Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner [IZ251UKT] Anti Hair Wrap, Pet Hair, Twin Battery, Red, Burgundy

Product Information

If you’re looking for a powerful cordless that can handle pet hair, then the Shark IZ251UKT is definitely an option to consider. Shark IZ251UKT Price & Value for Money

How does the Shark compare to other premium cordless vacuums though? And should you buy it? Read our Shark IZ251UKT review to find out. Overview of the Shark IZ251UKT’s FeaturesUsing the motorised pet tool while in handheld mode makes cleaning stairs much more convenient than a corded vacuum. We also like how easy the wand makes it to clean higher locations, such as ceilings and light fittings.

Before we compare the IZ251UKT to specific models, it’s worth mentioning that there are four versions of this vacuum. The IZ251UKT (the one in this review) is the top-end model, as it comes with both the pet tool and two batteries. Other models only have one battery and no pet tool ( IZ201UK), one battery and the motorised pet tool (IZ201UKT), or two batteries and no pet tool (IZ251UK.) There’s also the option of folding the vacuum for storage, which is useful if you want to keep the Shark in a small cupboard. When folded, the vacuum is approximately 70cm tall. This is easy to use – just hold the vacuum over a bin and press the latch – but it’s common for dirt and hair to get caught and need to be pulled out by hand. That’s why some high-end cordless vacuums (including the Dyson V10 Cyclone) now have a collar system for physically pushing out more dirt. This makes it a solid choice for people who suffer from allergies, although you’ll need to ask someone else to empty it into an outdoor bin to prevent dust escaping. Shark IZ251UKT Emptying & Cleaning Attach the purposefully-designed Anti Hair Wrap Pet Tool in portable mode to remove embedded pet hair from sofas, stairs and upholstery.

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Shark is well known for making hugely flexible vacuum cleaners, and this continues through to its cordless models. As with previous Shark cordless vacuum cleaners, the IZ251UKT has Shark’s Flexology technology. This enables the wand to fold over in half, letting the vacuum stand up by itself so that you can easily wheel it into a cupboard for storage. It’s a shame the IZ251UKT isn’t able to stand up unaided when fully extended; the weight of the battery and bin tilt it over. One of the stand-out features of the IZ251UKT is that it comes with dual batteries. By swapping the battery when it runs out, the Shark can offer up to 80 minutes run-time, which is one of the longest we’ve seen from a cordless vacuum. If you need a cordless vacuum that can clean an entire home on a single charge, then it’s a great choice. Other accessories include a dusting brush and upholstery tool. It also comes with a large 30cm crevice tool. Many modern vacuums only include smaller crevice tools, so it’s great that the IZ251UKT has a tool that’s long enough to get into tight spaces.

The IZ251UKT’s body feels bulkier than many cordless vacuums. It’s also a bit heavier (at around 4.1kg), which can make long cleaning sessions more tiring compared with ultra-lightweight models. The upside is that the vacuum has a 0.7 litre dust capacity, which is bigger than many cordless vacuums, and the motor provides powerful suction. The IZ251UKT is the TruePet version of this vacuum cleaner range, meaning that it comes with a motorised pet tool. Aside from being excellent for cleaning hair on stairs, upholstery, and car seats, the pet tool has the same anti hair-wrap technology as the DuoClean floorhead. As with most Shark vacuum cleaners, the IZ251UKT has LED headlights. These help illuminate dust, dirt, and hair, particularly when cleaning under furniture. There’s also the option of switching to “hard floor” mode, which slows down the brush bar to prevent scattering. Other Tools and Accessories With that said, we don’t think it can match the Dyson V11 Absolute when it comes to cleaning carpets. It’s better than most cordless vacuums, but fails to meet the high standards set by the very best models. It’s worth noting that the Shark is considerably cheaper than the Dyson V11 series though. The Shark also doesn’t provide the best edge cleaning performance we’ve seen, so you might have to follow up with the crevice tool to clean along skirting boards. Hard FloorsThe Shark doesn’t come with an LCD screen to show remaining battery time, such as the Dyson V11 Absolute. This isn’t an essential feature, but it’s great to be able to see the remaining charge on the Dyson V11, especially as it updates depending on which mode or tool you’re using. Relying on three LED lights on the Shark means you’re always wondering how much battery you’ve really got left.