Overview
The Shark Navigator® Speed Upright Vacuum with Lift-Away® & Self-Cleaning Brushroll ZU561 is part of the next generation of Shark Navigators, featuring their new technology in a Self-Cleaning Brushroll called Zero-M.
It has strong motor power, lift-away feature, brush on/off benefits, and still very lightweight (about 13.4 lbs). Besides, the Zero-M technology reduces the hair wrapping issue to some extents.
The Shark Navigator® Zero-M™ Lift-Away Speed™ Vacuum can be a good option if you are seeking for an affordable full-size vacuum for robust performance in long time. It is flexible to work as an upright, canister vac and very lightweight to maneuver.
Shark Navigator ZU561 still has some downsides. Actually, the hair still wraps around the brush bar if it is long hair or there are a lot of hairs on carpets, bare floors. Also, the cord seems a little bit shorter (around 25 ft) and it seems harder to push and pull on the carpet.
On the overall, it is a nice upright vacuum with a super strong power that can be used as the main vacuum, it still has limitations compared to Shark APEX Duoclean series.
Should you get Shark Navigator ZU561 in 2021?
Shark Navigator ZU561 is a nice option for general use since it has all of the benefits of a great vacuum. However, it does not have the most advanced feature like Duoclean brush roll, noise reduction or LED lights.
If you are seeking an economic model with no specific requirement, Shark Navigator ZU561 can be a worthy investment in 2021. If you want a more advanced unit, lets have a look at the Shark APEX Duoclean models.
Lets review this Shark Navigator ZU561 and compare with other Shark vacuum models.
Coupon for Shark Navigator ZU561
When we last checked, this Shark Navigator ZU561 had a good discount, free shipping and you could get $50 off instantly via the Amazon Rewards Visa Card (conditions apply). You can see the latest Amazon price below.
Technologies and benefits of Shark Navigator ZU561
Construction
Shark Navigator ZU561 is a lightweight, corded upright vacuum cleaner designed as the second generation of Shark Navigator NV356E, the bestseller upright vacuum cleaner on the market. This vacuum cleaner remains the core technologies to give both flexibility and great performance on many cleaning tasks.
Shark Navigator ZU561 uses a motor of 800 W which is a little bit smaller than others (1150 W) but due to the difference brush bar design, it still generates plenty of suction power.
Zero-M technology
The new brush bar design is aimed to reduce the hair wrapping issue. When picking up short hair, this technology is quite efficient. However, when dealing with long hairs, Shark Navigator ZU561 still get hair wrapped.
Core technologies
This model has Lift-Away canister benefit, HEPA filtration system, lightweight and XL dust cup. There are plenties of attachment included too.
- Duster crevice tool – a unique design for cleaning tight spaces
- Hair removal tool – for picking up hair on couch, sofa
- Pet powered brush – for picking up hair on carpeted stair
Short cord
The cord of Shark Navigator ZU561 is just about 25 ft., which is shorter than the standard (30 ft)
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12 x 9.5 x 45.6 inches
- Item Weight: 13.4 pounds
- Motor: 800 W
- Zero-M technology: yes
- HEPA: yes
- Cleaning path: 12 in
- Dust cup capacity: 0.9 dry quart
- Swivel head: yes
- Brush on/off: yes
- LED lights: no
- Cord length: 25 ft.
- Hose length: 6.6 ft
- Filter type: HEPA and foam filter (washable)
- Warranty: 5 years
Performance of Shark Navigator ZU561
Compare Shark Navigator ZU651 with other models
Shark Navigator ZU561 with Shark Navigator NV352
It is interesting to see the difference between the new generation model (ZU561) with the top-rated, older sibling (NV352).
Generally speaking, Shark Navigator ZU561 uses a smaller motor power (800 W vs 1200 W) and shorter cord (25 ft. vs 30 ft.). The key values of Shark ZU561 is Zero-M technology and newer set of accessories.
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Zero-M Speed Upright Vacuum (ZU561) | Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (NV352) | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Shark's Navigator second generation with self-hair removal technology | Shark Navigator - popular choice, low price, lightweight model |
| General specification | ||
| Dimensions | 12" L X 9.5" W X 46" H | 15" L X 11.4" W X 45.5" H |
| Weight | 13.4 lbs | 12.5 lbs |
| Motor power | 800 | 1200 |
| Dust cup size (dry quart) | 0.9 | 1.2 |
| Features | ||
| Zero-M | yes | - |
| Lift Away Technology | yes | yes |
| Anti-Allergen + HEPA Filter | yes | yes |
| Swivel steering | yes | yes |
| Warranty | 5 year limited | 5 year limited |
FAQs and troubleshooting of Shark Navigator ZU561
Coming soon
What’s the difference between ZU651, ZU562 & the ZU560?
Attachments
What’s the difference between the ZU560 and the AZ1002?
Both are equipped with the Zero-M™ Technology, but the Shark APEX Upright Vacuum with Zero-M Powered Lift-Away AZ1002 also features DuoClean technology. Read our review of the Shark APEX Upright Vacuum with DuoClean Zero-M Powered Lift-Away for more details.
What’s the difference between this and the Navigator 360?
The main difference between the Shark Navigator Upright Vacuum with Lift-Away and Zero-M Technology, ZU561, and the Shark Navigator Professional Upright Vacuum, NV360, is the Zero-M Technology. We have a separate review for the Shark Navigator 360 for more information.