Shark has become one of the most popular vacuum and steam mop brands in Australia. Customers love Shark for their balance of price, performance and clever features. If you're wondering if a Shark vacuum is right for your home, this guide is right up your alley. Read on for Shark vacuum reviews, comparisons with major brands, and how to choose the best Shark vacuum for you.
Shark Stick Vacuums: Lightweight and Cordless
Shark is famous for its range of stick vacuum cleaners. Customers love their easy to use functional designs, how well they handle pet hair and their competitive pricing. Stick vacs are ideal for tight spaces and quick clean up of carpets and hard floors. Some models also convert to a handheld vacuum for maximum convenience.
| Model | Weight | Run Time | Features | Best For | |
 |
Shark Cordless Vacuum with Self Cleaning Brushroll IZ102 |
3.4kg | ~40 mins |
|
Small homes or quick daily cleans |
 |
Shark Cordless Detect Pro IW1611 |
2.86kg | Up to ~60 mins |
|
Medium homes, pets, mixed floors |
 |
Shark Cordless Detect Pro with Auto Empty System IW3611 |
2.7kg | Up to ~60 mins |
|
Larger homes, pet households, low-maintenance cleaning |
Customer Reviews
Customers praise Shark sticks for being lightweight and pet-friendly. Runtime is good on paper, but you’ll get less on high power.
"This is a great cordless vacuum. So much lighter then the pricier competitors. It also cleans very well on both carpets and hard floors." - Originally posted on SharkNinja website about the Shark IW3611
Shark Upright Vacuums: Deep Cleaning Power
Upright corded vacuums combine the power of the traditional barrels with the comfort and mobility of the stick vac. They deliver full-power suction with large dustbins and are excellent for cleaning carpets. Customers love the Shark uprights' oversized dust bins because they can clean the whole house without stopping to empty them.
| Model | Weight | Cord Length | Features | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Shark Navigator Pet Vacuum With Self Cleaning Brushroll ZU62 |
~7.3kg | 7.6 metres |
|
Pet owners, carpeted homes |
 |
Shark Corded Upright Vacuum with Self Cleaning Brushroll NZ801 |
~6.5kg | 8 metres |
|
Homes with carpets + stairs/furniture |
Customer Reviews
Customers LOVE Shark uprights. They love their longevity, their power, their large dust bins, and they prefer them over the more expensive Dyson or Miele models.
"Brought this vacuum before Christmas and it work very well. We have 2 cats and a dog and it does an excellent job on the carpet and hardwood floors picking up hair. Easy to empty, have to hand wind up cord which I like, one less thing to break. Would definitely buy again!" - Customer review, originally posted on SharkNinja website, for model NZ801.
Shark Steam Mops: Chemical-Free Cleaning
Steam mops are a Shark specialty, offering hot-steam cleaning that kills germs without detergents. Steam mops are safe to use on most sealed floor types including tiled floors and laminated floors. Always check with the manufacturer or do a spot test in an inconspicuous area if you're unsure.
In a nutshell, customers love Shark steam mops because they’re:
- Chemical-free – the steam alone sanitises floors, no detergents needed.
- Easy to use – lightweight, quick heat-up, simple trigger controls.
- Reusable – washable microfibre mop heads keep running costs low.
- Effective – good on tiles, sealed timber and laminate, lifting grime without streaks.
- Value for money – generally cheaper than hybrid mop/vac units, but still robust.
That combo of eco-friendly cleaning, everyday convenience, and low upkeep is what makes them a popular choice in Aussie households.
Shark Handheld Carpet Cleaners: Spot Cleaning
Shark also makes compact cleaners for spot cleaning and cars. These models are fantastic for cleaning car seats, couches and upholstery.
| Model | Weight | Accessories | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner | ~3.943 kg |
|
Families, everyday spills, upholstery |
 |
Shark StainStriker HairPro Portable Spot & Stain Cleaner | ~3.82 kg |
|
Pet owners, carpets with fur & deep stains |
Customer Reviews
Customers love how satisfying it is to see the dirty water getting sucked up into the head of these spot cleaning models. They find them to be versatile, easy to use and effective at removing stains. Some find the hose to be too short, however it should be noted that this is common in this type of appliance.
"I bought this just to clean my stairs, however upon delivery I realised this is a fantastic carpet cleaner and has so many attachments self cleaning for the nozzles etc so many different compartments for different cleaners that, it's now for the sofa the mattress headboards, stairs cushions, dining chairs, basically if it has upholstery this is definitely the one to buy." - Customer review, originally posted on SharkNinja website, for model PX250.
Shark Wet & Dry Vacuums
Wet and dry vacuums are growing in popularity in Australia and for good reason: they can vacuum and mop at the same time.
Highlights:
- Multi-surface cleaning from hard floors to rugs
- Wet cleaning for spills and sticky messes
- Larger bins and water tanks for family homes
Great for: households wanting one machine for both wet and dry cleaning.
Shark vs Dyson
Stick vacuums: Dyson is known for premium finishes and strong suction. Shark focuses on pet-friendly features like Anti-Hair Wrap and flexible wands, often at lower price points.
Uprights: Dyson Ball uprights are designed for manoeuvrability. Shark uprights highlight self-cleaning brushrolls and sealed HEPA filtration. Customers who have owned both brands frequently prefer the Shark.
Takeaway: Dyson appeals to those chasing a premium build and long-established reputation. Shark is a strong option if you want modern features and solid performance at a sharper price.
Shark vs Miele
Uprights: Miele uprights are built with long-term durability in mind. Shark uprights are lighter and easier to move, with flexible cleaning heads.
Barrels: Miele has a long history with barrel vacuums. Shark’s newer barrel range adds features like Anti-Hair Wrap and multi-surface heads at mid-range prices.
Takeaway: Miele is a trusted choice for longevity. Shark offers a lighter, more versatile option with features suited to mixed-floor Aussie homes.
Shark vs Bissell
Steam mops: Shark is known for chemical-free steam cleaning. Bissell often combines steam with vacuuming for hybrid floorcare.
Wet & dry: Bissell is strong in carpet extraction. Shark positions wet & dry models for whole-home versatility across surfaces.
Handhelds: Shark handhelds are compact and lightweight. Bissell handheld carpet cleaners lean toward heavier-duty stain removal.
Takeaway: Bissell specialises in carpet and stain solutions. Shark suits households looking for easy everyday cleaning across different floor types.
Shop Shark at Bi-Rite
Shark offers a wide range of floorcare solutions, from cordless stick vacuums to steam mops and uprights. If you’re comparing Shark vs Dyson, Miele, or Bissell, Shark holds its own with strong features and good value.
Bi-Rite stocks Shark vacuums and floorcare across categories, so you can shop with confidence from a trusted Australian retailer.
FAQs
Where are Shark vacuums made?
Shark vacuums are mainly made in China, with some manufacturing occurring in Vietnam. The parent company SharkNinja is headquartered in the USA.
Are Shark vacuums good for pet hair?
Yes. Anti-hair wrap rollers stop hair from tangling, making them one of the best mid-range options for pets.
How long does a Shark cordless vacuum battery last?
Most Shark cordless models last 40–60 minutes per charge. Batteries are removable on some models.
Which Shark vacuum is best for carpets?
The NZ801 upright offers strong carpet suction with powered lift-away design.
Are Shark steam mops safe for timber floors?
Yes, if the timber is sealed. Always check flooring warranties first.
