Shark DuoClean Cordless Stick Vacuum IZ251UKCO

Product Information

All the buttons are conveniently placed, making it easy to switch modes or activate the boost function. We also like the comfortable handle. 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. 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. Ideal for carpets and hard floors, Shark’ssignature DuoClean floorheadcombines two motorised brush-rolls, working together to glide seamlessly across all floor types with no need to stop or change floorhead.

A bonus is that the IZ251UKT’s floorhead has Shark’s anti hair-wrap technology. This consists of several combs that prevent hair from becoming caught round the brush bar, so you don’t need to cut hair away from the roller. We don’t think it’s 100% effective, but it does a good job at forcing hair into the bin, especially if your vacuum has to deal with long hair. Thinking of buying the Shark IZ251UKT? This popular cordless vacuum comes with a host of interesting features, including dual batteries. Read our review to find out whether it’s worth buying. At the touch of a button, go handheld to easily clean stairs, soft furnishings and surfaces with the handy included attachments. Simply attach the wand in handheld mode to reach up high. 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. The 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.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 The Shark IZ251UK is very similar to the IZ251UKT, but doesn’t include the TruePet motorised tool. All of the other features are the same, including the dual battery design and anti hair-wrap technology. 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. There’s no doubt that the Shark IZ251UKT is an attractive vacuum. We like the burgundy colour scheme, which looks great combined with the dark grey joints. It also feels well-built and durable, which is important for a premium vacuum. The IZ251UKT has Shark’s Flexology design. This is effectively a joint in the vacuum’s wand, which you can use to clean under furniture.

We really like the IZ251UKT, as it combines many of the best features of Shark uprights with the convenience of a cordless vacuum. It also does an excellent job of cleaning hard floors and has a longer run-time than most competing models. It’s worth mentioning that this is the maximumrun-time without using a motorised tool. When the DuoClean or mini pet tool are attached, the run-time will be less. Measuring 1180 x 260 x 245mm when fully extended, Flexology roughly cuts the height of the vacuum cleaner in two. Unlike rival, Hoover H-Free 500, you don’t have to unclip anything to get the Shark vacuum down to its compact form: simply press the button and fold.If you don’t need the mini motorised tool, then the IZ251UK could save you a bit of money. Shark IZ201UKT Vs Shark IZ251UKT 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. Again, the IZ201UKT is a similar vacuum, but with different included accessories. While the mini motorised tool is included in this model, you don’t get a second battery. This halves the effective run-time, although the IZ201UKT is a cheaper option. Shark IZ251UKT Verdict

Using 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. Unlike Dyson cordless vacuums, we like that the Shark IZ251UKT has a simple on/off toggle rather than a trigger system. If you hate the idea of needing to hold down a trigger to keep the vacuum running, then Shark’s system will be a welcome relief.

Product Specification

One of the great things about the IZ251UKT is that it comes with a dual battery cradle. This allows you to charge both batteries at the same time, which takes around 3.5 hours. You can also charge one battery while it’s attached to the vacuum, and there are three indicator lights to show you the current level of charge. Like most Shark vacuums, the IZ251UKT feels easy to manoeuvre and balanced. It’s not the lightest cordless we’ve reviewed, but it’s not a struggle to steer around furniture due to the swivel steering system. It’s also easy to hold up when cleaning above the floor, although you may find this tiring after a while.