets, but it's completely replaced the vacuum in my kitchen, and dramatically reduced my cleaning time. I'm sold.

How I tested

Specifications

• Weight: 3.95kg
• Dimensions: H:110 x W:28 x D:24
• Max run time: 25 mins
• Clean water tank capacity: 500ml
• Charge time: 4 hours
• In the box: main unit, cleaning solution, storage dock, instruction manual
• RRP: £329.99

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

The Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner arrived in a large, oblong-shaped cardboard box. Although it was slightly awkward to carry single-handedly because of the size, it was noticeably lighter than I had expected.

I opened the outer packaging to find another cardboard box, this time branded with the Shark logo and product images. After sliding out the inner box and lifting the lid, I was greeted with a handy quick-start guide printed on the inside flap. Below that, a paper manual was wrapped in a paper bag, and a bottle of cleaning solution was set into a moulded cardboard insert.

The contents inside the box were minimal, which gave the impression that the assembly and setup would be straightforward. I was impressed to see there was no plastic - everything was wrapped in paper bags or cardboard. These were all fully recyclable, so top marks to Shark for being eco-friendly. It's a small detail that really stands out.

Inside, I found the main unit and handle ready to assemble, the docking base, cleaning solution, and user manual. Assembling it was just as simple as unboxing it. I aligned the handle with the opening in the main body until it clicked into place. It did take a little force, but it was easy to do.

Once it was put together, I placed the floor cleaner on its charging dock, which slotted neatly into place. I could then admire the Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner in all its glory. And I was impressed with how it looked and felt - high quality and premium. It also didn't take up much space once it was on the docking station, and I also appreciated the accessory storage built into the base.

The manual advises fully charging the unit before first use, which takes around four hours. Once the docking station is plugged in, the LED display on the handle flashes a battery icon to indicate that it's charging. As instructed, I left it to charge for four hours, and then it was ready to use.

To get started, I removed the clean water tank from the main unit from its position at the top of the unit by pressing the release button. The first thing that struck me was that the tank, made of plastic, was smaller than I expected. By comparison, I've tested the Kärcher Floor Cleaner Vacuum FCV 3, which has an 800ml clean water tank capacity, so at 500ml this felt more compact.

I unscrewed the lid and filled it with water to the fill line before adding solution to the indicated mark. I was pleased to see it didn't require much cleaning product, particularly as Shark specifies that this is the only solution that's compatible. Once I'd added the solution, I screwed the lid back on and popped the tank back into the unit.

Using the Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner

There are two cleaning modes: Hard Floor and Freshen. Hard Floor mode is designed for more powerful cleaning on sealed hard floors, and is activated by turning on the unit and tilting the handle back. Freshen mode, meanwhile, is intended to clean and refresh area rugs, thin-pile rugs and floor mats.

Hard Floor mode

I started with Hard Floor mode on my laminated kitchen floors. I stepped on the footprint icon on the floor nozzle, pulled the handle towards me and pressed the power button. As the unit powered on, the LED headlights on the base lit up the floor ahead, making it easier to spot hidden dirt. It's also fairly loud, but no noisier than my regular vacuum.

In use, the vacuum mop felt smooth and easy to manoeuvre, gliding effortlessly across my floors. Straight away, I noticed a visible difference - it picked up stubborn dirt with ease and had no trouble reaching up to the edges along my skirting boards. It left a light layer of moisture behind, but this dried within a couple of minutes and was fine to walk on shortly after.

The biggest culprit for mess in my home is my toddler - the area under her highchair is always covered in leftover food (IYKYK). So I was really intrigued to see just how well the HydroVac could cope with this everyday chaos.

I was genuinely impressed at just how quickly and effortlessly it picked up crumbs and liquid spills. It felt just as effective as my regular vacuum, and within a couple of passes, the area was completely clear.

To really put its cleaning power to the test (and as part of how we test products at Ideal Home), I cracked an egg on the floor, and threw some beans and flour directly in the vacuum mop's path. After switching on the unit, I slowly glided it over the mess, and found it lifted the majority of it after the first pass. The beans took a couple of passes, but there wasn't a trace of egg or flour left. In fact, before the vacuum mop had even reached the egg, I could see the powerful suction pulling it towards the floorhead.

Within seconds, the area was completely spotless and dry enough to walk on. I also checked underneath the floor head afterwards, because I know from experience that debris and bigger messes can get trapped between the roller and the base. Aside from a couple of baked beans, it was clear - and I'm confident with the extra pass, they'd have been removed too.

I also used it on the vinyl floor in my hallway, which is a magnet for muddy footprints and wet puddles (especially at this time of year). I found the LED lights particularly useful in this area; it's a fairly small space and they made it easy to spot everything that needed cleaning.

I'd normally vacuum first and then mop, but being able to tackle both jobs at once was incredibly convenient - and the HydroVac handled it with ease.

Freshen mode

The Freshen mode icon is located on the top of the handle, and once the unit is switched on, it's easy to toggle between the two modes. The light on the main body also illuminates to confirm when Freshen mode is active.

I first tested this on the low-pile rug in my conservatory, which felt well-suited to this mode. The HydroVac glided over the surface effortlessly, lifting crumbs in a single pass. The cleaning head left the rug feeling slightly damp - but it wasn't wet enough to be inconvenient. I found it perfect enough for a quick refresh without having to wait for long drying times.

I noticed a clear difference when I used it on the doormat in my hallway. This was in need of a good vacuum, and while it did take a few passes, the doormat looked visibly fresher and cleaner afterwards.

Although it managed to pick up most of the mess, I did notice the suction felt ever so slightly gentler than in Hard Mode, which is understandable given Freshen mode is designed for more delicate surfaces.

The manual advises that Freshen mode is also designed to eliminate tough odours. And while I didn't have any lingering smells to test this on, it's a handy feature to have - particularly for rugs and mats in high-traffic areas.

Cleaning, storage and maintenance

The dirty water tank needs to be emptied after each use, which is straightforward enough. The tank has two separate sections to keep solids and liquids apart - a clever feature I hadn't come across before, and it makes emptying much easier. And if you want to dispose of liquid waste, there's an express clean spout on the back, while solid debris can be poured directly into the bin after removing the solids separator.

Once emptied, each part can be rinsed and left to air-dry for 24 hours. This makes sense to prevent odours, but it does feel slightly inconvenient if you need to use the HydroVac more frequently.

The manual also recommends cleaning the filter at the top of the solids separator once a month. I haven't reached that stage yet, but it looks simple enough to do - the filter can be removed by hand and washed with warm, soapy water.

After each use, Shark also recommends using the self-cleaning feature, which automatically cleans the system and brush-roll. To do this, I made sure the clean water tank was half full, then placed the HydroVac on its docking station and pressed the power button.

The self-clean cycle then starts, with the icon pulsing for the two-minute duration. It's noticeably loud as the roller is rinsed and dirt and debris are flushed into the dirty water tank, but the process is quick, and the icon switches off once the cycle is complete.

There is some additional manual maintenance required to keep the HydroVac performing well. While the self-cleaning cycle does a good job of cleaning the system after each use, I did occasionally need to remove bits of debris caught in the brush-roll. This is fairly typical of vacuum mops, and considering the size of some of the debris it picked up, this wasn't particularly time-consuming. Thankfully, removing the roller brush is simple - I just pressed the button on the top of the nozzle and lifted off the brush-roll cover.

As with the filter, the manual advises washing the brush-roll with warm water, leaving it to air-dry for 24 hours before re-inserting it. The docking station also includes built-in storage, including a handy roller holder. The model doesn't come with a spare roller, and I imagine you'd need to replace it after a few months - but this can be bought from Shark for £14.99, alongside an extra bottle of cleaning solution, which is also £14.99 from Shark.

How does it compare to similar models?

The Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner builds on the brand's corded vacuum mop, the HydroVac Corded Hard Floor Cleaner WD110UK. While the corded version is heavier, it does benefit from a larger clean water tank and comes in at a lower price point. The cordless HydroVac, on the other hand, feels like a more practical choice for everyday use, offering more flexibility.

It's also worth comparing it to the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce Edge, which has been crowned Ideal Home's best overall vacuum mop. While the CrossWave isn't as lightweight and arguably not as easy to steer, it does include a dry-only vacuum mode. This gives it a slight advantage for quick debris pick-ups before deeper cleans.

I've also tested the Kärcher Floor Cleaner FCV3, which I found impressively lightweight and easy to use. It has three cleaning modes and is more affordable, making it a strong option for simple cleaning tasks. But when it comes to overall cleaning power, I think the Shark HydroVac has the edge.

How does it rate online?

The Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner has generally strong reviews online. On the brand's website, it has a 4.3 star rating from 406 reviews - with 82% of customers recommending it.

The positive reviews praise how effectively it vacuums and mops at the same time. However, users did note the product requires a lot of upkeep to prevent odours and dirt build-up.

On Argos, it has a 4.4-star rating from 404 reviews. Feedback was similar - while users praised its efficiency in cleaning hard floors and quick drying time, other customers reported issues with hair pickup, odour retention, and difficulty cleaning the device itself.

Amazon users also gave the product a 4.3-star rating, appreciating the lightweight design, quick drying time, and good battery life. While many found it effective at picking up dirt and covering a large area, opinions on water retention and value for money were mixed.

Verdict: Should you buy the Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner?

I've tested a lot of floorcare appliances, and to really stand out, they need to tick a lot of boxes. If you live in a busy household, and you're looking to simplify your floor cleaning routine, I couldn't recommend the Shark HydroVac Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner more. It makes light work of everyday mess - impressively mopping, drying and vacuuming at the same time.

While it won't fully replace a traditional vacuum cleaner in homes with lots of carpet, it's more than capable on hard floors. It can also be used on low-pile rugs and door mats, making it a practical option for high-traffic areas.

It helps that it looks the part, too. The sleek, lightweight design is easy to use and store - and the built-in LED headlights to illuminate hidden dirt and crumbs make it stand out from the crowd.

Vacuum mops are ideal for households short on time, and this one keeps effort to a minimum. As long as you're happy emptying the tanks and keeping on top of basic maintenance, it takes much of the hassle out of cleaning floors - and does so with impressive results.

Stacey Solomon has taken to her Instagram stories to express her love for the Shark VacMop (£99.99 at Shark), and we’re inclined to agree, as these clever cleaning appliances mean the laziest for cleaners can achieve spotless floors (often in seconds).

The host of Sort Your Life Out is one of those celebrities I frequently turn to for home inspiration. Whether she’s nailing the biggest home decor trends or testing out the best vacuum mops, Stacey’s made a name for herself, and her home, Pickle Cottage, as a relatable homes guru.

So, I wasn’t exactly surprised when I spotted that she’d plumped for the Shark VacMop as her vacuum mop of choice. Affordable and an effective cleaner, this vacuum mop has the Ideal Home stamp of approval - here’s why.

Stacey frequently uses her Instagram page to showcase the cleaning products, decor items and her own hacks and tips she uses in her own home. Not that long ago, she revealed the robot vacuum that keeps Pickle Cottage spotless (it’s the Kärcher RCV 3 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, £299.99 at Amazon, btw).

Now, she's revealed it is the Shark VacMop that helps keep her floor spotless, despite her busy household. This isn’t the first time I’ve spotted this vacuum mop on Stacey’s Instagram stories. She’s raved about it a few times over the past few months, stating, ‘It’s one of my favourite things I bought last year,’ in her most recent story about it.

The Shark VacMop is compact and easy to store, making it ideal for small homes. It comes with disposable pads and a cleaning solution to make hard-floor cleaning effortless, and is also very lightweight and cordless. At £99, it’s also a bargain price, considering other vacuum mop models can cost hundreds of pounds.

'Since testing the Shark VacMop out for myself a few months ago, it's become a regular addition to my cleaning caddy. It's ideal for quick, everyday cleans, and the fact that it mops AND vacuums light debris cuts down a lot of cleaning time. It's also incredibly lightweight, and I find it super easy to store in my small home (that has limited storage) thanks to the hook on the handle,’ said Lauren Bradbury, Content Editor and Floorcare Expert at Ideal Home.

‘For under £100, it's also an absolute steal - but just be wary of the 'disposable' mop pads. Although they're effective, they're incredibly wasteful and not very eco-friendly, and I'd suggest using these Re-usable Pad Refills Compatible with Shark VacMop (£19.99 at Amazon) instead, as they're machine washable up to 100 times,' Lauren adds.

'If you want to tackle bigger messes and you can afford it, however, I'd also suggest splashing out a little bit more for a proper vacuum mop that will vacuum and mop at the same time (which is where the Shark VacMop falls short). My top pick is the BISSELL CrossWave OmniForce Edge, which is the option I choose in my own home when I want to tackle more targeted messes and give my hard flooring a deep clean.'

The main drawback of the Shark VacMop is that it doesn’t vacuum and mop at the same time (whereas the more expensive models do). However, I don’t think this is a massive drawback considering the appliance’s price and how easy it is to use. But if this is a deal breaker for you, I’ve found a few more options to consider.

Before investing in a new appliance, we all know to check the reviews. But with Stacey’s stamp of approval, we can trust that it will do the job well.

Black Friday deals have been lingering in the background for the past few weeks, but if you’ve waited until the big day to pull the trigger on Shark’s bestselling cordless stick vacuum, I’m sorry to say that it’s already completely sold out at Shark. But don’t worry, I’ve found a secret stash of the Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Pet Pro, reduced from £479.99 to just £241.41 on Amazon.

Topping the charts as one of the best Shark vacuum cleaners you can buy, it doesn’t surprise me that the Shark Stratos has already been so popular. As Ideal Home’s Vacuum Expert, I’ve seen it sell out during every sale event for the past few years, as everyone knows that this vacuum is the ultimate all-rounder for homes of all sizes and cleaning requirements.

Plus, who can resist a 50% discount?! But if you want to ensure you bag this bargain for yourself this Black Friday, I’d seriously consider snapping it up. After all, it’s impossible to know what Amazon’s stock levels are like until the last few are remaining - and with even more shopping set to happen across the weekend and through to Cyber Monday, I predict they’ll be gone soon enough.

The Shark Stratos Anti Hair Wrap Plus Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IZ420UKT (to give it its full, and very complicated, name) certainly isn’t the brand’s newest vacuum. But the one thing everyone should know before buying a Shark vacuum cleaner is that newer doesn’t always mean better.

In fact, the Shark Stratos has topped our best cordless vacuum guide for the past couple of years because it’s just THAT good. And its main selling point is that it comes with two batteries, so you can get up to 120 minutes of running time.

It also offers Shark’s best-ever hair pickup power thanks to the impressive Anti Hair Wrap Plus technology, which not only uses its powerful suction to remove embedded hair from carpets and rugs, but also removes it from the brush roll, so you don’t have to. This makes it perfect for pet owners and long-haired humans alike.

During our testing of this bestselling vacuum, it was this pickup power that seriously impressed us. But more than that, we loved how the pickup power was adjustable. That’s because the intelligent Clean Sense IQ technology automatically senses dirt and debris that are invisible to the eye and adjusts the cleaning power accordingly, ensuring that floors are left sparkling.

I could talk about the Shark Stratos until the cows come home, but I’m conscious that the last remaining stock at Amazon could be selling out as I type. So, let me quickly tell you that this cordless vacuum also comes with a flexible wand to reach underneath furniture, it folds down for easy storage, comes with four attachments, and Anti-Odour Cartridges that release a delicious scent as you vacuum.

And if you’re worried about taking the plunge, you can rest easy knowing that the Shark Stratos also comes with a 5-year guarantee when you register with Shark directly, and a 2-year warranty for the batteries.

But as this Shark vacuum has already sold out on the Shark website, I really wouldn’t wait around any longer.

Alternative Black Friday vacuum cleaner deals

Run, don't walk to snap up the remaining stock of this epic Black Friday vacuum deal!

When a vacuum cleaner brand claims to offer 'the best overall cleaning of any corded upright vacuum,' I take it as my personal mission to test out those claims. That's why I've been testing the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner (AZ3900UKT) for the past couple of weeks in my home.

I've been assessing whether it has what it takes to not only compete with the best Shark vacuum cleaners, but also compete with the best vacuums overall. My verdict as someone who has tested more vacuums than I can count? It does. And it's even convinced me to ditch my cordless stick model for good.

In a nutshell

As a long-term devotee of the best cordless vacuums, I had reservations about the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner. I tend to shy away from big, bulky models in my 'cosy' home, and always prefer the cord-free convenience of stick vacuums to the tethers of corded models. But when I experienced the immense power of this corded Shark upright for the first time, it instantly caught me in its jaws.

Everything about this corded vacuum cleaner is big and bold, and I will happily say that it’s one of the most powerful vacuum cleaners I’ve tested in my time as Ideal Home’s Vacuum Expert. The Dirt, Floor, and EdgeDetect technologies make it extremely reactive (and effective) to changes in a home’s environment, and the 8m cord length means you don’t have to plug and unplug in every room.

This Shark vacuum also faced every type of debris with ease thanks to the DuoClean Detect floorhead, which cleans in both the forward AND the reverse (even though most upright vacuums typically struggle on the backstroke), and it even tackled embedded pet hair in a single pass. The Anti-Odour cartridge is also a nice - and very delicious - addition to homes with pets, too.

However, the elephant in the room is that the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner is big and heavy. And while it generally propels itself and the Lift-Away function makes cleaning stairs and smaller nooks easier than it could be, it’s still a hefty model to carry up multiple floors and keep hidden in smaller homes.

Personally, I’m willing to overlook this in favour of the impressive cleaning power, but if you have limited mobility, multiple floors in your home and zero space to store an upright vacuum like this one, it’s probably not the best option for you.

Specifications

• Weight: 7.6kg
• Cord length: 8m
• Bin volume: 1.3L
• Modes: Detect, Hard Floor, Carpet/Low Pile, and Thick Carpet/Area Rug
• Noise level: 80 dB
• In the box: Main unit, Pet Tool, Crevice Tool, Multi-Surface Tool
• RRP: £399.99

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

At 7.6kg, the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright isn’t exactly lightweight, so I wasn’t surprised to see a hefty box turn up on my doorstep. I managed to carry it inside by myself, but just beware that it’s both big and heavy - especially if you have dexterity concerns.

However, I was instantly impressed with this Shark corded upright, as everything was packaged in recyclable cardboard or paper. And while there was a lot of it, as each individual component was wrapped up in one or the other, I could shove it straight into the recycling bin. In fact, there was no plastic in sight.

Printed on the packaging were also a few little pointers to make assembly easier. So, as per the instructions, I began by inserting the Anti-Odour Cartridge into the clearly defined slot on the floorhead. This was over and done with in seconds, and I even got a whiff of the delicious scent during this stage.

Then, I attached the extension wand to the floorhead, added the hose (complete with handle), and finished by sliding the Lift-Away pod and dust bin into its home at the base of the machine. The whole assembly process took less than five minutes.

I then decided to tackle the power cord, which was a little tangled and needed straightening. And at 8m long, it actually took me longer to untangle the cord than to assemble the whole vacuum cleaner. Because of this, I was a little dubious.

I tend to avoid corded vacuums purely because I don’t have the patience for manoeuvring the power cord all the time, and having to fiddle with it this early on left me a little irritated. However, I was pleased to see that there were two hooks to keep the cord tidy when not in use, so it wasn’t the end of the world.

I was also willing to overlook the cord issue, as I know this is personal preference, and I also know that corded vacuums tend to be incredibly powerful. So, I was also eager to take it for a spin.

Using the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright

At Ideal Home, we have a very specific testing process when reviewing vacuum cleaners. But before I complete these, I always like to use the vacuum I’m testing as if it were my everyday vacuum. I vacuum my entire house from top to bottom, including the stairs. This gives me a nice idea of how well it would fit into my cleaning routine.

I was instantly surprised by the confusing weight of this corded upright model. After all, there’s no denying that it’s incredibly heavy at 7.6kg, and it definitely takes a little oompf to get it moving first time. But when it’s in motion, the Shark vacuum cleaner feels pretty weightless as it seems to propel forward of its own accord.

The technologies on offer were also noticeable straight away. As I moved from hard flooring to my rugs, the Detect mode automatically noticed the change in floor type and adjusted the rollers and speed accordingly. It also did the same when it went over dirtier areas.

You can also adjust the mode manually if you don’t want to use Detect mode, with options for hard floor, carpet/low pile, or thick carpet/area rug. And while I did use these modes for the sake of testing, I typically found myself sticking with Detect mode as it offers the least amount of faff.

The lights on the front of the floorhead are ideal for highlighting invisible dust and debris, too, and despite being a large vacuum with an equally large floorhead, I must admit the edge-cleaning was exceptional. I was able to get right up to the edge of my skirting boards, and it was clear from the light on the floorhead when the EdgeDetect technology was working its magic.

Naturally, I was a little concerned about the cord aspect of the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner, as this is the main reason I’ve stuck to cordless models over the years. But at 8m long, I didn’t have to unplug and re-plug it in every room, and I was able to avoid tripping over the excess by keeping it wrapped around the cord hooks if I didn’t need it.

Typically, upright vacuum cleaners aren’t very flexible or versatile - especially when it comes to cleaning stairs and more targeted - but this corded upright impressed me here, too. And with the Powered Lift-Away function (which has always been one of my favourite Shark features), I could easily use the pod and the tools to vacuum my steep and narrow Victorian stairs without having to contend with the whole appliance. I could also vacuum underneath furniture with ease using this feature.

Of course, there’s no avoiding carrying the whole thing upstairs eventually, and I’d be lying if I said that this wasn’t difficult, and I certainly wouldn’t want my nan doing that by herself. So, I do think this is a big consideration when weighing up whether to buy this Shark vacuum.

Overall, though, it was the cleaning power that wowed me the most. With unlimited run time and a constant supply of power, the suction was incredible, and I found that it left both my hard flooring and my rugs and carpet cleaner than I’ve seen them in a long while. So, I was eager to see how it fared during more controlled testing.

To do this, I threw various debris (rice, coffee, crushed cereal, and my dog’s hair) on two different types of flooring - hard flooring and carpet. I then assessed how well it picked up this different-sized debris and how many passes it took to pick up every speck.

After already experiencing the pickup power, I wasn’t surprised to see that it performed exceptionally on both floor types. And while this particular model is famed for its Reverse Clean Technology - which means it offers just as much pickup power on the forward and reverse stroke - it picked up everything in the first forward motion.

You can even see from the video above that it seemed to draw my dog’s hair in before the rollers had even touched it, which, in my eyes, proves it to be one of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair, too.

Using the attachments

The Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner comes with three attachments - a Pet Tool, Crevice Tool, and Multi-Surface Tool. These can all be used on the Lift-Away pod, and I found them all to be very effective additions to my cleaning regimen.

As a pet parent, the Pet Tool was ideal for my dog’s bed and the sofa bed he’s also claimed as his own personal bed. However, it was also the tool I reached for most often when vacuuming my wool-carpeted stairs, as the fibres tend to hide hair and pet dander.

The Crevice and Multi-Surface tools were also great for smaller cleaning jobs, such as cobwebs in the corners of my rooms and my curtains, and I didn’t ever find myself wanting more attachments to clean the nooks and crannies of my home.

However, the first time I tried to attach the accessories, I did have to wonder whether they even fit the nozzle. They require quite a bit of force to attach to the extension hose, and switching between them wasn’t as seamless as I would have liked. This was the case throughout the whole testing process.

Cleaning and maintenance

One thing I really loved - and continue to love - about the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner is the dust bin capacity. That’s because the cordless stick vacuums I tend to favour have much smaller dust bins, so they need emptying much more regularly.

This Shark model has a 1.3L capacity, though, which meant I could vacuum my house multiple times before I needed to empty it. Doing so was also easy enough: simply detach the pod from the main unit and press the button on the canister to empty its contents. I found the process relatively mess-free, and I didn’t have to get my hands in there to pull out any straggling hairs or dust balls.

As it’s important to regularly clean a Shark vacuum cleaner, you also need to keep on top of filter maintenance. It’s very easy to clean a Shark filter, and Shark suggests cleaning the pre-motor foam and felt filters every month. To do this, you just need to rinse them with water and let them air dry for at least 24 hours before putting them back in the vacuum. You should also rinse the post-motor filter every 12 months in the same way.

It’s also worth noting that the Anti-Odour cartridges will need to be replaced if you want to continue using them (this isn’t a necessity, but a nice extra). These cost £15.99 from Shark for a pack of two, which I don’t think is too unreasonable, as the average cartridge should last about six months before the scent naturally diminishes.

How does it rate online?

On the Shark website, the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner has an average star rating of 4.5 out of 5, from over 250 reviews at the time of writing.

For the most part, customers are incredibly impressed with the suction power offered from this corded model, with one happy customer going as far as to say, ‘This is the most powerful Vacuum Cleaner I have ever had. I purchased one a few months ago and was so impressed that I purchased one for my daughter-in-law. After using it for the first time, she said, 'I didn't realise my carpets were so dirty!’’

However, those who gave it fewer stars did note that it’s a heavy appliance compared to other corded models out there - and definitely compared to cordless vacuums. Some say they also struggled to use it on the stairs.

How does it compare to similar models?

In terms and features and the Shark technology, the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner is similar to the Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty Cordless Pet Vacuum Cleaner IP3251UKT, which we gave a 5-star review.

But while it offers the same cleaning features, the reality is that these vacuums are very different, as the model I’ve been testing is a corded upright model, while the Clean & Empty is a cordless stick vacuum with an auto-empty dock (although you can buy it without the dock for £499.99 at Shark). Because of this, which one is better ultimately depends on your needs.

If you really can’t see yourself with a corded upright vacuum, the cordless stick will suit you perfectly (if you’re willing to pay an extra £150 and settle for a slightly less powerful model). If you value suction and cleaning power above all else, the corded model will suit you better (and it’s cheaper!)

In terms of the overall cleaning power and pet-friendly features, I’d also compare the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright to the Miele Guard M1 Cat & Dog, which I gave a 4.5-star review after testing at home. Both corded models offer suction power like no other, and can tackle all debris - including pet hair - with ease.

However, the Miele model is a cylinder vacuum with onboard tool storage and comes with a much larger 4.5L bagged dust bin, which is perhaps a better option for homes with pets (or even humans) who shed a lot more than my cocker spaniel. It’s also smaller and cheaper, so it’s easier to store and better on the wallet.

In terms of style and special features, though, I have to say that the Shark corded upright beats the Miele. The auto-adjusting suction power makes it incredibly easy to use with limited human interaction, which is better for the time-poor.

Verdict: Should you buy the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright?

It’s not often that a vacuum cleaner shocks me as much as the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright did. And while I know that Shark produces some impressive vacuum cleaners, this particular model blew me away with its suction power. For those who value cleaning above anything else, I really couldn’t recommend it more.

It’s kitted out in all of the modern features you want from a vacuum, and the technologies work hard to tackle every type of debris and every floor type. Plus, Shark has obviously worked hard to make a big and heavy model as easy to use as possible.

There’s no denying that it’s a beast - both in size and weight. Because of this, I do think it’s better suited to larger homes with more storage space and to those who can carry the heavy appliance up the stairs.

If you’re a cordless stick vacuum devotee trying a corded for the first time, I’d also give yourself a couple of weeks to adjust to the change, as a corded upright does take a little while to get used to. But when you see the results, I have no doubts that you’ll see it’s a worthwhile purchase.

With a house full of children, anything that promises to make cleaning quicker and easier gets my vote. The Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop claims to do just that – boasting chemical-free cleaning and twice the power when it comes to tackling stubborn stains.

I put it through its paces to see if it could live up to the hype and compete with the best steam cleaners and mops. My verdict? It really impressed me.

In a nutshell

Not only does it look super-stylish, but the Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop also left my floors looking spotless. I was genuinely mortified at the amount of dirt it managed to lift – especially considering I mop my floors daily.

It has three cleaning modes – Light, Normal, and Deep – plus a Steam Blaster mode for an extra burst of steam when tackling stubborn grime. It heats up in just 20 seconds, did most of the hard work for me and practically glided across my floors. The spinning mop pads did an impressive job of reaching close to edges and corners, and I loved that it has LED headlights to illuminate hidden dirt.

Initially, I was a little dubious about the size of the water tank, but a full tank was more than enough to clean all my floors in one go. It also did a stellar job during everyday cleans and more targeted testing, and left my floors cleaner than they've been in a long time.

The fact that it offers chemical-free cleaning is a major bonus for me with three young kids in the house - and this model uses hot steam to kill germs and dirt, making it a safer, eco-friendly choice. The only real downside is that it's only suitable for hard floors – because, honestly, I love it so much I wish I could use it everywhere.

Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop specifications

• Capacity:  350ml
• Power: Mains
• Cord length: 5.18m
• Wattage: 1120W
• Dimensions: H:120.6cm x L:21.7cm x W:37.8cm
• Weight: 3.4kg
• In the box: Steam mop, 2 x mop pads, user manual
• RRP: £159.99

How I tested

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

The Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop arrived in slim, rectangular shaped cardboard packaging. It was lighter than I'd anticipated, so I had no trouble carrying it single-handedly into my home.

After opening the outer packaging, I was greeted with another cardboard box – this time branded with the product name and logo – so I could tell it was well protected. I slid the inner box out and opened it to find the product instructions printed on the inside flap. This was a nice touch, and a useful addition to a paper manual.

I've got to say, this was one of the most straightforward unboxing experiences I've had. The steam mop and accessories were neatly secured with a couple of layers of cardboard, and the steam mop handle was wrapped in a simple white paper bag, but overall the packaging was refreshingly minimal. The bonus was it was all recyclable, so it earns top marks for being eco-friendly.

The same can be said for the contents too – the box contained the steam mop base, unit and handle (which came unassembled), and 4 mop pads. My first impressions were that the product felt well-made and high-quality, and the steam mop pads were thick and sturdy, as some models can be quite flimsy.

To assemble, I inserted the mop handle into the steam mop body, which clicked into place easily. I then attached the two mop pads by laying them flat on the floor with the plastic rings facing up. After aligning the unit directly over the plastic rings on the pads, I lowered the mop head onto the pads, and pressed down until they were secure. The whole process took less than a couple of minutes.

Once the product was assembled, I took a moment to admire the Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic. I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting to be quite so impressed with a steam mop, but it exceeded my expectations.

It has a really premium feel, and looks every bit the sleek, modern cleaning gadget. The only thing that bugged me a little was the cord as I tend to lean towards cordless appliances, but you'll be hard pressed to find a powerful steam mop without one.

Plus, the cord length is over 5m and it has handy storage hooks at the back to keep it tucked away when not in use. So, it wasn't much of an issue.

All that was left to do was to fill up the clean water tank, which was a quick and simple step. At 350ml, the tank is about average in size - and although a larger capacity would have been handy in a busy home like mine, it suited the mop's slim, compact design well.

In fact, the tank sits neatly at the back of the mop and pulls outwards from the mop body. And while it did take a little force to remove, it came out easy enough in the end. I then pulled the top rubber fill cap back and filled it with cold water.

The fact that it's chemical-free and only uses water is a huge win for me with young children at home. And the manual includes a clear warning not to use any chemical solutions, vinegar or oils in the tank as it can damage the mop.

Using the Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop

To get started, I plugged the power cord into the nearest plug socket in my kitchen, and all three steam level-lights on the front of the mop started blinking – which, according to the user manual indicated the default standby mode.

I opted to use 'Normal' mode first, by pressing the power button to cycle through the three modes. Normal mode is recommended for everyday cleaning and heavy traffic areas, so it felt a good place to start.

I then waited 20 seconds for the mop to heat up and start producing steam. There was no sound to alert that the steam mop was ready to use – which would have been handy – but if you don't start cleaning shortly after it starts producing steam, it'll switch back into standby mode.

To activate the spinning pads and get the ball rolling, all you have to do is tilt the handle towards you. This initially took me by surprise as I wasn't expecting the steam mop to move so freely, but it practically glided across the floor on its own.

Straight away, it was clear I wasn't going to need to do much work myself.

Using the Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic felt similar to a traditional mop; I simply pulled it back and forth to guide it across my floors. For stubborn marks, I used the Steam Blaster function, holding the trigger about 5-10cm from the stain as the manual suggests.

With a satisfying 'whoosh' sound, the steam blasted onto the surface, loosening the grime instantly. It worked brilliantly on dried-on spills and sticky patches, lifting them without me needing to apply extra pressure.

One thing that stood out was its edge cleaning, though. The spinning pads reached impressively close to skirting boards, and even managed to get under the fridge and washing machine – areas most of my usual cleaning tools struggle with.

The water tank was deceptively bigger than I first thought too, as it was still more than half full after giving my kitchen and conservatory floors a thorough clean. I also found it handy that the mop stands upright on its own, so I didn't have to faff about leaning it against a wall or dining stool when I needed to pause to move something.

To say I was shocked at the colour of the pads when I'd finished would be an understatement – it clearly lifted a lot more grime than I thought possible. The floors were left lightly damp after use, and they were dry and ready to walk on within a couple of minutes.

To see how it handled a more obvious mess, I deliberately squirted some ketchup onto my kitchen floor, and left it for 30 mins to dry slightly. I then selected the Deep cleaning mode, which releases the highest level of steam, and spins the mop pads faster.

After switching to Deep mode, I let the mop sit over the stain for around 5-10 seconds to loosen it before gliding it across the mess. The mop worked its magic in seconds, leaving no traces of ketchup behind. The floors were slightly wetter than usual after using this mode, but they dried quickly and didn't leave any streaks.

I also put it to the test to see how it would tackle mud and dirt stains dragged in through the back door – a notoriously hard area to keep clean with the kids running in and out of the garden.

The stains had set, so I again opted for the Deep cleaning mode and I also used the Steam Blaster to tackle them directly. Holding the mop about 5-10cm in front of the marks, I pressed the trigger to release a blast of steam and glided the mop back and forth a couple of times. The stains lifted effortlessly, leaving the floor looking clean and refreshed. The LED headlights automatically lit up in as it reached the edge of the door frame, making it easy to see every spot.

The floors in my hallway and bathrooms are vinyl, and my hallway is another high-traffic area. So, I tried the Light cleaning mode here, which left me more impressed than I expected.

Considering I didn't think the floor was dirty, the mop left them looking sparkling clean, showing just how much hidden grime it can pick up.

Cleaning, maintenance and storage

The good news is the Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop is really simple to clean and there's not much to it in the way of maintenance.

The mop pads detach really easily, and they are machine washable, which saves hassle – especially as the instruction manual advises washing them after each use. Considering how much hidden dirt they picked up though, this definitely makes sense.

I popped them on a 40-degree wash cycle and they came out looking fresh and almost new. It's also handy that an extra pair of mop pads is included in the box. However, it's worth noting that Shark recommends replacing them every three to four months, which feels about right for regular use.

It's also easy to store. It's slim enough that it doesn't take up more floor space, and it's freestanding too, so I don't have to worry about it being knocked over.

How does the Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop rate online?

The Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop has earned glowing reviews across the board – it scored an impressive 4.6 stars on every major online retailer site I checked.

On Shark’s website, it has 406 reviews with 92% of reviewers recommending the product. Customers were really impressed with it’s cleaning power, with many noting how lightweight it is and how it cleans the floors with minimal effort.

It's a similar story on Amazon too, where more than 560 reviewers praised its ease of use, quick drying time and ability to remove stains and dirt. The cord length received mixed feedback, with a few users saying it should be longer, although this seemed like a minor gripe in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive response.

Customers also gave it 4.6 stars on Argos, applauding how effective it cleans with minimal effort. Some did mention streaking and difficulty cleaning grout, but for most, the results spoke for themselves, sparkling floors with little elbow grease required.

How does the Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop compare to similar models?

The S8201UK version of the Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic builds on its predecessors, with a few smart but meaningful upgrades. The standout addition is its Steam Blaster mode, for stubborn stains and stuck-on grime. It also introduces three cleaning modes, compared to two on the previous model.

It's also worth comparing to Ideal Home's top rated steam mop, the Vileda Steam Mop Plus. Both models offer three steam cleaning settings and a generous cord length, but the Vileda mop has the added advantage of a carpet glider, making it more versatile for mixed flooring.

I've also previously tested the Kärcher Multi Up and Extra, which offers a dual function as a handheld steamer and floor mop, but it struggles with deeper stains compared to the Shark model.

Verdict: Should you buy the Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop?

For busy households or high-footfall areas that need regular cleaning, the Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Steam Mop is an excellent choice. It's chemical-free, yet still manages to remove up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria, making it ideal for families and homes with pets, or anyone wanting to cut down on harsh cleaning products.

It's worth noting that it's designed solely for use on hard floors, so it won't work on carpet or upholstery, but for its intended use it offers a lot of value. At around £130, it sits in the higher price point, but does provide features you wouldn't get with cheaper models – such as dual rotating pads, Steam Blaster function, and automatic movement.

Overall, if you want a steam cleaner that looks the part and makes light work of stubborn messes, I think this one's hard to beat.

Shark has quietly released its cheapest-ever cordless vacuum cleaner, the Shark Freestyle Pro, for just £149.99. The good news? It’s been reduced even further to just £99.99 in Shark’s Black Friday Sale. The bad news? It’s already selling like hot cakes…

A sub-£100 price point is unheard of when it comes to the best Shark vacuums, so it’s no wonder that shoppers are racing to pick up Shark’s brand-new cordless vacuum. After all, even amidst all of the early Black Friday deals I’ve spotted so far, I’ve yet to find anything close to this affordable price.

While I haven’t had a chance to test out the Shark Freestyle Pro just yet (watch this space), this budget-friendly model certainly has a lot to shout about. This cordless upright promises to be both lightweight and powerful, offering two speed options for different floor types.

It also features an impressive 0.69L dust capacity, positioning it right in the middle of the best cordless vacuum cleaners. When you’ve filled it up, the hands-free emptying process should be a doddle, and then you can finish by placing it on the designated charging docking station.

Of course, you often need to make a few sacrifices when buying a budget-friendly vacuum cleaner, and it’s worth noting that the Shark Freestyle Pro does have a maximum run time of just 20 minutes. And while this should be ample for smaller homes or grab-and-go cleaning, it may not be enough for larger homes that will need a longer run time.

In my opinion, though, the £149 price point is its major selling point, and the fact that it’s now reduced to just £99 is too enticing a deal to pass up - even if you just buy it as a secondary vacuum to the one you already have.

In fact, I’m a huge supporter of having two vacuums in the house, and I personally keep one downstairs and one upstairs so I always have one available and don’t need to lug them up and down the stairs.

But if this new Shark vacuum doesn’t quite suit your needs, there are so many Black Friday vacuum deals already live. Many of them are also price-locked, which means they won’t go down in price when Black Friday comes around on the 28th November. So, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve got the best deal there is.

Best early Black Friday vacuum deals

If you want to snap up this deal, I wouldn't hang about!

I get whiplash trying to keep up with Shark. It seems they release new products every week, and the newest addition to the roster is the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat TH200UK - a 2-in-1 fan and heater that promises year-round comfort wrapped into one handy appliance.

To test those claims, I've been using the TurboBlade Cool + Heat in my home for almost two weeks. Do I think it has what it takes to compete with the best electric heaters and the best fans? Well, it's a little complicated...

In a nutshell

The Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat TH200UK is an upgraded version of the sellout Shark TurboBlade Multi-Directional Cooling Fan, which I gave a very impressive 4.5-star review just a few months ago - mainly because it prevented a summer 'sleep divorce' between my husband and me.

And while I will happily give this new model a 5-star rating for its cooling fan performance, I sadly can’t give the heating element more than 3 stars. Hence, meeting in the middle for a 4-star review.

After all, I can't deny that Shark has worked hard to iron out the niggles I had with the original TurboBlade fan, and I genuinely think that the brand has designed one of the best and most innovative fans that money can buy. The cooling effect is powerful, the modes are handy, and the multi-directional blades are a revelation.

And while Shark has incorporated similar modes into the heating side of the appliance, I’ve ultimately been left a little disappointed by the Cool + Heat's lack of power. It’s a big product with a small, rather awkward heating element, and is better for personal heating when you’re sitting (or standing) right by it rather than whole-room heating.

I also think that Shark has missed a trick by not incorporating the heat into the blades (arguably the USP that made it so popular), but having two appliances in one is still pretty handy. So, if you just want a little something to take the chill off your home in the winter while offering impressive cooling power in the summer, it’ll suit you fine. If you want to rely on it over the colder months, just make sure that you keep it close.

Specifications

• Type: Fan heater
• Wattage: 2200W
• Weight: 9.2kg
• Dimensions: H: 116.68 x W: 34.97 x L: 29.9cm
• Temperature range: 16-32°C (for the heater)
• Noise levels: 30dB - 85 dB (tested by us)
• Oscillation: up to 180°
• Special features: Dust Defence Filter, magnetic remote control, ThermoIQ mode
• RRP: £349.99

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

At 9kg, I figured the box of the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat would be pretty hefty - and I wasn’t wrong. I was able to carry it into my house by myself, but the box was large and heavy, so you might need a helping hand if you’re mobility-limited.

However, I was very happy to see that the packaging was as eco-friendly as you can get. And while the base plate, base, pole, blades, and remote control were all packaged separately within the box, they were either encased in a recyclable cardboard shell or in a paper-like material that could go straight into the recycling.

I was also happy to see that batteries were included with the remote control, so I didn’t have to go scrambling for some around the house.

One thing I will say is that, unlike many electric heaters, this one wasn’t plug-and-play. It took a fair amount of assembly, but Shark made it as painless as possible. Not only were there assembly instructions on the ‘Quick Start’ guide printed on the box, but there were also handy instruction stickers stuck to the fan heater itself (these are the yellow ones).

In most cases, you simply need to match red triangles up with another red triangle, and it’s fairly easy to do, but you do need to do everything perfectly to ensure you get that satisfying ‘click’ that proves you’ve done it all correctly.

Since the process of assembling the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat is essentially the same as the TurboBlade Multi-Directional Cooling Fan, I also remembered how to put it together. So, it took me about 5 minutes overall. But if you’re new to the TurboBlade world, I’d probably set aside 10 minutes to ensure you do it right.

With everything assembled, I took a step back to assess the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat's design, and I was once again struck by its size. In fact, from an electric heater point of view, I was conscious of how big the entire appliance was - and how small the heating element seemed to be.

In my opinion, the USP of this TurboBlade design is its blades. So, it was a little disappointing to find out that the heat would be coming from a small and ugly heating element in the centre of the appliance rather than out through the blades. In fact, I think people would line up to buy a heater with multi-directional heating.

Despite its size, the 2-in-1 appliance has a sleek and stylish design, and the black colourway with copper accents makes it look as expensive as its price tag. I also like how the LCD screen blends into the base. But you can also buy it in a white colourway if that's more your style.

Ease of use

The Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat can either be controlled by the touchscreen panel or the remote, which can be stored on top of the fan and heater when not in use. You use this remote to switch between modes, change your temperature settings, adjust the oscillation, and even set a timer.

And when you press anything on the remote, your choices will come up on the LCD screen, so there’s no chance of getting confused. For the most part, it’s relatively easy to use - and a huge step up from the fan-only TurboBlade model, which had confusing white dots as its control panel.

However, it’s worth noting that you still need to get hands-on with the appliance - especially during the milder months of the year - if you plan to use the heater in the morning and switch to the fan during sunnier afternoons. That’s because you have to physically change the heat/fan dial on the top switch between the heater and the cooling fan.

In heat mode, you can then adjust the vent slider to adjust where you want the heat directed. In the cooling fan mode, you can adjust the blades in the same way.

Disappointingly, though, there’s no smart functionality with the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat. And in a world where even the cheapest heater and fan combos - like the £99.99 Dreo Smart Whole Room Heater 714S - can be controlled by an app, this seems like an oversight on Shark’s part. Especially as this Shark model comes in at a Dyson price point, and Dyson heaters have offered smart app connectivity for many years.

Performance

I’m not going to talk too much about the cooling fan aspect of the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat TH200UK, because it’s impressively good. I gave the original TurboBlade fan 4.5 stars out of 5, and I have no qualms about giving this upgraded model that extra half a star. The 10 fan speeds are impressive and extremely powerful, and the multi-directional blades coupled with the three modes really do make for a customisable appliance. All in all, I can’t fault it and its range.

As a heater, though, the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat TH200UK feels lacking. Despite offering 2200W of power, the heating element itself is very small and looks as though Shark has just plonked it in the middle of its bestselling fan to quickly create an extra product.

And as the USP of the TurboBlade has always been, well, the blades, creating a heater that doesn’t let heat escape from the blades seems like an oversight on their part. However, I will say that the three heat modes are a nice touch.

ThermoIQ, the mode I use most often, lets you set a desired temperature (between 16-32°C), and the heater automatically turns on and off to maintain it. Comfort mode offers long, sustained heating power, while Focus mode is essentially a ‘boost’ mode for more powerful bursts of heat.

For the most part, though, I struggled to feel the effects of the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat unless I was standing directly in front of it - and I have a pretty small, compact house where most of my rooms measure at just over 3mx3m. So, to test it out properly, I tested it in two very different rooms.

For starters, I tested it in my living room, which feels significantly smaller than it is due to the big furniture in it. This meant I had no option but to place the fan heater about 1.5m from where I was sitting on the sofa. In this position, I must admit that the heater did work its magic.

Before turning it on, my room was around 15°C. So, I set the ThermoIQ temperature to 20°C, and it took about 20 minutes to reach that temperature. As I put it on oscillation mode, I could also feel the heat as it moved around, directing it towards where I was sitting.

When I repeated the process in my home office, though, the results were very different. Although this room is a carbon copy of my living room in terms of size, it feels significantly larger (and thus colder) because there’s no big furniture in it - simply a desk, a desk chair, and a small sofa bed.

Because of this, I was able to place the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat almost 3m away from the desk. And in this position, I couldn’t feel the heat at all. It also took significantly longer to heat the room from 16°C to 20°C, and it ran for almost 40 minutes before reaching that optimum temperature. The next time I used it in my office, I moved it closer (about 1.5m away), and I could feel the heat on me.

With this in mind, I don’t necessarily think the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat is bad in terms of its heating performance - it’s just very limited. As someone who lives in a small house, I do think it’ll come in handy for those with similarly sized houses to me. For those with larger, open-plan houses with big rooms, I think it’ll only be effective when you place it less than 3m away from you. So, it might not be worth it.

Of course, it is important to note that I live in an old Victorian house with pretty average insulation, so those with better-insulated homes will no doubt experience quicker heating times.

Noise levels

During testing, I used a decibel meter app to measure the noise level of the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat. It came in at between 30dB and 85 dB - and it was definitely noisiest in the cooling fan mode. When in heating mode, I measured a maximum noise level of 64dB.

This means that it is pretty loud in its most powerful heating and cooling modes, and my TV and music only just drowned it out when on max power. On the flip side, however, the TurboBlade Cool + Heat is exceptionally quiet on its lowest settings - whisper-quiet in cooling mode and barely noticeable in heating mode.

So, it really is an appliance of two noise halves, which means you do have the power to customise the noise levels if this is an issue for you.

Energy use

Offering a max power of 2200W, the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat is nowhere near how much it costs to run a regular fan. It’s significantly more powerful (and more expensive) due to the fact that it’s also a heater, and the cost to run this appliance is also at the top end of how much it costs to run an electric heater, too.

At the current rate of electricity, you should expect to pay just shy of 60p an hour to run when it’s running at full capacity. This isn’t extortionate, but it’s definitely not the cheapest, either.

Cleaning and maintenance

In terms of cleaning and maintenance, this Shark fan heater doesn’t require much. You just need to give the exterior of the appliance a dust every now and then, and vacuum the Dust Defence Filter every six months (or more if needed).

The Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat also comes with a carry handle integrated into the base, which makes moving it from room to room a little easier. However, it’s still incredibly heavy at 9.2kg and is definitely a two-handed job. So, I would say that portability may be an issue for those who have limited mobility.

How does it compare to similar models?

I wouldn’t be doing my job properly if I didn’t compare the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat to the original Shark TurboBlade Fan. And while the fan capabilities are pretty much the same, the Cool + Heat obviously offers more by offering the heating ability and better controls. It is £100 more expensive for that added benefit, though.

Standing the two side by side, it’s also clear to see that there’s a slight size difference. The base and the blades of the Cool + Heat are bigger, and the Cool + Heat also doesn’t offer the chance to slide the top portion up in height. However, they both still allow vertical or horizontal use, which is a nice touch.

It’s also worth comparing it to something of a similar price point, with similar features. That would be the new Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 Heater and Cooling Fan, which our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny, reviewed recently. It’s slightly more expensive at £399.99, but some differences make this alternative a contender.

For starters, it’s significantly smaller, offering a sleek bladeless design while still offering a coverage of ​​up to 35m2. It’s also just 2.59kg (so, almost 7kg less than the Shark) and has smart app functionality. However, it doesn’t offer the multi-directional blade customisation that the Shark offers and doesn’t have the same level of oscillation, which could be a major dealbreaker for some.

How does it rate online?

The Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat TH200UK is a brand new product to the market, so reviews are limited at this stage. At the time of writing, there are 24 reviews on the Shark website, 19 of which are 5-star reviews.

It’s worth noting that these reviews are from customers who were given the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat as a free gift as part of the testing process, though. Because of this, I will update this in a few weeks when customers who have paid and used their fan heater for a significant amount of time have submitted their own reviews.

Verdict: Should you buy the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat TH200UK?

Reviewing the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat TH200UK has been a tough one. On the one hand, I really wanted to love it - especially as I can already guess that this new model will go wild on social media. On the other hand, I just can’t deny that I was left wanting more.

I don’t have anything bad to say about the fan, and I genuinely applaud Shark for improving what was already a stellar product. But for £349.99, I wanted the heater to be way more powerful than it was.

Ultimately, I think that if you’re looking for an impressive fan that has the bonus of taking a slight chill off your home during the winter months, you’ll be satisfied enough. If you’re primarily looking for an effective and efficient electric heater (that just so happens to be a fan, too), then I do think you’ll be disappointed. It offers a small amount of heat with a big footprint, so you might be better off choosing an alternative.

For reasons purely based on aesthetics rather than any logic or reasoning, I’ve very stupidly just bought a new cream rug for my house. And while I know it’s autumn and muddy footprints (and paw prints in my case) are a nightmare during the wetter months of the year, I now have the Shark StainForce Cordless Stain-Destroying Spot Cleaner to help me out. And I honestly don’t know what I’d do without it.

Of course, the best carpet cleaners are a must-have for keeping rugs and carpets in prime condition year-round, but the reality is that these appliances are big, bulky and downright awkward to store. And for people like me (who live in small homes with limited storage), buying a giant carpet cleaner just isn’t practical.

That’s where something small and compact like the Shark StainForce comes in very handy. It’s a compact, cordless spot cleaner that’s perfect for grab-and-go cleaning. I’ve been using it for the past three weeks to tackle muddy paw prints on my new rug, as well as new and old stains on my sofa and even on my mattress. This is why I love it.

One of the main differences between a carpet cleaner and a spot cleaner is that a spot cleaner, like the Shark StainForce, isn’t designed for large areas of carpet. But as I have wool carpets that are naturally dirt-repellent, I don’t actually need a full-size carpet cleaner.

Instead, a smaller spot cleaner is perfect for tackling stains on carpets and rugs, as well as cleaning upholstery, and the Shark StainForce is arguably the most convenient one I’ve tested so far.

It’s designed to look (and feel) like one of the best handheld vacuum cleaners, so it's easy to handle and carry around the house, and it comes complete with its very own lightweight cleaning caddy to store the included dual-formula cleaning spray and extra cleaning tools. It also fits perfectly in my cleaning cupboard, so I can just grab it when I need it and pop it back in the cupboard when I’m done.

The cleaning power is pretty impressive, too. Since adding the Shark spot cleaner to my cleaning routine, I’ve tackled muddy paw prints on my cream rug, deep-set stains on my sofa cushions, and sweat stains on my mattress. Thanks to its cordless nature, I’ve even been able to give my car a quick refresh. If I hadn’t already put them away for autumn, I’d definitely use the StainForce to clean my outdoor cushions, too.

But alongside using it on actual stains and marks around my home, I also wanted to see how far I could push the Shark StainForce. So, I made myself a cup of coffee and threw it over a carpet sample I use to test carpet cleaners. (Yep, this really is my job!)

And while one of the biggest stain-removal golden rules is attempting to clean a stain as soon as possible, I left the coffee to seep into the carpet fibres for a whole 24 hours to see how it would cope. As you can see from the slideshow below, you wouldn’t even know that I’d spilt coffee on it by the time I’d finished with it.

Admittedly, it did take quite a lot of cleaning solution (which means you’ll go through a lot of it if you regularly deal with a lot of stains) and a lot of scrubbing on my part, but I was seriously impressed by its cleaning ability.

However, what I love most about the Shark StainForce is that it’s self-cleaning. And when you’ve finished with it, simply fill the tray in the cleaning caddy with water and run the cleaning cycle. This doesn’t take long at all, and it rids the internal components and debris chamber of any lingering grime before you pour the dirty water down the drain.

You can then pop it back in the cleaning caddy, plug it in to charge, and wait to use it again. It really is as simple as that. Don’t just take my word for it, though. The reviews of the Shark StainForce Spot Cleaner are also extremely positive, with an average star rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 on the Shark website.

One reviewer wrote, ‘Amazingly simple to use. Especially on the first day, we had new carpet laid, and the little one immediately spilt orange juice all over it. Grabbed this and it was soon cleaned up before my wife even knew about it!’

Another raved, ‘I have been recommending this to my family and friends, I am so pleased that I decided to buy this.’

Nevertheless, I will say that it’s well worth keeping the instructions to hand if you’re new to spot cleaning. The Shark StainForce comes with a couple of different cleaning nozzles, and the brand suggests using a slightly different method for both dry and wet messes. So, to ensure you get the most out of it, make sure you have a read.

What to shop

Will you be snapping up the StainForce?

As Ideal Home’s vacuum expert, I know first-hand just how pricey a good vacuum cleaner can be. That’s why Amazon Prime Day (or Amazon’s Big Deal Days, as it’s been coined) is my favourite time of the year, as bagging an impressive vacuum cleaner deal is always a sure thing. My must-have deal this year? It’s got to be the Shark Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Pet Pro, which has been reduced from £479.99 to £279.

Taking one of the top spots in my best vacuum cleaner guide, the Shark Stratos is a bestseller for a reason. However, Amazon’s Big Deal Days event end at 23:59 on 8 October, and I have no doubts that this particular deal is going to be very popular. So, you’ll have to act fast if you want to snap it up.

The Shark Stratos really is the vacuum that does it all and arguably one of the best Shark vacuums you can buy today. Not only has it been crowned the ‘best for everyday’ vacuum cleaner that I and the Ideal Home team have ever tested, but I’ve officially named it the number one cordless vacuum cleaner in our guide.

And while it may be one of Shark’s oldest cordless stick vacuums, it’s the kind of model that doesn’t need any upgrades or changes, as it’s that good. In fact, this particular model has two batteries, which means you can enjoy up to 120 minutes of fade-free suction, and it offers Shark’s best-ever hair pick-up thanks to its anti-hair wrap technology.

We gave it a glowing 5-star review for those exact reasons, as well as its impressive suction power that seriously won over our expert tester, Molly.

She raved, ‘Though it's slim and lightweight, as soon as you hit the power button on the handle, you feel this vacuum roar into life. Using it in stick mode on carpet initially, I was impressed by the visible lines this left, where it had really gotten into the depths of the fabric and pulled up dirt.’

And while this particular model - coupled with the impressive Amazon Prime Day discount - will undoubtedly suit any home, there’s no denying that it’s an absolute steal for pet parents.

That’s because the Shark Stratos IZ420UKT is designed to be a pet model, coming complete with a motorised pet tool, anti-allergen brush, crevice tool and multi-surface tool to help you vacuum pet hair and clean those smaller nooks and crannies in your home. Plus, it comes with a handy bag to keep the extra tools safe.

It also features impressive anti-odour cartridges that can protect against dust bin odours and leave your home smelling extra fresh while you’re cleaning. The Clean Sense IQ technology also senses the dirt in your home and automatically adjusts its cleaning power to leave both your carpets and hard floors spotless.

All in all, it’s a solid vacuum that I believe is well worth the investment at full price. So, the fact that it’s discounted by almost 40% right now is a huge perk on top of an already great deal.

However, it's worth noting that while many deals over the next couple of days will be available to non-Prime customers, you’ll need to be an Amazon Prime member to snap up the best of the best Big Deal Days deals.

You can sign up here if you’re not already a member, and you can even sign up for a free 30-day trial, so you don’t technically need to continue being a member once the deals event is over (as long as you haven’t previously used the free trial). Just don’t tell Amazon I said that…

And if this Shark vacuum deal isn’t quite what you’re after, there are so many other discounted vacuums on Amazon right now. Below are some of my favourites.

Alternative Amazon Prime Big Deal Days vacuum deals

Remember, Amazon Prime's Big Deals Day ends on the 8th October, so you'll need to be quick if you want to snap up one of these deals!

Vacuums, air purifiers, floor cleaners, fans, stain removers; there really isn’t anything Shark can’t do. This iconic brand offers appliances for every cleaning conundrum and has become a household name as a result. Now, they’re adding another to that list.

This week, Shark - the cleaning wizards that they are - has announced the upcoming launch of the Shark Stainforce Spot Cleaner HX100UKT, a lightweight, cordless spot cleaner and integrated cleaning caddy that’ll help you tackle everyday spills and stains as soon as they crop up. You simply need to grab the caddy, spray the dedicated cleaning solution, and watch the magic happen… no huge carpet cleaner required.

My insider sources have confirmed that the Shark Stainforce will be officially available to buy on September 11th, but you can sign up via a waitlist here, so you’ll be the first to be notified as soon as it’s available. I’d urge you to do this, too, as new Shark products have a tendency to sell out fast - especially when they’re this good.

Of course, the Shark StainForce isn’t the brand’s first foray into spot cleaning, as there are other Shark carpet cleaners and more compact spot cleaners on offer - including the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet Deep Carpet Cleaner with Spot Cleaner EX250UK, which I reviewed in my own home.

But the new Shark StainForce offers something these other models don’t. It’s completely cordless, compact, and incredibly easy to grab and go when you need to get rid of stains on your carpet or clean your sofa before it's ruined.

In fact, it weighs just 1.4kg and comes with its own cleaning caddy, complete with different attachments and a space for Shark’s powerful stain-busting (and pet-friendly) cleaning solution. Plus, it’ll clean itself when you’re done.

Talking about the new model, James Kitto, Northern Europe Managing Director at SharkNinja says, ‘Stains and spills can occur unexpectedly, whether you have kids, pets or you’re getting ready to host guests – we all know dealing with them can be a stressful task.'

He adds, 'Shark StainForce is a truly innovative product: a cordless stain cleaner with dual-chemical activation, stain-grabbing suction and grab-and-go convenience. It’s designed to help consumers feel more in control, ready to tackle any stain.’

However, it is worth noting that you can’t use the new Shark StainForce Cordless Spot Cleaner on wool, so you’ll have to find another way to clean your wool carpets if you have them in your home.

Nevertheless, I’ve been lucky enough to receive an early press sample of the StainForce, and I can honestly say that I’m a little bit obsessed. I’ve basically used it in every room in my house since it arrived on my doorstep - and I’ve only had it for a day. However, I’ll be writing up a full review of it soon, so I won’t give too much away just yet.

I would encourage anyone interested to sign up for the waitlist, though (even if you don’t end up buying it as soon as it launches), as I do think it’s going to sell out pretty quickly.

By signing up for updates now, you should also be eligible for an exclusive discount on the new model. And although it’s already a respectable price at just £169.99, there’s no denying that we all love getting money off.

But if you want something a little cheaper to clean your rugs or rid your home of stubborn stains, you could check out these alternatives.

So, will you be snapping up Shark's new StainForce Spot Cleaner?

Summer is well and truly here, and with another heatwave set to hit the UK this week, keeping cool is a must. But whether you’re desperately trying to keep the kids entertained in the garden or you’re hiding from the sun inside, it’s well worth having a fan by your side. Thankfully, the Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist Indoor & Outdoor Fan & Outdoor Misting System (£219.99 at Shark) is currently on sale.

And with many of the best fans still out of stock after the previous hot weather, I’d suggest snapping this deal up as soon as you can. After all, this 4-in-1 cordless, indoor-outdoor misting fan has sold out before… and I can’t imagine it’ll be long before it sells out again.

One of the things I love most about the Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist is the fact that it’s so customisable. It can be used as a full-size pedestal fan, or it can be turned into a tabletop model in the flick of a button - allowing it to rival one of the best desk fans, too. But that’s not all.

In ‘dry’ mode, this fan can help you and your family feel the breeze up to 20m away and last up to 24 hours on a single charge. It also offers five fan speeds, two SmartBreeze modes, 180-degree oscillation and even a tilting function.

But when you attach the Outdoor Cooling System to the mix and switch to ‘misting’ mode, the cooling mist can reduce temperatures either indoors or outdoors by up to 6°C. And while this will undoubtedly use more energy, you can still enjoy up to 60 minutes of misting power on a single charge. Or, you can simply plug it in and enjoy constant cooling power.

As if that wasn’t enough, the fan is also whisper-quiet and comes with a remote control so you don’t even have to get off the sofa to enjoy it. If you’re interested, it also comes in a white colourway or a limited-edition black and gold colourway - and they’re both discounted, too.

And while we haven’t tested this specific model at Ideal Home yet, we’re very familiar with it. In fact, the older version of this model - which came with a separate misting attachment rather than an in-built mister - previously won our ‘best garden innovation’ category in the Ideal Home Garden Awards in 2024. Our E-Commerce Editor, Lindsey, also uses the non-misting model in her bedroom and says it’s a ‘must-buy for hot sleepers.’

But as I own the viral Shark HydroGo Misting Fan (which is constantly sold out), I can vouch for the fact that the misting function is a must-have for both indoor and outdoor use. In fact, it’s one of the only things helping me cope with the heat in my south-facing garden this summer, and now I couldn’t live without it.

I do find the HydroGo to be a little too small, though, so I’m definitely taking advantage of this deal for hosting this weekend.

Alternative fans to buy

So, will you be snapping up this Shark fan deal? Or perhaps you'd be interested to know why this alternative Shark fan helped me avoid a summer 'sleep divorce.'

For way too long, air purifiers have been boring, white eyesores that add absolutely nothing to your home decor. But in an attempt to help you show off your air purifier (rather than hide it away), Shark has launched a smaller version of their bestselling air purifier in a range of pastel colourways - the Shark NeverChange5 Compact Pro models (£149.99 at Shark) - and it's safe to say that I'm a little bit obsessed.

While the Shark NeverChange5 has already made its way into our best air purifiers guide, these new models are smaller and more compact - perfect for desktops, bedside tables, nurseries or even uni halls. The fact that they come in three new amazing colourways is also the cherry on top of the cake, and this is everything you need to know about them.

These new releases are particularly exciting for me, as the Shark NeverChange5 is the air purifier I use in my own home, having done so since it impressed me so much during testing. And while the recommended room size of the Compact Pro is (obviously) a bit smaller - 23m² compared to the larger model’s 60m² - this is still more than enough for the average UK living room, bedroom or office.

But as the model I use at home is white and fairly unassuming, I have my eyes on brightening up my space with these new colourways - and just know how good the mint will match with my green sofa bed and wardrobe in my home office.

However, the quartz and the lavender are close seconds, and I can't help but wonder whether I should just buy all three. After all, each colourway brings something different to the table...

It seems as though this is something Shark is focusing its attention on at the moment. Not only have we seen similar colourways in their viral Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo, but the same colourways can be found within their Shark VacMop vacuum and mop combo, too. And as I own both of these things (yes, you could say that I am somewhat of a Shark superfan), I’m excited to add another bright appliance to my collection.

But that’s not all, as the geniuses at SharkNinja HQ have also given the bestselling Ninja Slushi a pastel makeover, too. So, it’s clear to see that they’re not afraid to go bolder and brighter with their designs.

However, this new air purifier offers so much more than just its looks. It’s also equipped to capture up to 99.97% of allergens in your home (which is ideal if you want to pollen-proof your home or you live by a particularly busy road or in a big city), offers CleanSense IQ technology to detect air quality changes before you do, and it even comes with Anti-Odour Capsules that release a fresh scent while it’s cleaning your air.

But the pièce de résistance of the NeverChange5 - and why it’s been given its name - is that you won’t need to replace the filter of your air purifier for a whopping five years. And considering some other models and competitors require bi-annual filter changes, this will save you a lot of money in the long run. Up to £200 of savings, according to Shark, actually.

However, if the new pastel colours don’t quite tickle your pickle and you want to opt for something a little more unassuming, Shark has also released the Compact Pro in a dove-white colourway instead. And it’s currently on sale!

I'm definitely here for Shark's new brighter, bolder look... are you?!

You probably don’t need me to tell you that Shark’s viral misting fan is a hot commodity right now (quite literally). And while it’s completely sold out on Amazon , I’ve put on my detective hat and found one place where it’s STILL in stock. You can still pick up the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo at Debenhams on saledown from £129.99 to £99.99. But I can’t imagine it will stay that way for long.

Yep, everyone’s stocking up on the best fans amidst the impending heatwave, but Debenhams is one of the few places that still has the viral misting fan available - and for a bargain price, too.

As a couple of the colourways are no longer in stock, I’d suggest you snap this deal up before all of them are gone. After all, who knows how long it’ll take for a restock?

With temperatures set to rise over the weekend, the world and his dog are rushing to buy the best portable air conditioners and even the best desk fans to take the edge off. But if you’ve been online shopping over the past few days, you’ll know that almost everything is sold out.

The Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo is one of those products flying off the shelves, and for good reason. As well as being a viral sensation, it’s also one of the best ways to combat the rising heat - especially if you want to spend time in the garden without boiling alive. In fact, our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny, loved it when she tried it out.

And why wouldn’t she? Unlike a regular fan, this misting fan has an integrated water tank, which creates an ultra-fine mist to take the edge off the hot and sticky days we’re having. It’s also completely cordless and can be used either inside or outside, meaning you can use it while chilling out on the sofa or take it to the park for your weekend picnic.

It offers up to 12 hours of cordless run time and even has a 20-metre cooling reach, so you can pop it on one side of the garden and let the breeze do the talking. As if that wasn’t enough, it also offers five fan speeds and two SmartBreeze modes to help you customise your cool.

In fact, the only things better than the fan itself are 1) the fact it’s still in stock at Debenhams despite completely selling out on Amazon and 2) that it’s currently only £99.99, which is £30 off the RRP.

Sadly, some colourways are currently out of stock, but four other colourways are ready to become your heatwave hero.

If you’re reading this and they’re no longer in stock, sorry you were too late! But there are some alternatives still available elsewhere.

Run, don't walk to grab the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo before it sells out... properly!

Amazon Prime Day is officially here which means the Ideal Home team has their heads down searching for the best deals for you to snap up, and this one is too good not to share. It’s always exciting when a cult product drops in price, but this time one of the hottest new floorcare appliances is already on sale - the Shark VacMop Cordless 2-in-1 Vacuum Mop is currently £59.99 and has gone straight in my shopping basket.

What makes this Amazon Prime Day deal so exciting is that these babies haven’t been on the market for long. In fact, our Floorcare Expert Lauren Bradbury only got a first look at this game-changing appliance last month, so for the Shark VacMop to already be on sale (down from £99 at 40% off) is very exciting.

Now, I’ve already added this VacMop to my basket, and I think you should too. Emerging as a key floorcare trend this year, vacuum mops combine the power of a vacuum cleaner with the precision of a mop to complete two cleaning jobs for the squeakiest, cleanest floors.

The Shark VacMop is ideal for small spaces, especially if you don’t have the storage space for both the best vacuums and the best mops. However, unlike a classic mop that can often push debris around your floor (if you’ve made the mopping mistake of not vacuuming first), this VacMop uses strong suction to lock away dry debris in a separate compartment. You can then use the spray mop function for wet messes and to mop every type of floor. It’s important to note you can’t mop and vacuum at the same time.

The Shark VacMop has no cords, just a charging cable for when it runs out of battery. It takes three and a half hours to fully charge and will last 13 minutes if you’re continuously vacuuming. When you’ve finished, simply take off the disposable pad and pop it in the bin. It may not sound like this VacMop lasts for long, but it’s been designed with small spaces and quick cleaning sessions in mind.

The Shark VacMop is available in three sleek colourways, lavender, charcoal grey and lime green. However, it is only the charcoal grey that is currently on sale. Alongside the appliance, you’ll also receive Shark’s floor cleaner and six disposable VacMop pads, which for £59.99 is a great deal.

When Ideal Home’s Floorcare Expert Lauren Bradbury tested the Shark VacMop, she was left thoroughly impressed. It’s hundreds of pounds cheaper than other vacuum mops (made even cheaper by the sale), lightweight, easy to use and store. Lauren even went on to say Shark were 'onto a winner’, stating it was a great device for a small home dweller.

However, if you don't manage to get your hands on the Shark VacMop, here a few more highly-rated Amazon buys.

I plan to join her by investing in this VacMop to keep my one-bed flat in top shape. It’s compact, lightweight and does the job well. What more could you want?

You probably already know that Amazon Prime Day doesn’t officially kick off until the 8th of July, but eagle-eyed shoppers amongst you may have already spotted that the prices of many home appliances have already been slashed. Including the now very affordable Shark PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner.

As a huge fan of the best Shark vacuum cleaners, I always get excited when one of these babies goes on sale. And as I use the PowerPro in my house - and encouraged my mum to buy the same model - I can tell you that this early Amazon Prime Day deal is something you don’t want to miss.

After all, how often can you snap up a Shark vacuum for under £200?!

In my opinion, Amazon Prime Day is the perfect time to pick up a new vacuum. And while the best vacuum cleaners come in so many shapes and forms, the Shark PowerPro is a particular favourite of mine and won me over when I recently tested it.

It’s worth noting that I did test the PowerPro Pet (which is also reduced from £279.99 to £224 on Amazon right now), which comes in a slightly different colourway and offers an extra motorised pet tool, but is exactly the same in terms of specs and other features.

And as one of Shark’s newest models, it offers a clean and tidy design, Flexology wand for effective and efficient cleaning (in every nook and cranny), FloorDetect Technology that automatically adjusts suction depending on your cleaning requirements, and a surprisingly cheap RRP of just £249.99.

In fact, I’d go as far as to say that the Shark PowerPro is one of the most affordable cordless vacuum cleaners on the market - and the fact that you can now buy it for even cheaper is a treat I didn’t expect to see coming from Amazon.

In true Shark fashion, this model also comes with the brand’s famous Anti-Hair Wrap Technology, which removes hair from the brush-roll as you clean. And if you’re worried about your vacuum cleaner spreading dust or making your allergies worse, you’ll be happy to know that it comes with a HEPA filter and an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal to capture and trap dust.

During testing, I found the 0.7L dust bin to be the perfect size for whole-home cleaning, and I managed to vacuum the entire downstairs and upstairs of my three-bedroom house before needing to empty it - and the fact that it can then fold down for compact storage is something I really, really appreciated in a house with limited cupboards.

Of course, it’s hard to know which way the pricing structure will sway during Amazon Prime Day sales, but I’d say it’s highly unlikely (but not entirely impossible) that the Shark PowerPro will get any cheaper the closer we get to the big event.

And I’ve already seen the discounted Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum run out of stock before my very eyes during this early Amazon Prime Day deal - so I would recommend anyone looking to snap up a cheap Shark vacuum to do so as soon as possible.

Even if you just use it as your spare vacuum or as a dedicated handheld. After all, it’s cheaper than many of the best handheld vacuum cleaners at this price!

Alternative Shark Amazon Prime Day deals

So, will you be bagging this early Amazon Prime Day deal?

One of the perks of being Ideal Home’s floorcare expert is that I get to test out new cleaning appliances before they’re officially released. The latest floorcare innovation to come across my desk? The brand-spanking Shark VacMop, which is available for you to buy from today… and I highly suggest you do.

Merging the debris-busting power of the best vacuum cleaners with the cleaning prowess of a mop to become one of the best vacuum mops, Shark’s new release is the ultimate grab-and-go tool for everyday spills and stains. And after taking it for a spin these past few days, I can safely say that the Shark VacMop is a game-changer - especially if you live in a small home and don’t have a lot of storage space.

I hate to blow my own trumpet, but I recently predicted that vacuum mop combos would be just as popular as vacuum cleaners by the end of 2025 - and it seems as though Shark is helping that prediction come to life. After all, more and more appliance brands are coming out of the woodwork with vacuum mops this year, and the Shark VacMop is another to add to that list.

Luckily for you, the Shark VacMop dropped today and is available via Shark directly or through Amazon - and it comes in three stunning colourways, including grey and green, lavender (my personal favourite), or lime green. In fact, you might notice these colourways are identical to those of the viral Shark HydroGo Fan, so you can match your appliances if you’re that way inclined.

But what is the Shark VacMop, I hear you ask? Well, unlike traditional mops that can often just push dirt around (especially if you make these mopping mistakes or forget to vacuum up larger debris first), the VacMop uses strong suction power to lock away dry debris within a dedicated debris chamber on a disposable mop pad. In fact, it’s almost like a very, very lightweight cordless vacuum, just without the traditional dust canister.

Then, you can use the targeted spray mop function for wet messes or to mop every type of floor the right way with the Shark-provided cleaning solution. There are no cords - just a charging cable for when it runs out of battery - and when you’ve finished cleaning, you can simply pop the disposable pad into the bin and snap on a clean one for next time.

And as someone who has hard flooring throughout the downstairs of my house and the paw-rent of a very mucky dog, I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m a big fan of vacuum mop combos. And after testing this baby out for the past few days, I can say that Shark’s onto a winner with this one.

The cleaning solution smells delicious, the VacMop itself is ridiculously light and easy to use (and store, thanks to the hook on the handle), it left my floors wet without leaving them soaking, and removing and replacing the mop heads literally takes seconds.

One thing I will note is that you NEED to follow Shark’s very specific instructions for this new floorcare appliance, as, unlike other vacuum mops, you can’t vacuum and mop at the same time. As per the instructions in the manual, you should always use the suction setting first to remove any surface debris on your hard flooring before using the spray solution and mopping your floors.

If you don’t, you may damage the electrical components and ruin your appliance before you’ve even had the chance to make the most of it. And it’s important to note that this is the one thing that makes the Shark VacMop very different to the other vacuum mops.

On the one hand, you could say it’s very basic compared to the likes of the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce Edge or the Tineco FLOOR ONE S5 Smart Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner and Mop, which have clean and dirty water chambers that allow you to vacuum and mop at the same time without having to separate the two tasks.

However, it’s also hundreds of pounds cheaper than these models, so I don’t necessarily see this as a negative. In my eyes, the Shark VacMop is the ultimate introduction to those who love the idea of a vacuum mop combo but aren’t sure they’ll use it enough to warrant the £400+ price tag of these pricier models.

And for me as a small home dweller? The fact that it’s super compact and perfect for quick cleans makes it a major winner in my book. I think a lot of homes will benefit from it, too - even as just a complimentary cleaning tool.

So, will you be snapping up the Shark VacMop? If you do, let me know how you get on!

I don’t know about you, but I’m hot. Like, really hot. With temperatures soaring and temperatures of up to 32 degrees expected over the next few days, there’s never been a better time to snap up Shark's FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Fan - especially as it’s currently on sale for just £99.99.

This viral fan has already found itself a home in our best fans guide, and unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks, you’ll know that this indoor-outdoor portable fan is also having a serious social media moment. Plus, it now comes in six stunning colourways. But with the whole world and their dog buying fans this week, I can’t imagine the discounted FlexBreeze HydroGo will be around for long. So, you'll need to snap it up quickly.

Whether you’re struggling to sleep and want to keep a bedroom cool, or you’re planning a weekend BBQ and want to stay safe in the heat, the FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Fan really does offer everything you need - and then some.

It can be used as either a corded or cordless fan (with up to 12 hours runtime when cordless), can be used either indoors or outdoors, and has a 150ml water tank for Shark’s Evaporative Cooling Technology, which produces a fine cooling mist without creating any wet surfaces in the process. So, that means you can even mist yourself indoors!

Plus, the HydroGo also comes with five fan speeds and various other settings to allow you to customise your cooling wherever you are. After all, the 1.77kg weight means that you can literally take it anywhere.

Our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny, has already scooped up this fan for herself - and it’s safe to say that she’s been seriously impressed. She said, ‘It’s become a heatwave essential for our whole family,’ and she loves that she can change the fan settings depending on her family’s needs.

But that’s not all. Jenny also said, ‘Another thing I really love about it is when indoors it’s actually pretty quiet. At 36dB, it was handy to have as I got my youngest babe to sleep in the heat, without having the windows open and the noise that comes with it.’

‘And during the day, it's a game-changer for little ones – it's safe to use around curious little fingers and keeps everyone cool during garden play dates,' she adds.

And if you plan on taking your HydroGo Misting Fan to the beach or the picnic, you can either make use of the genius carry handle or buy a separate travel bag to make transporting it a literal breeze. Right now, many of the accessories for this fan are also 20% off at Shark. So, it’s well worth stocking up.

Yep, Shark really has thought of everything with this misting fan. My only concern is choosing which colourway I want to buy…

Shark products are known for selling out quickly, and with the weather the way it is, you better act fast if you want to snap up this deal.

As much as I love my husband, one thing we definitely do not agree on is the temperature of our bedroom. Me? I always run hot and can’t sleep without a fan during the warmer months. Him? He’s constantly cold and would happily have the heating on all year round if he could.

And as the best fans typically don’t allow for a lot of compromise when it comes to the customisable cooling powers, we’ve even considered a summer ‘sleep divorce’ - where we sleep in different rooms to deal with our warring temperature opinions. So, when I heard good things about the Shark TurboBlade Multi-Directional Cooling Fan, I wanted to see whether it could help us out.

In a nutshell

The Shark TurboBlade isn’t the brand’s first foray into the fan world, as the FlexBreeze Portable Fan and the Shark Flexbreeze HydroGo Fan have already made a splash. But there’s no denying that the TurboBlade - with its propeller-like design and multi-directional cooling properties - is unlike anything they’ve released so far.

While I didn’t initially want to love the design, it has grown on me during testing, and I can appreciate the fact that it doesn’t blend in with the background like other fans on the market. And why should it? It offers cooling power unlike anything I’ve experienced, and this powerful bladeless tower fan can project air up to 20 metres, has 10 fan speed settings, and three dedicated cooling modes.

Perfectly customisable, this fan can also be used vertically, horizontally, or somewhere in between, and you can pivot the blades, twist the vents and oscillate the whole fan to unlock multi-zone airflow that caters to multiple members of your household.

During testing, it took me a little while to get a handle on the controls and master the settings. And I will acknowledge that it’s a bit pricey and louder than some of the other models on the market. However, I can see myself continuing to use this fan well into the summer, and it has drastically improved my husband's and my sleeping situation.

Specifications

• Power: 90W
• Speed settings: 10
• Modes: Sleep, Boost, Breeze
• Oscillation: Up to 180°
• Maximum distance/reach: Up to 20m
• Timer: Yes
• Controls: Remote control and on-appliance controls
• Decibel rating: 38dB - 88 dB (tested by us)
• Dimensions: 80cm x 96cm x 80cm (horizontal mode), 112cm x 128cm (vertical mode), Base diameter: 75cm
• Weight: 8.8kg
• Other: DustDefence filter, 3.05m cord

How I tested

Unboxing and setting up

The Shark TurboBlade arrived in a relatively compact box (smaller than I expected, to be honest), and while it wasn’t overly large, bulky, or heavy, it was still quite awkward to carry over the threshold of my home. So, just bear that in mind if you’re not the strongest or have mobility issues.

Like most Shark products, it also arrived in their box-within-a-box style, with a relatively unassuming brown box encasing the bright and colourful ‘official’ box, complete with the name of the product, a picture of the fan, and some general info on what the fan has to offer. This does seem like a bit of a waste of cardboard, and I think that one single box would be enough to protect it during transport, but at least it’s all recyclable.

In fact, this eco-friendly theme continued as I opened up the box and took a look inside. All of the components were encased in either a cardboard shell, a cardboard box, or paper - all of which I could pop in my recycling bin.

I could see during this stage that there would be a fair amount of assembly required from me, as the pole and blades were encased in their own box, while the base was wrapped in a paper-like material and would need to be slotted together. So, I grabbed the ‘Quick Start’ guide to see what I’d need to do.

Thankfully, Shark couldn’t have made the process easier. The Quick Start guide provided simple, easy-to-read instructions, and additional instructions were even written on yellow stickers directly on the components themselves. All I had to do was attach the pole to the base, twist it clockwise, and press the blades into the pole, then remove all the tape and stickers.

Then, I popped the batteries in the remote control before moving it to my first room of choice - my bedroom. And the fact that Shark provided batteries for the remote is one of those little things that made the assembly process so much quicker and easier, so they earned a plus point for that.

Design

If I’m totally honest, Shark’s design choices have left me a little confused recently. The brand seems to have quietly changed its ‘look’ in recent months - and I’ve noticed this with various Shark products I’ve tested, such as the Shark PowerPro vacuum cleaner and the Shark NeverChange5 air purifier.

Everything seems a lot more modern, more masculine, and more unique. I’ll go as far as to say that the designs are incredibly divisive, and when I first saw pictures of the Shark TurboBlade Fan, I will admit that I didn’t like it. I thought the propeller-like design was bizarre, and found the colourway (black and rose gold, although it does now come in white, too) to be a little too obtrusive for an appliance I’d want to fade into the background, and the size did alarm me.

However, when I attended the press preview for the fan and saw it incorporated into a beautifully designed room courtesy of Henry Holland at Clerkenwell Design Week on Instagram, my opinion of it changed. And that’s changed since incorporating it into my own house, too.

I will say that it doesn’t necessarily suit my personal home decor style, but I do appreciate the fact that Shark has designed a bold, out-there fan that doesn’t look like anything else on the market. The brand has designed a fan that serves as a statement piece rather than something that blends into obscurity, and that has to be commended.

Additionally, considerable thought has been given to the practical aspects of the design. It’s height-adjustable without looking bulky, can be used (and therefore stored) both vertically and horizontally, and even comes with a magnetic strip on top to keep the remote control safe.

And I learned during testing that the propeller-like design does lend itself to a very practical, very cooling appliance. So, I wouldn’t say I’m in love with the design, but it definitely won me over - which I wasn’t expecting at all.

Performance

In terms of performance, I really can’t fault the Shark TurboBlade Multi-Directional Cooling Fan, and one of the things I love most about it is the fact that it’s so customisable - and so versatile for so many different rooms in the house.

During testing, I moved it from my living room to my home office and then to my bedroom overnight, and found that I could tailor the fan speed and setting to suit the space and the room's temperature. I particularly enjoyed the ‘Natural Breeze’ mode and used this more than most, as this creates varying airflow patterns to simulate natural wind and offers impressive cooling power.

Of course, the fact that you can choose 180-degree oscillation, adjust the height of the pole and pivot it vertically or horizontally (allowing you to enjoy ‘Air Blanket Mode’, showcased in the video above) means that it was also ideal for keeping a bedroom cool at night.

This customisation meant that I could ensure the cool air was directed at me and only me during the night, without my husband having to freeze in the process. The timer function also came in handy, as you can choose between 1, 2, 4, 8, or a 12-hour timer and don’t have to worry about turning it off or keeping it running for longer than you need or want it to.

This particular fan also comes with a DustDefence Filter, and while this doesn’t compete with one of the best air purifiers, it’s still nice to know that this filter captures a small number of nasties from the air to make the space cleaner.

Ease of use

Although I have a lot of good things to say about the Shark TurboBlade, I must admit that ease of use is something I struggled with during testing. On the one hand, the controls are simple. But it’s this simplicity that actually makes it quite confusing - and it took me a good two and a half weeks to get to the point where I felt confident in my control over it.

That’s because the main way to control the Shark TurboBlade is through the remote control. And while you can use a button on the actual fan itself, the onboard button is very basic in its functionality. In fact, I only used it once before resorting to the remote control.

The instructions outline what each button on the remote control does, and you can control everything from the fan setting to the oscillation and the timer through this remote. But after you’ve pressed these buttons, it’s hard to determine what you’ve actually chosen to do.

Personally, I’d love a little icon either on the remote control or on a screen on the fan itself to confirm each setting. Even some kind of app connectivity would be nice, especially as there are so many settings to choose from.

Instead, the only thing you have to go on is the speed (and the sound) of the fan and some circular lights on the front of the unit, which correlate to different settings. For most of my testing process, I had to keep the instructions to hand every time to double-check that the lights were on the correct setting, and this was just a lot of hard work for something that should have been so simple.

However, I will say that, after almost three weeks, I do feel as though I’m finally getting the hang of intuitively knowing which settings I’ve chosen. So, I guess it’s just a case of getting used to how it works.

Noise levels

Shark advertises that the TurboBlade runs at 40dB on its lowest setting, and I found their claims to be true. In fact, using the decibel meter on my phone, I recorded a little under 40dB on its lowest Sleep setting - 38db, to be exact.

This isn’t the quietest fan the Ideal Home team has ever tested (that honour goes to the Duux Whisper Flex Ultimate Fan, which runs at just 13dB on its lowest setting), but it’s also not the loudest. And while I did expect it to be a little quieter on Sleep mode, I personally love a bit of white noise while I sleep, so it didn’t interrupt me during the night.

It’s worth noting that my bedroom is just 3x3m, though, so it had to stand very close to my bed during the night. And as the Shark TurboBlade can reach up to 20m, those with larger bedrooms could position it further away to counteract that noise.

On its highest setting, I recorded a decibel rating of 88dB, and you can really feel and hear the power of the fan in this Boost mode. I could even hear it through the ceiling when I was downstairs and my husband had decided to have a little play around with the new fan upstairs. And that’s not surprising, considering this 88dB rating makes it one of the loudest fans we’ve ever tested.

This could be a downside for those who prefer quiet, but I do also think it’s a testament to the immense cooling power of the Boost mode. So, you need to weigh up whether noise or cooling power is more important to you.

Maintenance

Fans rarely need a huge amount of maintenance, and this is also the case with the Shark TurboBlade Multi-Directional Cooling Fan. In fact, Shark recommends cleaning the DustDefence filter with one of the best vacuum cleaners every six months to ensure maximum efficiency. If it’s particularly dirty, you can remove the filter and rinse it with water. If you do this, you just need to make sure that you leave it 24 hours to dry fully before reinserting it.

The only other thing to do is wipe the fan down with a damp cloth every now and then to clean the exterior (soap and water should do the trick, and definitely don’t use any chemicals). You’ll also need to replace the batteries in the remote control when they run out.

So, in the grand scheme of things, it’s pretty easy to maintain. But it’s worth mentioning storage, as this is something you need to consider when choosing a new fan for your home.

And while I can’t deny that this Shark fan is pretty large and certainly bigger than the best desk fans, I don’t think it’s overly big to the point where storage is an issue. The base is perhaps bigger than I’d like for storage in my small home, but the fact that the blades can be stored horizontally or vertically means that it doesn’t need to take up a lot of floor space.

There are a lot of other fans out there that are much bigger, so I wouldn’t mark it down for this.

Energy use

Bladed fans typically cost more to run than bladeless or tower fans, and this is also the case with the Shark TurboBlade. At 90W, it’s one of the most power-hungry fans we’ve tested - but it’ll still only cost you a few pennies per hour, which is a price many will be willing to pay during the hotter months of the year.

If you’re looking for a more cost-effective, cheaper-to-run fan, however, something like the Dreo Polyfan 508s will probably suit you better.

How does it rate online?

Although the Shark TurboBlade Multi-Directional Cooling Fan is a relatively new addition to the brand, it already has almost 100 reviews on the Shark website at the time of writing. It has an average star rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, which is pretty impressive for such a new product.

For the most part, customers praise the power of the Shark TurboBlade and love the multi-directional feature that allows for improved cooling customisation. They also note that it’s a lot quieter than they expected, and find that it’s perfect for cooling a bedroom at night.

Of course, the biggest gripe for most customers is the price of the fan - as it’s significantly more than other models on the market. Most say that it’s well worth this slightly pricier price tag, though.

Some customers, like me, have also commented on the fact that it’s slightly complicated to use, with many stating that app connectivity would make the fan easier to use.

Verdict: Should you buy the Shark TurboBlade?

If you have a little extra cash to spend, I really do recommend the Shark TurboBlade. After all, it isn’t exactly cheap, but I do believe that as an investment fan, it’ll serve you extremely well. The power in Boost mode is unlike any other fan I’ve experienced, the Natural Breeze mode is a fun and enjoyable experience, and Sleep mode offers everything you’d need from a fan (if you’re not a super light sleeper).

But it’s the customisation and the versatility of this fan that really sold it for me. Being able to keep myself cool while simultaneously keeping my husband away from said coolness is a perk that I don’t think should be ignored, especially if you also share a home with people of different cooling requirements.

Shark has launched a brand new misting fan that’s already a big hit in my house. Enter the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo. A hybrid cooling and misting fan that promises to keep you chill, whether you're on your patio or headed out for a picnic with the family.

It's Shark's second foray into the world of cooling. The original Shark FlexBreeze launched last year to rave reviews, quickly becoming one of the best fans on the market and it even won one of our coveted Garden Awards.

Their latest launch, the HydroGo takes the original concept and runs with it, adding a portable, rechargeable battery, an outdoor-friendly build and a built-in misting function. I'll walk you through my first look at this summer essential and why you need to pick one up, stat.

The Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo first look

At first glance, the HydroGo is sleek and minimal in design, which'll blend in nicely with the garden furniture, but that’s not all. It’s also a clever bit of engineering to boot. You can use it cordless or corded, indoors or out, and there's a built-in misting function for those absolute scorchers.

The past week, I've had the pleasure of taking the HydroGo for a spin now that the weather has been in our favour, and it’s fast become a heatwave essential for our whole family.

The first thing I love about this fan is its integrated misting system. Just fill up the 150ml water tank and you're good to go. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't get soaked, thanks to Shark’s Evaporative Cooling technology, meaning mister produces ultra-fine droplets so you and your surfaces won't get wet.

It’s got five fan speeds to choose from and I've found it manages to cool the whole family down even at its lowest speed because its 20m portable airflow power is, well, powerful.

With a 12-hour cordless runtime on speed 1, you can use the HydroGo with or without the 20m cord. And if you've run out of power, all you need to do is plug it in, and it will charge while still in use.

At under 2.1kg, it’s super lightweight and it’s easy to release the base, to make it even more travel-friendly.

There's a range of travel accessories available too (sold separately though), including a power bank, a car charger, a pedestal to set it on and a carry bag to protect it, so if you did want to take it on holiday, it's totally doable.

And another thing I really love about it is when indoors it’s actually pretty quiet. At 36dB, it was handy to have as I got my youngest babe to sleep in the heat, without having the windows open and the noise that comes with it.

And during the day, it's a game-changer for little ones – it's safe to use around curious little fingers and keeps everyone cool during garden play dates.

And the pièce de résistance? It's rain resistant if a downpour catches you unawares, and it's UV resistant too, so it won't overheat out in full sun. Genius.

Needless to say, it's now my go-to heatwave appliance, quite possibly giving even the new Dyson I reviewed a run for its money. The only catch is its premium price tag, but after taking it for a spin, I think it's well worth the investment.

Retailing at £129.99, the FlexBreeze HydroGo is currently on sale on multiple websites, including Amazon, in the grey colourway. According to Shark, other colourways will be available later on this year, including Lime Green, Lavender, Pink, and Blue, but I’d recommend snapping one up now while the going's good.

Will you be bagging a Shark Flexbreeze HydroGo to beat the heat? Let me know in the comments!

Every so often, I like to give my carpets and my rugs a good ol’ deep clean. And as I don’t have the time (or, quite frankly, the patience) to get on my hands and knees and clean them by hand, I wanted to see whether the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet Deep Carpet Cleaner with Spot Cleaner EX250UK would get the job done quicker and more effectively.

After testing, I can wholeheartedly say that Shark’s newest carpet cleaner is one of the best carpet cleaners out there. Alongside some major plus points I did have one or two niggles, though, so you can read my full review below for a more detailed explainer.

In a nutshell

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet Deep Carpet Cleaner with Spot Cleaner EX250UK (yes, I wish Shark would simply the names of its products, too) is Shark’s newest carpet cleaner. And although the Ideal Home team has tested a couple of Shark carpet cleaners in the past, I would go as far as to say that this one is the best yet, especially if you share your home with pets.

Upon opening the box, the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro EX250UK looked like a typical carpet cleaner - not necessarily a good or bad thing - but I was suitably impressed with its cleaning power and the built-in spot cleaner. It tackled red wine stains, tea stains, muddy paw prints, and rugs with years' worth of dirt and grime on them with ease. And while it was heavy to carry upstairs and move around when not in use, it was surprisingly manoeuvrable when in use.

There’s no doubt that this model was built to handle pet hair, too. With anti-clumping, anti-clogging, and anti-tangle technology, I was surprised when not a single hair got caught in the roller. Instead, it all went directly to the hair cage in the water tank (which was embarrassingly dirty and filled with mud-brown water by the time I’d finished with the carpet cleaner).

And while I wouldn’t say that the Shark CarpetXpert EX250UK is perfect, there are way more positives than negatives when it comes to this machine. The carpets, rugs, and upholstery in my home haven’t been this clean in a long while, and my house is no longer covered in ingrained dog hair. So, it’s a yes from me.

Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet Deep Carpet Cleaner EX250UK specs

• Watts: 1000
• Power cord: 2m
• Dimensions: D36.1 x H112.1 x W38.1cm
• In the box: Main unit, Tough stain tool, Crevice tool, Deep Clean Pet formula starter bottle
• RRP: £279.99

How I tested

Unboxing, setting up and first impressions

I must admit I was a little taken aback when the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet Deep Carpet Cleaner with Spot Cleaner EX250UK turned up on my doorstep. Although I’m Ideal Home’s Certified Expert for the best vacuums and the editor for all things floor care, the box that stood before me was larger than any I’ve received before. It came to just below my hip (I’m 5’2”, for reference) and weighed almost 13kg, too.

And while I managed to get it over the threshold without too much of an issue, it’s worth mentioning that this may be harder for those with limited mobility or strength. So, you might need a helping hand if that’s the case.

Nevertheless, one thing I will always give Shark credit for is how eco-friendly the brand’s packaging is. Everything in the box was encased in a big cardboard scaffold, and then the smaller components - the main carpet cleaner itself, the hose, handle, and hand tool - were wrapped in recyclable paper. Even the bottle of the Deep Clean Pet Formula is recyclable.

However, while I was looking at the fine print on the bottle of cleaning solution, I realised that this model - and all Shark carpet cleaners, actually - aren’t suitable for use on wool carpets. Considering the whole upstairs of my home is carpeted in loop-pile wool, this came as a serious blow.

Luckily, having to test all manner of floor care cleaners as part of my job means that I have countless carpet samples to hand. The majority of my hard flooring downstairs is also covered in two large area rugs (which are covered in dog hair). Plus, my dog’s bed is constantly dirty, and my sofa needed a serious spot clean. So, I knew that I’d still be able to thoroughly test this carpet cleaner without that little snag getting in the way.

This is something to note if you have wool carpets in your home, though, as it would be better to opt for a wool-safe model instead. For example, the VAX Platinum Antibacterial Carpet Cleaning Solution that comes with the VAX Platinum SmartWash Pet-Design Carpet Washer has been tested by the WoolSafe Organisation and approved for use on wool.

Assembling the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet EX250UK was incredibly straightforward, largely thanks to the Quick Start guide printed on the top of the box. To start, you click the handle into the top of the unit before attaching the hand tool to the crevice tool. This just slots into place.

Then, you have to insert the hose into the back of the unit. The instructions state that this has to be clicked twice before you can move on to the next step to avoid any leaks, and I must admit that it does require some pushing to get this second click. The first is easy, but the second requires a little more welly.

With the hose attached, you then wrap it around the clips at the back of the carpet cleaner before aligning the hand tool to its designated home. Just below this hose wrap, you can loop the power cord, and I liked that everything could be stored onboard. After all, carpet cleaners aren’t small, but touches like that make them less of a nuisance to store.

When everything was assembled, I could take a step back and look at the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro EX250UK. As carpet cleaners go, it’s actually fairly compact and sleek. I wouldn’t say it was stylish (I’ve yet to come across one that is), but it’s not an eyesore either. It also feels incredibly high quality, which I’ve come to expect with Shark products, so I was eager to get started.

Using the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet Deep Carpet Cleaner EX250UK

To use the Shark CarpetXpert for the first time, I took off the clean water tank and filled it with warm water until it reached the fill line. Then, I added the cleaning solution to the ‘concentrate’ fill line. I was a little taken aback at how much was required for one tank of water, and it made me wonder how quickly the bottle would need to be replaced.

One thing I will also note is that this carpet cleaner is heavy when the water tank is reattached. I made the mistake of putting the whole thing back together before taking it upstairs to start cleaning, and it took some serious welly on my part to carry it up as it was so heavy. In hindsight, I probably should have carried the water tank and the main carpet cleaner separately.

Cleaning carpets

To accurately test the stain-busting power of the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro, I used a 90cm x 60cm carpet sample and tested it against three different stains - mud, red wine, and tea.

First, I made sure my dog got extra muddy on our dog walk and allowed him to walk all over the carpet sample, leaving it for 24 hours for the mud to cure and ingrain itself into the fibres. I then turned the carpet cleaner on and pushed it forward like a vacuum cleaner. The only difference is that the Shark CarpetXpert Hair Pro EX250UK releases the cleaning solution on the forward stroke and then vacuums up the residue and dirt on the backstroke.

I was instantly struck by how easy the appliance was to use, as I thought it would be difficult and heavy to move, considering its size and weight. However, I didn’t have any problems, and this first cleaning session also allowed me to appreciate the pet-friendly cleaning solution more, which has a scent I couldn’t quite place. Part of me liked it and found it to be quite fresh, but another part of me found it quite strange.

All in all, it took three passes to get the job done, and while it didn’t soak the carpet sample, it made it suitably damp enough to extract the mud stains and leave the carpet as good as new. After using the Dry Only mode, the carpet was completely dry just three hours later.

Then, I poured 50ml of red wine onto the carpet and once again allowed it to set for 24 hours. It took around five passes (back and forth) before the wine stain disappeared, which was actually a lot less than I thought.

Again, the carpet sample wasn’t too wet after cleaning, and I believe that’s all thanks to the back stroke, which sucks up any excess cleaning solution before it has the chance to make the carpet damp and mouldy. In fact, the whole thing was dry again in five hours.

Then, I repeated the process with 50ml of tea (a green tea infused for 30 minutes, to be exact), which was again left for 24 hours to really seep into the fibres. Surprisingly, this was tougher to remove than the red wine stain, and after about six passes, I realised that it needed a slightly tougher touch.

So, I used the spot cleaner to apply more of the cleaning solution and scrub it away with the cleaning brush. This worked a treat, and after just three passes with the main spot cleaner, it looked as though the whole tea stain had disappeared. It then took six hours to dry.

One thing I really loved during this stage was that I had the option to use the integrated spot cleaner, too. Some carpet cleaners don’t have this, which means you’d have to buy a spot cleaner separately, not only costing you more money but also causing more hassle and requiring more storage space.

Cleaning rugs

I also wanted to test out the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro EX250UK on my living room area rug, which I can honestly say has not been cleaned (apart from vacuuming) for the past two years. And as it’s in the room where my dog sleeps and spends most of his time, it’s filthy. In fact, it’s supposed to be white, but it’s become more of an off-white/grey over the past few years.

Thankfully, cleaning the rug with the Shark carpet cleaner was easy enough. The rug definitely looked cleaner after the first round of carpet cleaning, and it wasn’t too wet. In fact, it was just damp to the touch and took around five hours to become completely bone dry.

Due to three years’ worth of dirt build-up, however, I did have to give it a second round of cleaning a couple of days later to get it to a point I was pleased with.

This is more of a me problem than a Shark problem, though, and if I were to keep on top of my rug cleaning, I do think one session would be enough to restore it to its former glory. It’s also worth noting that Shark doesn’t recommend using this cleaner on delicate rugs (including wool, cotton, silk, or antique rugs). If you’re unsure, it’s always best to test an inconspicuous area first.

Cleaning upholstery

After testing the Shark CarpetXpert Hair Pro Deep Carpet Cleaner EX250UK on carpet samples and rugs, I then tested it on my sofa cushions. Personally, I find cleaning a sofa really difficult as I find it such a hassle to remove the cushion covers and wait for them all to dry. Plus, I find that the washing machine doesn’t get rid of ingrained stains.

However, I was able to use the spot cleaner to remove all of the stains that had built up over the past few months, and it was incredibly easy to do. In fact, by this point, I was actually quite enjoying the whole process.

You can control how much cleaning solution you want to use with the spot cleaner, and I do think that I perhaps used more than I should have, as the cushions were quite saturated when I finished. But they were dry again in two hours, and they looked cleaner than I remember them ever looking before, so I would definitely use it again.

I then used the spot cleaner on my dog’s bed. For some reason, we thought that getting a white, fluffy bed was a good idea when we’re the paw-rents of a mud monster, so it’s constantly covered in dirty paw prints. And while the cover is removable and washable, I wanted to see whether the spot cleaner could do the same job.

As these were dry stains, I followed the instructions to scrub with the bristles on the hand tool first before spraying on the cleaning solution, scrubbing, and then extracting. The end result was actually way more impressive than I thought it would be, and one pass (forward for scrubbing, backwards for suction) was enough to lift the mud stains.

The whole thing was clean in just five minutes, and I must admit that I would probably choose this method over washing it in the washing machine, especially as it was dry again in two and a half hours.

Cleaning and maintenance

The colour of the water that entered the dirty water tank was downright disgusting during testing. And while it was slightly embarrassing to see that much dirt had been lingering in my home (especially after cleaning my rug and dog’s bed), it was also strangely satisfying.

And although Shark states that the indicator light will flash blue and the machine will turn off when the dirty water tank is full, I never got to the point where it filled up that much.

But as recommended by Shark, I cleaned the carpet cleaner after every use. This was easy enough, as I simply removed the dirty water tank and lifted out the lid with the float (apparently, you shouldn’t pour out the dirty water until this float is removed). Then, I just poured the dirty water down the sink.

One thing I did really like when cleaning was the fact that all of the hair and larger debris caught in the hair cage, so I could simply get my hand in there and plonk that in the bin rather than letting it go down the drain and potentially clog it up in the process.

After that, I rinsed out the dirty water tank and removed the filter to clean it with soap and water before letting it air dry for 24 hours and returning it to its rightful home.

As the brush roll gets pretty gross and grimy during the carpet cleaning process, I also removed it after every use. To do this, you pull the latch to remove the nozzle cover and then lift the tab to slide it out. Then, I just rinsed off the brush roll, cleaned the brush roll cover with a damp cloth, let it all air dry, and put everything back in its place.

All in all, the whole cleaning process was pretty easy, all things considered. Of course, the main elephant in the room when it comes to this carpet cleaner is the size and where to store it. But unless you want to opt for a stand-alone spot cleaner that’s significantly smaller, I don’t think the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro EX250UK is any less convenient than the other carpet cleaners out there.

How does it rate online?

Despite being a new release, the Shark CarpetXpert EX250UK already has 18 reviews on the Shark website at the time of writing. It also has an average rating of 4.8 stars. However, it’s worth noting that most of the customers who have reviewed this carpet cleaner so far received it as a gift from Shark, although they are under no obligation to provide a positive review.

Most customers praise the carpet cleaner’s impressive power and the results it offered them, as well as the fact that it has a built-in spot cleaner for tougher stains or more targeted cleaning.

The 4-star reviews (which are the lowest at the time of writing) complain that the cleaning solution is expensive to buy when you run out, and another customer has stated that the carpet cleaner struggled on their thicker rug and could benefit from a self-clean function.

How does it compare to similar models?

First and foremost, it’s important to note that this particular carpet cleaner isn’t the first Shark CarpetXpert cleaner to make its way out into the floor care world. We previously tested an older model, the CarpetXpert Deep Carpet Cleaner with Built-In StainStriker EX200UK, which is slightly cheaper at £229.99.

During testing, our reviewer gave the older model a similar 4.5-star review, praising the built-in spot cleaner and the fact that it was relatively small for storage. However, she did note that the dirty water capacity was quite small.

Of course, as the Carpet Xpert EX250UK is a newer model, you’d like to think that the performance and suction power have improved. And the older model only came with a pet cleaning solution, rather than the hair collection cage, too. So, this newer model would be a much better choice for those with pets.

It’s also worth comparing the Shark CarpetXpert EX250UK to our ‘best overall’ carpet cleaner in our guide - the Vax Platinum SmartWash Pet-Design Carpet Washer, which was awarded a perfect 5-star rating. Another carpet cleaner suitable for pet owners, this one also comes with seven accessories, an odour-eating solution and Heatblast Technology that uses warm air to speed up drying.

All Vax cleaning solutions are also wool-safe, which means it can also be used on wool carpets - which was one of my niggles for the Shark offering. So, if I were to choose, I’d say that the Vax would be a better investment if you can afford the significantly higher price point of £349.

Should you buy the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro EX250UK?

All in all, I was very impressed with the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro Pet EX250UK. Like all carpet cleaners, it’s a little clunky and on the heavy side, but it’s easy enough to use and offers incredible carpet, rug, and upholstery cleaning. In fact, the indicator lights on the appliance make it easily accessible for everyone and make it impossible for you to go wrong.

The fact that it has an in-built spot cleaner is also a major plus, saving you from having to buy two separate appliances and allowing you to tackle tougher stains with ease. And this particular model is also ideal for pet owners, from the pet-safe cleaning solution to the hair cage that catches both pet and human hair alike.

Do I think it’s the best carpet cleaner on the market? Probably not, but it’s certainly up there as one of the best, especially if you’re looking for an entry-level carpet cleaner that won’t cost you a fortune. And no matter whether you buy it for stain removal or to freshen up the carpets and rugs in your home, I do think it’s a worthy investment.

As Ideal Home’s Vacuums Expert, I get the exciting job of testing new releases from big-name brands - Shark being one of them. And over the course of three weeks, I replaced my regular vacuum with the Shark PowerPro to see whether it could compete with the best Shark vacuum cleaners around.

Not only that, but I wanted to see how it would fare against the other cordless vacuum cleaners I’ve tested in the past. My verdict? It’s a great entry-level (and budget-friendly) Shark vacuum that my mum now loves too, but a few flaws keep it from topping the charts as one of my favourites.

In a nutshell – what's the Shark PowerPro like?

You probably don’t need me to tell you that Shark is kind of a big deal. The cult floorcare brand is constantly releasing new vacuums, and the PowerPro is one of the brand’s cheapest pet models to date. And as someone who has owned multiple Shark vacuums in the past, I was both impressed and disappointed with this new model.

Upon opening the box, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the Shark PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum (even though the design isn’t quite to my taste), and using it was incredibly easy, as all Shark vacuums are. And while the auto-adjusting suction power was enough for everyday cleaning on both hard flooring and carpet, it did struggle with larger debris and pet hair.

However, the fact that it’s extremely affordable and can be folded down for easy storage does have to stand for something. So, as a second vacuum or as a starter Shark vacuum, I do think it hits the mark. If you’re looking for a powerful vacuum for bigger spills or in a busy family home, though, it might fall a little short.

It’s also worth noting that I share my house with a dog, so I tested the Shark PowerPro Pet, which includes a motorised pet tool, to see if it could beat the best vacuums for pet hair. If you don’t want the motorised pet tool, you can get exactly the same vacuum with the same specifications for £30 less by buying the Shark PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum. Because of this, this review applies to both the pet and the non-pet models.

But you don’t just have to take my word for it. After I tested this model in my home in April 2025, I gave it to my mum to test out in hers - and she’s still using it today. So, read on to see how it’s held up over time and what she thinks about it in her very different house.

What are the Shark PowerPro Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum product specs?

• Weight: 5.68kg
• Max. run time: 50 minutes (in eco mode)
• Bin volume: 0.7L
• Charge time: 3.5 hours
• Modes: Eco, Boost
• Noise level: 85dB
• In the box: Main unit, charger, crevice tool, upholstery tool, motorised pet tool, accessory bag
• RRP: £279.99 (or £249.99 without motorised pet tool)

How is it in terms of unboxing, setting up and first impressions?

One thing I will always give Shark credit for is packing their products in small, compact boxes. In fact, when the Shark PowerPro Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum turned up on my doorstep, I was convinced it was something else, as I couldn’t believe a full-size vacuum would be able to fit in such a small, lightweight box.

As a weakling with very little strength (it’s sad but true), this was great news for me, as I could easily carry the box over the threshold of my house, ready to unwrap the goodies in seconds. And when I did that, I spotted a handy Quick Start guide printed on the inside of the box - a nice touch that many vacuum manufacturers are now including as standard.

As I test a lot of vacuums but also have a keen love for the environment, I’m always critical when it comes to the packaging of these appliances, especially when it comes to the smaller components inside. But I was pleasantly surprised and impressed to see that all of the components within the Shark box were encased in either cardboard shells or paper. So, the Shark PowerPro had already won me over on the eco front.

With all of the components laid out in front of me, I was able to get my first glimpse of what the Shark PowerPro would look like. And while I will say that all of the components feel extremely well-made, I was a little unsure of the colourway. White and grey for a vacuum? That seemed like a recipe for disaster (and dirty finger marks) in my eyes, but I appreciate that the brand has chosen to do something different and stand out from the crowd.

It’s a new look (something that seems to be a growing trend for Shark, especially when you look at the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier) and one that I personally am unsure if I like, as it seems very masculine and sporty, but I imagine it will go down well with many others.

I then got to work on assembling this new Shark vacuum, and this took all of two seconds. All you have to do is click the flexology wand onto the floor head and then click the handheld section onto that. In fact, it’s impossible to go wrong during this step.

At this point, I was pretty eager to start vacuuming my home with the Shark PowerPro. But as per the instructions, I popped it on charge first, waiting for the advertised 3.5 hours for it to charge fully. When the time was up, it was time to get cleaning!

What is the Shark PowerPro Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum like to use?

To preface this next section, I should tell you a little about the layout and flooring types in my house. I live in a three-bedroom terraced home with my husband and our fluffy cocker spaniel (so we have hair all over the place), and we have a mixture of hard flooring and carpet. The downstairs is made up of laminate, kitchen tiles, and bathroom tiles, and we have a couple of large area rugs in our living room and dining room. Upstairs, it is fully carpeted.

As I assembled and charged the Shark PowerPro downstairs, I decided to start there first. And one thing I do always appreciate is when a vacuum cleaner doesn’t require a floorhead change between hard flooring and carpet. This meant that I could clean the entirety of my dining room in one hit, without having to change heads when I wanted to vacuum the rug.

It was while I was vacuuming this particular room that I first felt the full effects of the brand’s FloorDetect Technology, which senses your floor type and then automatically adjusts the suction power and brush-roll speed for optimised cleaning. In fact, you can see the change on the floorhead, too; the light on the floorhead changes from blue (hard floor) to purple (carpet or rugs).

For general cleaning, the Shark seemed impressive enough. The model is incredibly lightweight and easy to manoeuvre as a result, and the suction power seemed powerful enough for light dust and debris on my floors. However, we take how test vacuum cleaners at Ideal Home very seriously, so I wanted to put this model through its paces.

To conduct these tests, I put various types and sizes of debris on my laminate floor, including a mixture of flour and sugar to see how well the Shark PowerPro could pick up small, grain-like debris, giant cous cous to see how it fared against larger debris, and ground coffee to see how it coped against odours.

While the cordless vacuum managed to clean all of the debris up with just a few passes, some of the debris proved easier to clean than the others. The cous cous was sucked up in just one pass, and while it seemed as though the flour and sugar and the coffee grounds were removed in the same pass, the vacuum actually just pushed them around for a little bit before eventually sucking them up.

I repeated this process on a carpet sample, too, and the results were the other way around. While the flour, sugar and coffee were sucked up instantly (aside from a slight brown tinge to the carpet), the vacuum struggled with the cous cous and pushed it around instead. This was an interesting turn of events, and one that you should consider when debating which type of vacuum cleaner you should buy.

As the Shark PowerPro Pet is designed with pet owners in mind, I also had to consider how we test pet vacuum cleaners at Ideal Home. So, I sprinkled some of my dog’s fluff on both my laminate flooring and the carpet sample and vacuumed it up.

Vacuuming the pet hair on the laminate was fairly easy peasy, and you can see from the video that the suction power was enough to actually pull the hair towards it before the floorhead touched it. However, there were some stragglers left behind and pushed around a little bit.

On the carpet, it was roughly the same, but perhaps slightly worse. As my sample was a short-pile carpet, the pet hair was only really lying on the top surface, so vacuuming pet hair should have been easy. And while it left some satisfying vacuum lines, it also left wheel lines and a fair bit of pet hair in its wake. So, I decided to head upstairs to see how the Shark PowerPro would fare on my natural wool carpet, where much of the pet hair is ingrained within the fibres.

When I got upstairs, I found the Shark PowerPro picked up surface-level dirt, dust, and debris extremely quickly and efficiently, and I did enjoy using it. But when I looked a bit closer, I could see that the vacuum hadn’t quite picked up every speck of hair or debris, especially within the loop piles of the carpet. However, it is worth noting that my wool carpets are especially deep, so you may not have this same problem if you have cut-pile carpet.

And while I could pull the toggle for maximum suction power, this made only a slight difference to the carpet pick-up, and I wouldn’t want to use it in max mode for the entire cleaning process, as it would reduce the battery life dramatically.

I found these results to be fairly consistent throughout my three-week testing time, too. While I did think the Shark PowerPro excelled on hard flooring and for surface-level dirt on carpets and rugs, I did think it struggled with tougher cleaning jobs or more ingrained dirt.

One thing I did really like, however, was the Flexology technology, which allows you to bend the wand under furniture. This is a nice touch you often see with Shark vacuums, and I do think it’s a great addition to the brand and makes this vacuum even better for all-around, everyday cleaning.

I also found the run time to be true to the claims. When you just want to vacuum in Eco mode, you get up to 50 minutes of run time. Of course, this goes down when you use max power and want to use the tools (more on that in a bit), but I think this run time is still very generous for a cordless vacuum.

The noise levels of the Shark PowerPro were also fairly true to the 85dB claims. In fact, the decibel meter app on my phone found the noise levels to fluctuate between 77dB and 83dB, depending on the mode - quietest for Eco mode and loudest for Boost mode.

How about when it comes to the attachments?

I always say that it’s important to know which vacuum tool is right for each job, and while Shark does provide three tools with the Shark PowerPro Pet (Crevice tool, Upholstery tool and Motorised pet tool), I do think this is a little stingy on Shark’s part. Especially as one of the main selling points of this vacuum is the fact that it can easily be transformed into a handheld for those smaller cleaning jobs.

This is especially true when you consider the non-pet-specific model, which only offers the Crevice Tool and Upholstery Tool. But I was still willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

So, first, I tested the upholstery tool, which I always test on the velvet sofa bed in my home office, where my dog sleeps during the day. Because of this, it’s covered in pet hair, dried mud, and pet dander and is impossible to clean due to the velvet material. However, the upholstery tool made light work of this and even left some very satisfying vacuum lines on it.

The crevice tool was effective at cleaning down the nooks and crannies of my sofa and the tops of my doorframe, but I did notice a serious drop in suction power when using this particular tool. And while it picked up some crumbs and larger debris, I didn’t find it as effective as I’d like, even when I pulled the toggle for max power.

Last up, I tested the motorised pet tool, which I typically like to use on my carpeted stairs and my dog’s bed. This was impressive, and I did think that it picked up the ingrained pet hair that the main vacuum itself hadn’t been able to pick up. So, I do think this would come in handy for pet owners who struggle to get pet hair out of carpet.

All in all, though, I did find myself missing a few other tools as I'm used to testing vacuums that can often come with up to 6 accessories. So, the fact that there are just two for the non-pet model and three for the pet model does seem a little frugal.

What does it need for cleaning and maintenance?

The Shark PowerPro’s 0.7L dust bin capacity is pretty average for cordless vacuums, and I found that I could vacuum my whole house, both downstairs and upstairs, before having to empty it. And one thing I will always praise Shark for is how easy it is to empty their vacuum cleaners, as I find that everything is clearly marked and quick to do.

This was also the case for this particular model, and all I had to do was hold it over a bin or rubbish bag, slide down the blue lid release tab and wait for the contents to fall out. As I regularly vacuumed up a lot of pet hair (and human hair!) I did find that hair would often get stuck in the dust bin, and I’d have to get my hands in there to pull it out, but this didn’t happen all the time.

As expected, when cleaning a Shark vacuum cleaner, the brand also recommends that you rinse out the dust canister regularly with water and allow it to air dry for 24 hours before using it again. They also recommend cleaning the pre-motor filter once a month and the post-motor filter once a year. Again, this is just with water, and they should be left to dry for 24 hours. If you notice they get dirty before that, you can simply tap off the loose dirt in between washes.

In terms of charging time and storage, I found the charging time to be true to Shark’s claims at around 3.5 hours, and storage was no problem. As the Shark PowerPro folds down, it’s hands-down one of the smallest vacuums I’ve had to store, which is a major plus in my home with limited storage.

How has it held up over time?

I initially tested the Shark PowerPro in April 2025. And since I get to test out multiple vacuums a month as part of my job, I decided to give my mum Shark’s budget-friendly pet vacuum, as she had been on the hunt for a new one.

To give some context, my mum lives in a large four-bedroom house without any pets, and only two of them live there now. So, they don’t make much of a mess. However, she also does the housework for my nan once a week, so she wanted a vacuum that would be easy to transport from one house to the other - and that’s one of the biggest reasons why she still loves the Shark PowerPro today.

She told me, ‘I love how lightweight and manoeuvrable it is, so I can either fold it up and put it in the car or even carry it down the road with me to your nan’s house. I also find that the battery life is just enough to vacuum both houses in one charge - although I do miss the second battery I used to have with my Shark Stratos.’

Another perk is that she’s found the suction power to be consistent over the past year, and has noted that it’s powerful enough for the light cleaning required in her and my nan’s houses. She finds it struggles with larger messes, though, which is what I found during testing, too.

For what she needs, it ticks all of the boxes, and she hasn’t asked me for a new vacuum cleaner to replace it yet. Like me, though, she thinks it will suit those who only need it for light cleaning or for those looking for a secondary vacuum. If she still had all of the kids living at home, she said she’d want a more powerful model.

How does it compare to similar models?

The best way to compare the Shark PowerPro to similar models is to first stay within the Shark brand. And our top-rated Shark vacuum that we’ve tested so far is the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum.

This model is significantly more expensive at £499.99, but it does offer a lot more than the PowerPro. The PowerDetect Speed offers four PowerDetect cleaning technologies, which allow it to react to your floors, the amount of debris, and more, for an even better (and smarter) clean.

Alongside this, the Shark PowerDetect Speed also comes with an auto-empty base, which means the vacuum automatically empties itself into the compact docking station before charging itself. This is a significant improvement on the PowerPro, as long as you have the space for the dock.

However, when you look outside of Shark and look at other brands, the PowerPro does have a lot to offer. When compared to the Worx WX038 20v PowerShare Cordless Vacuum, this Shark has a slightly longer run-time, a significantly larger dust canister, and folds down into a more compact vacuum for storage. So, it ultimately depends on what you want from your next vacuum.

Verdict: Should you buy the Shark PowerPro?

As someone who has owned and reviewed a fair few Shark vacuums, I have to be honest and say that the Shark PowerPro Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum isn’t the most impressive Shark vacuum I’ve ever used. I think the suction power could be better, and those with pets or complex flooring types (like my wool carpets) may not get what they want or need from this vacuum cleaner.

However, if you’re looking for a great all-rounder vacuum and live in a house with predictable spills and debris, the Shark PowerPro should offer everything you need. The suction is powerful enough for surface-level debris and truly excels on hard flooring, and the handheld functionalities are a great alternative to the best handheld vacuum cleaners.

The fact that it’s so easy to use and offers the flexible wand also makes it perfect for quick whip-arounds and everyday cleaning. Because of this, I do think it would cater to those living solo, a family with older or relatively un-messy children, or those looking for an affordable second vacuum.

After buying an air purifier a few years ago, I now can’t imagine my life or my home without one in it. But you probably don’t think of Shark when it comes to air purifiers, which is why I was intrigued to test whether the cult floor care brand’s model could compete with the big fish in the air purifier pond.

After testing (and being won over more than I anticipated), I can safely say that the Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier definitely has what it takes to be considered one of the best air purifiers out there. This is why.

In a nutshell

Alien-like in its appearance and an unexpected side-step for the floor care brand, the Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier HP150UK may divide opinions in terms of its design, but its quick response time and odour-eating qualities can’t be scoffed at.

Featuring a NeverChange5 Filtration System that means you won’t need to replace the filter for five years (which is 10x the lifespan of some other air purifier filters) and an Anti-Odour cartridge that releases a fresh scent as it cleans the air, it’s effective and practical.

Plus, with the ability to purify areas up to 60sqm with one air change per hour or rooms of up to 12sqm with 4.8 air changes per hour, it’ll benefit any size home.

After testing for three weeks, my home feels (and smells) noticeably cleaner, it’s become easier to breathe during the height of hay fever season, and I’ve felt confident that the Clean Sense IQ technology has successfully monitored and reacted to changes in my environment. The only slight downsides? The price and the design.

Specifications

• Recommended room size: 60m2
• Air change per hour: 60sq m (1 air change per hour) / 12sq m (4.8 air changes per hour)
• CADR: smoke ≥ 87 CFM
• Noise levels: 38-66dB
• Filter type: NanoSeal HEPA layer, Activated Carbon layer, Pet Particle Barrier, DebrisDefence pre-filter
• Dimensions: H38.5 cm x W23.7 cm x D26.6 cm
• Weight: 3.32kg
• Wattage: 26W
• Smart App connectivity: No
• Timer: Yes
• Auto mode: Yes

How I tested

Unboxing and setting up

The Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier arrived on my doorstep in a fairly lightweight and compact box, and I was instantly impressed to see that the whole thing was recyclable and eco-friendly.

The air purifier was encased in a cardboard shell, and wrapped up further in white recyclable paper. Also in the box was a quick-start guide, information on the guarantee (one year as standard, two years if you register the appliance with Shark within the first 28 days of purchase) and the Anti-Odour Dial & Cartridge.

As I’ve used quite a few air purifiers now, I know that the setup of every air purifier can be different. So, I followed Shark’s guidelines to turn the appliance upside down, place it on a level floor, and then turn the filter door anti-clockwise to remove the rather hefty HEPA filter and remove it from its plastic packaging. Then, I placed the filter back in its home and turned the filter door clockwise to lock it back in place.

And while using the Anti-Odour cartridge is optional for this particular model, I wanted to test the Shark NeverChange 5 Air Purifier in its entirety - so I opened up the recyclable tin (not unlike a tin of tuna, but with a much nicer scent) and popped the cartridge into the designated slot in the top of the machine. Then, it was ready to use.

Design

I’ll be honest: I think the design of the Shark Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier will be divisive - especially in a world where more and more people are jumping on the aesthetic air purifier train. After all, it’s pretty unique.

Personally, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it when I first laid eyes on it, and I’m still not sure how I feel about it after having it in my home for the last three weeks. Like many others, I like my appliances to blend into the background of my home decor (which is why I have previously used the relatively unassuming Philips 800 Series Air Purifier in my house) instead of sticking out like a sore thumb. But the modern design of the Shark air purifier looks more like an alien spaceship than a typical home appliance, and it's hard to ignore.

However, I should note that modern home decor isn’t my style - so those who prefer these clean lines and angular shapes may love it and find that they want it to stand out of the crowd. As someone who prefers a more rustic look, though, it did look somewhat out of place in my house. So, it could go one of two ways.

One thing I will say, though, is that the air purifier is incredibly light, and at 3.32kg, it is actually one of the lightest air purifiers the whole Ideal Home team has tested. The lightest of all time still goes to the 1.25kg Vitesy Eteria Portable Air Purifier, but the Shark is a considerable amount lighter than the MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier & Air Purifier, which comes in at a whopping 15.1kg.

Plus, I like that the Shark NeverChange5 air purifier has a long cable - especially for someone who lives in a house with a limited number of plug sockets. The LCD screens on the front and the top of the air purifier are also incredibly easy to use, and it doesn’t take a lot to translate what these symbols and numbers mean when in use.

Performance

On paper, the Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier HP150UK has much to offer. From the four layers of powerful filtration (including NanoSeal HEPA to capture dust and smoke, Activated Carbon to neutralise odours and gases, a Pet Particle Barrier to guard against dander and allergens, and an easy-to-clean DebrisDefence pre-filter) to the Clean Sense IQ technology that constantly monitors the air quality and automatically reacts to changes in the environment, it seems impressive.

However, we have strict rules to follow when testing air purifiers at Ideal Home to see whether these claims are actually warranted. So, I knew I couldn't take this air purifier at face value and needed to test its various features to understand how it truly performed.

The first test? I waited for my air quality to enter into the ‘Good’ category (between 85-100%) before lighting a match and blowing it out to create smoke near the appliance.

In Auto mode, it took just 6 seconds for the Shark air purifier to register the smoke particles, for the air quality percentage to start dropping, and for the indicator colour to start changing. As a result, it automatically changed its setting to increase the fan speed and remove the smoke from the air. Then, it took just five minutes for the air quality to return to ‘Good.’

I was incredibly impressed by the quick response time as it was considerably less than the Blueair Blue Max 320i Air Purifier, which we’ve crowned the ‘best overall’ in our guide. In fact, the Blueair model took 20 seconds to register the smoke in the air - 14 seconds more than the Shark model.

Ever the critic, though, I wondered whether this was just a fluke. So, I proceeded to the next air purifier test, the VCO test. To complete this test, I sprayed a liberal amount of aerosol deodorant in front of the air purifier to see whether the response time would be just as impressive… and it was!

This time, it took around 4 seconds for the air quality percentage to start dropping (although, strangely, the percentage increased momentarily just as I was spraying it) - and while this decrease was quite gradual to begin with, it suddenly dropped quite dramatically as it reacted to the VCOs in the air. Again, it took around 5-7 minutes for the air quality to return to ‘Good.’

The third air purifier test I conducted was the cooking test to see how well the Shark air purifier dealt with cooking fumes. Although I have an open-plan kitchen and living room, I shut my living room door, made sure all of the windows were closed and left the extractor fan turned off while I fried two rashers of vegetarian bacon. I positioned the air purifier to the side of the hob, a safe distance away but still close enough to test the responsiveness.

I must admit that the Shark air purifier did, at first, take a little while (3 whole minutes) to react to the gas hob being fired up - but after slowly kicking into action, the air quality percentage then began to drop rapidly. And as it continued to drop, the fans started whirring away, quicker and louder.

After I finished cooking, it then took just 12 minutes for the air quality to rise from just where it had dropped to 28% back to its starting level of 98%. I thought this was pretty impressive.

The final test I performed was the vacuum dust test. After all, vacuuming can spread dust - not just while you’re using it but also when you’re emptying your vacuum. So, I emptied the contents of my vacuum cleaner onto the floor next to the Shark NeverChange5 air purifier to see how it would respond.

Although the air quality decreased slightly, it didn’t drop too much. However, that might also have something to do with my vacuum cleaner, as the incredibly advanced Dyson Gen5detect comes with its own HEPA filter to collect a lot of the smaller particles.

During all of these tests, it’s also worth noting that there weren’t any lingering odours left after the air purifier had worked its magic. This seemed to be because the air purifier had captured and absorbed all of the pollutants, but also because of the odour cartridge that hits you with a fresh scent as soon as you turn it on.

You can tailor the intensity of this smell by twisting it left or right, and I must admit that I loved this extra feature as it’s not something I’ve seen with an air purifier before. The scent is extremely pleasant and another great way for the air purifier to neutralise the everyday odours that come from a house with an open-plan kitchen, pets, and neighbours who regularly waft smoke over the fence.

Ease of use

I’ve used a few air purifiers over the years, and I often find that they either fall into one of two categories - they’re either too simple (with just an on/off button and very little else), or they’re too complicated (with numerous buttons, apps, and functionalities). But in my eyes, the Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier falls comfortably in the middle of those categories.

There are two screens on this particular model, including the LCD touchpad on the top of the appliance and the LCD screen on the front. The touchpad is fairly self-explanatory and offers you the chance to change mode, adjust the fan speed, set a timer, dim the lights for nighttime use, turn on the child lock, or look at the air info.

It’s this air info button that then changes what you see on the screen on the front of the air purifier. Personally, I tended to keep the air quality percentage on this screen as I found this the easiest to understand and interpret.

You can also see the colour ring on the front display, which informs you of your air quality. ‘Good’ is blue and means your air quality is between 85-100%, ‘Fair’ is orange and between 70-84% and ‘Poor’ is red and between 0-69%.

But if you want, you can easily view the amount of Particulate Matter (PM) in your air on this screen. To do this, you simply toggle between PM10 (which measures dust and pollen), PSQ M.5 (smoke and pollution) and PM1 (allergens). The colour rings will also be present in this mode, and all in all, it was incredibly easy to use.

Noise levels

Compared to other air purifiers on the market, the Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier HP150UK is on the louder end of the spectrum. On its lowest setting, my decibel meter found it to be around 35 decibels - double that of the Blueair Blue Max 320i Air Purifier.

However, as someone who regularly tests and uses household appliances like the best dehumidifiers and the best electric heaters, I don’t find this noise to be too distracting as I’ve become accustomed to this white noise. 35dB may be a lot for some people to handle though - especially if you want to use an air purifier to help you sleep (although the dimmable night mode does mean that you can turn off the appliance’s lights, at least).

And while the Shark specs suggest that the highest setting comes in around 66 decibels, my decibel meter found that to be a slight overstretch. Sure, the highest fan speed setting is noisy, but I found it to be around 60dB.

This is something that I can personally live with as there are still air purifiers out there that are louder (I’m looking at you, Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde), but I do appreciate that there are also much quieter options on the market. So, if sound is something you’re sensitive to, this is something you should consider before buying.

Portability

In terms of portability, the Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier is incredibly lightweight and relatively compact. It weighs just 3.32kg, and the dimensions come in at H38.5cm x W23.7cm x D26.6cm, which means it isn’t too awkward or heavy to carry from room to room.

However, one thing I learned the hard way is that the mesh filters on the side look like they should be carry handles… but they’re not. If you attempt to lift the appliance this way, you’ll just remove the filters instead, and I made this mistake quite a few times before I just bear-hugged the air purifier around my house instead.

The lack of a carry handle does take away some of the portability of the appliance, but its lightweight nature still makes it easy to carry around - even if you’re not the strongest.

Energy use

Compared to other air purifiers we’ve tested at Ideal Home, the Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier is relatively efficient. Using just 26W in Auto Mode, this puts it firmly in the middle of the pack - and it seems as though Shark designed it to be more eco-friendly, too.

In fact, if this model achieves 100% air purification status for 5 minutes in Auto Mode, it will automatically enter Eco Mode and use less energy. If your air quality changes, however, it will swing itself back into action and go back into Auto Mode.

But it’s this small detail that will help you out when it comes to how much it costs to run an air purifier in the home.

Filter replacement

Generally, one of the main aspects of air purifier maintenance is replacing the filter. However, Shark claims that the high-performance HEPA filtration in the Shark NeverChange 5 Air Purifier won’t need replacing for up to five years - supposedly saving up to £200 in replacement costs.

As I haven’t used the air purifier for anywhere close to five years and it was only released a short while ago, these claims can’t be backed up just yet. However, it’s certainly a selling point, as the only real maintenance you need to do for this particular model is to clean the Mesh Dust Filters.

When these filters need cleaning, the front display will show a pulsing red ring and you should see the ‘check dust filters’ warning come up on the screen, too. Then, the easiest way to clean them is to pull them up and use a vacuum cleaner (in its handheld form and with a soft brush attachment) to remove any lingering debris.

If you can’t do this, you can either use a clean cloth or rinse them under water. If you choose the latter option, you’ll need to wait at least 12 hours for them to dry before popping them back in.

Shark also recommends cleaning the exterior of the air purifier every two months using a damp microfibre cloth, and clean the interior of the HEPA filter every two months using either a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner. You should never use any chemicals or cleaners for any part of your Shark air purifier maintenance.

The only other form of maintenance is replacing the Anti-Odour cartridge every three months or as needed, which comes at an extra cost. At the time of writing, the cost of a Shark Anti-Odour Technology Replacement Cartridges two-pack will cost you £15.99. You can use the air purifier without these cartridges, though.

How does it rate online?

At the time of writing, the Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier HP150UK rates extremely highly. With over 100 reviews on the Shark website, it has an overall star rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Customers have praised the quality of the product and the Anti-Odour cartridges, and many have claimed that the air purifier has helped them breathe easier in their homes - especially those who struggle with asthma or hay fever.

However, some customers have experienced a problem where their air quality has been stuck on 100% all the time. In some cases, the customers returned their air purifier and exchanged it for another, which then worked perfectly fine. Shark does offer a free 2-year guarantee, so this is worth noting if you do find yourself experiencing a similar problem.

Verdict: Should you buy the Shark NeverChange5 air purifier?

Although I have a few air purifiers at home, the Shark NeverChange5 is the one I always find myself reaching for - and I think that says a lot about whether I think this particular air purifier is worth it.

The impressive response time, coupled with the ease of use and the addition of the scent cartridge makes it an effective and enjoyable way to clean the air in a home. I also felt that my house felt noticeably cleaner while I was using it.

My only niggles are the design and the fact that it’s on the pricier end of the spectrum. There are many air purifiers cheaper and more aesthetically pleasing than this one, so I do think this may put people off.

However, I really can’t fault it in terms of its performances, so I do think it’s worth the investment if you’re looking for a high-quality, effective air purifier and are serious about your home’s air quality.

Many people often take the New Year as their chance to clean and reset — and it seems as though Stanley Tucci is no different. And while eagle-eyed Shark fans will have spotted that he’s using one of the brand’s cordless vacuums in his latest Instagram video, you might not realise that this bestselling vacuum is currently on sale for one of the best prices we’ve ever seen.

As Ideal Home’s Certified Expert for Vacuums in Training, I make it my mission to understand the ins and outs of the best vacuum cleaners on the market - and snoop on the ones that celebrities are choosing to use in their homes. Stanley Tucci? His vacuum cleaner of choice is the brand’s hero product: the Shark Stratos.

Although Stanley’s vacuum cleaner of choice will typically set you back almost £500, you can often bag a discount if you choose the right time to buy it. And right now is the perfect time to purchase, as I’ve spotted it on sale for almost half the price in the Shark January sale.

In his Instagram video, uploaded on New Year’s Day and captioned, ‘The morning after the night before. Happy New Year to you all,’ Stanley is doing what many of us may have already done at the start of January - ticking tasks off his cleaning calendar and vacuuming his home after the festive period. And while it’s hard to tell exactly what vacuum model he has in his hands, one thing I do know is that it’s definitely a Shark. A Shark Stratos cordless vacuum, to be a little more precise.

For the most part, he uses the handheld attachment to suck up the debris in his home - a handy addition to consider when choosing a vacuum cleaner. And the Shark Stratos is perfect for the job, as it offers this handheld capability without any fuss. Which, from the sounds of his commentary in the video, is exactly what Stanley is after.

The brand offers a couple of Shark Stratos models and they’re all very similar in terms of their design and their power, but from the look of the colourway, it seems as though Stanley has opted for the Shark Stratos IZ420UKT - which is definitely a good choice. Especially as I’ve spotted that it’s currently £200 off on the Shark website.

Not only has the Shark Stratos IZ420UKT been crowned the second-best vacuum cleaner in our buying guide, claiming the title of the ‘best for most people,’ but it’s also landed silver place in our best Shark vacuum guide, too. In fact, our Ideal Home tester gave it a glowing 5-star review - which is high praise considering we take how we test vacuum cleaners very seriously.

Although the Shark Stratos IZ420UKT is one of Shark’s older cordless models, it’s become somewhat of a classic over the years. In fact, our tester Molly Cleary first reviewed it over two years ago - but she still stands by the fact that it’s one of the best vacuums out there.

She praised it for its impressive hair and debris pick-up that rivals some of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair, the anti-odour capsules that work wonders to not only make your home look clean but smell clean too, and the impressive Clean Sense IQ Technology that works to detect the dirt and debris on your floors.

As it’s one of the brand’s hero products, the Shark Stratos IZ420UKT often sells out on the Shark website. But right now it’s been lowered to the best price we’ve seen, which means that you’ll have to act quickly if you want to snap up this epic deal.

If you don't quite manage to grab it in time, you could opt for one of the other Stratos models, if they're available. At the time of writing, almost all of them are out of stock - which makes Stanley's choice even more enticing.

The brand new Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean and Empty cordless vacuum cleaner launched in the UK today, and is touted as Shark's most powerful cordless vacuum yet. After getting to test it out, I must say, the rumours are true – it really is just that good.

Shark has always occupied top spots at Ideal Home when talking best vacuums on the market, being comparable to the likes of Dyson in terms of premium feel and technological advancements; but at a more affordable price point.

The Shark PowerDetect cordless stick vacuum is a cut above all of the brand's predecessors, combining the popular features from past vacuums, including the four detection technologies and anti-odour capsules that were introduced by the Shark Detect Pro and Shark Stratos, respectively. However, the biggest thing about this new release? The all-new Direction Detect which picks up debris on both the forward and reverse motion while you're cleaning, making vacuuming quicker and even more efficient.

With all of these exciting features jam-packed into one vacuum cleaner, alongside the addition of the Clean and Empty dock to go alongside it, I had high hopes that the Shark PowerDetect would be an instant hit as one of the best cordless vacuums I've tried. Needless to say, it met my expectations and more; and I don't even think I've scratched the surface of its capabilities yet.

Shark PowerDetect Clean and Empty cordless vacuum cleaner review

Specifications

• Max. run time: up to 70 minutes
• Bin volume: 0.8 litres on board, 2 litre base on auto-empty dock
• Weight: 3.71kg (stick vacuum), 4.7kg (auto-empty dock)
• Dimensions: L26 x W47 x H118cm
• Modes: Eco, Detect, Boost
• In the box: DuoClean Detect nozzle, MultiFLEX wand, auto-empty charging dock, duster crevice tool, multi surface tool, motorised pet tool, accessory dock, odour neutraliser cartridge

Unboxing, assembly, and first impressions

The Shark PowerDetect Clean and Empty cordless vacuum cleaner came delivered in a large and fairly heavy box, which I had to scoot over the floor from the front door to get in situ. Among the vacuums I've tried, this is definitely on the bigger side as far as packaging goes.

As soon as you open the box, you're greeted by Shark's handy quick start guide, which provides you with a key depicting all the vacuum's components and uses. Additionally, you can scan the QR code on the top left to find a digital version of your model's manual, if you fancy more detail.

The vacuum, dock, and all the accessories were packed securely in all-cardboard scaffolding, with each part individually wrapped as you remove them one by one from the box.

Inside the box you'll receive the DuoClean Detect nozzle, MultiFLEX wand, auto-empty charging dock, duster crevice tool, multi surface tool, motorised pet tool, and an additional accessory dock.

Considering there isn't a physical manual included inside the box, following the diagrams and the information outlined on the box was my way of navigating setting up this bad boy. Suffice to say, it was easy enough; as everything slot together with no issues at all.

The auto-empty dock is a really nice touch, and the vacuum cleaner itself fits like a glove. I quite liked how there was an additional spot on the back of the auto-empty dock to store one of the three hand tools provided, since the additional accessory dock only has space to house two of the tools. With it all set up, everything has its own home; which is very satisfying not only aesthetically, but is also a huge help to my overflowing messy storage cabinet.

What's it like to use?

Floors

The Shark PowerDetect cordless vacuum was fantastic on nearly all counts when it came to vacuuming floors. When you remove the vacuum from the dock, you have to step on the floorhead with your left foot to unlock it – kind of similar to an upright vacuum. Then, you simply switch it on by pressing the button on the sleek, LED display which will show you which mode you're in as well as how much battery you have left.

The vacuum has three modes: Eco, Detect, and Boost; coloured in green, white, and red, respectively. To change the modes, there's a little button underneath the handle at the top of the vacuum that you can press to cycle between the modes as you wish.

Its Detect mode features four different kinds of detect technology: Dirt Detect, Floor Detect, Edge detect, and Light Detect. This detection technology is something Shark introduced in the release of the Shark Detect Pro, and it's even better with this newest launch.

I was extremely impressed with how accurate the vacuum was at detecting all sorts of environments in my home. This included me going from vacuuming hard flooring, area rugs, carpet and even cleaning close to the edge and under furniture, as I witnessed the Shark PowerDetect adapting seamlessly through every transition.

While you're vacuuming, both the LED display and DuoClean Detect floorhead cycle between different white and shades of purple, which indicate how much dirt is being detected. When no dirt is detected, the vacuum delivers the baseline suction and stays white. Once dirt is detected, the vacuum delivers an optimised suction and the display and floorhead illuminate in light purple; and when heavy dirt is detected, the display and floorhead illuminate a dark purple light, delivering boosted suction.

As for the other modes, I tried the Eco mode and found that it fared pretty well and was more than enough power on small dust, dirt, and debris on hard flooring. However, trying to use Eco mode on area rugs and carpet was quite underwhelming, and I found that pick up wasn't nearly as effective as it would be in Detect or Boost mode. That said, I should've known, considering the fact that Detect mode instantly switched to the maximum suction every time I transitioned from hard flooring to rugs and carpet.

Boost mode was exactly as suspected, delivering the most amount of suction consistently while vacuuming. Honestly speaking, I don't find myself needing to opt for this mode at all since the Detect mode already auto-senses when it needs to up the suction, and I don't fancy burning unnecessary battery life for no reason – but it's nice to have the option.

I can see myself using the Eco mode if I'm trying to get the last sliver of battery life from the vacuum before it needs a charge, but because of how convenient the charging dock is, I don't think I'll find myself needing it either. Needless to say, the Detect mode is definitely the shining star here as far as vacuuming floors go.

Aside from the Detect mode, which were something Shark introduced with last year's Detect Pro, the newest technology Shark is introducing with the PowerDetect is all the all-new Direction Detect. Most vacuums only tackle debris when moving forward, but this model has been designed to pick up debris in both forward and reverse. I can happily report that it really does work, and it makes vacuuming even easier because you don't have to backtrack and go over the same spot again. I've tried something similar when I tested the Gtech AirRAM Platinum, and I think this is a feature that should be made standard among new vacuum releases moving forward.

Another big thing I noticed is that I felt the vacuum propelling forward, which helped with making manoeuvring a lot easier. This mechanism is something I particularly feel kick into action when using the Shark PowerDetect on carpet, which is a nice addition as some vacuums can feel quite clunky on carpeted flooring. This, paired with the Direction Detect technology makes for a very pleasant and notably powerful vacuuming experience.

I will say that something that felt a little bit awkward for me when testing this vacuum was trying to make the most of the MultiFLEX wand, which is designed to help you clean underneath furniture and reach those hard-to-get areas. Maybe it's just a me problem and my typical aversion to top-heavy stick vacs, but I just found it more of a hassle than anything. To get the wand to bend, you have to reach down to undo the latch, which then allows you to hold the vacuum at your angle of choice.

Although it did get underneath areas like my TV unit and coffee table, it only made the vacuum feel even more top-heavy during the process. While it's a nice touch, I honestly don't mind just keeping the wand as is and instead just bending my knees and laying it close to the ground myself. After all, the Shark PowerDetect does let you bring the vacuum down completely flat.

Small tools

With the Shark PowerDetect being a stick vacuum design, the wand and floorhead can also be switched out to be used as a handheld vacuum with the provided duster crevice tool, multi surface tool, and motorised pet tool. Compared to other handhelds I've tested, this unit is definitely on the heavier side, but it's definitely still very useful to have the option for those smaller jobs.

I tested the motorised pet tool on my carpeted stairs, which did a great job at picking up dust, debris, and hair. I kept the Detect mode on, and the vacuum auto-detected how much suction to deliver each time.

As for the duster crevice tool, I tried it on my windowsills and bays, to pick up all the often forgotten dust that tends to build up after a while. It did a good job and has fantastic reach, allowing me to keep all my vases and trinkets were they were as I just manoeuvred around them.

However, because of how long and weightless the duster crevice tool was, it definitely emphasised just how weighty the vacuum unit is, and I did have to concentrate extra hard to keep the weight balanced as I cleaned.

For the multi-surface tool, I tested it on my soft cord sofa, and it did a fair job at sprucing it up, similar to other handhelds I've tried before.

Although the Shark PowerDetect performed well, I'll honestly probably stick to my other handheld vacuum for smaller tasks as it's more lightweight, and stick to using it on floors with the DuoClean Detect floorhead.

Dustbin capacity

The vacuum has an on board capacity of 0.8 litres and after a complete vacuum around my house, I noticed the dustbin was barely full. It was filled with an alarming amount of debris and hair which collected very compactly near the top of the dustbin, but there was still a lot of capacity left and I easily could've kept going.

Considering I did a thorough clean in all areas of my small three-bed home with no issues, I'd confidently say that the bin capacity was more than enough. However, for a household that's any bigger (or a home that's filled with kids or pets and would require more frequent TLC), there's a possibility that the same can't be said. The rooms in my terrace are pretty small and it's just me and my partner living here, after all.

However, because of the auto-empty dock, if you find the dustbin becoming full midway through your vacuuming session, you can simply dock it and let it empty automatically to allow you to resume your cleaning shortly after.

Battery

As per Shark's claims, the PowerDetect cordless vacuum has an advertised battery life of up to 70 minutes, when run using just Eco mode. I tested the vacuum on Detect mode for the majority of my home, and a whole vacuum around the house including using the small tools took me roughly 40 minutes altogether, with little breaks here and there.

The LED display shows you how much battery life you have left, and by the end of my whole cleaning session, I had only lost one bar among the four that are displayed on the screen. Therefore, I'd say it holds up really great. It's also really easy to charge because of the dock, which ensures it's up and ready to go the next time you reach for it. For your ease, the vacuum even has a little light to indicate how far along in the charging process it is. A red, flashing light indicates it's dead, a slow pulsing yellow light means it's charging, and a white light means it's fully charged.

The Shark PowerDetect takes around 6 and a half hours to charge from dead to 100%. The vacuum comes with a partial charge straight out of the box, but just like other vacuums, Shark recommends always charging it to full before using it for the first time. This is admittedly quite a long time compared to some four hour charging times advertised by other brands and manufacturers.

For example, the Gtech AirRAM Platinum only takes about 3 hours to fully charge for a very similar impressive battery life. But, it is worth noting that the Gtech doesn't have the same advanced cleaning technology as the Shark, which is what I suspect is so battery-intensive. However, seeing how fantastic the battery does hold up on the PowerDetect, it's worth the wait.

Portability and storage

Storing the Shark PowerDetect cordless vacuum is made super easy because of the Clean and Empty auto-empty dock. You will need a dedicated spot for it, but since it looks so stylish and compact, it isn't an eyesore at all.

Once you decide where you want to situate it, simply plug it in, and now you can use and store your vacuum at will without having to worry about balancing it against a wall somewhere or needing to dismantle it.

I know a lot of stick vacuums tend to come with wall stands, but I don't particularly like those because they require you to drill into the wall. Since I'm renting, this isn't ideal, and I much prefer a freestanding dock like this one.

If you opt for just the cordless vacuum without the dock, you can actually bend the wand backwards to make it more compact and easily stored away, which I also think is pretty neat.

Cleaning and maintenance

The dock really does empty the dustbin – and pretty effectively too. As soon as you return the vacuum after using it, the docking unit will automatically turn on and use suction to remove the remaining dust, debris, and hair from the dustbin into the two litre base. During the process, it emits a sound that is similar to that of a vacuum when it's turned on, but this only takes a couple of seconds and it switches off afterwards.

The dock has two settings you can switch between, with the other being a sleep mode that means it won't automatically empty your vacuum when it's docked. However, I tend to just keep it on the auto setting to let it do its thing uninterrupted.

While it's very effective for the most part, I have had instances where there was hair stuck in the dustbin and no amount of suction from the auto-empty dock could remove it. In this case, I did have to manually open the dustbin myself to get it, but I didn't mind as the auto-empty dock already did the hard work for me, meaning I wasn't met with dust clouds when I did open it up.

The auto-empty base itself, on the other hand, is nothing short of great. It keeps everything contained and locked away, and you'd be none the wiser. According to Shark, it's been designed to seal 99.97% of allergens with Odour Neutraliser Technology with an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal for up to 45 days before it needs emptying.

You know I love an anti-odour capsule as much as the next person, so the fact that you can choose how strong you want it is lovely too, and something I imagine those who own pets will be really grateful for. I'd love to try this vacuum out at my parent's house, to see how well it fares with our three excitable dogs.

Due to the timeframe of my testing period, I haven't yet needed to empty the base, but once I do, I'll update this review with how it goes.

How does it compare to similar vacuums?

The release prior to this was the Shark Detect Pro, which introduced the four new Detect technologies that we know have made a significant impact to Shark's cordless cleaning power. The new cordless PowerDetect is definitely a cut above its predecessor, thanks to the addition of the all-new Direction Detect which ensures that no dirt or debris gets left behind, irrespective of whichever direction you choose to vacuum in.

The PowerDetect is heavier than the Detect Pro, so if having a lightweight model is the biggest priority for you, it's possible that you'd prefer the Detect Pro. But, you'd also be sacrificing the extra 0.4 litres of dustbin capacity you get with the new PowerDetect.

The Shark Detect Pro is also available to buy with an auto-empty dock of its own, allowing you to reap those benefits. Overall, it's pretty close between the two, but then again, going for either or could be advantageous depending on the kind of home you occupy and how messy it tends to get.

Aside from Shark's line, the vacuum I personally use at home is my tried and true Gtech AirRAM Platinum. The biggest notable difference between the two is that the Shark PowerDetect is a stick vacuum, whilst the Gtech AirRAM Platinum is an upright vacuum.

Having used other stick vacuums in the past, I'm typically not a huge fan of them because of the top-heavy design accompanied by what is often a lack of stand, which makes the act of storing it quite frustrating because it needs to be leaning against the wall in the perfect angle to not fall; or I have to dismantle it completely. One of things I love about my Gtech is that it stands up by itself, making it an absolute dream to store. Not to mention, it's so easy to push around as all the weight is at the bottom of the vacuum.

However, thanks to Shark's Clean and Empty system, I fortunately don't have to think about storage because I can simply slot it in the dock and it does the rest for me. I've got a little nook in the corner of my kitchen that I've since housed it, and while it does take up a bit of space, it's honestly pretty compact all things considered. If you end up going for just the Shark PowerDetect without the auto-empty dock, you can bend the wand backwards as a more compact storage option, which also solves any issues of top-heaviness.

Should you buy the Shark PowerDetect?

If you're looking for a powerful cordless vacuum with advanced technology, but not to the point where you're cutting close to having to invest £800 in, I think the Shark PowerDetect is a fantastic buy for your home.

Yes, it's still on the higher-end as far as budget goes, but if you're one to enjoy the bells and whistles of a vacuum cleaner if it means being able to streamline your cleaning, from its responsive auto Detect mode, impressive Direction Detect technology, and the ease of the auto-empty dock, you won't be disappointed with what this vac has to offer. It is undeniably Shark's strongest cordless vacuum by far, and meets the expectations I had for it and more.

Although there are a couple of nit-picky things about it, including the awkwardness of using the MultiFLEX wand, the top-heaviness when using it in handheld, and the slight hair issue with the auto-empty dock, these really are just me being as critical as possible and aren't things that will make or break me using the Shark cordless PowerDetect as my semi-primary vacuum from now on.

The quality of life features it offers are superb and extremely helpful for me, and are big factors as to why I see myself reaching for this vacuum very frequently as my primary cleaning tool for the foreseeable future. While the vacuum itself is fantastic, if you've got the extra budget, I would absolutely recommend opting for the auto-empty dock too. Paired together, vacuuming and maintenance really has never been easier.

When a brand is willing to demonstrate the shortcomings of one of its best products, you know they're really excited about a launch. That was the case when I saw one of Shark's newest vacuums the PowerDetect cordless vacuum cleaner in action before it launched at IFA today.

To say that the Shark product developers were excited about this launch is an understatement. When I went to see a demo of the Shark PowerDetect vacuum cleaner they admitted that out of all the Shark vacuums this is the best cordless vacuum cleaner that they'd want in their home.

That is all down to two revolutionary features in the new range - this vacuum can clean effectively on the backstroke, effectively halving cleaning time, and it can detect dirt and react accordingly.

To speed up cleaning the new vacuum cleaner detects dirt (hence the name) and automatically boosts the power when it comes across trickier to clean spots. It senses floor types to optimise cleaning and react sto corners and edges to boost suction power to clean them more easily.

However, the feature I was most impressed by was the cleaning on the backstroke claim. Most vacuum cleaners, including the best Shark vacuum cleaners, are only designed to effectively clean when you push them forward. In contrast, the Shark PowerDetect vacuum cleaners use a clever flexible seal that cleans in both directions, speeding up cleaning.

The developers demonstrated this next to the Shark Stratos cordless vacuum, and the difference was impressive. The Stratos dragged a trail of dust and debris in its wake on the reverse, while the spot where the Shark PowerDetect vacuum cleaner had been was spotless.

However, that is not the only difference from the popular Shark Stratos. The new vacuum head packs in all the cleaning and anti-hair wrap technology of the Stratos but in a smaller size to make it easier to clean in tighter spots and store in small spaces. When I saw them side by side the impressive Stratos looked almost clunky in comparison.

'We are thrilled to introduce the SharkPowerDetect Vacuum Cleaner range to the market. Offering our fastest and most efficient clean yet,' says Anthony Marra - Global Product Development.

The new range is made up of two models, including two cordless models both with 70-minute run time, but one comes with the auto-empty docking station, the lift-away upright vacuum cleaner and the corded stick vacuum cleaner.

The range is not yet available to buy and we're not sure what the retail price will be, but we'll update you as soon as we have more information.

The Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan has quickly risen as a must-have for cooling down since its launch last year – and it's currently on sale for £179, making it a perfect deal for those who struggle to sleep on warm nights.

When I was looking for the best fan to replace my noisy old tower version, I took a punt on it and over eight months later, I can confirm it was certainly the right choice. I have to sleep with a fan on because my loft bedroom can reach temperatures in the low 40s on the hottest days. Other fans I have had in the past have either been too loud, or too short to position somewhere that will pull cooler air from outside through the rooflights. I knew a pedestal fan with a wide range of movement was a must and the Shark Flexbreeze is just that, and so much more.

With temperatures set to soar if you want a quiet fan with good oscillation, remote operation and the option to take it outside – yes, it's cordless – then your search can end here.

This week, the Flexbreeze is available to buy with a £20 discount on the Shark website AND they have thrown in a free car charger so you can take it camping or on your next picnic. A few other retailers have dropped their prices to match too, so don't miss this cool deal for the hot weather.

The Shark FlexBreeze is the brand's first venture into the world of fans, having been on our radar for years now, for manufacturing some of the best vacuums we've tried and tested. Shark is well known for innovating and while this isn't the first cordless fan on the market, the Flexbreeze is unique with its own range of genius features to praise; many of which we've covered in our first look.

With up to 24 hours of battery life, I love that I can easily take my Shark fan to any space in the house when I need it, or even outside. It not only comes in pedestal format – it has been designed with the brand's Lift Away technology (featured in the Shark ICZ300UKT cordless upright vacuum, for example) so you can lift the fan head off and a smaller mini stand appears. This allows you to place it on desks and tabletops. On the hottest days, it follows me around the house and means I don't need a fan for every room. What a smart money-saver.

Better yet, the FlexBreeze even comes with a clever misting attachment that pairs up with a garden hose pipe, allowing for on-demand cooling, helping to decrease the temperature of outdoor spaces by up to 5°C. I am yet to use this option, but it will be the ideal companion for garden parties and al fresco dining this summer.

And I am not the only one impressed by not just all the cool add-ons, but most importantly, how quiet this fan is. Our Deputy Editor Rebecca Knight has also been trying it out and noted the noise – or lack of.

'Even on the lowest setting, it's still really powerful and you can barely hear it. I've got the Duux Whisper Flex Smart Pedestal Fan, and I'd say that the Shark FlexBreeze is on par or even quieter when it's on the lowest speed,' says Rebecca.

'My sister always leaves it on at night when she's sleeping, and she's never had an issue with it. It's a really versatile buy to use anywhere in the home,' she adds. So, if you tend to struggle to sleep when it's too hot, the FlexBreeze could be the solution you've long been after.

With more heatwaves expected in the coming weeks, we think snapping up the Shark FlexBreeze with the £20 off discount is a worthwhile investment you'll thank your future self for.

Shark has launched a brand new fan that is sure to become one of the best fans on the market - especially since we awarded it the best garden innovation in this year's Ideal Home Garden Awards.

Shark has long been one of our favourite brands, mainly for creating some of the best vacuums around. So its launch of the FlexBreeze fan came as a breath of fresh air, with its range of genius features.

The Shark FlexBreeze first impressions

With up to 20 hours of runtime, the Shark FlexBreeze is a super portable indoor outdoor fan that can be used corded or cordless, which makes it a total game changer for keeping cool tucked up in bed, binging on Bridgerton, slaving away at your desk or sat outdoors for a bbq.

Not only that our Appliances editor, Molly Cleary saw first-hand 'how easy it was to switch into handheld/tabletop mode,' with its Lift Away technology, making it perfect for those chained to their desks during hot days.

The fan boasts eight fan modes, from gentle to strong breeze, five fan speeds which can be felt up to 20 metres away, and a number of different oscillation angles from 55 degrees to 180.

And if you're in need of an ice-cold blast on a hot day, you can connect the included InstaCool Misting attachment to a hosepipe to turn the fan into a misting fan, which Shark says can make the temperature up to five degrees cooler.

We love a quiet fan here at Ideal Home and the FlexBreeze doesn't disappoint in that area either. With its ultra-quiet blades that create gentle white noise for a peaceful night's sleep, it's a must-have for keeping your bedroom cool at night.

And the best bit? It boasts a unique UV and water-resistant design that will weather whatever the outdoors throws at it, whether it's a scorcher of a day or there's intermittent showers forecast.

Our Appliances editor, Molly gave us her first impressions on this innovative fan, and whether it's a worthwhile purchase to upgrade your patio set-up this summer.

'The innovative features of the FlexBreeze are sure to put it in a league of its own come the summertime, especially the misting function on those stifling heatwave days,' explains Molly.

'The ability to switch this from a pedestal to a tabletop design is pretty nifty and the various settings, including a built-in timer, mean that this can also step in as a handy sleep aid.'

Molly adds, 'If I was shopping for a fan, this would be the one I'd go for, especially as the adjustable height makes it so versatile.'

Retailing at £199.99, the FlexBreeze is currently on sale on multiple websites so snap one up while the going's good.

As Ideal Home's Certified Expert in Vacuums, there are two things I love more than anything: a good vacuum cleaner, and an affordable vacuum cleaner. And that's probably why you're looking for the best Shark deals too.

After all, the best Shark vacuum cleaners are generally considered among the best on the market, offering high-tech features, user-friendly design, and powerful cleaning performance that make home maintenance a breeze. And while they're normally found at a mid-range price point, it's always worth waiting to snap up a discount when you can, making them even cheaper.

So, if you're in the market for one of the best vacuum cleaners - or you've been eyeing up a Shark steam cleaner, mop, or carpet cleaner - this is everything you need to know about finding the best Shark deals.

Where to find the best Shark deals

Of course, the Shark website itself always aims to contain some of the best offers, but it's far from the only place you should be checking out, so these are the other retailers we'd recommend taking a look at.

• Amazon: high stock levels and regular Amazon-exclusive drops
• AO.com: membership perks and discounts on Shark products
• Appliances Direct: a wide range of Shark appliances
• Currys: Shark products with immediate in-store pickup
• Shark Clean: Shark deals straight from the source
• Very: a wide range of Shark sales throughout the year

When is the best time to get a Shark deal?

As Shark is such a big brand, it's not uncommon to find regular Shark deals throughout the year. However, there are certain sales periods that offer guaranteed discounts - and they're all outlined below.

Amazon Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day has become a huge sales event, getting bigger and better every year. During this time, Shark slashes the prices of its appliances and often links up with Amazon directly to offer Amazon-exclusive offers - and sometimes even exclusive products that you can't buy anywhere else.

Because of this, it's one of the best times to pick up a Shark vacuum cleaner. But it is worth noting that Shark often runs its own sales event at the same time, so it's always best to double-check it's not cheaper through Shark directly - especially as you need to be a Prime member to take advantage of Amazon Prime Day.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

One of the best times to find Shark deals, as it is with most home appliances, is over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when most retailers discount their products. Over the past few years, the sales events have lasted for most of the month, so you can generally guarantee low prices throughout the whole of November.

While Shark typically runs its own Black Friday sale, other big retailers that stock the appliance brand - such as Currys, Argos, John Lewis and Very - will also slash the prices of this brand.

Bank holidays

In recent years, some retailers have started to add bank holiday vacuum cleaner deals to their roster - and Shark is no different. The brand has regularly slashed its prices on bank holidays in the summer when more people are at home and regularly heading to the shops.

With this in mind, it's well worth checking retailers that stock Shark appliances in the run-up to bank holidays. Deals aren't guaranteed and these sales are generally smaller than on Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, but you may still be able to pick up a bargain.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day has become a huge shopping event - both in-store and online - and retailers regularly slash prices to capitalise on post-Christmas spending. As a result, it's become a popular time to pick up a Shark deal.

It's particularly common for electrical appliances to be discounted at this time of year, and Shark often runs its own Boxing Day sales - alongside other retailers that sell Shark products.

January sales

The New Year brings new price drops, with many retailers continuing their sales from Boxing Day over to the new year. This is often the case with Shark themselves, as well as the retailers that stock the appliance brand.

However, buying a Shark vacuum cleaner or other appliance in January does come with risks, as many of the brand's top products sell out over the Christmas period. It's still worth checking out every retailer for stock, though, as some do order a surplus to deal with the ever-increasing demand.

How can you tell if you have found a good Shark deal?

When you're searching for a Shark deal, you want to make sure that you're actually saving money. Because of this, it's important to do your research before you commit to a dud deal.

Firstly, if you can, keep an eye on prices a few weeks (or even a few months) before you plan to buy so you can track price changes. This allows you to compare the RRP to the deal price and understand how much you'll save.

Alongside this, it's also worth looking at other factors that come with buying a Shark appliance, including delivery costs and any accessories or bundles that can bring down the price.

Lastly, compare retailers - especially when it comes to Shark deals. Sometimes buying directly from Shark will be the cheapest, but other times it may be cheaper to buy through a retailer that stocks Shark.

What is a good price for a Shark vacuum?

There's such variation in the Shark vacuums – from handhelds all the way to the bells-and-whistles of the latest cordless model – that prices vary widely. So, again, the best thing to do is to keep an eye on prices and discounts.

Exact discounts are impossible to predict, but in previous years we have seen discounts of up to 50% on Shark products come Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day, so if you're patient you should be able to make a sizeable dent in the price.

Do be aware that the latest models may well not be discounted at all, so it's always good to have a backup in mind.

FAQs

Shark has unveiled its newest addition to the brand's highly-esteemed cleaning range: the Shark Matrix Robot, a powerful cleaning device combining both suction and sonic mopping to tackle dirt, pet hair, and the most stubborn of stains on carpet and hard flooring. After a long stint in the US, it's finally coming to the UK market.

Following recent cleaning technology advancements, the best robot vacuums have quickly risen on our radar as the 'it' cleaning gadgets to keep a watchful eye on. Although they have previously divided opinions on our team, new launches from leading brands have swayed us completely in the debate of whether robot vacuum cleaners are worth it or not.

The latest launch to be excited about? The new Matrix Robot from Shark. The brand's head of product development, Katya Carman claims that this new launch aims to 'redefine the way people experience home cleaning'. The robot vacuum boasts a new technology to help the device navigate a home intelligently, promising a thorough clean with zero fuss.

Shark Matrix Robot vacuum first impressions

The new Shark Matrix Robot marks the next step in the brand's popular Shark Clean range, which already houses a handful of some of the best vacuum cleaners we've tried and tested at Ideal Home. With new Precision Home Mapping technology using 360 Lidar vision, we have high hopes that it will serve the pain points we often encounter with a handful of robot vacuums.

Another of the Shark Matrix Robot's features is Matrix Clean Technology, which uses a precise matrix grid to thoroughly clean floors from multiple angles and eliminate hidden dirt and debris.

Finally, we've got the combined Suction & Sonic Mopping, which does what it says on the tin. The Shark Matrix Robot offers powerful suction and a self-cleaning brush roll to help with the task of effectively cleaning a carpet, while also promising to be a dream for cleaning wooden floors (and the like) as well as removing stubborn stains.

Of course, with these fancy advancements also comes the Shark Matrix Robot's compatibility with an easy-to-use smartphone app, as well as a remote control – which is bang up to date with the latest smart home trends for 2024. By using these, you can easily schedule and control your robot vacuum even when you're away from home.

Better yet, it's also equipped with a bagless, self-emptying base with an anti-allergen seal which claims to keep living spaces cleaner. We imagine its compact design makes for an easy solution to hide a vacuum, too. More and more, many of us are prioritising non-disruptive additions to our homes to make our lives easier, so this ticks all the right boxes, as far as we can see.

Commenting further on the new addition to Shark's trusty vacuum cleaner range, Katya adds, 'We are thrilled to introduce the Shark Matrix Robot to the market. It is truly a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in home cleaning technology.'

It will be available to buy later this year. Once we've got a chance to test the new Shark Matrix Robot vacuum for ourselves upon its release, best believe you'll be the first to know if it lives up to some of our favourites –especially when entered as a contender in the great Shark vs Dyson vacuum debate.

Watch this space.

The key to a long-lasting, efficient vacuum cleaner is all in the upkeep - from tackling blockages to cleaning the floorhead and maintaining proper airflow. And if you want to keep your Shark vacuum in full working order for years to come, you need to know how to clean a Shark vacuum filter.

If you own one of the best Shark vacuum cleaners, you’ll probably agree that it’s one of the best vacuum cleaners out there. The brand is known for building no-nonsense models that get the job done with reliable suction power and handy tools. But even the most impressive vacuums won’t stand the test of time if the filters aren’t maintained. And Shark vacuums tend to have two.

These filters are vital for removing dust and allergens, but clogged filters can lead to reduced suction, overheating, and the release of this debris back into your home. Thankfully, though, they’re incredibly easy to clean, and I’ve written a step-by-step guide to cleaning Shark vacuum filters below for you to follow.

1. Unplug or turn off your vacuum

Before you start cleaning your Shark vacuum filter, ensure it’s safe to proceed. This means switching the vacuum off at the socket and then unplugging it.

Of course, this step is a little different if you have one of the best cordless vacuum cleaners. In this instance, make sure your Shark is completely turned off. This could also be a great time to remove the battery and pop it on charge.

2. Clean your Shark vacuum cleaner

You know what they say about two birds and one stone, so it makes sense to clean your whole Shark vacuum while you’re also cleaning the Shark vacuum filter.

You should focus your cleaning efforts on emptying the dust tank, checking for blockages, cleaning the brush roll, removing any hair, and checking the sensors.

3. Clean the pre-motor filter

Every Shark vacuum cleaner is different, and this is also true when it comes to the location of its filters. This is why Shark suggests checking the instruction booklet first to help locate your unit’s removable filters and see how to access them.

Most Shark vacuums should have a pre-motor filter, though. This is a washable, foam and felt filter that protects the motor from dust and debris, ultimately preventing overheating and any suction issues that could cause your Shark vacuum to keep stopping.

This pre-motor filter is easily recognisable by its flat and generally circular or square shape. And Shark has issued some strict instructions to clean these foam filters at least once a month.

‘Simply tap off loose dirt and then rinse them under a tap. Only use water – do not use soap.’ If you wanted to, you could gently squeeze the foam filter to remove any tough build-up. But if you’re going to do this, you need to be incredibly gentle and make sure you don’t squash or rip the filter in any way.

When the water runs clear, you can stop rinsing. However, if the water doesn’t run clear and looks permanently dirty, it’s time to replace this filter - which you should be able to buy on the Shark website. This is generally every 6-12 months.

4. Leave to dry

It’s common sense that water and electricity don’t mix, which is why you should never put a wet pre-motor filter back into your Shark vacuum cleaner. Instead, you need to make sure it’s completely dry before inserting it again, and Shark suggests letting it air-dry for at least 24 hours.

If you want to speed up the process slightly, you could roll the filter in a microfibre cloth - like this MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth (Pack of 12, £16.99 at Amazon) - to dry any surface water. Again, you need to be incredibly gentle, which is why air-drying is generally considered the best option.

5. Clean the post-motor filter

Next up in the Shark filter-cleaning lineup is the post-motor filter, which is often of HEPA-grade and traps dust and allergens picked up during vacuuming. As you can imagine, this filter can become incredibly dirty, and it’s important to clean it regularly to stop these allergens from making their way back into the air.

The exact shape and location of this filter depends on the specific Shark vacuum cleaner you use, but it’s easily recognisable by its pleated filter edge. Sometimes, tapping the filter on the edge of a bin will dislodge much of the dust caught in the pleats.

But to clean it further, Shark recommends handwashing it with water. Once again, you should avoid using anything other than water on these filters, as they’re extremely sensitive and can impact the overall efficiency of your appliance.

To ensure they continue to perform this important task, it’s recommended that you clean them at least once a year (or when required) and replace them when performance starts to slip.

6. Leave to dry

Just as you need to leave the foam filter to dry completely before reassembling your Shark vacuum cleaner, you also need to leave the post-motor filter to dry.

Air-drying is the best way to do this, and you should also make sure it’s bone-dry before you put it back in your electrical appliance.

Of course, if you’ve regularly cleaned and replaced your Shark filters and your vacuum is a few years old, it’s worth keeping an eye out for the signs it’s time to replace your vacuum and start eyeing up a newer, more advanced model.

FAQs

If you haven't cleaned the filter of your Shark vacuum cleaner recently, it's time to give it some TLC.

When shopping for a new Shark vacuum cleaner, it's easy to get lost in the sea of complicated brand-specific names that make it tricky to know what you're buying. Enter the Shark vacuum terms, decoded.

As you probably already know, the best Shark vacuums are generally considered the crème de la crème, and for good reason. The cult floorcare brand has mastered the art of mixing impressive innovation with sleek design, and as a vacuum expert, I’ve happily tested (and owned) multiple Shark models. However, one of the many things I wish I knew before buying a Shark vacuum is that they’re all different, and they all have different features and specs.

From anti-hair wrap technology to dirt detection, there is so much new technology to look out for, and knowing what they all mean is key to avoiding any vacuum buying mistakes. That’s why I’ve translated what these pesky Shark terms really mean and how they can help you and your cleaning routine. Yep, just call me your fairy jargon-buster.

Shark detection technology

Like many of the other best vacuum cleaners out there, a lot of Shark vacuums now feature detection technology, which means it increases suction power to target the dirtiest parts of your floor or to detect a change in floor type.

We spoke to Lana Sanleandro, chief marketing officer at SharkNinja EMEA, who simplified some of the detection terms below, so you know exactly what your Shark vacuum is capable of.

DirtDetect/CleanSense IQ: This detects dirt you can’t see and automatically boosts suction power by up to 50% for deep cleaning. Currently, Shark incorporates this into many of their cordless vacuums and robot vacuums, like the Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum. This allows the robot vacuum to move in a figure-of-eight pattern to clean up every crumb.

EdgeDetect: This senses edges and doubles suction for more powerful edge and corner cleaning. This is particularly handy for those who share their homes with pets and want to vacuum pet hair - even the strands that work their way into every nook and cranny of the house.

FloorDetect: This technology auto-detects floor type and optimises performance, increasing the brush-roll speed up to 2x for deep cleaning on carpet. This means that you can vacuum carpets and hard flooring without having to switch floorheads or worry about your vacuum losing suction power when you need it most.

DirectionDetect: Designed to improve pick-up on both the forward and reverse strokes, this provides a more efficient cleaning process. This is a new technology that Shark introduced in 2024 in its PowerDetect range. Previously, suction power on the backstroke hasn't been as impressive.

DuoClean Detect: Vacuums with this technology have two brush rolls and various sensors that react and adapt for maximum performance. This also works alongside DirectionDetect when vacuuming both forwards and backwards. The Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner has this to aid pick-up and ensure no debris is left behind.

Shark anti-allergen technology

Anti-allergen technology is a game-changer for those who suffer from dust allergies or are sensitive to pet hair and dander, and it’s a much-needed addition to the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair.

Luckily, more and more Shark vacuums now feature anti-allergen technology that keeps the dust contained in a canister, so it doesn't get blown back into your home. Especially as many vacuum cleaners can actually spread dust.

Shark's main feature is the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, which Lana says 'captures and traps 99.9% of dust, allergens and irritants inside the vacuum, not releasing them back into your home. It's perfect for homes with pets or allergy sufferers.'

It’s important to note that you will need to know how to clean a shark vacuum filter when cleaning your shark vacuum to keep this function working well, though.

Shark brush roll features

One of the biggest issues with vacuums is their brush rolls, which can get clogged with hair and debris. Of course, avoiding common vacuum cleaner mistakes can help you avoid this - but Shark also has some features to ensure your vacuuming process remains seamless.

QuadClean: A microfibre brush roll that also has perfectly-placed cleaning fins and ribs that work to clean all floor types. It’s designed to pull in all manner of debris (no matter the size) and lifts embedded dirt and hair and captures fine dust, so your floors are left spotless.

Powered Lift-Away: This is one of Shark's most popular features, and is typically offered with upright models like the Shark Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner with Anti Hair Wrap. This technology allows you to lift away a lightweight detachable pod from the main vacuum, so you can easily vacuum stairs and under furniture. So, you’re almost turning it into one of the best handheld vacuums (just on a slightly larger scale).

PowerFins: Shark vacuums with PowerFins essentially have a different brush - one which offers flexible cleaning fins and chevron-shaped bristles to ensure continuous contact with every flooring type. With PowerFins on the brush roll, there should be no gaps where dust and debris could potentially be missed.

Anti-Hair Wrap Technology/Self-Cleaning Brush Roll: This technology removes hair from the brush roll as you clean, helping to keep it tangle-free. It does this through its bristle-guard and comb, which continuously separates and removes hair while you’re cleaning, so it doesn’t build up or tangle in the brush.

Shark cleaning and maintenance technology

There’s no point shelling out your hard-earned money on a Shark vacuum if you’re not going to take good care of it. After all, we all want our vacuums to last as long as possible. And while knowing how to clean a vacuum cleaner and spot any problems is on us, Shark does offer its own cleaning and maintenance technology to help us out.

Auto-Empty: A relatively new addition to Shark’s technology roster, this is so far only available with a few cordless and robot options, like the Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum with Auto Empty System BU3521UK. These vacuums come with an Auto-Empty Base, which automatically empties the vacuum when docked.

Thanks to the much larger capacity, it also holds this debris for up to 45 days. It charges it at the same time, too, so it’s great for those who struggle to keep up with everyday maintenance. It’s also ideal if you struggle with allergies, as all of the debris is locked inside the base with no risk of coming loose.

Anti-Odour: This is something you don’t really see from other big vacuum brands, but Shark’s Anti-Odour Technology protects against bad odours inside the vacuum and stops your vacuum from smelling (and then releasing that odour back into your home).

This is done via cartridges, which can be inserted into specific models and then twisted to determine how much - or how little - scent you want to be released while vacuuming. My top-rated Shark Stratos Anti Hair Wrap Plus Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum uses this technology, in fact.

Our top-rated Shark vacuum cleaners

FAQs

What do the Shark codes mean?

Shark codes are different to Shark terms. The Shark codes allow you to distinguish between every Shark product, making it easier for you to troubleshoot any potential problems you have and buy parts and spares if necessary.

The Shark code generally consists of four parts. The first two or three letters showcase the product type (for example, HP for air purifiers, RV for robot vacuums, IZ for cordless vacuums with anti-hair wrap). The next few numbers are the product’s model number, and the portion of the code denotes the region (UK for those in the UK, etc).

If there is an extra letter after the region code, this generally means the product you’re looking at is a pet model. For Shark vacuum cleaners, this is typically a ‘T.’

How long is a Shark vacuum supposed to last?

The average lifespan of a Shark vacuum - or, indeed, any vacuum cleaner - is between 5 and 8 years. However, how long a Shark vacuum lasts ultimately depends on multiple factors, including how often you use it, the type of debris you typically vacuum, and how well you maintain and clean your vacuum cleaner.

It’s worth noting that Shark does offer a manufacturer’s guarantee for all of their vacuums. This is up to one year after the date of purchase for unregistered vacuums, or five years if you register your model within 28 days of purchase.

Hopefully, decoding these Shark vacuum terms has helped you decide if a Shark vacuum is worth it. But if you still need some help, why not check out the Shark vs Dyson debate?

Often considered to be the crème de la crème of the vacuum world, Shark is known for its high-spec and high-tech vacuums… but these come at a price, so carefully weighing up corded vs cordless Shark vacuum cleaners is key.

Of course, the best Shark vacuum cleaners come in various shapes, sizes and forms - often topping the charts in our best robot vacuum and handheld vacuum cleaner guides, too. But when you want a full-size vacuum that gets the job done, there’s no denying that the brand’s corded and cordless models reign supreme.

But which one will suit you and your home best? As Ideal Home’s resident vacuum expert with extensive Shark testing under my belt, it’s my job to help you - and I’ve shared everything you need to know about these Shark offerings below.

Which has better suction?

If you’re wondering whether cordless vacuum cleaners are worth it, there’s a high chance that you have a few questions about suction. After all, you want to ensure that you’re getting the most for your money and buying a vacuum cleaner that won’t leave debris on the floor after a cleaning session

Mains-powered corded vacuum cleaners typically have better suction than battery-powered cordless vacuum cleaners, as they draw power from the mains rather than relying on batteries that can degrade over time. It’s always best to compare suction power when purchasing a vacuum cleaner, and to focus on either the Air Watts (if provided) or the motor wattage (W).

In essence, the higher the wattage, the more suction power a Shark vacuum cleaner should have - and you’ll generally find that corded vacuums will have almost double the wattage of a cordless model.

This can be seen with the Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, which has been crowned our ‘best Shark vacuum overall’ and has a wattage of 380W, and the corded Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner, which has a wattage of 750W.

It’s also important to note that using different Shark modes on your cordless vacuum cleaner can drain the battery quickly, which may be something to consider if your floors get particularly dirty.

So, if you have multiple pets or hairy people in the house, a corded vacuum cleaner is a better option, as its suction power is impressive and its battery life is consistent.

Which is easiest to use?

One reason Shark vacuum cleaners have regularly topped the Ideal Home charts as some of the best on the market is their advanced technology. This brand is known for equipping both its corded and cordless vacuum cleaners with built-in features and accessories that make vacuuming a breeze.

That means that, aside from differences in suction power and battery run time, they normally offer many of the same technologies, such as Anti-Hair Wrap technology, DuoClean heads, Powerfins, Anti-Odour technology, Anti-Allergen solutions, and more. Of course, you should check the specs of each Shark vacuum cleaner to see exactly what each one offers.

As a result, the only real differences between the ease of use of corded and cordless vacuum cleaners are weight, appearance, and overall functionality, including buttons and controls.

Of course, the most obvious negative when looking at Shark corded vacuums is the weight and the fact that they need to be plugged in at all times. Corded vacuum cleaners are generally much heavier than cordless alternatives, and the fact that you need to unplug them and then plug them back in as you go around your house could be too much of a nuisance for those with dexterity issues - or a particularly large house!

This isn’t the case for cordless Shark vacuum cleaners, which seem to be getting lighter and lighter with each new drop. In terms of appearance, that’s down to personal preference. And in terms of overall functionality and control panels, it’s fair to say that Shark corded and cordless vacuum cleaners are fairly similar - especially if you’re looking at stick vacuums. Most come with LED headlights to make hidden dirt and dust visible, as well as easy-to-use buttons and switches.

But if you’re looking for the easiest Shark vacuum to use, I'd have to go with a cordless Shark vacuum, purely for the manoeuvrability.

Which has a longer run time?

You probably don’t need me to tell you that the winner of this round is the corded Shark vacuum cleaner. After all, you could use a corded vacuum all day, every day, if you really wanted to.

The same can’t be said for cordless vacuum cleaners. Without mains power at their disposal, these cordless vacuum cleaners rely solely on battery power to run, which means that they also rely on you remembering to put the batteries on charge when they’re running low.

But Shark does have an option for those who don’t want a corded vacuum cleaner but still want the ease of knowing they always have the charge to clean their house.

That’s because many cordless Shark vacuum cleaners, such as the bestselling Shark Stratos Anti Hair Wrap, come with two 60-minute batteries. This means that you can keep one on charge at all times and swap it out when the other runs out.

Which has a larger capacity?

It’s long been thought that, because many Shark corded vacuum cleaners are larger than their cordless counterparts, they also have larger dust tanks. However, that’s not the case. Shark vacuum cleaners vary across the board in terms of their dust tank capacity.

Our top-rated corded, the PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright, has a 1.3L dust tank capacity that cleaned my entire 3-bedroom home multiple times before needing to be emptied - and is a generous addition to a powerful vacuum.

But what does a cordless Shark vacuum offer? Well, there’s also a wide range of dust tank sizes to choose from. The Shark Stratos has one of the biggest dust bins at 0.8 litres. The budget-friendly Shark PowerPro Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum also has a dust capacity of 0.7L.

However, it’s also worth mentioning the fact that Shark seems to be working hard on improving its dust bin technology… for a price, of course. Its latest premium cordless model, the Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty Cordless Pet Vacuum Cleaner comes with a 0.8L dust tank on the stick, and a separate 2L bin on the auto-empty dock.

So, ultimately, the dust tank capacities of corded and cordless Shark vacuum cleaners vary so much that it's hard to pick a winner for this round.

What’s the price difference?

One of the things I wish I knew before buying a Shark vacuum is that the newest models aren’t always the most expensive, which is what you’d normally expect from a new drop.

The most affordable cordless vacuum cleaner from Shark is the new Shark Freestyle Pro Cordless Upright Vacuum SV2000UK, which retails at £149.99. And while I haven’t tested this one (yet), the reviews are extremely positive for such an affordable model.

You don’t have to spend too much more for a corded Shark vacuum, though. The Shark Anti Hair Wrap Corded Stick Vacuum HZ500UK has an RRP of £179.99, and the Shark Classic Upright Vacuum NV602UK is only slightly more expensive at £199.99.

Of course, you can also pay much more for both corded and cordless - so there’s something to suit every budget and need.

Shark also routinely offers discounts on its corded and cordless vacuums, especially around sales periods, so it’s never hard to find a bargain.

Final verdict: Which one should you choose?

In the battle of the Sharks, both corded and cordless Shark vacuums have their plus points and their negatives. While corded vacuum cleaners are considered to be more old-school, they are also considered to be the most reliable and the most powerful - especially if you’re someone who routinely forgets to charge the batteries.

But there’s no doubt that Shark seems to be putting more time and attention into its cordless varieties. With increasing suction power and new and innovative dust bin qualities, cordless vacuums are fighting a tough battle.

So, it comes down to what you want. If you value cleaning power above all else, I’d recommend a corded Shark vacuum. If you value convenience, a cordless Shark vacuum will suit you better.

Over the years, the Ideal Home team has tested some of the best vacuum cleaners on the market. And there’s no doubt that Shark vacuum cleaners have regularly come out on top.

These Shark products are constantly taking the top spots on our best cordless vacuums list, offering customers the chance to ditch the restrictive nature of a corded vacuum cleaner in favour of a practical and portable option that still boasts impressive suction power. And with bigger vacuum cleaner deals on the horizon, we’re helping you choose the right Shark cordless vacuum for your needs.

We're pitting two of our favourite 5-star Shark cordless vacuum cleaners (which we've tested) against each other to help you decide which one you should buy before the deals come to an end.

So, without further ado, let the battle between the Shark Stratos Anti Hair Wrap Plus Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IZ420UKT and the Shark Detect Pro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner IW1511UK commence!

Which one has better features?

The Shark Detect Pro and the Shark Stratos are considered to be two of the best Shark vacuums on the market today, but there’s no doubt about the fact that they offer very different features, which is something to consider if you’re wondering whether cordless vacuum cleaners are worth it.

When our reviewer and vacuum cleaner expert, Molly Cleary, tested the Shark Stratos IZ420UKT cordless vacuum, she was particularly impressed by the CleanSense IQ feature. This mode uses an infrared sensor to detect dirt and debris that’s not visible to the naked eye and automatically increases suction power for a reported 50% better pickup.

And while Molly was worried the CleanSense IQ feature would be a gimmick, she was pleasantly surprised. She said, ‘Areas that I might not even have guessed were high traffic (like around my bed), light up like a Christmas tree with this feature, and mean that I pay more attention to them on my next vacuuming session.’

As well as offering this impressive suction power, the Stratos also boasts the addition of Anti-Odour cartridges that should banish musty smells in your vacuum’s bin, and a DuoClean head that offers a dual-brush roll system that will deep-clean carpets and work on hardwood floors, too.

In fact, Molly was particularly impressed by the visible lines on her carpet when she used the Shark Stratos. And she was confident that the vacuum ‘had really gotten into the depths of the fabric and pulled up the dirt.’

If you’re wondering what the Detect Pro has to offer, the stand-out feature is the brand-new technology, which means that this cordless vacuum cleaner is kitted out with four different types of detection.

DirtDetect detects dirt you can’t see and automatically boosts suction power, EdgeDetect senses when you’re by a wall or corner and doubles suction, FloorDetect auto-detects floor type and optimises performance for carpets and hardwood floors, and LightDetect automatically illuminates hidden dust in low-light areas.

When testing in her own flat, Molly found these new technologies made vacuuming both her hardwood floors and her carpeted areas a breeze. This was also thanks to the lightweight quality of the Detect Pro, and Molly said, ‘You can zoom it around a room with so little effort, and it feels like it glides around partly on its own.’

Of course, both Shark offerings come with anti-hair wrap technology as standard, which is a major plus point for both - especially if you have pets or a particularly hairy family member!

Which one has a larger bin volume?

Bin volume is definitely something you need to consider when buying a new cordless vacuum cleaner. Too small of a bin, and you may find that you’re emptying it more often than you’d like. But too big of a bin and you may find that the overall size of the vacuum cleaner is also bigger - meaning you have to find somewhere to store it in your smaller house.

Ultimately, you need to work out whether you’d benefit from a smaller or a bigger bin volume yourself. But one thing we can tell you is that there is a big difference between the Shark Detect Pro and the Shark Stratos.

While the Stratos boasts a fairly large bin volume at 0.8 litres, the Detect Pro is just half the size at 0.4 litres.

But it’s important to note that you can upgrade your Detect Pro purchase if you’re worried about this smaller bin size. For an extra £50, you can buy the Shark Detect Pro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Auto-Empty System. This comes with a nifty new stand that will automatically empty your vacuum cleaner into the 1.3L tank after every use. All you need to do is make sure you empty it every month - or when it’s full.

Which one has a longer run time?

On paper, both 5-star Shark offerings should give the average user more than enough run time. But while both have at least 60 minutes of suction power in them, there’s no doubt about the fact that the Stratos wins this battle.

The Detect Pro has up to 60 minutes of run time in its battery, and Molly found that it was a very true 60 minutes when she used this herself. And while the Stratos battery also offers up to 60 minutes, it also comes with a second battery - meaning you could have 120 minutes of run time if you really needed it.

Which one is heavier?

Although cordless vacuums are perfect for those who want to vacuum their stairs without the restriction of cords and plug sockets, they can often be much heavier than their corded alternatives. This has the potential to be dangerous for those with dexterity concerns.

However, it seems as though Shark has been working on this weight issue over the years - which is why its newest offering, the Detect Pro, is one of the most lightweight Shark cordless vacuum cleaners yet.

Molly noticed just how lightweight the Detect Pro was as soon as she took it out of the packaging. And at just 2.76kg, it’s almost half the weight of the Shark Stratos, which weighs 4.07kg. So, if you’re looking for a lightweight vacuum option, the Detect Pro would suit you perfectly.

What’s the price difference?

If you want to buy the best cordless vacuum under £250, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one with the Shark name attached to it. These vacuums can normally be found at the more expensive end of the spectrum, but there’s a reason for that. Shark is celebrated for its high quality, and it seems as though the prices reflect that.

But if you want to buy the cheaper of these two 5-star cordless vacuum cleaners, the new Detect Pro definitely wins this round. With an RRP of £349.99, it’s significantly cheaper than the Stratos’ RRP of £499.99.

Even if you do decide to splurge and buy the Detect Pro with the Auto-Empty system, it’s still cheaper than the Stratos.

Final verdict: Which one should you buy?

When it comes to the Shark Detect Pro vs Shark Stratos debate, it really does depend on what you want from a cordless vacuum. As both of these cordless Shark vacuum cleaners were rated 5 stars by our expert reviewer, we have no doubts that you would be happy with either.

If you want a stylish option that offers impressive suction, the Detect Pro certainly wins that battle. But if you want a larger bin volume and a longer running time, the Stratos will fit the bill.

Molly has tested both of these Shark cordless vacuum cleaners, but it seems as though the new Detect Pro just sneaks past the Stratos, in her opinion. She said, ‘The lightweight vacuum has a much more reasonable RRP than the Stratos, and the cleaning power is just as good, if not better. With a sleek, white exterior, snazzy control pad and a new shiny QuadClean floorhead, it’s a fantastic buy.’

Whichever you go for, we envy you that oh-so-satisfying first run over your floors. Bliss.

The brand-new Shark Detect Pro Cordless Vacuum is bound to make shopping for a new vacuum a whole lot easier. Why? Because it ticks so many boxes, from it's ultra-lightweight design (at just 2.76kg!) to its amped-up cleaning tech. 

Shark vacuums come along with a lot of lingo, so to break it down simply, this new release, which is vying for the title of best vacuum, has four different types of detection, each of which is supposed to work in order to earn its name. 

The first is DirtDetect, which means that this vacuum should enter boost mode when it goes into a particularly dirty area. That works alongside EdgeDetect, which does what you'd imagine, going harder on edges with double the suction.

Finally, you've got FloorDetect and LightDetect which work to auto-detect different floor types and light environments respectively to make cleaning more straightforward. 

With all of that packed into a vacuum that's meant to have 60 minutes of run time, it's fair to say I was excited to see how this new Shark must have measured up compared to our list of the best cordless vacuums. Here's what I thought after testing it out at home.

Shark Detect Pro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: Product specs

• Max. run time: up to 60 minutes 
• Bin volume: 0.4 litres
• Weight: 2.76kg
• Dimensions: 26.4 x 35.3 x 109.2cm
• Modes: normal, boost

Who tested the Shark Detect Pro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner?

Unboxing and first impressions

My first thoughts upon receiving the Shark Detect Pro at my front door were that the box is much smaller than any Shark vacuum I've previously reviewed. This is a slimmed down model on all fronts once you unbox it too, with fewer attachments. 

The packaging itself is all cardboard which is great on the sustainability front. The one included attachment is the Duster-Crevice Tool, which is very thin, and can get into all of the nooks and crannies that you might instead need to use one of the best handheld vacuums for. 

I myself prefer this slimmed down approach to attachments. When I tested the Shark Stratos, which is Shark's release from 2022, I found the array of tools to be a little redundant, especially the standalone dusting tool. 

Putting this vacuum together couldn't be easier, thanks to the minimal parts. Once assembled, I immediately noticed how lightweight this vacuum is and how pleasantly dexterous it is. You can zoom it around a room with so little effort, and it feels like it glides around partly on its own. 

The other thing I noticed was how pleasing this vacuum is to look at. In the battle between Shark vs Dyson, Dyson has always trumped Shark when it comes to looks. I would say this vacuum is the first from Shark that is putting in the work to change that, from the slick, stripped pack control panel to the white wrap, rather than plain old black. The light blue and purple accents also go a long way to help with the overall look too.

Another favourable feature with this vacuum is that you can also purchase a stand for it which it empties itself into, which is music to my ears as an appliance tester. I didn't test that particular model, which will set you back another £50 at £399.99 from the Shark website. If you don't have a cupboard for storing your vacuum and its attachments however, I would say it's well worth it. 

What's it like to use?

I've already touched on how easy this vacuum is to push around, but it's worth stating again just how perfect the Detect Pro would be if you need something lightweight due to dexterity issues or otherwise. 

Hard floors

I first tested this vacuum on hard floor in my living room, using it on the standard mode. The first thing to note is that the control panel is so easy to use with just one button to turn it on and another to enter Boost mode. On the LED panel you can also see how much battery life is left and the levels of dirt being detected. It's not as in-depth as the intel you get from newer Dyson vacuums, but it's enough to let you know where your high-traffic areas are at home. 

The LED lights on the vacuum head are also better than they are on the Stratos, likely due to the new LightDetect technology, which works to respond to low-light areas and adjust accordingly in order to illuminate hidden dust. 

As I tested this vacuum on hard floors it was easy to see the three other Detect technologies at work. You can hear the suction ramp up when you get to particularly troublesome areas, which for me is the rug underneath my sofa. The edge cleaning is also improved compared to the Stratos, thanks to the shape of the floorhead. 

Carpets 

I find that a cordless vacuum that excels at carpets and hard floors can sometimes be hard to come by. That's why I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the Detect Pro on carpet too, which in my flat is in my bedroom. 

The small dust tank does fill up quickly when I'm going over carpeted areas, but the bin mechanism is very easy to empty, and the charge lasts for absolutely ages, meaning that my day-to-day use isn't much obstructed.

How does it compare to other vacuums?

The last Shark vacuum that I tested was the Stratos, which I covered in full my Shark Stratos IZ420UKT cordless vacuum review. I loved the new innovations it had, including the anti-odour capsules that keep the dustbin in it from smelling. I liked it so much that I still use it day to day in my house, so it was easy to compare these two.

On looks, I much prefer the new style of the Detect Pro. It's less clunky than the Stratos and I've already touched on how much I like the new colour palette. The chance for an organised stand is also a huge plus for me. 

On cleaning power, I'd say the two are comparable, with the new tech in the Detect Pro providing excellent value considering that it's at a more advantageous RRP than the Stratos. 

The Stratos does have the benefit of a much larger dust tank, and a much wider range of attachments, if that's important to you.

Should you buy the Shark Detect Pro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner?

If you're looking for a lightweight cordless vacuum cleaner and can make peace with the fact that the dust bin is only 0.4 litres big, then I think the Shark Detect Pro is an excellent choice for your home. The RRP of £349.99 is still high yes, but it's much easier to reason with than the RRP of the Stratos, and you gain design points too with this new release. Plus, Shark discount codes might help you reduce the price anyway.

It performed excellently in my at-home tests, and the new detection features actually go a long way to improve my day-to-day vacuuming sessions. I am a huge fan of the stand system too, even though it comes at an additional price, and would be keen to try out the self-emptying bin system too. 

Looking to snap up an Amazon Prime Day vacuum deal? Well, you’re in luck. Amazon has slashed the prices of products from some of the best vacuum cleaner brands on the market - including an Ideal Home favourite: Shark. 

Yes, as if this second Prime Day (called Prime Big Deal Day) wasn’t enough to pique our interest, the fact that so many of the amazing Amazon Prime Day deals revolve around the best vacuum cleaners is enough to send our product testers over the edge. And while there are so many options to choose from, we were excited to spot our top-rated Shark vacuum the Shark IZ300UK Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner on offer with a killer £150 discount. 

However, that's not the only amazing deal we spotted. If you’re on the lookout for one of the best Shark vacuum cleaners, three of our top eight tried-and-tested options are currently HEAVILY discounted for Amazon Prime Day - meaning you can grab up to £170 off the RRPs. 

Our prediction is that the Shark IZ300UK Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner deal is going to be selling fast so, act now or risk missing out!

Shark IZ300UK Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner deal

Alternative Amazon Shark Vacuum deals

We really don’t want you to miss out on these Amazon Prime Day deals, but they won’t be around for long. So, make sure you act fast before it’s too late.  

When Sophie Hinchliffe, aka Mrs Hinch shares a cleaning tip on her Instagram account, we’re bound to pay attention. Over the weekend, the influencer took to her Insta stories to share the best Shark vacuum cleaning routine.

In the video, we see the ‘filthy’ vacuum, which had been claimed by Sophie’s husband Jamie for exclusive use in their garage, as it’s taken apart for cleaning. It’s then washed and cleaned piece by piece in the kitchen sink, showing us how to clean a Shark vacuum cleaner properly. Which is VERY satisfying to watch, might we add.

While doing so, Sophie nonchalantly pulls out an unexpected little tool to get into all the inaccessible nooks and crannies of the vacuum to make sure no debris is left behind. And we’re copying this genius little hack ASAP.

Mrs Hinch shares a Shark vacuum cleaning hack  

So what’s the secret ingredient to a perfectly clean Shark vacuum? According to @mrshinchhome, it’s a paintbrush! You can use any round sash painting brush like the Hamilton Prestige 15mm Sash Paint Brush, which is usually used to paint any trim areas such as skirting boards. 

The author uses her brush to get the dust out of all the nooks and crannies of the vacuum cleaner, before laying out all of the parts individually on a towel to let them dry before putting them back together.

But turns out, Mrs Hinch is not the first one to think of this method and we’ve been sleeping on this clever cleaning tip. Ideal Home’s own Ecommerce Editor, Molly Cleary, is already on it. 

‘I use the Shark Stratos cordless vacuum and I have a little brush that I use when cleaning the floorhead to get into all of the areas that can't be reached by taking parts of the head out. It's actually a tool I received when I reviewed another vacuum, but its small size means it's perfect for clearing debris from all types of vacuums. If you don't want to splash out on a specialist brush, then an old toothbrush may work just as well.’

Well, at least we know now. Better late than never. And we’re grateful to Mrs Hinch for bringing this one to our attention.

We love Shark vacuum cleaners at the Ideal Home office. And it’s no secret as they regularly make an appearance in our best vacuum cleaner round-ups and in our homes. We can’t help it, they’re just really good! And most of the nation agrees as it’s one of the bestselling vacuum cleaner brands in the UK. That’s why we’re so excited for the new product launches Shark just announced today at the IFA 2023 show in Berlin, the largest annual trade show of consumer electronics and home appliances.

Our very own Ecommerce Editor, Molly Cleary, is reporting to us live from the showcase about the exciting innovations in vacuum cleaners and floor care the brand is coming out with soon that we’re sure are going to dominate the market in the coming year. 

The exact launch dates and prices have not been announced yet but watch this space as we will keep you posted as we find out more. So what can you look forward to from Shark in 2024? Let’s see.

Shark’s new product launches presented at IFA 2023

Shark’s new range of floor care doesn’t only present us with some of the best Shark vacuum cleaners we’ve seen but also cleaning tools specially designed for specific surfaces from carpets to hard floors. And there’s even a three-in-one floor cleaner that we can’t wait to try ourselves.

Shark Detect Pro

The Shark Detect Pro is one of the most intelligent vacuum cleaners we’ve seen thus far, combining four different deep-cleaning technologies. It detects hidden dirt on its own and boosts suction power once it does, while also automatically adapting to various floor types and coming with a 2L Auto-Empty dock. And for this one, we even have a price! It’s expected to sell for £349.99.

This one was also Molly’s highlight of the offering. ‘As Ideal Home’s vacuum expert, I was lucky enough to see the launch of the new Shark floorcare products this morning. My highlight is the new Shark Detect Pro, which I got to see in action. 

'The best part for me is the Auto-Empty base, which can hold dirt and debris for up to 45 days. I’ve seen docks a lot like this with robot vacuums, but for stick vacuums they are relatively new. One bugbear I always have when reviewing vacuums is that many of them don’t have a good place to store the main unit. This new docking station solves that problem and more.’

Shark HydroVac

To say that we’re excited for the Shark HydroVac would be an understatement. A tool that vacuums, mops and cleans itself. What?! Designed specifically for hard floors (well, it would be hard to mop a carpet, right?), the HydroVac can clean up both dry and wet messes and comes equipped with odour-neutralising technology and a self-cleaning antimicrobial brush.

Shark CarpetXpert

While the Shark HydroVac is designed for hard floors, the CarpetXpert (surprise, surprise) is meant to exclusively clean carpeted floors. Promising a deep clean for your carpet, the Shark CarpetXpert is fitted with a supercharged power set to eliminate all stains. We’re curious to see if this one delivers on its promise.

Shark StainStriker

Last but not least, the fourth product announced today by Shark is the rather petite StainStriker. The compact tool that is designed to tackle the most stubborn of stains. The way it operates is by mixing two bespoke solutions upon contact and eradicating stains on upholstery and the like with 20x higher striking power than what you’re used to. But we’ll have to see it to believe it.

We’re sure that over the coming months more details about these exciting new releases will emerge. So keep your eyes peeled.

As Ideal Home’s Certified Expert in Vacuums, it’s my job to test all of the different makes and models out there. In fact, I’ve spent over 300 hours putting vacuums through their paces so far, and while there are many smaller vacuum cleaner brands that have impressed me, there’s no denying that two brands stick out more than most: Shark and Dyson.

The best Shark vacuum cleaners and the best Dyson vacuums offer cutting-edge cleaning technology that has allowed them to feature heavily in our main vacuum cleaner guide. But when you’re faced with two vacuum cleaner brands that offer impressive suction, reliability, style, and high-tech features, it can be hard to choose between them.

That’s why I’ve decided to lay out the basics, and below you'll find all of the important info you need to know about these popular vacuum cleaner brands. This should help you settle the Shark vs. Dyson debate once and for all and choose the one that best suits your specific needs.

Shark vs Dyson: The differences

Although Shark has become one of the biggest appliance brands in the UK, its roots can be traced back to the United States. It was founded by Mark Rosenzweig in 2007 and operates under the SharkNinja company - which, coincidentally, is the very same Ninja that makes Ninja kitchen appliances.

One thing I wish I knew about buying a Shark vacuum cleaner, though, is that there are so many options out there - from older, well-rounded models like the Shark Stratos to the newer, budget-friendly options like the Shark PowerPro.

For the most part, Shark is known for selling some of the best cordless vacuum cleaners, though its corded models and robot vacuum cleaners are becoming increasingly popular as people value cleaning power over manoeuvrability. In my opinion, they’re designed with everyday use in mind, and have varying price points and features to suit different households.

Dyson, on the other hand, I’d say, is a more premium brand for those looking to invest in a high-tech model. Founder James Dyson built the brand on high-class engineering and is credited as the inventor of the world’s first bagless vacuum cleaner. Since then, the brand has branched out to its iconic Dyson Ball upright corded to the brand-new Dyson V16 Piston Animal - a corded vacuum with innovative and never-before-seen features.

But with cutting-edge technology at its core, the one thing everyone should know before buying a Dyson vacuum is that it’s an investment appliance. Unlike Shark, which typically has a wide range of price points, Dyson vacuum cleaners start off at the pricier end of the scale. You do typically get a sleeker, more high-tech design for that price.

Shark vs Dyson: corded or cordless?

I’ve already weighed up whether you should buy a Shark corded vs cordless vacuum cleaner, but Dyson definitely needs to be inserted into this debate, too.

That’s because both brands offer both corded and cordless versions, meaning there’s even more to weigh up when deciding between Shark and Dyson. And in our opinion, the only way to understand what works for you is to understand the negatives.

Of course, the main downside of a cordless vacuum cleaner - no matter whether you choose Shark or Dyson - is that you have to rely on a battery. This limits how long you can use the vacuum before you have to charge it up, which may ultimately limit your cleaning process.

In the past, this is where Shark vacuum cleaners have won, as the majority of Shark vacuums - come with two batteries (or at least one replaceable battery that you can buy a spare of) so you technically always have double the cleaning time.

For the most part, Dyson hasn’t offered this with its corded models - but that has recently changed with its new models. The budget-friendly Dyson V8 Cyclone and the more expensive V16 now come with replaceable batteries, so you can buy spares if you find that you need a longer run time.

On the other hand, a downside of a corded vacuum cleaner is that it can get in the way when you’re cleaning, and you have to unplug it as you move around the house, which can be difficult for those with dexterity issues. Dyson seems to win on the corded front, though, as the cord of the Dyson Ball is 14m - which is 4m longer than the Shark Anti Hair Wrap Corded Stick Vacuum HZ500UK and 6m longer than the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner AZ3900UKT

Everyone has their own taste when it comes to corded vs cordless, though, so it’s down to you to choose which one you prefer.

Shark vs Dyson: Which has better features?

Every vacuum brand has innovative, practical, and design features that set them apart from the rest, and this is the case in the Shark vs Dyson vacuum cleaner debate. Ultimately, it’s impossible to tell which is better than the other, as it’s completely dependent on your needs and requirements.

Common Shark features include

• DirtDetect/CleanSense IQ: This is one of the most common Shark vacuum terms, and it is where the vacuum automatically detects dirt and adjusts the suction power accordingly.
• FloorDetect: Where the Shark vacuum cleaner detects a change in floor type (i.e hard flooring or carpet), and adjusts the cleaning power automatically.
• DirectionDetect: The Shark vacuum offers impressive pickup power on both the front stroke AND the back stroke.
• Anti-Allergen Complete Seal: A seal that traps 99.9% of dust, allergens and irritants.
• Powered Lift-Away: Allows you to lift a lightweight detachable pod from the main vacuum, mostly in the upright Shark models.
• Flexology wand: Allows for a bend in the extension wand, so you can clean underneath low furniture with ease.
• Auto-Empty: A feature only available in the Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty Cordless Vacuum Cleaner and the brand’s robot vacuums.

Common Dyson features include

• Cyclone technology: This technology uses centrifugal force to separate dust and dirt, so you don’t need a dust bag.
• Dust detect sensor: Piezo sensor detects the dirt level on your floor to automatically adjust suction power.
• Laser Fluffy cleaning head: A cleaner head specifically for hard flooring, which uses a rotating brush roller and laser technology to showcase dirt invisible to the naked eye.
• De-tangling Motorbar cleaning head: Floorhead suitable for both hard flooring and carpets, with anti-tangle technology to prevent blockages.
• CleanCompaktor bin: Available with the Dyson V16 Piston Animal, where you can compact the dust to instantly create more space in the dust bin.

Shark vs Dyson: what do the customer reviews say?

Shark Clean UK has almost 45,000 reviews on Trustpilot, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. 79% of reviewers gave the brand 5 stars, with customers raving about their helpful customer service, the ease of assembly and the great suction of the vacuums.

Dyson UK is considerably lower when it comes to their average rating out of 5 stars. Their average is 2.5 out of 5, across almost 38,000 reviews. It is also worth mentioning that this Trustpilot page also covers Dyson air treatment and hair care products, so it isn’t truly reflective of the vacuum cleaners alone.

Shark vs Dyson: which is more affordable?

With somewhat comparable reviews from customers, the next thing we can compare is the price point.

The most affordable vacuum from Shark is the brand-new Shark Freestyle Pro Cordless Upright Vacuum SV2000UK, which has an RRP of just £149.99. I have yet to test this one (watch this space), but the cheapest one I have tested is the Shark PowerPro, which retails at £249.99.

The most expensive Shark in the whole range is the £549.99 Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty Cordless Pet Vacuum Cleaner IP3251UKT. There’s also the Shark ThermaCharged PowerDetect Wet & Dry Robot Vacuum, which will set you back £949.99.

I’ve already mentioned that Dyson is the pricier option in the Shark vs Dyson debate, and the cheapest Dyson vacuum cleaner on the market right now is the Dyson Ball Animal at £279.99. The Dyson V8 Cyclone also deserves a mention, though, as this £349.99 cordless stick vacuum is their new budget-friendly model.

At the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive Dyson you can buy is the £749.99 Dyson V16 Piston Animal. This is the brand’s latest model and does come with a lot of new technologies, but this is significantly more than the average Shark vacuum. For discounts, though, it is well worth checking out Dyson Renewed.

Since both brands routinely offer discounts, we would recommend holding off on purchasing until your chosen vacuum cleaner is on sale to get it at the most competitive price. Peak sales periods like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day tend to offer the best deals.

Shark vs Dyson: final thoughts

Despite my years of testing vacuum cleaners, it’s fair to say that the Shark vs Dyson debate certainly doesn’t have an easy answer.

In terms of price, a Shark could be the best option if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck. But if you have the extra cash to splash and want the most technologically advanced devices, investing in a Dyson might be the right choice for you, regardless of the promotions currently running.

Generally, you won’t be disappointed by splashing the cash and opting for a Dyson model (as long as you do your research and make sure the features suit you and your home), but I can’t deny that Shark has really upped its game recently. So, I still think you’ll be very happy if you opt for the cheaper option.

Of course, every decision is personal - but if you want some more help with deciding between Shark and Dyson and need a price incentive, keep an eye on our vacuum deals page for some hard-to-resist discounts.

Happy shopping!

Whether you suffer from allergies or live in a polluted city centre most of us could benefit from investing in one of the best air purifiers in our homes. Especially, when one of our favourites, the Shark Air Purifier 6 HE600UK, is currently reduced by £250 to £99.99.

• Shark Air Purifier 6 HE600UK : Reduced by £250 to £99 at Shark
• Shark Air Purifier 4 HE400UK: Reduced from £279 to £79 at Shark

Air purifiers help to alleviate dust and pet and pollen allergies (a lifesaver for hayfever sufferers) and reduce airborne pollution. Our reviewer, Ecommerce Editor Molly Cleary, awarded the Shark Air Purifier four out of five stars, docking only one star due to the cost and lack of official HEPA certification.

But now it's priced at £100, it is honestly a steal and currently one of the cheapest air purifiers in our tried and tested buying guide. If you want to save even more, the slightly smaller Shark Air Purifier 4 HE400UK is currently reduced by £200 to just £79

Both air purifiers include Clean Sense IQ which tracks the air quality to adjust the cleaning power and multi-staged filtration which removes and neutralises odours. Shark also claims that it captures 99.97% of pollutants and allergens at 0.3 microns.

'I tried the slightly larger version of this air purifier (the HE600UK) at home (and still have it now) in my open-plan kitchen/living room space,' says Molly, one of our in-house air purifier reviewers and experts. 'The difference between the 4 HE600UK and the HE400UK is that the latter has two fewer fans, and is a bit more small-space friendly. 

'This Shark air purifier makes spending time on the sofa a lot more enjoyable after mealtimes, with it being capable of dealing with food smells really quickly, and a user-friendly interface that tells you how long it'll be until the air is of better quality,' she adds. 

'I live really close to a dual carriageway, and this air purifier is great for restoring my peace of mind when I get worried about the quality of the air I'm breathing when I'm at home. For way under £100, both of these shark air purifiers are a total steal right now if you've got similar concerns, or if you're dreading hayfever season already.'

We've shopped around and this deal is currently only available directly through Shark.

The Amazon Prime Day sales have officially begun, and if you've been thinking about replacing your vacuum cleaner for a while, the bestselling cordless stick vac from Shark, the Shark Stratos Anti Hair Wrap, currently has over £100 taken off the price. 

Shark is known for producing some of the best vacuum cleaners money can buy, and the vacuums best-loved by Mrs Hinch.

If you're a Prime member (or if you're not, in which case you can get a (free 30-day trial)  then now is a great time to make savings including on this vacuum, which was only released in 2022. There are discounts regardless of whether you choose the more expensive two-battery model or the single-battery version. 

In our Shark Stratos review we explain how it's one of the most powerful vacuum cleaners we have ever got our hands on. It's cordless so it's easy to use, and picks up hair, dust and debris really well.

Ideal Home Ecommerce Editor Molly Cleary tested out the two-battery model, and said this means you never run out of power when cleaning the whole house. 'It's my favourite vacuum cleaner, I was really impressed by the suction and it's a good size if you live in a flat or smaller space,' says Molly Cleary. 

'It has an anti-odour filter, which I really love,' she adds. 'You'll pay more for a Dyson or more expensive brand but I don't think you'll get the same power as with the Stratos.'

The Amazon Prime Day sales can be overwhelming but if you were planning on investing in a new vacuum cleaner anyways, then this is a standout chance to benefit from reductions.

At Ideal Home, we make it our mission to keep on top of exciting new launches and ever-changing cleaning technology. But the Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum Cleaner proves that if it ain't broke, there's no need to fix it.

Yes, we originally tested this vacuum cleaner upon its release in 2022, and it quickly topped the charts as one of the best vacuum cleaners out there. In fact, it's also been one of the bestselling cordless vacuum cleaners we've ever added to the site. But how does it stack up in 2026? We've retested it to find out.

In a nutshell

The Shark Stratos is a bestseller for a reason, and after trying it out, I'm happy to report that it reaches stratospheric heights in suction power, technology, and design.

This vacuum aims to solve many of the age-old cleaning dilemmas that make cleaning so often tiresome. First up, you've got unrivalled hair pickup with the Anti Hair Wrap Plus technology, and suction power that will make a noticeable difference on carpets as well as hard floors.

Then there's the CleanSense IQ feature, which adjusts that wonderful suction power to where you need it most, without you having to think about it. And if you hate nasty, musty vacuum bin smells, just wait until you hear about the Anti Odour Technology Shark offers to make the Stratos one of the best vacuums I've tested.

Don’t just take my word for it, though. The Shark Stratos has since been re-tested by Lauren, Ideal Home’s Content Editor and Certified Expert for Vacuums. And while four years have passed since this cordless vacuum was initially reviewed, she agrees that this particular model is a must-have.

Specifications

• Max. run time: up to 120 minutes (split over two batteries)
• Charge time: 3.5 hours per battery
• Bin volume: 0.87 litres
• Weight: 4.1kg
• Dimensions: 1140H x 270W x 170D mm
• Modes: normal, boost, eco, CleanSense IQ

How we tested

Unboxing, assembly, and first impressions

I was very excited about receiving the Shark Stratos. A big part of my job is testing new cleaning releases, and the best Shark vacuums haven't let me down yet.

One thing I always love about Shark vacuum cleaners is that they arrive in compact boxes without any fuss. There's no plastic and no excess, and everything is protected by a cardboard shell and then wrapped in eco-friendly paper to keep the smaller components safe.

Inside the box was a 'Quick Start' guide printed on the lid and a more detailed instruction manual. There was also the handheld part of the vacuum, flexology wand, motorised floor nozzle, crevice tool, multi surface tool, anti-allergen brush, motorised pet tool, dual charging dock, anti-odour cartridge and accessory bag.

Everything that came with this vacuum felt high-quality, and I loved that there was a tote bag in the box for all the accessories. On the whole, though, I do think Shark has missed a trick by not including a charging dock where you can situate your vac and all of its attachments. I've learnt that a dock tidies up your house no end and means you don't have to hide attachments away in bags or cupboards.

Assembling the Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum also took minimal effort on my part. All I had to do was connect the flexology wand and the floorhead with the handheld vacuum and click them all together. This took a matter of seconds.

I then took the anti-odour cartridge out of the box and the tin, and inserted it into its home on the floorhead. You simply twist it in place, and the waft of scent is instant. This has always been a perk of Shark's vacuums that I've loved, as it makes your house smell clean while you're vacuuming - enhancing the overall feeling of cleanliness.

With everything assembled, I then took a step back to look at the Shark Stratos in all of its glory. And overall, the look and feel of the vacuum is a winning formula for Shark in my eyes. Sure, it's never going to be as pretty as one of the best Dyson vacuum cleaners, but it's sleek and compact, and the colourway works really well.

I also love how - like many Shark vacuums - it folds over itself when not in use. This seriously helps with storage, especially if you live in a small home with limited storage, like me.

Performance

The Shark Stratos won me over from the outset with its incredible suction power. Though it's slim and lightweight, as soon as you hit the power button on the handle, you feel this vacuum roar into life. Using it in stick mode on carpet initially, I was impressed by the visible lines this left, where it had really gotten into the depths of the fabric and pulled up dirt. The same can be said of hard floors, too, with the wheels on the DuoClean head also really helping me along.

On my first use, to my shame, the suction was so effective that even after just five minutes, the Stratos' dust bin was filling up. I noticed on this outing, too, that any hair pulled up into a separate part of the dust bin - clinging around a conical structure in the top - meaning that you can see exactly how much hair it has picked up.

I've been using this vacuum for a good few months now, and I've not yet had to cut out any hair from the head of the vacuum. Instead, it all travels straight up to the dust bin, which makes cleaning a whole lot easier, and proves that those bold anti-hair wrap claims really are true.

The CleanSense IQ feature is also an exciting development from Shark, and can be seen on the head of the vacuum in the form of an LED bar. When the vacuum senses more debris, it'll amp up the suction power used, and the bar will illuminate to reflect that.

I was a bit worried that this was going to be more of a gimmick than a truly useful feature, but over time I've come to view it as a useful addition to my cleaning routine.

Areas that I might not even have guessed were high-traffic (like around my bed) light up like a Christmas tree with this feature, prompting me to pay more attention to them during my next vacuuming session. The sheer amount of dust picked up when in this mode means that I stick to it most of the time, even though it drains the battery a little faster. There are also Eco modes and Boost modes to choose from, but with CleanSense doing the work for me, I don't see them as overly useful.

With headlights on the floorhead, the Shark Stratos also highlights dust and dirt not usually visible to the eye, meaning you can ensure every inch of your floors is clean. Plus, the flexology wand bends under furniture with ease, making it a seriously user-friendly cordless vacuum.

However, we take how we test products at Ideal Home very seriously. That's why, in 2026, our Vacuums Expert Lauren took the testing of the Shark Stratos one step further by performing the debris test. She scattered various types of debris on both hard flooring and carpets and tested how quickly and effectively the Stratos could pick it up.

The Shark Stratos instantly adjusted its suction power to deal with the debris in front of it, and it had no problem dealing with the coffee grounds and rice that Lauren threw on her hard flooring. The porridge oats were a little trickier and took a couple of passes to pick up completely, but the results were still impressive.

On carpet, the Shark Stratos performed even better. It picked up all of the debris on the first pass, and didn't leave any lingering coffee, rice or oats behind. Thanks to the anti-odour capsule, she couldn't even smell the coffee once it was gone, either.

Attachments

One of the biggest advantages of cordless stick vacs is how quickly and easily they can transform into one of the best handheld vacuums. And the Shark Stratos is no different.

Switching out to handheld attachments is so simple with the Stratos; one touch of a button and you're able to tackle your stairs, car or countertops with a more dedicated nozzle.

The crevice tool is ideal for vacuuming down the sides of your sofa or smaller nooks and crannies, the multi-surface tool can be used to dust everything from hard surfaces to upholstery, and Lauren found that the anti-allergen brush was ideal for cleaning the shutter blinds all around her house.

The motorised pet tool is a game-changer for those with pets, and allows the Stratos to stake its claim as one of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair, too. Lauren used it on multiple surfaces in her dog-hair-filled home during testing and found that it was able to tackle her cocker spaniel's hair with ease.

Battery

I tried the two-battery Shark Stratos model, which has an RRP of £479.99 compared to the single battery model, which retails at £429.99.

Both batteries have a run time of up to 60 minutes, and I found during testing that one battery definitely lasts for the 60 minutes that Shark promises, and I felt that the charge time also held up, even when I took a week or so off from using the vacuum at a time.

The large display on the handle also enables you to see exactly how much battery you have left, and means that I'm always aware of when I need to pop my battery on charge.

During testing, I never ran out of charge mid-clean, so the single-battery model works perfectly for my tiny flat. The same happened when Lauren tested the vacuum in her small three-bedroom terrace house, and I'd say that a single battery is suitable for most smaller-to-medium homes.

However, I do appreciate that having a spare battery is always handy - especially if you also plan on vacuuming your car or if you need to use your vacuum multiple times a day and require charge all the time.

And I do think that larger homes would benefit from splashing an extra £50 on a spare battery, to ensure you have a full tank of juice whenever you need it.

Cleaning and maintenance

As is the case with most cordless vacuum cleaners, the dust bin on the Shark Stratos IZ420UKT is fairly small at 0.7 litres, meaning that those looking to clean areas that are far away from their main bin might struggle. On the flip side, I think that making the capacity any bigger risks ruining the sleek feel of this vacuum, and I'm happy that Shark has kept it smaller.

The Shark Stratos also uses a point-and-shoot mechanism, which means the canister collapses out into your main rubbish bin when you empty it. Unlike some vacs I've tested, the mechanism here is seriously powerful, and I've not yet had to fish any hair or dust out from the bin manually.

When cleaning a Shark vacuum cleaner, giving the dust bin a wipe to properly eradicate dust inside is a must, and I've found that you probably only want to go about a month before you give a deeper clean to this vacuum. That's because the sensors in the CleanSense IQ head will stop working if they become clogged with dirt or dust, and you'll lose one of the merits of this very expensive vacuum.

It's also recommended that you clean the Shark filter according to the instructions. I typically do this once a month, and it's easy enough to do by tapping off any loose dust and then rinsing it under the tap before allowing it to dry fully.

How does it compare to similar vacuums?

You probably don't need me to tell you that so many amazing vacuum cleaners have been released since we first tested the Shark Stratos. In fact, the best Shark vacuum we've tested overall is the relatively new Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, which also received a perfect 5-star review.

This model is around the same price, but comes with a noticeable difference - despite the fact that the cordless vacuums themselves are almost identical in terms of technology and run time. That's because this newer model comes with the auto-empty stand, which means it can auto-empty itself after use and can hold a lot more debris.

Of course, this is ideal if you want to empty your vacuum less, but it also takes up a lot more space in your home, so you need to weigh up what's most important to you.

In terms of comparisons outside of Shark, the Stratos is perhaps most similar to the Dyson V15, which is an older Dyson model with similar technology to the Stratos. It automatically adjusts suction power, has the same run time, and has an almost identical dust capacity.

However, the Dyson is significantly more expensive at £649.99, so it is a much bigger investment. After testing, the Dyson does have better suction power, comes with two floorheads for both hard flooring and carpets, and has the brand's iconic piezo sensor for a more spotless clean.

Because of this, I think the Dyson would suit those who have larger families and regularly have to clean high-traffic areas. But for the average home, I do think the Shark will be enough.

How has it held up over time?

I initially tested the Shark Stratos for several months in my own home in September 2022. I've since relied on a different vacuum during that time due to the nature of my job and my constant testing of new products.

Therefore, to provide a well-rounded update of the Shark Stratos' longevity over a prolonged period of time, our Vacuums Expert, Lauren, retested the vacuum in 2026.

Lauren used it as her main vacuum for weeks in her own home, and put it through a series of tests to see how it fared compared to other models she tested, and she still thinks it's a winner all these years later.

She said, 'The Shark Stratos is still the perfect everyday vacuum. It's lightweight and easy to use, and offers just enough tech for it to be effective in cleaning, without it becoming complicated, overwhelning or unnecessary.'

'It tackles everyday dirt and debris without any hassle, and it's surprisingly effective on pet hair, too. The flexology wand and the wide range of tools make it ideal to use in handheld mode and to clean every nook and cranny in the house, and the long battery life means that many will be able to clean their entire homes without running out of juice.'

She adds, 'The responsive CleanSense IQ technology and the anti-odour capsules make it both look and feel like you have a clean house after using the Shark Stratos, and I have a feeling that it'll continue to be a competitor for many years to come.'

Verdict: Should you buy the Shark Stratos?

If you've read this far, then you'll know that not one, but two Ideal Home reviewers rave about this vacuum cleaner. It's an investment appliance, but it's a worthy one that'll tick all of your cordless vacuum boxes.

It's ideal for everyday cleaning, and the suction power is more than enough to handle a range of debris on a regular basis. It's also lightweight, super easy to use, and an all-rounder that just gets the job done with minimal fuss.

We do wish there were a neat little charging stand that this vacuum could sit on - rather than having to separately find a space to house the battery charger and all of the attachments. But this is a small gripe, and if you want a truly phenomenally performing vacuum, then we can wholeheartedly get behind the Shark Stratos.

The most difficult part of buying a Shark vacuum cleaner isn't finding one; it's navigating the overwhelming choice. The brand's success as a market leader means you have to choose between the legendary Stratos, Lift-Away, Pet Pro, a dozen different model numbers, and decide whether you want corded power or cordless convenience.

So, that's where I come in. As Ideal Home's Certified Expert in Vacuums, it's my job to test the best vacuums out there - including Shark's inclusions to the market. And I spend my days assessing everything from their suction power to their debris pickup, run-time, and overall usefulness in real homes.

After months of testing, I've narrowed down my favourites below depending on your home, your needs and your budget. As a result, I'm confident that these are the best Shark vacuum cleaners on the market right now.

Amazon Prime Day Shark vacuum deals

Amazon Prime Day is back until the 26th June, and there are so many Prime Day Shark vacuum deals to pick up if want to grab a bargain.

Quick list

Short on time but looking for the best Shark vacuum around? Take a look at our quick list below to find the one you're looking for quickly.

Best Shark vacuum cleaners 2026

Best Shark vacuum cleaner overall

The Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro is the newest addition to the brand's roster of vacuum cleaners, and it combines many of the features we have loved and raved about in past models - including the Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, which previously held this top spot.

It takes the crown as Shark's ‘best cleaning cordless under 3.5kg,' but during testing, it proved that it offers so much more than that. Offering four cleaning technologies and an auto-empty dock that keeps it charged and ready to go, it does most of the hard work for you. And while you'd expect something with so much to offer to be huge, Shark has worked hard to make everything as lightweight and compact as possible.

Features we loved during testing

As I live in a small house, I was a little sceptical when the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro arrived on my doorstep. I assumed that the auto-empty dock would automatically result in a giant appliance I'd struggle to store, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Sure, you do need a little corner to keep it safe, but it's smaller than Shark's older auto-empty models - and even the tools have their own place on the dock, so you never lose them. So, it's extremely streamlined and efficient.

In terms of suction power, this model has 150 AW (Air Watts), which is the exact same as the Dyson V8 Cyclone - and during testing, the four PowerDetect cleaning technologies (Floor Detect, Edge Detect, Dirt Detect, and Direction Detect) proved themselves to be extremely effective in picking up both small and large debris.

It's worth noting that this is a pet model, too - something I was eager to test as I live with a fluffy dog that sheds. The Motorised Pet Tool worked hard to tackle hairy, muddy dog beds and sofas, and the combi crevice tool also comes in handy for smaller jobs.

Alongside this, the 60-minute runtime was more than enough for me to vacuum my entire three-bedroom house, and the 45 days' worth of onboard dust capacity makes it extremely hands-off for maintenance. My only gripe is the 6-hour charging time, which is a little higher than average. But despite this, I'm confident in calling this the best Shark vacuum cleaner I've tested so far.

Read our Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro cordless vacuum review for more details.

Best budget Shark vacuum cleaner

The Shark PowerPro is one of Shark's newest vacuums, but it's also one of the cheapest. Perfect for those looking for their first Shark vacuum or a second vacuum on a budget, it doesn't have too many bells and whistles, but it still thoroughly impressed me during testing.

Offering impressive Floor Detect Technology, this budget Shark vacuum cleaner has a multi-surface floorhead that will adjust its suction power and the brush roll speed to suit your floors - whether that be carpets, rugs, or hard flooring. I found the suction power to be more than enough for everyday debris and quick cleans, although you might want to opt for something like the Shark PowerDetect if you're looking for big bursts of power due to pets that shed a lot or messy family members.

Features we loved

During testing, I loved how lightweight and easy the Shark PowerPro was to use around the house. I didn't have to faff around with changing the floorhead (which I do with my Dyson), and it quickly transformed into a handheld vacuum for more targeted cleaning. The XL dust capacity meant that I could vacuum my whole house without having to stop and empty it.

I also tested the pet model, which came with a motorised pet tool that was perfect for sucking up hair and pet dander in my home. However, you can also buy the non-pet version for £30 cheaper if you don't want this extra tool. But the one thing I will always love about Shark vacuums is the Flexology wand, which allowed me to vacuum under chairs and furniture without having to move them out of the way. This is found on most Shark vacuums, excluding the upright model in this guide.

Read our Shark PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum review for more details.

Best cordless Shark vacuum cleaner

The Shark Stratos goes further than other cordless vacuums from the brand to make debris and dust pick-up as easy, and nice-smelling as possible. It showed unbelievable suction power during testing, and left carpets visibly cleaner, with no issues with pet hair or human hair. We suspect this advanced cleaning is made possible because of the Clean Sense IQ Technology, which works to detect and then act upon the identified dirt and debris on your floors.

There's no doubt that our testing process proved that this vacuum is worth the large price tag that it carries. Even if you don't have to deal with shedding pets, the ease with which this vacuum does away with hair is astounding, and our Kitchen Appliances Editor, Molly Cleary, found that its cleaning power to be more than enough to tackle everyday debris and hair - and I retested it 18 months later to the same results. Similar to the Shark IZ300UK Anti Hair Wrap cordless vacuum, it has a two-battery option, resulting in exceptional battery life for a whole house clean without the need for a charging break.

Features we loved during testing

The capacity of this vacuum to transform into a smaller handheld model is phenomenal, and you'll be reaching for the smaller attachments all the time to quickly resolve smaller messes all over your home. Another highlight during testing was the new Anti-Odour capsules that you can pick up with this vacuum, which make that horrible dusty smell a thing of the past. These come with a dial so you can choose how strong you want the scent to be, and then you simply pop it into the dustbin and go on your merry way.

During re-testing of this model 18 months after it was originally tested, the Shark Stratos proved that while it may be an oldie, it's a goodie. Its suction power is more than enough for everyday whip-arounds and more dedicated cleaning sessions, and the tools included allow you to have it as your sole vacuum cleaner. Being able to flex under furniture and fold down for easy storage are also major plus points.

You can fork out more for the two-battery Shark Stratos model if you think you need a spare pack on charge while the other is in use, but it's not a necessity if you live in a small or medium-sized home. All in all, this is admittedly a pricier vacuum, but if you can afford to fork out, it will impress you time and time again.

Read our Shark Stratos IZ420UKT cordless vacuum review for more details.

Best corded Shark vacuum cleaner

Although corded vacuums have typically been less popular than cordless models, the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner AZ3900UKT has recently become one of the brand's bestselling models. It follows the success of the Shark PowerDetect Clean and Empty above and features many of the same technologies, but in a corded, upright form.

This means that it offers unlimited run time and more power than any other Shark vacuum cleaner we've tested so far. And with the DirectionDetect and FloorDetect features, there's limited input required as it'll automatically adjust suction power according to the debris it faces and the floor type. However, it is big and heavy at 7.6kg, which means it won't suit smaller homes or those with limited mobility.

Features we loved during testing

I tested the Shark PowerDetect Lift-Away in my home, and found the suction power was so impressive it sucked in pet hair before the rollers even touched it. And while it doesn't necessarily need it, the fact that it cleans on both the forward and reverse stroke (even though upright models typically struggle on the latter) is ideal for all floor types.

The 1.3L dust bin meant that I could vacuum my home multiple times before needing to empty it, and the Lift-Away pod did help to alleviate the negatives associated with such a big and heavy vacuum. Of course, corded vacuums aren't for everyone and it's worth understanding that you'll need strong arms and a place to store it, but if you value cleaning power over cord-free convenience, it'll win you over.

Read our full Shark PowerDetect Lift-Away vacuum review for more details.

Best handheld Shark vacuum cleaner

While all of the above Shark vacuum cleaners can be used in handheld form, it can often be helpful to have one of the best handheld vacuums to hand for those much smaller, targeted jobs, too. And so far, the Shark Handheld Cordless Pet Vacuum Cleaner CH950UKT is the best model from this brand that we've tested.

Offering up to 10 minutes of run time and a deceptively large 0.45 litre dust tank, this lightweight model is ideal for grab-and-go cleaning - especially if you have pets. It not only comes with a dusting brush and crevice tool, but it also comes with a dedicated Motorised Pet Tool for pesky pet hair.

Features we loved during testing

While 10 minutes of runtime isn't the longest out there, our tester found it was the perfect amount of time to clean up mud and stray hairs left on carpets and rugs by her dog - especially with the dedicated pet tool at her disposal. It's also handy for quick pickups in cars and smaller spaces, but if you're looking for a longer run-time, I'd suggest the Dyson Car+Boat, which offers up to 50 minutes.

At 1.39kg, it's also incredibly lightweight, and its under-£100 price point makes it one of the cheapest models we've tested. But if you're after a Shark handheld that isn't pet specific, we have also tested the Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum WV200UK (£129.99 at Shark). This one comes with two attachments.

Best Shark robot vacuum cleaner

The best robot vacuum cleaners come in many shapes and forms, and Shark has invested quite heavily in this hands-free branch of floorcare over the years. The Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Vac & Mop Robot Vacuum impressed me during testing thanks to its user-friendly nature and its effective cleaning power - especially its UV Reveal technology that will detect and clean hidden stains.

With an auto-empty, auto-refilling and even auto-drying mop function, the dock of this Shark robot vacuum will ensure it's always ready to go. It also has great obstacle avoidance, and I found it incredibly easy to configure my own cleaning requirements in the app. However, it does only allow for one map - which is a downside for those with multiple floors.

Features we loved during testing

During the debris test, the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal robot vacuum proved that it had what it took to tackle all manner of debris in one pass - from dry debris to wet messes. The eight PowerDetect technologies also make it incredibly smart, detecting floor types, debris type, edges and more. It'll also lift itself - and its mop pad - over rugs to stop them getting wet.

During testing, the stain-busting UV Reveal technology uncovered countless hidden stains that weren't visible to the eye, and worked hard to clean them with the included Shark VacMop cleaning solution - and it left me feeling incredibly confident that they were free from bacteria and grime after cleaning.

And while the docking station comes with all kinds of cleaning and maintenance features that ensure you rarely have to get involved, the fact that you can only save one map is a downside. It shouldn't put you off completely, but just be warned that you will only be able to take advantage of saved navigation on one floor.

Read our full Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Vac & Mop Robot Vacuum review for more details.

Shark vacuum comparison chart

We've also tested

How we test Shark vacuums

At Ideal Home, we take how we test products very seriously. We believe that the only way to give our honest verdict (and feel confident recommending them to you) on the best Shark vacuum cleaners is to test them in a home environment while diligently following our vacuum cleaner testing protocol. If it’s not possible to test in a home, we instead follow these steps in our dedicated testing facility, which has been set up to mimic an average UK house.

To create this guide, members of the Ideal Home team reviewed every Shark vacuum on this list, and we all followed the same testing process to ensure validity across the board. For every review, we aim to test and explore every inch of the product - from the overall look of the Shark vacuum to the cleaning features it offers - for at least two weeks and sometimes even months. This allows us to face real-life challenges and use the product as any other customer would.

During this process, each vacuum is also tested on different floor types – hard flooring and carpet – to pick up cereals (crushed and whole), a mix of flour and sugar, and hair in individual tests. To achieve a perfect pick-up score, we expect a vacuum to pick up both fine and heavy debris across these surfaces with a single pass. These tests allow us to see how well the vacuum lives up to manufacturer claims, including its ability to tackle large amounts of debris and the effectiveness of hair-repelling features.

Everything has been considered during our in-depth reviews, starting from unboxing and assembly right off the bat. Factors such as manoeuvrability, run-time, emptying of the canister (or bag), included accessories and general controls also play a huge factor in determining the ratings we award each vacuum we test.

Where possible, we also try to compare the Shark vacuum with other vacuums on the market. These may be different Shark models (for example, we may compare them with older or newer models with different functionalities that may suit you better) or models with similar functionalities and different price points from other brands on the market.

Meet our testing team

How to choose a Shark vacuum cleaner

Knowing how to choose a vacuum cleaner can be tough, and this isn’t made any easier if you already know that you want to buy a Shark vacuum cleaner. Although you may have settled on the brand, there are many other things you need to consider. These include:

The type of vacuum cleaner: Shark is a brand that offers a wide range of vacuum cleaners, from upright corded options to slimline cordless stick vacuums. It’s worth reading up on our guide of Shark corded vs cordless vacuum cleaners to determine which one suits you best, as they all differ in terms of run-time, suction power, dust bin capacity, ease of use, and affordability.

Features on offer: Like many other vacuum brands, Shark is constantly evolving and coming up with new, innovative features that aim to make cleaning easier. So, you need to decide whether you want a simple Shark vacuum that gets the job done without too many bells and whistles or opt for something that comes with impressive cleansing features such as Anti-Hair Wrap technology, Anti-Odour Capsules, Duo-Clean technology, DirectionDetect technology, or even Auto-Emptying capabilities. Our full guide on Shark terms will help you decode what these mean.

Accessories: If you want to vacuum pet hair or use your Shark vacuum cleaner to clean your car, it’s also a good idea to choose a Shark vacuum cleaner that comes with accessories. Just make sure that you check out our guide on what vacuum tool is right for each job so you use them as effectively as possible.

Maintenance: Maintenance is key if you want to extend the life expectancy of your vacuum. And while modern Shark vacuums are now offering auto-emptying systems and becoming simpler to use, you still need to know how to clean a Shark vacuum cleaner to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible for the next few years. Alongside this, you also need to know how to clean a Shark vacuum filter.

By taking all of the above into account, you should feel confident enough to make your purchase and start using your new Shark vacuum cleaner. Just ensure you don’t forget the places you're probably forgetting to vacuum - otherwise, you won’t get value for money.

FAQs

After reading through our guide, we hope that we've helped clear the mist surrounding choosing the best Shark vacuum for your needs. But if you're still not convinced, it's well worth reading my guide on the things I wish I knew before buying a Shark vacuum cleaner.