Are you after a reliable and powerful cordless vacuum to clean up all your everyday messes? From pet fur and crumbs to dust and dirt, I put the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 through it to see if it keeps up with the best cordless vacuums.
Shark has been around for decades, creating quality midrange home products with many vacuums. Whether you’re after a robot, handheld, upright, or cordless, Shark has you covered, and the Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 is one of the brand’s latest releases.
I used this vacuum over several weeks at my parent’s home while visiting for the holidays, observing how well it cleaned the space. Given their home consists of a wide variety of flooring and gets dirty quickly thanks to a furry dog, the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 had its work cut out.
This cordless vacuum is more unique than most, thanks to an auto-emptying dock that consistently empties the vacuum’s dust cup. Even with that handy extra feature, the entire system was still quick to set up. However, it’s bulky and not great for smaller spaces.
As for cleaning performance, I was impressed by the suction power of this vacuum. It’s the best I’ve experienced in a cordless vacuum. The Shark Cordless PowerDetect cleaned up almost everything on hard floors and carpeting, even during more rigorous testing. I loved its Detect modes, which sensed higher concentrations of debris, edges, and more, making cleaning even more straightforward. Be prepared occasionally for tricky maneuvering on carpeting and rugs, as the Floor Detect mode was inconsistent. But if you have furniture to reach under, the MultiFlex Wand is convenient and prevents back strain.
Overall, the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 performed excellently and is perfect for messier homes with pets and kids. Larger homes may need to be cleaned in sessions, as the average battery life is about 25 minutes in Detect mode. Still, chances are you won’t be disappointed in this cordless vacuum. Read on to find out more about my experience with it.
Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System: Key specs
| Power | 450 watts |
| Dust Capacity | 0.74 qt |
| Filtration System | Felt + Washable Foam Filters (Pre-Motor) HEPA Filter (Post-Motor) |
| Battery Life | 70 minutes (Eco, handheld mode) |
| Attachments | 8" Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool |
| Weight | 7.96 lbs /Auto-Empty Dock - 10.52 lbs |
| Base Dust Bin | 2 liters |
| Suction Power | Not listed |
Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System: Setup
The Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 arrived in a large, bulky box. Ideally, it’s a two-person job to get inside, as I struggled to do it solo. After opening the box, I was greeted with another more colorful box of similar dimensions displaying the vacuum’s features. Inside, all the components were neatly arranged with limited wasted space. Most of the materials used for packaging were recyclable, but I would’ve loved to see less plastic for protecting parts.
All the components were accounted for upon review. The sheer amount of parts is a little overwhelming, especially since I couldn’t find an instruction manual. I’m unsure if Shark didn’t include the manual or if I misplaced it.
Instead, a single sheet of paper with an overview of the setup process and use basics was included. Luckily, many parts featured removable stickers on assembly and how-tos to make life easier. Even without the instruction manual, I still set up the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 in less than 10 minutes, and the whole process was fairly straightforward.
After assembly, I placed the dock and charging post close to an outlet and out of the way. The system is bulky, making it an eyesore in smaller spaces. The dock also features storage for the two handheld vacuum attachments to prevent them from getting lost. I placed the cordless vacuum onto the charging port, and the dock immediately (and loudly) emptied the vacuum’s dust cup and began charging. Shark recommends fully charging the battery before its first use.
I was impressed by how easily everything came together, and I was happy to see how securely the cordless vacuum docks into the charging port. Even if my dog knocks into it, I’m confident the vacuum will still stay in place. Based on first impressions, the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System looked ready to deliver.
- Score: 9/10
Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System: Design & Features
The Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System isn’t compact. Its dock is big and bulky, making it better for larger homes. As someone prone to losing accessories, I’m glad Shark included storage for the 8" Duster Crevice Tool and Pet Multi-Tool, while the 2-liter dust bin on the dock meant I never had to empty it during my testing – a huge boon. The dust bin also features an odor-neutralizer cartridge to prevent odors. Many of Shark’s latest vacuums feature this nice smelling technology, but I find it gimmicky and wouldn’t be something I replace after it runs out.
The cordless vacuum easily and securely slots into the dock and charging port to empty and charge. It’s on the taller side of stick vacuums, measuring 45.64 inches, and isn’t the lightest option, weighing 7.96 pounds. So, I experienced some fatigue during longer cleaning sessions. Much of the weight can be attributed to the handheld vacuum component, so it’s incredibly top-heavy and won’t stand independently.
However, when I didn’t want to put the cordless vacuum in the charger, the handy MultiFlex wand fully bends for safe storage. It was as simple as clicking a button, and the wand snapped back in place just as quickly. Of course, that wand also ensured the floor nozzle could reach under lower furniture like beds, chairs, and tables without me straining my back. It removed a shocking amount of dust and debris under my couch that I couldn’t with my regular corded vacuum.
That floor nozzle features two brush rolls that have done a surprisingly great job at preventing hair warp. They still look brand new after several weeks of use, and I only needed to clean them once, which is impressive considering the large chunks of dog fur, hair, and debris that cover my floors daily.
This is one of the first Shark vacuums to feature DuoDetect technology. The floor nozzle has forward and reverse debris pick-up. Yes, most vacuums tend to pick up debris in reverse, but this one has unique teeth to pull in more debris when reversing. It seemed to work fine in my testing, but it’s nothing revolutionary.
My favorite feature of the floor nozzle is the lights. They’re in the front and the back of the vacuum and helped illuminate dust and debris I would’ve otherwise missed. Those lights are part of Sharks’ Detect technology that can be found in a range of its vacuums. Other modes include Dirt Detect to increase suction in dirtier areas of your home, Edge Detect for dynamic detection of edges to increase suction when in the nooks and crannies of your space, and Floor Detect for optimizing the brushes based on the floor.
The vacuum must be in Detect mode to use all of the Detect features. It’s easy to activate, as Detect mode is the standard setting when you turn on the vacuum. The power control is a big purple button on the top of the handheld portion of the vacuum. During testing, the button was temperamental, sometimes taking several presses to activate. But once it did, everything was smooth sailing.
There are two other power modes on the cordless vacuum: Eco mode and Boost mode. An easy-to-reach trigger-like button was inside the vacuum handle for swapping between the three modes. Each mode worked exactly as expected. At the top of the vacuum was an easy-to-read panel that displayed what mode I’d activated for convenience: a leaf indicated Eco, a white circle for Detect, and a red circle for Boost mode. The panel also featured a handy battery indicator with a white bar to show how much charge was left. It would start to blink when power was running low. I didn’t find it that noticeable during testing. So, several times, it stopped right in the middle of cleaning.
If you’re looking for a quiet vacuum, you’ve come to the wrong place and should probably invest in a robot vacuum instead. Using a decibel meter, I measured the vacuum, averaging about 70dB in Eco Mode, which is about conversation level. Still, it was enough noise for my dog to want to go outside. In the highest operating mode, the vacuum hit 80dB, bordering on the level of a blender. However, the worst noise offender is the dock. When emptying the dust cup, it struck about 85dB and managed to scare me multiple times. Plus, be prepared for it to empty the dust cup twice. Luckily, if you don’t want the dust cup emptied, the dock features an easy-to-turn-on control at the side of the charging port to prevent emptying.
Navigating the Shark Cordless PowerDetect around my home had its ups and downs. It took on hard floors like a champion, easily maneuvering with an excellent turn radius exactly where I wanted it to go, like directly against walls and furniture. But carpets and rugs were a hit or miss. Sometimes, the brush rolls activated, causing the floor nozzle to breezily move around with minimal effort on the low-pile and medium-pile carpet. Other times, those brush rolls wouldn’t activate, and it was an intense arm workout just getting it to move a few feet on a rug. Unfortunately, the Floor Detect feature of this Shark vacuum was flawed.
- Score: 8/10
Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System: Performance
I’ve tested a range of vacuums during visits to my parent's home. Everything from robots and handhelds to cordless and uprights have roamed their floors, and the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 had one of the best performances. Cleaning the range of hard floors with tons of low pile rugs and the fully carpeted upper floor was no easy task. Add in a furry dog constantly covered in dirt and leaves, holiday decor leaving behind glitter and pine needles, and lots of baking, and this vacuum had its work cut out.
Before any rigorous testing, I wanted to see how the vacuum performed during average, everyday cleaning tasks. Leaving it in the default Detect mode, I pushed the vacuum around the lower level of my parent's home.
It picked up everything in its path on hard floors, including large chunks of dog fur and dirt. Moving it along the edges of the cabinets, I never heard the advertised Edge Detect mode increase suction. But even without it, almost every crumb was removed from those harder-to-reach areas. Luckily, I listened to the suction increase when more significant concentrations of debris were detected, indicating the Dirt Detect feature was working. It consistently activated throughout testing, picking up extra debris I may have missed.
When I maneuvered onto low pile rugs, it was a hit or miss as to whether the brush rolls would activate using the Floor Detect feature. But when they did, almost everything was removed except for pesky, super-ingrained dog fur and pine needles. Even the powerful Dyson upright vacuum I have couldn’t remove that debris, so I can’t even fault the Shark Cordless PowerDetect for that. However, due to that powerful performance, I’d occasionally vacuum up rug edges, which would cause the brush rolls to stop. I’d need to restart the vacuum to get them working again.
As I made my way to the upper level of my home, I used the vacuum on a few carpeted stairs; it worked marvelously and was far easier to manage than an upright vacuum. On the carpeted second floor, the Floor Detect feature worked much better, and I was shocked by how well it cleaned. After just one minute, the dust cup was full of dust, fur, and hair. I hadn’t even noticed that debris was there. Plus, the vacuum even left those lovely carpet lines, letting you know it was freshly cleaned.
One extra handy feature of the Shark Cordless PowerDetect is its MultiFlex wand. With the press of a button, the floor nozzle went under my couches, chairs, and tables without needing to bend over or strain my back. The debris left in the dust cup afterward was astounding, so I know it worked exceptionally well. However, the floor nozzle was a little too tall to fit under a few furniture pieces.
Using the two other suction power modes available on the Shark Cordless PowerDetect, Eco and Boost, I did similar testing. It’s important to note that some Detect technology won’t work in these modes. Eco mode performed surprisingly well, removing almost all visible debris on hard floors and carpets. However, I noticed less dirt and dust in the dust cup at the end. I would also occasionally need to run over spots a few times to pick up all the dust. Boost mode had a similar performance to Detect.
Like most cordless vacuums, Shark Cordless PowerDetect can also be used in handheld mode. It comes with two attachments, a Duster Crevice Tool and a Pet Multi-Tool. I used the Duster Crevice Tool to get crumbs under couch cushions and clean dust from the baseboards. The Pet Tool was used to get some hair off chairs and couches. The tools felt secure, slotted into the handheld vacuum and MultiFlex wand, and worked as expected. However, I would never let these attachments be a reason to purchase this vacuum. It also felt cumbersome after only a couple of minutes of cleaning.
Beyond everyday cleaning tasks, I put the vacuum through more rigorous testing using heaving concentrations of debris, including dog fur, dust, rice, and oats. I observed how quickly and easily the vacuum picked up the debris on each power level.
Starting on hard floors in Eco mode, I spread the debris around. The vacuum picked up everything except dust and a few rice granules in the first pass. A second pass removed everything. Detect and Boost mode yielded slightly better results. I did the same testing with the same concentrations of debris on carpeting. In Eco mode, only a bit of rice was left after one pass, but a couple more cleaned everything up. Boost and Detect saw almost everything vacuumed after just one pass.
The results of these tests prove just how powerful the suction is on the Shark Cordless PowerDetect. It blows robots and other cordless vacuums I’ve reviewed out of the water. That suction power is bordering on a corded upright vacuum. Thanks to the powerful pickup, it’s an excellent option for those with pets and kids, and the tetherless design is insanely convenient for larger, multi-story homes.
That said, any cordless vacuum's biggest downfall is battery life. Shark claims Cordless PowerDetect gets about 70 minutes of runtime on the Eco setting in handheld mode. Based on my testing, I’d say this is pretty accurate. Using a combo of the floor nozzle and attachments, the battery lasted just over an hour in Eco. In Detect and Boost mode, that time dropped significantly. I only got about 25 minutes of cleaning time in Detect mode and 11 minutes in Boost with the floor nozzle attached.
Those results were average to slightly better than average regarding battery life in cordless vacuums. If you have a larger home, that won’t be enough time for a complete cleaning, mainly if you stick to the default Detect setting. Unfortunately, charging on the dock isn’t quick either. I had to wait almost 5 hours for the vacuum to be fully juiced. Again, this is average but a pain if you want to finish a cleaning session.
- Score: 9/10
Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System: Care & maintenance
Maintenance on the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 is far easier than any other cordless vacuum I’ve tested. That’s all thanks to the auto-emptying dock. Most cordless vacuums come with smaller dust cups that must be emptied manually every few cleanings. That’s not a worry on this Shark vacuum, as the dock removes the debris from the dust cup of the vacuum and deposits it right into the dock’s 2-liter dustbin. The dustbin only needs to be emptied every couple of months, so I haven’t even needed to empty it during testing.
When that dock’s dust bin eventually needs to be removed, a button is pressed to remove the entire bin for tossing the contents into the garbage. It's a bagless option, so you’ll never need to worry about buying bag replacements like other auto-emptying systems.
The dust cup on the vacuum isn’t the largest capacity, and it was stuffed with debris past the max line after the first cleaning. Even though it was full, the vacuum still managed to pick up perfectly fine without getting clogged.
After cleaning, I placed the vacuum on the dock. The dust cup emptied almost immediately. You’ll know it’s happening, as the dock is extremely loud during the process. After the initial suction of debris from the dust cup, a second suction occurs to ensure all the debris is out of that dust cup. In my few weeks of testing, it consistently emptied almost everything from the dust cup.
Only once did I need to empty the dust cup manually, as some hair was stuck. It was an absolute struggle to figure out how to open up this dust cup. I ended up turning to the instruction manual online. After I finally got it open, everything went smoothly. However, I wasted five minutes of my life attempting to open it.
Other maintenance on the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP325 is standard. Filters and brushes will occasionally need cleaning or replacing. Luckily, the brush rolls are pretty great at keeping hair at bay. The base station also has an Odor Neutralizer Cartridge that must be replaced every six months. But as mentioned, I think it’s pointless and would be something I skip.
- Score: 8/10
Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System: Price & Value
The Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251’s retail price is $499.99 but is often on sale for at least $100 less. It can be bought directly from the Shark website or retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
Given the cordless vacuum’s excellent suction power, handy Detect modes for easier cleaning, and great all-around performance, it’s a solid value, especially if you manage to grab it on sale. The price does fall at the upper end of the midrange tier, but this vacuum differentiates itself from others in a similar price bracket thanks to the auto-emptying dock. Very few cordless vacuums come with this handy feature that makes maintenance more hands-off.
However, if you don’t think you’ll need the auto-emptying dock or don’t have the space for it, the Shark Cordless PowerDetect is available without a dock for $50-70 less, depending on the sale. It’s the same vacuum that comes with the system so that you won’t be sacrificing any of the vacuum’s features.
- Score: 8/10
Would I buy the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System?
The Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System has four automatic detect modes that pick up debris efficiently, the MultiFlex Wand allows users to reach under furniture, and simple controls make suction adjustments easy.
It's pretty loud during operation, especially when the dock empties. It doesn't do well on rugs, but it works well on corners and edges. The suction power is really strong and rivals some corded vacuums.
The battery lasts 25 minutes in default mode and over an hour in Eco, but may not be enough for larger homes since it takes five hours to charge.
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | straightforward assembly; challenges posed by the bulky packaging, lack of a detailed manual, and the vacuum's size | 7/10 |
| Design & features | thoughtful design, practical features, and effective cleaning capabilities; minor deductions due to its bulkiness; some inconsistencies with the Floor Detect feature | 8/10 |
| Performance | impressive cleaning performance, strong suction power, and versatility across different surfaces; variability in brush roll activation on low pile rugs; handheld attachments are cumbersome; limitations in battery life during high power modes | 9/10 |
| Care & maintenance | auto-emptying feature; bagless design, higher noise level; difficulty accessing dust cup | 8/10 |
| Value | higher price point; features enhance overall value | 8/10 |
How does the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System compare?
The Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 is a pricier midrange cordless option, but if you’re willing to sacrifice the dock and a few features, there are plenty of budget-friendly options. I had the opportunity to test the Shark Cordless Pro Vacuum IZ562H. It has a similar Dirt Detect mode that increases suction in dirtier areas of your home for over $100 less than the Shark PowerDetect. Just be prepared for less suction strength, no flexible wand, and a slightly shorter run time.
I reviewed the Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick Vacuum for an ultra-cheap alternative and was impressed. Sure, the vacuum is pretty barebones, so it won’t have the suction power, Detect modes, or auto-emptying dock of the Shark Cordless PowerDetect. But it works perfectly fine for lighter messes on hard floors. It’s even rocking handy lights on the floor nozzle to highlight dust and debris. However, the biggest perk is it’s often on sale for less than half the cost of the Shark Cordless PowerDetect.
Want the absolute best vacuum around? A TopTenReviews expert reviewed the Dyson Gen5detect Absolute, giving it high marks thanks to its wealth of features and top-notch performance. It offers dust detection similar to Shark, powerful suction, a sleek design, and a wealth of cleaning tools to clean every nook and cranny of your home. One feature you won’t find is an auto-emptying dock, Shark has the upper hand on that along with price, as Dyson’s vacuum has an eye-watering retail price of just under $1,000.
How I tested the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System
I reviewed the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System IP3251 in my parent's home for several weeks while visiting over the holiday season. Their floors include laminate, hardwood, tile, low-pile rugs, and medium-pile carpet. Our extremely furry dog (Keeshond) also lives here, leaving clumps of fur, dirt, leaves, and crumbs everywhere.
During my testing, the vacuum performed average, everyday tasks. I did more rigorous testing of the power modes on the hard floors and carpeting with concentrated debris, including oats, rice, dust, and big fur clumps. Using a decibel meter on my phone, I also observed noise levels and monitored battery life with a timer. Beyond the floor nozzle, I tried the two attachments in various situations.
Find out more about how we test.
