Different retailers will have it in different configurations — some will have more floor tools at a higher price tag — but the base MSRP is $139. After our pet vacuum tester’s lackluster experience with his own Miele – Calima, though, we thought long and hard about how to qualify value for a general review. If you’re seriously considering the less expensive Eureka – 3670h without the $40 filter, look closely at the Bissell – Zing first.
The chief complaint seems to be about the accordion hose on the wand; it’s a little stiff to begin with, and the constant flexing can wear it out. Another complaint regarding the hose is that the stiffness limits its mobility, and it doesn’t extend far enough to reach places that are high up. Other reviewers point out that the clips attaching the dust cup to the rest of the main assembly can break off after a couple years’ use, particularly if you carry the assembly by the handle in lift-away mode. For handling, we had 22 testers run each model through a slalom course, simulating a real-life apartment with a tight floor layout to clue us in on a few frustrations and flaws that might annoy owners.
We’ve been reporting on and testing vacuum cleaners at Wirecutter since 2011, and we cover everything from robots and handhelds to cordless vacs and plug-ins. A control panel on the handle houses a power button, but there’s also one on the canister so you can switch it on using either. A suction level button allows you to easily cycle between the three suction levels using your thumb, and a third button lets you choose between carpet or hard floor modes. For this as well as the suction levels there are easy-to-understand symbols that light up to display the selections you’ve made.
If something does break, Shark’s customer service is generally good about honoring the five-year warranty. It’s rare to see such an affordable vacuum backed by a policy that basically guarantees this kind of longevity. Handling is smooth and light, the extra tools are useful and conveniently store onboard the vacuum, it’s easy to empty, and owners tend to love this vacuum. If you live in an apartment with a small dog or cat and you don’t have room to store a large upright vacuum, this convertible hand-and-stick vacuum from Shark is a great option.
He emigrated from Canada to California in 2013, and now writes for Your Best Digs full-time. Daniel remains unapologetic about Canadian spelling, serial commas, and the destruction of expensive travel mugs. There are a few things we don’t like about the Shark in canister mode. Your product’s model number is listed on the front cover of your instruction booklet. Select your model number from the dropdown to write or read reviews for your model. We also have another guide to help you figure out which type of vacuum is the best fit for your home.
The Bissell – Zing did manage to pull slightly more dirt out of our test carpet than the other non-powered heads in our test, but it was a very difficult process. The canister also houses a 25 ft retractable power cord, three filters, and the dust canister. 25 ft is also a decent length for a canister vacuum (perhaps not for an upright).
Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of owning a canister vacuum cleaner knows that there is more to these machines than just suction power. They need to be able to jump through a few hoops before receiving a stamp of approval. For little clean-ups around the house, the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ is a budget-friendly handheld vacuum. It weighs less than 3 pounds, making it easy to carry around your home, and it comes with three handy attachments, including a crevice tool, scrubbing brush, and self-cleaning pet power brush. Powerful Shark® suction and advanced cleaning technologies, now in a compact canister vacuum.
The Electrolux was light and fairly easy to maneuver, but for cleaning performance the Kenmore – 200 Series has it totally beat. Don’t try to use a basic canister vacuum like this shark dustbuster for medium-pile or longer carpet; it’ll just get stuck. You can turn down the suction to make gliding along easier, but at that point you’re not really vacuuming up much dirt.
We tested the Riccar Vibrance R20D a few years ago, based on some techs’ recommendations. It is a sturdy, American-manufactured machine made to be repaired pretty easily. However, it costs shark pet hair vacuum more than comparable models from other brands, it didn’t clean as well in our tests, and it is much heavier and harder to steer than our favorites (even the “lightweight” model).