Shark have many types of vacuum cleaner. I wanted to know which was the best.

So I decided to review them all!

I previously reviewed the shark cordless range, but this in-depth review is all about the corded range.

Let’s get stuck in…

Affectionately known as The Shark Rocket Stick, there are 3 main machines in this range which I’ll cover below.

Plus….

In this post you’ll discover what the mysterious “T” means in the model number and difference between the 320 and 380 models.

Note: I also recently reviewed the Shark Steam Mop range if you’re thinking one might be what you are after check out that before buying.

Let’s kick off by looking at some of the key features of all the corded Shark Rockets.

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Let’s take off with the Rocket…

Trying to compare one rocket to another can be time consuming, so I’ve highlighted the main differences below:

Shark Rocket Vacuums Compared

Note: Since writing this post the HV320UKT is no longer available to purchase from Shark either direct or on Amazon. It’s an old model so they are phasing it out.

There do appear to be some sellers offering it on Amazon though, so just make sure to check out the seller’s feedback before buying.

The differences explained…

UK vs UKT Version

The “T” on the end of the model number just means that it includes the TruePet attachment. This is ideal for pet owners.

The tool is a motorised brush which will help to pick up pet hair from your carpets and sofas.

Some people have complained about pet hair getting stuck in the dual brush heads – that’s the standard head attachment on the 380 model vacuum known as Duo Clean technology.

The T version deals specifically with that issue by providing you with a different head attachment for pet hair.

Note: The Shark rocket deluxe pro ultra-light upright (HV321) model is no longer available in the UK. I believe this model was released around mid 2014.

Since then it has been replaced by the newer models which I am reviewing here; the 320 and 380. Another option from shark is to look at these cordless vacuums.

Shark 320 vs 380 Rocket

The 320 is the older model and was released around October 2015 whereas the Shark Rocket complete 380 was released in Jan 2017.

The key difference is that the 320 does not have the duo-clean technology included – that’s the two brushes in the standard head unit.

It’s odd that the 320 comes with a lot more accessories compared to the 380 model but I’m not sure why that is.

One explanation is the inclusion of the dual brush head on the new HV380 model which negates the need for the other attachment options.

If you want a nice comparison chart there is one here on Amazon (scroll down to the large description area).

An overview of each model

Now that you’re more familiar with the models available, here is a handy comparison chart to see what you get and how they compare to one another.

Compare Shark Vacuums

Other Options Available

This review is all about the corded range of vacuums from Shark. They also have a cordless range, which I reviewed previously.

Another option is the GTech Power Floor which is a powerful, cordless machine. Or the GTech AirRam K9 Mk2. Again, cordless electric and designed for stubborn dirt from pets.

My personal opinion is that if you want more power and don’t mind the cord this Shark option is ideal. If you’d prefer cordless and a more minimal design the GTech power floor is your best option.

Update: Having been doing a little more research lately, I found a good summary post on the best corded range of vacuums around at the moment.

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Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the corded hoovers from Shark.

Let’s take a look at the Rocket in action.

Here’s my take on some of the features in more detail.

Duo Clean Technology

This is pitched as a new way to tackle all kinds of dirt, from small stuck on stains on hard floors to larger debris on carpets.

They say that the two different types of brush result in a better clean.

It’s ideal that you don’t have to switch anything when going from hard floor to soft carpet, too.

Some have said that pet hair gets caught up in the brush, but that’s what the True Pet tool is for (only on the “T” models).

Which Model? The HV380UK and HV380UKT only

Versatile

The fact that you have a hand-held vacuum and upright cleaner in one machine makes it very versatile. You can easily use it to do the stairs without the long upright stick.

It’s a great way to get into those harder to reach places or for when you’re doing underneath tables or out in the car.

The handheld vacuum section easily attached to the main powerhead unit, giving you full control and reducing weight to make it easier to manoeuvre.

Which Model? All models are capable of this.

TruePet Shark Rocket Attachment

The motorised pet hair removal attachment is a great idea. Some people found that the dual brush heads got hair stuck in them quite easily because they were almost too good at picking everything up!

To resolve that issue Shark created a separate attachment which handles more stubborn hairs which have been ground into your carpets.

Pro Tip: For the really stubborn areas of hair, pick out as much as you can first by hand. The pulling of it will loosen the rest and help the truepet attachment suck it up.

Which Model? Only the “T” versions – HV320UKT and HV380UKT

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Don’t just take my word for it…

There are plenty of favourable customer reviews on the Shark website and Amazon which you can read. Here is one of them:

The only negative that seems to come up from time to time is the weight of the head unit. Some customers are finding that it feels heavy to use.

If this machine is for someone who is weaker, elderly or is likely to have problems with their hands/wrists/arms, etc then maybe a lighter option would be a good idea. One such machine is the GTech Power Floor or the GTech AirRam Mk2.

The Bottom Line

If you’re after more power than a cordless and something more versatile and robust than a light handstick, this new Shark vacuum is a great option.

If you’d like to buy the Shark vacuum for the best price online, you have two options.

1. Go direct with Shark here which I would recommend based on their customer service
2. Get it from Amazon which is another very trustworthy option

Pro Tip: After purchasing make sure to register your Shark vacuum to get the extended 5 year warranty.