We've evaluated many Shark vacuum cleaners in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab through the years, including upright vacuums, Shark's self-empty robot vacuum and even portable handheld vacuums. And as a brand, Shark holds its own when compared to trendsetter Dyson. It offers high quality vacuums that perform well, are easy to use, have high-end features and are a great value.
Today, many manufacturers are focusing their efforts on innovating new cordless stick vacuums, so finding a good full-size upright can be a challenge. That's why I'm glad Shark continues to offer them, why I often recommend them to GH Cleaning Lab visitors who ask and why I'm doing a deep dive into what I think about one of Shark's popular upright vacuum models, the Shark Stratos AZ3000.
At a glance
Pros
- Canister is removable for versatility and above-the-floor cleaning
- Has sealed system and HEPA filter
- No-tangle brush rolls
Cons
- Scent emitted is not very noticeable
- Prone to tipping
Key specs
- Weight: 16.7 lbs
- Bagless: Yes
- Sealed system: Yes
- HEPA filter: Yes
- Multiple floor type settings: Yes
- No-tangle brush rolls: Yes
- Attachments: Crevice tool, upholstery tool
- Cord length: 30 ft
- Notable features: Lift-off canister, double brush rolls
- Warranty: Five-year limited
Why I like it
It's very easy to assemble.
Right out of the box, I was smitten. Every vacuum cleaner comes neatly packaged, but with some you have to struggle just to unbox and assemble them. Not this Shark. All the parts came individually wrapped and the large carry handle on top of the dust cup made lifting it out of the box super easy. I've assembled a lion's share of vacuum cleaners in my 40+ years at Good Housekeeping, but this one was very intuitive to put together and the pieces clicked in smoothly and securely. Even the plastic parts and connections were hefty. I can't say the same for others I've tested.
It's an impressive cleaner.
I tested the Shark Stratos on wood, tile and vinyl bare floors as well as low and medium-to-high pile carpets. I put down large debris pieces, like dry oatmeal and rice, gritty soil, like sugar and baking soda and even long strands of the hair our Beauty Lab uses for testing shampoos and hair color. In every case, the Stratos gobbled up my messes quickly and easily from every surface and along wall edges, thanks to its double-brush roll nozzle — a soft, fluffy one in front for bare floors and a deep-cleaning one in back for carpets.
And as promised, long hair strands went directly into the dust cup without tangling around the brush roll. Most impressive was how thoroughly it cleaned bare floors, the grout lines on our ceramic tile test flooring and pet hair rubbed into carpet.
It filters well.
Boasting both a sealed system and a HEPA filter, this vacuum is a solid choice for families with pets, allergy sufferers or anyone who wants to keep the dust where it belongs, inside the vacuum cleaner. The HEPA filter is located behind the front grill and the pre-motor filters are located under the dust cup. All are easy to remove and replace. Regular rinsing with cold water is recommended to maintain all the filters and they need replacing only every two and half to three years so it's not an expensive vacuum to maintain over time.
It's versatile.
Upright vacuums are usually best at deep cleaning carpets. Those with hoses and tools also help them clean more like canisters for above-the-floor tasks, such as upholstery, stairs and window treatments. This Shark Stratos with its lift-off canister goes even further. Popping off the removable body makes it easy to clean up high, down low, behind and under furniture and into all the nooks and crannies a traditional upright has trouble reaching.
The wand is very easy to remove and with its stretch hose provides over 8 feet of extended reach making the Stratos very adaptable. Though only two tools — crevice and upholstery — were included with the model I tested, a wide assortment of additional attachments are available for purchase, like a powered pet hair brush (included with the step-up AZ3002 Stratos model) and under-appliance duster, to make this vacuum even more versatile and useful.
It's easy to use.
No matter how well a vacuum cleans, if it's difficult or annoying to use, you won't lug it out. I loved the large carry handle on top of the canister, the oversized and well-labeled buttons and levers to remove the canister, extension wand and dust cup and how all the controls for turning it on and off and selecting the floor setting were within reach. The large dust cup empties from the bottom but also opens from the top for easy cleaning.
What could be better
The odor capsule was lackluster.
Though easy to install, remove and adjust, I have to say that I barely noticed any scent emitted from the capsule as I was vacuuming, even when set to the highest setting. While it's a nice idea and you may get a pleasant whiff now and then, I wouldn't base my purchase decision on this feature. This vacuum has so much more to offer.
It's a bit bulky and tips easily.
On one hand, I do love the Shark's large dust cup. But on the other hand, it does add to the bulk to the vacuum, making it a bit awkward to maneuver, turn and reach under furniture when the canister is attached. However, I think it's a small price to pay for all the plusses it provides.
I also found that the vacuum tipped rather easily when I stretched the hose to the front and either side to simulate long-distance cleaning. Fortunately, when the vacuum is upright and the wands and hose are in use, the brush rolls stop spinning so safety isn't an issue.
Other Shark vacuums I recommend
SharkNinja Stratos Cordless Vacuum
SharkNinja WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum
SharkNinja AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty Vacuum
How I tested it
I evaluated this vacuum first for how easy it was to assemble, use and maneuver. Any parts that were hard to remove or attach or any buttons or levers that were difficult to press or adjust were noted. I also detached, used and replaced the canister, extension wand and dust cup multiple times to judge functionality, pushed and pulled the vacuum on different floor surfaces and steered it around corners and objects.
Pick-up performance and edge cleaning was assessed using various types of large and gritty debris on different bare floors and carpets where I looked for how much of the soil that I put down was picked up, how many strokes it took to do so and if the vacuum caused any scattering, or "snowplowing" (pushing) of the debris instead of sucking it up. Strands of long and short hair to simulate human and pet hair were spread across carpets and bare floors. Finally I tested how tip-prone it was with the hose stretched in multiple directions.
The bottom line: Is the Shark Stratos upright vacuum cleaner worth it?
In a word: yes! While $400 may seem like a lot to pay for a vacuum cleaner, this Shark Stratos model has a lot to offer. It's well made, easy to use, cleans very well and addresses some of the hiccups we see on other vacuums, like cheap plastic parts, tangled brush rolls, finicky dust cups and sub-par filtering. Add in the flexibility and versatility provided by the lift-off canister and this vacuum can almost be considered two vacuums in one. Shark has a reputation for great value by providing helpful features and very good performance at an affordable price and this vacuum is no exception.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
