Real-Life Testing and Evaluation
Having spent considerable time using the Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, I am eager to share my hands-on experience and insights in this comprehensive review.
With a range of promising features and claims, I put this vacuum to the test across various scenarios and surfaces to see if it truly lives up to its reputation.
Unboxing and Setup
The unboxing experience was straightforward and well-organized. The vacuum arrived with all its components securely packaged, and the assembly process was intuitive.
The vacuum’s design, featuring a striking white and red color scheme, exuded a sense of modernity and durability.
Lift-Away Convenience and Swivel Steering
The standout feature of the Shark NV501 is undoubtedly its Lift-Away functionality. I eagerly tested this feature on multiple occasions, utilizing it to clean areas such as stairs, upholstery, and even my car’s interior.
The process of detaching and reattaching the canister was smooth, and the vacuum’s lightweight nature made it easy to handle in Lift-Away mode.
The swivel steering further impressed me, allowing for effortless navigation around furniture and obstacles with minimal effort.
Suction Power and Filtration Performance
I subjected the Shark NV501 to various cleaning tasks on different surfaces. The vacuum’s suction power consistently impressed me, from hardwood floors to thick carpets.
The motorized brush roll effectively agitated dirt and debris, visibly enhancing the cleanliness of the surfaces.
As a pet owner, I found the vacuum’s ability to handle pet hair particularly noteworthy. The H.E.P.A.
The filtration system seemed to live up to its claims, noticeably improving the air quality in my living space and helping to reduce allergens.
L.E.D. Headlights and Enhanced Visibility.
The inclusion of L.E.D. headlights is a small yet impactful feature. Testing the vacuum in dimly lit areas, I appreciated these lights’ added visibility.
They illuminated hidden dirt and debris, ensuring a more thorough cleaning. The headlights also proved useful for spotting pet hair and other particles under furniture and in tight corners.
Accessory Kit Performance
The Shark NV501 has various accessories, each tailored for specific cleaning tasks. The wide upholstery tool effectively removed pet hair from furniture, while the dusting brush gently cleaned delicate surfaces without causing any damage.
The crevice tool successfully reached tight spots that are often challenging to access. The convenience of having these tools on hand added to the vacuum’s overall versatility
Overall Overview
In our evaluation, the Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501 stood out as one of the most user-friendly upright vacuums, mainly due to its swiveling head.
Weighing in at 15.8 pounds, it was also hassle-free to lift and relocate. A prominent button lets users effortlessly detach the canister from the base for independent carrying, and an adjacent button releases the wand.
The Shark Rotator is equipped with handy accessories, including an upholstery, dusting brush, and crevice tool, all of which seamlessly attach to the handle’s end. Additionally, it features headlights, which prove invaluable when cleaning hard surfaces.
When assessing suction capability, the primary brush head and other attachments swiftly collected pet hair across various floor types.
The brush head particularly excelled in extracting cat litter from thick carpets.
Another highlight is the Shark’s spacious, bagless dustbin, which promotes uninterrupted cleaning and is a breeze to release and clear out.
Given the vacuum’s triple-filter system, dust escape or blowback is not a concern during the emptying process.
We did note a minor drawback: the vacuum tended to tip backward if the dustbin was removed, causing a few unexpected crashes.
While we would’ve preferred a retractable cord feature, none of the models we examined offered this, so it wouldn’t be fair to single out the Shark for this omission.
Brand: Shark
Special Feature: Portable, Lightweight, H.E.P.A. Filter, Headlight
Filter Type: Foam
Surface Recommendation: Hard Floor, Upholstery
Power Source: Corded Electric
| Products Descriptions | Products Descriptions |
| Brand | Shark |
| Special Feature | Portable, Lighweight, HEPA Filter, Headlight |
| Filter Type | Foam |
| Surface Recommendation | Hard Floor, Upholstery |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Voltage | 110120 Volts |
| Included Components | Dusting Brush, 12″ Crevice Tool, Shark Rotator Upright Vacuum, Wide Upholstery Tool |
| Is Cordless? | No |
| Item Weight | 15.5 Pounds |
| Capacity | 0.88 Quarts |
| Wattage | 1200 watts |
| Hose Length | 8.4 Feet |
| Color | White, Red |
| Dimensions | 45.7″L x 12.1″W x 12.2″H |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars, 18,104 ratings |
Pros:
1. Lift-Away Technology: The Lift-Away feature allows for versatile cleaning. You can detach the canister to easily vacuum stairs, under furniture, and other hard-to-reach places.
2. H.E.P.A. Filter: Including a H.E.P.A. filter ensures that small particles, including most allergens, are trapped inside the vacuum, making it great for allergy sufferers.
3. Swivel Steering: Provides excellent control and makes navigating furniture and other home obstacles easier.
4. L.E.D. Headlights: These help illuminate the cleaning path, particularly useful in dimly lit areas or under furniture.
5. Comprehensive Tool Kit: With a wide upholstery tool, dusting brush, and crevice tool, you have one for nearly every cleaning situation.
6. Aesthetically Pleasing: The white/red combination is stylish and should fit well with modern home aesthetics.
7. Durable Design: Shark is known for its robust and durable products, ensuring longevity.
Cons:
1. Weight: Upright vacuums, especially ones packed with features, tend to be heavier. This might not be suitable for those who prefer a lightweight cleaner.
2. Size: Given its dimensions (12, 18, 14), it might be bulky for smaller living spaces or those with limited storage options.
3. Corded: In an era where many vacuums are going cordless, having a cord might be a limitation for some users.
4. Potential Maneuverability Issues: While it does have swivel steering, the bulk and weight of the model could pose some maneuverability challenges, especially in tight spaces.
