Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe (NV360)

My comments here are similar in response to reviewer Alex below, but I thought I’d write an actual review in case others don’t see my comments to Alex.

As the title states, this is THE best vacuum I’ve ever used. I bought it over a year ago at Target. On first using it, I was amazed. The suction on this is amazing! That has got to be the most important feature on any vacuum, right? We want it to pick up junk. Well this picks up what you see, and then gets to work on what you cannot see. It’s great. And even though the suction it great, it’s not so powerful that you cannot pull it away from whatever you’re vacuuming. It’s just properly designed.

PROS of this vacuum:

1. Swivel – I’ve never owed one before, and it’s a very nice feature. It works fine, no issues.

2. Attachments – very useful attachments, brush and narrow attachments stay with the vacuum when not in use. They actually stay on their posts. No signs of cracking.

3. Sound – it’s not very loud at all. We previously had a cheap Dirt Devil. Yikes, that thing could bust an eardrum. It was so annoying to use. This Shark is at a much lower, tolerable decibel.

4. Removable canister – I love this! I can walk around carrying it. It’s not very heavy. Vacuuming stairs is much easier.

5. Easy-to-clean debris canister. Both top and bottom open up to remove debris. You can wash it out, as well as the filters. Be sure to immediately dry screws or other metal parts. But most of it can air dry.

6. It’s overall lightweight. Children over the age of 9 (give or take) should have no problem handling it. As well, any adult who is weaker should have few or no issues.

NEUTRAL – other things to consider:

1. Narrow profile. It can be stored in a small space. I love this! The drawback for some May be that it then does have a narrower path of what it’s picking up. So it may take a few extra rows of vacuuming (does that make sense?).

2. Telescoping attachment – nice for under furniture. But I forget to use it because it’s stored away. So it’s not attached to the vacuum. This is very little bother to me though. I just need to remember to use it!

3. No retractable cord – definitely not a deal-breaker at all.

4. Debris canister is not large. We have to empty it a few times in one vacuuming (two story house though). This isn’t a bother, though. It’s amazing (a little troubling at times 😉 to see what it picks up.

Well, that’s all I can think of. I will probably buy another one of these. Mine is working as strongly as day one, no issues at all; but I definitely want a replacement ready for whenever I need it. I’m so impressed with this vacuum, and can’t believe I can write so much about it. But now we all enjoy vacuuming, even my children.

I may update in a year 🙂

UPDATE: November 3, 2015

At about a year and a half later, we are still using our vacuum! It is going as strong as the day we bought it. One of the attachments developed a slight crack shortly after my first review, due to operator error (being too hasty). Still, the crack has remained very small and the attachment still stays put. We bought a second vacuum, the exact model, as I previously expected. We now keep one upstairs and one downstairs.

This model vacuum is so dependable, working perfectly every time we use it.

Purchased this today as a birthday present for myself. After researching, I knew I wanted something that I could carry with me as I clean the carpeted stairs. The break away canister if genius!

I have two cats, two sons, and one long-haired daughter. So our stairs tend to be pretty disgusting. Especially with the Dyson dead and the Miele in the shop (again). Those two vacuums together cost more than my first car. But for only $150+ (using coupons and cash-back at my favorite department store), this little guy has saved the day. More features than it advertises: (1) stair roller is suction powered, but unlike the Dyson, this one actually works!, (2) and what’s that? a little compartment opens up on the roller brush so you can clean out the long hair? where has that been all my life? (3) the attachments are super easy to change on the fly (4) I did not drop the machine down the stairs a single time because it’s both easy to hold *and* is narrow enough to sit on the step without going tumble bumble down the stairs (5) you can use the attachments either with the short little handle or with the long tube, including the crevice tool to avoid stooping all down the hallway (6) it picks up the finest dust I have ever seen in a machine (7) at full suction (it’s adjustable) you have to pull against it, which makes the brush work great – almost self-propelled sort of.

In short, it’s exactly what I need, and what my other machines haven’t provided, despite costing 4-5 times what this one cost. I’ve had smaller shark machines before (the handheld thing and a steam cleaner) and I wasn’t impressed. This is of a completely different level of quality than those older machines. If it lasts a year, it will be well worth the price, and of course, it ought to last much longer.

I like this vacuum – GREAT SUCTION; however, there are several features that should be noted that are negative: (1) cord is way too short; (2) machine is top heavy or something because it falls over a lot; (3) hose – even after trying my best to stretch and stretch it out, still gives me fits when I am trying to reach it high on walls, ceiling lights, etc.; (4) extension rod could be longer; (5) extension for under furniture and appliances comes off too easily when vacuuming.