Compare Kenmore Bagless Upright Vacuum Lift vs Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum

Attachments were viewed positively when reviewers saw the pet tool pick up hair, called the attachment set useful, or described the HandiMate as good for upholstery and tight areas.

Attachments are generally useful, with praise for pet, upholstery, crevice, and broad above-floor tools, though one pillow/upholstery test found the brush only okay.

Lift-up or Lift Away-style functionality was repeatedly praised for changing the vacuum into a more flexible room, stair, and above-floor tool.

Area rug handling is mixed-to-negative: reviewers note smooth surface transitions, but shag and larger particles can require extra effort.

Setup was praised in one hands-on review as very easy.

Assembly evidence is limited but favorable, with one test saying the Shark took only a couple of minutes despite needing more assembly than others.

The bin was described as large enough and easy to open, supporting solid scores for everyday debris handling.

The dust cup/bin is usually reviewed positively for capacity, easy emptying, and a straightforward open design, with one sealed-bin test also supporting containment.

Build impressions were split between well-built praise in test reviews and severe owner complaints about cracking and broken parts.

Build quality is serviceable but not premium; reviewers mention plastic construction as a drawback while also linking it to low weight and price.

High-pile carpet evidence was limited to one hands-on review but positive for removing cat hair and ingrained dirt.

High-pile carpet and shag rugs are a recurring weakness because the lack of height adjustment makes deep or tall pile harder to handle.

Low-pile carpet pickup was generally strong, including effective brush-roll comments, 98 percent pickup, and hands-on praise.

Low-pile carpet pickup is a strength, with reviewers citing strong low-pile results and best-in-test budget carpet performance.

Medium-carpet pickup scored strongly in lab-style tests, including 98 percent overall pickup and a 100 percent carpet deep-clean result.

Medium-pile/deep carpet evidence is very strong, including perfect-score and deep-clean praise for embedded sand pickup.

Hair-related clogging evidence is weak-to-negative, with one test describing embedded pet hair as prone to clumping.

Comparative evidence was favorable overall, including better hardwood value versus a cheaper model and advantages over a Shark comparison, though not every comparison was a win.

Comparative performance is generally good for the price, but named comparisons show some rivals beat it on hard-floor pickup, suction, or overall score.

Controls were praised for making surface changes easier and for better button placement than the comparison Shark.

Controls are simple, with one comparison calling the Navigator simpler than newer Shark models, though fewer advanced settings are available.

The detachable canister/lift-up format was treated as a useful convertible cleaning design in the DU5092 review.

The Lift-Away/portable canister design is a repeated strength, making stairs, furniture, upholstery, and above-floor cleaning easier.

Cord length was mostly positive at 30 feet, but one review noted some users would prefer longer cords for larger spaces.

Cord length is acceptable-to-good in reviewed variants, with reviewers calling reach good or sufficient.

Cordless convenience scored low because one reviewer explicitly found it less convenient than a cordless vacuum.

Cord management was a mild drawback because one reviewer noted the cord must be wrapped manually.

Crevice pickup was a noted weakness in the DU5092 review, scoring below average alongside unsealed suction.

Crevice/groove pickup is a weakness, with multiple reviews reporting struggles in cracks or crevices despite strong suction elsewhere.

Cyclone performance has limited but positive evidence, with one review praising cyclonic suction for capturing fine dust and debris.

Debris illumination was positive in the DU5092 review, where LED lights were said to help reveal debris that might otherwise be missed.

Ease of use was a strong positive, with reviewers praising easier controls, responsive features, and straightforward handling.

Ease of use is mostly positive because of simple operation, light handling, and Lift-Away utility, though pushing can be harder with strong suction.

Edge cleaning received a moderate score because the head was said to work okay rather than exceptionally along edges.

Edge/baseboard cleaning is mixed: one test found no edge issues, another praised head-on edge pickup, while a third said the model struggled.

Emptying and mess control were repeatedly praised for easy canister removal, one-button emptying, and simple opening.

Emptying is generally easy and clean, but one comparison disliked the two-clip canister removal compared with a one-button Kenmore.

Filtration received strong marks across reviews, with smoke tests passing well and HEPA or sealed-air-path comments tied to dust containment.

Filtration is one of the strongest points: reviewers repeatedly praise the sealed HEPA system and dust containment for allergy-sensitive homes.

Floorhead design was mostly positive because reviewers linked it to strong debris pickup and deep cleaning, while acknowledging a trade-off in seal.

Floorhead design is seen as a strength for budget handling and carpet agitation, though its older/simple geometry contributes to larger-debris limits elsewhere.

The floorhead seal was a weakness in the DU5092 review because large front gates let in more air and reduced the seal.

Hair-removal channel issues were clearly negative in one pet-hair comparison where hair stuck on the rollers.

Hair-removal channel evidence is negative because reviewers advise routine roller clearing to avoid hair buildup.

Carpet hair pickup was generally positive, with fur and cat-hair removal praised, despite separate tangle concerns.

Carpet hair pickup is split: many sources praise pet and long-hair pickup, while one lab test found embedded pet hair mediocre.

Hard-floor hair pickup receives positive evidence where a pet-focused review says the Navigator handled pet hair across carpet and hardwood floors.

Hair-wrap resistance was split: one review said the Kenmore did poorly with hair tangles, while another DU5092 review praised the hair Eliminator nozzle.

Hair-wrap resistance is a weakness, with multiple reviews noting long hair tangles or regular brush-roll clearing.

Hard-floor fine pickup was strong across reviews, with hardwood performance, 98 percent overall pickup, and fine-debris praise.

Hard-floor fine-debris pickup is mixed-to-positive: some reviewers praise hardwood results, while one lab review found sand left behind.

Large-debris intake scored strongly because reviewers praised hardwood pickup and large front gates for debris other vacuums may miss.

Large-debris hard-floor pickup is mixed: some tests report strong rice/Cheerios pickup, while others say the head pushed or scattered debris.

LED lighting was consistently useful in reviews, helping illuminate dark spots or missed debris.

LED/headlight evidence is limited; one comparison noted the Shark lacks a headlight, but also said it was not a major issue for that test.

Reach was praised through the 10-foot wand and a comparison noting the wand was longer than a Shark model.

Hose and wand reach are common concerns, with several reviews saying the hose or wand is shorter than ideal.

Innovation evidence was limited but positive where sealed filtration was described as rare in the price range.

Competitive design evidence is positive because reviewers describe sealed filtration at this price as rare and the budget design as unusually enduring.

Low-profile design scored poorly because multiple reviews said the main head was too large to fit under a bed.

Low-profile design is mixed; it can help around furniture but can also bump into overhanging objects or struggle with taller debris.

Maintenance requirements were a moderate drawback because one review said the filter needs monthly cleaning to keep performance.

Maintenance is mixed: the canister and parts are easy to maintain, but hair wrap and regular upkeep remain necessary.

Maneuverability was generally praised, with swivel steering and easy direction changes highlighted across multiple reviews.

Maneuverability is mostly praised for swivel steering, light weight, and easy handling, though one test found it stiffer than higher-end uprights.

Noise was a consistent caveat: reviewers measured or described it as noisy, louder than a Shark comparison model, or noisy on higher suction settings.

Noise is generally acceptable for a corded upright, with some tests calling it relatively quiet, though one comparison still described both vacuums as fairly loud.

Ongoing ownership cost evidence was negative in one review because replacement filters were described as expensive.

One negative owner review reported early motor failure, making longevity a serious concern in that review.

Long-term sentiment is strong because the NV352 is repeatedly described as having stood the test of time despite newer competitors.

Overall opinion was mostly favorable, with several strong recommendations or 'impressive' conclusions, offset by one strongly negative owner review.

Overall sentiment is positive: reviewers call it a strong budget performer, an excellent deal, and a time-tested model, with some caveats.

Pet-oriented evidence was mostly positive: reviewers liked the pet tool, brush roll, and pet-hair cleaning ability, though separate tangle evidence showed limits.

Pet-hair opinions are mixed: several sources praise pet pickup and pet tools, while others report mediocre embedded fur pickup or missing powered pet attachments.

Most reviews framed it as a strong value for the price, but one owner review sharply disagreed after failures and filter costs.

Value is a major strength: many reviews call it affordable, a budget standout, or an excellent deal given its suction, filtration, and lift-away design.

Stair use was rated positively where Lift Away technology made stair cleaning easier.

Stair cleaning benefits from Lift-Away portability and handheld use, with several reviewers specifically praising stairs or portable above-floor reach.

Storage received a positive mention from one reviewer who said putting it away was simple.

Storage footprint evidence is positive because one review calls it compact and far less bulky than most upright vacuums.

Reviewers repeatedly measured or described strong suction and airflow, including 22 kPa results and above-average head airflow, with one owner also praising how much it pulled from carpet.

Reviewers consistently describe strong suction and airflow, especially for a budget upright, though one direct comparison measured weaker suction than a Kenmore rival.

Heavy-duty suitability was supported by a reviewer saying homes with lots of carpet, kids, or pets may need a heavier corded option like this.

Heavy-duty evidence is limited but positive, with one review calling it a no-frills workhorse when given extra passes and basic maintenance.

Small-space suitability is positive where reviewers call it compact and less bulky than most upright vacuums.

Reliability evidence was mixed: professional-style reviews disliked the shorter warranty, while one owner reported the vacuum would not power on.

Support and reliability evidence is positive where reviewers note replacement-part availability and a five-year warranty adding long-term value.

Tool and release actions were praised when reviewers noted one-button canister emptying and an easy switch between crevice and brush tool modes.

Tool-change and lift-away button convenience drew criticism in a head-to-head comparison, where the controls were described as less convenient than Kenmore.

Under-furniture performance was mixed: Lift Away helped in one comparison, but multiple reviews said the main head was too big for beds.

Under-furniture pickup is limited; one review specifically noted the Navigator could not fully reach under chairs.

Above-floor and upholstery cleaning scored well through praise for ceiling reach, pet-hair cleaning on furniture and stairs, and sofa cleaning.

Above-floor and upholstery pickup are broadly positive, especially with Lift-Away and pet tools, but one test found tougher cushion cleaning required effort.

Versatility was one of the strongest themes, supported by lift-up use, tools, reach, upholstery cleaning, and multi-surface performance.

Versatility is a major consensus strength because the vacuum handles carpets, hard floors, stairs, upholstery, and handheld tasks with multiple tools.

Weight evidence was mixed: several reviews found it heavy or cumbersome versus cordless models, while one review called 14 pounds below average and another called it lightweight.

Weight is a strength for this upright class, though one pet-hair roundup still considered a related Navigator Professional slightly heavy.