Continuing the comparisons to find out the best Shark upright vacuum cleaner, the duo reviewed this time is Shark AZ2002 vs ZU782. This article is my humble opinion after experiencing them. To summarize, the winner is AZ2002.
Shark AZ2002 outperforms its opponent thanks to its respectable cleaning performance, amazing suction power, handy design, and great maneuverability. This machine sets itself apart from its brethren thanks to its DouClean PowerFin technology and Powered Lift-Away function.
Our runner-up, Shark ZU782 is also a great upright vacuum. It has a large dust compartment and a HEPA filter, which I am a big fan of. It’s also good at handling pet hair thanks to the self-cleaning brush rolls. In my point of view, this is really a worthy choice for pet owners.
Shark AZ2002 vs ZU782: Comparison Chart
Shark AZ2002 vs ZU782: Differences
After weighing the differences between both vacuums, I found that Shark AZ2002 wins 2:1 against Shark ZU782 thanks to its cleaning performance, suction power, body design, and maneuverability. Read the breakdown below to learn more details.
Cleaning performance
The winner: Shark AZ2002
Performance on hard floors
These machines have excellent performance for cleaning hard floors. They all have the DouClean system, which is ideal for hard surfaces and carpets. This system consists of a soft roller in the front and another, bigger roller in the back. These brush rolls work at the same time to dig deep into the carpet and come into direct contact with the floor, thereby increasing the cleaning efficiency of the vacuum cleaner.
I tested their ability to vacuum hard floors with many other types of particles such as baking soda, chili flakes, white sugar, rice, and full-sized Froot Loops. As a result, they can suck up almost anything without much effort. Whether on laminate, faux wood, or tile floors, they all do a great job. However, when I observed what was left on the floor after each vacuum, I noticed that the AZ2002 left less dirt. Specifically, it just needs a few more wipes to clean up some fine debris like baking soda and white sugar.
Although they all have DouClean technology, Shark ZU782 comes with the original version, while Shark AZ2002 offers the upgraded version. The PowerFin design is what makes the difference and boosts the vacuum’s performance even better than the original at picking up debris.
Performance on carpets
Just like on the hard floors, I did the same tests on the duo as they did on the carpet. Overall, both machines perform well on low-pile and medium-pile carpets. The DouClean technology allows them to pick up large debris on carpets without adjusting the nozzle height.
On carpets, the strong suction power of these machines is both an advantage and a disadvantage. The strong suction causes them to want to run forward while also creating resistance to pull them back. For high-pile and shag carpets, these two machines tend to suck hard on the fibers, so it may take some time for users to get used to controlling their vacuum cleaners on carpets.
Pet hair performance
Thanks to their strong suction and DouClean system, these vacuum cleaners are good at picking up pet hairs. Their cleaner heads come with two brush rolls that have good self-cleaning and anti-tangle functions.
With vacuum cleaners that do not have anti-tangle features, long hair, and pet hair often get tightly wrapped in the brush roller and it is difficult to remove them all, but with these machines, it is different. After a lot of observing, I’ve found that if you don’t have to suck too much pet hair, almost nothing gets stuck on the brush roll. If you get something stuck on the rollers, cleaning them is quite simple as the soft roller at the front can be removed and reattached easily.
In addition, the AZ2002 also provides a pet tool with a self-cleaning brush roll like the one on the cleaner head.
dirt bin and filtration
The winner: Shark ZU782
Dirt bin
Both machines come with a dust cup, which is transparent to observe inside. These dust cups are easy to empty and clean.
Shark ZU782 has a larger dust cup than Shark AZ2002. The ZU782’s is 1.2 L, while the AZ2002’s is 0.95 L. In my opinion, these machines have a dust cup capacity that’s not too large, but still large enough that you don’t have to empty it too often. As you may likely know, the large dust cup offers you a long cleaning session without emptying.
Looking down from the top, you’ll see a “dust cup release” button, press it and pull up the dirt compartment. Place it above a trash can, press the release button on the side of the tank to open the lid at the bottom, and then all the dirt will fall out into the trash can.
Filtration
These vacuums share the same filtration system, which is better for people with allergies or respiratory problems. This system features one post-motor filter and two pre-motor filters, incorporating anti-allergen complete seal technology.
The post-motor filter is a HEPA filter. It is located on the front of the machine, just above the cleaner head. This filter can capture 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, such as dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and more.
The two pre-motor filters include a foam filter and a felt filter. They have the effect of trapping certain amounts of dust before they stick to the motor, thereby extending the lifespan of the vacuum cleaner.
All three filters are washable, and they need to be cleaned periodically. Just wash them with cold water and let them dry for at least 24 hours before using them again.
As for the anti-allergen complete seal technology, it prevents the unfiltered air from leaking through the crevices and cracks in the vacuum’s body, ensuring that air passes through the filters and is cleanly filtered.
Design and convenience
The winner: Shark AZ2002
Build quality
Both machines have good build quality. They are well-designed and easy to assemble. Most of the parts are made of plastic, but it doesn’t feel insecure. However, you need to be more careful with the dust cup because, in my opinion, it is the most fragile.
These machines all come with a 30-foot power cord, which gives you a wide cleaning reach. However, the AZ2002 has a rather short hose. Its hose is only 5.5 feet long, while the one on the ZU782 can extend up to 8.4 feet.
The control buttons of Shark AZ2002 are concentrated in the handle, including the power button and the switch to change the suction mode. This design allows you to make adjustments without bending down. Meanwhile, the control buttons of the Shark ZU782 are located both on the handle and on the body.
Maneuverability
These machines are all quite compact in size. They can recline and lay nearly flat against the floor, which is useful for cleaning under furniture.
Both machines are quite heavy. Shark AZ2002 weighs 16.38 pounds and Shark ZU782 weighs 17.7 pounds. In return, the lift-away function helps them become much lighter. However, the lift-away design of these machines is not the same.
The Lift-Away feature on Shark ZU782 means that you can detach the main unit from the wand and convert it into a portable version. This lift-away vacuum also has the flexibility to get under furniture, but it doesn’t have power at the end of the nozzle. So, if you have a motorized tool, you cannot run it.
As for the powered lift-away, you can turn Shark AZ2002 into a handheld vacuum. You can hold the pod with one hand while using the hose/wand/cleaner head/tools with the other hand. No matter which tools you use to vacuum, the powered lift-away will always power them directly.
Shark AZ2002 vs ZU782: Similarities
From my experience, I found that between Shark AZ2002 and ZU782, there are many similarities. They have quite similar body styles and identical sizes. Their power cords are the same length and both have LED headlights. Besides, they also share many technologies such as DouClean system, Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, HEPA filtration system, and so on.
In addition, their cleaner heads can rotate with a good turning radius, thereby increasing their maneuverability. They also have a brush roll indicator with three modes, including a bright green brush means the soft roller is in good working order, a red jam warning and flashing red means the floor nozzle is too hot.
Quick Rundown Of Shark AZ2002
- SHARK’S ULTRA-POWERFUL VACUUM: The Vertex is an ultra-powerful vacuum, with incredible suction and innovative cleaning technologies..1344.0 watts.Cord length (ft.): 30, Hose length (ft.): 5.5..Amperage : 11.8A
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: Engineered for more pet hair pickup with no hair wrap (vs. Shark bristle nozzles).
- DUOCLEAN POWERFINS: A PowerFins brushroll and a soft roller combine on all floors. Continuous cleaning contact to dig deep into carpets, directly engage floors, and pick up more in every pass. (vs. original DuoClean).
- POWERED LIFT-AWAY: Detachable pod for motorized cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
- PERFECT FOR PETS: Includes a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush for deep cleaning with no hair wrap and a Pet Crevice Tool to remove pet hair from hard-to-reach spaces like corners, ceilings, and between couch cushions.
Quick Rundown Of Shark ZU782
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
- DUOCLEAN TECHNOLOGY: Dual-brushroll system deep-cleans carpets and directly engages floors for a polished look.
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: Engineered for more pet hair pickup with no hair wrap (vs. Shark bristle nozzles).
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- ADVANCED SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum to get in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
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References:
- Shark AZ2002: https://www.sharkclean.ca/products/shark-vertex-duoclean-powerfins-upright-vacuum-zidMS-AZ2002
Victor K. Giles is a leading consultant and expert in vacuum cleaner technology with over a decade of experience. As a mechanical engineering graduate in the University of Michigan, he specializes in product development, design optimization, and performance analysis. Victor collaborates with manufacturers and educates consumers, making her a sought-after guest speaker at industry events. His work has been featured in renowned publications, and he shares his expertise on his blog, “The Vacuum Teria”. Victor’s passion for cleaner, healthier living spaces drives his to help clients choose the best vacuum solutions for their needs.