Shark Stratos Cordless Review [IZ862H]

It’s cordless, it bends, and it has incredible suction power. It’s time for us to test the cordless version of Shark’s Stratos vacuum. We’ll run it through our 21 performance testing gauntlet and see how it fares.

Pros

• Perfect suction against pet and human hair with zero trace in the brushroll.
• Very long runtime if you use the Clean Sense IQ mode or Eco mode
• Excellent performance across debris types, but especially large debris.

Cons

• A small percentage of sugar and kitty litter consistently eluded this model
• On the heavier side as far as cordless vacuums go at almost 9 pounds

Scoring

In This Review

Cleaning Test | Long Hair Test | Pet Hair Test | Runtime Test | Wind Speed Test | Smoke Sealant Test | Noise Test | Usability | Accessories | Size | Specs | Summary

Performance Tests

To test the Shark Stratos, we put it through a series of 21 different tests from 8 critical performance categories.

These testing categories include:

• Cleaning test
• Hair test
• Pet hair test
• Wind speed test
• Runtime test
• Smoke sealant test
• Noise test
• Usability test

Cleaning Test

For the cleaning test, we measure how well the Shark Stratos Cordless is able to clean up messes by putting it against 4 different debris types and 3 different floor types.

For each debris and floor type we use the vacuum on the maximum suction power and give each debris type one forward and one backward pass.

Shark claims this model has the highest suction power of any cordless model they make and it definitely felt powerful. It did have some issues with smaller debris types.

Here are the overall results for the Shark Stratos:

It’s speculation on my part, but I believe the higher suction contributed to debris shooting outside the testing path, thereby scoring lower. Still, it managed a 96.66% overall performance score. Compared to the average of 96.4% (based on all of our vacuum tests to date) it was better.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning

The Cordless Stratos performed the best on hardwood floors. It was virtually perfect with sugar, kitty litter, and rice.

The only issue we observed was that a small amount of debris would shoot out of the sides due to the high suction. This problem most affected the cereal, which had only 96.6% collected in the test.

We could see the cereal breaking and shooting off to the sides. With more and wider passes with the vacuum, I am confident this wouldn’t be a problem in real world application.

Low Pile Carpet Cleaning

For these next two, we observed somewhat of an opposite problem. The larger debris types were entirely sucked up by the Stratos Cordless stick vacuum.

It was the smaller debris that seemed to stay in the testing lanes. Notably we could see the smallest type, sugar, somehow make its way on top of the brushroll.

We cleaned it off and reran the tests several times and always got the same result. Smaller debris just seems to give the brush head on the Shark Stratos Cordless some issues.

High Pile Carpet Cleaning

We saw a near identical result with high pile carpet. The two smaller debris types struggled more at a 90.8% and 90.4%. And again, larger debris types didn’t leave behind a single grain of rice or piece of cereal. 

These amounts are, indeed, small, but they are worth considering.

Long Hair Test

For our hair test, we place exactly 1 gram of high-contrasting blue strands of hair on our high pile testing lane. We then run the vacuum over it on its highest setting and check to see how much hair was removed, and if any tangled in the brushroll.

With only one pass of the Cordless Shark Stratos, 100% of the blue hair was removed from the testing lane and accounted for at the post-test weigh in. The entire amount was collected in a single cohesive spiral in the dust bin. 

After examining the brushroll, we couldn’t find a strand of hair anywhere. This is truly exceptional performance, as most brush heads see at least some amount tangled in the corners or wrapped in the roll. 

Pet Hair Test

Our pet hair test is similar to the long hair test in that we place 1 gram of pet fur on the high pile carpet testing lane, run the vacuum over it on its highest setting, and see how much is removed.

The Cordless Shark Stratos did it again. It demonstrated perfect performance both with 100% collection of the hair and 0 evidence left behind in the brush head.

Shark Stratos uses proprietary elements that they call “DUOCLEAN”, “POWERFINS”, and “HAIRPRO”; our testing shows this design is effective.

If you have a dog that sheds a lot, the Shark Stratos cordless stick vacuum is a great choice to help clean it up.

Runtime Test

For our runtime test, we fully charge the battery, and let the vacuum run on each mode until the battery runs out of power.

In this case, the 3 modes included the “Clean Sense IQ” mode that changes based on debris and terrain detected. Since there is no way to be consistent with those variables, we only tested the Eco and Boost modes that both have constant suction.

Here are the results from our test:

The results show quite a range of suction the Shark Stratos Cordless can produce. At nearly 1 hour and 19 minutes, the lowest setting called eco mode is impressive.

On the other end, the boost mode lasted just under 14 minutes. That powerful suction can only be sustained for so long on battery. If you use the Clean Sense IQ mode, you would be experiencing somewhere between these two power settings.

Wind Speed Test

Vacuums with higher wind speed can create higher suction power. To measure the wind speed the Shark Stratos generates, we use an anemometer. We place it level with the next of the extension tube and run the vacuum on each mode, recording the results.

Again, we only tested the Eco and Boost modes. We can approximate the average wind speed of the Clean Sense mode as somewhere in between the first two. The bar in the image above shows the relative strength of Cordless Stratos in its Clean Sense mode at the time of the picture.

Here’s what we found:

For the Cordless Shark Stratos, we measured a max wind speed of 19.5 mph while on its highest power setting (boost mode).

This is significant as it actually outperforms the recorded wind speed of the Corded Shark Stratos model, which was only 17.7 mph. Shark claims this is their most powerful cordless vacuum yet, and this is another data point to confirm that. 

Sealed System Test

For the sealed system test, we want to determine how well the entire vacuum system is sealed. Vacuums that are properly sealed ensure that dust and debris vacuumed stays inside the vacuum. Vacuums that are not properly sealed may spread dust and debris around your home. 

We set up a fog machine with the output nozzle facing directly toward the vacuum’s extension wand. Once the fog machine is primed, we turn the vacuum on the highest suction mode and release short bursts of smoke into the vacuum.

Just like with other Stratos models, we found the design of the Cordless Stratos to be completely sealed. Our video shows excellent sealant performance, with the only hint of smoke shown briefly out of the exhaust end of the vacuum. No other parts or connection points let smoke through.

Noise Test

To test the noise levels of the Shark Stratos, we ran it on high pile carpet in each power mode. While running, we use a sound meter to then measure the level of noise generated by the vacuum. Before starting the test, we also measure the ambient noise level of the room to compare vacuum to. 

This is definitely a loud vacuum with a range of 67.2 – 75.8 dB. 

Even at its lowest setting, you would most likely struggle to hold a conversation with someone more than 5 feet away. Based on the below reference chart, that is roughly equivalent to vehicle traffic or a running shower.

Its max power setting is a notch louder and I don’t think you would be able to clearly say or hear much with it running.

Common noise levels:

• 20 dB – rustling leaves
• 30 dB – whisper
• 40 dB – quiet library, babbling brook
• 50 dB – refrigerator, moderate rainfall
• 60 dB – normal conversation, dishwashers
• 70 dB – traffic, showers
• 80 dB – alarm clock, telephone dial tone

Usability

Usability is just as easy as you would expect from a cordless stick vacuum with some additional features.

Chief among these features is the extension wand that can pivot 180 degrees near the center. Not only is this great for storage, but it allows you to vacuum under furniture without you being the one to bend down to reach it. 

Setup

Regarding set-up of your cordless stick Stratos, there are actually few parts and steps to manage. Compared to the Shark Stratos Upright, which has 14 different parts that came out of the box, this cordless model had half as many.

Here is the complete list of parts that come out of the box:

• Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum body
• Pivoting extension wand
• Brush head
• Odor neutralizer pack (x1)
• Duster crevice tool
• Anti-Allergen brush
• Charger

The odor neutralizer is in a small cardboard box that may be confused with other packaging. Be sure not to throw it away.

After removing the plastic bags around the above items, you simply need to:

• Charge the battery, which takes up to 3.5 hours
• Insert odor neutralizer pack into the brush head
• Connect the wand, brush head, and vacuum together
• Remove informational/warning stickers after reading

This whole process is less than 5 minutes.

Controls & Display

Controls are extremely minimal on the Cordless Shark Stratos. On the vacuum itself there is:

• LCD display screen
• Power button
• Mode Select button

The LCD only shows the battery life as a percentage and an icon for each cleaning mode.

Pressing the power button will start you on the Clean Sense IQ mode shown at the top of the screen, and you can switch to the Eco mode and Boost mode in that order by pressing the mode select button located under the power button.

The accessories have some minor controls as well, and we will address them in that section.

Maintenance

Maintenance is fairly straightforward on the Cordless Stratos stick vacuum. There are 5 main elements to consider regarding maintenance:

• Emptying the dustbin
• Checking for clogs
• Cleaning the Post Motor HEPA Filter
• Cleaning the Pre-Motor Foam and Felt filters
• Cleaning Clean Sense IQ sensors 

These first two are only necessary based on need and usage. 

For the HEPA Post filter, Shark recommends cleaning once a year. For the Pre-Motor Foam and Felt filters, Shark recommends cleaning once a month. In both these cases, it is recommended to only use water and let dry for 48 hours.

Finally, Shark has detailed instructions for cleaning sensors if the Clean Sense IQ seems to get knocked out of calibration.

Accessories

As noted previously, there are very few accessories for the Shark Stratos. The only two that come with the base purchase of the vacuum are the:

• Duster crevice tool
• Anti-Allergen brush

The duster crevice tool has a brush attachment that can extend to the head or be stored below if the brush is not needed.

The Anti-allergen brush is designed for dusting and can actually flip around to dust under as well as on top of surfaces.

More accessories are compatible with the Shark Stratos Cordless Stick vacuum, but they would have to be purchased separately.

Size & Dimensions

Compared to other stick vacuums, I couldn’t help but feel like it was a degree heavier, but not dramatically so. Subjectively speaking, all the parts and overall design seem extremely sturdy and this adds a bit of heft, in my opinion.

Here are the dimensions of Shark Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum:

• Width – 10.24″
• Length – 13.78”
• Height – 51.18”
• Weight – 8.9 lbs

The height is fairly standard, but with the extension wand bent the full 180 degrees, it can be stored at a height of 26”.

Shark Stratos Cordless IZ862H Specifications

Specifications
Type	Cordless Stick
Manufacturer	Shark
Model	IZ862H
Height	51.18″
Width	10.24″
Length	13.78″
Weight	8.9 lbs.
Floor Type	All (indoor)
Filter	Felt & Foam, HEPA
Dust Bin Capacity	0.72 L
Cordless	Yes
Bagless	Yes
Returns	Varies by retailer
Warranty	5 years
Price	Check Price

Should you buy the Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum?

I would recommend the Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum if you are looking for the following features:

• Extension wand that can pivot: This vacuum has a button on the extension wand that you can use to transition from a straight stick to a right angle that allows the bottom half to be flush with the floor while you stay standing straight. This lets you clean under furniture without having to bend your knees. 
• Long runtime: Using the eco mode, your cleaning could last about 80 minutes on one charge. If you use the Clean Sense IQ mode, which regulates suction power based on sensors, you could get about 46 minutes of cleaning time. At the highest setting, which has extremely powerful suction, you can get about 14 minutes on one charge.
• Perfect hair cleaning performance: Not only does this vacuum remove all hair, even the bits that have been ground into carpet, but absolutely none of it was left in or tangled around the brush head during our tests.

For more information or to buy the Shark Stratos Cordless, click here.