Shark AZ1002 vs AZ3002 are both among the most advanced models of Shark, and, of course, they are expensive. That raises the question, “Are they worth it, and which is better?”
The Shark AZ1002 is designed for those who do a lot of vacuuming. It has excellent overall performance and is so easy to use. I decided that the nearly $400 I spent on it was very much worth it, and I’m willing to compromise its heavy weight to get no-joke suction and the ability to get under beds and cabinets.
The Shark AZ3002 is also not cheap, but I’d like to say it is by far among the best vacuums I’ve ever used and highly recommended. It is also fitted with all the punches of the Shark, but it will take some arm power to maneuver since it is pretty heavy.
Shark AZ1002 vs AZ3002: Comparision Chart
Shark AZ1002 vs AZ3002: Differences
The Shark AZ1002 wins 1-0 and draws once against the AZ3002. Besides being cumbersome and quite heavy for some people, I have almost nothing to complain about this model. It has excellent suction power and is highly recommended for pet owners since it is equipped with “Zero M” technology. In addition, it is also equipped with many nifty features, so you will have an enjoyable vacuum experience like never before.
Cleaning Performance
Winner: Shark AZ1002
The AZ1002 worked well on my hard floor. I was amazed at how much dirt and hair it could pull from my carpet, making my carpets look new. All prove how powerful its suction is. It also allows me to handle a pet hair-filled house like a pro. But I could feel it trying to pull forward on the carpet, and it took some effort to pull it back.
The AZ1002 is fitted with “Zero M” technology, which is incredible for preventing hair from wrapping around its brush roll. In my experience, the bristles are better than the PowerFins design when it comes to capturing hair, which I think just moves hair around instead of picking it up.
The AZ3002’s suction power is also crazy, which is both a blessing and a curse. Yes, it could pick up a lot of debris and crumbs, but the vacuum is so strong that it runs away itself. It seems self-propelled, but you’ll struggle to pull it back or carry it around a big house. You must also be careful of any sharp or large objects or long strings that can get wrapped around the brush roller since they can damage it. Ensure you remove anything you don’t want to be sucked into your vacuum before it gets close.
The soft roller did a great job on the hard floor, while the PowerFins roller did an excellent job of getting into the carpet fibers and didn’t get clogged with hair. So the “self-cleaning brush roll” description isn’t exaggerated. But I found it ineffective in sucking up small items like gravel, popcorn kernels, pet food, and wood chips like the AZ1002 did.
Weight and Maneuverability
Winner: Tie
The Shark AZ1002 weighs 16 lbs. I’d not say this machine is lightweight, and maneuvering it can be awkward. It is definitely a little more bulky and durable than many other vacuums I’ve tested, but it just takes a bit of getting used to this heavyweight. It is an excellent trade-off for the fantastic suction.
The Shark AZ3002 is also very heavy at 16.7 lbs. Combined with its strong suction power, your arm and lower back may start to hurt after a long time. Fortunately, it hasn’t happened to me since I have built up some strength from pushing many vacuums back and forth daily. But it also means that it might be slightly hard to use for many people.
Special Features
Winner: Shark AZ1002
Maybe you, like many others, thought some LED lights on the roller should not be taken into account. But I’d like to tell you they will be a fantastic help when cleaning dark corners or under furniture. Shark threw some LEDs on both the AZ1002 vs AZ3002. But the AZ1002 is even better with a light on its hose, which will come into play when you use this vacuum in the “Lift-Away” configuration.
Shark AZ1002 vs AZ3002: Similarities
Powered Lift-Away
Both the Shark AZ1002 vs AZ3002 can be converted to a lighter, more compact vacuum by lifting the canister from the floorhead. That way, they can be used to suck cobwebs out of corners and the ceiling or clean any hard-to-reach areas. Alternatively, you can also use them as stick vacuums by uncoupling the canister and cleaning under real furniture using the floorhead.
Note that you can’t place the canister down using the lift-away feature since it will fall over. Some other Shark uprights, such as the Shark NV752, come with a wheeled base (called a caddy) that you can set the canister on, and it will roll behind you. I wish these ones had that option.
Cord Length
Both the Shark AZ1002 vs AZ3002 share a 30-foot power cord, which is reasonably long. If 30 feet is too short for you, always remember that there is nothing an extension cord can’t fix!
The cord inside the AZ3002’s casing seems to twist itself around, making a constantly tangled cord as I used it. This makes it a pain to wrap back up, and I keep my fingers crossed that it won’t happen to you.
Fingertips Control
The duo features three surface-type settings that work nicely and are easy to use once you get used to the different buttons. A slider on the handle is nice for switching floor types, and the indicator light makes it easy to see which setting is chosen. Everything is conveniently located!
Filter
Upright vacuums should pick up most of the dust and debris on surfaces, but it doesn’t matter if they escape back into the air through cracks or poor-quality seals. Fortunately, that will never happen with the Shark AZ1002 vs AZ3002 because they boast an anti-allergen complete seal system, which ensures the sucked air stays inside the device until it is adequately filtered through HEPA filters.
These HEPA filters are also removable and washable, so you can keep them for a long time by taking a few extra minutes to rinse them after each session (or so). I also recommend purchasing extra filters so that when you rinse the existing filters, you can alternate them without waiting until they are completely dry.
Quick Rundown Of Shark 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 AZ3002
- ULTRA-POWERFUL SUCTION: Ultra-powerful suction and best hair pickup of any Shark vacuum.
- DUOCLEAN POWERFINS HAIRPRO: A two brushroll system digs deep into carpets, directly engages hard floors, and picks up dirt, debris, and hair in every pass.
- GUARDS AGAINST BAD ODORS: Odor Neutralizer Technology guards against bad odors inside your vacuum to help freshen your home.
- NO HAIR WRAP: Self-cleaning brushroll delivers powerful pet hair pickup without wrapping hair.
- POWERED LIFT-AWAY Lift away the pod for motorized cleaning under furniture, or detach the nozzle and clean above the floor.
Product Video
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References:
- Shark AZ3002: https://direct.sharkclean.com/16/products/shark-stratos-powered-lift-away-az3000/30/microsite/ogi/?opt=2
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.