Shark Navigator Lift Away Vacuum (NV350)

Friday, 07 January 2011

The Shark Navigator (model NV22) is a popular and well-liked vacuum cleaner, but there is now a new model under the Navigator name called the NV350 Lift-Away, and it is getting good consumer ratings. The Lift-Away is similar to the Shark Navigator NV22 in many ways (strong suction, not too expensive, 5-year warranty) but it is also very lightweight and it comes with a detachable canister. [REF Euro-Pro Vacuum Reviews 2011]

A review of consumer comments from several quality sources provides the following Navigator Lift-Away likes and dislikes:

PROS
- Powerful suction
- Fairly quiet
- Sealed system (for high quality filtration)
- Brushbar can be turned on and off
- Plenty of attachments
- Easy to empty dirt canister
- Works well on different surfaces (carpet and hard)
- Detachable canister is great for doing stairs
- Filters are washable
- Swivel head creates good maneuverability
- Very easy to assemble
- Lengthy 5 year warranty

CONS
- Power cord is a little short
- Narrow nozzle width
- Canister piece is a bit bulky when trying to get under furniture
- Limited on-board tool storage
- Lots of plastic in construction

The Navigator NV350 Lift-Away appears to be getting pretty good consumer ratings, although it should be said that there are limited ratings available as of yet. Also, several consumers have compared this unit to a Dyson and indicated that (in their opinion) it is a comparable machine for a fraction of the cost. A review of online sources provides the following consumer ratings for the Shark Navigator Lift-Away:

Source	Consumer Ratings	#Ratings
Amazon	4.4 out of 5	20
Bed Bath & Beyond	5 out of 5	3
Target	3 out of 5	2
Epinions	5 out of 5	1

It is likely that consumers sometimes compare this to a Dyson because of its marketing. It is described as using “no loss of suction” technology, having replaceable filters, and using HEPA filtration. These three areas also feature prominent in Dyson vacuum cleaner marketing. Actually quite a few bagless vacuum cleaners on the market today have these features. Having said that, it is interesting that a number of consumers appear to like this as much or even more than a Dyson – although the extent to which these folks have experience with a Dyson is not known.

“No Loss of Suction” technology is simply cyclonic suction which uses air spinning at a very high speed to remove debris from the airflow. This approach is said to help keep the filters cleaner longer, and ensure that there is limited obstruction to airflow thereby maintaining vacuum suction (unlike a bagged machine where the bag slowly fills and begins to limit airflow and therefore suction). The filters on the Navigator Lift-Away are also washable (like those on a Dyson) so there is no need to buy replacements.

There are only a few vacuums on the market that have a sealed system and the navigator Lift-Away is one of them (fairly common feature on a Miele canister vacuum). A sealed system ensures that all the air that enters the vacuum is passed through the filters (air does not flow around the filters or escape to the outside through cracks in the vacuum body), an approach that generates high quality exhaust air. It is particularly useful when coupled with HEPA filtration.

And yes, the Lift-Away also comes with HEPA filtration – a very high level of filtration that removes many allergens from the air. HEPA filtration is a popular feature for those suffering from allergies or asthma, and the Navigator Lift-Away has actually been certified by the British Allergy Foundation. HEPA stands for “high efficiency particulate air” and it is a level of filtration that removes 99.97% of all particles with a diameter of 0.3 microns or greater from the air. This typically includes pollen, pet dander, dust, dust mites, etc. Please note that not all Lift-Away models come with a HEPA filter. If HEPA is important to you check carefully before you buy.

It seems that the Navigator NV350’s canister or “lift-away” feature is no gimmick as consumers frequently allude to how well it works. The canister along with the handle (with or without extension wand) is removed from the main body of the vacuum, and it is then carried around for cleaning areas such as stairs, ceilings, under furniture, etc.

A picture is worth a thousand words and the following video will help show some of the vacuum features and highlights. Bear in mind however that this is a commercial and can be a little annoying with its strong sales pitch.

The Navigator Lift-Away vacuum also comes with several attachments and tools which include:
- Pet hair turbo brush (consumers indicate that this works well)
- Crevice tool (extra long at 24 inches)
- On-board crevice tool
- On-board dusting brush
- Accessory bag (for carrying the tools that do not fit on-board)

The Lift-Away has a motorized brushbar that can be turned on or off, and consumers indicate that the vacuum is very good on both carpets and bare floors. The cleaning path width is only 11 inches which is a little narrow however. Although there are comments that some like the narrow nozzle as it makes maneuvering around furniture easier.

As advertised the Shark Navigator Lift Away is quite lightweight. It weighs in at 12.8 lbs (all together) and the canister itself weighs only 7.5 lbs. This is indeed fairly light for an upright vacuum. The unit comes with a 25 foot power cord which is long enough for some consumers while others feel it is a little short. In our experience a 30+ foot cord is best (if you can get it). The NV350 Lift-Away also has an automatic power nozzle shut off feature should the brushbar be obstructed. This saves the vacuum belt and the nozzle motor.

This is a bagless vacuum cleaner and many consumers point out that the dirt canister is quite easy to empty. It is a bottom empty canister with a 3 quart capacity. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away carries a 5 year limited warranty and it only comes in lavender.

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Josie

| 71.230.150.226 | 2011-02-20 13:28:20

Bought the Shark Navigator Lift-Away on 2/19/11. Decided to get it for our vacation home. Bought a much more expensive Dyson DC25 in December, 2010 for our primary home. Having had the opportunity to compare the two the Shark is every bit as good as the Dyson when it comes to vaccuuming rugs and hard floors. The Shark is better and easier to use when using the attachments. For the price and performance you can't beat it. Wish I had know about it before buying the Dyson. Could have saved a lots of money.

Kay	\| 99.108.181.203 \| 2011-06-25 09:55:16

Purchased it in January of this year. Simply the best vacuum I have ever had (and as a pet lover I have gone through many). Great product!

Scott - Chef.

| 98.240.105.50 | 2011-07-09 10:18:04

Just bought one today and so far I am very impressed. Did not realize how much dirt/dust my previous cleaning equipment was missing. Very easy to assemble and use. Swivel head goes wherever. Haven't even tried to use the lift away feature yet and I am satisfied with the purchase. Money well spent.

Cathi

| 68.207.213.48 | 2011-09-25 03:13:52

I have a Shark Vac & Steam...I never realized how dirty my hard floors were until I used this on it. I'm next purchase is the Navigator. God only knows what I'll see with that!

OCD	\| 173.81.253.244 \| 2011-11-04 23:57:26

I was absolutely disgusted with what I found, being a person who suffers from OCD, I vacum my entire house every single day, thought my house was clean, until my vacum cleaner burnt up,I seen the comercials for the Shark Lift-Away, thinking it was just another thing they want us to spend money on and not the product they claim it to be,desperate for a vacum, and it being late at night, I thought I would try it, and if it didn't work then I would try something else, I bought my Shark and came home to vacum my house immediately, and what I found was absolutely disgusting, I was actually sick at seeing the things the Shark picked up, and ashamed, I must say that this is the product they claim it to be, thank you for actually making a product that is everything you advertise it to be, and for the help in a cleaner, and healthier home

Tracey

| 72.146.42.26 | 2011-12-07 06:48:28

I just purchased the Shark Navigator Liftaway Pro vacuum yesterday. It was very easy to put together and the instructions are easy to follow. Let me say first that I have what I thought was a perfectly good vacuum; a Hoover Pet Cyclonic that I've only had for about a year. The problem I have with it is it's very heavy and when vacuuming over area rugs that are on top of carpeting it's very difficult. I have slight back problems and I have arthritis is both wrists. I would have to take several breaks to give my back and wrists a rest when I vacuumed so I was looking for something that was easier to use and lighter in weight. The navigator is not that much lighter than my hoover but it rolls so much better and easier over the carpet and hardwood floors. I vacuumed in less than half the time because I didn't have to take a break. One of the best features this vacuum has is the ability to adjust the suction because I tell you what.. I think this thing could suck the color right out of your carpet. I've never used such a powerful machine before. I can adjust it for a little less suction when I'm going over my area rugs that used to get stuck in my other vacuum. Also, I really love how easy and cleaner it is to empty the dust/dirt recepticle. With my hoover I would have to take the vacuum outside, take the dirt recepticle off (while watching dirt and dust swarm around me) hold it inside a bag, unscrew the cap and lift that off and shake the cap and the recepticle inside t...

Pete	\| 98.244.28.48 \| 2011-12-11 17:06:37

Bought the Shark off the infomercial, paid too much. $301 with shipping and handling with the extra head for floors. Then I see the same thing in the stores for $179. We like it and it has great suction, and cleans very well. On the down side, the cord is not long enough, and as for the hose, it is way too short! They make it look easy with the lift off, which it is, but the hose is jus too short, everytime you move, unless you are holding it, it falls over. I am looking for a hose attachment for the hose, not the long plastic one that comes with it. So far I have not found anything on the net or the shark web site. Overall it is a good vacuum, empties easy, and has great suction. Just don't buy it from the infomercial, and you don't need the $29 floor attachment.

Dawn - Shark Navigator Lift Away

| 99.105.76.178 | 2012-01-11 08:47:08

Recently purchased the Shark Navigator lift away. I must say just as everyone else has said the suction is great. I love the manuverability and lighter weight of the unit. It is an excellent vaccuum when used as an upright. However,the picture in the advertising that shows the woman on the stairs with the unit in her hand always created a question in my mind that I couldn't quite put my finger on. Now I know. I love the idea that the cannister is removable however it is not functionable. The unit is too light to be used with the hose as it falls over. The metal coil or spring in the hose is too strong for the weight of the vacuum. I am so dissappointed and have no recourse but to return it. The vaccuum falls over constantly while using the hose. Whether you leave the canister on or off it continues to fall over (scratching, chipping and denting your furniture) You MUST carry the unit in one hand while using the hose in your other hand. How can you clean carring a vaccuum cleaner in one hand. Ceiling fans and other overhead areas are impossible. Vaccuuming couches, chairs etc is also impossible because you can't use your other hand to move pillows, custions etc, not to mention getting into corners and small places with furniture in position. This I found extremely challenging and extremely frustrating. Yes, I do move furniture when cleaning but not all furniture can be moved and you NEED two hands to clean effeciently. Additionally, the design makes it very cumbersome while...

Ron - Shark Navigator Vac

| 75.104.99.118 | 2012-02-15 20:32:33

Just bought this vacuum. It has awesome suction power and works great on plush/low pile carpet however, on my high pile "shag" style rugs & carpet the extreme suction sucks in the carpet and binds up the brushroll...everytime, this is frustrating and there is NO HIEGHT ADJUSTMENT on the unit. A great vacuum but I do not recommend it for high pile or "shag" type carpets.

Joyce - Shark Navigator Euro Pro

| 67.209.27.240 | 2012-02-18 09:01:25

Great Housekeeping Tool. Light weight, pivots into corners easy. Cleaned up Pet hair and Berber Carpet Dust. No Odor from storage, due to desposing dirt. I found One flaw so far. For underneath beds, even though the canister is detachable, you should design a reattachment prong for the end of the wand, so you can use the drive belt on the sweeper head, to be used with the wand under the bed. Other wise Great R&D Product! I would recommend it to anyone!

Tina - Shark Navigator lift away

| 174.19.89.114 | 2012-04-24 13:48:08

loved the unit itself, however, it broke after 2 months. I called the company and they sent the postage paid labels for return. I sent the unit back ( i did have to purchase the box, 16.00). They have had my vaccuum now for 30 days. I have called several times with the operators having "no idea" what has happened. I have again called today, and they are shipping a new vaccuum to me. The vaccuum it great I think....only 2 months of use, but the costomer service, and repair service, is lacking ALOT!! I am disappointed.