Shark Nv351 Navigator Review

The Shark NV351 Navigator Lift-Away is a powerful, versatile bagless upright vacuum that excels at removing pet hair and ground-in dirt from carpets. Its signature Lift-Away canister detaches for portable cleaning, and the swivel steering makes it incredibly maneuverable. While its dust cup is on the smaller side for large homes, its strong performance, anti-allergen seal, and reasonable price make it a top contender for most households, especially those with pets and carpet.

Let’s be real: vacuum shopping can be a nightmare. You wade through confusing specs, marketing jargon, and price tags that make your head spin. You just want a machine that works—one that picks up all the stuff you see (and the stuff you don’t) without being a brutal workout. If you’ve been searching, you’ve almost certainly come across the Shark brand. They’ve built a reputation on powerful, feature-packed vacuums that don’t break the bank. And sitting near the top of many “best of” lists for years has been the Shark Navigator series. Today, we’re doing a deep-dive, no-holds-barred review of one of its most popular models: the Shark NV351 Navigator Lift-Away.

This isn’t just a spec sheet rehash. I’ve used this vacuum in my own home—a chaotic mix of two large, fluffy dogs, a cat who thinks the world is her litter box, wall-to-wall carpet, and a smattering of hard floors. I’ve put it through its paces on everything from daily dog hair disasters to deep spring cleaning. My goal is to give you the unvarnished truth: Is the Shark NV351 the right vacuum for your life? By the end of this Shark Nv351 Navigator Review, you’ll know exactly what this machine does brilliantly, where it might frustrate you, and who it’s the absolute perfect match for.

Key Takeaways

• Powerful & Consistent Suction: The Shark NV351 delivers strong suction on both carpets and hard floors, effectively tackling pet hair, kitty litter, and debris with its brush roll shut-off for delicate surfaces.
• Lift-Away Technology is a Game-Changer: The portable canister detaches with one click, allowing you to clean stairs, upholstery, and car interiors effortlessly without lugging the whole unit.
• Excellent Maneuverability: The swivel steering is exceptionally responsive, making it easy to navigate around furniture and tight corners, a significant upgrade over bulky traditional uprights.
• True Anti-Allergen Complete Seal: It traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, expelling only filtered air, which is a major benefit for allergy and asthma sufferers.
• User-Friendly & Low-Maintenance: The bagless design with a easy-empty dust cup and washable filters keeps ongoing costs low and maintenance simple, though the cup needs frequent emptying with heavy pet shedding.
• Best Value for Pet Owners & Carpeted Homes: For its performance and feature set, especially the Lift-Away function, it offers outstanding value, though those with mostly hard floors might consider a lighter stick vacuum.

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Unboxing & First Impressions: Setting Up the Shark NV351

Out of the box, the Shark NV351 feels substantial but not overly heavy. The assembly is pleasantly straightforward—most of it clicks together without needing tools. The main body, the wand, the brush head, and the hose are all clearly labeled. Within 10 minutes, you can have it fully assembled and ready to go. The aesthetic is classic Shark: mostly gray and purple, with bright orange accents on the hose and buttons. It looks like a workhorse, not a showpiece, which is perfectly fine by me.

What’s in the Box?

The NV351 comes with a solid set of attachments that cover most bases. You get:

• The main upright unit with the dust cup and motor housing.
• The main cleaning head with the brush roll.
• The “Lift-Away” portable canister (this is the key feature).
• A crevice tool for tight spaces.
• A dusting brush for surfaces and vents.
• The upholstery/tool for furniture and stairs.
• The power cable (with a nice, long 30-foot reach).
• The user manual and quick start guide.

The manual is clear and well-illustrated, with helpful diagrams for maintenance like how to remove and clean the brush roll—a crucial task for pet owners.

Initial Setup and Operation Feel

Pushing the Shark NV351 for the first time is an experience. The handle has a comfortable, ergonomic grip. The on/off switch and suction control are thumb-accessible right on the handle, which is incredibly convenient. The suction control is a dial, not a button, allowing for precise adjustment from max power down to a gentle setting for drapes or small rugs. The swivel steering is immediately noticeable. You don’t have to muscle it around; a slight twist of the wrist and the head pivots effortlessly. This is a huge quality-of-life feature that reduces fatigue during cleanings.

Performance Testing: How Does It Actually Clean?

This is the make-or-break section for any Shark Nv351 Navigator Review. Does it walk the walk, or is it all hype? I tested it on multiple messes across different surfaces.

Carpet Cleaning: The Deep-Down Power

On medium and high-pile carpet, the NV351 is a beast. The motorized brush roll agitates and lifts embedded dirt, pet hair, and debris with authority. I tested it on a high-traffic hallway rug where my dogs’ paws track in mud and leaves. The first pass left the rug visibly cleaner, and a second pass picked up everything. The suction feels strong and consistent. Shark’s “DuoClean” technology (two brush rolls) is not present on this model—that’s reserved for higher-end Sharks like the AZ series—but the single brush roll on the NV351 is still highly effective. It transitions well from carpet to bare floor, automatically stopping the brush roll when you push the “brush roll shut-off” button on the nozzle, preventing scattering debris on hard surfaces.

Hard Floor Performance: No Scatter, Great Pickup

On hardwood and tile, with the brush roll off, it operates as a powerful suction-only tool. It effortlessly picks up larger debris like kibble, cat litter, and dust bunnies without flinging them across the room. The suction is strong enough to pull debris from between floorboards. I was particularly impressed with how it handled a spill of fine baking soda—it captured nearly all of it in one pass. For hard floors, I often use the lowest suction setting, which is still plenty effective and quieter.

The Pet Hair Challenge: A True Test

With two long-haired dogs, pet hair is my eternal nemesis. This is where the NV351 truly shines. The combination of strong suction and the agitating brush roll pulls hair from deep within carpet fibers. It also works wonderfully on upholstery. Using the Lift-Away canister with the upholstery tool, I cleaned my dog beds and the back of the sofa in minutes, and the dust cup was full of hair and dander. The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology, which uses advanced filters to trap 99.9% of allergens, means the air expelled is clean. As someone with mild allergies, I noticed far less post-vacuuming sneezing compared to my old vacuum.

Design & Usability: The Lift-Away Magic & Maneuverability

This is the section where the Shark NV351 separates itself from many competitors. Its design philosophy is all about versatility without compromise.

The Lift-Away Feature: Why It’s So Useful

The “Lift-Away” is not a gimmick. With a simple click of a button on the main body, the entire dust cup and motor assembly detaches from the wand and floor head, becoming a lightweight, portable vacuum. The hose remains attached to the canister, giving you about 6-7 feet of reach. This is revolutionary for:

• Stairs: No more balancing a heavy upright on a step. You carry the lightweight canister up and down, cleaning each stair tread easily.
• Upholstery & Cars: The included tools attach directly to the hose. Cleaning car interiors, truck beds, or the back of the couch becomes a 30-second job instead of a chore.
• Above-Floor Cleaning: Ceiling cobwebs, vents, and ceiling fan blades are suddenly accessible.

The portability of the Lift-Away canister is, for many users, the single biggest reason to choose this Shark. It adds a level of convenience that a standard upright simply cannot match.

Swivel Steering: Making Cleaning Effortless

I cannot overstate how much better the swivel steering makes the cleaning experience. Traditional uprights can feel like pushing a shopping cart with a stiff wheel. The NV351’s steering is fluid and responsive. You can pivot around chair legs, slide under sofas, and navigate tight corners with minimal effort. This reduces arm and back strain significantly, especially in a cluttered living room or a tight hallway. It makes the vacuum feel like an extension of your arm rather than a separate, cumbersome object.

Weight and Portability

The complete unit weighs about 15 pounds, which is average for an upright with these features. As a full upright, it’s manageable for most people. The real win is the Lift-Away canister, which weighs under 8 pounds. Carrying it around for above-floor tasks is no problem, even for extended periods. For context, many stick vacuums are in the 5-7 pound range, so the portable mode is very competitive.

Maintenance & Long-Term Care: Keeping It Running Strong

Bagless vacuums like the NV351 are low-cost to maintain, but they do require regular care to sustain performance. The good news is that Shark has made this process very user-friendly.

Emptying the Dust Cup: The Good and The Messy

The dust cup is a top-loading, clear plastic container. The “one-touch” release button works well—you hold it over a trash can and press, and the bottom flips open, dumping the contents. For most dry debris, this is clean and efficient. However, with fine dust and packed-in pet hair, some debris can get trapped in the lip or the filter housing, requiring you to reach in a bit. This is a common bagless vacuum issue. My tip: give the cup a few sharp taps against the side of the trash can before pressing the button to dislodge compacted material. Also, empty it frequently. The cup is on the smaller side (about 0.7 quarts). If you have multiple shedding pets, you’ll likely need to empty it every 2-3 rooms to maintain max suction.

Filter Care: The Critical Step

The NV351 has a multi-stage filtration system: a pre-motor foam filter, a pleated paper filter, and the post-motor felt filter (the one responsible for the “Anti-Allergen” claim). Shark recommends washing the foam filter every 3 months and the felt filter every 6-12 months (it’s not washable, you just tap it out). This is non-negotiable for performance. Clogged filters kill suction. Washing the foam filter is easy: remove it, rinse under cold water (no soap!), squeeze out excess water, and let it air-dry completely for at least 24 hours before reinserting. Never run the vacuum with a wet filter. Setting a calendar reminder is a smart move.

Brush Roll Maintenance: A Must for Pet Owners

Hair and fibers wrap around the brush roll, especially with long pet hair. Shark designed this to be easy to clean. You flip the vacuum over, locate the red release tabs on the side of the brush roll housing, and pull the entire brush roll assembly out. You can then use scissors or a seam ripper to cut away the wrapped hair. Doing this every 1-2 weeks prevents clogs, maintains cleaning power, and protects the motor from strain. It takes 2 minutes and makes a huge difference.

Value for Money: Is the Shark NV351 Worth Its Price?

Retailing typically between $150-$200 (often on sale), the Shark NV351 sits in a crowded mid-range market. To assess its value, we must compare what you get versus the competition in this price bracket, like the Bissell CleanView or older Dirt Devil models.

What You’re Paying For

For your money, you get:

• Proven, powerful suction that outperforms many in its class.
• The invaluable Lift-Away canister, a feature usually found on vacuums $50-$100 more expensive.
• Excellent swivel steering that makes cleaning less of a chore.
• A sealed filtration system great for allergies.
• Low long-term cost (no bags, washable filters).

When you stack this up against similarly priced uprights that lack the Lift-Away function, the NV351’s value proposition is very strong. You’re getting a 2-in-1 machine (upright + portable) for the price of one.

The Competition & Where It Stands

Compared to stick vacuums like the Shark Vertex or Dyson V-series, the NV351 has more raw suction power and a larger cleaning path, making it better for deep carpet cleaning and large areas. However, it’s heavier and bulkier to store. Compared to canister vacuums, it’s easier to store and set up but less versatile for hard floors under low furniture. Its sweet spot is the home with a mix of carpet and hard floors, with pets, and with stairs. If your home is 90% hardwoods and you want something light and quick, a stick vacuum might be better. If you have all thick carpet and no stairs, a high-end upright like a Sebo or Miele (at 3x the price) might be a longer-term investment. For the vast majority of average homes, the NV351 hits the efficiency/price sweet spot.

Final Verdict: Who Is the Shark NV351 For?

After extensive use, the Shark NV351 Navigator Lift-Away earns its reputation. It’s not the absolute most powerful vacuum on the planet, nor the lightest. But it is an exceptionally well-rounded, versatile, and effective tool for the modern home. Its combination of strong cleaning power, the transformative Lift-Away feature, and agile steering creates a package that solves multiple cleaning problems with one machine.

Perfect For:

• Families with dogs and cats, especially those with shedding issues.
• Homes with a mix of carpet and hard floors.
• Anyone with stairs in their home (the Lift-Away is a lifesaver here).
• Allergy sufferers who need a sealed system.
• Shoppers who want great value and don’t want to buy separate vacuums for different tasks.

Think Twice If:

• You have a very small, mostly hard-floor apartment and want something ultra-lightweight and easy to store (consider a stick vac).
• You have extremely thick, plush carpet and want the absolute deepest clean possible (you might need a higher-end upright with a powered brush roll like a SEBO).
• You hate emptying a dust cup and would prefer a bagged vacuum for mess containment (though bag costs add up).

In the grand scheme of vacuums, the Shark NV351 is a practical, no-nonsense hero. It gets the job done thoroughly and efficiently, with smart features that genuinely improve the cleaning experience. For the price, it’s incredibly hard to beat. If your cleaning needs align with its strengths, this Shark Nv351 Navigator Review concludes with a strong recommendation: it’s a fantastic buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Shark NV351 good for pet hair?

Yes, absolutely. Its strong suction and motorized brush roll are highly effective at lifting embedded pet hair from carpets and upholstery. The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal also traps dander, making it an excellent choice for pet owners with allergies.

How loud is the Shark Navigator NV351?

It’s moderately loud, typical of a powerful upright vacuum. On the highest setting, it’s noticeable but not deafening. It has a suction control dial, so you can lower the power (and noise) for hard floors or delicate surfaces, which makes it more tolerable.

Can the Shark NV351 clean stairs easily?

Yes, and this is one of its best features. The Lift-Away function lets you detach the lightweight canister and use the hose and tools to clean stairs quickly and safely without trying to balance a heavy upright on a step.

How often do I need to empty the dust cup?

The dust cup is relatively small (0.7 quarts). For a typical home with one or two pets, you’ll likely need to empty it every 2-3 rooms to maintain optimal suction. For heavy shedders, you may need to empty it after each room. Frequent emptying is key to maintaining its performance.

Are the filters washable? How often should I clean them?

The foam pre-motor filter is washable and should be rinsed with cold water every 3 months and air-dried for 24 hours. The felt post-motor filter is not washable but should be tapped out over a trash can every 6-12 months to remove dust. Never operate the vacuum with a wet filter.

How does the Lift-Away feature work exactly?

With a single press of a release button on the main body, the entire motor and dust cup assembly detaches from the wand and floor head, becoming a portable vacuum. The hose stays connected, giving you a lightweight (under 8 lb) canister vac with about 6-7 feet of reach for above-floor and stair cleaning. To reattach, you simply click it back onto the wand.