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When it comes to maintaining a clean and inviting home, choosing the right vacuum cleaner is crucial. Shark’s NV360 and NV356E models stand out in the competitive market for their robust performance, versatile features, and user-friendly design. This article dives deep into the specifics of each model, offering insights from experts to help you decide which vacuum best meets your cleaning needs. Our Shark NV360 vs NV356E review will show you which is right for your home.
| Feature | Shark NV360 | Shark NV356E |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
 | | |
| Suction Power | High | High |
| Maneuverability | Excellent | Good |
| Dust Cup Capacity | Standard | Large |
| Filtration | HEPA | HEPA |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Special Features | Lift-away canister | Dust-Away hard floor attachment, Pet Power Brush |
Key Takeaways – Shark NV360 vs NV356E
- Versatile Cleaning: Both models offer strong suction and are versatile across different floor types.
- User-Friendly Design: The NV360 shines in its lightweight, maneuverable design, while the NV356E boasts professional-grade cleaning capabilities.
- Filtration System: Advanced HEPA filtration in both models ensures a cleaner, healthier home environment.
- Intended Use: The NV360 is ideal for everyday cleaning in a variety of settings, whereas the NV356E caters to larger homes or specific needs like pet hair removal.
Performance and Efficiency
Shark NV360
The Shark NV360 excels in versatility and maneuverability, making it a solid choice for a wide range of cleaning tasks. Its powerful suction capability ensures thorough pickup on both carpets and hard floors, while the swivel steering makes navigating around furniture a breeze. The NV360 also features a lift-away canister, enabling easy cleaning of stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas.
Shark NV356E
Similarly, the Shark NV356E, known as the Navigator Lift-Away Professional, boasts impressive suction power that can tackle stubborn dirt and debris. This model is particularly noted for its performance on hard floors, thanks to the included Dust-Away hard floor attachment with a microfiber pad. The NV356E’s slightly larger dust cup capacity means longer cleaning sessions without interruption, making it ideal for larger homes.
Design and Usability
Shark NV360
The NV360 is designed with user convenience in mind, featuring an intuitive interface and ergonomic handle. Its compact size and lightweight construction ensure easy storage and handling, appealing to users who prioritize ease of use. The vacuum comes equipped with several attachments, including a crevice tool and dusting brush, enhancing its cleaning versatility.
Shark NV356E
The NV356E also scores high on usability, with a professional-grade design that caters to more extensive cleaning needs. It includes specialized attachments like the Pet Power Brush, which is excellent for removing pet hair from upholstery and carpets. While slightly bulkier than the NV360, its design emphasizes durability and professional-level cleaning capabilities.
Filtration System
Both the NV360 and NV356E are equipped with a complete seal technology and HEPA filter, trapping over 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This feature is especially beneficial for allergy sufferers, ensuring that the air in your home stays clean and healthy. The advanced filtration system in both models underscores Shark’s commitment to combining powerful cleaning with health-conscious technology.
Pros and Cons – Shark NV356E vs NV360
Shark NV360
Pros:
- Excellent maneuverability and ease of use
- Versatile cleaning capabilities across surfaces
- Lift-away canister for easy stair and furniture cleaning
Cons:
- Smaller dust cup capacity compared to the NV356E
- Limited advanced features for professional-level cleaning
Shark NV356E
Pros:
- Professional-grade cleaning performance, especially on hard floors
- Larger dust cup capacity for extended cleaning sessions
- Includes specialized attachments for pet hair and hard floors
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier and heavier, which may affect maneuverability
- May be more than needed for smaller homes or apartments
| Feature | Shark NV360 | Shark NV356E |
|---|---|---|
| | |
| | |
| Suction Power | High | High |
| Maneuverability | Excellent | Good |
| Dust Cup Capacity | Standard | Large |
| Filtration | HEPA | HEPA |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Special Features | Lift-away canister | Dust-Away hard floor attachment, Pet Power Brush |
Major Differences
The main differences between the Shark NV360 and NV356E lie in their design and intended use. The NV360 is more compact and lightweight, offering great flexibility for everyday cleaning in various home sizes. On the other hand, the NV356E, with its professional-grade features and attachments, is tailored towards users with larger spaces or specific cleaning challenges, such as pet hair removal.
Choosing between the Shark NV360 and NV356E ultimately depends on your specific cleaning requirements, home size, and personal preferences. Each model offers a unique blend of features designed to make cleaning less of a chore and more of a satisfaction.
For further insights on maintaining your floors, explore how to tackle different types of surfaces with How to Clean Prefinished Hardwood Floors?, How to Clean Epoxy Floor?, and How to Clean Floor Molding?. Additionally, for a broader comparison of vacuum options, check out the Bissell CleanView 2252 vs Shark Navigator Review and Bissell CleanView vs PowerForce reviews.
Detailed Questions and Answers
1. What makes the HEPA filtration system in the Shark NV360 and NV356E ideal for allergy sufferers?
The HEPA filtration system featured in both the Shark NV360 and NV356E is a boon for allergy sufferers. This advanced filtration technology is capable of trapping 99.9% of dust and allergens as small as 0.3 microns. Such efficiency ensures that the air expelled from the vacuum is significantly cleaner than the air that enters it, reducing the presence of potential allergens in your home environment. This is particularly beneficial for those sensitive to dust, pollen, or pet dander, contributing to a healthier living space.
Furthermore, the complete seal technology in these models ensures that captured allergens are not leaked back into the air. This comprehensive sealing system complements the HEPA filter’s capabilities, ensuring that the vacuum doesn’t just redistribute allergens back into the environment. For households where air quality can directly impact health and well-being, this feature is invaluable.
Finally, regular use of either the NV360 or NV356E can contribute to sustained air quality improvements over time. By effectively removing allergens from floors and other surfaces, these vacuums help minimize the overall allergen load in the home. This can lead to fewer allergy symptoms for residents, showcasing the significant impact of using a vacuum with a HEPA filter in allergy-prone households.
- HEPA Filtration: Captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, beneficial for allergy sufferers.
- Complete Seal Technology: Ensures captured allergens are not released back into the home.
- Improved Air Quality: Regular use can lead to sustained improvements in home air quality and reduced allergy symptoms.
2. How does the lift-away feature enhance the versatility of the Shark NV360 and NV356E for home cleaning?
The lift-away feature on both the Shark NV360 and NV356E significantly enhances the versatility of these vacuums, making them capable of tackling a wide range of cleaning tasks beyond floor care. By allowing the canister to detach from the main unit, users can easily carry the vacuum to clean stairs, upholstery, and even the interiors of vehicles. This adaptability makes it an all-in-one solution for household cleaning needs, eliminating the necessity for multiple cleaning tools.
Moreover, the lift-away feature facilitates easier cleaning of hard-to-reach areas, such as under furniture or high-up surfaces like curtains and ceiling corners. This feature ensures that users can maintain a thoroughly clean home environment without the physical strain associated with lifting and maneuvering a full-sized vacuum. It’s particularly beneficial for homes with diverse cleaning challenges, offering a practical solution for achieving deep cleaning across various surfaces.
The simplicity of switching between modes adds to the user-friendly nature of these models, encouraging more frequent and comprehensive cleaning. The ability to quickly adapt the vacuum to suit immediate cleaning needs not only saves time but also enhances cleaning efficiency. This feature exemplifies Shark’s commitment to providing convenient and effective cleaning tools that cater to the dynamic needs of modern households.
- Enhanced Versatility: Allows for easy cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and vehicles.
- Easier Access to Hard-to-Reach Areas: Facilitates cleaning under furniture and high-up surfaces.
- User-Friendly: Simple mode transition enhances cleaning efficiency and saves time.
3. How do the design and weight of the Shark NV360 and NV356E affect their maneuverability and user comfort?
The design and weight of a vacuum cleaner are crucial factors affecting maneuverability and overall user comfort, and both the Shark NV360 and NV356E are designed with these considerations in mind. The NV360’s lightweight build and swivel steering make it incredibly easy to navigate around furniture and other obstacles, reducing physical strain during cleaning. Its ergonomic handle design further enhances user comfort, making prolonged cleaning tasks less taxing.
Conversely, the Shark NV356E, while slightly heavier, is engineered for stability and efficiency, particularly on hard floors. The added weight contributes to a smoother glide over surfaces, providing a balance between maneuverability and cleaning performance. The NV356E’s design also includes an easy-to-grip handle and rubberized wheels, which prevent marking on delicate flooring, indicating thoughtful design considerations for user comfort and floor protection.
Despite their differences, both models showcase Shark’s attention to creating user-friendly vacuum cleaners that don’t compromise on cleaning power for maneuverability. The NV360 may appeal more to those prioritizing ease of movement and weight, while the NV356E caters to users looking for robust performance with a focus on hard-floor cleaning. Ultimately, both models reflect a balance between functionality and user-centric design, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs.
- Lightweight and Ergonomic: The NV360 is easy to maneuver and comfortable for extended use.
- Stable and Efficient: The NV356E’s design prioritizes stability and performance, especially on hard floors.
- User-Friendly Features: Both models incorporate design elements aimed at improving maneuverability and comfort.
4. What specific cleaning challenges do the included attachments for the Shark NV360 and NV356E address?
The Shark NV360 and NV356E come equipped with a range of attachments designed to tackle specific cleaning challenges, enhancing their versatility and effectiveness. The NV360 includes a crevice tool and dusting brush, which are ideal for cleaning tight spaces, corners, and delicate surfaces. These attachments make it possible to reach into narrow gaps and gently remove dust from sensitive areas like electronics, window sills, and baseboards.
The NV356E stands out with its Dust-Away hard floor attachment equipped with a microfiber pad, specifically designed for picking up fine debris and dust from hard floors without scratching them. This attachment is particularly beneficial for homes with extensive hard flooring, ensuring a thorough clean that maintains the integrity of the surface. Additionally, the Pet Power Brush is a boon for pet owners, effectively removing pet hair from upholstery and carpets, addressing one of the most common and challenging aspects of home cleaning.
These specialized tools demonstrate Shark’s commitment to providing comprehensive cleaning solutions that address a variety of household needs. By including these attachments, both the NV360 and NV356E empower users to customize their cleaning approach based on the task at hand, ensuring that no cleaning challenge is too daunting. Whether dealing with pet hair, fine dust, or tight spaces, these vacuums are equipped to handle it all.
- Crevice Tool and Dusting Brush: Ideal for tight spaces and delicate surfaces (NV360).
- Dust-Away Hard Floor Attachment: Ensures thorough cleaning on hard floors without scratching (NV356E).
- Pet Power Brush: Effectively removes pet hair from upholstery and carpets, a must-have for pet owners (NV356E).
5. Considering the Shark NV360 and NV356E, which model offers better value for a medium-sized home with mixed flooring?
When determining which model offers better value for a medium-sized home with mixed flooring, several factors come into play, including the vacuum’s performance on various surfaces, the versatility provided by attachments, and the overall ease of use. The Shark NV360, with its lightweight design and effective cleaning capabilities across both carpets and hard floors, presents a compelling option. Its lift-away feature and ergonomic design ensure that cleaning is not only efficient but also comfortable, making it a suitable choice for medium-sized homes.
The Shark NV356E, on the other hand, shines with its professional-grade attachments, including the Dust-Away hard floor attachment and the Pet Power Brush. These tools offer specialized cleaning solutions that can be particularly advantageous in homes with pets or a significant amount of hard flooring. While slightly bulkier, the NV356E’s larger dust cup capacity and powerful suction make it a robust option for homes requiring more extensive cleaning.
Ultimately, the choice between the NV360 and NV356E depends on the specific needs and priorities of the household. For those valuing lightweight maneuverability and general-purpose cleaning, the NV360 may offer better value. However, for homes with specific cleaning challenges, such as pet hair removal or extensive hard floor areas, the NV356E’s specialized attachments and professional-grade performance could provide a more tailored cleaning solution.
- NV360: Offers a lightweight, versatile cleaning experience suitable for general-purpose cleaning.
- NV356E: Provides professional-grade attachments for specific cleaning needs, such as pet hair and hard floors.
- Value Consideration: Depends on the household’s specific cleaning challenges and flooring types.
10 FAQ Questions
1. Can the Shark NV360 and NV356E clean large debris?
Yes, both models can pick up large debris, but it’s recommended to use the appropriate attachment for optimal results.
2. Are the filters in the NV360 and NV356E washable?
Yes, both models feature washable pre-motor filters for easy maintenance.
3. Do these Shark models work on shag carpets?
They can clean shag carpets, but use the brush roll in the appropriate setting to avoid tangling.
4. How often should I empty the dust cup?
It’s best to empty the dust cup after each use to maintain optimal suction performance.
5. Can I use the NV356E’s hard floor attachment on the NV360?
No, the Dust-Away hard floor attachment is designed specifically for the NV356E.
6. Are the NV360 and NV356E noisy?
Both models are engineered to operate relatively quietly compared to other vacuum cleaners.
7. Do these vacuums have a blower function?
No, the NV360 and NV356E do not have a blower function.
8. Can I vacuum liquid spills with these models?
No, these vacuums are designed for dry use only and should not be used to vacuum liquids.
9. How long is the cord on the NV360 and NV356E?
The NV360 features a 25-foot cord, while the NV356E has a 30-foot cord for extended reach.
10. Are replacement parts easily available for the Shark NV360 and NV356E?
Yes, replacement parts and attachments are readily available through Shark’s official website and authorized retailers.