Bissell CrossWave vs Shark Duo
Great Vacuums: Which is Better & Why?
Bissell and Shark are two of the most well-known brands when it comes to vacuum cleaners. If you’re looking for a vacuum to help keep your floors looking great with minimal effort, both companies offer a variety of vacuums with features designed to do just that. But how do you know which brand/model is right for your floors? Here we compare two of the most popular models, Bissell Crosswave vs Shark Duo. We highlight the main features of each, and explain their similarities and differences to help you make the best choice for your cleaning needs.
Bissell CrossWave
SPECIFICATIONS:
Multi-Surface Cleaning: Yes: Tile, Wood, Laminate, Linoleum, and Area Rugs
Vacuum & Wash: Yes
Cleaning Path Width: 12 in
Detachable Extension: None
Product Weight: 11.5 lbs
Cord Length: 25 ft
Pet Model Offered: Yes: Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro
Cordless Model Offered: Yes: Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max
Shark APEX w/ DuoClean
SPECIFICATIONS:
Multi-Surface Cleaning: Yes: All flooring types including deep carpets and hardwood
Vacuum and Wash: No
Cleaning Path Width: 11 in
Extension: 5.5 ft hose
Product Weight: 16 lbs
Cord Length: 30 ft
Pet Model Offered: Yes: Shark Rotator Lift-Away TruePet
Cordless Model Offered: Yes: Shark Vertex DuoClean
Bissell CrossWave vs Shark Duo Review
These are two of the most popular vacuums on the market. Both Bissell and Shark are reliable companies that have been creating new products with multifunctional purposes. Taking advantage of these new machines saves us time and money, not to mention frees up space in our closets.
Although both of these vacuums can perform multiple cleaning tasks, each are designed for specific purposes. The flooring you have, the amount of foot traffic in your house, and whether or not you have pets will determine the best vacuum for your needs. Here we break down the differences between these popular machines and provide some insight on their strengths and weaknesses so you can be confident that you’re making the correct purchase.
Similarities:
If you’re looking for a vacuum that can clean hard surface flooring, then either of these two models would suit your needs. Both are upright vacuums that have similar sized cleaning paths with powerful suction that picks up large and small particles. They are also considered low maintenance as the CrossWave comes with a rinse and clean out storage tray for quick cleanup and the Shark Duo has self-cleaning brushrolls to eliminate hair wrap. The cord length is comparable and both do offer a cordless version of the same vacuum.
Differences:
The biggest difference between the Bissell CrossWave and the Shark Duo is that the CrossWave is an all-in-one multi-surface wet dry vacuum. This means it can be used to vacuum and wash your floors at the same time. Many assume the “duo” in Shark Duo also refers to a dry and wet function; however, it actually stands for DuoClean technology. This is a dual-brush system the Shark vacuum has that cleans and gives your floors a polished look. Though the Shark APEX is one of the most popular DuoClean vacuums, many Shark brand vacuums utilize this technology. If you’re looking specifically for a wet dry vacuum, Shark does make a version called the Shark VACMOP. To see how it compares to the Bissell CrossWave, check out our comparison Bissell CrossWave vs Shark VACMOP.
Other notable differences between these two vacuums can be broken down into four categories; multi-surface cleaning, dirt collection, versatility, purchase price. Let’s discuss each of these more in detail.
Multi-Surface Cleaning
The CrossWave was designed for hard surface flooring such as hardwood, tile, linoleum, etc… It can be used on area rugs but is not designed for thicker laid carpet. It has the ability to mop and pick up dry debris at the same time, which is great for spot cleaning wet and/or sticky messes. It does not have any hoses or detachable extensions and uses only the dual action brush roll head for cleaning.
The Shark Duo, is designed to clean all flooring types, including hard surface flooring and deep carpet. It has a detachable pod that makes cleaning high areas and under furniture easier. It also comes with three attachments; crevice tool, upholstery tool, and pet power brush, for additional cleaning. The Shark Duo is made to give hard surface floors a polished look, but does not have the capability to mop while it cleans.
Dirt Collection
The Bissell CrossWave uses a two-tank system in which one tank holds clean water with cleaning solution and the dirty water and debris picked up goes into a separate tank. This ensures that you’re cleaning your floors with fresh water and not just pushing around the mess. The clean tank has a capacity of 28 oz while the dirt cup capacity is 14.5 oz. The larger clean tank allows you to cover more area before needing to mix more solution.
The Shark Duo’s brushroll system is designed to deep clean your carpets and leave your hardwood floors with a polished look. The dirt collection cup has a 28 oz capacity for dust and debris and can be rinsed after emptying. The APEX duo also has Anti-Allergen technology that traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum. It has two pre-motor filters and an exhaust HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter, all of which are washable and reusable.
Versatility
Both vacuums have multiple functions that provide added value based on the type of cleaning desired. The CrossWave vacuums and washes your floors at the same time, eliminating the need for a steam cleaner or mop, saving you precious time in your day. The handle is equipped with smart touch controls that allow you to easily switch between hard surface flooring and area rugs and dispense solution.
The Shark Duo has a detachable pod that makes above-floor and under furniture cleaning easy while maintain powerful suction. The handle of the Duo also contains controls allowing you to effortlessly switch between carpet and hard surfaces. Both vacuums are relatively light weight and boost fluid maneuverability.
Purchase Price
The price of each of these vacuums, like any product, changes through-out the year. Generally, the Shark Duo costs anywhere from $100-$150 more than the Bissell CrossWave. As we’ve seen through the comparison above, the CrossWave is a wet/dry vacuum where the Shark Duo is a multi-surface, suction only vacuum. This characteristic undoubtably plays into the difference in price.
Bissell CrossWave
Shark APEX Duo
Conclusion:
The Bissell CrossWave is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a wet/dry vacuum that combines mopping and sweeping into one efficient process. It’s our favorite machine in that category and continues to receive high reviews from consumers. If you’d like to learn more about the CrossWave or other vacuums in the CrossWave family, see our review of Best Wet Dry Vacuums for Hardwood Floors.
If you’re more in the market for a strong suction vacuum with the ability to clean all areas of your home, then the Shark APEX Duo will not disappoint. As one of Shark’s most popular upright vacuums, the Duo has also earned high marks from consumers. Ultimately, the choice between these two vacuums relies heavily on your specific needs for the flooring in your home.
