We’ve recently transformed our loft into a fully furnished, carpeted study come tween retreat and we needed a vacuum that was light enough to take up there but strong enough to make short work of the inevitable crumb-age left by my daughter. When I found out that Shark were releasing the latest PowerDetect Clean and Empty system — which they claim to be their most powerful cordless vacuum yet — I wanted to see if it delivers. Let’s just say, I’m so impressed that I am ready to adopt it into the family.
Shark’s PowerDetect Clean and Empty System review verdict
- Our rating: 9/10
- Why we rated it a 9/10: This latest version of the Shark cordless vacuum has got teeth. Whether it’s cleaning a short pile carpet or the car mats, you can see immediate results and it’s very satisfying.
Pros
- It’s a compact unit that fits all the accessories / nozzles in one place.
- I love the way it empties dust and dirt into the base.
- The charge really does last long enough to clean the car or multiple rooms.
Cons
- The main floor nozzle or motor bar head sometimes clicks up off the floor.
- It’s pretty costly, but then most cordless vacuums are.
What’s so special about the Shark PowerDetect
Having had a bit of a mixed history with other big-name cordless vacuums, the Shark PowerDetect cleans up in terms of suction and holding a charge. Plus the tidy extras, such as the rubbish auto-empty into the base unit and the deodorising cartridge make a fresh change. It’s the kind of thoughtful, time-saving tech that makes a difference in a hectic household. And the reverse-clean function — basically it vacuums when you pull backwards — cuts down the time spent going over the same patch of floor.
Shark PowerDetect materials and size
Total unit weight: 5.3kg (with battery and attachments)
Dustbin capacity: 0.8L
Run time: Up to 70 minutes (on Eco mode)
Battery: Removable rechargeable lithium-ion
Construction: High-impact plastic body, rubberised handle, dual brush head with soft and bristle rollers
How to use the Shark PowerDetect cordless vacuum
Charge: Place the vacuum in the docking station to fully charge (approx. 3.5 hours).
Assemble: Choose the cleaning head or attachment suited to the task (floor, upholstery, car etc.).
Clean: Push the vacuum forwards and backwards to activate the Reverse Clean tech.
Dock: Return to the base, where the vacuum will auto-empty into the sealed dustbin.
Empty: Remove and empty the rubbish cartridge — no puffs of dust to deal with.
Results from our test
After a week of putting the Shark PowerDetect through its paces on carpet, floorboards, rugs and car interiors, here’s what stood out: it really sucks — in the best possible way. From toast crumbs under the kitchen stools to the tumbleweeds of fluff from the wool-weave rug, it left the floor with that clean drag feel underfoot. Even after the cleaners have been, there’s always those embedded crumbs that tend to bother me more than they should — especially around the edge of the couch or in the corner of the carpeted stairs. The maneuverability of the head and its bendy joints mean that I can now sit on the couch in clean satisfaction without being distracted by missed debris.
It was especially helpful in the new upstairs carpeted study. Even after I had vacuumed the downstairs rooms, there was enough charge left to blitz the loft. One of its hero features is its ability to clean equally well in both directions, and though it does, a couple of times the head would tilt up on the backward pull and needed a reassuring tap of the foot to get back in place. The bin auto-emptied without a cloud of dust escaping, and the FlexWand made it surprisingly easy to get under beds and shelves without rearranging furniture.
We made good use of the many attachments such as the narrow nozzle and the small brush, which were extremely effective when cleaning the car.
It’s not silent, but it’s quieter than expected for this level of power (though Custard the cavoodle still took issue with it) — and the scent cartridge leaves the room smelling fresh instead of ‘just vacuumed’.
Overall, is the Shark PowerDetect cordless vacuum worth it?
At $999, this is definitely an investment vacuum — but one that makes sense if you’re tired of your cordless letting you down halfway through a job. Keep an eye out at the moment as many stores have it discounted by at least 20 percent. The real-time efficiency and thoughtful details (like the sealed dust bin and bendable wand) make it stand out in a crowded market.
For families, apartment dwellers, or anyone managing a multi-surface home, the Shark PowerDetect balances performance with ease of use. It looks good, works hard, and takes some of the ick factor out of everyday cleaning. While it’s not the cheapest cordless vac, the time saved, mess contained, and hands-free emptying make a solid case for the splurge.
Where to buy the Shark PowerDetect
- Shark, from $799.99 (RRP $999.99)
- Harvey Norman, from $744
- The Good Guys, from $745
