Recently, I had the opportunity to try out the Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501 vacuum cleaner at home. With its reputation for flexibility and robust suction, I was curious to see how it would perform. Here’s what I found after testing it on a mix of different surfaces and types of debris.
Upright vacuums — modern twists on the traditional vacuum cleaners of yesteryear — are more compact and easier to store than canister vacuums, and more powerful than stick vacuums. They’re also easy to use, so they’re good for spot cleaning and well-suited to households full of pets or kids that require heavier-duty spot cleaning than a handheld vacuum can provide.
To help you choose the best upright vacuum, I spent two weeks testing seven highly rated models. We put each one through a series of tests, from cleaning up the fur left behind from two dogs and three cats to sucking up cat litter spills, assessing performance, overall ease of use and usefulness of attachments. In the end, I found three winners capable of handling your cleanup needs.
Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501 Vacuum Review
With great cleaning power and maneuverability, the Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501 was a standout in all our testing and the best upright vacuum overall. This deal at Amazon saves you $80 on a brand-new model.
Product Details:
The Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501 is a 2-in-1 vacuum that boasts a powerful upright vacuum and a portable lift-away pod for convenient cleaning of stairs and above-floor areas. It features an advanced swivel steering design that enhances maneuverability around furniture and other obstacles. The vacuum comes equipped with a wide array of tools including a pet power brush, crevice tool, and a dusting brush which nicely enhance its cleaning capabilities. The dust cup holds 1.3 quarts of dirt and debris and is designed for easy detachment and emptying.
Pros:
- Powerful Suction: The NV501 does not disappoint when it comes to suction power. It effectively picks up dirt, pet hair, and debris from a variety of surfaces including carpets, hardwood floors, and tiles.
- HEPA Filter and Anti-Allergen Technology: This vacuum is equipped with a HEPA filter which traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This feature is a significant advantage for allergy sufferers.
- Lift-Away Technology: The lift-away feature allows you to easily detach the canister from the floor base, making it super convenient to clean stairs, ceilings, and hard-to-reach areas.
- Versatile Attachments: The included attachments are very useful. The pet power brush is particularly effective at removing pet hair from upholstered furniture.
- Easy to Navigate: The advanced swivel steering makes navigating around furniture and corners effortless.
Cons:
- Weight: While not the heaviest, the NV501 is still somewhat bulky, which might be a drawback for some users, especially when using it as an upright on larger areas.
- Noise Level: It operates at a higher noise level compared to some other vacuums in its class.
- Cord Management: The vacuum has a 25-foot cord, which is ample for most rooms, but the cord management could be improved. It tends to get in the way and does not have an automatic retract feature.
Overall Experience:
Using the Shark Rotator NV501 in my home has been a great experience. The versatility it offers with its lift-away feature combined with its powerful suction capability makes it an excellent tool for thorough home cleaning. The HEPA filter and anti-allergen technology provide an added layer of hygiene, making it suitable for homes with allergy sufferers.
The few drawbacks noted, such as its weight and noise level, are minor when compared to the benefits it provides. It’s a robust vacuum cleaner that delivers on its promise of a professional-grade clean, capable of handling a variety of cleaning tasks with ease. Whether it’s pet hair, spilled cereal, or dust bunnies, the Shark Rotator NV501 has proven to be a reliable ally in keeping my home clean.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Overall, the Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501 vacuum cleaner is a solid choice for anyone looking for a powerful, versatile vacuum cleaner that can handle a variety of cleaning situations. Its pros definitely outweigh the cons, making it a worthwhile investment for a clean and allergen-free home.
