Move over Dyson: Shark Stratos NZ860UK anti-odour upright vacuum review

In the ever-competitive world of vacuum cleaners, the Shark Stratos NZ860UK / NV860UKT is a compelling proposition, featuring powerful suction and innovative functionality. 

This corded upright boasts effective anti hair wrap and Anti-Odour technologies, and is optimised for both hardwood and carpeted floors.

Shark offers a wide range of Stratos models, hailed as the most advanced range yet from the brand, both corded and cordless. Let’s delve into the specifics to see if this particular model lives up to the hype…

Shark Stratos NZ860UK: Pros and Cons

+ Powerful suction for a deeper clean
+ Anti-odour technology
+ Anti hair wrap feature

– Heavy to move around
– 8m cord may to be too short for some

Shark Stratos NZ860UK Vacuum – Design

The Shark Stratos is a corded upright that boasts a novel anti-odour capsule as its main claim to fame. The design is user-friendly, with easy-to-connect components that snap together with nary any need to consult the instruction booklet. Measuring 117 x 28 x 26cm (h/w/d) fully assembled, it’s not the lightest vacuum on the block at 6.7kg, but makes up for it in functionality.

Shark’s lift-away pod detached from the main wand to enable portable cleaning, to better reach those tricky spots around and under furniture. However, it’s still a bit cumbersome for stair cleaning, where a cordless alternative might shine.

There are two iterations to look out for, the NZ860UKT which comes with a mini pet hair cleaning tool and the regular NZ860UK reviewed here.

Supplied accessories with our NZ860UK comprise a crevice tool and two-in-one brush. These can be popped on the back of the pod, so they’re always easy to find.

Shark Stratos NZ860UK Vacuum – Features

The Shark Stratos comes with an 8m power cord, enough to cover a couple of rooms in a smaller home without socket hopping. The 1.3-litre dust bin is generous, easily detachable for emptying.

Maintenance is par for the course, with two washable filters requiring periodic attention to maintain optimal suction.

Usability is good, thanks to convenient handle controls. A power switch partners an adjustable three-position slide control to adjust floor head height to cater to different surfaces, from low pile carpet, hard floors or deep-pile carpets.

The DuoClean floor head is fronted by a soft roller, for hard floors, and a brush for carpets. Getting hair wrapped around the brush is a common problem with vacuum cleaners, and here Shark has introduced a clever anti-wrap brush-roll design, which lifts and removes hair before it becomes tangled. 

With 750W suction power, the vacuum sticks to the floor like an F1 car lapping Silverstone…

Shark Stratos NZ860UK Vacuum –  Performance

Assembled and powered-up, the Shark Stratos doesn’t disappoint. With 750W suction power and its DuoClean floor head, we found it tackles dust and dirt with ease. The vacuum sticks to the floor like an F1 car lapping Silverstone.

The Anti Hair Wrap Plus technology is a real boon, preventing hair entanglement on the brush-roll. LED headlights in the floor head illuminate potential dust balls, ensuring a thorough cleaning session.

We found a single pass makes short work of dust and debris. The floor head is quite wide, which means you’ll cover a lot of ground quite efficiently, but I did accidentally bump into furniture.

Because the suction power is high, it actually makes for quite a short cleaning session, and the bin fills up quickly; a flap opens to disgorge collected detritus from the bottom, while a pop open lid allows you to remove dirt that gets entangled at the top.

As expected, this Stratos is fairly noisy in operation, but in a way that instils confidence. An Anti-Allergen Complete seal captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, says the brand, which will be welcomed by those who suffer from airborne allergies.

The Anti Odour Technology is a unique addition, and I think it’s a winner. It ships in a sealed tin that looks like cat food. Unpacked,  it drops into the floor head. A simple dial controls odour intensity, leaving rooms smelling fresh. Replacement pods, priced at £14.99 for a twin pack, keep the good vibes going.

Shark Stratos NZ860UK Vacuum – Verdict

The Shark Stratos NZ860UK stands tall as a reliable and effective vacuum cleaner, with an impressive range of features. It’s a powerhouse on all floor types, excelling in hard floor cleaning, although its size makes going high or low under furniture a bit of a challenge.

The anti-odour pods are an inspired touch, ensuring your space not only looks good but smells clean.

The Stratos NZ860 is a well-made and efficient cleaner. The 8m cord might prove a limitation in larger properties, but the NV860’s overall performance and innovative features make it a top contender for those seeking a vacuum upgrade.

We rate the Shark Stratos NV860UK / NV860UKT, priced at £399 / £299 respectively, a worthy investment for a cleaner, fresher living space.