The Shark Detect Pro Cordless is an affordable vacuum that delivers solid performance. While it effectively cleans floors, especially carpets, it faces challenges with hair clumps and dust trapped within.
Pros
- Exceptional performance on carpets
- Glides smoothly on various surfaces
- Versatile and flexible design
- Decent suction strength
- Stylish appearance
Cons
- Struggles with excessive hair
- Difficulty cleaning debris in floor crevices
- Dust tends to accumulate in the filter and dust cup
Our expert reviewers meticulously test and compare the latest products, ensuring you make informed choices. We've evaluated Shark's vacuum range over the years, consistently impressed by their cleaning capability without the hefty price tag.
We examined the Shark Detect Pro Cordless to determine if it stands out in the cordless vacuum market. This model features technology that detects floor debris and adjusts its cleaning power accordingly.
After testing the vacuum extensively, we explored its effectiveness on various surfaces and ease of maintenance.
Tested by Dan Fauzi. My evaluation included standardized tests and in-home usage.
For our test, I analyzed flour, sugar, cereal, red lentils, and hair on different surfaces, including carpets, linoleum, and wooden floors, mimicking real-life messes.
Specifications of Shark Detect Pro Cordless
| Type | Cordless |
|---|---|
| Battery life | Up to 60 minutes |
| Filter | HEPA + Anti-Allergen Seal |
| Vacuum speeds | 3 |
| Cleaning path width | 10.4 inches |
| LED lights? | Yes |
| Weight | 6 lbs / 2.76 kg |
| Dimensions | 13.9 L x 10.4 W x 43 H inches |
| Warranty | 5-year limited warranty |
Unboxing & Setup
The packaging is vibrant and eco-friendly. Setup involves assembling the components and charging the battery for about one to two hours before use.
Included in the box are the vacuum, QuadClean floor head, wand, charger, removable battery, and crevice tool.
Design & Features
This vacuum stands out for its aesthetic appeal. While it lacks numerous attachments, the QuadClean brush-roll is designed for all floor types and features a detachable wand for handheld use.
A standout feature is its ability to detect debris and adjust suction power accordingly. The LED lights on the brush-roll enhance visibility of dirt and dust. This innovation positions Shark alongside competitors like Dyson's V15 Detect.
The LED display indicates battery life and suction mode, while color rings provide quick visual feedback on debris levels.
User Experience with Shark Detect Pro Cordless
This vacuum maneuvers effortlessly under furniture and corners, gliding smoothly across various surfaces. While the TurboDrive motor is designed to be lighter, it still feels heavier than some competitors.
The display is straightforward, showing essential information while allowing access to power and suction controls without interruption. However, checking battery status requires powering on the vacuum fully.
The wand's angled design facilitates cleaning tight corners without needing the crevice tool for every use.
The removable battery simplifies charging and storage, making it convenient for those without nearby outlets. It can be stored separately or attached to the wand clip.
The LED lights on the brush-roll effectively illuminate dirt, although they may not reveal hidden debris unless cleaning in low light.
Overall, this vacuum is user-friendly, though slightly heavier. Its detection capabilities and informative screen enhance its usability. Performance on carpets outshines its hard floor capabilities.
Flour & Sugar Test Results
Flour and sugar serve as effective indicators of dust and small debris typically found at home.
On Hard Floors
The vacuum struggled initially, requiring multiple passes to clear the mess. Flour and sugar often lodged in the crevices of wooden floors and small grooves of linoleum.
While much of the mess was cleared along edges, the vacuum had difficulty with residue right at the edge, suggesting the brush-roll's full-width cleaning claim may not be entirely accurate.
On Carpets
On carpets, the vacuum left some residue after the first attempt, but nearly all debris was picked up after the second run. Boost mode proved helpful, particularly at the edges, clearing almost everything.
Pantry Test Performance
Cereal and red lentils simulate various types of debris found on floors.
On Hard Floors
Removing lentils from floor cracks was challenging, requiring multiple passes on boost mode. On linoleum, however, the vacuum performed excellently, leaving nothing stuck.
While cleaning edges, boost mode activated automatically, clearing debris on the first attempt except for one piece of cereal.
On Carpets
The vacuum effectively picked up almost everything in a single run, although it struggled slightly with lentils against the wall, necessitating manual intervention to fully clear the area.
Hair Test Results
To simulate pet hair, I used chopped hair extensions spread across various surfaces.
On Hard Floors
When dealing with small amounts of hair, performance was satisfactory. However, larger clumps tended to gather at the brushroll's end, which caused some to drop back onto the floor.
On Carpets
The vacuum was more effective on carpets, successfully removing hair even when deeply embedded in fibers during the second pass.
Cleaning & Maintenance
The dust cup and filter are easily removable, simplifying cleaning. However, dust tends to accumulate frequently, requiring manual intervention to ensure complete removal.
Dust can be shaken off, but stubborn particles often require additional effort to clear. Fortunately, hair doesn't tend to clog the dustbin.
Pricing & Availability
The Shark Detect Pro Cordless is priced at $379.99 but often retails for under $200, including current promotions. It's available directly from Shark, Amazon, Walmart, and QVC.
In the UK, it retails for approximately £349.99 from Shark, Currys, and Argos, or for £286.57 from Amazon.
In the mid-range for cordless vacuums, models below $300 often lack performance, while premium versions typically exceed $500.
Additionally, the Shark Detect Pro Cordless is available with a self-emptying station for $449.99 from Shark.
Comparison with Other Vacuums
The Detect Pro Cordless joins the emerging trend of vacuum cleaners equipped with detection features, following Dyson's lead. While competing models like the Dyson V15 Detect and Gen5detect outperform it in tests, they also come with higher price points, with the V12 Detect Slim starting at $650.
I compared the Detect Pro Cordless against the Henry Quick, Tineco Pure One Station, Proscenic P11, and Dyson V12 Detect Slim. Among these, the Henry Quick stands out for its excellent suction and seamless hair pickup.
Should You Purchase the Shark Detect Pro Cordless?
While the Shark Detect Pro offers intuitive usability and an appealing design, it faces challenges like inadequate hair handling and debris cleaning in floor cracks. If you can snag it for around $200 on sale, it presents a solid option, particularly for carpet cleaning.
Vacuum Testing Methodology
We have a rigorous testing process to evaluate vacuum performance under real-life conditions. Testing involves various debris types across three floor surfaces (carpet, wood, linoleum).
I've also been using the Shark Detect Pro Cordless as part of my routine to further assess its performance.
If you're seeking a reliable vacuum without a hefty price tag, check out our guides for the best alternatives or top vacuums for pet hair.
Back To Top
