Shark AZ1002 and Shark AZ1810 are powerful vacuums with amazing pick-up performance. However, in the comparison of Shark AZ1002 vs AZ1810, I prefer the Shark Apex AZ1002 to the other.
It is because the Shark AZ1002 Apex has comparable suction and pick-up performance to the AZ1810 though its motor power is a litter lower. Moreover, it is quieter and has more cleaning accessories. Though its self-cleaning brush roll is not as effective as its rival in terms of hair-tangle resistance, its performance on high-pile and shag carpets is better.
The Shark AZ1810 Vertex Speed, on the other hand, has stronger suction and a better self-cleaning brushroll design for the anti-hair wrap. It also works very well on bare floors and low-to-medium thick carpets. However, it is a little louder, has fewer attachments, and is not as effective as the AZ1002 in deep cleaning high-pile shag carpets.
Shark AZ1002 vs AZ1810: Comparison Chart
Shark AZ1002 vs AZ1810: Differences
In the comparison of Shark AZ1002 vs AZ1810, the Apex AZ1002 wins 2-1 against the Vertex Speed AZ1810. The AZ1002 is quieter for me and has more cleaning accessories. Meanwhile, the Shark AZ1810 has stronger suction and a more effective brush roll for the anti-hair wrap.
Cleaning performance
Winner: Shark Vertex Speed AZ1810
Suction power and control
For the suction, generally, I can say that these two give incredible, powerful suction! I was shamed by the amount of dirt and hair pulled out of my carpets and rugs.
In particular, the Shark Vertex Speed AZ1810 has a slightly stronger suction than that of the Apex AZ1002. Specifically, the measured suction and airflow at the hose of the Shark AZ1810 were about 104 inches of water lift and 105 cfm, respectively. Meanwhile, the Shar AZ1002 gives 101 inches of suction and 90 cfm of airflow at the hose.
With that strong suction, they often move and lift my low-pile rugs when they are pushed over. However, they have a Surface Selector switch that helps to adjust the suction amount. In fact, this switch is used to modify the brush roll and suction to be compatible with different floor types. Thus, if the suction is too strong to push the vacuum, I can change the switch position to make it glide easier.
Brushroll system
In terms of the brush roll system, these models both have the self-cleaning function, but the roller’s design is relatively different. On the Shark AZ1002, the dual-brush roll system consists of a soft roller at the front and a bristle brush at the back. Meanwhile, in the Shark AZ1810 dual-brushroll system, the bristle brush is replaced with the fins roller while the soft roller stays the same.
In my experience, the duoclean pwowerfins brush roll of the AZ1810 Vertex Speed is better in reducing the hair getting tangled on the roller. The amount of hair staying on the powerfins rollers is insignificant compared to that on the bristle brush of the AZ1002. It means the brushroll system of the Shark AZ1002 did not completely address the hair-wrap issue as the AZ1810 did.
Besides, one feature I really like about the brushroll system of these two vacuums is that when the power is on, their brush rolls do not spin unless the vacuums are tiled back. Though this is not a notable factor contributing to the cleaning performance, I still appreciate it as it helps protect the cleaning surfaces when the vacuum is in the straight upright position for using the hose or when I forget to turn off the power while stopping cleaning to do other things.
Floor-type compatibility
With strong suction, innovative brush roll designs, and the Surface Selector switch, Shark AZ1002 and AZ1810 are compatible with both bare floors and carpets and rugs. They work great on bare floors, often picking up different types of debris in just one forward pass. Unlike many lower-price vacuums in the same band, the Shark AZ1002 and AZ1810 pick up medium to large debris effortlessly without having the hose wand detached and utilized.
However, when it comes to carpets, the cleaning performance of these two vacuums is different, depending on the carpet and rug types. In my opinion, the Shark Vertex Speed AZ1810 works perfectly well on low- to medium-pile carpets and bare floors. Meanwhile, the Apex still works great on hard floors, but for high-pile and shag carpets, it is more effective than the Vertex AZ1810.
In my experience, the bristle brush of the Apex AZ1002 does well in digging into the bottom of the carpet, pulling dirt and hair out of my carpets. For the powerfins roller of the AZ1810, I feel that it did not dig deep and give enough agitation for deep cleaning the thick-pile and shag carpets.
Besides, you should note that they are not shop vacs, and their floor nozzles are not designed to pick up sharp, solid, and large things. Thus, try to use the hose wand to pick all such things before starting the cleaning with their head nozzle.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Shark Apex AZ1002
Maneuverability
For me, these two Apex and Vertex models are not lightweight (16-17 lbs), compared to the brand’s other lower-price products (12-13 lbs). Thus, combined with the incredibly strong suction, pushing these vacuums around the house is like a strenuous workout.
However, I really like the powered lift-away feature on the Shark AZ1002 and AZ1810. I can spontaneously take off the pods and hose wands for the above-floor cleaning, like the other Shark vacuums. Furthermore, this feature allows the pod to be detached while the hose wand is still attached to the nozzle head, making it easier to reach the space under beds or furniture sitting low to the floor.
Besides, both Shark Apex AZ1002 and Vertex AZ1810 feature really nice swivel heads and decently 30 ft long cords. Such factors can make maneuvering the vacuum around and under things in your house much easier.
Noise level
For me, the Shark AZ1002 is somehow quieter than the Vertex Speed AZ1810. With that strong, powerful motor, the noise from Shark AZ1002 is not as loud as I expected (about 72.7 dB). It is reasonable, and I can talk with other people without raising my voice. On the other hand, the noise of AZ1810 is a bit louder but is still bearable.
Dirt Tank & Filtration
Tie!
The Shark AZ1002 and AZ1810 have similar dust cup capacity and filtration systems. Their dirt bins can contain about 0.9 dry quarts to the fill line. However, it is recommended to dump the dirt bin regularly before it is filled up to ensure the efficiency of the vacuums.
Additionally, the filtration systems of these two vacuums comprise washable pre-motor foam filters, a post-motor HEPA filter, and the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology. This combination effectively filters and captures the dust inside the vacuum body, so the air emitted is fresh. The dust odor after long-term utilization will not be a significant problem as long as you clean and replace the filters periodically.
Utility
Winner: Shark Apex AZ1002
LED headlights
Both Shark AZ1002 and Shark AZ1810 have bright LED lights in the front of the cleaning head. The LED headlights are very useful and effective in spotting hidden dust on the floors, like fine debris and hair, especially in dark areas such as the basement and under furniture.
Attachments
In this sub-category, the Shark Apex AZ1002 is slightly better as it has more attachments than the Shark Vertex Speed AZ1810. The accessory set of Shark AZ1002 includes an Upholstery Tool, a Pet Power Brush, and a Crevice Tool. Meanwhile, the Shark AZ1810 has a basic set of a crevice tool and an Upholstery Tool.
I personally prefer the AZ1002 to the AZ1810 owing to its pet power brush. This brush helps me easily clean pet hair on above-floor surfaces like carpeted stairs, couches, or sofas. Besides, the cleaning performance of Shark AZ1002 on different floor types is comparable to that of the Shark AZ1810. Thus, I would say that the Shark AZ1002 perfectly meets all my requirements.
Quick Rundown of Shark Apex AZ1002
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: The vacuum that deep-cleans now cleans itself. Engineered for more pet hair pickup with no hair wrap (vs. Shark bristle nozzles).
- DUOCLEAN TECHNOLOGY: Dual-brushroll system deep-cleans carpets and directly engages floors for a polished look.
- 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.
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL: Works with HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- NOISE REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY: Expertly tuned to reduce noise and soften pitch.
Quick Rundown of Shark Vertex Speed AZ1810
Product Videos
Related Articles to Shark Az1002
- Shark NV751 vs AZ1002: Which Upright Vacuum Cleaner is Better?
- Shark Vacuum Apex vs Rotator NV501: Which One Is Better for Value?
- Honest Review: Shark AZ1002 vs LA502 – All Biggest Strengths And Weaknesses
- Shark APEX AZ1002 vs NV752: A Side-By-Side Comparison
- Complete Review For Shark ZU785 Vs AZ1002 – Pros And Cons
- Shark ZU62 vs AZ1002: Which Vacuum Cleaner Wins The Battle Of The Sharks?
- Shark AZ1002 vs ZU782: Which Is the Best Bang for the Buck?
- Shark Zu881 vs AZ1002: 2 High-quality Vacuums – Which One Cleans Bigger Messes?
- Shark AZ1002 vs AZ2002: Which Is The Best Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Cleaner?
- Shark AZ1002 vs Dyson Ball Animal 3: A Side-By-Side Comparison
- Shark UV700 vs AZ1002 – Top 5 Differences And My Honest Take On These Vacuums!
- Shark UV850 vs AZ1002: Which is The Best Bang For The Buck?
- Comparing Shark NV501 vs AZ1002: Which One Is The Winner?
- Shark AZ1002 vs AZ3002: A The Tug of War Between Two Modern Uprights From the Tug of War
- Quick And Honest Review: Shark Apex AZ1000 vs AZ1002 – Which Vaccum Should You Get?
- Shark AZ1501 vs AZ1002: Is It Worth It To Invest In AZ1002 When AZ1501 Is Cheaper And Similar? – The Truth Is Here!
- Complete And Honest Review Of Shark AZ1002 vs Dyson Animal 2
Related Articles to Shark Az1810
References:
- Shark AZ1810 (in Shark Vertex AZ2000 series): https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/sections/360005914320-AZ2000-Series
- Shark AZ1002 (in Shark Apex AZ1000 series): https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/sections/360005914260-AZ1000-Series
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.