10 Best Stick Vacuum Cleaners

The Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a strong contender in the stick vacuum category, particularly for those seeking a lightweight and versatile cleaning solution. Weighing 3.71 kg, it is easy to maneuver around the home, making it suitable for users who prioritize convenience. Its 70-minute runtime is impressive for a cordless vacuum, allowing for extended cleaning sessions without frequent recharges. The vacuum's Auto-Empty Base, which holds up to 2 liters, adds convenience by reducing the frequency of manual emptying, a significant advantage for allergy sufferers thanks to its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal and Anti-Odour technology.

In terms of suction power, Shark claims this model is their best yet, featuring advanced DuoClean Detect technology that adapts to different floor types and detects hidden dirt. This promises thorough cleaning across various surfaces, and the Anti Hair Wrap Plus feature is particularly beneficial for pet owners, as it effectively handles pet hair. The inclusion of multiple attachments, such as a motorized pet tool and multi-surface tool, adds to its versatility.

However, the vacuum's dustbin capacity is relatively small at 0.7 liters, which could require frequent emptying during extensive cleaning tasks. Additionally, while the Auto-Empty Dock is a convenient feature, it may require some adjustment for users not accustomed to such systems. With a noise level of 80 dB, it is on the louder side, which might be a consideration for those in quieter households.

Given its comprehensive set of features and attachments, the Shark PowerDetect vacuum is well-suited for households with pets or individuals needing a powerful, all-in-one cleaning tool that addresses both floors and above-floor surfaces. Its combination of convenience and powerful cleaning performance makes it a beneficial choice for those seeking a capable stick vacuum cleaner.

The Shark Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner Pet Pro stands out with impressive features catering to households with pets and varied floor types. Its Anti Hair Wrap Plus technology is a significant strength, efficiently handling long, short, and pet hair by removing it from the brush roll as you clean. This feature simplifies maintenance and makes it a top choice for pet owners. Additionally, the Clean Sense IQ is a smart feature that senses dirt and automatically adjusts the suction power, ensuring an effective clean across different surfaces with the DuoClean floorhead that transitions seamlessly from carpets to hard floors.

The vacuum's 120-minute runtime, thanks to its two removable batteries, is another strong point, providing extended cleaning sessions without frequent recharging. The option to charge batteries on or off the vacuum adds convenience. With a lightweight design of 2.16 kg in use, maneuverability is a breeze, making it suitable for quick cleans and spot-checks. However, the dustbin capacity is 0.7 litres, which might require frequent emptying if you have a large home or many pets.

The inclusion of anti-odour technology is beneficial for maintaining a fresh-smelling home, especially with pets around. The vacuum also offers a range of accessories, including a motorised pet tool, crevice tool, and multi-surface tools, enhancing its versatility.

On the downside, the vacuum is somewhat heavier when considering the total weight of 5.5 kg, which could be a concern for prolonged use or for those with mobility issues. Additionally, while the filtration system is adequate with a cartridge type, it might not be as advanced as HEPA filters found in some models, potentially impacting those with severe allergies.

In essence, the Shark Stratos is a well-rounded choice for pet owners seeking powerful cleaning with smart features, though keep in mind the dustbin size and overall weight for specific home needs.

The Shark Clean and Empty Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is a solid choice if you're after a lightweight, easy-to-handle stick vacuum that doesn’t skimp on cleaning power. Its suction is notably strong—about 50% more than one of Shark's previous models—which means it can handle pet hair and everyday dirt on various floors effectively. One of its standout features is the anti-hair wrap technology, which helps prevent tangled hair on the brush-roll, making it especially useful for pet owners or homes with long hair. It also has a HEPA filter and an anti-allergen seal, which is great if you’re concerned about dust and allergens in your home.

Battery life is impressive with up to 40 minutes on a single charge, and you get two removable batteries, effectively doubling your cleaning time if you swap them. This is useful for larger homes or deeper cleans without waiting to recharge. The vacuum weighs about 2.7 kg, making it quite light and easy to maneuver, plus the wand bends to reach under furniture without much effort.

The dustbin holds around 1.3 liters and the vacuum comes with an auto-empty base, so you don’t have to frequently handle dust disposal. Included attachments like a crevice tool and multi-surface tool add versatility for corners and different floor types. Although the vacuum is designed to be quiet, it still operates at about 80 dB, which might be a bit loud for some users. Also, the total weight including batteries and dock is moderate but could feel a little heavy if you prefer ultra-light machines. Lastly, delivery restrictions outside mainland UK may affect availability. This Shark vacuum is an excellent fit for pet owners or anyone needing a cordless, powerful, and flexible cleaner with convenient features like auto-empty and anti-hair wrap. It balances strong suction and battery life with user-friendly design, though the noise and slightly heavier weight might be worth considering.