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Shark Rocket DeluxePro Vacuum Review

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

he Shark Rocket DeluxePro is a budget-friendly unit that can adapt to many different environments. 

Use it as a handheld for stairs, baseboards, crown molding or upholstery – or use it as an upright vacuum for larger floor areas.

shark rocket deluxepro review

This Shark model is also very easy to maneuver and has a tight cleaning radius. I would recommend this vacuum for people looking for a “one-fits-all” vacuum.

2-in-1-Stick Vacuum

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Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro

This is a budget-friendly vacuum for those who like the idea of a 2-in-1 design Good maneuverability makes it easier for this Shark vacuum to clean smaller spacesCheck Price

Pros

  • Budget friendly vacuum
  • 2-in-1 design eliminates need for two vacuums

Cons

  • A little heavy for handheld use
  • Small dust bin is not ideal if you’re vacuuming a large area

Table of Contents

Design

At its core, the Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro vacuum cleaner is a convertible stick and handheld vacuum; a two-in-one of sorts.

Use it with the floor head and central suction system for a lightweight upright. Or use it as a powerful handheld, where the central suction system is transformed into an extendable wand and the head is detached.

Aesthetically, this vacuum looks sleek. The low profile vacuum head gives it a simple and lightweight look. Locating many of the heavier parts of this vacuum closer to the handle also helps with maneuvering and overall control of the unit.

Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro features

Features

  1. Roller Brush Head
  2. Upright Wand
  3. Dust Bin
  4. Power / Settings

How It Cleans

The Shark Rocket DeluxePro vacuum cleans using a combination of suction power and rotating brush heads to clean a variety of surface types.

There is a cleaning mode for low flooring, like hardwood, tile or low pile carpet, as well as one for high pile carpet or thick rugs.

The Shark is easy to move and turn, and has a high degree of maneuverability. Vacuum quickly for a fast and easy clean, or vacuum slowly for a deeper clean.

shark rocket how it cleans carpet
How the Shark Rocket DeluxePro cleans – roller brush head

Size & Dimensions

The Shark Rocket DeluxePro vacuum weighs approximately 8 pounds and is 48” tall. The vacuum floor head is approximately 10” x 10” x 2” high, making it easy to get under couches or furniture.

This unit comes with a wall mounted hook to hang up the vacuum. It’s important to note that, due to this design, the Shark Rocket DeluxePro  vacuum cleaner does not stand upright on its own- in “upright mode.”

shark rocket deluxepro size and dimensions

One work around here- is to detach the motor from the extending handle and attach it directly to the base, as you would use in handheld mode.

In this configuration, you can get the vacuum to stand on its own and you would not need to necessarily use the wall hook.

Shark Rocket DeluxePro Size & Dimensions

Accessories & Parts

The Shark DeluxePro vacuum comes with the following assortment of attachments and add-ons:

  • Handheld
  • Dust bin
  • Dust-Away Hard Floor Genie
  • Upright wand
  • Crevice tool
  • Roller brush head
  • Upholstery tool
  • Motorized brush tool
  • Dusting brush
  • Accessories storage bag

The variety of accessories is one of the key features that sets the Shark Rocket apart from other stick or handheld vacuums.

shark rocket deluxepro accessories

The customization allows you to convert the vacuum from an upright vacuum for hardwood, tile or carpets, to a handheld vacuum that is better suited for upholstery, cars, crevices or other spot cleaning.

Although only two accessories can be carried on board this vacuum, there is a large accessory bag that comes with the vacuum and helps to keep all accessories in one place.

Cleaning Tests

The following vacuum cleaning tests are designed to show how the Shark Rocket vacuum cleaner performs on a variety of surfaces picking up a variety of debris types.

For these tests we look at hard floors, low carpets, and high carpets.

Overall

61%

Hardwood

89%

Low Carpet

64%

High Carpet

30%

For each floor surface type we test the vacuum cleaner against rice (3 oz), dry cereal (1 oz, as it is larger), kitty litter (3 oz), and sugar (3 oz).

debris media
Testing Debris – From left to right: Rice (3 oz), Kitty Litter (3 oz), Cereal (1 oz), Sugar (3 oz)

Testing Debris – From left to right: Rice (3 oz), Kitty Litter (3 oz), Cereal (1 oz), Sugar (3 oz)

Each of the debris types was evenly spread out across the testing lane. After spreading out each debris type, we proceeded to complete the vacuum test. This test consisted of forward and backward passes through the debris.

To measure the amount of debris picked up by the vacuum, we first measure the dust bin before running the vacuum. Next, we vacuum up the mess and take a new measurement of the dust bin, which in turn gives us the total amount, in ounces, of debris picked up by the vacuum.

Hardwood Floor

For the hardwood test, the Shark Rocket DeluxePro did very well, collecting most of the rice, kitty litter, and sugar. The cereal was not impossible for the Shark, but it was, by far, the most difficult.

Cereal

65%

Kitty Litter

94%

Rice

96%

Sugar

99%

At first, during the test, it pushed the cereal down the testing lane without sucking it up. 

About halfway through the test, it started running over the cereal and crushing it, which allowed this vacuum to suck up more cereal than before.

One other thing to note here is the vacuum style. At the beginning of this test, we used the traditional vacuum style (straight forward, back at a diagonal). 

Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro hardwood floor cleaning tests

The Shark Rocket vacuum does not suck up debris on the back pass. Instead, it simply drags it behind itself and will continue sucking when you resume a forward motion.

For this reason, we had to modify our vacuum style to an alternate style (straight forward, straight back, move vacuum to new area… and so on).

In a nutshell, this just means that if you vacuum in the traditional style this vacuum would likely require a few extra passes to pick up all the debris. 

Low Pile Carpet

The low carpet test is virtually identical to the hardwood floor test, except the debris is spread out across low pile carpet. Measurements are recorded in the same way and the same number of passes are made.

Cereal

6%

Kitty Litter

88%

Rice

96%

Sugar

64%

On the low carpet, the Shark Rocket  did pretty well here too. Again, the cereal was a trouble spot.

Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro Low Carpet Cleaning tests

The Shark is lightweight enough that it basically rolled on top of the cereal and crushed it a bit, but was not able to suck up a majority of the pieces.

High Pile Carpet

So on the high carpet, from the looks of the before and after test, you would think that this vacuum did well. Again the kitty litter, rice, and sugar are sucked up easily.

Cereal

7%

Kitty Litter

25%

Rice

72%

Sugar

13%

On the high carpet, there was enough friction from the carpet fibers to allow the Shark to roll and crush the cereal and then suck it up.

Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro High Pile Carpet Cleaning Tests

At least that’s what it looked like happened. But when we emptied the dust canister, only 7% of the cereal had made it into the bin.

So where was it?

As it turned out, the cereal had actually been crushed and lodged inside the hosing of this vacuum, creating a complete blockage.

high carpet cereal detail hose
During the cereal test on the high carpet, the cereal was crushed and packed debris into the hose of the vacuum, making it unusable until unclogged.

During the cereal test on the high carpet, the cereal was crushed and packed debris into the hose of the vacuum, making it unusable until unclogged.

Usability

Using Shark Rocket DeluxePro is relatively simple. There is a toggle switch on the head of the vacuum that toggles between off, on for a low surface (like hardwoods or tile) and on for a high pile surface (like a thick area rug or carpets.)

The Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro handle allows users to easily adjust the settings for either bare floors or high pile carpets. Additionally, the filter is easily removed for cleaning or replacement along the handle.

Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro handle close up

Directly beyond the height setting is a simple lever that releases the filter cover. Shark recommends replacing the filter monthly.

On the underside of the vacuum handle is the dust cup release. The dust cup itself is relatively small and can hold approximately 2 cups of dirt and debris.

Understanding exactly how the accessories attach and detach from the Shark Rocket DeluxePro vacuum cleaner is as easy as locating the light gray release buttons on the body of the vacuum.

There are two main locations where the vacuum releases, which helps this Shark transform into a variety of cleaning tools. Releasing the wand at the handle allows you to to attach the crevice tool, upholstery tool, dusting brush or mini brush roller directly to the unit for handheld cleaning.

shark rocket deluxepro configurations
Shark Rocket DeluxePro configuration options (many provided, not all shown)

The alternate configuration is to leave the wand attached to the handheld unit and use the foot release to attach and detach various heads.

With this configuration, you can use the standard brush roller, the mini roller, or the the “Dust Away Hardwood Floor Genie” for large area floor cleaning.

You could even attach one of the handheld tools for extended cleaning, like baseboards, crown molding or hard to reach crevices.

shark rocket deluxepro wand release
There are two points of wand release on the Shark Rocket DeluzePro making it easy to customize.

Setting up the Shark Rocket vacuum is quick and painless. Most everything comes assembled in the box, therefore all you have to do is remove the vacuum from its packaging, plug it in, and turn it on. 

Keep in mind, the vacuum comes as an upright, so if you’re looking to use it as a handheld you’ll have to separate the units. However, this is the only additional setup required.

Maneuverability

The combination of the lighter weight and smaller brush head surface area, made this vacuum very easy to maneuver and reach tight areas.

The tight turning radius of this vacuum makes even odd-shaped areas accessible. This was a real time saver, not having to move every chair or small item in order to get a sufficient clean.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is a part of the care for any vacuum and helps to increase the lifespan of the unit. For the Shark Rocket DeluxePro, it’s pretty straightforward and involves caring for a few key pieces- the brush heads, the filter, and the Dust-Away microfiber pad (for hard floors).

Accessory / PartReplacement FrequencyReplacement Cost
HEPA filter1 monthCheck Price
Rolling brush12-24 monthsCheck Price
'Dust-Away Genie' pad3-4 monthsCheck Price

Properly maintaining the spinning brush is as simple as turning your Shark upside down and making sure those brush heads are clean and clear.

Long hair (human or pet) can easily wrap around the axle of the spinning brush heads and cause a blockage which in turn reduces suction power. Occasionally, you may need to fully replace this brush.

Shark recommends replacing the filter at least once a month. Depending on how large of an area the vacuum is cleaning or whether or not you have pets may adjust this lifespan slightly.

People who suffer from allergies may also benefit from changing this filter more regularly, to help keep the finer particulate from getting back into the air.

Lastly, users who utilize the Dust-Away hardwood attachment may need to also purchase replacement microfiber pads.

shark rocket how it cleans hardwoods detail

The microfiber pad is located directly behind the floor suction head and helps to capture any debris on the hardwoods that the main head may miss.

These pads are machine washable or you can wash them by hand in warm water with a mild detergent and tumble dry on low heat.

Even with this care, it is still recommended to replace these pads every 3-4 months to maintain their cleaning performance ability.

Noise

All vacuum cleaner reviews on Modern Castle are put through our standard noise test. For this test, we use a sound meter to measure noise in terms of decibel level, 3 feet away from the vacuum.

shark rocket deluxepro decibel test

At 3 feet away, the Shark Rocket DeluxePro emits 61 dB of sound.

Value

Priced relatively low, this vacuum is quite the deal. Instead of having to purchase a separate upright and handheld vacuum, the Shark Rocket DeluxePro offers a 2-in-1 combo.

Shark is known for their top notch vacuums and floor cleaners, and this particular unit is no exception to the company’s elite performance.

Shark also includes a 1-year limited warranty with this vacuum.

Specifications

Below is a complete list of important specifications and features included on the Shark Rocket DeluxePro vacuum cleaner:

Specifications
TypeUpright / handheld
ManufacturerSharkNinja
ModelRocket DeluxePro
Length (inches)48
Width (inches)10
Weight (pounds)8.6
Floor TypeAll
CordlessNo - 30' cord
BaglessYes
Corner CleaningYes - crevice tool
Edge CleaningYes - handheld
ReturnsVaries by retailer
Warranty1-Year limited
PriceCheck Price

Who Should Buy the Shark Rocket DeluxePro vacuum?

The Shark Rocket DeluxePro vacuum cleaner is a multi-tool that changes as often as your vacuuming needs change. Converting from a handheld unit to an upright unit makes this an extremely versatile unit.

That being said, it is a corded unit, which does provide some drawbacks as a handheld and doesn’t easily stand on its own, which could be a potential drawback as an upright.

I would recommend the Shark Rocket DeluxePro vacuum cleaner if you’re looking for the following features in a vacuum:

  • Adaptable – The wide range of accessories makes this vacuum extremely adaptable to suit a variety of needs.In addition, the simple release buttons makes swapping out parts very quick and easy.
  • Maneuverable – The the brush roller is only 10” wide and 2” tall. This makes it easy to get into nooks and crannies, as well as maneuver under furniture or through chair legs.
  • Budget-Friendly – If you don’t mind it being a corded vacuum, this could be an excellent option. The suction is powerful and using a cord allows the cost to stay low.

For more information on the Shark Rocket DeluxePro, see here.

Adaptable, But High Pile Carpet Struggles
  • Cleaning - 80%
    80%
  • Usability - 100%
    100%
  • Maneuverability - 88%
    88%
  • Maintenance - 90%
    90%
  • Value - 100%
    100%
  • Returns - 95%
    95%
  • Warranty - 100%
    100%
  • Company - 100%
    100%
92%

Summary

The Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro is one of the most flexible vacuums on the market. The 2-in-1 upright and handheld design, in addition to a litany of attachable accessories provide a high degree of cleaning adaptability. While the Shark did well on low pile caret and hardwoods, it struggled on high carpets. Ultimately, your specific floor types and the primary configuration you plan to use the Shark in are the most important buying factors.

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.