Shark UV540 vs NV356E: Which Is A Better & More Versatile Upright Vacuum?

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Between the Shark UV540 vs NV356E Navigator Lift-Away upright vacuums, it is difficult to choose the better one. Both are Shark’s conventional upright vacuums and exhibit good household cleaning performance. Yet, I’m more on the side of the Shark UV540 than the NV356E model.

The Shark UV540 Navigator is more versatile owing to its longer cord length, about 35 feet, and LED headlights for cleaning debris more effectively, especially in dark areas. Though this vacuum cleaner is a bit heavier than the model NV356E, it is still easy to maneuver in general. 

The Shark NV356E model, on the other hand, has a relatively larger dust tank than the UV540. This is an advantage for large-house cleaning as the dust bin can hold a larger amount of debris and particles without getting cleaned too frequently. If you have a large home, this Shark NV356E could be a suitable choice.

Shark UV540 vs NV356E: Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Shark UV540 Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (Renewed)
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright Vacuum with Swivel Steering, HEPA Filter, XL Dust Cup, Pet Power, Dusting Brush, and Crevice Tool, Perfect for Pet Hair, White/Silver
Model
Shark UV540
Shark NV356E
Dimensions (LxWxH)
12 x 10.5 x 45.5 Inches
14.96 x 11.4 x 45.5 Inches
Weight
16.5 Pounds
13.7 Pounds
Voltage / Watts / Amps
120V / 1200W / 10A
120V / 1200W / 10A
Dust Tank Capacity
1.1 Quarts
2.2 Quarts
Cleaning Path Width
9.5 Inches
9.5 Inches
Bag Type
Bagless
Bagless
HEPA Filtration
Anti-Allergen Complete Seal
Suction Control
Lift-away Feature
On/Off Brush Roll
Swivel Steering
LED Headlights
Cord Length
35 ft.
30 ft.
Attachments
5.5-inch Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Pet Power Brush
Pet Power Brush, Dusting Brush, and 8-inch Crevice Tool
What I Like
Price
$128.95
$199.99
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Shark UV540 Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (Renewed)
Model
Shark UV540
Dimensions (LxWxH)
12 x 10.5 x 45.5 Inches
Weight
16.5 Pounds
Voltage / Watts / Amps
120V / 1200W / 10A
Dust Tank Capacity
1.1 Quarts
Cleaning Path Width
9.5 Inches
Bag Type
Bagless
HEPA Filtration
Anti-Allergen Complete Seal
Suction Control
Lift-away Feature
On/Off Brush Roll
Swivel Steering
LED Headlights
Cord Length
35 ft.
Attachments
5.5-inch Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Pet Power Brush
What I Like
Price
$128.95
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright Vacuum with Swivel Steering, HEPA Filter, XL Dust Cup, Pet Power, Dusting Brush, and Crevice Tool, Perfect for Pet Hair, White/Silver
Model
Shark NV356E
Dimensions (LxWxH)
14.96 x 11.4 x 45.5 Inches
Weight
13.7 Pounds
Voltage / Watts / Amps
120V / 1200W / 10A
Dust Tank Capacity
2.2 Quarts
Cleaning Path Width
9.5 Inches
Bag Type
Bagless
HEPA Filtration
Anti-Allergen Complete Seal
Suction Control
Lift-away Feature
On/Off Brush Roll
Swivel Steering
LED Headlights
Cord Length
30 ft.
Attachments
Pet Power Brush, Dusting Brush, and 8-inch Crevice Tool
What I Like
Price
$199.99
More Info

Shark UV540 vs NV356E: Differences

After considering between Shark UV540 vs NV356E performance, I decided that the Shark UV540 wins 1-0 against the NV356E in terms of utility. For the cleaning performance, my evaluation is that both machines do a great job of picking up pet hairs and debris.

Cleaning performance

Tie!

There is no notable difference in the cleaning performance of these two models, Shark UV540 vs NV356E. To me, their efficiency is incredible and really worth the money. Let’s go into a little detail on the factors contributing to their effective cleaning process.

Suction strength and control

Suction power is an imperative factor for an upright vacuum cleaner. For Shark UV540 and NV356E models, I noticed that they possess strong suction power. I tested cleaning my low-pile carpets with both vacuums and was amazed at the dust they picked up. 

They also collected all the hairs of my golden retriever effectively. I used to have a cheaper vacuum, but it could not pick up all the hair, so I had to re-vacuum my carpet several times. So, a Shark UV540 or NV356E is a life and time saver for me.

Besides, these two Sharks vacuum models have a ring to adjust the suction strength if it is too high and lift up the carpet. By releasing the suction strength, I can move the vacuums easier on my carpet.

However, neither the Shark UV540 nor the NV356E has the option for adjusting the cleaning head height; therefore, it may be difficult to move them on high pile carpet.

Dust collected by Shark UV540 (left) and Shark NV356E (right)
Dust collected by Shark UV540 (left) and Shark NV356E (right)

Brush-roll shutoff feature

The brush roll is essential for cleaning the carpet, in addition to the strong suction power. On both Shark UV540 and NV356E models, I can turn on and off the brush roll with the 2 brush-roll settings for cleaning carpets and bare floors. By switching the button to the bare floor setting, I can shut off the brush roll immediately. Meanwhile, the carpet cleaning setting is to activate the brush roll spin.

However, the brush rolls on these models are not equipped with self-cleaning technology, so they have the hair-wrap issue. I have to clean their brush roll frequently to remove the dog hairs so that they can work well in the next use.

Floor type compatibility

As I mentioned, the Shark UV540 and NV356E can clean multiple surfaces, including the carpet or drugs and bare floors. I can also use them to clean the sofa and curtains by using their attachments like the Pet Power Brush or Crevice Tool. However, they are not compatible with wet surfaces, so do not use them to clean wet dust or liquid.

Utility

Winner: Shark UV540

In terms of utility and convenience, I gave my vote for the Shark UV540 because it has a longer cord and LED lights on the cleaning head.

Cord length

For Shark UV540 vs NV356E cord length, the UV540 has a 35-foot cord while the NV356E’s is 30 feet. This means that with a 5-foot longer cord, it is easier to move the UV540 around the house without having to unplug and replug it every few minutes.

LED headlights

LED headlights are useful for cleaning more effectively because they help to spot dirt and debris while vacuuming more easier, especially in dark corners and crevices. So, using the UV540 with LED headlights can help me perform a more thorough vacuuming process.

Shark UV540 has LED headlights
Shark UV540 has LED headlights

Shark UV540 vs NV356E: Similarities

For the Shark UV540 vs NV356E similarities, they are equipped with a high-efficacy fully-sealed HEPA filtration system, require the same cleaning & maintenance schedule, and offer the Lift-Away function. 

Fully-sealed HEPA filtration system

Both Shark UV540 and NV356E are equipped with high-efficiency HEPA filtration and an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal system. This system helps trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner up to 99.9%. So, the air released from the vacuums is fresh, which is beneficial to allergy or asthma sufferers.

Cleaning & Maintenance

These two vacuum cleaners need proper cleaning and maintenance to function well. They have washable filter foams that need to be washed and air-dried every three months. It is also recommended to empty their dust bin after finishing every cleaning process to avoid over filled-up status.

Lift-away feature

The “Lift-Away” feature on the Shark UV540 and NV356E models allows me to detach the canister from the cleaning head. This function is brilliant as it makes cleaning above surfaces like stairs, ceiling cobwebs, or curtains much easier. So, this feature basically makes the Shark UV540 and NV356E a combination of a canister and an upright vacuum cleaner.

Quick Rundown of Shark UV540

Shark UV540 Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (Renewed)
  • With the push of a button, lift-away technology allows you to lift the canister away and easily clean in hard-to-reach areas
  • The air-driven pet brush removes stubborn pet hair from furniture and upholstery
  • Features anti-allergen complete seal technology and a heap filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum
  • Brush roll shutoff allows you to easily switch between carpet and bare floor cleaning
Pros
  • Has a long cord of 35 feet
  • Amazing hair and debris picking up
  • Lift-Away feature is convenient for cleaning stairs
  • Good for cleaning low pile carpet and bare floors
  • Have LED headlights
  • Can adjust the suction strength
Cons
  • Relatively small dust tank

Quick Rundown of Shark NV356E

Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright Vacuum with Swivel Steering, HEPA Filter, XL Dust Cup, Pet Power, Dusting Brush, and Crevice Tool, Perfect for Pet Hair, White/Silver
  • LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: lift away the detachable pod and easily clean above-floor areas like stairs, furniture, and more
  • ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL: Works with a HEPA filter to trap 99.9%* of dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner. (*Based on ASTM F1977 of particles .3 microns or larger.)
  • BRUSHROLL SHUTOFF: Instantly switch from more maneuverability on deep carpets to gentle bare floor cleaning
  • PERFECT FOR PET OWNERS: Picks up pet hair and loose debris. Powerfully deep-cleans dander out of upholstery and other surfaces
  • SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more
Pros
  • Quite large dust tank (2.2 quarts)
  • Have a small ring to modify the suction power
  • Can cleaning both carpet and bare floor surfaces
  • Offer lift-off canister for easier above-surface cleaning
Cons
  • Quite shorter cord length (30 feet)
  • Do not have LED headlights

Product Videos

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References:

5/5 - (1 vote)

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