For many, the weekend following New Year's Eve is a dreaded chore marathon. This year, however, one UK household transformed that ritual by making a single, pivotal change: swapping their old cordless vacuum for a new model from a different brand.
The Search for a More Powerful Clean
The writer had been a loyal Dyson user for nearly six years, having purchased a V11 cordless model for around £300 in a sale. With a three-storey home, a dog, and copious amounts of human hair to contend with, the need for a more powerful, cordless solution became pressing. Newer Dysons and rivals like Samsung often command prices over £700, making the search for value crucial.
Influenced by cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch, a known advocate for Shark vacuums, the decision was made. The chosen model was the Shark Stratos Anti Hair Wrap Pet Pro cordless vacuum, purchased on offer for £299.99 (down from £479.99) just before Christmas.
Putting the Shark Stratos to the Test
The vacuum arrived impressively packaged and came with a game-changing feature: two interchangeable batteries. This meant one could charge while the other was in use, eliminating downtime—a noted improvement over the previous single-battery Dyson.
The design was a winner from the start. It folds down for compact storage and feels lightweight, yet robust. The array of attachments promised versatility for every cleaning task.
Performance was put to the ultimate test during the post-festive deep clean. The powerful suction tackled everything from embedded dog hair and food debris behind sofas to the surprising challenge of shattered Christmas baubles. A standout feature was the integrated LED light, which illuminated hidden dust and dirt under furniture—a revelation the writer described as "life-changing."
An Unbeatable Cleaning Duo
The review also highlights another Shark product that proved transformative: the Shark StainForce Cordless Spot Cleaner, bought for £169.99. This gadget, used in tandem with the Stratos, successfully removed pet stains and marks from carpets, rugs, and sofas, leaving them "spotless" and "as good as new."
Verdict: A Clear Winner for a Demanding Home
After rigorous testing on wooden floors, carpets, rugs, and stairs, the verdict was emphatic. The writer, a self-confessed clean freak, has now switched allegiance to #teamshark. The Shark Stratos delivered a more thorough clean than the old Dyson, with its anti-hair-wrap technology successfully managing both pet and human hair.
The dual-battery system, ease of use, and effective attachments all scored top marks. While noting that some online reviews criticise battery life on high-power modes, the writer experienced no issues during testing, even filling the clear bin from a single living room deep clean.
At its sale price of £299.99, the vacuum was deemed excellent value for money, offering peace of mind and a professionally clean feel. The old Dyson has been relegated to the garage, making way for a new favourite in the household cleaning arsenal.
