Looking for a new vacuum cleaner for your pet-hair-filled house but not sure which model to choose? In this article, we’ll compare two popular Shark vacuum cleaners: Shark AZ1002 vs LA502. Both models have amazing techniques with unique DuoClean systems, but comparing them has made it clear that AZ1002 has the upper hand!
The winner Shark AZ1002 dominates the round with its exceptional suction power, versatile cleaning modes, smooth swivel steering of the floor nozzle, and sealed-tight HEPA filter system. I have been using this machine for months, and it always surprises me with how amazing it is against large trash pieces and hair strands. Of course, being 16-pound heavy, it’s not for users with mobility difficulty. But it’s definitely smoother than LA502!
As for the runner-up Shark LA502, I applaud it for its anti-tangle DuoClean Powerfins. This model is made for handling dust and sealed floors because its rollers don’t scratch up the surface. But it’s not the best against human or pet hair. And its maneuverability hasn’t impressed me much due to how hard it is for me to pull it back after going over a section. The details are below!
Shark AZ1002 vs LA502: Comparison Chart
Shark AZ1002 vs LA502: Differences
Shark AZ1002 wins 3-0 and ties once against Shark LA502. It cleans better, is easier to work with, and has more advanced technologies, like the powered lift-away. I will get into the details below!
Cleaning performance
Winner: Shark AZ1002
Both vacuums work great against dust piles, cereals, and small dry vegetable pieces. With their DuoClean rollers, they can move trashes into their path and make the most out of their incredible suction power, one of Shark AZ1002 and LA502’s biggest assets.
What marks the difference in their cleaning performance is the design of their DueClean brush. Yes, it’s true. There is more than 1 type of DueClean rollers. And while I’m 100% on the side of AZ1002 and its couple of bristle roller and soft roller, I can’t force myself to enjoy LA502’s PowerFins at the same level of excitement.
The reason is simple: the foam fins don’t pick up hair very well if the hair is stuck to carpets or rugs. It’s gentler when going over bare floors, but it’s not as good as bristle rollers when removing stubborn hair strands from a difficult area such as low-pile or high-pile carpets. The same goes for fabrics over sofas or clothes. So make up your mind wisely.
HEPA filter and dirt bin
Tie
HEPA filter
In order to qualify as a HEPA filter, a filter must meet certain standards set by the United States Department of Energy (DOE). According to these standards, a HEPA filter must be able to capture at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in size. This means that a HEPA filter can capture particles much smaller than the width of a human hair, making it an effective way to improve air quality in your home or workplace.
And both vacuums that I review today have this filter. Not just the HEPA system, they also come with a premotor filter and a felt filter. So it’s a 2 cycles system, to simply put it. Most vacuums have only 1 dust and allergen filtration step, so this pair is a great technology upgrade.
Dust container
Regarding the dirt bin size, both are 0.22 gallons and can contain much debris. Remember, though, that it’s necessary to clear them out after each cleaning session instead of filling it and dumping the content once after a few cleaning days. Here are 2 reasons why:
- Maintain suction power: A full or dirty dirt bin can reduce your vacuum cleaner’s suction power, making it less effective at picking up dirt, dust, and other debris from your floors and carpets. By cleaning the dirt bin regularly, you can help maintain your vacuum’s suction power and keep your floors and carpets clean.
- Prevent odors: Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate in the dirt bin and start to produce unpleasant odors. By cleaning the bin regularly, you can prevent these odors from building up and ensure your vacuum cleaner smells fresh and clean. It’s a biohazard case waiting to happen (not that severe).
Maneuverability
Winner: Shark AZ1002
The AZ1002’s Dynamic Swivel design helps the vacuum cleaner to move smoothly and easily over carpets, hard floors, and other surfaces, reducing the risk of getting stuck on hard floors or the suction power eating up the rugs. Even though the overall weight of this model is 16 pounds, I find it much easier to haul around the house with less effort.
As for Shark LA502, it’s 12.3 pounds only, but it causes me slightly more effort to work with when pulling it back toward my direction. Vacuuming is a process of pushing the device back and forward. And even though the forward step isn’t a problem, the back one is not so easy. If this product line had a suction control feature, it would be better. But for now, I don’t recommend this model for users with mobility or wrist problem.
Utilities
Winner: Shark AZ1002
Let’s talk about the cord and hose length first. Since both vacuums are lift-away models, they can definitely access higher areas. But, the longer the cord, the better. That’s why I favor Shark AZ1002’s 30ft cord, and 5.5ft hose more than LA502’s 25ft cord and 6ft hose. Yes, LA502’s hose is indeed slightly longer, but the gap between the 2 machines’ cords’ lengths makes it much more convincing to choose AZ1002.
Speaking of the lift-away feature, there is a big difference in how this function works for each device. While I enjoy powered lift-away with AZ1002, LA502 only offers the standard version. It means that LA502’s rollers won’t spin if you detach the floor nozzle with the DuoClean brushrolls from the pod to clean higher areas.
Some other interesting additional features that these vacuums have are:
- LED lights: Bright LED lights on the nozzle illuminate dark corners and under furniture, making it easier to spot dirty spots that otherwise go unnoticed.
- Easy detachment of the floor nozzle from the pod
- Self-cleaning brushrolls
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 LA502
- DuoClean PowerFins: A PowerFin roller 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)
- Self-cleaning brushroll for powerful pet hair pickup with no hair wrap.
- Engineered to pick up more hair with no hair wrap (vs. shark bristle nozzles)
- Lift-Away the detachable pod with the easy-to-use pod-release pedal to clean stairs, furniture, and everywhere in your home.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner. (Based on ASTM F1977 of particles .3 microns or larger.)
Product Videos
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References:
- Shark AZ1002: https://www.ebay.com/itm/364082238833
- Shark LA502: https://www.sharkclean.com/exclusive-offer/LA502WBKT/shark-rotator-lift-away-adv-upright-vacuum-with-duoclean-powerfins-and-self-cleaning-brushroll/
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.