Shark NV681UKT Powered Lift-Away True Pet Vacuum Cleaner

By Value hunter on Jan 12, 2019 | In In real life, Product reviews, Mystery shopper

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Dyson old "pet special" vacuum has finally died, after a full change of motor and the engineer only able to explain why it wouldn't pick up a cross breed persian's fur, from a short pile carpet, as "it's the wrong type of hair!"

So this time, we went for the Shark NV681UKT Powered Lift-Away True Pet Vacuum Cleaner.

PRICE:
At £199.99 from Argos, it's not cheap, but reviews said it was really powerful, so we expected to pay a bit more. (Our last Dyson was £225)

POSITIVES:
Good power, which is adjustable. Plenty of gadgets included on it, as well as the "pet attachment" Lighter than the Dyson (rollerball style) Good light, although it highlights pet hair it hasn't picked up (see below).

NEGATIVES:
I don't know how vacuum companies get away with promoting their products as "pet friendly" or some variation of? 4, 5 and sometimes 6 passes over hairs (on a short pile) carpet are needed to lift hair (less than 24 hours down). I've tried it on reduced power and full power, same results.
Clip that secures the hose to the upright bar unclicks itself from the holder (after just one week) when using in upright mode.
The "edge suction" makes very little difference.
Suction power reduces if there is a slight uneven surface. A part of our carpet has a carpet tile under it - suction greatly reduced when we try to hoover it.
Edge of the Shark goes up over the side of a rug, reduces suction to almost zero.
Dirt storage is very low. Frequent emptying with this one (as is well documented)

OVERALL:
For the price, not decent value, I feel around £160 would be a fairer price 7/10
Suction very good when in handheld mode 9/10
Suction in upright mode drops off if any uneven surface is attempted 5/10
Pet effect, poor, not as good as is claimed 4/10
Gadgets, plenty of options 9/10
Edge suction, not really noticeable 3/10
Overall
6.5/10