Best Pet Vacuum Cleaner: Shark PowerDetect Review

If you’re a pet owner, you know the struggle of managing pet hair that accumulates on your floors and furniture. Finding the right vacuum that can handle pet hair while also providing strong performance on both hard floors and carpets is essential. Enter the Shark PowerDetect, the flagship upright vacuum that has earned the top spot in our rankings for its exceptional performance, pet-hair removal capabilities, and innovative features. In this review, we break down why the Shark PowerDetect is an excellent choice for pet owners and highlight the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of the Shark PowerDetect Pet Vacuum:

1. Excellent Pet Hair Pickup: One of the standout features of the Shark PowerDetect is its ability to pick up pet hair from both carpets and hard floors. It scored a perfect score in our pickup tests, easily tackling everything from fine dust to extra-large debris. The DuoClean roller system, consisting of a soft roller at the front and a traditional roller at the back, is particularly effective for pet hair, making it one of the best vacuums for homes with furry friends.

2. Active Hair Removal System: The Shark PowerDetect is equipped with Shark’s Active Hair Removal System, which is perhaps the best feature when it comes to eliminating hair from the brush roll. Pet hair, whether from dogs or cats, can often clog up vacuums, but this system prevents that, allowing you to vacuum with less hassle and fewer interruptions.

3. Strong Suction Power: The vacuum offers above-average suction power, with impressive numbers in every power metric tested, including airflow, sealed suction, and unsealed suction. Whether you’re vacuuming fine particles or larger debris, the PowerDetect has more than enough suction to handle any pet-related mess.

4. Floor Detect Feature: The Shark PowerDetect comes with a floor detect ultrasonic sensor that automatically adjusts the suction power and brush roll speed depending on the type of flooring you’re cleaning. This is particularly useful for pet owners who frequently switch between hard floors and carpets, as it takes the guesswork out of manual adjustments.

5. Edge and Dirt Detection: The Edge Detect feature automatically increases suction when you’re cleaning near walls or edges, helping you get better results in corners and along baseboards. Additionally, the Dirt Detect feature activates when the vacuum senses extra dirt, boosting suction to provide a deeper clean, which is especially helpful in pet-heavy areas where fur tends to gather.

6. Lift-Away and Powered Lift-Away: For cleaning above the floor, the Lift-Away feature allows you to detach the canister and carry it with the hose and wand for easy reach on furniture or shelves. Powered Lift-Away goes a step further by keeping the motorized nozzle powered even when detached, which means you can still use the same strong suction for upholstery or hard-to-reach areas.

7. Anti-Allergen Seal Technology: As an added benefit for pet owners with allergies, the Shark PowerDetect comes with Shark’s Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which traps 99.99% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, ensuring that the air quality remains clean while you vacuum.

8. Odor Neutralizing Technology: The Shark PowerDetect also features an odor-neutralizing cartridge that releases a fresh scent as you vacuum, which is a great addition if you’re dealing with pet odors in your home.

9. Comprehensive Attachment Set: The vacuum comes with three useful attachments, including a dual-purpose brush and upholstery tool, as well as a crevice tool for tight spaces. The powered brush tool is suction-powered, allowing for efficient pet-hair removal without needing a motorized brush.

Cons of the Shark PowerDetect Pet Vacuum:

1. Pull-Forward Effect in Stick Mode: When using the powered lift-away mode (stick vacuum mode), the vacuum can sometimes have a pull-forward effect on certain carpets, particularly thinner rugs. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it can be a bit tiring on the arm, especially during longer cleaning sessions.

2. Slightly Lower Suction on Sealed Floors: Although the Shark PowerDetect is powerful, some tests revealed slightly less concentrated airflow on sealed floors compared to the previous model, the Shark Stratos. However, this is a minor issue that does not significantly impact its overall performance.

3. Weight: At 17.2 lbs, the Shark PowerDetect is a bit heavier than some other vacuums, which could make it harder to maneuver for some users. However, its swivel steering and lightweight handle mitigate this to some extent.

4. Price: As expected from a flagship vacuum, the Shark PowerDetect is on the pricier side. It offers fantastic features and performance, but it might be out of budget for those looking for a more affordable option.

Conclusion:

The Shark PowerDetect is a top-tier vacuum for pet owners, offering unparalleled hair pickup, powerful suction, and a host of innovative features that make cleaning easier and more efficient. Whether you’re dealing with fur on your carpets, hardwood floors, or upholstery, this vacuum excels in all areas. The combination of its pet-specific features, including the Active Hair Removal System and DuoClean roller, make it one of the best vacuums for tackling pet hair and other debris. While it is a bit heavier and pricier than some other models, the performance and features more than justify the investment.