The Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away (NV501), the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright (NV356E), and Shark Rocket Professional (NV480) vacuum cleaners are affordable and sturdy upright vacuum cleaners. They all share very similar dimensions and specifications and they all get the job done. These similarities often lead to confusion when trying to decide which vacuum cleaner to buy, however. Let’s discuss today the Shark Rotator NV501 vs Navigator NV356E vs Rocket NV480 vacuum cleaners’ tech specs and features. We also provide you here with product comparisons and a buying guide to make things easier for you!
Shark Rotator NV501 vs Navigator NV356E vs Rocket NV480 Vacuum Cleaners Tech Specs and Features
As usual, before you buy any type of vacuum cleaner, carefully read our guide on vacuum cleaner specifications. You should be looking for balanced tech specs when it comes to airflow, filtration capacity, suction power, and more.
Find all the crucial specifications of these models and side-by-side comparisons in the following table!
Model | Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501 | Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright NV356E | Shark Rocket Professional NV480 |
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Power | 1200W | 1200W | 700W |
Recommended Surface Cleaning Types | Carpets, Bare Floors | Carpets, Bare Floors | Carpets, Bare Floors |
Dimensions | 47.5 x 14.1 x 12.2 inches | 45.2 x 11.4 x 12.4 inches | 45.3 x 11.3 x 14.1 inches |
Swivel Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Power Cord Length | 30 ft (9.15 m) | 30 ft (9.15 m) | 30 ft (9.15 m) |
Dirt Capacity | 3.1 Dry Quarts (3.4 l) | 3.1 Dry Quarts (3.4 l) | 1.8 Dry Quarts (2 l) |
Total Hose Reach | (not specified) | 6.3 ft (1.9 m) – Hose Length | 8.2 ft (2.5 m) |
Cleaning Path Width | 9.5 inches (24 cm) | 9.5 inches (24 cm) | 11 inches (28 cm) |
Product Weight | 15.8 lbs (7.15 kg) | 14 lbs (6.34 kg) | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
Filtration | Sealed vacuum technology with Washable HEPA Filters | Foam Filters and HEPA | Sealed vacuum technology with Washable HEPA Filters |
Headlights | Yes | No | Yes |
Suction Control | Yes | Yes | No |
Additional Cleaning Tools | – Dusting Brush – 12-inch Crevice Tool, – Canister Caddy, – Premium Pet Power Brush, – Wide Pet Upholstery Tool, – Straight Suction Nozzle. |
– Dusting Brush, – 8-inch Crevice Tool, – Pet Hair Power Brush, – Dust Away Hard Floor Attachment, – 1 Microfiber Pad. |
– 11-inch Crevice Tool, – Dusting Brush, – Pet Power Brush. |
Check Latest Price | Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away (NV501) | Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright (NV356E) | Shark Rocket Professional Upright (NV482) |
Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away (NV501) Pros and Cons
The Shark Rotator vacuums have great suction and a powerful brush roll that does its job well. Cleaning near the edges of the walls and furniture is good. Pet hair is removed from carpets easily. All attachments do what they are supposed to do and are easily changeable.
During the operation, noise levels are at acceptable levels – these are really quiet machines, especially having in mind that they require 1200W of power.
The brush roll and filters are easy to clean. Vacuum cleaner doesn’t lose suction during operation, regardless of how full dirt bin is.
Cons: Only a few, if any.
The vacuum cleaner can fall over if the hose is stretched too far, but this is issue with all of similar designs. Also, some people complain about the dirt bin capacity, which is around 3.4 liters. If 3.4 liters is not enough, even for large homes with kids and pets, then consider buying larger and more expensive vacuum cleaner.
- The Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501 is very similar to Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away models NV502 and NV522.
- The Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV502 doesn’t include Wide Pet Upholstery Tool, but include Car Detail Kit, with all other options practically being the same.
- The Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV522 doesn’t include Straight Suction Nozzle but include Under Appliance Wand and Dust-Away with a reusable microfiber pad.
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright (NV356E) Pros and Cons
NV356E has great suction and like NV501 has 3.4 liters dirt bin. It is easy to navigate, steer, and turn around edges and furniture. HEPA grade filtration removes small dust particles and other allergens from the air stream.
Some people complain about 9.5″ wide cleaner head, but due to its dimensions, vacuum cleaner is easier to navigate around the house, especially around tight corners and between furniture. Also, a narrower head means stronger suction.
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Vacuum NV356E is very similar to Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Vacuum NV370. NV370 model is based on ‘Gentle Deep Clean Technology’ and instead of Standard Brush Roll comes with Premium Brush Roll.
Shark Rocket Professional (NV480) Pros and Cons
The Shark Rocket Professional (NV480) is very light and easy to operate even by kids and elderly.
It does have a rather small dirt bin, but if you clean your home regularly and don’t mind to clean the dirt bin often, this is not an issue. Suction is good, but it could be better – it will clean the carpets and bare floors but can have issues on deeper carpets.
Shark Rocket Professional NV480 is very similar to Shark Rocket Professional NV482 and Shark Rocket Professional NV484 models. NV482 model comes with additional Under Appliance Wand, while NV484 model comes with Multi-Angle Dusting Brush, 5.5″ Crevice Tool, 18″ Crevice Tool, and Accessory Bag.
Shark NV501, NV356E and NV480 Comparisons and Recommendations
The Shark Rotator NV501 and Shark Navigator NV356E are easy to operate and maneuver.
However, the NV501 has an enhanced swivel steering system, but NV356E is somewhat lighter. Shark Rocket NV480 is lighter than both Rotator and Navigator and really easy to maneuver, but it has a wider cleaning head and requires more space to be moved around. Also, NV480 is less powerful than NV501 and NV356E. There is a significant difference between 700 and 1200W and combined with NV480’s wider cleaning track, its suction is weaker than the suction of NV501 and NV356E vacuums.
Preliminary Conclusion
As a preliminary conclusion, we can say that the NV480 vacuum cleaner model covers a larger area with weaker suction. On the other hand, the NV501 and NV356E cover less area, but with stronger suction. If your floors get dirty rather quickly (kids, pets, etc.), you will prefer stronger models.
All three types – like many Shark vacuum models – have HEPA grade filtration of exhaust air.
When it comes to the number and types of attachments, the more attachments you have, the more types of surfaces and types of dirt you can clean.
Nevertheless, more attachments also mean more expensive vacuum cleaner and if you are not going to use some of the attachments, that doesn’t sound like a good investment. Good thing is that attachments (cleaning tools) can be purchased at a later time if required. Buying attachments individually costs more than buying them in the bundle with vacuum cleaner itself, but the difference is not big.
Shark NV501, NV356E, and NV480 Vacuum Cleaner: Bottom Line
If you have issues with the weight of the vacuum cleaner, go for Shark Rocket Professional (NV480) vacuum cleaner. If you want a good vacuum cleaner that will clean large areas rather quickly, without filling its dirt bin right away, and a basic set of cleaning tools and attachments are more than enough for you, choose the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright (NV356E).
If you do need a good and reliable vacuum cleaner for various types of surfaces and you do require various cleaning tools and attachments, then go for the Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away (NV501) or some of the similar models.
With a degree in engineering, Kathryn Hansen loves to write about how things work. Having her own dilemmas on how to pick the best vacuum cleaner for her large family (with a handful of furry four-legged members as well), Kathryn decided to help others in the same situation. After all, vacuum cleaners are critical to a healthy lifestyle and people have a hard time choosing the best one for their needs.