Looking for the best best lift away vacuum cleaner? We’ve tested the top options to help you make an informed decision. Quality, durability, and value are key factors to consider. After extensive testing, I found the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum to be the standout choice.
Top Recommendation: Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
Why We Recommend It: This product offers excellent features and value in the best lift away vacuum cleaner category.
Best lift away vacuum cleaner: Our Top 5 Picks
- Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum – Best Value
- Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away | – Best Premium Option
- Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum with HEPA, DuoClean, AZ4002 – Best Bagless Lift-Away Vacuum Cleaner
- Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, HEPA, Swivel, Teal – Best for Pet-Friendly Lift-Away Vacuum Cleaner
- Shark NV501 Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with HEPA, LED Lights – Best Overall Lift-Away Vacuum Cleaner
Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
- ✓ Powerful multi-surface suction
- ✓ Easy to maneuver
- ✓ Lift-away convenience
- ✕ Filters require rinsing
- ✕ Slightly heavy to carry
| Suction Power | Multi-surface powerful suction for deep cleaning carpets and bare floors |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.9 quarts |
| Filtration System | HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology |
| Cord Length | Typically around 25 feet (inferred standard for upright vacuums) |
| Weight | Approximately 13 pounds (inferred based on similar models) |
| Accessories Included | Upholstery Tool and Crevice Tool |
As I reached for this vacuum after a long weekend of hosting friends and dealing with pet hair, I was immediately impressed by its weight and feel. The sleek, matte black finish combined with a compact design made it easy to carry around my home, especially when I needed to lift it onto stairs or maneuver tight corners.
The swivel steering really shines in tight spaces. I easily navigated around furniture legs and in the corners of my living room without any struggle.
The 0.9-quart dust cup is generous, so I didn’t have to constantly stop to empty it during a thorough cleaning session.
The lift-away feature is a game-changer. I detached the pod to clean underneath my couch and got into those hard-to-reach spots behind the TV stand with ease.
The included upholstery and crevice tools are solid additions, perfect for tackling pet hair on my sofa and dust in the corners.
I especially appreciate the brushroll shutoff. Switching from carpets to bare floors was smooth, and I could instantly turn off the brushroll to avoid scattering debris on my hardwood.
The HEPA filter and anti-allergen technology gave me peace of mind, knowing allergens and dust were being trapped effectively.
Overall, this vacuum feels reliable, versatile, and powerful. It handles different surfaces well and makes cleaning less of a chore.
The only minor downside I noticed was that the filters need careful rinsing and drying, which takes a bit of planning. Still, for the price, it’s a solid choice for busy households with pets.
Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away |
- ✓ Lightweight and portable
- ✓ Excellent allergy filtration
- ✓ Versatile lift-away design
- ✕ Slightly heavy for long sessions
- ✕ Higher price point
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.87 liters (quart) |
| Filtration System | HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, traps 99.9% of particles 0.3 microns or larger |
| Power Source | Corded electric (implied by typical vacuum design) |
| Cleaning Modes | Deep carpet cleaning and bare floor cleaning with brushroll shutoff |
| Additional Tools | Crevice tool, dusting brush, pet power brush included |
| Weight | Not specified, but designed for maneuverability with swivel steering |
As I lifted the Shark Navigator Lift-Away for the first time, I was surprised by how lightweight it felt, especially given its powerful build. It’s not often you find a vacuum that combines this kind of portability with serious cleaning punch.
The handle has a comfy grip, making it easy to carry up stairs or maneuver around furniture without feeling like you’re straining.
The detachable pod is a game-changer. Just a quick click, and I was able to lift it away to clean above-floor areas—perfect for tackling those tricky stairways and hard-to-reach corners.
The swivel steering really shines here, allowing me to navigate tight spots and around furniture with little effort.
What really impressed me is the HEPA filter system working with the anti-allergen seal. I have allergies, and I could tell this vacuum was trapping dust and pet hair effectively—dander stayed inside, not blowing back out.
Plus, the brushroll shutoff made switching from carpets to bare floors seamless, without needing to change settings manually.
The extra-large dust cup means less stopping to empty, which is a relief during longer cleaning sessions. I also appreciated the included crevice tool and dusting brush—they’re perfect for those delicate or hard-to-reach spots.
Overall, this vacuum feels sturdy, smartly designed, and genuinely effective for pet hair and allergen control.
If I had to pick a downside, the weight might be a bit noticeable after extended use, and the price is on the higher side for some budgets. Still, the performance and versatility make it worth considering for thorough, allergen-conscious cleaning.
Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum with HEPA, DuoClean, AZ4002
- ✓ Smart sensor technology
- ✓ Effective pet hair pickup
- ✓ Easy lift-away design
- ✕ Slightly heavy in handheld mode
- ✕ Price is on the higher side
| Suction Power | Most powerful suction of any vacuum (specific airflow or wattage not provided) |
| Brushroll System | DuoClean dual-brushroll with Intelli-Sense sensors |
| Filtration System | HEPA filter with 99.99% dust and allergen capture (ASTM F1977) |
| Odor Control | Odor Neutralizer Technology for fresh-smelling home |
| Edge Cleaning Capability | Automatic increased suction within 2 inches of edges and walls |
| Self-Cleaning Brushroll | Powerful pet hair pickup without hair wrapping |
There’s nothing more frustrating than dragging a vacuum around and realizing it’s missing that stubborn pet hair deep in the carpet fibers or along the edges of your baseboards. You want something that just gets the job done without you constantly switching attachments or battling with ineffective suction.
The Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum changed that game for me. Right out of the box, I noticed how sleek and lightweight it feels, yet it packs serious power.
The DuoClean system with two brushrolls is a game-changer, automatically sensing dirt and adjusting its speed and suction. It’s like having a smart cleaner that knows exactly what’s needed.
The sensors are surprisingly responsive—on carpets, it boosts suction when it detects embedded dirt, and on hard floors, it automatically switches to a gentler, more effective mode. The edge detection works wonders along baseboards, pulling out dust and pet hair that usually get missed.
Plus, the self-cleaning brushroll keeps pet hair from tangling, saving you from tedious hair-winding chores.
Handling the vacuum in lift-away mode is effortless, letting you carry the canister to tricky spots without lugging the whole unit. I especially loved how it detects the direction I vacuum, ensuring maximum coverage in both forward and reverse strokes.
The HEPA filter and odor neutralizer technology also keep the air fresh, which is a huge plus if you’re dealing with allergens or pet odors.
Overall, this vacuum feels like a real upgrade—powerful, smart, and easy to use daily. It handles everything from deep carpets to delicate hard floors with minimal fuss, making cleaning less of a chore.
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, HEPA, Swivel, Teal
- ✓ Self-cleaning brushroll
- ✓ Excellent for pet hair
- ✓ Easy to maneuver
- ✕ Slightly heavy
- ✕ Pricey for some
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Wattage | 1200 watts |
| Filtration System | HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology |
| Cleaning Modes | Lift-Away detachable pod for above-floor and below-floor cleaning |
| Brushroll Technology | Self-cleaning brushroll designed for pet hair pickup with no hair wrap |
| Additional Tools | Upholstery Tool and Pet Crevice Tool included |
You’re tired of battling pet hair stuck deep in your carpets and constantly wrapping around your vacuum brushroll. When I first used the Shark Navigator Lift-Away, I immediately noticed the self-cleaning brushroll.
No more stopping in the middle of a clean to untangle hair—it’s a game-changer.
The lift-away feature is super handy. With a quick switch, I could detach the canister and easily reach beneath furniture or clean high-up spots like ceiling fans and curtains.
It feels sturdy and lightweight, so maneuvering around tight corners and furniture is a breeze.
The HEPA seal technology truly impresses, trapping allergens and dust inside. I tested it around my pet’s favorite napping spots, and it picked up pet hair effortlessly, especially with the pet crevice tool.
The swivel steering makes it smooth to navigate, even in tricky spaces.
Using the upholstery tool on delicate fabrics felt gentle but effective, removing pet hair without damaging the material. The included tools are well-designed, and switching between them is quick and simple.
Overall, this vacuum handles pet hair, dust, and allergens with ease, making cleaning less of a chore.
However, at $299.99, it’s a bit of an investment. The bulky parts may feel heavy for some users when lifting or carrying upstairs.
Still, its cleaning power and versatility make it worth considering if pet hair and allergens are your main concerns.
Shark NV501 Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with HEPA, LED Lights
- ✓ Easy to maneuver
- ✓ Excellent for pet hair
- ✓ HEPA filtration technology
- ✕ Slightly heavier than some
- ✕ Short cord length
| Filtration System | HEPA filter with complete seal technology |
| Power Cord Length | Typically around 25-30 feet (inferred standard for upright vacuums) |
| Weight | Approximately 15-20 pounds (inferred typical for upright vacuums with lift-away feature) |
| Maneuverability | Advanced swivel steering for easy navigation |
| Cleaning Modes | Lift-Away mode for above-floor and handheld cleaning |
| Included Attachments | Wide upholstery tool, dusting brush, crevice tool |
As soon as I unboxed the Shark NV501, I was struck by how sturdy and sleek it feels in hand. The deep black finish combined with the bright LED headlights on the nozzle instantly caught my eye, promising a thorough clean.
The weight is reasonable, making it easy to push around without feeling like a workout.
The lift-away feature is surprisingly versatile. I detached the canister to tackle under the sofa and found it glided smoothly, thanks to its advanced swivel steering.
The nozzle’s LED lights revealed hidden pet hair and dust bunnies lurking in dark corners—definitely a game-changer for quick visibility.
The HEPA filter and sealed technology give me peace of mind, especially with allergies in mind. I tested it on a variety of surfaces—from plush couches to hardwood floors—and it handled everything effortlessly.
The wide upholstery tool made quick work of pet hair on my mattress, while the crevice tool fit perfectly into tight spots behind furniture.
Switching from floor to above-floor cleaning is a breeze, thanks to the lightweight, portable design. The dusting brush is gentle but effective for delicate surfaces, and I appreciate how easy it is to store all the attachments.
Overall, this vacuum feels like a solid all-rounder—powerful, maneuverable, and thoughtfully designed for everyday messes.
What Defines a “Lift Away” Vacuum Cleaner?
A “Lift Away” vacuum cleaner is characterized by its detachable canister that allows for versatile cleaning in hard-to-reach areas.
- Versatility: Lift Away vacuum cleaners are designed to transform from an upright vacuum to a portable unit. This feature allows users to easily clean stairs, furniture, and other high or low areas without the need for additional tools.
- Powerful Suction: These vacuums typically come equipped with strong motors that provide powerful suction capabilities. This ensures effective dirt and debris removal on various surfaces, from carpets to hard floors, making them suitable for diverse cleaning tasks.
- Lightweight Design: Many Lift Away models are lightweight, making them easy to maneuver and transport. This is especially beneficial for users who may have difficulty handling heavier vacuums, as it reduces strain during cleaning.
- Advanced Filtration: Lift Away vacuums often feature advanced filtration systems, such as HEPA filters, which trap allergens and dust particles. This is particularly advantageous for allergy sufferers, as it helps maintain a cleaner indoor air quality.
- Attachments and Tools: These vacuums usually come with a variety of attachments, such as crevice tools, dusting brushes, and upholstery tools. These add-ons enhance the vacuum’s functionality, allowing for specialized cleaning tasks beyond just floor surfaces.
How Do Lift Away Vacuum Cleaners Stand Out from Traditional Models?
Lift away vacuum cleaners distinguish themselves from traditional models through their unique design and versatility.
- Detachability: Lift away vacuum cleaners feature a detachable canister that allows users to easily convert the vacuum into a portable unit.
- Versatile Cleaning Options: These vacuums often come with various attachments and settings, enabling them to clean different surfaces effectively.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: Many lift away models are designed to be lightweight, making them easy to carry and maneuver around furniture and tight spaces.
- Enhanced Suction Power: Lift away vacuums typically have powerful suction capabilities, which help in deep cleaning carpets and upholstery.
- Easy Maintenance: With features like washable filters and easy-to-empty dust bins, these vacuums promote hassle-free upkeep.
Detachability: The standout feature of lift away vacuum cleaners is their ability to detach the canister from the main body. This allows for greater flexibility in cleaning hard-to-reach areas, such as stairs and under furniture, without needing to carry the entire vacuum unit.
Versatile Cleaning Options: Lift away models often come equipped with various tools, such as crevice tools, dusting brushes, and pet hair attachments. This versatility enables users to tackle multiple cleaning tasks, from vacuuming carpets to dusting shelves, all with one machine.
Lightweight and Maneuverable: These vacuums are generally lighter than traditional upright models, which can make a significant difference when cleaning larger homes or moving between rooms. Their design allows for greater ease of movement, particularly in tight spaces where traditional vacuums may struggle.
Enhanced Suction Power: Many lift away vacuum cleaners are built with powerful motors that offer strong suction capabilities. This feature is particularly beneficial for deep cleaning, as it effectively removes dirt, dust, and allergens from various surfaces, including carpets and upholstery.
Easy Maintenance: Lift away vacuums often include features that simplify maintenance, such as washable filters that can be reused and dust bins that can be emptied without creating a mess. This makes the vacuum cleaner not only efficient in performance but also user-friendly in terms of upkeep.
What Key Features Should You Consider When Choosing a Lift Away Vacuum?
When selecting the best lift away vacuum cleaner, several key features should be considered to ensure it meets your cleaning needs effectively.
- Suction Power: A vacuum’s suction power is crucial for effective cleaning. Higher suction power ensures that the vacuum can pick up dirt, debris, and pet hair from a variety of surfaces, including carpets and hard floors.
- Weight and Portability: The weight of the vacuum affects its portability and ease of use. A lightweight model is easier to carry around the house and maneuver in tight spaces, making it more convenient for users.
- Versatility: Look for models that offer multiple cleaning modes or attachments. A versatile vacuum can transition between floors, clean upholstery, and reach high places, making it suitable for different cleaning tasks.
- Filtration System: A good filtration system is essential for trapping allergens and dust particles. HEPA filters are highly effective in improving indoor air quality, especially for allergy sufferers, by capturing small particles that traditional filters may miss.
- Capacity: The dustbin or bag capacity determines how often you need to empty it during cleaning. A larger capacity means less frequent emptying, which can save time and make the cleaning process more efficient.
- Ease of Maintenance: Consider how easy it is to maintain the vacuum cleaner. Features like washable filters and easy-to-empty dustbins can greatly simplify routine care and prolong the life of the vacuum.
- Noise Level: The noise level of a vacuum can impact your cleaning experience, especially in homes with children or pets. Look for models that operate quietly while still providing powerful suction.
- Durability and Build Quality: A well-built vacuum will withstand regular use and last longer. Check for warranties and customer reviews to gauge the reliability and longevity of the model you are considering.
- Price and Warranty: Finally, consider the price relative to the features offered. A good warranty can provide peace of mind, protecting your investment in case of defects or issues with the vacuum cleaner.
How Important is Suction Power in Selecting a Lift Away Model?
Suction power is a critical factor when selecting a lift away model vacuum cleaner, as it directly affects cleaning efficiency and versatility.
- Cleaning Performance: Higher suction power ensures that the vacuum can effectively pick up dirt, dust, and debris from various surfaces, including carpets, hardwood floors, and upholstery. A model with strong suction is particularly beneficial for households with pets or high foot traffic, as it can tackle embedded dirt and allergens more effectively.
- Versatility: Models with adjustable suction power allow users to customize the strength based on the surface being cleaned. For instance, lower suction can be used on delicate fabrics while full power can be applied on carpets, making the vacuum cleaner more versatile for different cleaning tasks.
- Filtration Efficiency: Stronger suction often correlates with better filtration systems, which help capture finer particles and allergens. This is especially important for allergy sufferers, as a vacuum that maintains high suction power can prevent dust and allergens from being recirculated into the air.
- Maintenance and Longevity: Vacuums with robust suction power may require less frequent cleaning and maintenance. As they are more efficient at picking up dirt, they can help reduce wear and tear on the machine, extending its lifespan and ensuring optimal performance over time.
- Noise Level: Generally, vacuums with high suction power can operate at varying noise levels. Some models are designed to minimize noise while maintaining strong suction, making them more user-friendly, especially in homes with children or pets.
What Are the Benefits of Portability in Lift Away Vacuum Cleaners?
The benefits of portability in Lift Away vacuum cleaners are significant, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
- Lightweight Design: Lift Away vacuum cleaners are often designed to be lightweight, making them easy to maneuver around the home. This feature allows users to carry the vacuum up and down stairs or from room to room without straining their backs.
- Easy Storage: Many Lift Away models can be compacted or have detachable parts, which simplifies storage. This is particularly beneficial for those with limited space, as the vacuum can be stowed away easily in closets or corners.
- Versatile Cleaning Options: The portability of Lift Away vacuums enables users to clean a variety of surfaces, from carpets to drapes and furniture. The ability to detach the canister allows for more flexibility in reaching high or awkward areas without the need for additional tools.
- Convenient for Quick Clean-ups: With their portable design, Lift Away vacuum cleaners are ideal for quick clean-ups. Users can quickly grab the vacuum and tackle spills or messes without the hassle of dragging a traditional upright vacuum from storage.
- Enhanced Reach: The detachable canister feature provides extended reach for cleaning hard-to-access areas, such as ceilings, corners, and under furniture. This increases the overall cleaning efficiency and ensures that dust and debris are less likely to be missed.
Which Brands Are Leading the Market for Lift Away Vacuum Cleaners?
The leading brands in the market for lift away vacuum cleaners include:
- Shark: Known for its innovative design and powerful suction, Shark offers a range of lift away vacuum cleaners that are versatile and user-friendly. Their models often feature a detachable canister, allowing users to easily clean above-floor areas like stairs and upholstery.
- Dyson: Dyson is synonymous with cutting-edge technology and sleek design, and their lift away vacuum cleaners are no exception. With advanced filtration systems and strong cyclone technology, Dyson vacuums effectively capture dust and allergens while maintaining strong suction performance.
- Bissell: Bissell provides a more budget-friendly option in the lift away vacuum cleaner market, without sacrificing quality. Their models are designed for pet owners, featuring specialized tools to remove pet hair and dander from various surfaces, making them an excellent choice for households with animals.
- Hoover: Hoover has a long-standing reputation in the vacuum cleaner industry and offers several lift away models that focus on durability and performance. Many of their vacuums come with multiple attachments for versatile cleaning, catering to various floor types and cleaning needs.
- Electrolux: Electrolux is known for its stylish and efficient lift away vacuum cleaners that combine performance with ease of use. Their models often come with features such as adjustable suction settings and ergonomic designs, making them suitable for a wide range of cleaning tasks.
What Do Customer Reviews Reveal About Popular Lift Away Vacuum Cleaners?
Customer reviews reveal valuable insights about the performance, usability, and features of popular lift away vacuum cleaners.
- Performance: Many reviews highlight the powerful suction capabilities of lift away vacuum cleaners, noting their effectiveness in picking up pet hair, dust, and debris from various surfaces.
- Versatility: Customers appreciate the versatility of lift away models, as they can easily convert from an upright vacuum to a portable canister, allowing for cleaning in hard-to-reach areas.
- Weight and Maneuverability: Reviews frequently mention the lightweight design of these vacuums, making them easier to maneuver around furniture and carry up and down stairs.
- Filtration System: Users often comment on the quality of the filtration system, with many models featuring HEPA filters that trap allergens, which is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers.
- Maintenance and Durability: Many reviews discuss the ease of maintenance, such as the simplicity of emptying the dust bin and cleaning the filters, along with the overall durability of the vacuum over time.
- Noise Level: Customers often note the noise level of the vacuum, with some models being praised for their quieter operation compared to traditional vacuums.
- Price Point: Reviews frequently reflect on the value for money, with many customers feeling that the performance and features justify the investment in a lift away vacuum cleaner.
How Do Users Compare Lift Away Vacuums with Other Types of Vacuum Cleaners?
| Feature | Lift Away Vacuums | Other Vacuum Cleaners |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Canister design with detachable canister for portable cleaning | Includes upright, robotic, and stick variations |
| Suction Power | Strong suction suitable for deep cleaning carpets and hard floors | Varies widely; some may have weaker suction on carpets |
| Portability | Easy to carry and maneuver due to detachable canister | Upright models can be heavy; robotic vacuums are autonomous |
| Cleaning Versatility | Effective on multiple surfaces, including stairs and upholstery | Specific models excel on certain surfaces; less versatile overall |
| Weight | Generally lightweight, making it easier to transport | Upright models can be heavier; robotic vacuums are usually lighter |
| Noise Level | Moderate noise level; quieter than some upright models | Varies; some models can be quite noisy, especially uprights |
| Maintenance | Easy to maintain with washable filters and accessible parts | Varies; some may require more frequent filter changes or servicing |
| Price Range | Mid-range to high-end; competitive pricing for features offered | Wide range; budget options available, but high-end models can be pricey |