SHARK COMPARED TO VAX PLATUNUM PLUS
5/5
Bought to replace a Vax Platinum Power Max which had done many years service but had needed quite a few spare parts. Some reviews of the Shark comment on it being heavy and noisy - it is lighter and quieter (and smaller) than the Vax. I felt that the carpet cleaning performance between the two was very similar but the Shark was superior with the upholstery attachment. I liked the head having reversible bristles and felt that they made a difference to the cleaning performance. Really liked that the upholstery head and hose are permanently attached to the machine, so much easier switching between the two compared to the Vax. I also liked that you add the detergent to the clean water tank (measured against lines on the tank) compared to Vax which has separate reservoirs, as I always thought the Vax was taking too much detergent. Although the carpet cleaning head is a bit narrower, I didn't notice it taking any longer to clean. I thought the Shark extracted more water and therefore the drying time was quicker both on carpet and even more so on upholstery. Removing the brushes for cleaning on the Vax required a screwdriver and a large amount of patience, on the Shark no tools required and removed in seconds. The one negative with the Shark was the fact that the dirty water tank required emptying before the clean water was finished so you had to stop part way through. If it was larger you would have been able to service both tanks together so maybe 4.5* for an overall rating. Possible improvements if Shark are listening:- 1) a second set of filling lines half way up the clean water tank so you could do a smaller clean, and 2) a retractable power lead.
