Shark NV501 vs ZU782: I know that cordless vacuums are all the rage, but these cord vacuums are awesome, and the first one is slightly better.
The Shark NV501 has great suction to help pick things up on surfaces, although it sometimes makes me struggle to maneuver on carpets. But that’s okay because it’s a good trade-off for great cleaning performance. I bet many people would be willing to stick with this vacuum for life if they could.
The Shark ZU782 is ideal for pet owners, as it sports a DuoClean floorhead with a self-cleaning brush roll and Zero-M technology. It can help you remove any mess your four-legged friends leave behind without having to clean the roller too often.
Shark NV501 vs ZU782: Comparison Chart
Shark NV501 vs ZU782: Differences
The Shark NV501 has a slim victory over the ZU782 with a score of 2-1. What makes the first one outshine its competitor is that it is lighter and can be used as a canister vacuum by combining with the caddy. But if you have dogs that shed like crazy, you should go for the ZU782.
Cleaning Performance
Winner: Shark ZU782
The suction power of the Shark NV501 was very good, so it did a terrific job capturing whatever was on the bare floor, including fine dust and pet hair. Its head height isn’t adjustable, so it struggled with some large debris, and I had to use its hose to suck up everything.
The NV501 has also proven to be a value-for-money machine when it comes to carpet cleaning. I was amazed at how much hair and dirt it could pull from my seemingly clean carpet. But its strong suction was no fun to use on my carpet since I find it slightly hard to push, maybe partly because it is a bit dense. I tried turning down the suction so I could move around more easily, but I noticed a decline in cleaning performance. So there was a trade-off.
As a pet owner, I was also delighted with the amount of hair it picked up on both my carpet and floor. But a significant amount of long hair got stuck on its roller, and I had to take a pair of scissors and snip away for a few seconds. The brush roll couldn’t come out for cleaning, making it challenging to remove the long hair. This is quite annoying and time-consuming.
As for the ZU782, it’s also very powerful and easily sucks up almost all of the dust, dirt, and fur from going over them once or twice. Also, it’s easier with large debris like fruit rings, and I think that was thanks to the DuoClean floorhead.
So what about the hair wrap problem? There was almost nothing to cut off with my pair of scissors, so the “self-cleaning brush roll” description is no exaggeration. Of course, there was still a small amount of long hair that ended up on the roller, but it was insignificant. It spun and worked perfectly without clogging with dog fur or human hair, thanks to Zero-M technology.
Weight and Maneuverability
Winner: Shark NV501
If you have a bad back, shoving a heavy vacuum is pretty annoying. Fortunately, the NV501 is a little heavy and bulky but not unbearable, and my arms didn’t get quite so tired. It seemed to propel itself forward, so I didn’t have to fight with it to move or turn since it went easily. Note that the fact that it moves forward on its own isn’t a feature; it is a side effect of its strong suction instead.
The NV501’s canister portion is bulky, preventing it from reaching far under furniture like a coffee table or bed, but that seems like a pretty small minus. You can still reach far under such items with its hose and attachment.
The ZU782 is heavier and also a little cumbersome, so maneuvering it will be slightly difficult to get used to. It also has trouble getting far under furniture, and you’ll need a helping hand of attachments to get the job done.
The Shark NV501 is a little lighter, so it makes perfect sense to win this round.
Alternate Configuration
Winner: Shark NV501
The “Lift Away” feature on both the Shark NV501 vs ZU782 is a real bonus. With the push of a button, you can transform them from bulky uprights into portable and lightweight units, which is ideal for reaching for cobwebs high on a ceiling or wall.
But the score comes to the NV501 as it can be used with a caddy, which is a wheeled base. Specifically, after uncoupling the canister, you can put it on this base and use the NV501 as a canister vacuum instead of holding it with one hand like you need to do with its competitor.
You can also store your favorite attachments in the caddy so they are always ready to use. But you’ll need to purchase this part separately because it is no longer included with the NV501 as of 2017.
Shark NV501 vs ZU782: Similarities
Cord Length
Both the Shark NV501 vs ZU782 share a 30-foot power cord, which is longer compared to some other ones I’ve tested. I didn’t have to plug these machines into each room separately, saving me time! But I’m a bit disappointed that their cord is retractable, since wrapping up these long cords myself is a tedious task. Why don’t all vacuums have a retractable cord? This is not new technology, right?
Dust Cup Capacity And Filter System
Both the Shark NV501 vs ZU782 share a 0.88-quart dust cup. Removing and emptying these dust containers is easy. They can be opened at both ends, and there are no cavities where hair can get trapped. I don’t have to dig very well up into the container with my fingers to remove everything. Every time I empty them, I am so pleased with how quick and simple the task is!
They also include pre-motor filters, HEPA filters, and anti-allergen complete seal technology to keep all the dust and allergens inside the body. These filters can be taken out and washed, and you should do this often to make the vacuum last longer. In my opinion, these filters should be cleaned once every three months or so, depending on how often you use the vacuum.
LED Headlight
I found some LED bulbs on both the Shark NV501 vs ZU782’s floorheads, which are so helpful for cleaning underneath cabinets and tables. They illuminate any debris or hair in dimly lit spaces where your ceiling lights can’t reach.
Easy To Assemble
It was a breeze for me to assemble these machines and get them ready, and I was even able to get the job done without consulting the instructions from the manufacturer. But I recommend consulting your owner’s manual to ensure you assemble your chosen machine correctly, unless you are an expert.
A Quick Rundown Of Shark NV501
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- ADVANCED SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum to get in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
- LED HEADLIGHTS: Powerful lights on the nozzle reveal hidden debris and pet hair around your home.
- WIDE UPHOLSTERY TOOL: The wide cleaning path helps remove pet hair, dust, and large debris from mattresses, couches, curtains, lampshades, and other delicate upholstered surfaces.
A Quick Rundown Of Shark ZU782
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
- DUOCLEAN TECHNOLOGY: Dual-brushroll system deep-cleans carpets and directly engages floors for a polished look.
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: Engineered for more pet hair pickup with no hair wrap (vs. Shark bristle nozzles).
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- ADVANCED SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum to get in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
Product Video
Related Articles to Shark Nv501
- Shark NV501 vs UV725: Unveiling The Best Choice For Your Home Cleaning Needs
- Shark NV501 vs Dyson V8: The Definitive Comparison
- Shark NV501 vs Dyson Ball Animal 2: Which One Should You Opt For?
- Shark NV501 vs Dyson Ball Animal: Detailed Review, Comparison, And Pros & Cons
- Shark NV501 vs AZ2002: Which Should Be Your Next Upright Vacuum!
- Shark Vacuum Apex vs Rotator NV501: Which One Is Better for Value?
- Dyson Ball Animal 3 vs Shark NV501: Which Should You Go For This Year?
- Shark NV501 vs NV751: A Honest Review And Detailed Comparison
- Shark ZU62 vs NV501: Quick Overview And Comparison
- Shark NV501 vs LA502: Which Is the Best One?
- Shark ZU561 vs NV501: Is There Any Difference Between Them? – Pick The Winner!
- Shark NV501 vs NV586: Which Vacuum Cleaner is Right for You?
- Comparing Shark NV501 vs AZ1002: Which One Is The Winner?
- Shark NV501 vs NV502: Which Performs Better?
- Shark NV352 vs NV501: Which Mid-Range Vacuum Cleaner Is Better?
- Shark NV501 vs NV500: A Side-By-Side Comparison
- Shark NV360 vs 501 Comparison Review: Which One Is The Winner?
- Shark NV356e vs NV501: Which Would Be Better For You?
- Shark NV360 vs NV501: They Are Both Budget-friendly Vacuums, But Which One Has Better Overall Performance?
Related Articles to Shark Zu782
- Shark ZU780 vs ZU782: Best Choices For Pet Owners
- Shark ZU632 vs ZU782: What Are Striking Differences Between These Two Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Cleaners?
- Shark LA502 vs ZU782: Best Lift-Away Upright Vacuum For Your Home
- Shark AZ2002 vs ZU782: Which Is The Better Choice For Pet Owners?
- Shark AZ1002 vs ZU782: Which Is the Best Bang for the Buck?
- Shark NV752 vs ZU782: A Head-To-Head Comparison
References:
- Shark NV501: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/sections/360005923000-NV500-Series
- Shark ZU782: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/4402199549586/ZU782_QuickStartGuide_Mv1_20190329.pdf
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.