Shark Rocket Ultralight Upright Vacuum HV302 Review
In this Shark Rocket stick vacuum review, we’ll look at the pros and cons of this model.
What You Get with this Vacuum
All of the attachments come in a bag you can carry with you, but you don’t have to carry them on the Shark Rocket HV302 itself. The rotating hand brush for cleaning under sofa cushions is another fifty dollars or so. Attachments for the Shark Lift Away don’t fit on the Rocket, so expect to buy additional attachments if you already have a different Shark vacuum cleaner model.
Advantages of the Shark Rocket Ultralight Stick Vacuum
- The Shark rocket is lightweight, roughly eight pounds. However, this vacuum can strain your wrist if you intend to use it to clean an entire, large house.
- The Shark Rocket stick vacuum has washable filters, lowering its lifetime operating costs. However, the filters are not HEPA grade. This may be a sticking point for someone with allergies, where vacuuming the house may throw up dust and vacuuming won’t simultaneously clear the air.
- The Shark Rocket does a good job of vacuuming under tables to pick up crumbs, sweep up light pet hair on couches and clear a light coating of dust off hardwood floors.
- The Shark Rocket is half the price of the Dyson DC44 cordless vacuum, one of the closest comparative Shark models. The Shark Rocket is better than cordless handheld vacuums because you aren’t limited to a fifteen or twenty minute battery life.
- You can use just the handle to clean out a car. This may let you replace your current vacuum and cordless car vacuum with one single model.
- You can use it to clean stairs and the narrow folds of furniture. However, the upholstery brush is over-sized and doesn’t fit in small areas. This isn’t going to work well if you want to dust knick-knacks on the shelf.
- It has a powerful motor. And it transitions smoothly from carpet to hardwood or tile floors.
Disadvantages of the Shark Rocket Ultralight Stick Vacuum
- The vacuum dust cup is attached to the vacuum. On one hand, it can’t fall off. On the other hand, you have to use both hands to empty it into the trash can. This is an awkward process.
- This Shark vacuum can sound like a rocket while it is running, especially if picking up loose, large items like pebbles or popcorn kernels.
- It is top heavy, especially after an extended period of carrying it, so you shouldn’t use it if you have limited upper body strength.
- The Shark Rocket falls over easily. This is why you might want to prop it in a corner or hang it off a storage hook when done with it.
- It does not have suction control. It can handle modest jobs, but it isn’t a high powered vacuum.
- It doesn’t fit underneath cabinet lips. You’re still going to have to sweep under the cabinets before you can suck up the crumbs.
Observations
It has a thirty foot cord. This is standard for upright vacuums but gets in the way for those who want the Shark Rocket to replace cordless vacuum cleaners.
It handles conventional rugs very well. It doesn’t work as well on thick rugs or welcome mats. Consumer Reports recommends an upright vacuum if you want something that deep cleans carpets. If you want something that deep cleans thick carpets, the Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away would be better choice than the Shark Rocket. Like many Shark vacuums, the Shark Rotator Professional scored a recommendation by Consumer Reports.
The risk free trial doesn’t include the shipping charges for sending the vacuum back. If you send it back, you have to pay forty to fifty dollars in shipping charges.
Canisters are better for cleaning upholstery, drapes, stairs and under furniture. If you have asthma or allergies, Consumer Reports suggests getting bagged vacuum cleaners instead of bag-less ones.
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Shark Rocket Stick Vacuum HV302 Review Summary
The Shark Rocket fits in small storage cubbies and closets and manages to clean most surfaces well, making it ideal if you live in a small space. The Shark Rocket is a good choice if you live in an efficiency apartment, dorm room, house boat or RV. It isn’t ergonomic or powerful enough to clean a large home in and of itself.
I found mine that was purchased at Costco for 169 with instant 30 rebate but had to pay tax on 169. I used it for first time and had funny taste in my mouth. Upon further inspection I could see the door on the empty cup seems ill fitted. Like the gasket material to seal it completely closed was not thick enough and letting fine dust recirculate back into room. It will be returned.
I have a 1500 ft sq. home and it does what a full sized vacuum will do. Excellent suction on floors and carpets. I have a large dog and has no problem picking up all the dog hair. An excellent all around portable type vacuum that I would recommend to anyone with a smaller apt or home, but as I mentioned, it would be fine for a larger home also. That being said, I do have the Shark navigator professional and have had that machine for 5 years, and have had no problems with it. I use it to do my deep pile carpets and use the Shark rocket to get into smaller spaces, under beds and use the long wand to get rid of cob webs in high places.
my dyson broke, so i bought this……..all i can say is the old one did a better job than this new shark cleaner, so i replaced it with a new dyson…….and will never get another shark, they are not in the same league……
mary w says
Light weight is relative. While it may weigh less than my Bissell, I don’t have to carry the Bissell around.
For me, an old lady, I have to take a couple of Tylenol when I use the Shark, because I get a backache from carrying the Shark.
If this would be a problem for you, too, try carrying it around in the store, and remember, when it’s on, it’s like a self-propelled lawn mower.
Does a good job for younger, fitter.