The Shark ZU561 and NV356E are good vacuum cleaners with great suction power that helps your cleaning task become easier. If you haven’t decided which model to buy between the Shark ZU561 vs NV356E, this comparison will help you.
My personal choice is the Shark ZU561 because it has a relatively better cleaning performance than the other model. This can be ascribed to improved cleaning head design and self-cleaning brush roll.
The Shark NV356E, though, has good suction and brush roll, yet it has problems with hair wrap and cleaning fine dust on hard floor surfaces. However, this model has a larger dust bin capacity and a longer cord than the ZU561 model, so it would be more convenient for cleaning large houses.
Shark ZU561 vs NV356E: Comparison Chart
Shark ZU561 vs NV356E: Differences
Comparing Shark ZU561 vs NV356E differences and performance, I observed the Shark ZU651 demonstrates greater cleaning performance and less tedious cleaning & maintenance. So, for me, the Shark ZU651 wins 2-1 against the NV356E.
Cleaning performance
Winner: Shark ZU561
Suction efficiency
As we can see from the comparison chart, the Shark ZU561 has smaller motor power (800 W) than the NV356E (1200 W). This theoretically means that the ZU561 model has lower suction power. Yet, in reality, this difference is not significant. I noticed that the Shark ZU561 performed a relatively better cleaning than the NV356E, owing to the improved Zero M cleaning head.
For carpet cleaning, I tried both machines, and they performed excellent picking up pet hair and dust as the brush roll gave appropriate agitation to the carpet surface. However, the pet hair easily stuck on the brush of the NV356, so I had to remove the hair before continuing the cleaning on bare floors. Meanwhile, the Shark ZU561 does not have any big problem with the hair wrap owing to its self-cleaning brush roll.
For hard floor cleaning, the ZU561 is more efficient in cleaning fine debris. Particularly, the Shark ZU561 has a better seal on the hard floor than the NV356E does, allowing more airflow to pick up more stuff, including fine dust like sand. This can be attributed to the added little strip at the bottom of the cleaning head. This strip provides a better seal on the floor from the back of the nozzle. As a result, its cleaning performance is more effective than the NV356E, though they have the lower watt parameter.
Self-cleaning brush roll
As I mentioned, the Zero M self-cleaning brush roll is the major plus that makes the Shark ZU561 perform a more effective cleaning process. After multiple times of vacuuming every area in my house, the stairs, and the carpet, nothing has been trapped in the brush roll.
Additionally, the ZU561 allows you to adjust the brush-roll spinning speed with the switch located on the handheld. It also has the option of changing the brush spinning to be suitable for carpet and hard floor surfaces.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Winner: Shark ZU561
Both Shark ZU561 and NV356E are bagless-type vacuum cleaners with two-way open dust bins, making it simple and easy to remove debris from the container. However, the cleaning and maintenance of the brush roll system on the Shark ZU561 is less tedious and daunting than on the NV356E.
My dog has long hair, and its shed hair easy to wrap the brush roll when using the vacuum with a traditional brush roll system like on the Shark NV356E. Thus, I need to remove the hair so frequently that I find cleaning my carpet daily is a long and boring task.
Thanks to the self-cleaning brush roll, I don’t have to detangle the pet hair stuck in the brush after every deep carpet cleaning when using the Shark ZU561. After vacuuming, only 1-2% of the hair stayed on the brush roll, and it is easier to remove.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Shark NV356E
Regarding the utility category, I consider the Shark NV356E the winner. It is because the Shark NV356E has a longer cord (30 feet) and a larger dust tank (2.2 quarts) than the ZU561 model. The ZU561 has a standard 25-foot cord length and a 0.9-quart dust tank. Thus, the Shark NV356E would be more convenient for cleaning a large house, as you don’t have to unplug and relocate the plug every few minutes and empty the dust bin in the middle of the vacuuming process.
Shark ZU561 vs NV356E: Similarities
For the Shark ZU561 vs NV356E similarities, the two vacuum models have the same HEPA filtration system and the Lift-Away feature.
The sealed HEPA filtration system
Both Shark ZU561 and NV356E feature the HEPA filtration system with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which is claimed to effectively seal about 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This is very useful for people with light allergy-problem.
Lift-Away canister
The canisters on both vacuum cleaners can be easily lifted off for more mobility in cleaning your house. When cleaning above-floor surfaces like curtains or ceiling crevices, this feature comes in handy as it helps me to extend my reach.
Quick Rundown of Shark ZU561
- Self-cleaning brushroll for powerful pet hair pickup with no hair wrap.
- Use as an upright vacuum for powerful floor and carpet cleaning. Or for more portability, detach the pod to go into Lift-Away mode to easily clean, above-floor areas like furniture and stairs.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter traps over 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- Swivel Steering provides effortless maneuverability for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
- Suction control slider to manage suction power from hard floors to carpets.
Quick Rundown of Shark NV356E
- 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.
Product Videos
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References:
- Shark ZU561 https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/4403100551186-ZU560-Series-Shark-Navigator-Lift-Away-Speed-FAQs
- Shark NV356E https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/4401253651868-NV355-Series-Shark-Navigator-Lift-Away-Professional-Owner-s-Guide
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.