Many upright vacuums can suck up pet hair, but not all of them can handle the aftermath. The Shark APEX AZ1002 has the lifting power and tangle-prevention ability to make it a true pet-centric vacuum cleaner, and it uses HEPA filtration to boot.
With multiple floor settings and handheld convertibility, the APEX will be your go-to vacuum for any mess.
Two Tangle-Resistant Brushrolls
The brushroll setup can make or break a vacuum cleaner’s performance. APEX goes above and beyond typical upright vacuum standards with its DuoClean brushrolls.
The small brushroll at the front of the floorhead is made of soft material that lifts large particles while the bigger roller in the rear is affixed with bristle-lined blades to reach deep into carpeting.
It’s easy to access both rollers because the brushroll garage opens via sliders that don’t require any tools. While you can rinse the soft brushroll to remove dirt buildup, the bristled brushroll self-maintains.
Shark’s Zero-M technology allows the larger brushroll to remove wrapped hair from itself as you vacuum, which pet owners and those with long hair will appreciate.
Related post: Best Shark Upright Vacuums
Full-Feature Floorhead
Agility, intelligence, visibility – the Shark APEX’s floorhead has it all. The flexible joint that connects the head to the rest of the vacuum allows the APEX to pivot from side to side and swivel around obstacles.
There’s also a pair of headlights illuminated by LED bulbs, so you can see all the dust bunnies under your bed.
Shark added a warning system to the 11-inch-wide floorhead. In the event that an object has jammed the brushrolls or a clog has caused the 11.3-amp motor to overheat, an indicator light goes off, preventing irreparable damage to the vacuum cleaner.
Luckily, if the APEX does break, you’re covered by Shark’s generous 5-year warranty.
Portable Pod
The Shark APEX isn’t your ordinary full-size upright. The bin that holds dirt and debris detaches from the frame of the vacuum cleaner with a quick press of the pod-release button.
When separated from the vacuum, you can tote the bin by its lifting handle and clean places regular uprights can’t access, like the stairs.
35-Plus Feet of Reach
No matter the size of the space you’re cleaning, the APEX’s power cord can oblige. Stretching 30 feet in length and secured in storage by a simple hook-wrap, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to change outlets halfway across the room.
The rigid wand detaches for above-head and under-furniture vacuuming, and you have a 5.5-foot hose at your disposal.
To use in conjunction with the pole or the hose, Shark includes a small yet versatile set of accessories. The pet-power attachment is motorized, pulling hair from fabric like nobody’s business, and you can store it onboard.
In addition, you get a soft brush for dusting and a 1-foot-long tapered wand for crevice cleaning.
Fingertip Controls
You’ll be equally as impressed with the APEX’s handle as you are with its floorhead. Designed for comfort during long cleaning sessions, the handle’s loop shape is ergonomically sound. It even has an LED light of its own.
This means you’ll be able to see between your couch cushions when using the APEX in lift-away mode.
The 1,350-watt motor operates at variable speeds, and the handle houses the controls that let you choose the suction strength for the flooring type – bare floors, low-pile carpet and thick carpet.
Since each button is labeled and illustrated, the controls are a no-brainer to navigate.
Shark APEX AZ1002 Intro Video
Sealed HEPA System
Without question, the vacuum’s filtration setup is top-notch. Complete with a three-piece filter set, only 0.3 percent of allergens will escape from the APEX’s exhaust. The felt filter and the foam filter provide pre-motor filtration while the HEPA filter catches the smallest of particles.
Besides emptying the 1.5-quart bin by opening its drop door, periodic filter cleaning will be the extent of the APEX’s maintenance needs. All three filters are situated within a sealed system, ensuring they last for a long time.
The two pre-motor filters only need to be rinsed once every 3 months, and the HEPA filter requires a yearly rinse.
A Masterful Machine
Although not lightweight at 17.5 pounds, the Shark APEX’s removable pod makes every area of your home reachable. The brushrolls detangle pesky pet hair from themselves, and the sealed HEPA system catches fine allergens.
You get the benefit of three handy attachments, variable suction and an extra-long power cord. Oh, the places you and the Shark APEX will go.
Best For: Pet Owners, Allergy Sufferers, and Above-Floor Surfaces
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