If you’re searching the market for a new upright vacuum, you should check out the Shark Apex DuoClean. It’s a perfect blend of cost, attractive looks, and efficiency.
We can all agree that cleaning is time-consuming and nobody is really excited to do it anyway. However, innovative technologies featured in this Shark vacuum can make the process less tiring and daunting.
The Shark Apex DuoClean is an advanced vacuum cleaner that’s easy to use. It’s a full-sized vac that tackles different floors and types of dirt and is quite versatile.
Take a moment to read the review below as we cover the basics from its features and specs to how it performs.
This Vacuum isn’t For You:
- If you want a cordless vac – though this is one of the most modern models, it comes with a cord. For some people, this can be a hassle even though it’s a long cord providing an unlimited power source.
- If you have smaller rugs – anything from runners, bathroom and throw rugs will get sucked right in. The power of the Apex DuoClean makes it hard to clean these carpets because they’re typically lightweight.
- If you have joint problems –the unit has a rotating head which causes it to pull ahead. To drag it back, you need quite some strength.
Features
This one is packed with features that make cleaning easier and more enjoyable. Among its many features is the Noise Reduction technology that helps the unit operate without making as much noise as vacs typically do.
Another thing worth noting is the Active Glide Technology that helps the maneuverability and overall success of cleaning.
The Apex has LED lights, which is a great addition for cleaning concentrated areas and thick carpets where dirt usually hides.
Design
This advanced cleaner features modern and attractive looks. It’s a dark-colored vac with a red brush roll that stands out as a little pop of color.
The design is partially what makes this unit as popular. Not only it looks good, but it allows easier maneuverability. In other words, the handle is ergonomically designed to be comfortable for extended cleaning sessions.
The cleaning head is also designed to help the process as it’s easy to maneuver with around corners and different obstacles.
Size & Dimensions
Much like all uprights, the Apex is big and possibly even heavy to some people. It measures 12×9.8×46 inches in total and weighs 16 pounds.
Such weight is under the average for upright vacuums, but it still might be cumbersome to some people. Shark did a great job at making sure the weight doesn’t bother you as much by adding swivel steering and Active Glide Technology.
Despite its dimensions, the Apex is easy to store away.
Suction
The Shark Apex DuoClean is well-known for its powerful suction. It’s able to pick up even the most persistent and embedded dirt from different surfaces, including hard floor.
However, this might also be a problem sometimes. Bathroom and throw rugs are tricky to clean because the vac sucks them right in and you have to manually remove them from the cleaner head.
Accessories & Parts
This feature-packed upright vacuum also comes with several accessories that make it more versatile and capable of doing different tasks. Here’s what included in the package:
- Pet Multi-Tool
- MultiFlex Under Appliance Wand
- Anti-Allergen Dust Brush
- Duster Crevice Tool
- Soft Roller Brush
The most interesting is the MultiFlex Under Appliance wand that makes it easy to reach under furniture without bending or kneeling in front of it.
Warranty
Shark offers a seven-year warranty on its Apex DuoClean unit. Shark is known to stand behind its products, so it’s no surprise that the brand would offer such a deal.
However, it’s a limited warranty that covers original faults in material and craftsmanship. It doesn’t cover normal wear and tear, damaged caused by misuse, neglect, unauthorized repair, and products that were used in commercial purposes.
Flooring
The Apex DuoClean is a popular vacuum that does well on all floor types. It has technologies and tools that help it pick up dirt from both bare floors and carpets. Its suction is also powerful enough, and as you know, maybe even too powerful in some cases.
Carpet
The Shark DuoClean technology features a dual brush roll system. It’s what allows such great performance on different carpets regardless of the type of dirt that’s embedded.
However, as we mentioned, it might be too intense for some rugs. If you have bathroom throws or anything as thin and lightweight, the vac might just get stuck in place pulling and pushing it around.
Hardwood
The same Shark DuoClean technology and the dual brushroll do a great job on bare floors and hard floors. The brush picks up pet hair, kibble, litter, dust, sand, and everything else on its way while leaving hard floor with a polished look.
Its Active Glide Technology helps you maneuver the vac on hardwood floors. Plus, this upright cleans even the most persistent dirt and tiny allergens stuck in your hard floor.
Maneuverability
For maneuverability, Shark included its well-known Active Glide Technology. It helps the vac glide across different floors, making it easier for you to push and pull it.
It’s not as simple to steer and maneuver on thick carpets, but that’s more because of its suction that can’t be lowered or reduced.
This upright also has On-Floor and Nozzle LED lights for easier steering and spotting different dirt.
Maintenance
Now and then, you’ll have to empty its dust bin for the vac to operate correctly. That’s the most frequent maintenance it requires.
Other than that, you’ll also have to manage the filters though not as often. You should remove the foam and felt filter kit and shake the excess dust off from time to time.
The manufacturer recommends you rinse and dry the filters every three months.
Noise
As we mentioned, this upright vacuum features Noise Reduction Technology that’s expertly designed to reduce noise. It has a low-frequency hum, and as a result, the Apex is quieter than most other vacuums on the market.
The technology makes it ideal for people who have pets and babies that are scared of loud vacuum cleaners.
Cordless or Cord?
This is a corded unit that features a 30ft power cable to offer an unlimited power source. It means you can clean whenever you want and for however long. Still, the cord might be a hassle for some people who prefer cordless vacs.
Bag or Bagless?
This product comes with a see-through canister that collects all the dust and dirt you pick up from the floor. The canister is located on the front and has a press-and-release system for emptying.
Hold it over your trash can or a bag and press the button to empty its contents. Its capacity is up to 1.5 dry quarts.
Filter
This upright has two filters – an inner and an outer one. One of the two is a HEPA filter, making the Apex even more suitable for allergy-prone people. The other filter is easy to get to and rinse which you should do at least every three months.
Pets
Having pets in your home means you’ll have to clean a few times a week, maybe even a little every day. For this, you need a vac that’s efficient in picking up what pets leave behind, but it’s also easy to use.
Kitty Litter
Shark Apex DuoClean can pick up kitty litter with ease regardless of what’s the floor surface. While you should keep the litter box on a bare floor, the vac’s powerful suction will get it even if it finds its way onto a carpet.
Pet Hair
Its suction and the included Pet Multi-Tool do a great job at vacuuming pet hair from different surfaces. If you have some on carpets, stairs, furniture, and hardwood, the Shark Apex will pick it up with ease.
The only thing you should remember is to check the brush regularly just no hair gets stuck there.
Additional Options/Information
This product is a part of Shark’s versatile Lift-Away series. It means you can remove its canister from the body for better mobility. It reduced the need for constant heavy-lifting and working around and under furniture, stairs, and other obstacles.
Is The Shark Apex DuoClean For You?
The Shark Apex DuoClean is a unique and innovative vacuum cleaner that has several impressive features. It’s easy to use once you get used to its strong suction and the length of its cord.
This upright is great for people who want a quiet vacuum cleaner that’s still powerful and versatile. It might take some getting used to, but overall, it’s a great value product that comes with a 7-year warranty and handy accessories such as the crevice tool.