This post will demonstrate the key differences between Shark NV352 vs CU510. The differences between them are not much, while their cleaning performance is equal in my opinion. So, it’s a draw in this comparison.
The Shark NV352 is strong in suction as it can pick up almost everything on the floor and carpet. Additionally, its suction is adjustable, and its brush roll can be turned off. It is better than the Shark CU510 in terms of attachments.
Meanwhile, the Shark CU510 has a bigger dust cup than its rival. Apart from that, the CU510’s suction and cleaning performance are comparable to those of the Shark NV352. It also features the same brush roll system, suction control, and filtration system as the NV352.
Shark NV352 vs CU510: Comparison Chart
Shark NV352 vs CU510: Differences
The differences between Shark NV352 vs CU510 are not much. For me, they have similar suction performance, the same brush roll type, and a filtration system. However, the CU510 has a relatively larger dirt bin, while the NV352 offers a better attachment set. Therefore, I decided that Shark NV352 and CU510 tie (the final score is 1-1) in this comparison.
Cleaning performance
Tie!
Suction power and control
After testing these two vacuum models of Shark, I can say that both of them have amazing suction that meets all my requirements in cleaning. It’s not too strong (too strong suction could be a problem as it may lift up the stick titles) but not too weak to pick up stuff. It is sufficiently strong to pick up most debris types like sand, cat litter, bird seeds, and pet hairs on both carpeted and bare floors.
Moreover, they offer the suction adjustment accessible via the Suction Release rings under the handheld. For me, this feature is very useful because with that strong suction, pushing these vacuums on carpets of medium-to-high piles is sometimes difficult. Releasing a small amount of suction can make it easier to push and pull.
Brush roll system
The brush rollers of Shark NV352 and CU510 are similar. They feature stiff brush bristles and can be turned off in the Bare Floor setting. Besides, when they are locked in the upright position, even when the Carpet setting is selected, the brush roll is not spin unless the vacuum body is tilted.
That the brush roll is shut off when switching to the bare floor is crucial to the pick-up performance of the vacuum. If the brush roll is off, the debris particles will not be scattered away, allowing the vacuum to suck all stuff into the dirt cup. This also helps prevent the cleaning surfaces from being damaged. For example, when using the hose in the upright position, the shut-off brush roll will not “eat” the carpet fibers.
However, these vacuums’ brush rolls do not come with self-cleaning technology. This means they can easily get hair tangled. Thus, you may need to stop in the middle of your cleaning to cut the hair off the brush roll, especially when you have pets.
Floor-type compatibility
From what I’ve tested, either Shark CU510 or NV352 can work decently on carpets and bare/hard floors.
- Bare floors
On bare floors or hardwood floors, the vacuums can pick up coarse and fine debris particles with minimal scattering. They can also pick up pet hairs though the roller bar is off. Besides, the turned-off brush roll feature makes them compatible with vinyl plank floors.
However, there is one problem that I have to note: part of the hair and large crumbs can get caught on the brush bristles in the bare floor setting. They only go into the dirt bin when the brush roll start spinning.
- Carpets
On carpets, their performance is somewhat better than on bare floors. The brush roll works very well to loosen and catch embedded dust and hairs in carpets. The suction is adjustable and sufficient for picking up dust, dander, and other stuff, especially on medium- and low-pile carpets.
Yet, they are not superior on high-pile and thick carpets and area rugs. I have some problems when using them on such carpeted surfaces. They are difficult to move on thick carpets even the suction is adjusted. Additionally, for carpets with long fibers, the bristles may pull the fibers up, which could reduce the softness of my carpets from time to time.
Besides, when using on area rugs, they often lift the rug off the floor when the brush is on. When turning off the brush roll, these vacuums’ pick-up performance is not good. Thus, I wish they have the adjustable nozzle height in addition to their suction adjustment functionality.
Dirt bin & Filtration
Winner: Shark CU510
The dust cup capacity of the Shark CU510 is larger than that of the Shark NV352. It can hold up to 2.2 dry quarts to the max fill line, 1.1 quarts larger than the amount Shark NV352 can contain. Apart from that, the dust bins of these two models are easy to dump and detach for cleaning.
In terms of the filtration system, Shark NV352 and CU510 both feature washable pre-motor filters, meaning that they can be reused. Their post-motor filters are HEPA filters with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology, enabling the high efficiency of blocking allergens and micro dust in the vacuums emitting outside. Thanks to their nicely sealed HEPA filtration system, the frequency of sneezing I get while vacuuming is significantly reduced.
Utility
Winner: Shark NV352
Attachments
Though having strong suction and decent cleaning performance, the Shark CU510 lacks essential attachments for cleaning. The CU510 only comes with a crevice tool, while the Shark NV352 has an additional upholstery tool for conveniently vacuuming couches and sofas. It will be better to have more attachments for cleaning above-floor surfaces.
However, both vacuum cleaners are easy to maneuver because they are lightweight and swivel very well when steering around corners and furniture.
Lift-away functionality
Shark NV352 and CU510 both feature lift-away pods, allowing the canister to be lifted from the cleaning head. This feature comes in handy when cleaning the hard-to-reach places under couches or beds and the high-to-reach areas like ceilings and fans.
Besides, with this detachable canister, both vacuum models can be used for car cleaning. However, their reach range is somehow limited, so they cannot fully get under beds or other furniture that lies low to the floor.
Quick Rundown of Shark NV352 Navigator
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: lift away the detachable pod and easily clean above-floor areas like stairs, furniture, and more.
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- POWERFUL & LIGHTWEIGHT : Powerful suction to deep-clean carpets and tackle bare floors with a lightweight design for effortless portability.
- BRUSHROLL SHUTOFF: Feature allows you to instantly switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor cleaning.
- SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
Quick Rundown of Shark CU510 Lift-Away
- Lift-Away: Lift Away the detachable pod and easily clean, above-floor areas like stairs and furniture
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner. (Based on ASTM F1977 of particles .3 microns or larger.)
- Powerful, lightweight, and versatile at only 14 lbs
- Brushroll shutoff allows you to instantly switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor cleaning
- Swivel Steering for excellent control to maneuver around furniture
Product Videos
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References:
- Shark NV352 (in NV350 series): https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/sections/360005917460-NV350-Series
- Shark CU510: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Shark-Navigator-Lift-Away-XL-Upright-Vacuum-CU510/322895983
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.