With more and more new and improved vacuums on the market, users are considering models with better technologies on the upper price scale. And Shark Zu881 vs AZ1002 is a debate between 2 products of this type. They are advanced, and they are expensive! If you are ready to invest, I suggest purchasing Shark AZ1002. It’s the winning design!
Shark AZ1002 can remove everything without leaving a crumb, from tiny dust to larger piles of food bits, all owing to its DualClean brushroll, which sweeps and polishes simultaneously. The best part about this machine is how easy it is for me to maneuver it, even though it’s 17 pounds, which definitely belongs to the heavier side. Also, its HEPA filter does a phenomenal job of filtering dust for users with the most sensitive nose. Highly recommended!
Shark Zu881 is a formidable runner-up and could have won if its swivel steering were as swift as AZ1002. It boasts the same DuoClean brushrolls as AZ1002 and the same advanced HEPA filter. It can deal with both dust and animal hair without struggling! For its price, the features are worthwhile. But I don’t find the heavy maneuverability easy to work with…
Shark Zu881 vs AZ1002: Comparison Chart
Shark Zu881 vs AZ1002: Differences
Shark AZ1002 wins 2-1 and ties twice against Zu881. It seems both the winner and runner-up are doing alright! The biggest difference and deciding factor for me to pick AZ1002 is that it’s very stable in every aspect, and its swivel steering is swifter.
Cleaning performance
Tie
Regarding the state of the floors and carpets post-cleaning, I can’t complain about these vacuums because they do an equally amazing job. While AZ1002 owns an 11 inches cleaning path, its opponent is equipped with a 10.25 inches one. The gap isn’t big, so I don’t notice any significant difference in how many turns I have to push over the same section for a spotless surface.
But, the factor that plays the biggest role in removing the trash and dust is the DuoClean brushroll. Basically, the system employs one bristle roller on the back and one soft foam roller on the front, and they simultaneously lift dust patches and polish the surface. From what I see so far, the system works a charm. It’s exceptionally effective against long pet hair, which is usually the toughest task for most vacuums. Also, the rollers are self-cleaning.
Which surfaces do I recommend Shark Zu881 and AZ1002? Both carpets and hard floors because the vacuums have 3 adjustable cleaning modes for hard floors, low-rise carpets, and high-pile carpets. Maybe sealed wood floors aren’t these models’ best “clients” due to the roller’s bristles, but if your floor type doesn’t shy away from thorough cleaning, there is no reason not to pick one of these.
Design and convenience
Winner: Shark AZ1002
These bagless vacuums have an upright form and lift-away function, which tells a lot about the level of convenience that users can get. I always recommend a corded upright vacuum over a canister or a cordless model! And here are the reasons!
Bagless
Firstly, bagless vacuums don’t require users to purchase the bags. All you have to do is a vacuum and dump the content. So if you don’t have any severe respiratory trouble or want to add a small part in avoiding producing more waste, bagless is the way to go.
Of course, bagged vacuums have many benefits, such as keeping users away from sneezing, but leaving the content inside the bag for a long time and causing mold or bacteria to form. So there is a trade-off here.
Lift-away (Powered)
Secondly, these models’ lift-away function allows users to convert them to handheld vacuums. And it’s powered lift-away! This means users can detach the floor nozzle with dual rollers from the pod, and the rollers will still keep rolling for equally impeccable cleaning performance. I have tested the vacuums many times, and the possibility of hauling the device around to clean my carpeted staircase from my cat’s hair is impossible to miss!
Swivel steering (Shark AZ1002’s win)
Of course, both have swivel steering heads. But the gap between their smoothness is crazy. With AZ1002, I enjoy much better mobility when steering the floor nozzle or the head around furniture. It doesn’t put too much strain on my wrist, and I can work with it using less effort, even though I admit it’s not the lightest vacuum around.
As for Shark Zu881, it’s hard to guide it into corners or around objects without putting the strength of my wrist to the test. So, even though it’s 16 pounds, 1 pound less heavy than AZ1002, I feel more like exercising with this product.
Utilities
Winner: Shark Zu881
Shark Zu881 has a small breakthrough in this round thanks to its longer hose, which is 6ft long. Compared to AZ1002’s 5.5ft hose, it’s only slightly longer, but users will not feel more comfortable using it. The longer the hose and the cord, the better. With that said, 5.5ft isn’t a bad parameter either. With the assistance of the flexible tube attached to the hose, users can still reach high points. And this applies o both devices.
As for the power cord, both devices are equipped with 30ft ones, so they are very long and don’t require constant plugging and unplugging to clean the same house section. In case you are thinking about how difficult it is to store a vacuum with 30ft cord, it’s not a big problem with this pair either. Even though they don’t have auto-rewind cords, 2 ergonomic hooks on the side of the vacuums’ wands facilitate wrapping and unwrapping.
Filtration system
Tie
With the HEPA filter that seals in 99.9% of dust and allergens, these vacuums suit users with allergies or respiratory problems. So far, this is the system that trusts the most on bagless vacuums. I have always had a sensitive nose and will immediately notice if a vacuum doesn’t filter the dust well. So, Shark Zu881 and AZ1002 have proven trustworthy with their system, the same way as most vacuums with HEPA have.
Price and value aspect
Winner: Shark AZ1002
Both vacuums belong to a higher price range, so it all comes down to their features to compare their true value. And through my review, you must know already that Shark AZ1002 appears as the one with great price and value for me. This model is well-rounded in all aspects, from cleaning to convenience. Its swivel steering action is its biggest strength in comparison to Uz881. If you will spend money on a good appliance, spend it on one that makes money worth it.
Quick Rundown Of Shark AZ1002
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: The vacuum that deep-cleans now cleans itself. Engineered for more pet hair pickup with no hair wrap (vs. Shark bristle nozzles).
- DUOCLEAN TECHNOLOGY: Dual-brushroll system deep-cleans carpets and directly engages floors for a polished look.
- 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.
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL: Works with HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- NOISE REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY: Expertly tuned to reduce noise and soften pitch.
Quick Rundown Of Shark Zu881
- Shark DuoClean technology is a dual-brushroll system designed to deep-clean carpets and directly engage floors.
- With Powered Lift-Away, the motorized brushroll keeps spinning when you detach the pod for powerful cleaning and extended reach under furniture, on stairs, and more.
- The vacuum that deep-cleans now cleans itself. The self-cleaning brushroll delivers nonstop hair removal.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- Advanced Swivel Steering lets you easily maneuver your upright vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
Product Videos
References:
- Shark AZ1002: https://www.ebay.com/itm/364082238833
- Shark Zu881: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/shark-duoclean-with-self-cleaning-brushroll-powered-lift-away-upright-vacuum-cinnamon/6492859.p?skuId=6492859&intl=nosplash
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.