A Shark vacuum is a vacuum cleaner or steam mop from the Shark brand, best known for self-cleaning brushrolls that stop long hair and pet hair wrapping around the roller.
The range covers several distinct formats. Corded uprights give constant suction for carpet and stairs. Cordless stick vacuums trade runtime for a lighter machine. 3-in-1 convertibles change between upright, stick and handheld. Steam mops handle sealed hard floors with water alone.
The numbers that separate the models are weight, bin size and runtime. The corded uprights in this guide weigh 6.5 kg to 7.6 kg with dust cups of 0.83 L to 1.6 L, while the cordless stick weighs 3.2 kg and Shark quotes up to 60 minutes of runtime in its lowest power mode.
This guide compares four Shark vacuums and two Shark steam mops available to New Zealand buyers, with pros, cons and key specs for each.
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| Shark Navigator Pet Vacuum | Best Budget Upright for Pet Hair |
| Shark Corded Upright Vacuum with DuoClean | Best Upright for Stairs and Mixed Floors |
| Shark PowerDetect Transformer 3-in-1 Upright | Best 3-in-1 Corded Upright |
| Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty | Best Cordless Stick with Auto-Empty Dock |
| Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Mop | Best Automatic Steam Mop for Sealed Hard Floors |
| Shark Steam Mop | Best Lightweight Steam Mop for Light Cleans |
1. Shark Navigator Pet Vacuum – Best Budget Upright for Pet Hair

The ZU62ANZ is a corded upright finished in grey and yellow, with a self-cleaning brushroll that separates hair from the bristles as it works. It comes with an extendable hose that reaches up to 3.6 m, plus a duster crevice tool, dusting brush and upholstery tool. The 7.6 m cord covers most living areas before the plug needs moving.
Owner feedback on carpet is positive. Reviewers with dogs report a surprising amount of hair lifted from carpet, and the manufacturer says the sealed filter system traps 99.9 per cent of dust and allergens. A hose attachment makes stairs and upholstery manageable without a second machine.
The main trade-off is weight, at 7.3 kg, and several owners call it heavy for stairs or small spaces. The head is reported to be too tall for low furniture, and the cord is a little shorter than some rivals. The dust cup is listed at 1.6 L on Shark’s NZ product page, so large homes will need to empty it often.
Pros
- Self-cleaning brushroll that keeps hair off the bristles
- Extendable hose reaches up to 3.6 m for stairs and upholstery
- Sealed filtration claimed to trap 99.9 per cent of dust and allergens
- 7.6 m cord and swivel steering for open rooms
- Two-year warranty on Shark’s NZ page
- The lowest-priced vacuum in this lineup on Shark’s own NZ store
Cons
- Heavy at 7.3 kg for carrying up stairs
- Head does not fit under low furniture, according to owners
- 1.6 L dust cup needs regular emptying
- No independent lab test found, so pickup claims rest on owner reports
Key specs: Type: Corded upright, bagless | Cord/battery: 7.6 m cord, 960 W | Bin: 1.6 L dust cup | Weight: 7.3 kg | Hose: extendable, up to 3.6 m | Warranty: 2 years
2. Shark Corded Upright Vacuum with DuoClean – Best Upright for Stairs and Mixed Floors

The NZ801 is a navy and orange corded upright built around Shark’s DuoClean floorhead, which uses two brushrolls to handle both larger debris and fine dust on carpet and hard floor. The self-cleaning brushroll is designed to stop hair wrapping around the roller. LED headlights and swivel steering help around furniture.
Powered Lift-Away is the main reason to choose it. The canister lifts off the wand so stairs, under-furniture gaps and other tight spots can be cleaned while the brushrolls keep spinning. The 8 m cord, 1.6 m hose, washable HEPA filters and a pet-friendly toolset round out the package.
The dust cup is small at 0.83 L, so it needs emptying more often in a multi-pet home. At 6.5 kg on Shark’s NZ page it is not light, and Shark’s NZ store showed it as out of stock at the time of checking. No independent lab test was found, so performance claims come from the manufacturer.
Pros
- DuoClean floorhead with two brushrolls for carpet and hard floor
- Powered Lift-Away keeps brushrolls spinning for stairs and furniture
- Self-cleaning brushroll to reduce hair wrap
- 8 m cord and washable HEPA filters
- LED headlights and swivel steering
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Small 0.83 L dust cup
- 6.5 kg is not light for carrying
- Shark NZ listed it as out of stock when checked
- No independent test found
Key specs: Type: Corded upright with Powered Lift-Away, bagless | Cord/battery: 8 m cord, 750 W | Bin: 0.83 L | Weight: 6.5 kg | Hose: 1.6 m | Filter: washable HEPA | Warranty: 2 years
3. Shark PowerDetect Transformer 3-in-1 Upright – Best 3-in-1 Corded Upright

The LX5000ANZ is a corded upright that converts into a corded stick and a corded handheld. PowerDetect sensors read dirt level, floor type, edges and cleaning direction, then adjust suction and brushroll speed automatically. A blue LED light shows fine dust on hard floors.
Because every mode runs from the mains, there is no battery to charge and no drop in power halfway through a clean. Docking the handheld pod back into the machine empties it into the main dust cup. DuoClean Detect, reverse cleaning and a self-cleaning brushroll are included, with settings for hard floor, low pile carpet and thick carpet or rugs.
Weight is the trade-off. Shark’s NZ page lists 7.6 kg, and reviewers of the UK version describe the full upright as heavy, with the stick form noticeably lighter. The detachable pod holds roughly 0.4 L in independent testing of the UK version, so it suits quick jobs rather than whole-house handheld cleaning.
Pros
- Converts between upright, stick and handheld in one machine
- Corded power in every mode, no battery to charge
- PowerDetect automatically adjusts suction and brushroll speed
- Handheld pod auto-empties into the main dust cup
- 9 m cord and settings for thick carpet and area rugs
- Blue LED light reveals fine dust
Cons
- 7.6 kg in upright form
- Small handheld pod, around 0.4 L in UK testing
- Cord limits stairs and car use
- Independent testing found is of the UK model, not the ANZ model
Key specs: Type: Corded 3-in-1 upright, stick and handheld, bagless | Cord/battery: 9 m cord, 700 W | Bin: 1 L dust cup | Weight: 7.6 kg | Settings: Detect, hard floor, carpet/low pile, thick carpet/area rug
4. Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty – Best Cordless Stick with Auto-Empty Dock

The IA3241ANZ is a cordless stick vacuum sold as the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean & Empty, and it ships with an auto-empty dock. It is not a robot or an upright. PowerDetect sensors adjust power to dirt and floor type, forward and reverse cleaning picks up debris from both directions, and the MultiFLEX wand bends for reach under furniture.
The dock charges the vacuum and empties the 0.5 L dust cup into a 2 L dock bag. Shark states the dock holds up to 45 days of dust and debris. The machine weighs 3.2 kg and includes a self-cleaning brushroll, a blue LED light for hard floors and Eco, Detect and Boost settings.
Runtime is the area to watch. Shark quotes up to 60 minutes in ECO mode with a non-motorised tool, and independent testing found that ECO is enough for a whole home while carpet and heavier modes drain the battery much faster. That testing also found filtration of fine particles to be weak, so allergy sufferers may want to compare alternatives.
Pros
- Auto-empty dock holds up to 45 days of dust, per Shark
- 3.2 kg stick is light for stairs and above-floor cleaning
- Removable battery, per independent testing
- Self-cleaning brushroll for pet and long hair
- MultiFLEX wand bends for under-furniture reach
- Strong pet hair pickup on carpet in early independent comparison
Cons
- Up to 60 minutes only in ECO mode with a non-motorised tool
- Runtime drops quickly on higher power settings
- Independent testing found weak fine-particle filtration
- 0.5 L dust cup
Key specs: Type: Cordless stick vacuum with auto-empty dock | Cord/battery: removable battery, up to 60 min in ECO mode, 350 W | Bin: 0.5 L dust cup, 2 L dock | Weight: 3.2 kg | Settings: Eco, Detect, Boost | Dock: up to 45 days of debris
5. Shark Steam & Scrub Automatic Mop – Best Automatic Steam Mop for Sealed Hard Floors

The S7001ANZ is a steam mop with rotating scrubbing pads, so the pads do the scrubbing instead of the user. Shark states the sonic mopping head scrubs at 150 times per minute and applies 10 times more pressure than traditional steam mopping. It heats in about 60 seconds and offers Light, Normal and Deep steam settings.
It suits sealed hard floors such as tile, hardwood, marble and stone, and cleans with water only. LED headlights show hidden debris. The pack includes four scrubbing pads (two sets) and a filling flask, and the 8 m cord gives good room coverage.
At 3.1 kg and with a 350 ml tank it is heavier and has a slightly smaller tank than some rivals. Owner reviews overseas are mostly positive, but recurring complaints mention swirl marks, pads coming off, and limited power on tough stains. Shark’s claims of 99 per cent bacteria removal and up to 2 times better stain removal were tested under controlled conditions against Shark’s own S1000, not independently.
Pros
- Rotating pads scrub automatically at 150 rpm
- Three steam settings: Light, Normal and Deep
- Heats in about 60 seconds
- 8 m cord and LED headlights
- Four scrubbing pads and a filling flask included
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- 3.1 kg is heavy for a mop
- 350 ml tank is modest
- Owners report pads detaching and limited effect on stubborn stains
- Sanitisation and stain claims are Shark’s own tests
- Only for sealed hard floors
Key specs: Type: Automatic steam mop with rotating pads | Cord/battery: 8 m cord, 1120 W | Tank: 350 ml | Weight: 3.1 kg | Heat-up: 60 seconds | Settings: 3 steam levels | Warranty: 2 years
6. Shark Steam Mop – Best Lightweight Steam Mop for Light Cleans

The S1000 is a manual steam mop that weighs 1.8 kg, the lightest model in this lineup. Steam is released by pumping, there are no settings to manage, and it heats in about 30 seconds. A 5.5 m cord and low-profile head suit tight spaces and small rooms.
It cleans sealed hard floors with water alone and uses washable Dirt Grip microfibre pads, with two included. The 375 ml tank is removable and, per Shark, delivers around 10 to 15 minutes of steam. Shark states it removes 99 per cent of bacteria under controlled test conditions.
The pump action is a little fiddly because steam needs priming and regular pumping, and there is no steam boost. An independent reviewer judged it better for lightly soiled floors than deep-cleaning jobs. The warranty is one year, shorter than the two years on Shark’s vacuums and the S7001.
Pros
- Very light at 1.8 kg
- Heats in about 30 seconds
- Washable microfibre pads, two included
- 5.5 m cord and low-profile head
- 375 ml removable tank
- Simple, no settings to learn
Cons
- Manual pump needs priming and regular pumping
- No steam boost for stubborn stains
- Steam time of about 10 to 15 minutes per fill
- One-year warranty only
- Best for lightly soiled floors
Key specs: Type: Manual steam mop | Cord/battery: 5.5 m cord, 1050 W | Tank: 375 ml | Weight: 1.8 kg | Heat-up: 30 seconds | Warranty: 1 year
How to Choose a Shark Vacuum
Start with the floor mix. Homes that are mostly carpet or wool rugs suit a corded upright, while hard floors and apartments suit a lighter stick or a steam mop.
Decide between corded and cordless. Corded models give constant suction and larger dust cups but need a power point, while cordless sticks are easier on stairs but limit runtime when higher power modes are used.
Check weight and bin size. Shark’s corded uprights range from 6.5 kg to 7.6 kg, and the dust cups range from 0.83 L to 1.6 L, so a larger bin or an auto-empty dock matters in homes with pets.
Match the cleaner to the job. A steam mop only does sealed hard floors and does not replace a vacuum, so many households pair one with an upright. Check the warranty length before buying.
If you are comparing vacuum types more broadly, our guides to vacuum cleaners, bagless vacuum cleaners and robot vacuums cover the other main formats.
For a cordless-only shortlist, see our best cordless stick vacuums guide, and our steam mops guide compares dedicated hard-floor options from other brands.
Verdict
For most New Zealand homes with carpet and pets, the Shark Navigator Pet is the simplest starting point, with a self-cleaning brushroll and an extendable hose at the lowest entry cost in this lineup. The corded upright with DuoClean adds Powered Lift-Away for stairs, though its small 0.83 L cup suits lighter use, and the PowerDetect Transformer is the pick for one corded machine that converts into a stick and handheld. The PowerDetect Speed suits anyone who wants a lighter cordless stick with an auto-empty dock, provided its ECO mode covers their cleaning. For hard floors, the Steam & Scrub does the scrubbing automatically, while the lighter Steam Mop suits small rooms and light cleans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a corded or cordless Shark vacuum better in NZ?
Corded models such as the Navigator Pet, NZ801 and Transformer keep full suction with no battery limit, which suits larger homes and thick carpet. Cordless sticks such as the PowerDetect Speed are lighter for stairs and quick clean-ups, but Shark’s 60 minute runtime applies only in ECO mode with a non-motorised tool.
Do Shark vacuums handle pet hair?
Every vacuum in this lineup has a self-cleaning brushroll designed to separate hair from the bristles, which reduces tangling. Owners of the Navigator Pet report good hair pickup from carpet, though independent lab testing of that model was not found.
Are Shark vacuums suitable for wool rugs and carpet?
Corded uprights with a brushroll suit carpet and low-pile rugs, and the Transformer has a dedicated setting for thick carpet and area rugs. For delicate or long-pile wool rugs, check the manual and use a suction-only or brushroll-off option before vacuuming.
How often should Shark filters be cleaned?
The NZ801 lists washable HEPA filters, which should be rinsed and left to dry fully before refitting. Check the manual for each model, as cleaning intervals and which filters are washable differ.
What warranty applies to Shark vacuums sold in NZ?
Shark’s NZ store lists a two-year warranty on the Navigator Pet, NZ801 and Steam and Scrub, and a one-year warranty on the S1000 steam mop. The warranty for the Transformer LX5000ANZ was not verified on the NZ page, so check at purchase.
Is a steam mop safe for every floor?
Steam mops from Shark are intended for sealed hard floors such as tile, stone, laminate, vinyl and sealed hardwood. They are not suited to unsealed timber or carpet, and the manual should be checked before first use.