Between Shark ZU51 vs NV360, I see that the Shark NV360 is the better model though it has a lower price than the Shark ZU51.
The reasons I choose the Shark NV360 are the stronger suction performance, the ability to turn off the brush roll, the lift-away canister, and the lower noise when vacuuming. The Shark NV360 can efficiently pick up pet hairs and debris from carpets and bare floors. The lift-away canister allows me to easily clean the stairs, ceilings, and even the furniture surfaces in my car.
Meanwhile, the Shark ZU51 has a relatively lower suction performance. Its brush roll cannot be turned off, but it is possible to slow the roller’s spinning speed when switching surfaces. The self-cleaning brush roll on this model is a great point. In general, the Shark ZU51 is a decent vacuum, so if you want to try a vacuum with a self-cleaning brush roll, you can consider this model.
Shark ZU51 vs NV360: Comparison Chart
Shark ZU51 vs NV360: Differences
Between the Shark ZU51 vs NV360, I decide that the Shark NV360 wins 2-0 against the Shark ZU51, owing to its stronger suction with better cleaning performance and more prominent design for more cleaning convenience.
Cleaning performance
Winner: Shark NV360
Suction power and control
Both have good suction, but the Shark NV360 seems to have stronger suction power. In the comparison chart, the Shark NV360 is supposed to be more powerful than its rival because it has higher wattage and amperage, 1200 W and 10 A, respectively.
When testing on carpets and bare floors, the Shark NV360 did perform better suction than the Shark ZU51. The Shark ZU51 struggled to collect the embedded dog hairs in the carpets, while the Shark NV360 just needed a few passes to clean the carpet.
For the suction adjustment, it is possible to modify the suction power of these two vacuum models to be appropriate for specific surfaces. On the Shark NV360, the suction adjustment can be performed by twisting the Suction Release collar; and on the Shark ZU51, the suction strength is adjusted with the Suction Control slider.
Brushroll system
- Brushroll On/Off
The Shark NV360 has a switch to turn the brushroll on and off. By switching to setting II (Carpet), the brush roll is turned on, while when being in Bare Floor mode (setting I), the brush roller is off for suction only.
Meanwhile, on the Shark ZU51, the brush roll spins slowly when being in the Bare Floor mode and quicker in Carpet mode. This means the brush roll cannot be completely shut off when switching between different surfaces.
For me, I prefer the ability to shut off the brush roll using the Bare Floor mode because it helps the vacuum pick up more derbies without scattering them away. Though having the brush spinning can help loosen the dirt on the floor, brush bristles will scatter the fine debris like sand, so I have to run more passes on a certain area to get all pieces of stuff picked up.
- Self-cleaning Brushroll
The self-cleaning brush roll will be useful for pet owners because it keeps the brush roll from hair-wrap issues. Therefore, the brush roll needs lower maintenance compared to the conventional brush roll type. The Shark ZU51 has this self-cleaning brush roll, while the Shark NV360 doesn’t.
However, the brushroll of Shark ZU51 still has a hair-wrap issue with my cat fur, but the amount of cat fur on the brush is less than that on the Shark NV360’s conventional brush roller. So, in my opinion, the Shark ZU51 self-cleaning brushroll is not as outstanding as those on the higher-price Shark models (e.g. Shark Vertex and Shark Apex duo-clean brush roll).
The choice depends on you, but if I have to make a decision, I think I will pick the NV360 for its brushroll on/off option.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Shark NV360
Maneuverability
I find that both Shark NV360 and ZU51 are easy to maneuver but sometimes difficult to push on the carpet. They have a standard cord length of 25 ft., which is enough for cleaning a small room. Some people may find this cord length too short, but for me, it is acceptable.
One feature that makes me choose the NV360 over the ZU51 is its lift-away canister, allowing you to detach the powered canister for easy cleaning of above-floor surfaces, including stairs, car furniture, blinds, and ceilings.
Meanwhile, the ZU51 powered canister is not detachable like that on the Shark NV360, but it has a longer hose for longer cleaning reach. However, for me, the lift-away canister is more convenient, as I can carry the canister around without being afraid of having the whole vacuum tilted over when the hose is extended.
Noise levels
Based on my experience, the Shark ZU51 is louder than the Shark NV360. When running, the sound from the ZU51 has a higher pitch than that of the NV360. When vacuuming on the carpet, the noise of Shark ZU51 is even louder and higher-pitched. Thus, if noise level matters to you, you should consider this before purchasing.
Shark ZU51 vs NV360: Similarities
For the similarities between Shark ZU51 vs NV360, the major feature they have in common is their dirt tank and filtration system.
Dirt bin & Filtration
The Shark NV360 and Shark ZU51 have the same dirt bin capacity, which is about 0.9 dry quarts to the max fill line. This is not significantly large but sufficient for cleaning a whole small house with 1-2 bedrooms.
For the filtration system, like other Shark models, the ZU51 and NV360 feature HEPA filtration with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology. This anti-allergen seal HEPA filtration effectively reduces the dust emitted out of the vacuums as it traps 99.97% allergens and dust inside the vacuum body. So, this type of filtration is very advantageous to allergy sufferers.
Besides, the filter foam is reusable, as you can wash it if it gets dirty. Remember to let the filter dry completely before re-attaching it to the vacuum.
Quick Rundown of Shark NV360
- POWERFUL SUCTION: Deep-clean carpets and tackle bare floors with multi-surface powerful suction.
- 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.
- PERFECT FOR PETS: Powerful pet hair pickup attachments like the upholstery tool make cleaning pet hair a breeze.
- SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
Quick Rundown of Shark ZU51
Product Videos
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References:
- Shark NV360: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/sections/360005956659-NV360-Series
- Shark ZU51: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/sections/4403100542226-ZU51-Series
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.