Shark Rotator Speed - the lightweight alternative to the standard Powered Lift-Away

I am an optimist. I always thought good vacuum cleaners can evolve into even better machines. When many saw no room to improve, I was there, thinking about the tens of ways in which these appliances could get better. Shark is one of those companies who doesn’t disappoint people like me, at least not in the last couple of years. Even though their latest Rotator was a success, they kept on spinning the concept. This is how the Rotator Speed was born. In this review, you’ll find out everything on the latest addition from the Powered Lift-Away family, the Speed model. In under 2 minutes you’ll know:

what’s so great about Shark Powered Lift-Away Rotator Speed
what are its shortcomings
how Speed models compare to one another (NV680 vs NV681 vs NV682 vs NV683)
from where to get a nice deal

By the way, if you’re in a hurry and want to know more about all the Shark vacuum cleaners from this series, you can just skip this story and check out this comparison chart.

The Looks

I got my hands on a great blue NV683, check it out:

Here’s the full product infographic:

And here’s the full video from my friend Radu:

Specifications

I wouldn’t say the Shark Speed is an ultra light vacuum (such as e.g. the V8 Absolute from Dyson). However, it is compact and enables you to reach tight places where you could not vacuum previously. It hunts down all the dust and easily eats through debris, thanks to its superior suction power. But let’s see exactly what kind of specs are we talking about:

Suction power	It’s not as powerful as the NV750, but then again, who needs so much suction? 180 AW is enough for my taste. Actually, the way I see it, the Speed is competing on the same market segment which Dyson tries to win with its Small Ball unit. However, the Dyson Small ball only vacuums with 150 AW. The Speed comes with 2 different heads, the standard one which includes a powerful brushroll and another nozzle specifically designed for bare floors, called the Dust-Away Hard Floor Attachment.
Input power	Since it has a lower suction, it also consumes less. It needs only 800W to work (as compared to the 1200W consumed by a NV75*). Its motor runs on 6.7 Amps.
Dust capacity	The dust cup has a capacity of 0.725 gallons, smaller than the standard Rotator, but still much bigger than the bins of other vacuum cleaners from its class. Based on this value, you can vacuum 2000 sq ft. before you have to empty the container. I’ve always appreciated Shark units for their spacey dust bins.
Filtration system efficiency	Shark tries to improve at this chapter, by deploying a completely sealed system and a HEPA filter to handle all the air output.
Weight and Dimensions	This represents one of the best points of this model. It weights 13.8 lbs. and measures 47.5″ x 11″ x 12″. It is almost 2 lbs. lighter than the standard unit.
Warranty	Shark usually provides for Speed models a lengthy 7-year warranty. However, depending on your retailer, you may get it with a 5 year plan, or a lifetime warranty (if you purchase it directly from SharkClean.com).
Accessories	Most of the vacuum cleaners are packed with unwanted and obsolete accessories which go out of date or are just left here and there in the house. Whereas, the Shark Rotator Speed is presented to the customers with all new and usable accessories like the Duster Crevice tool, the Pet Multi-Tool, the Home and Car Detail Tool and of course, the caddy.
Special features	2-in-1 vacuum cleaner – Transforms into a canister, if used with the caddy. Advanced swivel steering – It can be used with ease. Fingertip controls – This appliance can be controlled with only one hand on the vacuum handle. LED lights – great looking led lights on both nozzles.
Usability	The Shark Rotator Speed can be used to clean hard-to-reach sharp corners, ceilings, and that irritating pet fur caught up by your carpets. From unboxing, to vacuuming, it take only 5 minutes. The unit produces a medium sound. The width of the nozzle is not as big as the one from the standard Rotator.
Price	This is definitely not cheapest Shark on the market. It is for the moment available with a discount on Amazon.com. Or you make choose to take SharkClean.com’s direct offer, which includes a car detailing kit and a steam pocket mop for $229.

Pro features

It is powerful.
2 separate nozzle heads.
It comes up with the anti-allergen complete seal technology and HEPA.
It is light-weight, compact.
It is a 2-in-1 unit, meaning you can easily reach from floor to ceiling.
Comes with LED lights, which help you to see hidden dust and dirt particles.
It swivels.
It’s affordable for the middle class.

Cons

For some, impractical to switch from one nozzle to the other.
Some accessories, such as the detail kit, need to be purchased separately.
It’s not the most reliable vacuum cleaner I’ve seen.

Shark Rotator Speed comparison – NV680 vs NV681 vs NV682 vs NV683

Here are the main differences between the Speed models:

Shark Rotator Speed	NV680	NV681	NV682	NV683

Home and Car Detail	No	No	No	Yes
Caddy	No	No	Yes	Yes
Pet Power Brush	No	Yes	No	No
TruePet Mini Motorized Brush	No	No	Yes	No

Final Comments

The overall functionality of the Sharp Rotator Speed makes it stand out of the crowd. It scores great at “Usability” and “Special Features”. It’s a pity some of its accessories need to be purchased separately. And I saved the best part for the end: it really, really “sucks”. Here’s my VGM:

As you see, this unit scores pretty good. Impressed? What’s your take on this? Would you buy a Shark Speed? Bought one already? Share it with us.

, https://www.vacuumsguide.net/shark-rotator-speed/

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Jason Roberts

Founder and executive reviewer at Vacuums Guide

I'm Jason Moe Roberts, an appliances expert and blogger. I've worked at Walmart for more than 15 years, in the house appliance department. I love to use home equipment and I spend a lot of time testing the best products and reviewing them. My family and friends also recommend me as a caring person, a great dad and a loving husband.