The best robot vacuums are a game-changer when it comes to household cleaning, cutting valuable time in half, and offering a hands-on experience. And while Shark is a well-known name for innovative vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances, it's also making a serious mark on the robot vacuum market.
The new Shark PowerDetect Thermacharged robot vacuum is an impressive upgrade to the original flagship, Shark PowerDetect, which holds the top spot in our guide. As its name implies, it now features ThermaCharged technology with a heated mop wash and dry function to offer a more hygienic and spotless clean, while banishing unpleasant odors.
Beyond the new heated mopping, the upgraded PowerDetect includes all the convenient, advanced features like Dirt Detect (to adjust power to mess levels) and 3D imaging technology. But does it truly live up to the hype? Here are my first impressions.
3 things I liked
1. It tackles thresholds and handled my troublesome rugs
Perhaps the PowerDetect’s most notable upgrade is its advanced navigation and 3D Lidar technology to allow it to glide smoothly over thresholds. Since my home has a mixture of hardwood, tiles, and rugs, this proved problematic in the past.
The upgraded Shark was able to transition over the different thresholds from the living room to the kitchen without getting stuck. I was also impressed at how well it moved onto rugs, and even tackled my pesky doormats. As it did so, I could hear it ramp up as it adapted suction power.
While this might seem like a small yet significant upgrade, it made a huge difference to performance and overall cleaning time. What's more, its fast mapping made obstacle avoidance a breeze, and I had no issues with it bumping into chair or table legs that were in the way.
2. I set up the robot vacuum in seconds
Setting up the Shark PowerDetect robot vacuum was refreshingly quick and easy, a welcome change from the typical hassle of unboxing and preparing new robot vacuums.
The entire process took less than a minute, as I simply followed the straightforward guide printed on the box, eliminating the need to decipher the instruction guide. After attaching the mop brushes to the base and inserting the aroma pod (another handy addition), the unit was ready to be placed in the dock for charging.
I particularly liked the clear base LED guide, which provides an immediate visual update on the robot's charging status and battery level. A White LED confirms connection to the power/dock, while Green indicates charging has commenced. The pulsing 'traffic light' sequence (red, amber, and green) offers an easy-to-read indication of the current battery level.
3. You won't even realize it's on
Another impressive feature I liked is the Shark PowerDetect is impressively quiet, emitting only a soft hum while it's working.
This low noise level means it won't interrupt conversations or when you’re binge-watching your favorite show in peace. In fact, I often forgot it was cleaning away in the background while I was reading.
The only time it would get louder is when it detects more dirt, and then auto-adjusts its power to suit the task. However, even at its loudest, the noise is still bearable and not disruptive.
...and one thing I didn't like
Its design could be more stylish
I do love aesthetics and design appeal in my home, and sadly (for me), the Shark's bulky size and lackluster design were disappointing. Granted, it's not the largest model I've seen by far, but given its hefty price tag I'd expect a sleeker, more modern aesthetic. This is especially the case when you have the likes of Roborock's Qrevo Curv that has a sleek, more ergonomic curved appeal for the same premium price point.
However, the Shark PowerDetect ThermaCharged robot vacuum is a strong choice if simplicity, excellent navigation, and quiet operation are your top priorities. Stay tuned for my full review.
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