Shark vacuum cleaners are known for offering top-of-the-line performance and design for the price. Each series—like the Rocket or Rotator—has multiple models that offer a range of different capabilities. What’s common amongst all of them is Shark’s superb craftsmanship and innovative technology to make sure your vacuum runs with consistent power and suction. Personally, I love the versatile features such as Lift Away and Swivel Steering. They make it so much easier to effortlessly clean all the difficult spaces every home seems to have. The Navigator is one of Shark’s most well-known series and for this review I’ll be investigating the merits of two of its exceptional models: the Shark UV540 vs NV356E.
Shark UV540 Vs NV356E – Specifications at a Glance
Shark UV540
- Lift Away feature allows the vacuum pod to detach from the frame
- Swivel Steering to negotiate furniture
- Ultra Quiet Technology means it’s less noisy than some vacuums
- Anti Allergen Complete Seal Technology
- HEPA Filtration for cleaner air
- Brush Roll Sensor so you can easily switch between different floor types
- Air Driven Pet Hair Brush
- 5.5 inch Crevice Tool
- 16 inch Extension Wand for additional reach
- Color: Gray
Shark NV356E
- Lift Away feature for versatile cleaning
- Swivel Steering for easy maneuvering
- Anti Allergen Complete Seal Technology keeps dust confined
- HEPA Filtration
- Brush Roll Sensor automatically adapts to hard and soft flooring
- Pet Hair Brush
- 8 inch Crevice Tool
- Microfiber Pads for delicate floor surfaces
- Color: White and silver
Clever Design
Both the UV540 and the NV356E are traditional upright vacuum cleaners. The frames of each one measures just a little over 45 inches. It’s a comfortable height for nearly everyone, including tall people. All the control buttons are conveniently placed on the handle. It’s easy to switch on and off or choose to press the Lift Away button and the main body of the vacuum instantly releases itself from the frame. I found the pod was lightweight enough to hold in one hand while I continued with the hose attachment and crevice tool in the other to remove the cobwebs from the upper corners of the room. It was also a convenient way to clean the carpet on my stairs. Both models feature Shark’s innovative Swivel Steering Technology that lets you work round awkward pieces of furniture or corners in one easy, smooth action.
Shark UV540 Vs NV356E – Which is the Most Versatile?
Through Lift Away and Swivel Steering Technology, both models are equally easy to handle. The UV540 has a smaller cleaning head than the NV356E and is also three pounds heavier. I think the weight is an important factor to consider if you are slightly built, elderly or have to clean a large home as even I began to notice the extra burden after a long cleaning session. However, the UV540 has an electrical cord of 35 feet, which is actually 5 feet longer than the NV356E. The UV540 also has a 16 inch extension wand which I found extremely useful for reaching behind and under cupboards.
Cleaning Power
The legendary cleaning power of Shark vacuums has made them one of the most reliable and popular brands. The UV540 and the NV236E both incorporate advanced technology to maintain an unwavering degree of suction. It’s a feature that provides you with the ultimate in efficient cleaning power regardless of how long each model is in use. However, I think that one of the major benefits of a Shark vacuum cleaner is the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and the reliable HEPA filtration system that captures 99.99% of microscopic dust particles and allergens down to a size of just 0.3 microns. I can’t help but agree that it really does leave the air quality in your home hygienically fresh and clean. It’s an impressive feature that is even endorsed by the British Allergy Foundation. Either of these models is an excellent choice if anyone in your family suffers with asthma or any dust related condition.
Useful Accessories
I found the air driven pet hair brush of the UV540 was very effective in lifting the long, fluffy hairs left behind on the sofa by my adorable Persian cat. The pet hair brush on the NV356E also gave satisfactory results, but required a little more perseverance. They both have a crevice tool accessory, but the extra 2.5 inch length of the NV356E is perfect for getting between deep cushion seats and spaces between cupboards. However, the 16 inch extension wand of the UV540 is a really handy tool if you like cleaning high curtain rails and around light fittings. Both models have a convenient brush roll sensor that makes it easy to move from a deep pile rug to a hard floor. It automatically adjusts to save you the trouble and effort of making the switch yourself. It’s ideal for someone like me who is constantly forgetting to change the header height to match the surface I’m cleaning. In addition, the NV356E has an extra pad made of soft microfiber that attaches to the underneath of the cleaning head to protect delicate vinyl or wooden flooring from becoming scratched.
Shark UV540 Vs NV356E – What Do They Cost?
The two models I’ve been reviewing are in a medium price range. I personally think that even if you’re on a strict budget, the durable reliability of these two models means your investment will be much more worthwhile than a cheaper vacuum that is more likely to wear out much faster.
Other People’s Opinions
After analyzing several reviews, I found many people agreed the UV540 could be slightly heavy to handle, but everyone seemed to love its powerful cleaning action and useful accessories. The average rating for the UV540 was a generous 4.5 out of five. I also discovered that around three-quarters of the people expressing an opinion considered the NV356E was a competent, powerful vacuum. However, many people seemed to think a headlight to illuminate dark spaces would be an improvement.
Conclusion: Shark UV540 VS NV356E
Both the UV540 and the NV356E are comfortable and easy to use. They both have the advantage of innovative Shark design and technology, which provides superior cleaning power. The HEPA filtration and the Anti Allergen Complete Seal Technology certainly left my home with a clean, fresh atmosphere. I believe the automatic brush sensor, Swivel Steering and Lift Away features easily surpass the capabilities of many other vacuums you’ll find on the market today.
So, if extra weight doesn’t bother you, then the added accessories will definitely give you some versatility when it comes to doing your household cleaning work. The Shark NV356E, by contrast, is a lightweight vacuum that is quite easy to navigate. But no matter which Shark Navigator vacuum you decide to go with, I am sure you will agree that the features of both worth easily match the quality and performance of vacuum cleaners in higher price range.
