Description
A Deep Dive Into the Shark IZ163H Pet Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum
When it comes to choosing a vacuum cleaner, especially for pet owners, the Shark IZ163H Pet Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum stands out as a formidable option. With its innovative features such as a self-cleaning brushroll, HEPA filter, and lightweight design, it aims to make cleaning easier and more efficient. In this article, we will discuss a comprehensive buyer’s guide, followed by an in-depth review of this vacuum model, highlighting its specifications, pros and cons, and a final verdict on its overall performance.
Buyer’s Guide to the Shark IZ163H Pet Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum
Understanding Your Needs
Before purchasing any vacuum cleaner, it’s essential to assess your cleaning needs. The Shark IZ163H is particularly beneficial for households with pets. Its design caters to collecting pet hair effectively while also ensuring that allergens and dust are trapped thanks to its HEPA filtration system.
Key Features to Look For
- Self-Cleaning Brushroll: This feature prevents hair wrap, allowing for continuous cleaning without the hassle of untangling hair from the brushroll, making it a great choice for pet owners.
- Cordless Convenience: The cordless design allows for easy maneuvering around the house without the restrictions of a power outlet, making it suitable for both large and small spaces.
- Battery Life: With up to 40 minutes of runtime, this vacuum is designed to clean multiple rooms without needing to recharge, which is advantageous for larger homes.
- Weight and Portability: At only 3.4 pounds, the Shark IZ163H is lightweight and easy to handle, making it an ideal option for those who may struggle with heavier vacuum cleaners.
- Versatile Attachments: The included pet multi-tool and crevice tool provide additional options for cleaning various surfaces, including upholstery and tight corners.
- Easy Storage: The vacuum folds for compact storage, which is a significant advantage for those with limited space.
Evaluating Performance and Maintenance
When looking at performance, consider how well the vacuum picks up debris on different surfaces like carpets and hard floors. Maintenance is also critical, as proper care of the filter and brushroll can significantly extend the life of the vacuum.
Detailed Review of the Shark IZ163H Pet Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum
The Shark IZ163H is a compelling vacuum choice for pet owners and is packed with features designed to tackle household messes efficiently. Below, we delve into its specifications and performance based on user feedback and expert reviews.
Specifications
- Brand: Shark
- Model: IZ163H
- Special Features: Lightweight, Self-Cleaning Brushroll, Compact, HEPA
- Filter Type: HEPA
- Runtime: Up to 40 minutes
- Charging Time: 40 minutes
- Dust Capacity: 0.34 quarts
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
- Noise Level: 80 dB
- Warranty: 5 years limited
Performance Evaluation
Pros
- Powerful Suction: The Shark IZ163H delivers robust suction power, making it effective for both carpets and hard floors.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing just 3.4 pounds, it’s easy to lift and maneuver.
- Self-Cleaning Brushroll: This feature works wonders in preventing hair wrap, especially beneficial for pet owners.
- HEPA Filtration: Efficiently captures allergens, improving indoor air quality.
- Versatile Attachments: Comes with a pet multi-tool and crevice tool for added cleaning flexibility.
- Compact Storage: The vacuum’s ability to fold makes it easy to store in small spaces.
Cons
- Dust Cup Capacity: While it’s easy to empty, some users noted that the dust cup could be larger.
- Default Suction Power: Some users feel that the standard suction might not be sufficient for all debris without switching to high power mode.
- Heavier Than Expected: A few users found it a bit clunky compared to other models.
- Accessory Availability: There have been reports of difficulty in acquiring additional attachments from the manufacturer.
Ratings Breakdown
Below is a detailed breakdown of the Shark IZ163H’s performance based on various criteria:
| Feature | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|
| Suction Power | 4 |
| Battery Life | 4 |
| Weight | 4 |
| Filtration Efficiency | 5 |
| Ease of Use | 4 |
| Build Quality | 4 |
| Versatility of Attachments | 4 |
| Overall Rating | 4.2 |
Final Verdict: 4.2/5
The Shark IZ163H Pet Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum is a powerful, versatile cleaning tool that excels in households with pets. Its self-cleaning brushroll, HEPA filtration, and lightweight design make it a top contender in the cordless vacuum market. Despite some minor drawbacks like dust cup capacity and accessory issues, its performance and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment. In conclusion, the Shark IZ163H is a great choice for those seeking a reliable, easy-to-use vacuum that effectively tackles pet hair and allergens, making cleaning a more manageable task.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How often should I clean the HEPA filter?
A1: It’s recommended to clean the HEPA filter every 3 months or as needed, depending on the frequency of use.
Q2: Can I use the Shark IZ163H on all floor types?
A2: Yes, the Shark IZ163H is designed to work effectively on both carpets and hard floors.
Q3: What is the charging time for the vacuum?
A3: The vacuum takes approximately 40 minutes to fully charge.
Q4: Does it come with a warranty?
A4: Yes, the Shark IZ163H comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
Q5: Is the vacuum easy to store?
A5: Yes, the vacuum folds for compact storage, making it convenient for those with limited space.
Casifrancesa –
I do not recommend this for pets; it’s different from what was advertised.
emile –
Pros:
Cons:
Tony.Peckman –
The only downside from my perspective as a customer is that the charger didn’t include an Australian power point connection. I had to go to Coles to purchase a travel power point adapter.
Dale G –
As a 75-year-old who has owned countless vacuum cleaners over the years, I recently experienced a disappointing cordless vacuum from another brand that failed just weeks after purchase. In my search for a more reliable replacement, I discovered the Shark Vacuum Stick, and I couldn’t be happier!
Initially, I found it a bit heavier and bulkier compared to the Samsung model I returned, but after using it a few times, I absolutely love it! This Shark vacuum excels at cleaning my dark brown bamboo floors and area rugs throughout my 3000 square foot home without needing a recharge. Unlike the Samsung, which required recharging after about 1500 square feet, the Shark gets the job done efficiently.
Emptying the large dirt bin is a straightforward process, and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to disassemble and reassemble after detaching the motor/canister from the stick. At my age, dust on baseboards and chair rails, along with dirt in corners, has become a common issue. My Roomba and traditional upright vacuums struggled to reach those tricky spots, and crawling around is tough on my knees and back. I found the accessories for uprights cumbersome, but I decided to give the Shark a try due to its lightweight design—what a game changer! My baseboards, corners, and areas near furniture are now immaculate! My home has never been this clean, and best of all, I’m not wiped out from cleaning. I genuinely LOVE my Shark cordless stick vacuum!
I’m optimistic about its long-term reliability and battery life. One encouraging detail I uncovered during my research is that replacement batteries for the Shark are about half the cost of those for Samsung. When this vacuum goes on sale again, I’ll be buying several as gifts for friends and family! My advice? Purchase two or three—one for yourself and one for your elderly parents or grandparents; they’ll appreciate it!
UPDATE**** After about four months of use, it’s still performing well. I ordered an extra battery, which is easily interchangeable—just push a button to release it. I also received two Dyson V6 cordless vacuums from a neighbor who isn’t very handy. Although the Dyson isn’t the latest model, I found that after getting aftermarket batteries, it was simple to replace the originals. The Shark is quieter, easier to operate, and swapping batteries is a breeze. While the Dyson may be slightly more attractive and have a bit more suction (albeit only one speed), both vacuums are effective. If you want to impress someone, go for the Dyson. But if you’re looking for an excellent all-around machine at a great price, the Shark is the way to go.
E. Worden –
I give this vacuum 4 stars for its performance. However, if I were to rate Shark based on their product description versus what I actually received, they would get a big fat ZERO!
The vacuum itself is quite impressive. It handles the hair from my Golden Retriever exceptionally well, especially on my hardwood floors. It performs decently on my area rugs, but it struggles with my sofa, even with the included “pet multi-tool” attachment. Maneuverability is a strong suit; it easily navigates around and under most furniture, except for the lowest pieces. The battery life is fantastic—I’ve never had it die on me before finishing the job. The dust cup could be larger, but that’s a reasonable trade-off for weight and ease of use.
Now, about the attachments that were supposed to be included: as others have mentioned, getting them from Shark/Ninja is a battle. You’ll find yourself sending countless emails, pictures, serial numbers, and model numbers. You’ll resend emails, provide photos of what you did receive, take screenshots from their website highlighting the missing items, and then clarify which parts are still outstanding. Moreover, expect to wait for backordered items. Be prepared, as you won’t receive all the components you anticipated for at least a month.
That said, the vacuum works well overall.
Stephanie –
I had never spent more than $300 on a vacuum before, with my previous maximum being just over $100. After my Dirt Devil broke down recently, I decided it was time to invest in a reliable vacuum that would last longer than six months. Although I had never owned a Shark product, I had consistently heard great things about their lineup over the years. The online reviews were mostly positive, and this particular model had all the features I needed.
I highly recommend reading through the instruction manual before using the vacuum for the first time. Knowing how to properly clean and operate each component is crucial for maintaining the vacuum’s longevity.
Assembling the vacuum was a breeze. Each part clicks into place effortlessly, and the manual provides excellent guidance on connecting everything. It comes with two smaller extension pieces that are very easy to attach and detach. However, I’m not a big fan of the brush extension. When I used it on my couch cushions to pick up crumbs and debris, the suction was disappointingly weak, barely picking anything up. I want to emphasize that this only applies to the brush extension; the suction on the main vacuum is outstanding.
I live in a small two-bedroom apartment with a lot of foot traffic, and the dirt from our unpaved driveway can be overwhelming. I often find myself vacuuming 2-5 times a day. The bedrooms are carpeted, and there are hardwood and linoleum floors as well. I am incredibly impressed with how well this vacuum cleans my kitchen floor and entry mat. Even more astonishing is its performance on my low carpeting. Despite keeping my apartment tidy and using my old Dirt Devil daily on the carpets, I was shocked by the amount of dust and dirt this vacuum pulled up from my small bedroom—enough to fill the debris canister (though not completely packed). Since then, I’ve vacuumed the entire carpet in my room 2-3 times, each time yielding the same shocking results. It’s gross to realize how much my old vacuum left behind, especially since the dust wasn’t visible.
Emptying the debris canister is very simple, although you do need to detach the top handheld portion to do so. I love that it pops open with just the push of a button. I read some reviews about issues with the canister opening unexpectedly or difficulties detaching it, but I haven’t experienced any problems.
The battery life has been excellent. A full charge allows me to vacuum the entire apartment (kitchen, living room, and two bedrooms) with power to spare. It comes with a charging cord that easily plugs into the vacuum, or you can remove the battery and charge it separately. To keep it standing upright without falling over, you need to fold the vacuum in half, which I initially worried would be cumbersome, but it’s actually quite easy.
When I first opened the box, the vacuum had small stickers (easily removable without residue) that explained the function of each button and feature. This was incredibly helpful during the initial days of learning how to operate the vacuum. Once I got the hang of it, I removed the stickers, but you could leave them on if you prefer.
I’ve had this vacuum for less than a month, so I will see how it holds up over time and update my review if necessary. However, based on my experience so far, I don’t anticipate any issues.
UPDATE – JULY 2023:
I’ve been using this vacuum daily since purchasing it in February, and I’m still just as impressed as I was initially. Cleaning it has been a breeze, although the only downside is that you can’t detach the rolling brush for proper cleaning. While you can wipe it down, it’s impossible to clean the plastic cover that collects dirt since it doesn’t come out.
After five months of regular use, the suction remains as powerful as it was on day one. The lights on the bottom are great for spotting dust and debris that I might have otherwise overlooked. This vacuum is truly incredible!
Roberto Martínez –
The advertised product is not complete; it only includes the accessories shown in the picture. If you can accept that, then this vacuum cleaner is for you—it works well and gets the job done.
Roberto Martínez –
This vacuum is fantastic! It has significantly simplified my daily cleaning routine. It’s lightweight and includes multiple attachments for tackling various areas around the house. I appreciate the easy-to-maneuver wheels on the floor attachment, and the built-in light is perfect for illuminating corners and cleaning under furniture. For the price, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment if you’re in search of an everyday vacuum cleaner.