Best Shark Vacuum For Hardwood Floors Review And Guides 2020

If you do not have time for the details, here are our top picks for shark vacuum for hardwood floor:

1. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E
2. Shark Rotator Professional NV501
3. Shark Rocket Ultra-Light HV302
4. Shark Navigator Deluxe NV 42
5. Shark IQ
6. Shark Navigator ZU561
7. Shark APEX AZ1002
8. Shark Navigator Zero-M ZU62
9. Shark APEX DuoClean ZS362
10. Shark Rocket ZS351
11. Shark ION F80 IF281
12. Shark Rocket Pet Pro

Shark has emerged as a huge player in the vacuum industry in recent years. Their affordable and high-quality products will be a boon to any home. Carpet, hardwood floors, or something in between, a Shark vacuum will clean them all. If your hard floors, you need to find the best Shark vacuum for hardwood floors.

Shark is a prolific manufacturer. To sift through all of their products, you need a guide. That is what this article provides. Continue reading to learn how to determine the top vacuum for mixed floors by Shark. We will also provide you a list of the top twelve products on the market.

What is the best Shark vacuum for hardwood floors?

Shark vacuums all have similar characteristics. Shark vacuums for hardwood floors and pet hair are no different. You can’t go wrong with a Shark vacuum. The best products will have some things in common, however.

• The top Shark vacuums for hardwood floors will be portable. You may need to carry them up and downstairs. Even if you have a ranch home, you will likely have multiple floors to vacuum. You want the vacuum for hardwood floors and pet hair to be easy to push. It should not be a struggle to use it throughout your home.
• The vacuum for mixed floors you want will also be versatile. Most homes have a mixture of carpet and hard floors. If that is you, you want a vacuum for pet hair and hardwood floors and carpet. There should be several attachments. They will allow you to clean a variety of surfaces.
• Finally, the top Shark products will be affordable. Shark is known for its affordable products. They will likely not be as inexpensive as Eureka or Bissell vacuums. Shark products cost significantly less than Dyson, though. They will range in price. This is a great thing because it will allow you to choose the product that best fits your budget.

Read also:

• Best Lightweight Vacuum For Carpet
• Best Vacuum For Tile and Carpet
• Best Canister Vacuum For Hardwood Floors
• (TOP 12) Best Cordless Vacuum For Carpet

Features to look for when buying a Shark vacuum for hardwood floors

All Shark vacuums for hardwood floors and pet hair will have the features above. You will want to look for the following features as well. They will help you choose your next vacuum cleaner for home.

Type

Shark manufactures vacuums of all types. Upright, stick, canister, and robot vacuums can all be found from the brand. They even manufacture hand vacuums.

You will likely not want a hand vacuum for hardwood floors and pet hair. Hand vacuums are too small to clean an entire home. You will, however, need to choose between the other types of Shark vacuums.

Upright vacuums will be the heaviest. Shark has a couple of lighter weight upright vacuums. They are still less portable than other types of vacuums. Upright vacuums must be pushed in front of you. They are almost always corded. That cord does provide more power than stick vacuums.

Stick vacuums look like a small version of an upright. They are less powerful. They are also quite lightweight and portable. Stick vacuums, like upright, are typically vacuums for mixed floors.

Canister vacuums can also be used on any flooring type. They will likely come with a vacuum attachment for hardwood floors. Canister vacuums include a long hose with a cleaning head at the end. The long hose means you do not need to move the canister portion often. This is a benefit for hardwood floors. Shark does not produce many canister vacuums, however.

The final vacuum type is robotic. Robot vacuums do all the work for you. They clean your floors without any input from you. They will even return to their charging base. Robot vacuums are often vacuums for mixed floors. They may even be a hardwood floors vacuum and mop. These are the most expensive type of vacuum. You may also struggle to clean high pile carpets with them.

DuoClean

DuoClean is a Shark-specific feature. When you see DuoClean in a product name, it means there are two brush rolls. Most vacuums only have one brush roll.

The two brush rolls that Shark includes on their vacuums are different. One is a soft roller. This brush roll is on the front of the vacuum. The brush roll in the back has stiff bristles.

Shark says that their DuoClean technology provides “triple particle cleaning.” Those are fancy words. What they mean is that both brush rolls together will clean large particles, small particles, and stuck-on dust.

Not all of Sharks vacuums have their DuoClean technology. The ones that do will be even more effective at cleaning your floors. If you want the best that Shark has to offer, you will want to purchase a DuoClean product.

Lift-away

Another Shark innovation is the lift-away vacuum for home. Lift-away allows you to convert your upright or stick vacuum in a hand vac. With just the push of a button your vacuum gain more functionality.

Lift-away vacuums are ideal for homes with different types of surfaces. If you want to clean more surfaces like furniture and upholstery, you need a lift-away model.

Again, not all Shark vacuums have the lift-away feature. You will need to look for it specifically. Shark, thankfully, does have several vacuums for home with lift-away technology, though.

Weight

Weight is an especially important consideration is you have multiples floors in your home. It can be dangerous to clean stairs with a heavy vacuum. The opportunity is much greater for you to hurt yourself as you move the vacuum around.

Weight is also important in homes where multiple people clean. You will want to purchase a vacuum for hardwood floors and pet hair that everyone can use. The heavier the vacuum, the harder it will be to push it long.

If you don’t want to worry about weight at all, we recommend a robot vacuum. Robot vacuums are the most expensive. They, of course, also have weight. You do not push them, however. The weight of the robot vacuum does not change how easier the product is to use.

Accessories

A very important factor in your purchase of a Shark vacuum for hardwood floors is the accessories. Most accessories in Shark vacuums are attachments. These can be used instead of the main brush roll. They increase the number of surfaces you can clean.

The most common attachments are the crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery brush. You may also find a motorized pet tool with Shark vacuums. Shark allows you to choose the accessories and models of each vacuum type that work best for you. Want a specific attachment? Shark can provide it.

Shark also sells attachments that are not commonly offered for free. If you need a specific vacuum attachment for hardwood floors, you can find it. The extra attachments they offer are outlined in their user guide. Choose the ones that best fit your home and situation.  

Wheels           

Wheels are especially important when you vacuum hardwood floors. You want wheels made of a soft material. If the wheels are hard, they could cause scratches. You don’t want that.

Slightly larger wheels are also a good idea. They distribute the weight of the hardwood floor vacuum and mop. The less weight that is pressed into your hardwood floor, the better.

Incidentally, larger wheels also allow you to vacuum high pile carpet. Smaller wheels may sink into that type of carpet. They could cause snags. By paying close attention to the wheels, you are ensuring that your vacuum is truly for mixed floors.

Types of floors it cleans

As mentioned in the introduction, most homes have a range of flooring types. Hardwood, laminate, tile, and carpet are all common. You may even have cement floors.

Because of the large variety of flooring types, it is important to choose a product that cleans everything. Often this functionality will not be a problem for Shark. Their upright, stick, and canister vacuums will often clean any type of floor. It is a consideration to keep in mind, however.

You will want to pay special attention to the types of carpet a vacuum for mixed floors cleans. High pile carpet can be hard to vacuum properly. If you use the wrong product, it can be damaged easily. Robot vacuums are notorious for not vacuum high pile carpet.  

For hardwood floors, you want a vacuum that protects the floor. It may have bumpers along the outside to protect your baseboards. A vacuum for hardwood floors should also have a brush roll that can be turned off or raised. Variable suction power also ensures the vacuum does not damage your hardwood floors.

For pets

Pets can create a lot of messes in your home. They typically shed all over the place. Plus, they can leave food or treats on your floors. This is why a vacuum for pet hair is so important. If you have pets, you need one of these products.

Most vacuums for pet hair and hardwood floors and carpet have a lot of attachments. There will be a dedicated pet attachment. There may even be a vacuum attachment for hardwood floors.

Look for motorized pet tools. These clean pet hair the best. They ensure that all pet hair is removed from your floors and furniture. You may also want to purchase a Shark vacuum with an anti-tangle brush roll. These ensure your pet’s hair will not clog the vacuum.

Top 12 Best Shark Vacuum for Hardwood Floors—Comparison table

Top Best 12 Shark Vacuum for Hardwood Floors 2020—Reviews

1. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E is our editor’s choice for a reason. It is a very lightweight upright vacuum. It only weighs 13.7 pounds. It also has all of the power, accessories, and features you would expect from a top vacuum for mixed floors.

You can clean any floor type with the NV356E. It has a brush roll shutoff switch. This is not a DuoClean product. The professional-level power still does a great job of cleaning any surface.

The NV356E has lift-away technology. When you lift the canister off of the base, it comes with a five-foot hose. You can even clean your ceilings with that length. Shark includes several accessories with the NV356E as well. It truly provides anything a homeowner needs.

2. Shark Rotator Professional NV501

Another professional model vacuum for pet hair is the Shark Rotator Professional NV501. The NV501 is another upright product. It has a slightly smaller dust bin than the NV356E reviewed above. It is also a little heavier.

You will still get a lot out of the NV501. The motor is powerful and very quiet. It also comes with premium pet tools. That sets the NV501 apart. It will clean up any pet mess. The anti-allergen seal in the NV501 ensures the air of your stays clean.

The retractable hose is 8.4 feet. This is more than long enough to reach any surface. Like the NV356E, the NV501 uses lift-away technology. It is another solid upright vacuum from Shark.

3. Shark Rocket Ultra-Light HV302

The first Shark stick vacuum on our list is the Rocket Ultra-Light HV302. This stick vacuum only weighs 8.2 pounds. That is not much given the high suction power.

As a stick vacuum, the HV302 is also very easy to store. You can attach it to the wall. You can also attach the hand vac portion to the end of the wand. Additionally, it also swivels around furniture.

Shark includes a large number of attachments with the HV302. You can clean any surface including your car. Shark includes a Home & Car Detail Kit. That coupled with the 8.5-inch cleaning path makes the HV302 one of the most functional stick vacuums around.

4. Shark Navigator Deluxe NV42

The Shark Navigator Deluxe NV42 is another upright vacuum. It has a very large dust cup. The dust cup holds 2.6 quarts. That is larger than any other Shark vacuum on this list so far.

Shark makes this a vacuum for pet hair. It comes with premium pet tools like the pet hair power brush. You will also receive a crevice tool, dusting brush, and a 24-inch crevice tool. The twenty-five-foot power cord allows you to clean a long area without stopping the vacuum.

The NV42 is a little heavier than the other Shark uprights. It also does not include lift-away or DuoClean technology. But, the price will be right for many people.

5. Shark IQ

Shark doesn’t just manufacture upright and stick vacuums. They also make robotic vacuums as well. The Shark IQ is a great example of one of their robot vacuums. It is a very convenient tool.

For a robot vacuum, the Shark IQ has a lot of suction power. It is a self-emptying robot vacuum. The base will hold thirty days of dust and debris. That is very convenient. You will not even need to clean out the Shark IQ. It cleans itself.

You can create a cleaning schedule with the Shark IQ. It works with the Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can even download the Shark Clean app on your smart device. The total home mapping technology ensures the Shark IQ cleans every inch of your home. It is great for hardwood and low pile carpet. There is little not to like.

6. Shark Navigator ZU561

Another great version of the Shark Navigator is the ZU561. This is a slightly stripped-down version of the NV42 reviewed above. It has a self-cleaning brush roll. This technology is ideal for homes with pets. It is also very convenient.

The ZU561 includes Shark’s anti-allergen seal technology. There is also a HEPA filter. These features ensure a clean environment when you use your ZU561. The bagless dust bin also empties easily over any trashcan.

There are many other great features of the ZU561. It includes lift-away technology. This upright vacuum converts to a hand vac. It also has swivel steering. You can swivel the ZU561 around any furniture. Overall, it is a very convenient and portable upright vacuum from Shark.

7. Shark APEX AZ1002

Shark proves that upright vacuums can work on hardwood floors too. Their APEX AZ1002 is another high-quality upright vacuum from the brand. It has a slightly small, 1.5-quart dust cup. That is fairly small for such a large and heavy upright vacuum. It is also a very expensive product from Shark.

The positives outweigh the negatives with the AZ1002. It includes Shark’s Zero-M Anti-Hair Wrap, lift-away, and DuoClean technology.

The DuoClean technology itself makes up for the high price of the AZ1002. The Zero M brush roll will clean itself. The lift-away technology makes it possible to clean any surface in your home. Overall, the AZ1002 is a new and improved, if expensive, vacuum for hardwood floors by Shark.

8. Shark Navigator Zero-M ZU62

The Shark Navigator is a very good series of vacuums. The Navigator Zero-M ZU62 is the final vacuum from the line on our list. It is a great vacuum for mixed floors. The dust bin is an extra-large 2.8 quarts. A large dust bin means you do not need to stop the vacuum as often.

As with all Shark products, the ZU62 comes with anti-allergen complete seal technology and a HEPA filter. It is also very quiet. For such a powerful motor, it is very lightweight. It only weighs 16 pounds.

You can use the Shark ZU62 on any surface in your home. This includes hardwood, carpet, and anything in between. The extremely long hose will clean up most stairs. It does not require that you move the vacuum.

9. Shark APEX DuoClean ZS362

A second great version of the new Shark APEX is the DuoClean ZS362. This is a stick model, not an upright. It includes the Zero-M self-cleaning brush roll of the AZ1002. It is also quite large for a stick vacuum. The cleaning path is 10.63 inches. Yet, the vacuum itself only weighs ten pounds.

The ZS362 also includes Shark’s DuoClean technology. This technology allows the ZS362 to clean any type of floors. Deep carpet and hardwood, everything can be cleaned by the ZA362.

The powerful motor on the ZS362 is very helpful. It will pick up pet hair and other messes without a problem. The swivel steering is convenient. In all, the Shark ZS362 is a great product no matter how you plan on using it.

10. Shark Rocket ZS351

Shark’s Rocket ZS351 will work well in any home. It has a large dust cup for a stick vacuum. The dust cup is .74 quarts. It is also very high powered. The extra power on the ZS351 comes from the power cord. This is not a hardwood floor vacuum cordless.

The ZS352 is a newer vacuum by Shark. It includes their Zero-M self-cleaning brush roll. It also converts to a hand vacuum. The ZS352 does not use lift-away technology to convert, however. It is still easy to take this product from stick to hand vacuum.

The low weight of the ZS351 is very appealing. Its long, 30 foot, the power cord is also great. As with most Shark vacuums, the ZS351 has swivel steering. It also includes LED lights on the front of the brush roll. This is a great stick vacuum for homes of any size.

11. Shark ION F80 IF281

The Shark ION F80 is another well thought out stick vacuum by Shark. The ION F80 comes in two colors. It is a cordless stick vacuum and includes Shark’s DuoClean technology. In hand vacuum mode, you will get eighty minutes of runtime.

Two batteries are included with the F80. When one runs out of charge, remove it. You then replace it with the charged battery and keep vacuuming. You can charge the depleted battery which the other one is in use.

The multiflex technology on the F80 allows the vacuum to clean under furniture. It also makes the f80 free-standing. This is unusual in a stick vacuum. Because of the multiflex technology, you can store this vacuum anywhere. Keep in mind that the F80 is still quite expensive.

12. Shark Rocket Pet Pro

We’re ending our list of twelve reviews with another stick Shark vacuum. Stick vacuums are great for hardwood floors. They do not cause scratches. The Shark Rocket Pet Pro illustrates what makes Shark stick vacuums so great.

The  Rocket Pet Pro has enough power to clean any pet mess. It includes a self-cleaning brush roll. You will not struggle to remove pet or long hair. That is very convenient.

Another convenient feature is the minutes of runtime you receive from the battery. This is a cordless stick vacuum for mixed floors. Forty minutes is enough time to clean small or medium homes. You can even engage the Rocket Pet Pro directly on a hardwood floor. It will not cause damage.

FAQ:

Have some more questions about Shark and their vacuums for hardwood floors? Here are the important facts.

• Shark vs. Dyson vacuums

As we mentioned in the opening, Shark and Dyson are competitors. Both make very high-quality and innovative products. How do you choose between them? First a short history of the two companies.

Dyson was founded in the early 1990s by James Dyson. It is a UK-based company. Dyson is known for its innovations in the vacuum industry. These include the development of cyclone technology. They also pioneered bagless dust bins and stick vacuums.

Shark, also known as SharkNinja, is headquartered in Massachusetts, USA. It was originally a European sewing machine company called Euro-Pro. Euro-Pro was diversified by Mark Barrocas in 1995. SharkNinja is known for its vacuums as well as the Ninja blenders, cookers, and coffee makers.

Dyson may focus solely on vacuums, but that doesn’t make their products better. They have introduced more innovations. Dyson vacuums, however, tend to be very expensive. They are out of the price range of many people.

On the other hand, Shark is just now growing in popularity. Their vacuums are less expensive, but still high-quality. The company has introduced the DuoClean and self-cleaning brush roll technologies. These are very helpful but less well-known than Dyson innovations.

In all, there is not much difference between Shark and Dyson vacuums. It comes down to price. If you want to read a more in-depth comparison, check out this article.

• Shark vs. Bissell vacuums

Another brand comparison it is worth reviewing is Shark vs. Bissell. Bissell is another competitor to Shark vacuums. On the whole, Bissell products tend to be a little less expensive than Shark vacuums.

You already know Shark’s history. Let’s look at Bissell’s very quickly. Bissell has been around for a very long time. They were founded in 1876. They were the first company to patent a carpet sweeper. The Bissell Carpet Sweeper came out in 1876.

Since their founding, Bissell has stayed in the home cleaning industry. In 2009 they overtook Hoover for the number one spot in floor-care sales. They have the experience and know-how to make great vacuums.

Both Shark and Bissell vacuums have pros and cons. Bissell vacuums tend to be less expensive. They also do not always clean as efficiently. Bissell will make hardwood floor vacuums and mops. Shark does not make these products. If you need more carpet or flooring cleaning, then Bissell may be right for you.

Shark products tend to be more durable. There are more choices as well. You will also find products with innovations missing from Bissell vacuums. However, Shark vacuums for hardwood floors do tend to be more expensive. Their accessories are also much more variable. It is hard to always know what you will get with a Shark vacuum.

• How to choose the best vacuum for hardwood floors.

By the end of this article, you should now know that there is not the best vacuum for hardwood floors. The one that works for you, is the one that you should purchase. Shark makes a lot of products that can be used on hardwood floors and carpets. It can almost be overwhelming.

Above all, a good vacuum for hardwood floors will not damage your hardwood floors. That should probably go without saying. It doesn’t make sense to own a vacuum that will scratch your floors. Removing dirt and debris isn’t worth that.

Besides keeping your hardwood safe, a good vacuum will work on mixed floors. It should clean multiple surfaces. You should also feel comfortable using the product. It should also clean very well.

We always recommend trying out different vacuums if you can. This process will let you learn what you like to use best. Trying them out may not be possible. In that case, you should use our buyer’s guide above to help you find the product that is right for you.

• What type of vacuum is best for hardwood floors?

Above we mentioned four types of vacuums that can be used on hardwood floors. Which type is best? We’ve put off answering that question until now.

In general, a lightweight cordless vacuum for pet hair will cause the least damage to your hardwood. That doesn’t mean upright and canister vacuums are bad, however. Shark upright vacuums are often fairly lightweight. They also include an easy switch to adapt the vacuum to your floor type.

Canister vacuums can be a little trickier. They are often quite heavy. You do not have to roll them as much. Small rooms with hardwood floors may be fine. Large swaths of hardwood floors may be a problem for canister vacuums.

Robot vacuums are the easiest. They will not cause damage to your hardwood floor. They will also not clean it as efficiently as it does carpet. We have included upright, robot, and stick Shark vacuums for hardwood floors in our reviews above.

Conclusion

Shark makes amazing vacuums for pet hair and hardwood floors and carpet. You will not have a problem finding the best Shark vacuum for hardwood floors. Almost any product the brand makes will work.

Don’t worry about all of those options. It is easy to pick the Shark vacuum that will work best for you. Just use our buyer’s guide and FAQ sections. Then read through our twelve reviews. This whole article provides all the information you need to find a great Shark vacuum for your home.