Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E Review
What owners & reviewers say
A summary of what owners and professional reviewers report, drawn from 53 sources.
- Effective at removing pet hair, fur, and debris from carpets and upholstery.
- Equipped with a sealed HEPA filtration system that traps dust, pollen, and allergens, improving indoor air quality.
- Lightweight design, weighing approximately 13 lbs.
The Verdict
The Shark NV356E stands out for its sealed HEPA filtration and versatile Lift-Away canister, making it highly effective for allergy sufferers and cleaning stairs or furniture. It offers strong suction for pet hair and responsive swivel steering in a lightweight frame.
Trade-offs include a non-retractable cord, high maintenance requirements for filters, and a brush roll that is difficult to clean. Some users report durability issues with the hose and plastic latches over time. Despite these maintenance hurdles, it remains a reliable choice for pet owners and mixed-floor households seeking a durable, multi-purpose upright.
What owners and reviewers say
- Performance8.0
Strong suction and effective pet hair removal across various surfaces make this a solid performer, though it may struggle with deeply embedded grit compared to high-end models.
- Reliability7.0
While many users report a long lifespan of up to a decade, some common wear points like the flexible hose and plastic latches can fail over time.
- Ease of Use7.0
While generally easy to use and empty, the vacuum requires manual cord winding and significant maintenance effort for the filters and brush roll.
- Filtration & Air Quality9.5
Features a highly-rated, sealed HEPA filtration system that traps up to 99.99% of allergens and is certified by the British Allergy Foundation.
- Versatility9.5
Highly versatile with a detachable Lift-Away canister for stairs and furniture, a brushroll switch for multiple floor types, and a comprehensive set of specialized attachments.
- Maneuverability8.0
Highly praised for its responsive swivel steering and ease of movement, though some users find it top-heavy and occasionally limited when cleaning under very low furniture.
- Noise Level7.5
Generally operates quietly, though some users find it noisy when using the brush roller mode.
- Size & Weight8.0
Generally regarded as lightweight and easy to handle, though some users find it slightly heavier than similar models due to its larger dustbin.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a corded, bagless upright vacuum cleaner featuring a detachable canister for portable cleaning. Users generally find it effective for pet hair removal and appreciate its sealed HEPA filtration system for managing allergens.
Owners appreciate the vacuum's durability and strong suction, though some are frustrated by the difficulty of cleaning the brush roll and obtaining replacement parts.
What people like
- Effective at removing pet hair, fur, and debris from carpets and upholstery.
- Equipped with a sealed HEPA filtration system that traps dust, pollen, and allergens, improving indoor air quality.
- Lightweight design, weighing approximately 13 lbs.
- Strong suction power with effective suction control.
- Durable, rugged build quality with some units remaining functional for 9 to 12 years; more mechanically straightforward than complex models.
- Versatile Lift-Away function allows for portable canister cleaning of stairs, furniture, ceilings, and gaps.
What could be better
- Replacement parts and customer support can be difficult to obtain, especially outside of warranty.
- Heavier than the NV360 model due to a larger canister design.
- The brush roll is difficult to clean and cannot be easily removed or disassembled.
- Deep DIY repairs are difficult due to proprietary screws, plastic clips, and sealed assemblies.
- Suction and airflow are lower compared to high-end models, resulting in poor deep cleaning of embedded grit and crevices.
- Requires significant maintenance time for the bagless bin, pre-filter, and HEPA filter.
Common issues owners report
- Suction loss and performance drops can occur if pre-motor foam, felt, and HEPA filters are not cleaned or replaced regularly.
- The flexible hose may crack or tear near high-stress areas like the handle, typically after 3 or more years of use.
- Units may experience major wear issues around the 2-year mark if heavily used or poorly maintained.
- Brush rollers can tangle with hair or fibers, seize, or melt plastic housings due to strain.
- Dust bin latches and plastic body latches may loosen, snap, or break over time or due to accidental drops.
- Airflow restrictions from clogged filters or tubes can cause the vacuum to blow hot air from a relief port with little suction.
Great for
Maybe not for
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Key facts
- Features a Lift-Away detachable canister/pod for portable cleaning of stairs, furniture, and high corners.
- Includes a sealed HEPA filtration system with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, trapping 99.9% to 99.99% of dust and allergens.
- Equipped with a 30-foot power cord (some sources state 25 feet) that is non-retractable and manually wound.
- Dust cup capacity is reported as 0.87L, 1.5 dry quarts, 2.2 quarts (approx. 1.3-2.2L), 2.42 liters (approx. 2.5+ quarts), or 0.55 gallons (approx. 4.5 quarts).
- Included accessories: crevice tool (8-inch and 24-inch), dusting brush, and a pet power brush/turbo tool.
- Features swivel steering for easy maneuverability around furniture and in tight spaces.
- Motor is 10-amp / 1200-watt, operating on 120V, 60Hz power.
- Includes a brushroll on/off switch to transition between carpet and hard floor cleaning.
- The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a corded, bagless upright vacuum cleaner.
- Filtration includes washable pre-motor foam and felt filters and a post-motor HEPA filter.
How it compares
| PriceRank |  | — | | | | | |
| Rating | 8.0SmartScore | 7.6SmartScore | 7.6SmartScore | 8.1SmartScore | |||
| Model | NV356E 26 | — | NV360 | NV352 | ZU503AMZ | HV322 | UV730 |
| Color | White | — | Navy | Lavender | Teal | — | — |
| Type | Upright | Upright | Upright | Upright | Upright | Stick | Upright |
| Surface Type | Carpet, Hardwood Floors, Laminate, Tile | Carpet, Hardwood Floors, Laminate, Tile | Carpet, Hardwood Floors, Laminate, Tile | Carpet, Hardwood Floors, Laminate, Tile | Area Rugs, Carpet, Hardwood Floors, Laminate, Tile | Carpet, Hardwood Floors, Laminate, Tile | Carpet, Hardwood Floors, Laminate, Tile |
| Use Case | Pet Hair | Pet Hair | Pet Hair | Allergies | Pet Hair | Pet Hair | Pet Hair |
| Attachments | Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Pet Hair Tool | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool | Crevice Tool, Pet Hair Tool, Upholstery Tool | Crevice Tool, Pet Hair Tool | Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Pet Hair Tool |
| Weight | Standard (8 - 14 lbs) | — | Heavy Duty (Over 14 lbs) | Standard (8 - 14 lbs) | Standard (8 - 14 lbs) | Standard (8 - 14 lbs) | Standard (8 - 14 lbs) |
| Features | Convertible to Handheld | Convertible to Handheld | Convertible to Handheld | Convertible to Handheld | Self-Cleaning Brush Roll, Convertible to Handheld | LED Headlights, Convertible to Handheld | Self-Cleaning Brush Roll, LED Headlights, Convertible to Handheld |
| Filters | HEPA, Sealed Allergen System | HEPA, Washable Filter, Sealed Allergen System | HEPA, Sealed Allergen System, Washable Filter | HEPA, Sealed Allergen System | HEPA, Sealed Allergen System | HEPA | HEPA, Washable Filter, Sealed Allergen System |
| Cord Type | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded |
Common questions
Is the Shark NV356e a good vacuum?
It is described as a strong performer for daily pet hair maintenance on carpets and upholstery, offering deep-cleaning versatility across carpets, area rugs, and hard floors.
What is the typical lifespan of a Shark Navigator vacuum?
The reported lifespan is between 5 to 10+ years with regular maintenance, with some units remaining functional for 9 to 12 years.
Which is better, the Shark NV356E or NV360?
The NV356E has a larger canister design, which makes it heavier than the NV360 model.
Is the NV356E suitable for allergy sufferers?
Yes, it features a sealed HEPA filtration system that traps 99.9% to 99.99% of dust and allergens and has no noticeable odor while vacuuming.
How does the NV356E perform with pet hair?
It is effective at removing pet hair, fur, and debris from carpets and upholstery, and some users find it performs slightly better with pet hair than the NV361.
How do I clean the filters on the Shark NV356E?
Rinse the pre-motor foam and felt filters, as well as the post-motor HEPA filter, with cold water every few months and allow them to dry for 24 hours.