The Shark PowerPro cordless vacuum cleaner has been named the top performer in a recent independent test conducted by the Daily Mail's Test Lab, surpassing several Dyson models. The evaluation, which enlisted the expertise of cleaning influencer Lynsey Crombie, highlighted the Shark PowerPro's exceptional suction, maneuverability, and value for money.
During the tests, the Shark PowerPro demonstrated strong performance across various floor types, including short and long pile carpets, as well as vinyl. It effectively picked up fine dust, coarse debris like rice and oats, and pet hair with minimal passes. Crombie noted its efficient swivel head, which made navigating corners and general movement feel effortless, often described as the vacuum doing most of the work.
While the Shark PowerPro weighs 3.45kg, it features a folding mechanism for easier storage and transport. Its 0.7-liter dustbin is simple to empty. A notable drawback mentioned was its noise level. The vacuum offers a 50-minute run time on eco mode, though its recharge time is approximately 3.5 hours. Despite these points, its competitive pricing, especially during Black Friday sales where it was found to be 34% off the RRP at Amazon for £179.99, contributed to its overall win.
Runner-up in the testing was another Shark model, the Shark Stratos, which was praised for its automatic suction adjustment and 60-minute runtime with two swappable batteries. However, it was deemed slightly pricier than the PowerPro. In contrast, the two Dyson models tested, the V15 and the V8, were categorized as "don't buy disappointments." The Dyson V15 struggled on carpets, with its brush head cutting out, while the V8 was criticized for spitting debris and having limited maneuverability.
The Gtech AirRAM2 was recognized as a strong budget-friendly option, particularly favored by Crombie for its performance on thick carpets. Despite some concerns about durability raised by Amazon reviewers, its effectiveness on certain surfaces and lower price point earned it a "best budget buy" designation.
The testing methodology involved assessing each vacuum's ability to clean up specific amounts of dust mixes and pet hair on different flooring samples. Additional factors like run time, noise levels, ease of use, charging time, and storage were also considered. The Daily Mail Test Lab emphasized that all evaluations were independent and not influenced by manufacturers or advertisers.