TechRadar Verdict
The Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum is a powerful cordless vac with useful advanced features.
There may be minor differences between different countries' models.
TheSharkPowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum comes with a whole host of smart detection features.
Everything that came in the box for my review model (with auto-empty dock)
On test, I was very impressed.
All the detection features worked as advertised and meant an efficient, low-effort cleaning session.
That’s the short version; read on for my full Shark PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum review.
Read about that one in ourShark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum and Mop review.
Overall, I feel like the build quality and the features make this a well-priced vacuum.
The DirtDetect system alone is well worth the investment.
In terms of comparable models within the Shark range, theShark Detect Pro Cordlesscosts $379.99 / 349.99.
Alternatively, there’s theShark Stratos Cordless, which costs $499.99 / 349.99.
Shark offers discounts on occasion for its products.
Everything that came in the box for my review model (with auto-empty dock)
Till then, look to the TechRadarShark promo codes pagefor a deal.
That’s on the larger and heavier side for a cordless stick vac, although not excessively so.
The Shark Cordless PowerDetect vacuum has a host of different detection features.
TheDirtDetectsystem can recognize hidden dirt and automatically boost the suction power in response.
FloorDetectrecognizes the differences between carpets and hard floors and adjusts the power depending on which one youre vacuuming.
The other ‘detect’ features, like EdgeDetect and LightDetect will kick in on any mode.
A screen indicates mode, dirt levels and battery life
Tools can vary by region my review model came with an 8-inch Crevice Tool and a Pet Multi-Tool.
It’s worth flagging that that there is an optional auto-empty base that I tested out.
This is a new thing that Shark has been embracing lately.
The floorhead has been redesigned(Image credit: Future)
It also creates somewhere to store the vacuum, and charges it too.
I noticed right away that the vacuum floorhead lights up automatically when the machine is running.
Despite being on the heavier side, it’s comfortable to use and doesn’t feel unbalanced.
It’s meant to work just as well going forwards as backwards(Image credit: Future)
It’s also worth flagging that overall the vacuum is really quite tall.
With this feature, I could reach under couches and chairs without having to lean over or squat down.
It is assumed that when the suction power returns to normal, the floor is free of dirt.
The version I reviewed came with a charge base that the vacuum empties into when docked
The only time it struggled was with chunky breakfast cereal.
Whether this reverse cleaning it’s a feature that’s exclusive to the PowerDetect is another thing.
With the ‘EdgeDetect’ feature, the vacuum will boost suction automatically near the edges of rooms.
Some of the PowerDetect’s detail tools (these may vary by region and version)
I sprinkled each square with flour and then used the vacuums lowest setting Eco to suck up the flour.
I saw only three specks of flour remaining when I was done.
I didnt notice any difference when vacuuming forward or backward over the flour.
The Shark vacuum recognized that I was vacuuming a rug and increased its suction automatically.
There does not seem to be any way to prevent this.
Two attachments were included with my review model a Pet Multi Tool and a crevice tool.
The PowerDetect did a great job of clearing fine dust from laminate floor…(Image credit: Future)
I dont have pets, but a lot of my dark brown hair gets on my cream-colored couch.
I used the Pet Multi Tool to remove my hair, and it did an average job.
I found myself scraping the hair a few times before it was suctioned into the machine.
(Image credit: Future)
The Pet Multi Tool performed better on Boost mode.
I was glad to see that the tool also has a brush.
I used it to clean my baseboards and blinds with great success.
The PowerDetect also handled chunkier debris well…(Image credit: Future)
Boost mode has an 82 dB and 83 dB rating on hardwood and carpet respectively.
While not everyone will necessarily need it, I was so thankful for the convenience of the auto-empty system.
Whenever the container is full, I can remove it and dump the dust and dirt in the trash.
… although some debris did get stuck under the wheels(Image credit: Future)
When I ran the PowerDetect entirely in Boost mode, the battery lasted 14 minutes.
That’ll be more than enough time to clean most homes in one go.
It took about four hours for the vacuum to completely charge.
Like many cordless stick vacuums, it can be used as a handheld
Shark doesn’t provide recharge times, but a listing on Best Buy said it’d take 6 hours.
I was glad to discover that charging did not actually take that long.
Over time, itll likely take longer for the battery to charge.
The pet hair tool was okay, but couldn’t pull all the (short-ish, human) hair from my cream couch
Its not unusual among vacuums on the wider market to take 4-6 hours to charge.
Should you buy the Shark PowerDetect Cordless?
It’s worth investing a little extra in the auto-empty system.
4/5
Design
Effective, straightforward design, with useful bendable hose.
Auto-empty dock is well-designed and useful.
Performance
Auto-adjust features work effectively and suction is impressive in general.
That means an efficient clean without having to manually switch suction modes.
If you just want something with good suction, there are cheaper options on the market.
I compared the results to other vacuum cleaners I’ve reviewed in the past.
By running these tests and others, I was able to provide an in-depth review.
