Compare Kenmore Featherlite Lift-Up Vacuum vs Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro Complete Upright Vacuum

It ships with a small but useful tool set (typically an upholstery tool and a multi-use 3-in-1/crevice-style tool). Reviewers generally describe the accessories as decent and sturdy rather than extensive.

The included crevice, upholstery, and pet tools are frequently praised for couch, crevice, and above-floor cleaning. Some Amazon reviewers complain specific accessories they expected (such as a wide upholstery tool or round brush) were missing or hard to find.

Design is often described as simple and minimalist. A few owners mention a more plastic feel than older versions and occasional cosmetic marks or wear.

Several users contrast it with older vacuums that blew dust back into the room, saying this model has minimal blowback and no spit-back on hard floors. This is closely tied to sealed filtration and strong suction.

It includes a suction adjustment intended for thicker rugs or high-pile carpet, which can help prevent the head from feeling stuck. Direct high-pile performance testing is limited in these reviews, but the feature is viewed as useful.

Area rug handling is inconsistent: some users vacuum rugs successfully after adjusting suction, while others say the head sits too low, stalls, or stops on certain rugs. Shag-style rugs are specifically called out as a poor match by some owners.

Assembly is consistently described as quick and simple, usually involving snapping the handle, hose, and wand into place. Packaging includes instructions, but many reviewers say it is self-explanatory.

Assembly is consistently described as fast and tool-free, with components clicking into place in minutes. This is one of the most universally positive aspects across reviews.

Bagless dustbin design with washable filters is a consistent theme. Capacity is described as adequate but sometimes smaller than competitors, while removal and reattachment are generally easy.

Bagless dust cup emptying is usually described as easy, but capacity impressions vary widely. Some call the bin large, while others find it small or note a low fill line that forces frequent emptying in hair-heavy homes.

Several hands-on reviewers describe the plastics and overall build as solid for a budget vacuum. At the same time, long-term wear is not well documented, so durability confidence is good but not definitive.

Build quality feedback ranges from sturdy, well-snapping parts to concerns about cheaper plastic materials and belt smells. It generally feels solid for the price, but not everyone expects premium longevity.

Performance on plush or thicker carpet is often positive, with reports of smooth gliding and strong extraction. Still, some say it can feel too grabby or struggle unless suction is reduced, and a few recommend avoiding very thick shag.

On low-pile and standard carpet, many users see strong pickup and noticeably fuller bins after one or two passes. Some still report needing extra passes or seeing a trace of dust left near the sides of the head.

Carpet deep-cleaning is a highlight in multiple tests, including perfect or near-top results when pulling embedded sand from medium-pile carpet. Even more critical reviewers still describe carpet performance as slightly above average rather than poor.

Reviewers often note an open airflow path and dustbin layout that helps prevent clogs. Hair and debris generally make it into the bin without frequent blockage, even though the brushroll may wrap long strands.

Some users report the wand/tube can clog with hair and debris and mention a clog indicator/red light behavior; others say it stays clear when filters and brush roll are maintained. Clog complaints tend to come from hair-heavy households or heavy use.

In head-to-head discussions, it is often positioned as a direct competitor to Shark Navigator-style uprights and sometimes preferred for hard-floor pickup. Premium uprights still win on sealing, crevice work, and sometimes overall refinement, and one lab review preferred the Shark Navigator at a similar price.

Comparisons are often favorable versus cheaper brands and even some premium vacuums for day-to-day pickup, especially on mixed flooring. Dissenting voices prefer higher-end Sharks or other brands for tangle resistance, rug performance, or long-term durability.

Controls are straightforward: floor mode selection (hard floor vs carpet), brushroll on/off behavior, and in some reviews a suction adjustment for thicker rugs. A few reviewers note performance depends on having the correct setting selected.

Controls are simple, with hard-floor vs carpet modes and an adjustable suction slider that users like for switching surfaces. Some wish the power switch were positioned higher on the handle for convenience.

The lift-up canister design is a major differentiator: multiple reviewers demonstrate detaching the canister for above-floor cleaning with the hose and tools. One lab review downplays the lift-away usefulness, so portability is helpful but not identical to premium lift-away systems.

Cord length is typically cited around 25 feet, which is usable but not class-leading. Some owners still find it longer than older vacuums and say it reduces outlet switching.

Cord length sentiment skews mixed-to-negative: some reviewers like the reach, but many wish it were longer than older models or competitors and note there is no automatic rewind. Cord length matters more in larger rooms and multi-room runs.

It is a corded upright, so it will not match the grab-and-go convenience of cordless sticks. One reviewer explicitly mentions returning to a cord as the main annoyance, though good cord management reduces the friction.

Cord management gets positive notes thanks to a simple hook that keeps the cord out of your feet while vacuuming. It is not a cordless experience, but it reduces tangles and trip hazards.

Cord management is often cited as a pain point because it must be wrapped manually and can drag or tangle while vacuuming. Positives include cord clips/hooks that help keep it out of the way once you get used to routing it.

Crevice and tight-groove pickup is a consistent weak spot, with multiple tests showing below-average results when extracting sand or grit from cracks. If deep crevice detailing is a priority, this is the most repeated limitation.

Swivel steering is widely praised for easy turns and navigating around furniture. However, a noticeable subset says it over-swivels or feels sloppy, and handling can feel less controlled on some carpets.

A two-motor system is claimed in at least one comparison review and is presented as part of its deep-cleaning capability. Regardless of motor configuration, reviewers often report strong carpet results for the price.

Ease of use is praised heavily by some testers who call it one of the most ergonomic vacuums they have used. A lab review scored it below average for ease of use, suggesting the experience can vary, but most casual reviewers find it simple and comfortable.

Ease of use is widely praised: quick setup, straightforward controls, and a lighter feel than many uprights. Common negatives are cord handling, occasional over-swivel behavior, and fatigue during long whole-home sessions.

Edge cleaning is described as a strength in at least one detailed comparison, where it performed near the top at picking debris close to walls. This is not a heavily discussed category elsewhere, but the available evidence is favorable.

Edge results are mixed: some users report good cleaning along walls and baseboards, while others note a small gap near edges that requires switching to the hose/crevice tool for a complete pass.

Emptying is usually simple via a button release, and several reviewers say the bin design keeps mess and clogging manageable. Some note the bin is not huge, but day-to-day dumping is easy.

Emptying is typically simple with an easy-release, bottom-dump style, and many describe it as low-mess. The main downside is that frequent emptying can be necessary depending on bin size and how much hair/dust you collect.

Repeatedly highlighted as having sealed HEPA/anti-allergen filtration that helps keep fine dust and pet dander contained instead of blowing back into the room. This is considered a standout feature for the price tier.

Reviews frequently highlight the HEPA filter and sealed dust containment for trapping allergens and reducing dust blowback, including positive mentions from allergy/asthma users. Long-term odor complaints show up occasionally when filters or odor components aren’t kept fresh.

The floorhead uses relatively large intake gates and a compact/narrow head, which helps it swallow a wide range of debris sizes and reach tighter areas. The same design can reduce sealing pressure, which affects detail pickup.

The floorhead earns praise for swivel maneuvering and general pickup, but complaints include limited under-furniture clearance, a narrower head that takes longer to cover rooms, and a brush/roller design that can trap hair or stall on some rugs.

Several reviews describe a decent hard-floor seal aided by a fabric squeegee, reducing scatter compared with some rivals. Still, the seal is not consistently tight across all surfaces, aligning with weaker crevice results and mixed hard-floor outcomes in some testing.

Pet hair on carpet is one of the strongest categories, with one lab test measuring roughly mid-90 percent removal and other reviewers describing near-perfect results. This is a key reason it is recommended for pet homes.

Many owners say it removes pet hair from carpets effectively and reveals debris their old vacuums missed. Counterpoints include reports of needing multiple passes or preferring models with a self-cleaning roller for heavy shedding.

Hard-floor hair pickup is generally reported as strong, especially when the brushroll is allowed to run to grab strands. Some users choose to keep the carpet setting on hard floors specifically to improve hair pickup.

Hair pickup on hard floors is generally rated highly, especially for pet fur, with many owners impressed by what it collects after prior vacuuming. Results depend more on suction and technique than on tangle resistance.

Most reviewers report that long human hair can wrap around the brushroll and requires manual removal, making anti-tangle performance below average. A minority opinion claims it handles tangles well, but the dominant theme is that hair wrap is a regular maintenance task.

Hair wrap is one of the biggest recurring complaints: long hair and pet fur often wrap the brush roll and require manual cutting or regular cleanouts. Several reviewers recommend stepping up to a Shark with a self-cleaning roller if hair is a daily issue.

Hard-floor fine dust pickup is frequently praised, including reports of less dust being kicked back into the air than with older vacuums. This aligns with strong suction and sealed filtration comments.

Hard-floor large-debris pickup is polarizing: multiple reviewers report excellent pickup with minimal snowplowing, while one lab review found it pushed cereal and scored poorly. Using the correct floor setting and the specific debris type being tested seem to drive the difference.

Most users report it handles larger debris well on hard floors, including pet mess and gritty dirt. A few note the head can grab certain rugs or feel less smooth when transitioning over thicker surfaces.

The floorhead LED is widely appreciated for spotting debris in dark rooms, under furniture, and at night. It is consistently treated as a practical, high-value feature.

A frequent complaint is the lack of a headlight or LEDs on the floorhead. Many reviewers miss this feature for seeing dust on hard floors or vacuuming in low-light areas.

Hose reach is a common complaint in at least one lab review, and specs cited elsewhere put it around the mid-single-digit feet range. It works for stairs and upholstery, but tall ceiling corners may feel limiting.

The extendable hose and wand are valued for reaching ceilings, blinds, and above-floor areas. Some users dispute the advertised reach, say the wand feels too long, or note the base can tip when the hose is pulled taut.

Routine upkeep is manageable with washable filters and an easy-to-clean bin, but brushroll hair wrap can add regular maintenance. Expect periodic filter care plus occasional brushroll cutting for long hair.

Ongoing maintenance is expected: rinsing filters, clearing clogs, and cutting hair off the brush roll. Reviewers who keep up with these routines report better performance and fewer issues.

Swivel steering, light carry weight, and balanced handling are repeatedly praised, especially for weaving around furniture. A lab reviewer still rated handling strong but felt it was less maneuverable than the very best premium uprights.

Noise impressions are mixed: one comparison test measured it as relatively quiet around the low-80 dB range, while another measured it slightly louder than average. Overall it is moderate and rarely described as painfully loud.

Noise feedback is mixed: several users call it relatively quiet or quieter than older Sharks, while others describe it as very noisy. Overall it trends tolerable but not silent.

A few reviewers say it leaves the air feeling fresher at first, but long-term owners sometimes report musty odors if filters aren’t cleaned or replaced on schedule. One reviewer also expressed caution about the odor-neutralizing component around kids/pets.

Onboard tool storage is convenient, with accessories kept on the vacuum for quick access. This supports quick transitions between floor cleaning and above-floor detailing.

Onboard storage for the main attachments is a convenience highlight, reducing the chance of losing tools. A few reviewers still want more dedicated storage space, such as a spot for spare filters.

Because it is bagless and uses washable filters, owners can avoid recurring bag purchases and reduce routine costs. You will still have periodic filter replacement and brushroll cleaning as part of ownership.

Washable filters are repeatedly called out as a cost saver because they can be rinsed instead of replaced frequently. Some users still buy extra filter sets so one can dry while the other is in use.

Longevity sentiment is split: many long-time Shark owners report years of service from older Navigators and expect similar life, while some users report early failures or worry about lighter, more plastic construction.

Overall sentiment is mostly enthusiastic, with several reviewers calling it a top budget upright and recommending it for everyday cleaning. The outlier is a lab-style review that does not recommend it due to average cleaning and hard-floor performance.

Overall sentiment is mostly positive, driven by suction, maneuverability, and value, with many repeat Shark buyers recommending it. Negative reviews focus on missing premium features (like a headlight), hair wrap maintenance, occasional rug handling issues, and sporadic reliability complaints.

Packaging feedback is positive where mentioned, with parts arriving intact and well organized. No repeated complaints about broken pieces in transit appear in these reviews.

Multiple reviewers call it a strong budget pick for pet households thanks to sealed HEPA filtration and strong pet-hair pickup. The common pet-focused drawback is brushroll hair wrap when long hair is present.

Many reviews position it as a pet-friendly upright thanks to strong suction and included pet tools, with multiple owners impressed by fur pickup on carpets and furniture. The main pet-related downside is brush-roll hair wrap, which can require frequent cleanouts in heavy-shedding homes.

Most reviewers frame it as a high-value upright in the roughly 100 to 200 dollar range and a frequent budget-category winner. One lab-style review felt similarly priced competitors delivered better overall results, so value depends on your floor types and priorities.

Value is a consistent theme: many see it as a budget-friendly upright that competes well with more expensive vacuums. A minority feel it’s overpriced if you need more features, better rug handling, or longer-lasting build.

Cosmetic durability is a minor but present theme, with mentions of scratches and some tools leaving marks on surfaces. These reports are not universal but suggest care is needed around delicate finishes.

Lift-up style use can make stairs easier because the canister can be carried while using the hose and tools. However, one reviewer argues it is not a true lift-away experience, so expect some compromise compared with premium lift-away designs.

Stairs are generally manageable thanks to the hose/wand and lighter feel compared with heavier uprights. The main drawback is stability, as some users say the base can tip when pulling the hose during stair work.

Several reviewers like that it stores in a closet or corner, but stability can be an issue. Multiple comments mention the vacuum can feel tipsy or tip over when using the hose/wand, requiring a hand to steady it.

Power is strong for the price in several independent tests, with above-average sealed suction reported, but airflow and unsealed suction can be merely average because the floorhead does not always form a tight seal.

Most reviews describe very strong suction that pulls up noticeably more dirt, dust, and hair than prior vacuums. A smaller set of owners say power feels similar to other Sharks or takes multiple passes on rugs, especially compared with higher-end models.

Some professional or frequent cleaners report it holds up well with routine upkeep, suggesting it can handle heavier use. Others frame it as a good home vacuum that may wear faster or be harder to repair under commercial-style abuse.

Several reviewers highlight that it fits well in apartments, condos, and small storage spaces while still offering strong suction. People in larger homes sometimes want a longer cord or bigger bin to reduce interruptions.

The biggest reliability note is that it is a relatively new model in the market, so long-term durability is less proven than long-running competitors. Reviewers who handled it often say it feels well made, but they still flag uncertainty about years-long ownership.

Reliability experiences vary from trouble-free use (including frequent cleaning) to complaints about clogs, vibration, and occasional unit failure. Some also note repair/parts availability can be limited, reinforcing a replace-rather-than-repair perception.

Hardwood-friendly operation is noted: the brushroll can stop or be turned off on hard floors to reduce scratching risk. This makes it safer for delicate surfaces when you use the correct mode.

Attachments are generally described as easy to swap, with parts that click into place and detach quickly. A few users still wish certain tools were included, but the change process itself is straightforward.

The LED headlight and relatively low-profile reach are repeatedly cited as helpful for cleaning under furniture and in dim areas. This improves real-world usability even when overall pickup varies by surface.

Getting under low furniture is a common limitation for a standard upright design. Some users can reach under tables and chairs, but others say the head and body are too bulky for couches and low-clearance spaces.

Above-floor cleaning is a strong use case thanks to the lift-up canister and included upholstery/crevice-style tools. Reviewers commonly use it for couches, corners, fans, and other hard-to-reach spots with good results.

Above-floor cleaning is a strength for many owners, especially using the pet tool on couches and the wand for curtains, vents, and ceiling fans. Reach is generally good, but pulling hard on the hose can make the base tip for some users.

Most reviews emphasize versatility: it can switch between hard floors and carpets, detach for above-floor tasks, and use multiple tools. It is commonly positioned as a do-it-all budget upright rather than a single-purpose machine.

The hose, wand, and tools make it useful for floors, furniture, and high dusting, adding versatility for a standard upright. It does not offer a Lift-Away detachable canister, which limits portability compared with other Shark lines.

Weight is a standout: reviewers repeatedly measure or cite roughly 11.6 to 12 pounds. This featherlight feel improves carry comfort, stair moves, and general maneuvering.

Many users describe it as lightweight and easy to carry, including older owners who appreciate reduced strain. Others still find it heavy to lift or feel wrist/hand fatigue during long sessions, especially when using the hose.