Because they’re so light and portable, without the heft of a canister vacuum, stick vacuums enable efficient tidying. However, with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one to buy.
If you’re considering the Shark Rocket HV301, NerdWallet has done the research for you, so you can get down to the important business of cleaning your home.
The vacuum
Use the Shark HV301 fully assembled to clean both carpeted and hard floors, or snap off the wand with the push of a button and turn it into a hand vac. At just 7.5 pounds, and with a swivel head, it’s easy to maneuver up stairs, around furniture, and into other tight spots.
The Shark HV301 is a corded stick vacuum, so you don’t have to worry about waiting for it to charge, or worse, having it power down in the middle of a job. And its 30-foot cord means you don’t have to unplug it every time you leave a room. It also comes with a wall mount, 12” crevice attachment, dusting brush, upholstery tool, dust-away attachment kit, washable filter, and an accessories bag.
The vacuum retails for $199.75 on the Shark website, and it’s also available — sometimes for less — through Amazon or Wal-Mart.
The reviews
We’ve analyzed reviews of some of the most popular stick vacuums on the market to come up with a definitive buyer’s guide. We looked at expert opinions from review sites such as The Sweethome, CNET and Good Housekeeping. Next, we analyzed user reviews to see what shoppers were saying about the various attributes of each vacuum.
To make our ratings, we considered what users reported about the vacuums’ overall performance and how they performed in a variety of settings, such as on stairs or hardwood floors. We also factored in reviewers’ observations on characteristics such as noise level, durability and battery life for a well-rounded look at each model.
The HV301 came in fifth overall in our stick vacuum rankings. Every model that ranked above it, including another Shark — the Shark Navigator SV1106 — was cordless, which may have played a role in its ratings. Out of a possible 10, the Shark Rocket HV301 scored 8.6 overall, 8.7 for its cleaning ability, and an 8 for its ease of use. It scored very high on durability (9.8), but reviewers weren’t as satisfied with its weight (7.4).
Compare the Shark Rocket HV301 with other top vacuums in NerdWallet’s Best Stick Vacuums.
The pros
Users loved that the Shark Rocket HV301 was equally effective on carpets, rugs, hardwood and tile. It also shined on stairs and when picking up pet hair. Some also appreciated its microfiber dust pad, with one reviewer remarking that it did the work of “five to seven Swiffer pads” without needing to be replaced.
The cons
Because its motor is mounted on its handle, some users complained that the HV301 was top-heavy, which made its use awkward. It didn’t have powerful enough suction for some users, and others complained that emptying the bin was messy.
The verdict
With its reasonable price point and above-average ratings, the Shark Rocket HV301 is a good option for someone who wants a reliable stick vacuum and doesn’t need it to be cordless. Its efficiency across various surfaces and microfiber dust pad are good for people who use their vacuum throughout their home and would prefer an appliance that doesn’t constantly need charging.
Check out our comparisons of other popular stick vacuums:
- Dyson V6 vs. Shark Rocket
- Dyson V6 Absolute vs. Dyson V6 Motorhead
- Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik Lightweight vs. Bissell FeatherWeight
For more vacuum buying advice, see:
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