In this article, I will compare two models of the Shark cordless vacuums: the Shark IZ163H vs IZ361H. Now, let’s discover their features, performance, battery life, and attachments.
The Shark IZ163H is a cordless vacuum with powerful suction and a versatile design. It can clean both hard floors and carpets with ease. It has a motorized floor brush that can adjust to different surfaces and a self-cleaning brushroll that prevents hair from wrapping around it. It also has a removable battery and a LED display that shows the battery level and cleaning mode.
The Shark IZ361H is another cordless vacuum with a similar design and features as the IZ163H. However, it has some differences that make it different. This model steps up the game with an additional tool – the anti-allergen dusting brush. This attachment is designed to trap dust and allergens, making your home a healthier, sneeze-free environment.
Shark IZ163H Vs IZ361H: Comparison Chart
Shark IZ163H Vs IZ361H: Differences
This comparison demonstrates that both Shark IZ163H and IZ361H have their own advantages and disadvantages and perform nearly the same. Consequently, the final result is a tie.
Cleaning performance
Tie!
Let’s talk about vacuum cleaners, specifically the Shark IZ163H and Shark IZ361H. We’ll dive right into the nitty-gritty of their cleaning performance, comparing and contrasting their capabilities.
The Shark IZ163H doesn’t blow you away with suction power. If you’re dreaming of a vacuum that sinks its teeth into your carpets for deep cleaning, you might find this one a tad underwhelming. It’s more the type to snack on crumbs and surface debris.
In fact, my home is this little, cozy, two-bedroom apartment that sees more traffic than a highway during rush hour. And let’s not even start on the amount of dirt our unpaved driveway generously contributes to the house. You’d think I’m running a miniature beach inside like I’m vacuuming 2 to 5 times daily! But the Shark IZ163H steps up to the plate here. My kitchen floor and entry mat, whether it’s dirt or dust, this vacuum has got it covered.
However, it does have its quirks. I have dogs, and the aftermath of their playtime can be challenging for the Shark IZ163H. Toy fuzz, especially pieces bigger than a quarter, need some finessing to get into the dust bucket. But, again, it’s not a deal-breaker, just a little hiccup that requires some figuring out. But, for daily dog hair cleanups, it’s pretty good. As for the toy stuffing, I’ve got my trusty shop vac for that.
Moving on to the Shark IZ361H, its suction power is not groundbreaking. But wait till you see what it collects in the dust canister, especially if you’re a pet owner. I have pets, and though they don’t have the kind of hair that rolls into tumbleweeds, they shed quite a bit. The Shark IZ361H handles it like a champ.
Even leaves and fur don’t stand a chance. They’re sucked up without wrapping around the brush roll. Sure, some hair gets behind the felt strip and in the wheels, but it’s not a biggie—just a quick and easy cleanup. No disassembly is needed.
Carpets are not the Shark IZ361H’s forte. Unfortunately, it’s not the most spectacular performer in that department.
Design and convenience
The winner: Shark IZ163H
Weight and dimension
The Shark IZ163H is a touch more compact. It measures about 10.24 inches long, 7.09 inches wide, and a height of 46.1 inches. However, despite its smaller size, it carries a bit more weight, tipping the scales at 7.17 pounds. So, if you’re tight on storage space, this model might be the perfect fit.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the Shark IZ361H. This one’s a bit larger, measuring 14.96 inches long, 10.24 inches wide, and 46.06 inches tall. It’s larger, so it’s also heavier but still considered to be a lightweight model, weighing in at 7.94 pounds. Plus, the slightly larger size could mean more cleaning power – something that could be a bonus if you’ve got a bigger space to clean.
Maneuverability
Have you ever had one of those moments where you’re trying to clean under your couch, and it feels like you’re doing some sort of gymnastics routine just to reach that elusive dust bunny? I know I’ve been there. That’s where the MultiFLEX technology of Shark IZ163H comes in handy.
Think of it as a contortionist – but for your vacuum cleaner. This nifty feature allows your vacuum wand to bend like an elbow. So you can easily reach under tables, beds, or any furniture without having to move them around or do any back-bending yourself. MultiFLEX technology also makes storage a breeze. Imagine folding your vacuum in half. This allows the vacuum to fold over for compact storage. It’s an absolute space-saver!
In contrast, after testing Shark IZ361H, I have to mention that after cleaning one room, I feel it in my shoulder and wrist. It’s not a major issue, and I don’t have any underlying conditions, but to avoid discomfort, I sometimes switch hands to rest my shoulders and wrists. So again, it’s a minor inconvenience, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re someone like me who prefers longer cleaning sessions.
Battery
Regarding the battery life of Shark cordless vacuums, it’s important to consider the specifics of each model to determine how they’ll perform during regular household use.
The Shark IZ163H, while a competent vacuum, has some limitations in terms of battery life. It struggles to clean a 1700 sq ft house in one go, which can be quite frustrating. If you’re using this vacuum, expect to recharge it every couple of days, especially if your house requires frequent cleaning. The run time for the IZ163H is about 30 minutes, which might be sufficient for smaller spaces, but could fall short for larger homes.
With Shark IZ361H, this model’s battery life is also a point of contention for some users. With a run time of only 20-25 minutes, it might not be ideal for extensive cleaning tasks. The battery takes around three hours to charge, so if you’re in a hurry, this might not be your best option.
It can be seen that while both the Shark IZ163H and IZ361H have their merits as cordless vacuums, their battery life leaves something to be desired. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider your specific needs and the size of your living space before choosing a vacuum model.
Utility
The winner: Shark IZ361H
One of the things I like about the Shark cordless vacuums is that they come with different attachments that can help you clean different surfaces and areas.
The Shark IZ163H has two attachments: the crevice tool and the pet multi-tool. The crevice tool is a long and narrow tool that can help you reach tight spaces and corners, such as between the couch cushions or under the furniture. The pet multi-tool combines a brush and an upholstery tool to help you remove pet hair and dirt from carpets, furniture, curtains, and more.
The Shark IZ361H comes with three attachments: the crevice tool, the upholstery tool, and the anti-allergen dusting brush. The crevice tool is the same as the one in the IZ153H, but the upholstery and anti-allergen dusting brush differ. An upholstery tool is a wide tool that can help you clean larger areas of fabric, such as sofas, mattresses, and car seats. The anti-allergen dusting brush is a soft brush that can help you dust delicate surfaces, such as shelves, lamps, and picture frames.
I found that the attachments work well and are easy to attach and detach from the vacuum. They make cleaning more efficient and convenient.
Quick Rundown Of Shark IZ163H
- POWERFUL SUCTION: For everyday messes and high-traffic areas.
- UP TO 40 MINUTES OF RUNTIME: Removable battery with up to 40 minutes of runtime, measured at the hand vac in standard mode.
- POWERFINS BRUSHROLL: Continuous cleaning contact to dig deep into carpets and directly engage hard floors and carpets.
- NO HAIR WRAP: Self-cleaning brushroll for powerful pet hair pickup with no hair wrap.
- FLEXIBLE WAND: MultiFLEX technology allows you to bend the wand to clean under furniture, or fold it over for compact, freestanding storage.
Quick Rundown Of Shark IZ361H
- HYPERVELOCITY ACCELERATED SUCTION: Provides incredible deep-cleaning performance in an ultra-lightweight vacuum.
- 40 MINUTES OF RUNTIME: Removable battery with up to 40 minutes of runtime measured at the hand vacuum in standard mode.
- POWERFINS BRUSHROLL: Continuous cleaning contact to dig deep into carpets and directly engage floors.
- NO HAIR WRAP: Self-cleaning brushroll for powerful pet hair pickup with no hair wrap.
- HEPA FILTRATION AND ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL: Captures and traps dust, allergens, dander, and more, keeping them out of the air you breathe.
Product Video
Related Articles to Shark Iz163h
- Shark IZ363HT Vs Shark IZ163H: Which Is The Better Choice
- Shark IZ163H Vs IZ162H: Which Vacuum Offers Better Cleaning Results?
Related Articles to Shark Iz361h
- Shark IZ462H vs IZ361H: A Close Battle Of Cleaning Performance And Convenience
- Shark IZ361H Vs IZ362H: Decoding The Key Differences
Reference:
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.