Hoover vs. Shark Comparison Review
If you are on the market for the best floor cleaner, the battle is between Shark vs. Hoover, two of the most popular brands in the floorcare industry. Many buyers get into a deep dilemma on which brand to go for now that the duo has won consumers’ trust in producing high-quality appliances and other floor care products.
Hoover and Shark have hundreds of floor care products. In this Shark vs. Hoover review, we have lined up two of the best selling models from each brand.
Find out which is the best for the bang in this Shark Navigator vs. Hoover WindTunnel vs. Hoover FloorMate vs. Shark Apex. But just before that, here is an overview of the two brands and the models in this comparison review.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table
Last update on 2021-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hoover
Founded in 1908, Hoover is a leading brand in high-quality vacuum cleaners, hard floor cleaners, deep carpet cleaners, stick vacuums, and a range of floor cleaning products.
Hoover WindTunnel
There are several models in this series, including Hoover WindTunnel Max UH71100, Hoover WindTunnel 2 UH71250, Hoover WindTunnel 3 UH72630, Hoover WindTunnel Air Steerable UH72400, Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max UH72625, and Hoover WindTunnel Air Steerable UH72405. The above models are quite similar, but differences exist in terms of features, color, availability, and accessories.
Hoover FloorMate Deluxe
The FloorMate® Deluxe is another great series of upright vacuums. Here again, there are several models available, including Hoover FloorMate® Deluxe FH40170PC, Hoover FloorMate® Deluxe FH40165PC, Hoover FloorMate® Deluxe FH40162, and Hoover FloorMate® Deluxe FH40160PC. These models are also similar, save for a few differences in color, features, availability, and accessories.
The Hoover FloorMate® Deluxe FH40160PC is the ultimate hard floor cleaner and offers hands-on-knees scrubbing performance on bare floors and sealed floors. It is easy to handle, operate, and maintain. The vacuum features a dual tank design to ensure floors are rinsed with clean water. If you are tired of the average wet and dry vacuum cleaners that leave traces of dirt after drying, this is the best bang for the buck.
Shark
The Shark brand is owned and operated by SharkNinja Operating LLC, formerly Euro-Pro Operating LLC. This is the same company behind the famous SharkNinja food processors. While it is a new entrant in the market, it has given Hoover, Bissell, and Dirt Devil a run for their money.
Shark Navigator
The Shark Navigator is a line of upright vacuum cleaners that consists of several variants, including Shark Navigator Pet Pro ZU62, Shark Navigator Speed ZU562, Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA322, Shark Navigator Swivel Pro Complete NV150, Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360, Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV352, and Shark Navigator NV356E S2.
The most popular model is the Shark Navigator NV356E S2, an upright vacuum with special features for handling pet messes. This model has been designed to vacuum both hard floors and carpets, so this is the best deal if you want an all-around model.
Shark APEX AZ1002 DuoClean
Shark APEX can become your perfect choice if you have combined floors. Moreover, we really love its smart dual brushroll system that processes hard floors and even deep carpets and also cleans itself.
The latter feature is a miracle for pet parents as the APEX will deal with tangling hair and other dirty work without you. Air purity is not a problem thanks to the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter.
Shark APEX performs a wide set of tasks on various surfaces, not floors only. Users can reach the most challenging areas, clean above the floor (like curtains and upholstery) and even car with a 12″ crevice tool, upholstery tool, and pet power brush.
Hoover vs. Shark Face to Face Comparison
Now that you are acquainted with a few things about the two brands and the most popular models, let’s get to the main business of the day, comparing Shark Navigator vs. Hoover WindTunnel vs. Hoover FloorMate vs. Shark Apex floor cleaners. In this section, find out what each model offers.
1. Floor Cleaner Type and Orientation
From the above overview, you can tell that the above cleaners are not of the same type. We just picked the most popular model on Amazon from each brand. In this section, find out more about these models, the discerning factors, and, importantly, the cleaning orientation.
Hoover FloorMate® Deluxe FH40160PC
The Hoover FloorMate Deluxe is an upright vacuum cleaner designed for hard floors, including the delicate and fragile sealed floors such as hardwood, ceramic tile, vinyl, laminate, and marble.
The bagless vacuum cleaner also offers wet and dry vacuum, so you don’t have to invest in a separate mop – the FloorMate Deluxe gets the job done.
Hoover WindTunnel UH72400
Next up is the WindTunnel and this one, unlike the FloorMate, is just a vacuum cleaner, bagless, with no extras such as wet and dry vacuuming.
The WindTunnel UH72400 is bagless and has been designed to handle all bare floors and carpets as well, courtesy of high suction power and a multi-floor brush roll. If you are interested in an upright vacuum with raw power for picking up all kinds of dirt, this is a great deal.
Shark Navigator NV356E S2
Buyers looking for the ultimate Shark vacuum for bare floors, carpets, and pet messes should have the Shark NV356E S2 Navigator Lift-Away Professional in their wishlists.
This is an upright bagless vacuum that boasts high suction power and an anti-allergen system making it ideal for deep cleaning carpets and capturing pet-related dander and other allergy triggers. The Navigator NV356E S2 is the ultimate competitor of the Hoover WindTunnel UH72400.
Shark® APEX
As the name suggests, the Shark APEX is another vacuum cleaner. Moreover, we deal with a multi-task device.
The model can vacuum hard floors, sealed floors, and carpets, removing all dirt, including deep debris and pet hair. Besides, the vac gets rid of all dirt on other hard-to-reach areas thanks to numerous nozzles.
2. Design and Aesthetics
In this segment, find out more about the design and aesthetics of the four floor cleaners in this comparison review. If you have any tastes regarding style and color, this is for you.
Hoover FloorMate® Deluxe FH40160PC
The FloorMate Deluxe measures 43.25 x 12 x 11.5 inches and weighs just 13.8lbs.
The vacuum is corded and tags along with a 20ft cord. The FloorMate Deluxe also features a removable 11.5-inch nozzle and two removable water tanks.
The finish is a combination of white, silver, and chacha lime.
Hoover WindTunnel UH72400
This is an upright vacuum that measures 14.4 x 2.5 x 12.5 inches and weighs 13lbs.
This is also a corded vacuum, but then, its cord length is longer, 30ft to be precise. One of the pros of this vacuum is the low profile design that allows it to reach under households such as sofas, beds, kickstands, etc.
Regarding the aesthetics, the WindTunnel has been finished in black, chacha lime green, red, and clear.
Shark Navigator NV356E S2
The Shark Navigator is the same size as the average upright vacuum. It measures 14.96 x 11.4 x 45.5 inches and weighs 13.7lbs.
One striking feature of this Shark Navigator is the Lift-Away technology, which allows users to lift away the pod and use it for cleaning those hard-to-reach spots.
The Shark Navigator NV356E S2 has been finished in white, silver, and clear.
Shark® APEX
The Shark APEX is pretty compact but heavier. It measures 11.2 x 12.2 x 46 inches and weighs 16lbs. Here we also see Shark’s brand Lift-Away system.
Regarding the finish, the APEX prefers classic gray color with bright red decorations.
3. Cleaning Performance
What do these Shark and Hoover floor cleaners offer? In this section, find out the different components that these models feature and how each model cleans.
Hoover FloorMate® Deluxe FH40160PC
The FloorMate® Deluxe relies on SpinScrub® Brush Technology, which deploys Hoover’s patented 360° single-speed counter-rotating brushes that gently scrub and wash hard floors from all angles.
One outstanding feature of this floor cleaner is the dual tank technology that separates dirty water from clean water, so you are guaranteed a clean rinse.
For the record, this is a wet and dry cleaner with Wash & Dry Mode Selector. You can wash using the brushes and solution and then switch to dry only to suck up excess water.
Hoover WindTunnel UH72400
This vacuum relies on WindTunnel® 3 Technology, which guarantees super suction that vacuums all kinds of dirt, including embedded dirt on high pile carpets. The cleaning head has a multi-floor brush roll with an on and off switch, so you can use it on hard floors and carpets as well.
Another great feature of the WindTunnel is AllergenBlock Technology and a HEPA grade filter. Together, they ensure that all allergens and other impurities that cause bad odor are captured, leaving you with a fresh atmosphere.
Shark Navigator NV356E S2
This upright vacuum boasts a powerful motor that produces enough suction to vacuum all kinds of dirt. The suction power is complemented by a versatile cleaning head with a brushroll that can be turned on or off depending on the surface you are cleaning.
The Navigator is also ideal for homes with pets and allergy sufferers courtesy of the anti-allergen complete seal technology and HEPA-grade filtration.
If you have a busy home, the Navigator NV356E S2 will come in handy as it comes with an XL dust cup with a 2L capacity.
Shark® APEX
The Shark APEX mainly coincides with the Navigator. It also features a powerful motor for ultimate suction. In combination with DuoClean dual brush rollers this system removes all debris on all surfaces. As we’ve already said, pet owners will love its performance and an additional pet power brush.
The vac comes with an anti-allergen HEPA filter and can hold up to 0.88 qts. of dirt.
4. Usability
One of the most important considerations when choosing a floor cleaner is usability. A good model should be user-friendly, right from assembly to daily usage. Find out how to assemble and operate these floor cleaners.
Hoover FloorMate® Deluxe FH40160PC
This vacuum cleaner doesn’t come assembled but then, assembling it is pretty straightforward. Make sure you know what part goes where before starting.
The vacuum has easy fingertip controls that allow you to control the amount of detergent as needed. For the record, the FloorMate’s controls allow for one-hand operation.
The problem with this vacuum is that it lacks a swivel steering system, so turning can be a hassle, especially on carpets.
Hoover WindTunnel UH72400
Like the Hoover FloorMate, this vacuum also needs assembly, but fortunately, the setup process is pretty straightforward, but no tools are required. When it comes to controls, the vacuum has a simple on/off switch and a comfortable grip handle for one-hand operation.
This model also has a built-in wand that detaches with one simple touch to allow you to clean those hard-to-reach places. One of the best features of this model is the swivel steering, which makes maneuverability a buzz.
Shark Navigator NV356E S2
Like all Shark Navigators, the NV356E S2 requires some basic installation, and no tools are required. This model comes with a swivel steering, which enhances maneuverability and turning.
Besides, it allows users to extend their reach courtesy of the pod that works with a 5 ft hose. The handling is excellent, and so are the controls which support one-hand operation.
Shark® APEX
Despite being a compact vacuum, the Shark APEX also needs some assembly. You’ll need to connect several parts (body, hose, brush), but no special tools are necessary. The body may feel heavy, but we like Lift-Away system for handheld cleaning (nozzles and a hose are included).
A great feature here is Active-Glide Technology for smooth maneuverability on floors and swivel steering that makes operation easier. With just the press of a button, users can control the work.
5. Maintenance
Many people have been asking, how long do Shark and Hoover vacuums last? Well, it’s hard to answer this because it depends entirely on how you maintain the unit. In this section, find out everything you need to know about the maintenance of the above floor cleaners.
Hoover FloorMate® Deluxe FH40160PC
This vacuum requires short term and long term maintenance. After use, make sure to clean the dirty water tank as well as the scrubbing pads.
For the record, the tanks, brush, and nozzle are all easy to detach and attach. The long term maintenance includes buying replacement scrubbing pads, brushes, and any other part as needed.
Hoover WindTunnel UH72400
This vacuum also requires intensive maintenance from time to time.
It’s recommended to clean the dust cup and rinse the brushes after every use.
After three months or so, replace the brush and any other part as required. Just like FloorMate, the replacement parts are readily available.
Shark Navigator NV356E S2
The Shark Navigator requires intensive maintenance.
You need to clean the brush regularly as well as the dust cup. After months of use, also consider replacing the brush and, most importantly, the filters.
Shark Navigator parts are readily available.
Shark® APEX
The Shark APEX requires the least maintenance. It can be jutly called the winner here since this is the only model that comes with a self-cleaning brushroll. The vacuum will deal with all debris and hair collected inside the bristles.
The only maintenance required is cup emptying and cleaning of additional tools.
There you have it, folks, a Shark vs. Hoover comparison review. So, which is the best floor cleaner brand? Let’s find out.
What’s Hoover Best For?
Hoover is a great deal if you are looking for the best upright vacuum.
The Hoover FloorMate® Deluxe FH40160PC, for example, boasts high suction power and offers wet and dry vacuuming, so you don’t need to buy a mop separately.
On the other hand, the Hoover WindTunnel UH72400 boasts excellent cleaning ability on all surfaces. You can rely on it to vacuum bare floors, as well as carpets. The prices of Hoover vacuums are also affordable.
What’s Shark Best For?
Shark is a worthy competition for Hoover. If you want a versatile upright vacuum cleaner, the Shark Navigator NV356E S2 and Shark APEX will be the best bang for the buck.
Both offer the same level of cleaning as the WindTunnel, and besides, come with a hose for cleaning high up places. This is courtesy of Shark Lift-Away technology. Hoover is also a great deal if you want an affordable vacuum for pet messes or a self-cleaning device.
The Sharks have also been designed to offer excellent cleaning by removing 99.9% of allergens.
verdictThat’s the end of this Shark vs. Hoover comparison review. As you have seen, there is no clear winner in the Shark Navigator vs. Hoover WindTunnel vs. Hoover FloorMate vs. Shark Apex face to face comparison. Each model has its advantages.
