Shark vacuums, renowned for their innovative design and powerful performance, have quickly gained a loyal following among homeowners seeking efficient and reliable cleaning solutions. Today, I will discuss two stick vacuums from this brand: Shark HV322 vs WZ240.
The Shark HV322 is an exceptional choice for those who desire versatility and functionality without emptying their wallets. This model’s adjustable suction settings make it a great fit for various surfaces, from delicate throw carpets to hardwood floors. Also, with the added bonus of LED headlights, you’ll have no trouble spotting dirt, even in dimly lit areas.
The Shark WZ240 is an absolute dream for pet owners who need a vacuum cleaner that excels at managing pet hair. Its powerful suction and specialized tools efficiently tackle stubborn fur and dander. Although it lacks the LED headlights found in the HV322, its portability and cordless feature make it stand out as a good rival to many corded vacuum cleaners.
Shark HV322 Vs WZ240: Comparison Chart
Shark HV322 Vs WZ240: Differences
There is a draw between Shark HV322 vs Shark WZ240 in terms of their overall performance and features, as each vacuum cleaner has its own strengths that cater to different needs and preferences.
Cleaning performance
The winner: Shark HV322
Suction power
The first model, Shark HV322, offers great suction power thanks to its smart engineering, which manages it well and picks up dirt efficiently. It also has an advanced feature that prevents carpets from being sucked off your floor into the sweeper’s head – something many worries about when using vacuums on their rugs or carpets! With this model, you don’t need any special technique or care, for it works effectively on even loose-throw carpets – making it very user-friendly.
The second one, Shark WZ240, also offers impressive suction power, but this product stands out because it can easily pick up different types of debris. This powerful machine will limit dirt left behind while cleaning your home quickly and thoroughly simultaneously, saving you both time & effort during those dreaded weekly clean-ups!
Brush roll system
The Shark HV322 is an excellent vacuum, but one small drawback is that the brush roll tends to get more hair wrapped around it than any other vacuum I’ve had. This means that I have to spend a few minutes cutting off the hair once a week for my business. While this may seem like a hassle, it is a small price to pay for the excellent cleaning power that the vacuum provides.
On the other hand, the Shark WZ240 has a powerful brush roll system called the POWERFINS. The brush roll provides continuous cleaning contact to dig deep into carpets and directly engage floors. One of the best things is that it does not get tangled with hair, as advertised. As a result, I can use the vacuum without worrying about stopping to cut off hair from the brush roll. The self-cleaning brush roll system is a game-changer and makes cleaning a breeze.
Pet hair performance
I’ve found the Shark HV322 to be highly effective in dealing with pet hair, especially when it comes to fine fur. In my experience, it has been excellent at picking up my Yorkie’s cottony fur that tends to stick to rugs.
The vacuum also works wonders on hard floors, easily capturing pet hair tumbleweeds from both my indoor dog and cat. Overall, the Shark HV322 has consistently demonstrated impressive pet hair performance for homes with small pets that shed minimally.
On the other hand, my experience with the Shark WZ240 has been somewhat mixed. While it’s adequate for households with small pets or pets that don’t shed much, it struggles with larger pets that produce significant amounts of fur, like a Great Pyrenees.
In such cases, the vacuum clogs easily where the canister connects to the main unit, causing inconvenience. Additionally, the lever that opens the canister over the trash can sometimes jams when the canister is full.
Compatible floor type
With the Shark HV322, I can say that the vacuum’s performance is exceptional, and it works great on medium, and short carpeting, hardwood floors, and tile. The best part is that I don’t have to change the height or anything. Instead, I just flip a switch that slows the beater brush on smooth surfaces. This is a great feature as it saves me a lot of time and hassle.
I use the high-speed mode on deeper pile carpets, which is easy to configure by following the instructions. Overall, the cleaning performance of the Shark HV322 is effective, and I have had great experiences with it.
Moving on to the Shark WZ240, I have found that it works perfectly on my hardwood floor as well as my carpet. It is relatively efficient at picking up fine debris, but with larger ones, I have to go over it twice to ensure that it picks everything up. However, regarding the area rugs, the performance is not as good as I would like it to be. The vacuum has some limitations in cleaning larger debris, and it does leave some behind, which requires additional effort to clean.
Dirt bin and filtration
The winner: Shark WZ240
I have used Shark HV322 in the past and can confirm that the disposal cup is a great feature. I love that I can easily remove the cup and dump the contents straight into the garbage can. It saves me time and makes the process less messy than having to remove the entire head of the vacuum. Additionally, the cup’s transparency allows me to see how much dirt, dust, and pet hair I am picking up, which is always satisfying.
In contrast, the Shark WZ240 has a different approach with its clean touch injector feature. I can see how this feature can be beneficial. The slender design of the vacuum makes it easy to dump out the dirt and crumbs, and the clean touch injector ensures that you don’t have to touch the mess, which is a great bonus for those who are sensitive to germs and bacteria.
In terms of capacity, the Shark WZ240 has a slightly larger dirt container than the Shark HV322, with a capacity of 0.83 quarts compared to 0.68 quarts. While this may not seem like a significant difference, it could make a difference if you have a larger area to clean or if you have pets that shed a lot.
Design & Convenience
The winner: Shark WZ240
Type of vacuum
Let’s start with the Shark HV322. One of the standout features of this corded vacuum is its powerful suction capabilities. In addition, the corded design means that you never have to consider running out of battery power mid-clean, which is a definite plus for those with larger homes or more extensive cleaning needs.
The corded design can make it a bit less maneuverable than some cordless options. Additionally, the cord itself can be a bit of a hassle to deal with, as you have to be careful not to trip over it or get it tangled up while cleaning.
The Shark HV322 has a cord length of 30 feet, which is longer than most traditional vacuum models. This feature provides you with plenty of room to maneuver around a room without constantly shuffling between outlets. However, if you have a larger space, you may find that you need to use an extension cord to reach all the corners of the room.
How about the Shark WZ240 vacuum? It’s a cordless one. One of the biggest benefits of this model is its lightweight and portable design. Without the cord to worry about, you can easily move around your home and clean every nook and cranny without having to worry about any restrictions or limitations. However, the battery life is a considerable concern. It may not be sufficient for larger cleaning jobs or for those who have larger homes.
This model provides up to 40 minutes of uninterrupted cleaning without the need for a cord, which is a great option for people who don’t want to be tethered to an outlet while cleaning. The battery has a relatively quick charging time of 3 hours, which is convenient if you need to recharge it halfway through your cleaning session.
Ultimately, your selection will depend on your individual requirements and priorities. For example, if you have a more extensive living space or require stronger suction power, the Shark HV322 could be your ideal choice. On the other hand, if you value convenience and mobility, the Shark WZ240 may be the better fit.
Noise level
First up, the Shark HV322 sometimes has an annoying whine, which can be lessened by adjusting the motor. The noise level is approximately 80 dB, which is a bit high but not unbearable. I do find this to be a bit of a downside because it can be quite irritating to have to listen to a loud vacuum for extended periods of time. However, it is not a deal-breaker for me as the vacuum’s cleaning performance is exceptional.
On the other hand, the Shark WZ240 has an acceptable noise level. It is not too loud, and I have not found it to be a nuisance during use. This is a great feature because the noise level is an important factor to consider when buying a vacuum cleaner. Therefore, this model is a great option for those looking for a quiet and efficient vacuum cleaner.
Dimension and Weight
Shark HV322 features a dimension of 13 x 10.2 x 47.5 inches and weighs around 8.6 pounds. One major advantage of this vacuum is its size and weight, which makes it easy to store in tight areas, such as small closets. I personally have experienced this benefit firsthand, as I live in a one-bedroom apartment with limited closet space.
In addition, the vacuum comes with a plastic wall/door mount hook that makes it easy to hang and store the vacuum out of the way of other belongings while keeping it accessible for cleaning.
On the other hand, the Shark WZ240 has a dimension of 15 x 10.5 x 46 inches and weighs 7.63 pounds. While slightly larger, it is still relatively lightweight for a vacuum, making it easy to maneuver around the house during cleaning sessions. Moreover, the WZ240 is designed to be very easy to store. Just clip the hand vac at the base of the wand after detaching it.
Utility
The winner: Shark HV322
One of the most notable features of the Shark HV322 is its LED headlights. These lights are present on both the rocket and the rotating floor brush, significantly improving visibility while vacuuming. As a vacuum cleaner professor, I can attest to the importance of good lighting when cleaning, as it can greatly impact the overall effectiveness of the process.
The angle and intensity of the LED headlights on the Shark HV322 are particularly impressive. In my experience, they have allowed me to clearly see dirt and dust on my medium-dark hardwood floors, ensuring that no debris is left behind. This feature can be especially helpful when cleaning dimly lit areas or under furniture, where visibility can be limited.
The Shark WZ240, in contrast, does not include a headlight feature. This means that while it still offers great suction power, it lacks the added visibility provided by the HV322’s LED headlights. In my years of using the WZ240, I’ve found that this can make it somewhat more challenging to spot dirt and debris in poorly lit areas or under furniture.
Quick Rundown Of Shark HV322
- POWERFUL SUCTION: Thorough deep carpet cleaning, and powerful pet hair pickup on all surfaces.
- LIGHTWEIGHT VERSATILITY: Ultra-lightweight and converts into a handheld vacuum for versatile floor-to-ceiling cleaning.
- PERFECT FOR PETS: Includes specialized pet tools that capture embedded pet hair on all surfaces, while extending reach into hard-to-access areas.
- XL DUST CUP CAPACITY: The 0.68-quart dust cup allows for extended cleaning without interruption.
- LED HEADLIGHTS: Powerful lights on the handheld vacuum and nozzle reveal hidden debris and pet hair around your home.
Quick Rundown Of Shark WZ240
No products found.
Product Videos
Related Articles to Shark Hv322
- Shark HV343AMZ Vs Shark HV322: Which Vacuum Offers Better Performance?
- Shark HZ2002 vs HV322: Which One Should You Go For?
- Shark HZ602 vs HV322: Honest Review and Detailed Comparison
- Shark HV322 vs HV371: Which Flagship Would I Highly Recommend?
- Shark HV301 vs HV322: Which One Is The Best Bang For The Buck?
- Shark HV322 vs NV360: Which Vacuum Is The Most Suitable For You?
Related Articles to Shark Wz240
- Shark WZ140 Vs WZ240: Comparing Performance, Features, and Price
- Shark IX141 Vs WZ240: Which Vacuum Comes Out On Top?
Reference:
Shark HV322: https://www.manua.ls/shark/rocket-truepet-hv322/manual
Victor K. Giles is a leading consultant and expert in vacuum cleaner technology with over a decade of experience. As a mechanical engineering graduate in the University of Michigan, he specializes in product development, design optimization, and performance analysis. Victor collaborates with manufacturers and educates consumers, making her a sought-after guest speaker at industry events. His work has been featured in renowned publications, and he shares his expertise on his blog, “The Vacuum Teria”. Victor’s passion for cleaner, healthier living spaces drives his to help clients choose the best vacuum solutions for their needs.