You won’t want to miss my review of the debate of Shark AZ1501 vs AZ1002! These vacuums belong to very different price ranges, but they share many similar features. But after all, the cost reflects the design and operation of a device, thus making AZ1002 a true winner and worthy investment. I have tested both models, and here are my takes!
The winning Shark AZ1002 is equipped with DualClean brushrolls, which clean the debris and polish the floors’ surface at the same time. The device can remove anything from tiny dust particles to larger snack bits without leaving any crumbs behind. It also has a powerful LED headlights system that lets me see any areas requiring more cleaning. So if you need a no-brainer vacuum with a long 30ft cord, this is the product that you should choose!
On the other hand, Shark AZ1501 makes a formidable opponent thanks to its small price tag and a hefty collection of features in many advanced vacuum lines. You can count on the DualClean brushrolls, HEPA filters, and variable suction methods. What makes the device loses the debate is its short cord and hose, which means you can only work with areas that aren’t too high. Worth the consideration otherwise!
Shark AZ1501 vs AZ1002: Comparison Chart
Shark AZ1501 vs AZ1002: Differences
Shark AZ1002 wins 2-0 and ties twice against AZ1501. Check out my full review of what I like and don’t like about both vacuums.
Cleaning performance
Winner: Shark AZ1002
Debris and dust
There are a few details you should know about these vacuums’ cleaning operation: they are not self-propelled but not too heavy that you can’t pull them around, they are designed to tackle long hair with ease, and they have good suction power with a slightly loud noise while doing the job. So let’s get into the details!
AZ1002 and AZ1501 don’t have the same DualClean brushrolls. With AZ1002, there is 1 brushroll with plastic bristles and 1 with a soft foam texture. As for AZ1501, both the rollers don’t have bristles, and they are made of foam, which is both good and bad.
While the former vacuum can easily remove any patchy area of build-up dust and dirt, the latter can’t break down the patches due to the lack of texture of the rollers. So the former is more efficient against dry and tough dirt. And the bristles assist better in picking up hair strands! As a result, I have easily cleaned all my cat’s hair from bare floors or low-pile carpets.
On the other hand, the latter’s fin-like roller allows it to easily guide larger dry trash pieces, and it doesn’t damage sealed floors. So if you usually have to deal with cereals or snacks, this one is great! However, I find its performance against hair not as great as AZ1002, especially against hard floors because the grip isn’t as great. And, since the assembly is flimsier than AZ1002, and doesn’t come across as very sturdy when I haul the device around the floor.
Cleaning modes
Both vacuums have 3 cleaning modes for bare floors, low-pile carpets, and high-pile carpets. The speed of the brushrolls and the airflow depends on the mode. For example, against hard floors, the intake air is much stronger while the brushroll spins slower to avoid damaging the floor surface. On the other hand, with low-pile carpets, the rollers spin faster while maintaining good suction. And lastly, the high-pile carpets will decrease the speed and the suction.
In this aspect, both vacuums’ performances are very similar. They have never eaten up my carpets, and the decrease in the brushrolls’ rotation speed helps avoid pushing the dust particles away from the intake port as well. In short, the cleaning has been very efficient with the pair, despite the huge gap between their prices.
Filtration system
Tie
HEPA is employed for both these cleaning systems, and this is the best filtration system available on the market right now. Dust particles not only go through a single multilayered filter like with many vacuums. These vacuums involve 2 premotor filters, foam and felt, and 1 post-motor filter, which is the HEPA itself. This sealed 2 steps multicycle filtration system allows impeccable air exhaustion.
This pair has been doing a phenomenal job trapping dust and dirt inside for someone with a quick allergic reaction and a sensitive nose like me. I notice no dust cloud, and my nose hasn’t reacted badly with all the cleaning and testing.
Utilities
Winner: Shark AZ1002
There are many convenient features that the pair shares, including:
- DualClean brushrolls
- LED headlights
- Self-cleaning rollers
- Hand-held mode
- Adjustable cleaning modes for different floor types
What marks the differences is the cord and hose length. With Shark AZ1002, I enjoy a 30ft cord and 5.5ft hose, while the Shark AZ1500 line only has 25 ft and 2.94 ft ones. The difference is huge! When I switch from the floor nozzle to a crevice or upholstery tool, the reach is noticeably better with AZ1002. So, keep this in mind if you plan to clean curtains, sofas, top shelves, kitchen cabinets, or many other high points around your house/ apartment.
Price and value
Tie
It depends a lot on the height of the areas you will work with and the budget you intend to spend on your next vacuum.
In case you are willing to invest, I always recommend going for the Shark AZ1002 since it has proven to be more consistent and well-fit for higher and wider rooms. This model also is slightly less heavy, which weighs 16 pounds. It’s not the highest vacuum out there, but it’s not hard to push the device around to clean, and in the lift-away mode, it’s not bad hauling it around, either. The LED lights also are brighter. And the assembly is very sturdy, unlike its opponent.
If you want a great start in this category of home appliances, Shark AZ1501 is a cut-price option with actual functional operation and design. In addition, it’s one of the few in the price range that boasts dual brushrolls with a self-cleaning feature, and very impressive headlights. The cleaning performance also is very good. Its most major “meh” lies in the cord and hose length. Otherwise, it has mostly been impressing me.
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 AZ1501
- DUOCLEAN POWERFINS: Dig deep into carpets and directly engage floors.
- 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).
- 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.
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References:
- Shark AZ1002: https://www.ebay.com/itm/364082238833
- Shark AZ1501: https://www.target.com/p/shark-duoclean-powerfins-powered-lift-away-upright-vacuum-with-self-cleaning-brushroll-az1501/-/A-81914227
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.