In this article, I will compare the Shark HZ602 vs HV322 to help you choose the better one. For the short answer, my top pick is the second one!
Needless to say, I was overjoyed that the Shark HV322 included almost everything I expected in a stick vacuum. Of course, it also has a few downsides, such as the hair wrap issue and the lack of onboard storage for attachments. Anyway, its pros overwhelm its cons.
If you’ve ever used a Shark upright with a PowerFins roller, you know how useful it is for picking up pet hair. If you want to enjoy this benefit on a lighter, more compact model, the Shark HZ602 is your best bet. But it has a few cons that you should consider, including overheating quickly, being noisy, and having a small dust cup.
Shark HZ602 vs HV322: Comparison Chart
Shark HZ602 vs HV322: Differences
The Shark HV322 wins 3-0 and draws once against the HZ602. It is not overstated to say that the HV322 is a great balance of cost, cleaning effectiveness, and maneuverability. At its price tag, I bet not many models can beat this machine.
Cleaning Performance
Winner: Shark HV322
I could spend all day praising how well the Shark HV322 performed on my floor and carpet. The machine’s incredible suction force enabled it to remove the bulk of the dust, debris, and hair from all the surfaces used for testing. Then I used my Dyson upright to check how much stuff was left on the surface, and the result was almost nothing.
As a powerful vacuum, the HV322 also made some noise, but it wasn’t too loud. I was still able to talk to my wife while vacuuming without raising my voice or shouting.
Regarding cleaning performance, the Shark HZ602 has several red flags. This vacuum generated adequate suction but didn’t work well on my hardwood and carpet. I had to push the machine back and forth several times over the same spot to suck up all the visible debris and dirt completely.
The biggest problem is that the HZ602 overheated quickly within five or six minutes of use and stopped working. Then I consulted the troubleshooting guide and learned that I needed to wait until the machine cooled down before continuing to use it. This wasn’t convenient. Time is money, right?
Another minus is that it blew hot air on me while vacuuming because the motor was pointed right at my upper body. If you vacuum during the sweltering summer, this is really annoying.
My last gripe is that it is quite noisy. It wasn’t so loud that I had to consider putting in earplugs, but it could overwhelm the surrounding conversation. If this noise level were the trade-off for good cleaning performance, I would have been happy, but it wasn’t.
The only thing the Shark HZ602 gave its competitor a run for its money is the self-cleaning brushroll. This roller’s PowerFins design, which includes plastic fins, could reduce tangled hair by a lot, but not completely. That way, I didn’t have to spend my precious time untangling the roller like I would with the HV322.
Design and Usability
Winner: Tie
Dimensions and Storage
The Shark HZ602 vs HV322 has a compact design, allowing them to fit underneath furniture like tables and couches easily for vacuuming without moving or flipping them. But these machines are somewhat top-heavy, so I had to lean them against something like a wall, bookshelf, or chair to keep them standing straight up, or they would tip.
I wish the HV322 offered onboard storage for attachments, though this means adding a bit of weight and sacrificing compactness. But constantly having to stop during vacuuming to find and get the accessories I needed was really annoying. The HV322 comes with an onboard storage clip, but only for two attachments. I asked myself, “What should I do with the other one?”
As for the HZ602, my owner’s manual said it was possible to detach the motor and dust cup assembly and hang it on a storage hook lower on the main section. I haven’t tried this yet, but it would be great if this could help the machine stand on its own.
Weight and Maneuverability
The weights of Shark HZ602 vs HV322 are 8.05 and 8.6 pounds, respectively. They are lightweight but have a cheap feel because of their mostly plastic construction. That raises the question, “Can they last long?” Only God knows!
I have a robust upper body, so I can easily control each one with one hand without hassle. But if you’re a girl, an old man, or just a guy with weak wrists, I recommend using two hands since these machines are top-heavy.
Thanks to the swivel steering feature, it is easy to maneuver the vacuum around obstacles or in and out of tight spaces. The difference between these sticks and a Dyson is that they can’t swivel a full 90 degrees. Instead, its swivel capability is at a 45-degree angle. That’s okay!
Cord Length
The Shark HZ602 sports a 25-foot power cord, while the HZ602’s cord is approximately 30 feet long. For any cord that is less than 25 feet long, I always recommend using an extension cord to extend the range by 5 to 10 feet, or you’ll find yourself unplugging and plugging in over and over again.
Dust Cup Capacity
Winner: Shark HV322
The HV322’s dust cup can hold up to 0.68 quarts of dust and dirt, which is significantly more than the 0.35-quart dust bin of the HZ602. The HZ602’s dust cup is too small, so it filled up really fast, and I had to stop frequently to empty it. Remember that there is always the possibility of dust and allergens spreading around when emptying the dust cup, so emptying it frequently is not a good thing.
Emptying the HV322’s dust cup is easy. All you need to do is disassemble it, hold it over a trash can (ensure it is not too high), and press a release button. The HZ602’s cup isn’t removable, but you can remove the handheld unit and do the same thing.
What’s special about the HZ602’s canister is that it has two sections, and items will get separated between the big chunks and the small particles. So if the machine accidentally captures something like a Lego block or a coin, you can easily gather them without digging in the dirt.
Attachments
Winner: Shark HV322
The HV322’s attachment collection is pretty basic, including a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, and a pet power brush. Meanwhile, the HV322 comes packaged with a crevice tool, a dusting brush, a TruePet motorized brush, an upholstery tool, and a Dust-Away attachment. In terms of numbers and quantity, the latter clearly has the upper hand.
I enjoyed the Dust-Away with a washable microfibre pad. It has a stiff-bladed hard-floor head and a large, soft-padded area that will ensure dust is swept into the airflow while sweeping and buffing the floor. The microfiber pad can be removed, machine-washed, and replaced.
Shark HZ602 vs HV322: Similarities
Handheld Mode
Both the Shark HZ602 vs HV322 can be used as handheld vacuums. This feature was my lifesaver in cleaning stairs, tight spaces, and hard-to-reach areas.
LED Headlight
The Shark HZ602 and HV322 share a few bright LED bulbs located at the floorhead. Many people consider this feature redundant, but just imagine how difficult it would be to vacuum in a dimly lit place where ceiling lights can’t reach.
Filter
These machines don’t include a HEPA filter. So you should find another model with this filter if you frequently suffer from allergies. Otherwise, you should be fine with their filtration system, which includes a foam filter and a felt filter. These filters are stacked on top of each other and are easy to access. They should be rinsed at least once a month to keep them in good shape.
Quick Rundown of Shark HV322
- POWERFUL SUCTION: Thorough deep carpet cleaning, and powerful pet hair pickup on all surfaces.Specific uses:Stairs,Furnitures,Hard Floors
- LIGHTWEIGHT VERSATILITY: Ultra-lightweight and converts into a handheld vacuum for versatile floor-to-ceiling cleaning.
- PERFECT FOR PETS: Includes specialized pet tools that capture embedded pet hair on all surfaces, while extending reach into hard-to-access areas.
- XL DUST CUP CAPACITY: The 0.68-quart dust cup allows for extended cleaning without interruption.
- LED HEADLIGHTS: Powerful lights on the handheld vacuum and nozzle reveal hidden debris and pet hair around your home.
Quick Rundown of Shark HZ602
- POWERFINS: Provide continuous cleaning contact, digging deep into carpets and directly engaging floors.
- NO HAIR WRAP: Pick up more hair with no hair wrap (vs. Shark bristle brushrolls).
- ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT: Powerful suction in a hand vacuum that weighs less than 3 lbs.
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: Self-cleaning brushroll for powerful pet hair pickup with no hair wrap.
- REMOVABLE DUST CUP: Removable, easy-to-empty dust cup.
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References:
- Shark HV322: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/sections/360005914480-HV320-Series
- Shark HZ602: https://www.sharkclean.com/exclusive-offer/HZ602WBKT/shark-ultraLight-pet-pro-corded-stick-with-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.