The Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away is an impressive vacuum cleaner – cleaning efficiently on hard surfaces as well as low-profile and medium-profile carpeting.
To read about all of the other models we reviewed, head to our guide on the best deep clean vacuum cleaners.
Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away: Features
The Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away is different from the others because of its soft roller, right on the front of the cleaning head, which helps draw messes into the path of suction rather than scattering them the way many traditional bristled brushrolls do. We found it did a good job regardless of the type of mess or surface, but you can use controls on the handle to optimize for hard floors, low carpet, or thick carpet.
This is one of Shark's designs that pulls apart to give you a separate canister vacuum for stairs and other hard-to-reach areas. Upholstery, crevice, and other tools are stored on the body of this vacuum so they are always within reach when you need them.
One of the few drawbacks of this machine is that it has a relatively small 10-inch cleaning path. Since it cleans most surfaces in very few passes, it will make up for not cleaning as wide a swath as some units.
Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away: Performance
The Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away's maneuverability was a downfall of its performance. The smooth-swiveling head was great for getting around table legs, but this did not lay as flat as some machines, making vacuuming under low-slung tables difficult. Its body is thicker than many of the bagged models, which are flat enough to reach far under a bed, cleaning the whole way, even when they are lying almost flat against the floor. This Shark has the hose and the tools to help it clean under a bed, too, but sometimes it is nice not to have to stop and reconfigure.
At least it can help you see under furniture with its powerful headlights so you will know where you have cleaned already. This one clearly illuminates the corners and other dark spots for proper cleaning.
Bagless models like this one are convenient because you don't have to buy replacement bags. There is a potential for a major dust cloud when it’s time to empty it, though. There are ways to lessen the impact, but this probably isn’t the best bet for those with allergies. You don’t have to empty it often because it has a fairly large dust bin.
The Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away isn't as cheap as something like the Bissell CleanView OnePass, but what you get for the price is very impressive. It cleaned our test messes in fewer passes than any other unit we tested and left us with truly clean floors, whether we were on hardwoods, thick carpet, or thin. It also comes with attachments that make cleaning furniture, draperies, and really anything else easy.
Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away: User reviews
User reviews of the Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away are generally very positive. On Home Depot, customers gave this vacuum an overall score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Many users commented on the strong suction power and how the Shark APEX DuoClean is particularly good for hardwood floors.
A common criticism of the Shark APEX, however, is that its attachments don't all store on the vacuum itself and there isn't a separate bag provided to keep them in. Some users also said that this vacuum is a bit too heavy for easy use.
Should you buy the Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away?
The Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away provides strong suction power and works well on all floor types, but other models with better maneuverability are available.
For something more lightweight, check out our Dyson V11 Torque Drive review.
