If you’re looking for a reliable upright vacuum cleaner that offers versatility and strong performance, two popular Shark models often come up in conversation: the Shark NV352 and the Shark NV356E. Both are designed to tackle a variety of floor types and offer convenient features for everyday cleaning.
This comparison will help you understand the key differences and similarities between these two capable machines to make an informed decision for your home.
Quick Check
| Fact Name | Shark NV352 | Shark NV356E |
|---|---|---|
| Product | ||
| Check Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
| Wattage | Corded Electric | Corded Electric |
Shark NV352 Review
Shark NV352: At a Glance
Wattage: Corded Electric
Special Features: HEPA, Hypoallergenic, Lightweight, Portable, Wheels
Shark NV352
The Shark NV352 is a corded upright vacuum designed for effective cleaning on both carpets and hard floors. Its power is notable for lifting dirt, debris, and pet hair, making it suitable for general home upkeep.
A standout feature is its Lift-Away functionality, allowing you to detach the canister for easier cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and above-floor areas. This model includes specialized tools for detailed cleaning, such as baseboards and tight spaces.
What We Like
- Powerful multi-surface suction for carpets and hard floors.
- Lift-Away pod for versatile above-floor and stair cleaning.
- Effective at picking up pet hair.
- HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology.
- Swivel steering for enhanced maneuverability.
- Brushroll shutoff for seamless transitions between floor types.
- Large-capacity dust cup (1.04L) for extended cleaning.
Things to Consider
- Some users might find the cord to be a limitation for very large spaces.
- While effective, the noise level can be a factor for some households.
Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away | Pet Hair, Carpet & Hard Floor Cleaning | Upholstery & Crevice Tools | HEPA Filter | Swivel Steering | Large Dust Cup Capacity | Lavender | NV352
Shark NV356E Review
Shark NV356E: At a Glance
Wattage: Corded Electric
Special Features: HEPA
Shark NV356E
The Shark NV356E is another robust corded upright vacuum engineered to deliver strong suction across different floor surfaces, including carpets and hardwood. It’s built to handle everyday messes and pet-related debris.
Similar to the NV352, this model also features Lift-Away capability, making it adaptable for cleaning various parts of the home beyond just the floors. It comes equipped with tools for detailed cleaning tasks.
What We Like
- Strong suction for both carpet and hardwood floor cleaning.
- Lift-Away feature for versatile cleaning of stairs and furniture.
- Efficiently removes pet hair and dander.
- HEPA filter system designed to trap allergens.
- Swivel steering for easy navigation around obstacles.
- Brushroll shutoff feature for adapting to different floor types.
- Includes useful attachments like a dusting brush and crevice tool.
Things to Consider
- The dust cup capacity is slightly smaller than the NV352.
- Filter maintenance, while standard, requires attention to ensure optimal performance.
Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away | Pet Hair, Carpet & Hard Floor Cleaning | Dusting Brush & Crevice Tool | HEPA Filter | Swivel Steering | White/Silver | NV356E
The Biggest Difference
The most significant practical difference between the Shark NV352 and the Shark NV356E lies in their dust cup capacity. The Shark NV352 boasts a larger 1.04L dust cup, meaning you can vacuum for longer periods before needing to empty it. This can be a noticeable advantage in larger homes or during more extensive cleaning sessions.
In contrast, the Shark NV356E features a 0.87L dust cup. While still a functional size for many, it will require emptying more frequently than the NV352, especially when dealing with larger debris or heavier cleaning tasks. Both vacuums share the core Lift-Away functionality, powerful suction, and HEPA filtration systems, making their core cleaning capabilities very similar.
What Changes in Real Life
- For homes with pets, the ability to quickly detach the pod on both models makes cleaning pet hair from furniture and stairs much more manageable.
- In multi-level homes, the Lift-Away feature on both the Shark NV352 and Shark NV356E significantly simplifies carrying the vacuum up and down stairs.
- If you have large, open-plan living areas, the larger dust cup of the Shark NV352 means fewer interruptions to empty the bin during cleaning.
- When cleaning intricate spaces like blinds or tight corners, the included crevice tools on both vacuums are invaluable for detailed work.
- For those who prefer to clean their entire home in one go without frequent stops, the Shark NV352’s larger capacity offers a slight edge.
- Both vacuums’ swivel steering makes navigating around furniture and tight corners a less strenuous task, improving the overall cleaning experience.
How These Actually Work (And Why It Matters)
Both the Shark NV352 and Shark NV356E utilize a powerful motor to generate strong suction, pulling dirt and debris from floor surfaces. Their design incorporates a brushroll that agitates carpets to loosen embedded dirt, while also being able to shut off for gentler cleaning on hard floors. The key innovation in both models is the ‘Lift-Away’ feature. This allows the user to detach the main canister from the upright base. This makes the vacuum more portable and easier to maneuver for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other elevated surfaces without the bulk of the entire unit.
Which One Is Best for You?
When deciding between the Shark NV352 and the Shark NV356E, consider the size of your home and how often you typically need to empty your vacuum’s dustbin. The Shark NV352 offers a larger capacity, which can lead to a more streamlined cleaning process for larger areas.
Both models provide the essential Lift-Away functionality and strong suction for various floor types, making them versatile choices for general household cleaning, including pet hair removal.
Which One Fits Your Life?
- If you have a larger home and want fewer interruptions during cleaning, the Shark NV352 is a better fit.
- If convenience for cleaning stairs and above-floor areas is a top priority, both models are excellent choices.
- If you have significant pet hair to manage, both vacuums are well-equipped for the task.
- If you prefer a slightly larger dustbin capacity for extended cleaning sessions, the Shark NV352 might be preferable.
- If you are looking for a capable and versatile upright vacuum without needing the absolute largest dustbin, the Shark NV356E is a solid option.
My Honest Recommendation
Both the Shark NV352 and the Shark NV356E are strong contenders for anyone seeking a versatile and powerful upright vacuum. The choice often comes down to minor preferences in capacity and slight feature variations.
For those prioritizing fewer interruptions during cleaning, especially in larger spaces, the Shark NV352 with its larger dust cup might be the more convenient option. Alternatively, the Shark NV356E offers very similar core performance and features, making it a reliable choice for many households.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Shark NV352 | Shark NV356E |
| Suction Power | Powerful multi-surface suction | Powerful multi-surface suction |
| Lift-Away Functionality | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Hair Pickup | Effective | Effective |
| Filtration | HEPA with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal | HEPA with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal |
| Steering | Swivel Steering | Swivel Steering |
| Brushroll Control | Brushroll Shutoff | Brushroll Shutoff |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.04L | 0.87L |
| Included Tools | Upholstery tool, crevice tool | Dusting brush, 8″ crevice tool |
Specifications Comparison
| Fact Name | Shark NV352 | Shark NV356E |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Shark | Shark |
| Model | NV352 | NV356E |
| Wattage | Corded Electric | Corded Electric |
| Special Features | HEPA, Hypoallergenic, Lightweight, Portable, Wheels | HEPA |
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining both the Shark NV352 and Shark NV356E involves regular cleaning of the dust cup and filters. The filters, including the HEPA filter, are typically washable. It’s important to rinse them under running water until clear and allow them to air dry completely for at least 24 hours before reinstalling. This ensures optimal suction power and allergen capture.
When to Buy for Better Deals
While specific pricing and deals fluctuate, you can often find competitive offers on both the Shark NV352 and Shark NV356E through major online retailers. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and promotions that can offer significant savings.
- Check reputable online marketplaces for current pricing.
- Look for bundled deals that might include extra accessories.
- Compare prices across different retailers to find the best value.
- Sign up for email alerts from retailers for notification of sales events.
FAQs
Is the Shark NV352 suitable for homes with allergies?
Yes, the Shark NV352 features a HEPA filter with an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, designed to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
Can the Shark NV356E be used on all floor types?
Yes, the Shark NV356E is designed for powerful suction on both carpets and hardwood floors, with a brushroll shutoff feature to optimize performance across surfaces.
How do I clean the filters on these Shark vacuums?
The filters on both models are typically washable. Rinse them under running water and allow them to air dry for at least 24 hours before reinstallation.
Is the Lift-Away feature useful for cleaning stairs?
Yes, the Lift-Away feature on both the Shark NV352 and Shark NV356E detaches the canister, making it significantly easier to clean stairs and other elevated surfaces.
Are these vacuums lightweight for carrying?
Both vacuums are designed to be lightweight upright vacuums, and the Lift-Away feature further enhances portability for above-floor cleaning tasks.
Quick Links
Final Decision
Both the Shark NV352 and Shark NV356E offer robust cleaning performance and versatile features for everyday home maintenance.
Your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize a slightly larger dustbin capacity for fewer interruptions or if the standard capacity of the NV356E meets your needs.
In conclusion, the Shark NV352 and Shark NV356E are very similar in their core functionality, offering strong suction, Lift-Away versatility, and HEPA filtration. The main differentiator is the dust cup size, with the NV352 offering a larger capacity. Both are excellent options for tackling a variety of cleaning tasks in most homes.
