Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum evaluation
PowerDetect Cordless: two-minute evaluation
Product information
That is the vacuum by itself:
US: Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum IP1251
UK: Shark PowerDetect Cordless Pet Vacuum Cleaner IP1251UKT
AU: Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum IP1251
There’s additionally a model with an auto-empty base:
US: Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clear & Empty System IP3251
UK: Shark Detect Professional Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Auto-Empty System 1.3L IW3510UK
AU: Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clear & Empty System IP3251
For this evaluation, I examined the IP3251. There could also be minor variations between totally different international locations’ fashions.
The Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum comes with an entire host of good detection options. It is aware of whether or not it is on a tough ground or carpet, how soiled mentioned ground is, whether or not it is close to the sting of a room, and whether or not it is going right into a darkish nook, and can reply accordingly by adjusting suction or brightening its headlights. New to this mannequin is a redesigned floorhead that’s designed to wash simply as effectively on the pull-back because it does when being pushed forwards.
The PowerDetect Cordless additionally incorporates the preferred options from in the present day’s finest Shark vacuums, together with a wand that bends ahead that will help you get underneath furnishings with out having to stoop down. Throughout the wider Shark vary, it is designed to mix the smarts of the Detect Professional vary (which has nearly all the identical detection capabilities) with the outright suction energy of the Stratos line, theoretically making it the most effective cordless vacuum for most individuals.
On take a look at, I used to be fairly impressed. It delivered nice suction, and had no points selecting up effective supplies like flour, and bigger ones like bits of dried filth, cereal, leaves, and extra, from each exhausting ground and a thick rug. All of the detection options labored as marketed and meant an environment friendly, low-effort cleansing session. I used to be to notice that it would not appear to be an choice to make use of the lower-powered Eco mode on comfortable flooring; the vacuum robotically kicks into a better mode. It is good however not wonderful at tackling hair, and I used to be a bit of confused by the ‘suction in reverse’ characteristic that Shark has added to this mannequin. I did not discover any distinction in efficiency on the reverse stroke in comparison with any of the opposite vacuums I’ve examined that aren’t designed to do that.
Worth-wise, it sits within the mid-range of the broader market, and I believe the standard and options greater than justify that worth (comparable detection options from Dyson will set you again much more).
The evaluation mannequin I examined was the model with an elective auto-empty base, the place the onboard dustbin robotically empties into a bigger bin when the vacuum is docked. I believe it is effectively value investing on this further, as a result of it is an incredible effort-saver – and it is likely to be a very sensible choice for allergy victims who wish to reduce potential for particles to make their method again into the air.
That is the brief model; learn on for my full Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum evaluation.
Observe: Shark has launched a robovac in the identical vary, however aside from the identify, there aren’t too many similarities. Examine that one in our Shark PowerDetect Robotic Vacuum and Mop evaluation.
Shark PowerDetect Cordless evaluation: worth & availability
- Checklist worth (vacuum-only): $429.99 / £499.99 / AU$849.99
- Launched: Summer time 2024
- Additionally obtainable with elective auto-empty base
Within the US, the Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum sells for $429.99, or $499.99 when you go for the model with the auto-empty base.
Within the UK, it is £499.99 for simply the vacuum, or £549.99 for the model with the particular base.
Australian consumers can choose up the vacuum for AU$849.99 or with an upgraded base for AU$999.99.
Primarily based on TechRadar’s worth brackets, that is across the lower-premium / higher mid-range band (something over $500 / £400 is counted as premium). General, I really feel just like the construct high quality and the options make this a well-priced vacuum. The DirtDetect system alone is effectively well worth the funding. If you happen to’re on the fence about whether or not to shell out for the auto-empty base, I believe the added comfort is effectively well worth the barely greater worth.
Generally, Shark vacuums are way more affordably priced than, as an illustration, the most effective Dyson vacuums in the marketplace – the Dyson V15 Detect has comparable dirt-detection options, and an inventory worth of $749.99 / £649.99.
By way of comparable fashions throughout the Shark vary, the Shark Detect Professional Cordless prices $379.99 / £349.99. It is a bit much less highly effective than the PowerDetect and it would not have the reverse-suction characteristic, however in any other case the detection/auto options are comparable.
Alternatively, there’s the Shark Stratos Cordless, which prices $499.99 / £349.99. It would not have the identical detection / auto options because the PowerDetect, and I discovered the suction comparable too, so I am unsure why you’d go for a Stratos over a PowerDetect.
Shark provides reductions every now and then for its merchandise. Nonetheless, at time of scripting this mannequin is new out, so that you may not see it discounted besides throughout vacation and particular gross sales occasions. Until then, look to the TechRadar Shark promo codes web page for a deal.
- Worth for cash rating: 4 out of 5
Shark PowerDetect Cordless specs
| Weight: | 7.96lbs |
| Dimensions (H x L x W): | 45.64 x 45.64 x 15.5″ |
| Floorhead width: | 10.19 in / |
| Filter: | Felt + Washable Foam Filters plus HEPA Filter |
| Onboard bin capability: | 0.74 qt |
| Max suction: | Not said |
| Max runtime: | 70 minutes marketed, 67 minutes on take a look at |
| Cost time: | 4 hours |
Shark PowerDetect Cordless evaluation: design
- Operated by button; battery and mode information supplied on a display screen
- Bendable wand allows you to effortlessly clear underneath furnishings
- Non-obligatory auto-empty base
If you happen to’ve used a Shark cordless vacuum earlier than, you’ll rapidly notice that the PowerDetect Cordless has lots of the similar Shark vacuum applied sciences that seem on different fashions, with a number of enhancements. This cordless stick vacuum is 46.34 inches lengthy (which is fairly tall) and has a cleansing path width of 10.19 inches.
Like most cordless vacuums, you’ll be able to take away the wand and swap in one other attachment to be used as a handheld vacuum. Within the stick vacuum configuration, the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clear & Empty System weighs 18.48lbs.
The wand itself is exclusive amongst vacuums in that it’s bendable (this is among the most well-received Shark options, and it is included on a lot of its vacuums – not simply the costly ones). Click on a button and it’ll bend forwards, permitting you to hoover additional underneath beds, couches, and different low furnishings.
The Shark Cordless PowerDetect vacuum has a bunch of various detection options. The DirtDetect system can acknowledge hidden filth and robotically increase the suction energy in response. You possibly can see when the ground is soiled and clear based mostly on the colours – purple or white – that seem on the display screen and across the vacuum head. With EdgeDetect, this Shark vacuum can sense edges and double the suction energy alongside the facet of the floorhead when it’s transferring alongside an edge.
FloorDetect acknowledges the variations between carpets and exhausting flooring and adjusts the ability relying on which one you’re vacuuming. Then there’s LightDetect, which robotically will increase the sunshine on the vacuum if you clear in darkish areas (they are not as shiny as you may discover on the – far costlier – Dyson Gen5detect, although).
New to this mannequin is ‘reverse cleansing’ – specifically, whereas most vacuums simply push bigger particles round when the floorhead is being pulled backwards, the PowerDetect has some patented tooth which can be designed to actively pull it in.
The vacuum is operated by a one-press button, and there is a set off underneath the deal with that permits you to change between the three modes. There is a low-powered Eco mode, high-powered Enhance, and a DirtDetect, which is the one which auto-adjusts suction based mostly on how soiled the ground is. The opposite ‘detect’ options, like EdgeDetect and LightDetect will kick in on any mode.
When the vacuum is turned on, the a round display screen reveals which mode you’re in (a inexperienced leaf for Eco mode, purple circle for Enhance, or a radar graphic for DirtDetect), in addition to an oblong image noting battery life. It is not fairly as clear as Dyson’s model, which can actually spell out what number of minutes of cleansing you have got left within the mode you are at the moment utilizing, but it surely’s nonetheless helpful.
Instruments can fluctuate by area – my evaluation mannequin got here with an 8-inch Crevice Instrument and a Pet Multi-Instrument. It is value flagging that that there’s an elective auto-empty base that I examined out. This can be a new factor that Shark has been embracing these days. Dock the vacuum and the filth from the bin will robotically be sucked into a bigger chamber within the base, so that you needn’t do it manually practically so typically. It additionally creates someplace to retailer the vacuum, and costs it too.
If you happen to just like the sound of the PowerDetect’s options however need one thing barely totally different, there is a PowerDetect Upright and a PowerDetect Corded Stick additionally within the vary.
Shark PowerDetect Cordless evaluation: efficiency
- Auto adjustment options work effectively
- Good suction on each exhausting flooring and carpet
- Comfy to make use of; floorhead pivots fairly effectively
I’ve examined a Shark vacuum earlier than – the Shark Stratos Cordless IZ862H vacuum cleaner to be precise, so I knew roughly what to anticipate. I used to be glad to see that the design was practically the identical, although barely higher in some respects with the Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum vacuum.
This product is simple to make use of, regardless of when you’re utilizing it as a handheld vacuum or in its typical cordless stick type. It switches on with the one press of a button, so you do not have to fret about holding down a set off whereas vacuuming. The vacuum itself may be very comfy to make use of. It would not really feel heavy or unbalanced, and strikes easily as a ground vac and is simple to maneuver as a handheld.
The one factor I seen instantly was simply how tall this stick vacuum is. The wand gives a whole lot of size to succeed in excessive ceilings or underneath beds, which is sweet for somebody like me with 10-foot ceilings, though it may show a bit unwieldy when you’re coping with cramped hallways, for instance.
Much more importantly, the wand can bend forwards with the push of a button, which helps you to attain underneath couches and chairs with out having to lean over or squat down. Add onto the truth that the pinnacle swivels a good quantity (though it is not as maneuverable as a Dyson), and I can attain awkward areas round my furnishings with none difficulty.
To find out the vacuum’s efficiency capabilities, I ran quite a few exams. I began by vacuuming my complete home which is made up of historic hardwood flooring, rugs, and laminate flooring. I seen instantly that the vacuum nozzle lights up robotically when the machine is working. These lights received brighter once I vacuumed in low mild areas, which made it simpler to see filth, mud, and particles.
My favourite facet of this vacuum is the DirtDetect system, as a result of it will increase the suction robotically when it detects hidden filth or particles. When this occurs, the loop across the display screen modifications colours from white to purple (Shark claims the colour is blue and never white, however I suppose it might be a lightweight grey blue). The LED lights on the vacuum head match the colours on the display screen. It’s assumed that when the suction energy returns to regular, the ground is freed from filth.
It was necessary for me to run quite a few exams to see simply how effectively the vacuum may choose up varied gadgets from the bottom. To do that, I taped a four-by-four-foot sq. on my laminate ground and on considered one of my giant, thick rugs. I sprinkled every sq. with flour after which used the vacuum’s lowest setting – Eco – to suck up the flour.
When it got here to the laminate ground, the vacuum picked up practically each little bit of flour on a single once-over. I noticed solely three specks of flour remaining once I was accomplished. I didn’t discover any distinction when vacuuming ahead or backward over the flour.
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When doing this similar take a look at on a thick rug, I noticed rapidly that I used to be not ready to make use of Eco mode, though I set the vacuum to that setting. The Shark vacuum acknowledged that I used to be vacuuming a rug and elevated its suction robotically. There doesn’t appear to be any technique to stop this. Nonetheless, the vacuum did an excellent higher job eradicating the flour from the rug in a single move than it did on the laminate ground, as I didn’t see any flour remaining behind once I was accomplished.
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Subsequent, I crunched up breakfast cereal (Cheerios, to be exact) and sprinkled them in each squares. Whether or not it was laminate flooring or the rug, the vacuum did a equally excellent job, particularly once I vacuumed ahead. If I pulled the vacuum backwards over the grinded cheerios, a number of the bigger items received caught behind the wheels and thus weren’t suctioned up till I made a ahead move. That is a bit of disappointing, on condition that having the ability to suck up giant bits of particles on the reverse is one thing that Shark claims is a selected ability of this vacuum.
Generally, I wasn’t tremendous impressed with this characteristic. It is not that it did something damaging, it is simply that I did not discover any distinction in efficiency on the reverse stroke in comparison with different vacuums I’ve examined, together with the Shark Stratos, which does not have this characteristic.
In my view, the suction alongside the sides of the floorhead are simply as robust as it’s alongside the entrance. Actually, when an edge is detected, you’ll discover that the headlights on that facet of the vacuum develop brighter, and the suction energy on that edge particularly is boosted, for a more in-depth clear.
I didn’t discover any change within the suction functionality of the vacuum once I switched it from a stick with a handheld with or with out the wand hooked up. Two attachments have been included with my evaluation mannequin – a Pet Multi Instrument and a crevice software. I don’t have pets, however a whole lot of my darkish brown hair will get on my cream-colored sofa. I used the Pet Multi Instrument to take away my hair, and it did a mean job.
I discovered myself scraping the hair a number of occasions earlier than it was suctioned into the machine. The Pet Multi Instrument carried out higher on Enhance mode. Admittedly, I’ve by no means examined a vacuum that would simply pull my hair off the sofa, however I nonetheless would not essentially advocate it to pet house owners (TechRadar’s finest vacuum for pet hair checklist has some different options right here).
As for the crevice software, I used this one rather a lot as I’ve a whole lot of furnishings set within the corners of rooms. I used to be glad to see that the software additionally has a brush. I used it to wash my baseboards and blinds with nice success.
In DirtDetect mode, the vacuum has a 72-80 dB sound ranking when cleansing exhausting flooring and a 76-79 dB ranking when transferring over my rugs (this is because of the truth that the suction robotically will increase when filth is detected, which makes it noisier). The dB ranking on Eco mode is 74 (you’ll be able to’t use Eco mode on carpets, solely exhausting flooring). Enhance mode has an 82 dB and 83 dB ranking on hardwood and carpet respectively.
Whereas not everybody will essentially want it, I used to be so grateful for the comfort of the auto-empty system. After I was completed vacuuming, I positioned the vacuum on the station and never solely did it begin charging robotically, but it surely emptied the mud and filth from the vacuum right into a sealed container. Each time the container is full, I can take away it and dump the mud and filth within the trash. It might be a robust suggestion for allergy victims, as a result of there are fewer alternatives for particles to flee again into the environment.
If you do not have the auto-empty dock, you may have to take away the wand first after which hit a button when the bin is positioned over a trash can. Observe that’s it attainable to retailer the vacuum freestanding with out the dock: you’ll be able to fold it over, utilizing the flexible wand, for a extra compact storage choice.
Upkeep is simple sufficient, even when there are a number of duties that you simply’ll have to do about as soon as a month, like cleansing the brushroll and checking the wand for blockages. The onboard mud cup will should be cleaned out, and also you also needs to examine the HEPA filter on the hand-held to see if it must be rinsed or changed. The filter on the auto empty station also needs to be rinsed and dried as soon as a month and changed often too.
Lastly, you’ll want to sometimes clear the sensors – the DirtDetect system sensor is contained in the mud bin of the vacuum, whereas the LightDetect sensor is on prime of the vacuum head, and the 2 EdgeDetect sensors sit alongside the edges of it.
- Efficiency rating: 4.5 out of 5
Shark PowerDetect Cordless evaluation: battery
- 4 hours to totally recharge the battery (utilizing auto empty station)
- Battery lasts 14 minutes in Enhance, 1hr 7 minutes in Eco
- Eco choice not attainable on carpet
One of the crucial spectacular features of this vacuum is the battery life. Shark claims it will final a most of 70 minutes in Eco mode, though that is in handheld mode. On take a look at, it managed nearly that lengthy: I clocked 67 minutes, though that was with a wand hooked up. Something over an hour is a extremely robust battery time for a cordless vacuum (assuming the suction remains to be first rate, which is true right here). Nonetheless, do not forget that Eco mode will not work on carpets or rugs, so when you have a house with comfortable flooring you will not obtain these occasions.
After I ran the PowerDetect completely in Enhance mode, the battery lasted 14 minutes. That is truly not dangerous for a most energy mode; it is solely designed for use on the hardest, ingrained filth. If you happen to use DirtDetect mode, runtimes will fluctuate based mostly on how soiled your flooring are an how a lot suction the vacuum wants to make use of.
On a mean clear, I discovered this vacuum lasted round 47 minutes, which concerned me switching between the bottom and highest energy settings. That’ll be greater than sufficient time to wash most houses in a single go.
It took about 4 hours for the vacuum to fully cost. Shark would not present recharge occasions, however an inventory on Greatest Purchase mentioned it’d take 6 hours. I used to be glad to find that charging didn’t truly take that lengthy. Over time, it’ll possible take longer for the battery to cost. It’s commonplace amongst vacuums on the broader market to take 4-6 hours to cost.
- Battery life rating: 4.5 out of 5
Must you purchase the Shark PowerDetect Cordless?
| Attribute | Notes | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Worth for cash | Sits within the upper-mid worth vary, however the suction energy, spectacular detection options and good battery justify the value. It is value investing a bit of further within the auto-empty system. | 4/5 |
| Design | Efficient, simple design, with helpful bendable hose. Auto-empty dock is well-designed and helpful. | 4/5 |
| Efficiency | Auto-adjust options work successfully and suction is spectacular typically. | 4.5/5 |
| Battery | Good battery life – most of 67 minutes on Eco mode (exhausting flooring solely), takes 4 hours to recharge. | 4.5/5 |
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
How I examined the Shark PowerDetect Cordless
I examined this vacuum for over per week in my home, which has a mixture of historic hardwood and laminate flooring, a few of which is roofed in giant, thick rugs. I ran quite a few exams reminiscent of utilizing the vacuum to choose up flour and crushed Cheerios, and utilized the attachments to wash my sofa of hair and mud from hard-to-reach locations. I in contrast the outcomes to different vacuum cleaners I’ve reviewed prior to now. By working these exams and others, I used to be capable of present an in-depth evaluation.
Learn extra about how we take a look at
First reviewed September 2024
