Shark is a well-known brand that has won customers’ hearts with its wide range of efficient and user-friendly vacuum cleaners. Today, I’ll compare two popular Shark models, the Shark HV371 vs HV302.
Shark HV371 is a corded, bagless stick vacuum with a powerful suction system that handles hard floors and carpets. Additionally, it has an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which captures up to almost dust particles, so you can be sure your home will be clean and allergen-free! The swivel steering allows for easy maneuverability around furniture, while the LED headlights help illuminate dark areas under the table.
On the other hand, the Shark HV302 vacuum is a compact and lightweight option with high suction power. It has well-designed attachments that can be used for different purposed. In addition, its compact design makes it easy to store in small spaces, but the dirt bin capacity can be a problem for some. To know why, let’s read on!
Shark HV371 Vs HV302: Comparison Chart
Shark HV371 Vs HV302: Differences
The Shark HV371 corded vacuum beats the Shark HV302 with a score of 2-0 and ties once, thanks to its strong suction power and easy maneuverability. It cleans any surface, from carpets to hardwood floors, and its dustbin is much larger than the HV302.
Cleaning performance
The winner: Shark HV371
Maintaining a clean household is of the utmost importance, so finding a reliable vacuum is crucial. I recently put the Shark HV371 and HV302 vacuums to the test in my home, which is a chaotic abode of two messy children and two prodigious pooches that shed profusely.
The Shark HV371 proved to be an exceptional performer, capable of effortlessly extracting dirt, dust, and pet hair from carpets and hard surfaces with equal efficacy. It was particularly useful for quick pet hair clean-up along stair treads and windowsills.
On the other hand, the Shark HV302 demonstrated excellent proficiency in removing cat hair from rugs and hardwood floors. However, I encountered some difficulties while vacuuming a carpeted hallway. The vacuum’s lightness caused it to repeatedly pull away from me and skip across the surface, resulting in a lack of a deep clean.
I attempted to mitigate this issue by holding the vacuum at an angle and applying pressure, but this proved to be awkward and uncomfortable. The vacuum performed better on the lower setting, effectively cleaning the edges of the rug without issue. Nevertheless, my arm and hand did tire from holding the vacuum for an extended period of time, and it did not have the capability to stand upright on its own.
Besides, the Shark HV371 and the Shark HV302 have different cleaning paths. The Shark HV371 has a cleaning path of around 10 inches, while the Shark HV302 has a slightly narrower cleaning path of 8.5 inches.
A wider cleaning path can be beneficial if you are cleaning larger areas, as it will require fewer passes to clean the same area. However, a narrower cleaning path can be more useful for cleaning in tight spaces or for getting into corners and hard-to-reach places.
Design and convenience
The winner: Shark HV371
Weight
Upon close inspection, it is clear that the weight discrepancy between these two models is minimal but nonetheless noteworthy. The Shark HV371 is the more weighty of the two, measuring 8.58 pounds. In contrast, the Shark HV302 boasts a slightly lower weight of 8.2 pounds. This distinction in weight is subtle but could be considered significant by individuals seeking a lighter, more maneuverable vacuum.
Dirt bin
It is apparent that there is a difference in their respective dirt bin capacities. The HV371 boasts a larger capacity of 0.68 quarts, while the HV302 only has a capacity of 0.31 quarts.
It is worth noting that the disparity in dirt bin sizes may significantly impact the user experience. With a larger dirt bin, the HV371 can accommodate more debris before requiring emptying. This can be particularly useful in households with pets or high foot traffic.
In contrast, the smaller dirt bin of the HV302 may require more frequent emptying, which can be a hassle for busy individuals. However, the compact size of the HV302 may be advantageous for those with limited storage space. Therefore, it is critical to consider the trade-offs between these two models and prioritize the features most important to the user’s needs.
Maneuverability
First and foremost, while the Shark HV371 is easy to move around, it lacks the capability to stand on its own, making it an inconvenience when I need to take a break from cleaning. I find myself having to lay it down on the floor, which can sometimes be bothersome. Additionally, it struggles to move on plush carpets, and when I try to move the vacuum head forward, it pulls me along, but when I move it back, I can sense resistance.
Besides, the Shark HV302 does not have the ability to stand upright on its own as well. However, I appreciate its superior maneuverability, allowing it to navigate tight and unwieldy spaces such as between chair legs. Another advantage of the HV302 is its cord length, which measures 30 feet.
Utility
Tie!
Actually, I have mixed feelings about Shark HV371’s attachments. The crevice tool, upholstery tool, and anti-allergen dust brush are all present, but they are lacking in length. As I attempted to vacuum the round beds in my cat trees, I found the handheld part to be unwieldy and the pet attachment too short to be effective.
Despite the beds being four inches deep, I struggled to clean them thoroughly with this vacuum. My canister vacuum with hose attachment provides a more convenient and effective solution for these tasks.
On a separate occasion, Shark HV302 comes with a dusting brush, pet hair tool, 12″ crevice tool, and detail kit. The hardwood floor tool included with the vacuum impressed me with its cleaning capabilities. The white microfiber cloth I used to clean the floors was visibly dirty afterward, indicating a thorough cleaning. Additionally, using the vacuum to clean under the bed and desk in that room was a breeze.
I also utilized the micro cleaning kit to clean various nooks and crannies in my car, such as vents, cup holders, and the dashboard. The kit worked fantastically, providing a deep clean in areas that would be difficult to access with a rag. Using the regular accessories, I could clean my cloth seats with great success, leaving them noticeably cleaner.
However, I learned my lesson quickly when I attempted to vacuum the floor of my car, and the vacuum sucked up a few small pebbles. The pebbles began bouncing around inside the canister, making me worry about potential damage to the vacuum.
Shark HV371 Vs HV302: Similarities
I have indicated the differences between the 2 Shark models above, but how about the similarities? These will be revealed in the section below!
Handheld vacuum convertibility
Both the Shark HV371 and HV302 can be quickly converted into a handheld vacuum, providing users with impressive versatility. This feature is particularly useful for cleaning stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas where a full-sized vacuum might be challenging. In addition, users can easily transform these stick vacuums into portable, handheld units for more targeted cleaning by simply detaching the wand.
LED headlight
One noteworthy similarity between the Shark HV371 and HV302 is the inclusion of LED headlights on the vacuum nozzle. These lights significantly improve visibility while vacuuming. With better illumination, users can see exactly where they need to focus their cleaning efforts, ensuring no dirt or debris is left behind. This ultimately results in a cleaner home and fewer missed spots during vacuuming sessions.
Quick Rundown Of Shark HV371
- DEEP CARPET CLEANING: Thorough deep carpet cleaning and powerful pet hair pickup on all surfaces.500.0 watts.Specific uses:Carpet
- REMOVABLE HAND VACUUM: Easily converts to a handheld vacuum for versatile floor-to-ceiling cleaning.
- XL DUST CUP: 0.68-quart capacity, easy-empty dust cup for extended cleaning without interruption.
- EASY-RELEASE FOOT PEDAL: Just step on the pedal to detach the wand from the nozzle.
- ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT: Weighs less than 10 lbs for effortless portability.
Quick Rundown Of Shark HV302
- SHARK ROCKET PET CORDED STICK VACUUM: Ultra-powerful, corded cleaning on carpets and hard floors.
- PERFECT FOR PETS: Powerful pet hair pickup attachments like the pet-multi tool make cleaning pet hair a breeze.
- SWIVEL STEERING: For excellent control and a low-profile design for under-furniture reach.
- CONVERTS TO A HAND VACUUM: With the touch of a button, this stick vacuum cleaner transforms into a lightweight, portable handheld vacuum to take your cleaning above the floor, to tackle stubborn pet hair, and to access hard-to-reach areas.
- CONVENIENT STORAGE: Easily hang the handheld vacuum from the hook on the bottom of the wand.
Product Videos
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Reference:
- Shark HV302: https://www.manua.ls/shark/rocket-hv302/manual
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.