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These two vacuums are extremely similar so you will be mistaken for thinking both of these vacuums are the same.
However, there are a few key differences. Have a look at our review of the shark ZU881 vs AZ1002 models to see these key differences.
If you are in a hurry you can have a look at the comparison table below to get a brief overview of the main differences between these two vacuums.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table
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Shark AZ1002
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| Dust Cup Capacity – 1.5 quarts |
| Weight – 17.1 lbs. |
| Duo Clean Technology |
| Zero M Brush roll |
| Powered Liftaway Feature |
| Filter: Advanced Anti Allergen Complete Seal Technology plus HEPA filter |
| Cord Length – 30 feet |
| Hose Length – 5.5 feet |
| LED Lights – On floor nozzle and handle |
| Cleaning path – 11 inches |
| Accessories – 12″ Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool, and Deep-Cleaning Motorized Pet Tool |
| Check Price |
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Shark ZU881
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|---|
| Dust Cup Capacity – 0.88 quarts |
| Weight – 17.1 lbs. |
| Duo Clean Technology |
| Zero M Self-Cleaning Brush roll |
| Powered Liftaway Mode |
| Filter type: Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter |
| Cord Length – 30 feet |
| Hose Length – 6 feet |
| LED Lights – On floor nozzle and handle |
| Cleaning path – 10.2 inches |
| Accessories – Crevice Tool, Pet Tool |
| Check Price |
Shark AZ1002 vs ZU881 – The Differences – More Power
- The AZ1002 has a larger dust cup capacity
- The AZ1002 has more vacuuming power
- The AZ1002 comes with more accessories
You could be mistaken for thinking these two vacuums are the same. They both have duoclean technology, they both have the zero m self-cleaning brush-roll and they both have the powered liftaway feature.
There are however a few differences that make the AZ1002 our top choice.
The AZ1002 has more vacuuming power, it has a larger dust cup capacity and it has more accessories. Additionally, both vacuums are in a similar price range.
Which is Duo Clean Technology?
The implementation of duo clean technology (allows for more efficient cleaning on both hardwood floors and carpets.
The dual brush roll allows the vacuum to pick up large particles, small particles and stuck on dust that you would usually find on hardwood floors.
The bristle brush is ideal for cleaning carpets and the soft brush roll pulls in larger particles and work on floors to provide a more polished look.
Both the shark ZU881 and the AZ1002 have duo clean technology.
What is Zero M Cleaning Brush Roll
Most of us are familiar with the problem, of hair wrapping around the brush roll of our vacuums and having to manually remove the hair.
Shark has alleviated this problem with the Zero M self-cleaning brush roll. As there slogan says “we remove the hair wrapped around the brush roll so you don’t have to”.
The self-cleaning brush roll has a series of protrusions that constantly remove hair from the brush roll as you vacuum.
Both the shark ZU881 and the AZ1002 have the zero m self-cleaning brush roll.
What is Powered Liftaway
The powered liftaway features allows you to detach the canister pod so you can clean hard to reach areas while still delivering power to keep the brush roll spinning.
This feature gives you more maneuverability when using the vacuum to reach hard to reach areas such as under couches or when cleaning above-ground areas.
What is the difference between Powered Liftaway and Liftaway
Lift-Away means that the main unit can be detached from the wand at the click of a button, turning your upright vacuum into a portable.
Powered Lift Away delivers power directly to the brush roll head even in Lift Away mode.
Detailed Comparison of the Features
- Cleaning Performance (Winner AZ1002) – In this case the AZ1002 model has more vacuuming power than the ZU881 model.
- Weight & Dimensions (Tie) – Both vacuums weight the same and have similar dimensions.
- Maneuverability ( Tie) – Both vacuums have the powered liftaway feature . This feature allows the vacuum head to maintain suction power even when in liftaway mode.
- Accessories (AZ1002) – The AZ1002 has a larger variety of accessories. The AZ1002 model comes with a 12″ Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool, and Deep-Cleaning Motorized Pet Tool while the ZU881 model comes with a Crevice Tool and Pet Tool.
- Dust Cup Capacity (AZ1002) – The AZ1002 model has a larger dust cup capacity than the ZU881 model. The AZ1002 has a dust cup capacity of 1.5 quarts compared to the 0.88 quarts of the ZU881 model.
- Cost (Tie) – Both of these vacuums have a similar price range.
Quick look at the AZ1002
| Features | |
| Type: | Upright & Bagless |
| Product Dimensions: | 11.2 L X 12.2 W X 46 H |
| Weight: | 17.1 lbs. |
| Floor Type: | Good for all Floor types |
| Dust Bin: | 1.5 quarts |
| Cord Length: | 30 feet |
| Hose Length: | 5.5 feet |
| Cleaning Path: | 11 inches |
| LED lights: | On floor nozzle and handle |
| Filter type: | Washable HEPA + foam filters |
| Wattage: | 1350 |
| Amps: | 11.3 |
| Price: | |
PROS
- Self cleaning brush roll
- Duo Clean technology
- Excellent cleaning performance
- More vacuuming power compared to the ZU881 model
- Larger dust cup capacity than the ZU881 model
CONS
- On the expensive side when compared to other Shark vacuums.
Who is this vacuum best suited for?
If you want a multipurpose vacuum that is good for all floor types and ideal if you have to vacuum pet hair this vacuum is ideal. It seems like shark has gone out of their way to create a vacuum with all the bells and whistles.
Quick look at the ZU881
| Features | |
| Type: | Upright & Bagless |
| Dimension: | 47.2 (H) x 12.2 (W) x 10.6 (D) |
| Weight: | 17.7 lbs. |
| Floor Type: | Hardwood floors, and carpets |
| Dust Bin: | 0.88 quarts |
| Cord Length: | 30 feet |
| Hose Length: | 6 feet |
| LED lights: | On floor nozzle & handle |
| Filter type: | Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter |
| Cleaning Path: | 10.25 inches |
| Wattage: | 1150 |
| Amps: | 9 |
| Price: | |
PROS
- Good for hardwood floors & carpets
- Duo Clean feature
- Zero M Feature
CONS
- Smaller dust cup capacity than the AZ1002 model.
- Doesn’t have as much vacuuming power as the AZ1002 model.
Who is this vacuum best suited for?
This vacuum is very similar to the AZ1002 model. The duo clean technology and the zero m self-cleaning brush roll makes it ideal for hardwood floors, carpets and pet hair. The features on this model makes it one of the most advanced shark vacuums on the market.
Conclusion
As we stated above our preferred vacuum is the AZ1002 model. The AZ1002 has more vacuuming power, a larger dust cup capacity and comes with a larger variety of accessories.
Additionally, the AZ1002 tends to be in a similar price range as the ZU881 model. In this case we feel the best pick is the ZU881 model.
