Oreck vs Shark Vacuum: Which Is Really Better?

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Oreck vs Shark Vacuum, which one suits you best?

When searching for a vacuum cleaner, it’s important to settle on a model that is worth keeping in your closet. Both the Oreck and Shark upright vacuum cleaners come highly recommended due to their great cleaning performance.

They are also corded, full-powered models and can perform well on carpeted or hard floors. Additionally, they are both easy to handle in terms of size and steering.

This outline will explore different aspects of these two vacuum cleaners to simplify your purchasing decision.

Oreck vs Shark vacuums In our Study

Due to there are so many models of Oreck and Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaners in the market, we are scope down to top 3 models for each brand in our study.

Oreck Upright Vacuum Cleaners:

  1. Oreck Commercial U2000RB-1
  2. Oreck XL Commercial XL2100RHS
  3. Oreck HEPA

Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaners:

  1. Shark APEX AZ1002
  2. Shark Rotator Lift-Away TruePet
  3. Shark NV356E S2 Navigator Lift-Away Professional

Oreck vs Shark Vacuum – Overall Comparison

 Oreck VacuumShark Vacuum
Weight (lbs)8-1013-16
Cord length (ft)30-4025-30
Reach- No crevice tool
- Lies flat to tackle hard-to-reach places
- Crevice tools
- Above-floor cleaning
Warranty (years)15-7

 

Both Oreck and Shark have crafted two of the most powerful vacuums of professional and commercial grade available in the market today.

However, to get the perfect choice for your use, you need to consider the minor differences that might make one vacuum more preferable over the other.  These differences and some similarities are what we are looking at in this section.

  • Warranty

    The Shark had a longer 5-year limited warranty on the product (depending on the model). This warranty covers some parts and not others. The omitted parts include powerheads and roller brushes which are important parts of any vacuum cleaner. Oreck, on the other hand, normally has a one-year warranty. There is a one-year warranty on the belt and a general one-year commercial warranty.
  • Power

    Sharks operate with 100 volts while Oreck consumes 20 percent more power at 120 volts. This might be due to the older design of the Oreck cleaner.
  • Capacity

    The shark uses a cup to store dirt while the Oreck uses a bag. The Shark canister can hold up to 2 ounces of dirt while the Oreck dirtbag contains up to 9 quarts of debris. This difference is very significant especially when your work involves cleaning more surfaces in a short amount of time. Oreck wins this round.
  • Weight

    The Oreck is lighter at 8-10 pounds while the Shark is heavier at 13-16 pounds. This matters when the user is elderly, arthritic, or disabled. If you fit into one of these categories, try to pick the product with the lighter weight.
  • Reach

    This Shark vacuum cleaner has a further reach. It has a 30-foot power cord and a 5-foot extension hose on a detachable lift-away body that lets you clean walls and ceilings better. While Oreck has longer cord but it does not have an extension hose. Shark edges this round.
  • Ergonomics

    Both vacuum cleaners have ergonomics handles and handle controls. Shark wins here due to the lift-away handle it has and the fact that Oreck has not really improved on its old-school ergonomic design.
  • Brand Reputation

    Although the Shark brand has its loyal followers, Oreck is absolutely worshipped by purists. It is rare for Oreck users to replace an Oreck with another brand. This legacy might be Oreck’s undoing. They are not bent on innovating more. This is seen in their old-school design. Oreck is also cutting costs in the places they can, and this results in some of their parts being of lower quality than they used to make. However, the Shark company is trying hard and innovating more. Soon, they will be a brand with a cult following.

Surely, at this point, you are likely able to pick out a few pointers that will help you pick out your perfect vacuum.

Top Models Comparison

Oreck Commercial XL Commercial 
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional
ORECK XL COMMERCIAL Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Bagged Professional Pro Grade, For Carpet and Hard Floor, XL2100RHS, Gray/Blue 9.25"D x 47.75"H x 12.5"W
Shark NV356E 31 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
Dimensions
6 x 13 x 35
15 x 11.4 x 45.5
Weight (pounds)
8.2
13.7
Suction control
Warranty
1 year
5 years
Filtration system
Inner bag
Foam Filters and HEPA
Swivel steering
Cord length (ft)
35
30
Oreck Commercial XL Commercial 
ORECK XL COMMERCIAL Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Bagged Professional Pro Grade, For Carpet and Hard Floor, XL2100RHS, Gray/Blue 9.25"D x 47.75"H x 12.5"W
Dimensions
6 x 13 x 35
Weight (pounds)
8.2
Suction control
Warranty
1 year
Filtration system
Inner bag
Swivel steering
Cord length (ft)
35
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional
Shark NV356E 31 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
Dimensions
15 x 11.4 x 45.5
Weight (pounds)
13.7
Suction control
Warranty
5 years
Filtration system
Foam Filters and HEPA
Swivel steering
Cord length (ft)
30

Last update on 2023-05-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Oreck Commercial XL Commercial Vacuum Cleaner

Sale
ORECK XL COMMERCIAL Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Bagged Professional Pro Grade, For Carpet and Hard Floor, XL2100RHS, Gray/Blue 9.25"D x 47.75"H x 12.5"W
  • MICROSWEEP: lets you switch from carpet to bare floors without adjustment.870.0 watts
  • DIRECT SUCTION: delivers dirt efficiently to maintain strong suction
  • HIGH-SPEED ROLLERBRUSH: spins at 5,000 to 6,500 RPMs for deep clean
  • MULTI-SURFACE DESIGN: safely cleans carpet, wood, laminate and tile surfaces
  • BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: To guarantee an authorized purchase, ensure your product ships from Amazon

Last update on 2023-05-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For years Oreck has offered some of the best upright vacuum cleaners, and it’s no surprise that Oreck commercial XL has become popular among homeowners. It’s great for cleaning tile, laminate, wood and carpet without manual height adjustment. Given its lightweight design and that it covers a 12” wide cleaning path you should be guaranteed of great cleaning experience.

  • Usability

The Oreck commercial vacuum cleaner has been designed to meet the needs of hard to reach areas thanks to its low profile and sleek design. You can easily bend over the handle and thanks to a six-inch clearance it’s possible to clean sideways. Additionally, it’s thirty-two foot cord allows you to do your cleaning seamlessly.

  • Dust Capacity

Oreck Vacuum cleaner is ideal for home and commercial settings since it comes with an advanced filtration system which improves its cleaning capabilities. There is also a bagger on the inner side that automatically closes when the need arises and this is due to the Sanibel system which is incorporated into the vacuum cleaner.

 Pros

Optimized Cleaning Performance

The cleaner uses a double helix brushes whirls which help to remove any debris on the carpet surface. The brush head can also be automatically adjusted to fit different surfaces such as low profile laminated floor and hardwood floor. The Oreck XL2100RHS also takes advantage of an extra large dust bag that can store up to 2.75 gallons and only costs one dollar.

Convenient And User-Friendly

Although this vacuum cleaner is primarily designed for commercial purposes, it still comes in a slim profile and is lightweight compared to its close competitors. This model also comes with a low profile head, a bag of dust and steel stick and this allows the vacuum to clean the hard-to-reach areas such as under the sofa, bed and furniture. The design is also lightweight, and you can easily store since it doesn’t take up much space.

Oreck Commercial XL Commercial Upright Vacuum Cleaner, XL2100RHS
A Low Profile Design lets you get in tight spots and under furniture.

 Cons

Low Motor Power

One of the notable downside to the Oreck Commercial vacuum cleaner is that it has low motor power and therefore it’s more suitable for cleaning hard floor surfaces and low pile carpet. It won’t perform optimally when you have highly soiled high pile carpet that requires a strong suction power. What’s more, it doesn’t come with a wand/hose, and if you’ve got a lot of stairs, you should opt for a model that has an extended hose.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E

Sale
Shark NV356E 31 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: Lift away the pod to clean under furniture. Or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, 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.

Last update on 2023-05-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The shark navigator vacuum cleaner is ideal for both bare floors and carpet. Some of the notable features include an extra-large dust cup, swivel steering and heap filter designed to remove allergens. While it might look like any ordinary cleaner, it features a lift-away function which makes it easier for the users to separate the canister from the head. Different attachments are included such as the pet power brush, 8-inch crevice tool and a dusting brush.

  • Edge cleaning

While some reviewers note that the vacuum doesn’t have a strong suction power that is usually not the case. The vacuums power head features a 1.2-inch wide suction area where the brushroll drive attaches. Since the hose supplies the suction, the left side is sometimes weaker on edge –cleaning. If you want to get the desired results you should consider using the right side.

  • Weight and Carry

Shark Navigator is light and manoeuvrable enough when in the upright mode but once it’s converted to a stand-up canister some users have handling issues. The lift-away are not like the drag behind canister, and this means that users will have to carry the eight-pound lift-away section which is sometimes difficult to handle with one hand.

 Pros

Great for allergy sufferers

The main reason why most homeowners buy a new vacuum cleaner is to remove the allergens from their home to improve the air quality. One of the distinct features in the shark navigator lift-away is the anti-allergen sealant technology, and HEPA filter which removes 99% of dust particles in the air helps to improve your homes air quality.

Additional Attachments For Increased Versatility

Attachments accessories that make vacuuming a breeze come highly recommended by most home and business owners. That said, the shark navigator features a 100-watt motor, and this is what anyone expects from an upright vacuum cleaner. With such kind of suction power, you can easily complete your everyday vacuuming tasks with ease. It’s also ideal for cleaning different flooring types such as hardwood and carpeting. Other useful attachments that you can expect from the cleaner include a pet power brush, microfiber pads and a crevice tool.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E
Click image for more info

Maximum Cleaning Convenience

People are always in search of a vacuum cleaner that offers maximum cleaning flexibility, and that’s what you get from the shark navigator thanks to its 2-in-1 functionality. It is designed as an upright vacuum, and this makes cleaning floors a breeze. The other superb feature is that at a click of a button you can easily convert it into a lift-away canister which makes it easy to clean hard to reach spots such as ceilings, stairs and hard to reach corners.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E
Click image for more info

 Cons

Falls easily

The shark navigator vacuum cleaner can be easily tripped with a slight pull on the hose which means that you always need to keep your hand steady when using.

No Onboard Storage

Nearly all the attachments don’t have onboard storage so you’ll need to have a place where you can keep them. This is less convenient because every time you need an attachment for a specific job you will have to hunt it down.

What To Look Out For In An Upright Vacuum

Allergies can cause great discomfort in homes that are not properly maintained, but vacuuming can help to minimize such issues. There are different types of upright vacuum cleaners available in the market today, and it’s sometimes difficult to settle on the one that is right for you. This guide will explore some of the key factors to consider when choosing an upright vacuum cleaner.

  • Carpet soils and Traffic

The type of carpet soils and the amount of traffic play a huge role in the type of cleaner you settle for. Carpet soils come in on pets and shoes of people, and if you have a house full of pets and kids, this is something you can hardly miss. Therefore, if you have a synthetic fibre rug/carpeting used in a high traffic area, it’s best if you go for a vacuum cleaner with aggressive bristles on a revolving brush. This makes it easier to brush off the surface so that it can be easily vacuumed.

  • Feature

When selecting your vacuum cleaner, it’s important to take note of its use. There are those that have pads which are great for cleaning hardwood while others have water tanks that hold dirt and are more suitable for cleaning carpets.

  • Budget

Apart from a vacuums price tag, it’s important to consider whether they are of good quality. Also, take note of the features and see whether they fit your homes cleaning needs.

  •  Weight

Weight is usually a matter of choice and preference, but if you suffer from arthritis or back pain, a lightweight vacuum will come in handy. There are a lot of vacuums that offer powerful suctions but you shouldn’t compromise on weight and this is something that will influence the convenience of use.

Oreck or Shark Vacuum?

Just like any other buy list, you need to make your recommendation based on your preference. Oreck and Shark vacuum cleaners vary based on different factors.

For the elderly, Oreck should be considered due to its lightweight.

If you are looking for a cleaner that can get rid of allergens, then Shark upright vacuum should be your preferred choice.

If you need above-floor cleaning, find ones from Shark.

If budget is the case, Oreck has lower price range. However, it depends on which model and their functionality.

Other factors such as the suction power, attachment and so on also play a huge role and shouldn’t be overlooked when settling for a vacuum cleaner.

FAQs on Oreck vs Shark Vacuum

Q: What Are The Main Differences Between A Shark Rotator Powered Lift-away Truepet Upright Vacuum And The Oreck XL?

A: The first difference between shark rotator-powered lift-away truepet upright vacuum Oreck is that the Shark is bagless and uses a HEPA filtration system that makes it trap particles better. This filter is washable and it has an anti-allergen filter in it, unlike Oreck that is bagged and has not so much in the way of particle filtration.

The second biggest difference is the detachable lift-away canister that comes with the Shark vacuum. This gives you a better reach of high areas.

Sale
Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter, Large Dust Cup Capacity, LED Headlights, Upholstery Tool, Pet Power Brush & Crevice Tool, Perfect for Pets, Bordeaux
  • 2-IN-1 POWERED LIFT-AWAY TECHNOLOGY: Allows you to lift the pod away to deep-clean hard-to-reach areas, like under furniture, while the powered brushroll keeps spinning.
  • ADVANCED SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum to get in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around 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.)
  • LARGE-CAPACITY DUST CUP: 0.88-quart capacity for longer cleaning sessions. Easily remove dust cup to empty debris in seconds.
  • LED HEADLIGHTS: Powerful lights on the nozzle reveal hidden debris and pet hair around your home.

Last update on 2023-05-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

One other thing is the lack of accessories in the Oreck Vacuum Cleaner. The Shark has a 12″ crevice tool, pet multi-tool, and pet power brush for more cleaning capabilities.

Other minor differences include the fact that Oreck is louder, significantly lighter, less cumbersome and it contains more debris.

Q: What Are The Main Differences Between A Shark Apex And The Oreck XL Vacuum?

A: Like its brothers, the shark has a lift-away canister for reaching walks and ceilings easily. This vacuum also has an extension hose that makes it reach hard to get to places. These features are absent in the Oreck XL.

Shark AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with DuoClean & Self-Cleaning Brushroll, Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool & Pet Power Brush, for a Deep Clean on & Above Floors, Espresso
  • 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.

Last update on 2023-05-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Shark Apex brush head is self-cleaning and it saves you from having to clean it by hand after every other use. It also has an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.

You should also know that you get a 12″ crevice tool, upholstery, and pet power brush tools in the Shark Apex pack, unlike the Oreck that comes without accessories.

Despite being cheaper, and possessing the larger capacity of the vacuum dirtbag, it is quite tough to empty the Oreck vacuum bag. 

Finally, the Oreck XL makes a lot of noise while the Shark Apex vacuum is way quieter.

Q: What Are The Main Differences Between A Shark Rocket Powerhead Vacuum And The Oreck XL?

A: Oreck vs Shark vacuum in an effort to provide a lightweight vacuum, Shark gives us the Rocket, a vacuum with little weight that has all its components compressed into its vacuum head for optimal efficiency and least weight. The Shark Rocket comes with two interchangeable brush rolls for better cleaning.

Despite their best efforts, the Oreck Vacuum Cleaner is the same weight as the Shark vacuum. While the Oreck has way more debris storage capacity.

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