Shark APEX Reviews 2021 – Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Even though Shark isn’t as well-known as other brands like Bissell or Hoover, it still has a line up of models worthy of standing up to the rest of the competition. Here we will review the Shark APEX Upright Vacuum Cleaner and help you learn more about its functionality, the way it behaves when under heavy usage, and answer the question whether this Shark cleaner is worth your money. That last part is especially important since this is one of the most expensive models that we’ve reviewed so far.

Our Verdict: If you are looking for a premium carpet cleaner that has a number of patented technologies which will make cleaning a breeze, then the Shark APEX is a good place to start your search from. The downsides here are that it lacks wet-cleaning capabilities and that it is quite the bulky thing, even when you use the removable canister only. The price is also another hard thing to swallow but considering its practicality and functionality, the price tag is somewhat fitting.

If you want to check out some cheaper models that give the APEX a run for its money, head over to our detailed buyer’s guide on some of the best carpet cleaners for pets. Now, let’s jump straight into this review.

Overview & Features of Shark APEX – The Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner

One of the very first things that will pop into your mind when you see this vacuum is that it is quite big. It also weighs more than 25 pounds when everything is attached and the dirt tank is semi-full. Still, that weight and the overall big footprint is countered by the manoeuvrability of the whole model. It also comes with a removable canister which allows you to easily reach spots that are further away or above the ground.

“HEPA filters trap more dust from their exhaust. HEPA-equipped vacuums throw less dirt and fewer microscopic dust mites back into the room as you vacuum. Some people say allergy symptoms improve after using these vacuums.” -WebMD

That feature combined with the attachments you get is what makes this a great 2-in-1 tool convenient for pet owners that live in a house or a larger apartment. The cleaner has three models of cleaning – upright (standard), Above-floor when using the detachable canister, and the “powered lift-away” mode which extends your reach via the motorized cleaner head.

Power and Cleaning

In terms of pure power, this vacuum leads our rankings with a 1350 Watt (and 11.3 Amps) motor which creates a huge suction power. We feel like that was a bit of an overkill since the motorized brushroll easily takes care of any dust, large debris, or pet hair on its way. If anything that power will most likely only shorten the life expectancy of the whole model in the long run. That maybe is the reason why the motor is the only part of this cleaner that falls into your warranty deal, while faulty parts do not, which is a major downside for most customers, especially at this price point.

The “DuoClean” patented system here uses two rolls where the first one is finer and lifts up the debris while the second, more coarse brushroll, picks it up and sucks it in. That combination is excellent for carpet cleaning and gets to the bottom of even the thickest carpets. It also gives a polished look to any hard floors you clean.

The Apex is equipped with a self-cleaning brushroll that removes trapped hair and debris nonstop, to ensure ultimate suction power with every use

The absence of wet cleaning is another huge downside for us and for people that are looking for a practical cleaner that will occasionally be able to save them the costs of calling a carpet cleaning service. While it will be perfect for things like removing cat hair from the furniture, it will pretty much be useless for cleaning up dog urine or going after other wet stains on your carpet.

Filtration

In terms of filtration, this vacuum is quite good but then again so are the rest of the models in this price class. It has an anti-allergen seal on it and has the option for additional HEPA filtration if you want to go all-in.

Still, if you regularly clean after your pets, it will quickly accumulate pet odor and vent it out as soon as you turn it on. This is why you will have to take the canister out and clean it every time you use the vacuum. That is a fairly simple task, though, so it shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.

Accessories

The APEX comes with a pet power brush, an upholstery tool, and a 12-inch duster crevice tool which comes in handy when you clean around or below your furniture.

Additional Features

The removable canister works well with the cleaner head which allows you to use it on its own for things like stairs or any other place above your floor. The cleaner head also has LED lights which illuminate your cleaning path.

The HEPA filter traps allergens including pet dander, dust, and debris, and prevents it from escaping back into the air, thanks to the patented anti-allergen Complete Seal Technology

While other models will have to occasionally be cleaner from the clogged up pet hair, there is quite the smart feature in place here which will eliminate this task from your cleaning routine. The Zero-M system features a metal plate which removes any hair from the brushroll when it gets sucked up.

If you want a more budget solution for your home that will easily take care of a dirty carpet, check out our Dirt Devil Razor Pet Carpet Cleaner review. It costs merely a fraction of the cost of the Shark APEX but is equally good in some aspects. Now, let’s see where the APEX excels and where it comes short…

Advantages & Disadvantages of Shark APEX Vacuum Cleaner

Conclusion & Rating of Vacuum Cleaner

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The Shark APEX Upright Vacuum Cleaner is one of the strongest and most expensive models of the company. It features a 1350 Watt motor that is more than capable of handling any dust, debris, or pet hair on its path. It comes with a few patented technologies such as the DuoBrush one which uses a combination of brushrolls that lift away and pick up even the deeply stuck particles from your carpet. It also does an alright job for hard floor cleaning.

If you can live without the wet-cleaning capabilities, then this might be a good premium choice, even though there are cheaper products that might do you a similar job if regular carpet cleaning is what you are after. We gave this model four and a half out of five stars rating.