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Shark Vertex DuoClean AZ2002 Review

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

The Shark Vertex DuoClean is a corded upright vacuum with Lift-Away canister for portable use. It’s designed for multi-floor cleaning with powerful suction as an upright or when used as a portable canister vac.

Shark is calling it their “most powerful vacuum ever”. Let’s dive in for the full story.

2-in-1 Upright Vacuum with DuoClean

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Shark Vertex DuoClean

The Shark Vertex is an upright vacuum that doubles as a corded upright or a more portable canister vacuum. It has an advanced DuoClean brushroll system, which combines spiral rubber brushes with a soft roller brush. The 1 quart dust bin canister is removable from the base, which allows you to carry it in-hand as you clean. It dominated our cleaning tests, removing 99% of all debris we tested it against on 3 different floor types. Build quality and performance were truly exceptional and we do agree with Shark…this is definitely their most powerful vacuum ever.Check Price

Pros

  • Multiple configurations for a variety of messes
  • Improved build quality over the more budget-friendly Shark models. The Vertex cleans incredibly solid.
  • New PowerFins on the improved DuoClean brush replace more traditional bristles and improve performance
  • Fantastic cleaning performance removing 99% of all debris we tested it against

Cons

  • Definitely on the heavier side at 16.38 pounds
  • One of the most expensive vacuum models Shark offers
Shark's Best Vacuum
  • Design - 99%
    99%
  • Performance - 99%
    99%
  • Quality - 96%
    96%
  • Usability - 99%
    99%
  • Value - 97%
    97%
98%

Summary

The Shark Vertex upright is a corded vacuum with Lift-Away canister and DuoClean brushroll system. It is designed for multi-floor cleaning and all types of debris. It was exceptional in our cleaning tests, removing 99.4% of all debris across 3 different floor types. This vacuum has corded power (up to 30′ cord) and a 5.5′ flexible hose for increased maneuverability and use. The Vertex build quality is equal to any other high-end upright vacuum we’ve tested to date.

Design

The Shark Vertex upright combines a mix of new features for a powerful (and convertible) upright vacuum cleaner.

Design of the Shark Vertex upright vacuum
Design of the Shark Vertex upright vacuum

This vacuum has the following perks:

  • DuoClean: utilizes the DuoClean brushroll system, which is a 2-roller technique—soft roller at the front and a spiral rubberized roller in the middle (aka “PowerFins”…Shark’s name); counterrotating for maximum suction and pull
  • Lift-Away: upright vacuum has a canister that separates from the floor brushroll and allows you to take the unit apart from the base for cleaning on-the-go
  • Self-Cleaning brushroll: updated design prevents hair from wrapping around the axel for a more effective cleaning performance

Cleaning Performance

The cleaning performance of the Shark Vertex is fantastic and I was impressed with debris removal on all floor types.

Shark Vertex upright

I found the build quality to be exceptionally good, a huge step above more budget-friendly Shark uprights like the Shark Navigator or Shark Rotator.

It was more in line with the quality we saw on the Shark Apex, but even better since it has an improved brushroll system with PowerFins.

Accessory storage on the Shark Vertex DuoClean
Accessory storage on the Shark Vertex DuoClean

So without further ado, here are the results from the Shark Vertex cleaning performance tests:

Overall

99.4%

Hardwood

100%

Low Carpet

98.8%

High Carpet

99.5%

These results are pretty consistent with the Shark Apex in terms of performance, but a huge step up from the Shark Navigator and Shark Rotator.

How do we test?

For all of our vacuum cleaning performance tests, we test on 3 different floor types, including hardwood floors, low pile carpet, and high pile carpet. 

For each floor type, we test the vacuum cleaner against different debris types.

The exact breakdown looks like:

  • Rice – 3 ounces
  • Dry Cereal – 1 ounce
  • Kitty Litter – 3 ounces
  • Sugar – 3 ounces
Cleaning performance testing debris
Testing Debris – From left to right: Rice (3 oz.), Kitty Litter (3 oz), Cereal (1 oz), Sugar (3 oz)

Each of the debris types is then spread across our approximately 11 square foot testing lane. The base surface of our testing lane is an engineered hardwood floor. For our carpet tests, we slide in a low pile and high pile carpet insert on top of the hardwood floor.

Our vacuum cleaning process strives to be as consistent, fair, and true to real world use as possible.

Our tests utilize the following procedure:

  1. Measure the weight of the testing debris and weight of empty vacuum debris container.
  2. Spread the respective debris type evenly across the central portion of the testing lane.
  3. Run the vacuum cleaner over the testing lane.
  4. Measure the weight of the now filled container and take notes on the cleaning performance.

Hardwood Floor

On the hardwood floors, the Vertex was flawless, capturing 100% of all debris tested. The soft roller brush really makes a tremendous difference on hardwood floors.

Many upright vacuum cleaners simply push cereal and other large debris forward on hard surface flooring.

Cereal

100%

Kitty Litter

100%

Rice

100%

Sugar

100%

Shark Vertex upright - hardwood floor performance
Shark Vertex upright – hardwood floor performance

Low Pile Carpet

On low pile carpet, the results were nearly flawless as well, with 96-100% capture rate between all debris types. Overall, it’s just a powerful machine with strong suction.

However, the DuoClean brushroll really does make a big difference. This counterrotating brush grabs on to both large and fine debris, regardless of floor type.

Cereal

100%

Kitty Litter

99%

Rice

100%

Sugar

96%

Shark Vertex upright - low carpet performance
Shark Vertex upright – low carpet performance

High Pile Carpet

The high pile carpet test was consistent and as impressive as the low pile carpet, results between 98-100% collected across all debris types.

Cereal

100%

Kitty Litter

100%

Rice

100%

Sugar

98%

Shark Vertex upright - high carpet performance
Shark Vertex upright – high carpet performance

Want to see more Shark vacuum tests? See our complete review series below:

How it Cleans

The Shark Vertex upright vacuum uses the DuoClean brushroll to pull debris into the body of the vacuum.

Top view of the DuoClean brushroll on the Shark Vertex upright vacuum
Top view of the DuoClean brushroll on the Shark Vertex upright vacuum

The brushrolls work together to agitate carpet fibers for improved performance, while providing a gentle clean for hard surface flooring, like hardwoods or tile.

The Vertex has 3 cleaning modes:

  • Hard Floor
  • Carpet / Low Pile
  • Thick Carpet / Area Rug
Shark Vertex cleaning modes
Shark Vertex cleaning modes

As debris travels from the canister to the dust bin it is sealed off from the rest of the system. Shark uses an anti-allergen seal to help keep even the tiniest particulates out of the air and locked in the dust bin until it is time to empty.

DuoClean brushroll with PowerFins
DuoClean brushroll with PowerFins

After cleaning, you can remove the bin with the push of a button, empty it into the trash, and reinstall.

There is a 12″ wide cleaning path and a dust bin that holds up to 1 quart of dry debris.

Like the Shark Rotator, the Vertex also has advanced swivel steering as well as LED headlights for better visibility and maneuverability.

Size & Dimensions

The Shark Vertex is 46.5″ tall, 12″ wide, and 10″ deep.

Relative size of the Shark Vertex upright vacuum cleaner
Relative size of the Shark Vertex upright vacuum cleaner

It has a 12″ wide cleaning path, which is a bit wider than other upright vacuums on the market.

The Vertex is powdered with a 30′ long cord and has a flexible hose length of 5.5′ for extended reach.

Shark Vertex size
Shark Vertex size

Overall, this vacuum weighs 16.38 pounds, which puts it right in the middle for full-size uprights.

Shark Vertex size and dimensions
Shark Vertex size and dimensions

When used as a handheld, the Vertex is about 8 pounds, give or take, but pretty manageable for many users.

MORE: For comparison, the Dyson V10 Absolute as a handheld weighs a little under 4 pounds.

Accessories & Parts

The Shark Vertex upright vacuum comes with the following parts and accessories:

  • Dusting brush
  • Crevice tool
  • Pet power brush
  • HEPA Filter
Parts and accessories for the Shark Vertex upright vacuum
Parts and accessories for the Shark Vertex upright vacuum

Below is the HEPA filter and pre-motor foam filter.

Shark Vertex DuoClean filters
Shark Vertex DuoClean filters

Usability

Using the Shark Vertex vacuum is simple and intuitive. As mentioned above, it works great for upright vacuuming or a more canister-style clean, by popping out the Lift-Away canister.

Shark Vertex Lift-Away canister
Shark Vertex Lift-Away canister

The canister still requires the corded power, but you can easily walk around with the dust bin in one hand and the extended wand in the other for maximum reach.

The cord offers up to 30′ of length and the 5.5′ flexible hose allows for even more extended reach.

You can use hand tools on the end of the wand or the floor cleaning head, which allows you to squeeze under a piece of furniture or sofa, as shown below.

Shark Vertex upright nearly laying flat
Shark Vertex upright nearly laying flat

Maneuverability

The maneuverability of the Shark Vertex appears to be quite good. It has a great reclining handle and advanced swivel steering.

Here’s a quick list of other features that may impact maneuverability:

  • Weight: 16.38 pounds (as an upright)
  • Power: 30′ cord
  • Hose: 5′, 5″
  • Height: 46.5″ total height
  • Width: 12″ cleaning path

Maintenance

Maintenance for the Shark Vertex upright vacuum is easy and has a few perks that keep things running smoothly.

Removing the dust bin canister on the Shark Vertex upright vacuum
Removing the dust bin canister on the Shark Vertex upright vacuum

Here’s what you’re going to get with the Vertex upright:

  1. Self-cleaning brushroll: spiral paddle design is made to help prevent hair tangles or clogging debris, which means less maintenance for you
  2. HEPA filter set: washable with water and sit out to air dry and reinstall
  3. Clean dustbin: easily see when it’s time to empty the canister
Emptying Shark Vertex dust bin
Emptying Shark Vertex dust bin

Is the Shark Vertex a good value?

Ok so we’re rounding it out towards the end here, let’s talk about value.

Is the Shark Vertex a good value? In my opinion, the answer is yes, but your opinion may vary depending on exactly what you’re looking for.

Shark Vertex upright

This vacuum has strong suction, large dustbin capacity, and a good selection of tools and features for variable use.

The performance was fantastic and the advanced brushroll really took this vacuum to the next level.

Shark Vertex mini motor brush
Shark Vertex mini motor brush

The only time the value may not feel like it’s there is if you’re considering a cordless vacuum or want something lighter weight.

Shark Vertex DuoClean HEPA filter
Shark Vertex DuoClean HEPA filter

But if corded power, cleaning performance, and a large dust bin capacity are top priorities, the Shark Vertex will check most of your boxes.

Specifications

Below is a complete list of the specifications and special features included with the Shark Vertex Lift-Away upright:

Specifications
TypeUpright
ManufacturerShark
ModelVertex DuoClean with Powered Lift-Away; AZ2002
SuctionStrong (exact AW unknown)
Height46.5"
Depth10"
Width (inches)12"
Weight16.38 lbs.
Floor TypeAll
FilterWashable
Dust Bin1 quarts
Cord30'
Reach35.5'
BaglessYes
ReturnsVaries by retailer
Warranty1-Year limited
PriceCheck Price

Who Should Buy the Shark Vertex Lift-Away Vacuum?

The Shark Vertex is an all-around solid option if you’re looking for a full-size corded upright that really shines with cleaning performance.

I would recommend the Shark Vertex Lift-Away if you’re looking for the following features in an upright vacuum.

  • Good for multi-floor cleaning: The DuoClean system is a great option for users who have a combination of different floor types. The improved DuoClean combines spiral rubberized paddle and soft fluffy roller head at the front of the vacuum. This combination of both cleaning styles makes it powerful enough to agitate debris in carpets, while still being gentle on hardwood floors.
  • Continuous corded power: The upright Vertex is a corded vacuum. Meaning that it can provide continuous, fade-free suction power for as long as you need it, without needing to charge up a battery.
  • 2-in-1 usability: The Vertex Lift-Away canister lets you use this vacuum as an upright or as a powerful handheld by removing the canister from the vacuum base.

To learn more or to check the price of the Shark Vertex Lift-Away, click here.

Changelog

  • December 30, 2020 – Added 2 new images for the filters.
  • December 18, 2020 – We finished our in-house tests of the Shark Vertex, added our testing data, added photographs, updated dimensions, and added more information around performance, build quality, and more.
  • October 14, 2020 – Initial version of the page was published. Initial version was a pre-test, meaning we have not yet personally tested the product. Our review, opinions, scores, and other factors are based on our experience with similar Shark vacuums, as well as manufacturer info, hardware, and other specs.

About Derek Hales

Derek HalesDerek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ModernCastle.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, She Knows, and other major publications. Derek has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Hales has been testing and reviewing products for the home since 2014.