Shark HV301 vs HV322: Which one is better? You will get the correct answer right here.
The Shark HV322 is a good balance of cleaning performance, weight, features, and price. Its performance was excellent on any surface I tested, and if you are looking for something more compact and lightweight for quick cleaning, I highly recommend it. On behalf of neat freaks worldwide, I would like to thank Shark engineers for creating this workhorse.
Honestly, when I first got my hands on the Shark HV301, I thought it would leave a sour taste in my mouth because of its cheap-feeling structure, but I was wrong. It is lightweight, compact, easy to maneuver, and, most importantly, it produces great suction. It was great on my hardwood floors and decent on carpets. I should thank Christ because Shark made this monster for under $170!
Shark HV301 vs HV322: Comparison Chart
Shark HV301 vs HV322: Differences
The Shark HV322 wins 3-1 and draws one against the HV301. The key areas where the former triumphs over the latter are carpet cleaning performance, dust cup capacity, and special features. Let’s scroll down for more information!
Cleaning Performance
Winner: Shark HV322
My tests showed the HV322’s suction was great, allowing it to pick up debris and hair like a champ on my hard floor. It sucked up a lot of stuff on the floor with just one swipe, and I asked myself what miracles helped it do that. Don’t get me wrong! It still couldn’t beat the canister and upright types. It just did a great job for a little unit!
As for cleaning the carpet, I used setting 2, which made the roller spin quickly but didn’t change the suction power. The HV322 worked adequately on all types of rugs and carpets I used, and if you had a chance to look at the amount of hair and debris inside its dust cup after that, you would think I’m a lazy guy. No, that’s just because this machine was too great on the carpet.
As for the Shark HV301, it worked great on the floor, too, and even made the HV322 slightly overshadowed. My floor almost regained its splendid appearance after a single pass, which is something I didn’t think such an inexpensive model could do. Of course, I made an extra pass to ensure nothing was left behind.
On my short carpet, I used the II setting, and the HV301 still did its job without hassle. But on my high-pile carpet, it was noticeably harder to maneuver the vacuum. I was physically pulled forward and struggled a bit to pull it back. I also did several passes on the same spot and haven’t been able to get rid of everything. That’s when I realized the HV301 is ideal for cleaning floors instead of deep cleaning carpets.
The problem these machines had in common was that a fair amount of long hair and fibers stuck to the roller at the end of the day. It won’t initially affect performance, but in the long run, the roller will slow down or even stop spinning. All you need to do is cut off and remove anything left on the roller after each cleaning session. This is a small price to pay for good suction!
There was also a bit of hair stuck on their wheels. This doesn’t affect overall performance, but it is wise to ensure these wheels are hair-free.
Design and Usability
Winner: Tie
Dimensions and Storage
These stick vacuums are compact, so the insignificant difference between their dimensions does not matter. They can be stored anywhere.
The issue is that the motor and dust cup assembly is located on the handle, making these machines top-heavy. So whenever you need your hands free to do something while vacuuming, such as texting or making a phone call, you need to lay the vacuum on the floor or prop it against something like a wall. Another option for you is to spend a few extra bucks to buy the hook separately to hang it up.
In the big picture, this isn’t a huge issue, but I wish I could put all the attachments on the machine’s body, so they’re always available for use. Anyway, that’s what we have to pay for a slim and compact stick vacuum.
Weight and Maneuverability
The weights of the Shark HV322 vs HV302 are 8.6 pounds and 7 pounds, respectively. If used in the handheld configuration, they are only approximately 4 pounds. On paper, the HV302 is slightly lighter, but I didn’t feel a difference in my hand. Maneuvering these lightweight sticks as light as a feather, so no more shoulders and upper back ached.
These machines also share the swivel-head capability: just lightly put your foot on the floorhead, pull back gently, and you can swivel the sweeper head in any direction. That way, you can move around furniture and corners very easily without picking up the whole vacuum. However, it will take you a while to get used to this nifty feature.
Also, as mentioned above, these machines are top-heavy. So if you have weak wrists, you might get a little tired after a long vacuuming session. The trick is that you can use two hands at the same time or alternate.
Dust Cup Capacity
Winner: Shark HV322
The Shark HV322 dust container can hold up to 0.68 quarts, while the HV301 features a 0.42-quart dust tank. The former won this round with its larger dust cup, but both are generally small and will result in multiple trips to the trash can to empty them.
I love how the HV322’s cup can be detached from the rest. Meanwhile, I need to remove the handle unit of the HV301 every time I need to empty its cup, but it’s easy enough, anyway.
Special Features
Winner: Shark HV322
The Shark HV322 has some LED light bulbs on both the base and handle. So whether you use this machine in the default stick mode or handheld configuration, your cleaning path is always illuminated. Unfortunately, the HV301 lacks this nifty feature, so you need to ensure your cleaning area gets enough light from ceiling lights or something like that.
Shark HV301 vs HV322: Similarities
Cord Length
Both the Shark HV301 vs HV322 are corded vacuums, which means they don’t allow you to move around as freely as the cordless ones. But these machines share a 30-foot cord, and this long pair was enough for me to reach anywhere from a single outlet.
Unlike bulkier vacuums with power cords at the bottom, the cords of these machines are up high so they can hold themselves off the ground. So you no longer accidentally step on the cord or hold it with one hand.
Many people prefer a retractable cord but remember that any other additional system would make the machine heavier and bigger. So it is a trade-off for such a lightweight and portable machine!
Filter
These machines have no HEPA filter. If you have allergies, this lack can be a deal breaker. But I’m perfectly fine with their filters. It is easy to remove, clean, and reuse these filters. So you won’t need to take out your owner’s manual and puzzle over it every few months. I really think you should order some extra filters so you don’t have to wait for the filter to dry before you can vacuum.
Alternate Configuration
These sticks can be used as hand vacuums by detaching the pole from the handle and motor assembly. I like this feature a lot because it allows me to use the vacuum to clean my couches, stairs, blinds, inside my car, etc, with ease.
Quick Rundown of Shark HV322
- Versatile Floor to Ceiling Cleaning
- LED Lights
- Easy to Empty Dust Cup with Easy Storage
- Advanced Steering
- Never Loses Suction or Power
Quick Rundown of Shark HV301
- At under 9 lbs., this ultra-lightweight corded stick vacuum converts to a handheld vacuum for versatile floor-to-ceiling cleaning.
- Ultra-powerful, corded cleaning on carpets and hard floors.
- Fingertip controls to easily toggle between surfaces.
- Swivel Steering for excellent control in tight spaces and maneuverability around furniture.
- Hang the hand vacuum from the hook on the bottom of the wand for ultra-convenient storage.
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References:
- Shark HV301: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/sections/360005914440-HV300-QS300-Series
- Shark HV322: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/sections/360005914480-HV320-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.