When household chores felt overwhelming, especially battling pet hair and dust bunnies that seemed to multiply overnight, I knew I needed a serious upgrade from my old, inefficient vacuum. The constant struggle to keep carpets and hard floors truly clean, not to mention reaching those tricky spots, was a persistent frustration. If left unaddressed, this daily grime doesn’t just look bad; it can exacerbate allergies and create an unhealthy living environment, making a truly effective cleaning solution a non-negotiable necessity. A powerful upright vacuum like the Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, NV586 would have provided immense relief.
What to Look for in a Modern Vacuum Cleaner
Before committing to any new cleaning appliance, it’s wise to consider what problems a quality vacuum cleaner is truly meant to solve. For most, the goal is to efficiently remove dirt, dust, pet dander, and allergens from various surfaces, creating a healthier and more inviting home. The ideal customer for a versatile upright vacuum like the Shark Navigator is typically a homeowner with a mix of carpeted and hard floor areas, possibly with pets, who requires robust cleaning power and the flexibility to tackle above-floor messes. If you’re someone who needs a lightweight, quick-grab stick vacuum for daily spot cleaning, or prefer a fully autonomous robotic vacuum to handle the bulk of floor cleaning, this specific model might offer more power and features than you need, potentially making a lighter alternative or a dedicated robot a better choice.
Before making a purchase, ask yourself:
* Surface Types: Do you have mostly carpets, hard floors, or a mix of both?
* Pet Ownership: Is pet hair a major concern?
* Allergy Sufferers: Do you or anyone in your household have allergies that require advanced filtration?
* Reach and Versatility: Do you need to clean stairs, upholstery, or ceiling corners?
* Maintenance: Do you prefer bagless models for convenience and cost savings?
* Weight and Maneuverability: Can you comfortably push an upright vacuum, and do you need swivel steering?
* Durability: Are you looking for a long-term investment, and what is the typical lifespan of key components?
Introducing the Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, NV586
The Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, NV586 is a full-sized upright vacuum cleaner designed to deliver powerful, versatile cleaning across your entire home. Its core promise is to offer the deep cleaning of an upright with the flexibility of a portable canister, thanks to its innovative Lift-Away technology. When you unbox this appliance, you’ll find the main upright unit, a canister that detaches, a HEPA filter, and usually a few essential attachments like a brush tool. Compared to some market leaders, the Shark Navigator series often provides comparable cleaning performance and advanced features like anti-allergen filtration at a more accessible price point, making it a strong contender for value. This particular NV586 model is ideal for those who need robust suction for everyday messes, the convenience of bagless operation, and the unique ability to convert to a portable vacuum for stairs and above-floor cleaning. However, if you’re seeking an ultra-lightweight stick vacuum or primarily need a compact machine for small apartments, its upright form factor might be more than you require.
Here’s a quick overview of its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Exceptional Suction Power: Delivers robust cleaning on both carpets and hard floors.
* Versatile Lift-Away Technology: Easily converts into a portable canister for above-floor cleaning.
* Advanced Filtration: Features a HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology to trap dust and allergens.
* Bagless Design: Large 2.4-quart dust cup is easy to empty, eliminating the need for replacement bags.
* Multi-Surface Cleaning: Effectively cleans various floor types with adjustable settings.
Cons:
* Durability Concerns: Some users have reported issues with plastic components breaking over time.
* Brush Roll Malfunctions: Instances of the brush roll stopping or overheating, especially on certain carpet types.
* Accessory Compatibility: The unique tube size can make finding compatible third-party accessories challenging, and Shark’s own accessory availability can be limited.
* Weight in Upright Mode: While maneuverable, some may find its 15+ pound weight a bit heavy during extended upright use.
* Corded Operation: Not cordless, requiring access to power outlets and managing the cord.
Diving Deep: Features and Their Everyday Impact
Having spent considerable time with the Shark Navigator NV586, I can confidently share insights into its core features and how they translate into real-world cleaning benefits. This machine has several stand-out characteristics that address common household cleaning challenges, though like any appliance, it comes with its quirks.
Powered Lift-Away Technology: Unrivaled Versatility
This is, without a doubt, the defining feature of the Shark Navigator. The ability to simply press a button and lift the canister away from the floor nozzle transforms the entire cleaning experience. When I first tried this Lift-Away technology, I was genuinely surprised by how easily the main body detaches, allowing me to carry the lightweight canister while still using the motorized brush roll on the floor nozzle. This “powered” aspect is crucial; it means the brush continues to spin even when separated, which is a game-changer for deep cleaning carpeted stairs or under furniture where a traditional upright simply can’t reach effectively. The hose and attachments connect directly to the portable canister, making it incredibly versatile for above-floor cleaning tasks.
The benefits are extensive. No longer do I have to awkwardly hoist an entire upright vacuum up the stairs or struggle to clean upholstery with a cumbersome machine. The Lift-Away mode makes quick work of dusting ceiling fans, vacuuming curtains, cleaning car interiors, and even tackling cobwebs in high corners. It truly gives you the best of both worlds: the powerful floor cleaning of an upright and the convenient portability of a handheld or canister vacuum. This versatility alone has saved me significant time and effort, making daunting cleaning tasks much more manageable.
Robust Suction Power: Deep Cleaning Where It Matters
The Shark Navigator NV586 boasts impressive suction, driven by its 1.53 horsepower motor and 1140 watts of power. From the first pass, you can feel the vacuum gripping the carpet, pulling up deeply embedded dirt and pet hair that other vacuums might leave behind. On hard floors, the suction is equally effective, effortlessly gathering fine dust, crumbs, and debris without scattering it. The transition between surfaces is smooth, allowing me to maintain optimal cleaning performance throughout the house.
This powerful suction is not just about visible cleanliness; it’s about creating a truly healthier home environment. By digging deep into carpet fibers and efficiently clearing hard surfaces, it significantly reduces the amount of dust, allergens, and pet dander lingering in your living spaces. For anyone dealing with pets or allergies, this feature is invaluable, providing a noticeable difference in air quality and overall home freshness. It handles everything from spilled cereal to a week’s worth of shedding pet hair with remarkable efficiency, making it a reliable workhorse for routine cleaning.
Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology + HEPA Filter: Breathe Easier
For allergy sufferers like myself, the filtration system of a vacuum cleaner is paramount. The Shark Navigator NV586 incorporates a dual-pronged approach with its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a washable HEPA filter. This isn’t just a filter; it’s a completely sealed system. What that means in practice is that the vacuum captures 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, preventing them from escaping back into the air through tiny gaps or leaks, which is a common problem with less advanced models.
The HEPA filter is highly effective at trapping microscopic particles, including pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. After vacuuming, I consistently notice a cleaner, fresher smell in the air, and my allergies are considerably less irritated. This feature is particularly beneficial for pet owners, as it ensures that even the finest pet dander is contained. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re not just moving dust around, but actually removing it from your home, is a significant benefit that truly enhances the living environment.
Bagless Design and Generous Capacity: Convenience and Savings
One of the modern conveniences I appreciate most about the Shark Navigator NV586 is its bagless design. This means no more trips to the store for expensive replacement bags or the frustration of running out mid-clean. The transparent dust cup, with a generous 2.4-quart capacity, allows you to visibly see how much dirt and debris has been collected, which is strangely satisfying. Emptying it is a breeze – a simple press of a button over a trash can, and the contents drop out, minimizing contact with dust.
The large capacity is particularly beneficial for larger homes or those with pets, as it means fewer interruptions to empty the canister during a cleaning session. This not only saves money on bags but also contributes to a more environmentally friendly cleaning routine. While some users might find emptying bagless vacuums a bit dustier than traditional bagged models, the ease and cost-effectiveness far outweigh this minor inconvenience for most, myself included.
Multi-Surface Versatility: Adapting to Your Home
My home has a variety of flooring – plush carpets in the bedrooms, area rugs in the living room, and hardwood in the kitchen and dining areas. The Shark Navigator NV586 handles these transitions seamlessly. It features controls that allow you to switch between carpet and hard floor modes, often by adjusting the brush roll speed or turning it off entirely to prevent scratching delicate surfaces. This adaptability means you don’t need multiple vacuums for different rooms; one machine does it all.
The brush roll performs exceptionally well on carpets, agitating fibers to lift embedded dirt. For hard floors, the suction alone is usually sufficient, and turning off the brush roll ensures no debris is scattered, and floors remain protected. This thoughtful design makes cleaning efficient and safe for all floor types, ensuring every inch of your home receives the appropriate cleaning attention without extra hassle.
Maneuverability and Design: Effortless Navigation
Despite being a full-sized upright vacuum, the NV586 is surprisingly easy to maneuver. The swivel steering is a fantastic addition, allowing the vacuum head to pivot around furniture legs, into tight corners, and along baseboards with minimal effort. This significantly reduces the physical strain of vacuuming and speeds up the cleaning process, as you spend less time re-positioning the machine. The inclusion of four wheels further aids in smooth gliding across floors.
While its weight in upright mode (around 15 pounds) can be a bit hefty for some, especially when lifting the entire unit, the intelligent design largely compensates for this. The well-placed handle and balanced construction make pushing and pulling relatively comfortable for most users. This combination of powerful cleaning and agile design ensures that even a thorough house-wide vacuuming session doesn’t feel like an exhaustive workout.
Included Accessories & a Caveat
The Shark Navigator NV586 comes with a few basic attachments like a crevice tool and an upholstery brush. These are standard and prove useful for targeted cleaning, extending the vacuum’s utility beyond just floors. The crevice tool is perfect for tight spaces between couch cushions or along edges, while the upholstery tool is great for furniture and pet beds.
However, it’s important to mention a recurring frustration some users, including myself, have encountered: the unique tube size of Shark vacuums. Unlike standard 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 inch accessories, Shark often uses a proprietary size. This makes it difficult to use generic or third-party attachments you might already own or find readily available. Furthermore, some users have reported that Shark no longer offers certain accessories listed in their manuals, which can be limiting if you were hoping to expand your cleaning toolkit. This isn’t a deal-breaker for me, as the included tools are generally sufficient, but it’s a point to consider if you rely heavily on specialized attachments or anticipate needing replacements down the line. It would be ideal if Shark adopted a more universal sizing standard.
What Real Users Are Saying
Having scoured countless online reviews for the Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, NV586, a clear pattern emerges. Many owners consistently praise its exceptional suction power, highlighting how effectively it deep cleans carpets and removes pet hair from various surfaces. The convenience of the Lift-Away feature for portable, above-floor cleaning is also a frequently celebrated aspect, making tasks like stair cleaning much less cumbersome. However, recurring feedback also points to concerns regarding the long-term durability of certain plastic components, with some users experiencing issues like breaking parts or a malfunctioning brush roll after a relatively short period. While the powerful performance is often lauded, a few individuals also noted challenges with finding compatible accessories due to the unique tube size.
Final Verdict: Is the Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, NV586 Right for You?
Ultimately, if you’re battling the endless cycle of household dirt, persistent pet hair, and airborne allergens across varied floor types, the Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, NV586 stands out as a powerful contender. Unaddressed, these issues can lead to an unhealthy living environment and endless, frustrating cleaning struggles. This vacuum is an excellent fit because it delivers genuinely strong suction for deep cleaning, offers incredible versatility with its Lift-Away technology, and provides superior air filtration thanks to its HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Seal. To discover more and see if this powerful cleaning solution is the right fit for your home, click here to check it out .