Shark vs CRAFTSMAN Cordless Vacuums: Which Brand Fits You?
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
The shark vs CRAFTSMAN cordless vacuum debate highlights two very different cleaning approaches. One is a dedicated home vacuum for carpets and hard floors. The other is a compact shop vacuum for garage and workshop messes. You need to decide which tool matches your actual cleaning environment. This guide compares their specifications to help you choose the right device for your needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum | CRAFTSMAN 2.5 Gallon Wet Dry Shop Vacuum |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Upright Vacuum | Wet Dry Shop Vacuum |
| Capacity | Not listed | 2.5 Gallon |
| Weight | 12.5 pounds | 6.7 pounds |
| Filtration | HEPA | Filter Bag |
| Special Features | Lift-Away, DuoClean | Blower function, Cord wrap |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum if
- You need to deep clean carpets and hard floors in your home.
- You require HEPA filtration to trap dust and allergens.
- You want to detach the pod for cleaning stairs and upholstery.
Choose CRAFTSMAN 2.5 Gallon Wet Dry Shop Vacuum if
- You primarily clean garages, cars, or workshops.
- You need a lightweight unit that is easy to store.
- You want a vacuum that can also function as a blower.
Verdict: The Shark is the better choice for whole-home carpet and floor cleaning. The CRAFTSMAN is more suitable for small, localized messes in utility spaces. Choose based on whether you prioritize indoor comfort or workshop utility.
Shark vs Craftsman Specs
Suitable for
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is designed for whole-home cleaning on carpets and hard floors. It features DuoClean PowerFins and HEPA filtration to trap allergens. This makes it ideal for daily household maintenance and pet hair removal. The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 is a 2.5-gallon wet/dry shop vacuum. It is built for small messes in garages, cars, and workshops. It can function as a blower for added versatility. You should choose the Shark for interior floor care. Pick the CRAFTSMAN for garage debris, sawdust, or liquid spills. They serve different environments.
Capacity
The Shark Navigator uses a dust cup for dry debris collection. The specific capacity volume is not listed in the provided specifications. The CRAFTSMAN shop vacuum offers a 2.5-gallon capacity for both wet and dry pickup. This larger volume handles bulkier messes like water or large amounts of sawdust. The Shark is optimized for continuous cleaning cycles with a smaller container. The CRAFTSMAN holds significantly more material before requiring emptying. If you need to clear large piles of debris, the CRAFTSMAN has the advantage. For fine dust and allergens, the Shark’s sealed system is more relevant.
Weight
Portability is a key factor in choosing between these two units. The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 weighs only 6.7 pounds. This makes it very lightweight and easy to carry around a garage or workshop. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away weighs 12.5 pounds. It is heavier due to its upright design and motor housing. However, the Shark includes a Lift-Away feature that allows you to detach the pod for above-floor cleaning. The CRAFTSMAN is inherently lighter for general transport. The Shark offers modular portability for stairs and furniture. The CRAFTSMAN wins on raw weight.
Filtration
Air quality matters for indoor cleaning. The Shark Navigator includes HEPA filtration and an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal. This system traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. It is suitable for allergy-prone households. The CRAFTSMAN shop vacuum uses a filter bag for debris containment. The specifications do not mention HEPA certification or sealed allergen technology. Shop vacuums often exhaust air back into the workspace, which may not be ideal for sensitive indoor environments. The Shark is clearly superior for maintaining clean indoor air. The CRAFTSMAN is better for containing large particulates in a garage.
Features
The Shark offers specialized cleaning tools for home use. It includes LED headlights to illuminate dirt, swivel steering for maneuverability, and a self-cleaning brushroll. It also comes with a Pet Power Brush and crevice tools. The CRAFTSMAN includes a 5-foot friction fit hose, a crevice tool, a utility nozzle, and a filter bag. It also functions as a blower. The Shark’s features are tailored for carpets, rugs, and upholstery. The CRAFTSMAN’s tools are designed for tight spaces and liquid pickup. The Shark provides more advanced floor cleaning technology. The CRAFTSMAN offers wet/dry versatility.
Which vacuum matches your cleaning needs?
Homeowners with carpets and pets
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is built for daily household cleaning. Its DuoClean PowerFins brushrolls handle both carpets and hard floors effectively. The self-cleaning brushroll prevents hair wrap, which is essential for pet owners. HEPA filtration traps 99.9% of dust and allergens. This makes it a practical choice for allergy-prone households seeking thorough whole-home maintenance.
Garage and workshop users
The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 is a compact 2.5-gallon wet/dry shop vacuum. Weighing only 6.7 pounds, it offers high mobility for garage tasks. It handles small messes in cars, trucks, and workshops. The two-in-one capability allows it to function as a blower. Its small footprint and carry handle make storage easy in tight spaces.
People needing above-floor cleaning
The Shark’s Lift-Away feature lets you detach the pod for portable cleaning. You can easily reach stairs, furniture, baseboards, and ceilings. The included Pet Power Brush and upholstery tool tackle embedded hair on fabric surfaces. Advanced swivel steering helps maneuver around furniture. This versatility makes it ideal for cleaning areas beyond standard floor surfaces.
The products compared
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
Best for: Pet hair removal and allergy control
- Weight
- 12.5 pounds
- Filtration Type
- HEPA
- Suitable For
- Carpet, Hard Floors
- Features
- HEPA Filtration, Swivel Steering
- Dimensions
- 15 × 11.4 × 45.5 inches
View on Amazon: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Affiliate link
The Shark NV352 is a 12.5-pound upright vacuum featuring DuoClean PowerFins technology for deep cleaning carpets and hard floors. It includes a Lift-Away pod for above-floor cleaning and HEPA filtration to trap allergens. This model is designed for homes with pets, offering specialized tools for upholstery and tight spaces. Its swivel steering and LED headlights enhance maneuverability and visibility during whole-home cleaning.
Pros
- DuoClean PowerFins brushrolls for carpet and hard floor cleaning
- Lift-Away pod for portable above-floor cleaning
- HEPA filtration with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology
- Self-cleaning brushroll prevents hair wrap
- LED headlights for visibility
Cons
- Upright design limits portability compared to stick models
- No wet/dry capability for spills
- Fixed dust cup size may require frequent emptying
Good fit if
- You have pets and need hair pickup
- You want HEPA filtration for allergies
- You need above-floor cleaning options
Skip if
- You prefer a lightweight stick vacuum
- You need wet cleaning for spills
- You want a cordless design
Verdict: Shark NV352 Lift-Away HEPA Upright is ideal for pet owners seeking thorough carpet and hard floor cleaning with allergen-trapping filtration. It suits households needing versatile above-floor cleaning without the complexity of a wet/dry shop vacuum.
CRAFTSMAN 2.5 Gallon Wet Dry Shop Vacuum
Best for: small messes in cars and garages
- Capacity
- 2.5 Gallon
- Weight
- 6.7 pounds
- Features
- Wet/Dry
- Dimensions
- 13.1 × 12.6 × 14.7 inches
View on Amazon: CRAFTSMAN 2.5 Gallon Wet Dry Shop Vacuum Affiliate link
This CRAFTSMAN unit is a compact wet-dry shop vacuum designed for small messes in homes, garages, or vehicles. It weighs 6.7 pounds and holds 2.5 gallons of debris. The device functions as both a vacuum and a blower. It includes a 5-foot hose and basic tools. Its small footprint makes it easy to store in tight spaces. You will appreciate its portability for quick cleanup tasks.
Pros
- Lightweight 6.7-pound build for easy mobility
- Two-in-one vacuum and blower capability
- Compact 2.5-gallon capacity fits tight spaces
- Includes 5-foot hose and crevice tool
Cons
- Small 2.5-gallon capacity limits large jobs
- No HEPA filtration mentioned in specs
- Uses friction-fit hose, not quick-connect
Good fit if
- You need a lightweight tool for garage or car cleanup
- You require a vacuum that doubles as a blower
- You have limited storage space for a shop vac
Skip if
- You need to clean large volumes of wet debris
- You require HEPA filtration for fine dust or allergens
- You want a high-capacity unit for heavy-duty work
Verdict: CRAFTSMAN 2.5 Gal Wet Dry Shop Vac is a practical option for users needing a portable, multi-function tool for small-scale messes in cars or garages. It fits buyers who prioritize compact storage and versatility over high capacity.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum | CRAFTSMAN 2.5 Gallon Wet Dry Shop Vacuum |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | not stated | 2.5 Gallon |
| Weight | 12.5 pounds | 6.7 pounds |
| Filtration Type | HEPA | not stated |
| Suitable For | Carpet, Hard Floors | not stated |
| Features | HEPA Filtration, Swivel Steering | Wet/Dry |
| Dimensions | 15 × 11.4 × 45.5 inches | 13.1 × 12.6 × 14.7 inches |
| Size | 15 in L x 11.4 in W x 45.5 in H | 5 Gal. |
| Color | Lavender | Red |
| Model | NV352 | CMXEVBE17250 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Shark Navigator Lift-Away a cordless vacuum?
No, it is a corded upright model. The specifications list it as the NV352 Lift-Away HEPA Upright Vacuum. It does not include a battery or charging dock. You must plug it into a wall outlet to operate. This design provides continuous power without runtime limits, but it restricts movement to the length of the power cord.
Does the CRAFTSMAN unit work on carpets?
It is not designed for carpet cleaning. The CRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17250 is a 2.5-gallon wet/dry shop vacuum. Its primary use is for small messes in cars and garages. The specifications highlight its compact size and portability for workshop tasks. It lacks the brushroll and suction configuration needed for effective carpet maintenance.
Which vacuum is better for pet hair?
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is the better choice for pet owners. It features HEPA filtration to trap allergens and dust. The DuoClean PowerFins brushrolls are designed to handle pet hair on both carpets and hard floors. The self-cleaning brushroll prevents hair wrap, making maintenance easier for households with shedding animals.
How heavy is the Shark Navigator Lift-AAway?
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away weighs 12.5 pounds. Its dimensions are 15 inches long, 11.4 inches wide, and 45.5 inches high. This weight makes it manageable for moving between rooms. The Lift-Away feature allows you to detach the canister for above-floor cleaning, such as stairs or upholstery, without lifting the entire unit.
What is the capacity of the CRAFTSMAN shop vac?
The CRAFTSMAN model has a 2.5-gallon capacity. Despite the model number suggesting five gallons, the size specification confirms it is a 2.5-gallon unit. It is designed for small-scale messes in cars or garages. This compact size prioritizes portability and storage over high-volume debris collection.
Can I use the CRAFTSMAN vacuum for wet spills?
Yes, it is a wet/dry shop vacuum. The product name explicitly states it handles both wet and dry debris. This makes it suitable for cleaning up liquid spills in garages or workshops. It is not intended for household floor cleaning or carpet maintenance. Use it for tool dust, sawdust, or accidental liquid messes in non-living areas.
Does the Shark vacuum have HEPA filtration?
Yes, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away includes HEPA filtration. This feature traps allergens and fine dust particles inside the vacuum. It helps improve indoor air quality during cleaning. This specification makes it ideal for allergy sufferers. The filtration system works in conjunction with the DuoClean PowerFins to ensure thorough cleaning on various floor types.