It’s not too much of an exaggeration to say that Shark’s Vertex is the top of the line regarding Shark uprights. So it’s no surprise that the AZ2002 wins the battle of Shark UV850 vs Vertex AZ2002.
The Shark Vertex AZ2002 has insanely strong suction, allowing it to pick up debris of all sizes efficiently. It also has premium features, such as the powered lift-away feature and the DuoClean PowerFins floorhead, making it a workhorse for every household.
While set behind the winner, the Shark UV850 isn’t too awful. Its cleaning performance is still acceptable, and it would be ideal for those who do not vacuum often. The good news is that it boasts some nifty features like the AZ2002, which is great considering its price tag.
Shark UV850 vs Vertex AZ2002: Comparison Chart
Shark UV850 vs Vertex AZ2002: Differences
The Shark Vertex AZ2002 wins 2-1 against the UV850. Clean performance is the selling point of the Vertex AZ2002, and it appeared to be extremely successful at removing small to medium-sized dirt from all surfaces. It also offers a ton of features and numerous technologies.
Cleaning Performance
Winner: Shark AZ2002
My hard floor tests showed the AZ2002 could suck up almost all fine and small-to-lager debris (I think it was more than 95%). Meanwhile, the UV850 left quite a bit of debris behind after the first pass. Anyway, I did an extra pass with each to ensure everything was captured.
On my carpet, the Vertex AZ2002 once again took the lead as it completely removed medium to large debris, such as rice and cereal, and about 98% of fine and small debris, like sugar. Meanwhile, the UV850 struggled more with the same type of debris, especially the fine one, which I needed three passes (or even more) to fully pick up.
Regarding hair removal, the Shark UV850 vs Vertex AZ2002 performed equally well, thanks to the DuoClean PowerFins nozzle. They quickly picked up pet hair & short hair on both hard floors and carpets and sent most of them into the dust cup.
In short, the Vertex AZ2002 has a better overall cleaning performance than the UV850. The only problem was that the suction power of the AZ2002 was too strong, making it tend to suck up the material, and I struggled a bit to pull it back while cleaning my carpet.
Special Features
Winner: Shark AZ2002
Vacuum Controls
The Shark UV850 offers two surface-type settings, including “Hard floor” and “Carpet,” while the Vertex AZ2002 comes in three floor-type modes: “Hard Floor,” “Carpet/Low Pile,” and “Thick Carpet/” Area Rug.” I don’t think the difference is significant enough to make them apples and oranges.
The critical point is that the Vertex AZ2002 has a built-in slider on its handle, allowing you to switch between settings with a flick. Meanwhile, the Shark UV850 has a red switch on the body, forcing you to bend over your knees (depending on your height) to toggle settings whenever you move from one area to another. This is an annoying thing, especially for those with back problems.
Lift-Away
Both the Shark UV850 vs Vertex AZ2002 can be used in the portable configuration by detaching the pod from the floorhead. As for the AZ2002, you only need to press a button and lift its canister like butter. Meanwhile, you’ll need to step on a pedal to lift the pod of the UV850 for the same purpose, which may cause you to lose your balance. But I don’t consider this a deal breaker.
The critical factor that sets the Vertex AZ2002 apart from the UV850 is the powered lift-away feature. In the upright configuration, it’s not easy to get these vacuums far underneath furniture because of the bulky size of their pods, and that’s where this feature comes into play.
The powered lift-away feature keeps the floorhead of the AZ2002 spinning after you remove the canister, so you can easily clean under the table, couch, bed, and more efficiently. I found my hands were tired after using the vacuum in this stick configuration for about 30 minutes, but it shouldn’t be a big deal as very few people spend that much time cleaning underneath furniture.
Usability
Winner: Shark UV850
Weight and dust cup capacity are other important factors that should be taken into account.
The UV850 weighs only 13.64 pounds, while the AZ2002 weighs 16.38 pounds. I didn’t find the AZ2002 particularly heavy in my hands. But if lightweight is your priority, the Shark UV850 is worth considering.
On the other hand, the Shark UV850 gets an extra point thanks to a 1.16-quart dust cup, which is bigger than the 1-quart dirt bin of the AZ2002. The difference is negligible, and you can expect not to have to empty them too often.
Emptying these dust cups is also a breeze. All you need to do is press a release button, and the dust and dirt will fall straight into the trash bin below. But keep in mind that you will be prone to be exposed to allergies at this time, so a bagless vacuum would be a better choice if you have severe asthma.
Shark UV850 vs Vertex AZ2002: Similarities
Filter
Both the Shark UV850 vs Vertex AZ2002 share a filtration system consisting of two pre-motor filters (felt and foam) and a post-motor filter (HEPA). These filters are all washable, and pre-motor filters should be washed more often as most of the dust and dirt are trapped here.
With good maintenance, these filters can last for a long time, resulting in reduced recurring costs. I recommend purchasing a spare set of filters to use while waiting for your primary filters to dry completely before reuse.
Better yet, the Anti-allergen Complete seal technology on these machines ensures all dirt and allergens stay inside the machine instead of leaking through cracks in the body.
Range
The Shark UV850 vs Vertex AZ2002 share a 30-foot power cord, which I think is sufficiently long. They are much better than many other Shark vacuums with 25-foot cords, which force me to spend extra time searching and switching between outlets.
Cleaner Head
Shark has upgraded the DuoClean PowerFins floorhead to both the Shark UV850 vs Vertex AZ2002, which I consider more effective than the old DuoClean nozzle. This floorhead includes a soft roller and a PowerFins brush roll. The soft roller works gently to ensure your hard floors stay scratch-free, while the PowerFins brush roll continuously stirs carpet fibers for a deep clean.
Additionally, the brush roll is designed to minimize tangles, which is why it’s called “self-cleaning.” It’s not as perfect as advertised, but much more effective than a traditional brush roll.
Quick Rundown of Shark AZ2002
- SHARK’S ULTRA-POWERFUL VACUUM: The Vertex is an ultra-powerful vacuum, with incredible suction and innovative cleaning technologies..1344.0 watts.Cord length (ft.): 30, Hose length (ft.): 5.5..Amperage : 11.8A
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: Engineered for more pet hair pickup with no hair wrap (vs. Shark bristle nozzles).
- DUOCLEAN POWERFINS: A PowerFins brushroll and a soft roller combine on all floors. Continuous cleaning contact to dig deep into carpets, directly engage floors, and pick up more in every pass. (vs. original DuoClean).
- POWERED LIFT-AWAY: Detachable pod for motorized cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
- PERFECT FOR PETS: Includes a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush for deep cleaning with no hair wrap and a Pet Crevice Tool to remove pet hair from hard-to-reach spaces like corners, ceilings, and between couch cushions.
Quick Rundown of Shark UV850
- DuoClean PowerFins: A PowerFin roller and a soft roller combine on all floors. Continuous cleaning contact to dig deep into carpets, directly engage floors, and pick up more in every pass. (vs. original DuoClean)
- Self-cleaning brushroll for powerful pet hair pickup with no hair wrap.
- Engineered to pick up more hair with no hair wrap (vs. shark bristle nozzles).
- Lift-Away the detachable pod with the easy-to-use pod-release pedal to clean stairs, furniture, and everywhere in your home.
- 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.)
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References:
- Shark UV850: https://origin-www.sharkclean.com/support/product-series/1264/shark-performance-lift-away-upright-vacuum-with-duoclean-powerfins-and-self-cleaning-brushroll/
- Shark AZ2002: https://www.sharkclean.com/exclusive-offer/AZ2002WBKT/shark-vertex-upright-vacuum-with-powered-lift-away-duoclean-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.