The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 has been a household name since it burst onto the scene in 2010. Vacuum Wars recently named it the Best Budget Upright Vacuum for 2024, so it’s worth revisiting in detail what has made this vacuum cleaner one of the most beloved and best-selling models worldwide and how it fared in our own evaluations in the Vacuum Wars studio. Let’s delve into the features and performance that continue to make it a favorite among consumers.
- Strong suction across the vacuum
- Effective on carpet and hard floors
- Lift-Away feature enhances versatility
- Excellent HEPA filtration system
- Lightweight, only 13 pounds
- Superb handling with advanced swivel
- Includes useful attachment set
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Impressive deep cleaning performance
- Lift-away is not powered
- No active hair removal
Unmatched Filtration
One of the standout features of the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 is its exceptional filtration system. This vacuum boasts a HEPA filter combined with Shark’s Complete Seal Technology, ensuring that all the dust and allergens stay inside the vacuum and don’t escape back into the air. This is a rare quality, especially in vacuums at this price point, which often require spending more to achieve similar filtration performance.
Lightweight and Maneuverable
Weighing in at just 13 pounds, the NV352 is significantly lighter than the average upright vacuum. This lightweight design, paired with one of the best swivel steering mechanisms in any price range, makes it incredibly easy to handle. Its superior maneuverability means navigating around furniture and tight corners is a breeze, outperforming many of its competitors.
Versatility in Cleaning
The NV352 shines in its versatility. Thanks to the brush roll on/off switch, transitioning from carpets to hard floors is seamless. Many budget vacuums lack this feature, making the NV352 stand out. Additionally, the Lift-Away mode allows users to detach the canister from the floor nozzle, transforming it into a portable unit ideal for stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. The vacuum also comes with a well-designed set of attachments, including a brush tool, upholstery tool, and two crevice tools, enhancing its above-floor cleaning capabilities.
Easy Maintenance
One of the most underrated innovations of the NV352 is its open canister design. This makes it not only easy to empty but also simple to clean and maintain. There are no closed or hard-to-reach areas, and as long as you keep the metal grate and components free of debris, the vacuum maintains its suction power throughout its lifespan.
Powerful Suction and Airflow
In our tests, the NV352 demonstrated impressive suction and airflow, outperforming many upright vacuums, even those at higher price points. For example, it surpassed commercial upright vacuums in suction tests and held its own in airflow measurements.
It also excelled in the crevice pickup test and achieved a perfect score in carpet deep cleaning, where we embedded sand into medium pile carpet and measured the amount removed. This performance is due to its powerful suction, well-designed stiff bristles on the brush roll, and gear-driven belt, making it excellent for removing deep-down dirt from carpets.
Effective Debris Pickup
The NV352 is highly effective at picking up both fine and larger debris on carpets and hard floors. It handled fine debris with ease and even tackled larger items like Cheerios on hard floors. The only limitation we found was with Fruit Loop-sized debris, but even then, it performed admirably. The ease of using the hose and wand for larger debris adds to its convenience, making it a time-saver compared to other models.
In the box
Durability and Warranty
While the NV352 features mostly exterior plastic construction, which some may see as a drawback, it contributes to its lightweight and affordability. Over the years, some parts have worn out, but the availability of replacement parts online, both from Shark and third parties, makes maintenance straightforward. Additionally, it comes with an impressive five-year warranty, adding to its long-term value.
Minor Drawbacks
No product is without its flaws. The floor head, while well-designed for getting under furniture, can occasionally bump into overhanging objects. This issue is not unique to the NV352 but is worth mentioning. The mostly plastic construction, while contributing to its lightweight, can wear over time, though replacement parts are readily available.
Conclusion
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 has stood the test of time, and for good reason. Its combination of powerful suction, exceptional filtration, lightweight design, and versatility makes it one of the best budget vacuums ever built. Despite a decade of advancements in vacuum technology, the NV352 remains a reliable and efficient choice for households around the world. Whether you’re looking for a vacuum for carpets, hard floors, or above-floor cleaning, the NV352 remains a top contender.
