Shark Rocket stick vacuums are a popular choice for lightweight yet powerful cleaning versatility. As their name suggests, these vacuums are agile and designed for quick home cleaning.
With their convertible capabilities, detachable hand vacs, and specialized tools, Rocket models provide ultra convenience for busy households. But with the wide range of Rockets available, how do you determine which is best for your cleaning needs?
We’ve researched the top models and compiled this comprehensive buyer’s guide covering the 5 best Shark Rocket vacuums across categories. You’ll get detailed reviews of each vacuum including performance, features, pros and cons. Plus tips on choosing the ideal Rocket for your floors along with answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s find your perfect Shark Rocket match!
Reviews of the Top 5 Rocket Vacuums
Shark Rocket HV292 – Best Overall
The Shark HV292 stands out as the best Rocket stick vacuum overall with its customizable convertible capabilities and powered DuoClean brushroll. A versatile 2-in-1 vacuum, it deep cleans carpets yet also tackles bare floors with ease.
Key Features:
- Converts to Hand Vacuum – The detachable pod provides convenient above floor cleaning power.
- DuoClean Powerhead – A bristle brushroll and soft roller head excel at cleaning carpets and hard floors.
- LED Headlights – Illuminate debris and dust hidden in dark corners and under furniture.
- Extra Large Dust Cup – Holds more debris requiring less frequent emptying.
In stick mode, the HV292 effortlessly swivels under and around furniture to clean open areas fast. Convert to a hand vacuum to tackle stairs, upholstery, and tight spaces.
Weighing under 10 pounds, this versatile stick vacuum excels at quick daily home cleaning thanks to the adjustable settings for different floor types. It’s a great multi-surface cleaner.
Ideal for: Homes with a mix of carpeting and hard flooring seeking an adaptable convertible stick vacuum. The hand vacuum tackles detailed cleaning.
Our Take: With its customizable configurations, powered DuoClean brushroll, and extra-large debris capacity, the HV292 takes our top spot for outstanding versatility.
Shark Rocket HV322 – Best for Carpet Cleaning
Designed for homes with wall-to-wall carpeting, the Shark HV322 really focuses on deep carpet fiber cleaning. The powerful motorized brushroll pulls out embedded dirt, dust, and pet hair with ease.
Key Features:
- Motorized Fiber Power Brushroll – Deep cleans carpets by actively lifting out dirt from fibers.
- Dust Cup XL – Extra-large 0.42 quart capacity requires less frequent emptying.
- Pet Multi-Tool – Removes pet hair and dander from upholstery.
- Bright LED Headlight – Illuminates hidden debris under and around furniture.
At just 7.6 pounds, this lightweight stick vacuum easily tackles large carpeted areas in a single pass. The brushroll shuts off automatically when cleaning hard floors to avoid scattering debris.
From plush carpeting to high-traffic area rugs, the HV322 freshens up fibers while capturing dust and allergens. It really excels at reviving carpets.
Ideal for: Homes with primarily wall-to-wall carpeting seeking robust fiber cleaning. The motorized brushroll pulls out deep debris.
Our Take: The best Rocket cleaner for carpets thanks to the powered brushroll that extracts stubborn dirt from fibers.
Shark Rocket Pet Pro HV292N – Best for Pet Hair
With its self-cleaning brushroll and included pet tools, the Shark Rocket Pet Pro HV292N makes quick work of removing pesky pet hair. Designed for homes with cats, dogs, and other furry friends, it conquer tangles, dander, and hair with ease.
Key Features:
- Self-Cleaning Brushroll – Removes wrapped hair with the touch of a button.
- Pet Multi-Tool – Specialized rubber fins grip pet hair and a brush cleans upholstery.
- DuoClean Powerhead – The soft roller head pulls in large and small particles.
- Cordless or Corded – Up to 40 minutes of portable runtime plus unlimited corded power.
The self-cleaning technology prevents hair wrap while cleaning, then lets you wipe away whatever is left with the touch of a button. No more picking fur out by hand!
Weighing just 9.5 pounds, the HV292N easily converts into a hand vacuum for cleaning furniture, stairs, and hard-to-reach areas where pets love to shed. Tame pet hair and revive carpets, rugs, bare floors, and vehicles.
Ideal for: Pet owners dealing with lots of hair and wanting convenient self-cleaning capabilities. Excellent for cleaning carpets, stairs, furniture, and cars.
Our Take: The ultimate Rocket cleaner for homes with pets thanks to specialized tools and the self-cleaning brushroll that tackles hair wrap.
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light HV292S – Best Lightweight
Weighing under 8 pounds, the ultra-light Shark Rocket HV292S makes cleaning carpets and hard floors an effortless daily task. The swivel steering and comfort grip handle provide easy maneuverability anywhere in your home.
Key Features:
- Under 8 lbs – One of the lightest stick vacuums available.
- DuoClean Powerhead – Safely deep cleans carpets and bare floors.
- LED Headlights + PowerFins Brushroll – Illuminate and direct dust into the airflow.
- Extra-Long Power Cord – Provides a 30 foot cleaning radius.
The HV292S converts into a hand vacuum allowing you to clean hard-to-reach spots, furniture, and cars with less strain or fatigue. Despite the lightweight body, it still provides professional-style cleaning capabilities.
From quick daily cleanups to occasional deep carpet refreshing, the ultra-light HV292S gets the job done without weighing you down. It’s a great choice for seniors or those needing an effortless cleaning experience.
Ideal for: Consumers prioritizing an extremely lightweight stick vacuum perfect for quick cleanups. Easy to maneuver and carry up stairs.
Our Take: The lightest Shark stick vacuum available yet still packed with powerful cleaning innovations.
Shark Rocket Pet Pro+ Cordless HV381 – Best Hand Vacuum
Featuring a detachable hand vacuum with LED headlights, the rechargeable cordless Shark Rocket Pet Pro+ HV381 excels at detail cleaning cars, stairs, furniture, and other spots. Its bagless debris ejector also makes emptying dust and dirt simple.
Key Features:
- LED Lights On Hand Vac – Brighten up dark corners and illuminate debris.
- Bagless Debris Ejector – Sanitarily dispose of dust and dirt with the push of a button.
- DuoClean Powerhead – Safely deep cleans carpets and gentle on hard floors.
- Removable Batteries – Extend runtime by swapping out batteries.
In stick mode, the Rocket Pet Pro+ powers through carpets, rugs, and hard flooring with ease. Then detach the pod for detail cleaning upholstery, ceilings, stairs and getting into tight spaces like car interiors.
Weighing 10 pounds, this versatile cleaner excels at quick daily tidy ups as a stick vacuum. The bright LED hand vac then tackles detail cleaning. It’s ultra convenient cordless power!
Ideal for: Homes seeking cordless freedom in a 2-in-1 stick and hand vacuum. The LED lights illuminate debris and tight spots.
Our Take: The convenient cordless Rocket cleaner with powerful LED hand vacuum perfect for detail cleaning needs.
How to Choose the Right Rocket for Your Home
Now that you’re familiar with the top five Rocket models, let’s explore the key criteria to select the best vacuum for your cleaning needs:
Evaluate the Types of Flooring in Your Home
If you have mostly carpets and area rugs, look for Rockets with specialized brushrolls engineered to deep clean fibers, such as the HV322. For homes with hardwood, tile, and other bare floors, gentler suction is needed to avoid scattering debris.
Several 2-in-1 Rockets like the HV292 handle both surface types by adjusting suction power and brushrolls. Assess how much carpet versus bare floors you need to clean.
Consider Your Portability Requirements
Will you need to carry the vacuum upstairs regularly or clean off the floor? Look for lightweight models around 7-9 lbs that easily convert into hand vacuums, such as the HV292S or HV292. This allows bringing powered suction anywhere.
For quick daily tidy-ups, stick vacuums provide easy maneuverability around furniture and into tight spaces. Detachable hand vacuums tackle detailed cleaning needs.
Determine Cleaning Power Needs
Do you require robust suction to extract pet hair and ground-in dirt from high traffic areas? Models like the HV322 have motorized brushrolls that really deep clean carpets.
For quicker, lighter jobs, other Rockets provide sufficient pickup for hard floors and area rugs. So consider whether deep carpet cleaning abilities are needed or mostly hard surface cleaning.
Evaluate Cordless vs Corded Power
Cordless models like the HV381 allow unlimited mobility but battery runtime is limited. Corded Rockets offer continuous power but have a reach constrained by the cord length.
Convertible vacuums like the HV292 provide the best of both worlds – cordless freedom plus unlimited corded power when needed. Determine if cordless runtime meets your cleaning needs.
Set Your Budget Expectations
Shark Rocket prices range from $150-$300. The HV292 hits the sweet spot around $200 with great value for a convertible model. Be realistic on what you can invest in your vacuum then see which Rockets fit into your budget.
By evaluating your cleaning needs against the models’ capabilities, you can find the ideal Rocket match. Next we’ll answer some commonly asked vacuum questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rocket Vacuums
New vacuum shoppers often have questions about Shark’s Rocket models. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
What is the difference between the HV292 vs HV322?
The HV292 is a convertible stick vac with DuoClean head while the HV322 specializes in carpets with a motorized brushroll. The HV292 offers more versatility for multi-surface cleaning.
How long does the battery last on cordless Rockets?
It varies but averages 20-40 minutes per charge depending on model. Having swappable backup batteries or the corded power option on convertibles extends cleaning time further when needed.
Can a Rocket vacuum clean hardwood floors?
Yes, Rockets have settings to safely clean hard floors. The soft roller in the DuoClean head provides powerful hard floor cleaning without scattering debris or damaging floors.
How often do filters need replacing?
Follow each model’s recommendations, but filters typically need replacing every 12-24 months depending on use frequency. Regular filter cleaning extends lifespan. Washable filters are reusable.
Where are Shark vacuums made?
While Shark is a US-based company, most Rocket stick vacuums are manufactured in China to allow for more affordable pricing. Shark does enforce strict quality control standards.
What is DuoClean technology?
DuoClean powerheads have two brushrolls in one – a soft front roller to pull in large debris and bristled brushroll to deep clean carpets. This provides optimal cleaning on different floor types.
How effective is the self-cleaning brushroll?
It makes cleaning up pet hair incredibly convenient by removing wrapped strands with just the push of a button instead of having to remove by hand. No more brushroll tangles or jams.
How long is the warranty period on Rocket vacuums?
Shark provides a standard 5-year limited warranty on all new Rocket purchases covering original defects. This gives peace of mind.
How do Shark Rocket models compare to Dyson vacuums?
Sharks provide comparable cleaning at lower price points and often more versatile configurations like detachable hand vacs. Dysons boast sleeker design but are costlier.
Can a Rocket vacuum pet hair effectively?
Yes, Rocket vacuums are specially designed to tackle pet hair. Models like the HV292N have self-cleaning brushrolls and tools engineered to conquer hair wrap and remove dander.
Find Your Ideal Shark Rocket Vacuum Today!
We hope this guide gave you a comprehensive look at the excellent cleaning versatility of Shark’s Rocket stick vacuums. By considering your needs, priorities, and home flooring types, you can determine which of the top 5 models fits best.
Bring powerful cordless convenience or effortless cleaning to carpets and hard floors by investing in a Shark Rocket vacuum. With their customizable configurations, these vacuums will make household chores a little easier.
Visit SharkClean.com today to find your perfect Rocket match and enjoy quicker, lighter home cleaning!
