First Impressions and Quick Verdict on the Shark NV356E 31 Upright Vacuum
The Shark NV356E 31 Upright Vacuum stands out among upright models with its lift-away versatility, strong suction, and pet-centric accessories. It’s competitively priced in the mid-tier segment and earns an impressive 4.4-star rating from over 133,000 U.S. buyers. For homes seeking a solid, anti-allergen upright with above-floor reach, this remains a leading choice, especially under $200 (est.) in periodic Amazon deals.
Exploring the Shark NV356E 31’s Most Notable Features
The Shark NV356E 31 features “Lift-Away” technology, transforming quickly from an upright into a lightweight pod for stairs, upholstery, and drapes. This adaptability expands its cleaning horizons far beyond flat floors.
Consumers also appreciate the HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal system, which traps 99.9% of dust and allergens—especially important for pet owners and asthma sufferers.
Other headline features include swivel steering for agile maneuvering, a conveniently large XL dust cup (0.87L), and included tools like a Pet Power Brush, dusting brush, and an 8″ crevice tool. The brushroll shutoff lets users move easily from deep carpet fibers to hard floors without scattering debris.
Essential Specs: Shark NV356E 31 at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand / Model | Shark / NV356E 31 Navigator Lift-Away Professional |
| Weight | 13.7 pounds |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.87 Liters (XL) |
| Dimensions (DxWxH) | 14.96″ x 11.4″ x 45.5″ |
| Filtration | HEPA + Anti-Allergen Complete Seal |
| Power Source | Corded electric |
| Included Attachments | Pet Power Brush, Dusting Brush, 8″ Crevice Tool |
| Warranty | 5 years (Limited, from SharkNinja) |
Insights from Real Users: Performance, Pros, and Cons
With over 133,000 ratings and a 4.4-star average, the Shark NV356E 31 shines in real-world use cases. Roughly 90% of reviewers applaud its suction power, saying it excels on both carpets and hardwood.
Positive feedback highlights the ease of assembly (“Takes only 2 seconds to put together”), maneuverability, and genuine cleaning pleasure thanks to the swivel steering. Several buyers call it excellent value for the money.
Sentiment data indicate that functionality, value, and cleaning efficacy rate highly, while opinions split on weight—some find it relatively light, others wish it was even lighter. Build quality receives mixed marks, with a portion noting it feels robust but others comparing it less favorably to older Shark models.
Customer Voices: What People Are Saying
- “Suction is fantastic—had no idea how much dirt my old vacuum missed.”
- “Easy to use and I love how it gets pet hair off stairs.”
- “Bit bulkier than I hoped, but the lift-away feature makes above-floor cleaning simple.”
Notably, reviewers agree on the ease of cleaning and emptying the large dust cup, a significant plus for busy households.
Side-by-Side: How the Shark NV356E 31 Stacks Up Against Similar Vacuums
| Feature | Shark NV356E 31 | BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet (est.) | Eureka NEU182A PowerSpeed (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 13.7 lbs | 15.4 lbs | 10 lbs |
| Dust Cup Size | 0.87L | 1.0L (est.) | 1.3L (est.) |
| Filtration | HEPA w/ Anti-Allergen | Multi-level (no true HEPA) | Washable (no true HEPA) |
| Lift-Away Detachable Canister | Yes | No | No |
| Pet Hair Tools | Pet Power Brush | Turbo Eraser Tool | Pet Turbo Tool (est. select models) |
| Swivel Steering | Yes | Yes | No |
| MSRP (est.) | Mid-range | Budget/Mid-range | Budget |
Compared to competitors, the Shark NV356E 31 is the only model here offering true HEPA filtration and a lift-away canister, making it unique for allergy sufferers and multi-surface cleaning.
Which Households Will Love the Shark NV356E 31—and Who Should Shop Around?
- Buy if you need versatile cleaning for stairs, upholstery, carpets, and hard floors
- Ideal for homes with pets, thanks to strong suction and pet hair tools
- Recommended for allergy-sensitive households due to HEPA/Anti-Allergen Complete Seal
- Good for users who value easy-to-maneuver uprights but still want lift-away capability
- Skip if you’re seeking an ultra-lightweight or fully cordless vacuum
- Not ideal for those preferring bagged vacuum systems
Assessing Price, Sales, and Value for Money
The Shark NV356E 31 typically lists at a mid-tier MSRP, but regular Amazon promotions and events often bring it to under $200 (est.). Its combination of lift-away tech, HEPA filtration, and pet tools places it a notch above most budget uprights and justifies the price bump.
According to Keepa price trends (est.), this model routinely sees discounts—savvy buyers should target sale events for the best deal, ideally below $180.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Shark NV356E 31 Upright
Does the Shark NV356E 31 work well on both carpets and hardwood?
Yes, its brushroll shutoff and adjustable suction make it suitable for thick carpets, area rugs, and bare floors without scattering debris or scratching hardwood.
How does the “Lift-Away” function help with cleaning?
The lift-away design lets you detach the pod from the base, making it easier to vacuum stairs, shelves, upholstery, and tight corners that are otherwise hard to reach.
Is this vacuum good for pet hair?
Absolutely. The included Pet Power Brush and strong suction tackle pet hair on both floors and furniture, making it a favorite among pet owners.
How often should the HEPA filter be changed or cleaned?
For optimal performance, rinse filters every three months and replace the HEPA filter every 12–18 months (or as per manual recommendations).
What’s the warranty on this model?
SharkNinja provides a five-year limited warranty, covering major defects and motor issues under typical residential use.
Summary and Final Buying Advice
The Shark NV356E 31 Upright Vacuum remains a perennial U.S. bestseller by blending strong suction, true HEPA filtration, and flexible lift-away usability. Its pet attachments and anti-allergen seal speak directly to allergy and pet challenges in the home.
While not the lightest choice, it’s still manageable for most users and has the capacity and tool selection to take on a wide range of surfaces. Given frequent sales and its durable five-year warranty, the Shark NV356E 31 offers impressive long-term value among upright vacuums with advanced features.
Shoppers wanting a balance of price, performance, and versatility should put this model high on their list—especially if allergies, pets, or frequent above-floor cleaning are part of their routine.