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They look wonderful in your home, but cleaning shag carpets is not an easy task. That’s the only reason you require to buy the best vacuum for shag carpet.

Regular maintenance doesn’t mean damaging your great carpet. With that in mind, it’s necessary to pick a vacuum carefully. Excessive suction tends to tear the pile while too small wheels can get stuck.

So maybe now it’s time for you to get the right product!

Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet: Top 10 Reviews in 2021

Getting a vacuum that makes cleaning and maintaining the shag carpet easier should be your priority. So here’s a list that I created to present the top 10 picks currently available on the consumer market.

Below that, you’ll find the detailed review of each model. So keep reading to discover what suits your carpet needs and preferences the most.

1. Hoover T-Series WindTunnel – Highest Rated Vacuum for Shag Carpet

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Every list is incomplete without a creation by Hoover. The brand has been a part of the broad vacuum industry for many years. And it has penetrated the consumer market for all the right reasons. So let’s find out everything we can about the Hoover T-Series Vacuum Cleaner.

This lightweight unit is an ideal pick for cleaning shag carpet. Without damaging the surface in any way! But that’s not the most compelling part. The component that steals the show is the combination of HEPA and rinse-clean filtration. The features prevent stray particles from spewing back into your home atmosphere.

This best vacuum for shag carpet is suitable for cleaning all types of unwanted particles. Both surface debris and ingrained dirt! You get to work with five different settings. So what does that mean? It implies that the Hoover T-Series is cleaner a suitable for bare flooring. Along with low pile and high pile carpeting!

Next in line is the unique WindTunnel technology. It enables smooth, light operation. While also getting rid of all debris and dust! The useful power cord is long enough to take care of maneuverability. So this pick is nothing but a smart selection for your home carpets needs!

There are a lot of advanced features to look forward to in this case. Like the 5-position height adjustment to maximize performance. The system indicator that checks when that HEPA filter requires cleaning!

On top of that, there are various additional tools to clean areas other than the floor as well. So nothing associated with performance lets you down.

But the part that’s slightly disappointing is the weight of the unit. Unless you’re okay with the Hoover T-Series Vacuum being over 23 pounds, you have nothing else to worry about.

The Hoover vacuum picks up tons of hidden dirt.
​The cord is long enough and retractable.
Canister cleaning is an easy, quick task.

Tubing path tends to get clogged.
It is not light in weight.

Maintaining your Dirt Cup: Hoover T-Series WindTunnel Rewind Plus Bagless Upright UH70120

2. Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum – For Mixed Flooring

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The first pick on the list is one that’s suitable for homes with mixed flooring. That’s because the Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum provides fingertip controls. And you can use these to switch from bare floor mode to carpet. Without having to break your stride!

On top of that, the unit offers a brushroll that you can turn off. This is very useful for cleaning shag carpet. While also preventing damage to those long fibers!

Furthermore, you might also appreciate the not-so-heavy weight of the machine. Such a lightweight design brings tons of convenience into play. So maintaining your carpet and other floor surfaces is not going to be a tedious task.

I found the invaluable swivel steering component to be hugely beneficial. As it enables easy movement of the Shark! Even on something as thick as shag carpet!

If that wasn’t enough, you also have access to LED lights. As a result of which cleaning under your furniture or any other gloomy areas is quite possible. And that too with maximum ease!

Lastly, there’s the HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Seal Technology. Due to which, you don’t have to worry about rogue particles escaping the cleaner to soil the home air. In all, when using this best vacuum for shag carpet, leave all your worries behind. Even pet hair related!

The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum is packed with plenty advanced features. But the two most important ones are the finger controls and swivel steering technology. The former makes room for effortless mode switching. And the latter gives you excellent maneuvering control. In my opinion, these are the two primary reasons for the popularity of the Shark.

The major disappointment comes in the form of excessive power. The power you get with the machine is so strong that it ends up pulling you with it. But this only happens when that dustbin is not attached.

The rotating head offers easy operation.
Detachable canister allows deep cleaning.
The motorized brush is ideal for eliminating pet hair.

The power of this vacuum is too strong.
It tips over quite easily.

Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away (NV750) – TruePet Mini Motorized Brush

3. Dyson DC65 Animal Complete Upright Vacuum Cleaner – For Groundbreaking Technology

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Do you want the best vacuum for shag carpet but with the most advanced features? If yes, then look no further. The Dyson DC65 Animal Complete Upright Vacuum Cleaner enjoys revolutionary technology. And you should expect nothing short of this when dealing with Dyson products!

Now, let’s talk features. The first component that I would like to highlight is the practical self-adjusting working mechanism. This way, the vacuum fine-tunes itself to deliver best results. Irrespective of the surface it’s cleaning! Be it shag carpet, regular carpet, or hardwood flooring. All you have to do is trust the optimized settings for high effective floor maintenance.

What’s more is the addition of the useful brush bar. Now I know that you can’t use the feature on shag carpet. And for that reason, the manufacturer allows you to disengage it. Otherwise, you can make the most of the element when it comes to delivering more power.

As for cleaning pet dander, the unit is well equipped to handle that as well. Thanks to the rotating heads, which have brushes attached to them. The base plate of the heads is such that it allows the brushes to remain in continuous surface contact. And this is how you know that the model is specifically crafted for deep, thorough cleaning.

The Dyson DC65 Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a product that comes with many useful tools. Like the Up Top, which has the ability to twist into different angles and positions. For easy, high-to-reach areas! Then there’s the Reach Under component. This particular tool twists, bends and extends. So you can use it to remove allergens and dust from tight, awkward spaces.

To sum it up, if you’re planning to buy this model, you’re doing a great job!

For a highly advanced pick, the cleaner doesn’t feature LED lights. Plus, it weighs over 27 pounds. But you know what; these are not deal-breakers. They are simply negligible trade-offs.

The Dyson vacuum offers incredible suction and power.
​It provides various cool attachments for ceiling fans, blinds, stairs, etc.
The cord is long enough to eliminate unplugging and replugging.

It is not light in weight.
There are no LED lights for added convenience.

Dyson DC41, DC65 and Dyson Ball Animal 2 – Checking the cleaner head and base for blockages (US)

4. Dirt Devil Vacuum Cleaner Dynamite Plus – For Budget-Friendly Users

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Don’t expect low performance from the Devil even though its price tag is affordable. It fits a tight budget while also not compromising on quality. Even the weight of the Dirt Devil Vacuum Cleaner is something that’s appealing. It’s a lightweight option suitable for cleaning deep piles. Unlike the heavier versions that are not only difficult but annoying to use as well.

This best vacuum for shag carpet offers automatic adjustment for height. The feature is responsible for making the task of cleaning all surfaces easier. Then comes the excellent wheels, which have a scaled-down design. So you can move the vacuum around without any hassles.

It doesn’t have many advanced features to offer. But what it does provide is highly effective results. All thanks to the revolving brush action and powerful suction force. These allow you to eliminate dirt even from the deeper areas of the carpet.

Also, a part of the machine is the phenomenal Scuff Guard. It traps the debris from hard flooring. And that too without scratching its delicate finish. So you pay a very small amount for something that performs exceptionally well.

The Dirt Devil Vacuum Cleaner is a lightweight unit. One that you can store and carry anywhere! It has a long enough power cord and bagless design. The latter, in particular, is very useful. As it enables easy cleaning!

You might also like the handle, the click-lock type. The thing lowers to at least 30-31 inches. Such a feature also contributes to easier storage. Another practical component is the auto height adjustment. So the vacuum can adjust to all carpets, including hard floors.

The biggest problem with the model is that it requires you to apply force during operation. That means it isn’t self-propelled. So this might come as a huge disappointment to users with mobility problems.

The Dirt Devil vacuum is compact and lightweight.
​Retractable handle enables quick storage.
It is powerful enough to lift dirt, even pet hair.

The unit isn’t self-powered.
Emptying out the dirt container is not easy.

Introduction: Dirt Devil Extreme Cyclonic Bagless Upright UD20010

5. Panasonic MC-UG471 Bag Upright Vacuum Cleaner – For All Types of Carpet

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Panasonic is a brand that does an excellent job of manufacturing high-quality products. They have been in the business for many years now. So you can rely on the Panasonic MC-UG471 Bag Upright Vacuum Cleaner. Especially when it comes to performance, durability, and affordability!

So what are the unique features of this best vacuum for shag carpet? Well, the unit is capable of cleaning all types of carpet. Including shag and berber! But the most appealing feature is the invaluable HEPA filtration. It promotes a cleaner environment. Plus, the system offers benefits of thick, plush carpet. Without making cleaning a difficult task!

The fact that the Panasonic MC-UG471 detects the carpet automatically is quite impressive. Based on the type of surface, the machine fine-tunes the operation accordingly.

You also have the option to illuminate the cleaning path. Thanks to the presence of headlights. As a result of which every dirty spot comes into view. Even when the room lights are slightly dim!

The agitator of this little monster prepares all ingrained dirt. To make the task of maintaining your carpet more convenient! So you have nothing major to worry about when using the Panasonic MC-UG471 Bag Upright Vacuum Cleaner.

Working on a tight to moderate budget? At the same time, you want a product that’s high in quality, right? In that case, you’re looking at the perfect vacuum cleaner. This appliance is specifically crafted for cleaning shag carpet. Everything about it is designed in the most effective manner to deliver best results. Right from the powerful motor and auto height adjustment! To the wide enough nozzle and HEPA filter!

Unfortunately, some cleaners have high noise levels. And the current product falls into that category. So don’t expect the Panasonic MC-UG471 to deliver best results without a sound.

The Panasonic vacuum captures the tiniest particles.
​Various useful tools included for cleaning above-floor elements.
The brush eliminates stubborn pet dander.

Tool extension hose is short.
The working mechanism is not silent or low in volume.

6. Oreck LW100 Magnesium SP Bagged Upright Vacuum – For Maximum Durability

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Allow me to introduce you to the Oreck LW100 Magnesium SP Bagged Upright Vacuum. It’s the most durable option on the list. And why wouldn’t it be! The manufacturer is none other than Oreck. So you know that important aspects of durability and performance are pretty much covered.

This best vacuum for shag carpet is capable of handling sensitive, thick textures. When you set the machine at the lowest setting, expect it to perform exceptionally well. Especially on shag carpet! It makes the job of cleaning quite effortless.

The unit has a low profile structure. This is useful for getting under furniture. Plus, the strong, durable magnesium frame lasts for many years. You might also appreciate the high performance of the motor. It is the only component responsible for providing maximum power. So expect nothing short of deep, thorough cleaning from this Oreck invention!

Moving the Oreck LW100 Vacuum is not something that might discourage you from cleaning the carpet. The unit is easy to handle and move around. And here’s the kind of stuff you want to hear. The machine comes with side brushes. To help clean those edges and baseboards easily!

In all, it’s a furniture-friendly vacuum perfect for fine rug, bare floor, and carpet cleaning.

The product’s inability to self-propel is a huge letdown. But you should know that not all shag carpet vacuum cleaners offer this kind of an advantage.

The Oreck vacuum features large wheels for better maneuverability.
The automatic seal system locks in all the dirt.
It is suitable for multi-floor cleaning.

Operation is quite noisy.
It isn’t self-propelled.

Oreck® Magnesium® SP Upright Vacuum Cleaner

7. Electrolux EL4335A Corded Ultra Flex Canister Vacuum – For Maximum Flexibility

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The Electrolux EL4335A is one of the very few models that offer superior convenience. And this comes in the form of 3 different levels of height adjustment. Only because of the presence of such flexibility can you vacuum your home with maximum comfort.

Another feature that you enjoy adjusting by turning on/off is the useful brush roll. And this particular element is self-cleaning too. So no more having to manually eliminate pet hair and tangled fibers. In my opinion, that’s a huge plus point.

What’s more is that this best vacuum for shag carpet allows you to alter the suction force as well. With that, you get the opportunity to use the machine on upholstery and curtains. Even stairs as a matter of fact! And for stairs cleaning, there’s the sufficiently long wand that seems like a perfect fit.

You can wash the filters and store the vacuum vertically or horizontally. These are very useful add-ons that all kinds of users simply love having access to! So if you’re leaning towards buying this particular unit, I’d say GO FOR IT!

But what is that one feature that speaks volumes here? Well, to be honest, there are two. The technology of brushroll and dust cup! The former has self-cleaning properties. And the latter is bagless with a bottom opening. So it gives you the freedom to eliminate stored dust quite easily.

I would like to point out that not all vacuum cleaners are equipped with large dirt buckets. And sadly, this one too doesn’t provide you with enough bucket space.

The Electrolux vacuum offers height options for all-surface cleaning.
​Even the suction strength is adjustable.
Power cord is retractable.

Hose attachment is not easy to deal with.
Dirt bucket is too small.

8. Bissell 9595A CleanViewBagless Vacuum – Another best Affordable Vacuum for Shag Carpet

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When it comes to manufacturing the best vacuum for high pile carpet, Bissell does not disappoint. It’s a budget-friendly pick that’s also well-constructed. To deliver remarkable durability!

The motor of this little beast is strong and offers resilient suction force. So it’s not only the affordable price tag that you might appreciate.

The Bissell 9595A comes with an extendable TurboBrush tool. What this does is help in cleaning furniture and stairs. Along with tight spaces! And what’s even better is that the unit is bagless. So you don’t need to worry about emptying that dirt cup. The job gets done in the simplest manner.

As for the beater brush, you can easily turn that thing off. So depending on the thickness of your carpet, you either use it or not. Another important inclusion is the height adjustability. The five different levels offer tons of versatility for cleaning.

So if what you require is an affordable, basic machine, here’s what you should buy!

The Bissell 9595A CleanViewBagless Vacuum is highly efficient. The product is supplied with OnePass technology. Now what this does is deliver powerful suction. Along with a phenomenal brush design! The kind that cleans in a single pass!

The negative takeaway here is that the Bissell 9595A has a short cord. So unplugging to replug is something that you have to deal with in this case.

The Bissell vacuum is incredibly lightweight.
​It has a large-capacity dirt bin.
The multi-cyclonic system for suction provides deep cleaning.

The lack of additional attachments is disappointing.
Cord is not long enough.

How to Assemble the CleanView Bagless Vacuum Cleaner? BISSELL

9. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E Vacuum – For Heavy-Duty Applications

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Do you know what makes the Shark Navigator Professional NV356E perfect for heavy-duty cleaning? It’s the fact that the product is manufactured by none other than SharkNinja. The appliance is the epitome of versatility. And it delivers the best results.Especially when it comes to keeping shag carpet showroom-clean!

So what about it, in particular, contributes to success? Upon testing, I found the combination of the invaluable HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Seal Technology to be very useful. What the features do is keep all debris and dirt inside most securely. All this to prevent the unwanted elements from contaminating your home air!

How about those wheels? These are not so large to cause the vacuum to sink down into the high pile during cleaning. Overall, the unit is lightweight. So you know that it works well in a deeper pile. And the high maneuverability is perfect for you if you consider vacuuming to be a huge strain.

I’m going to use this section to highlight the two unique features. The Shark Navigator transforms from upright to portable. Only with the help of a single switch! Such functionality allows you to use the vacuum in awkward areas. Then comes the effective brushroll with an on/off button. So you can clean shag carpet and mixed flooring. That too without damaging the surface!

So what’s the problem here? It’s the hose of the cleaner. The thing is too short and offers no give at all. I tried to stretch it but it doesn’t seem to loosen up.

The Shark Navigator has a solid construction.
​The detachable canister makes cleaning above-floor elements easier.
Well-placed handle provides additional comfort during operation

It tips over quite easily.
Too short hose causes inconvenience.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional (NV356E): How to Assemble?

10. Dyson Ball Multi Floor Upright Vacuum – The Bonus Pick

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The bonus pick does an excellent job of cleaning the texture of shag. No wonder it’s ranked as the best vacuum for plush carpet! The Dyson Ball Multi Floor Upright Vacuum is very effective, performance-wise. And modern, design-wise!

The cleaner head of the appliance is self-adjusting. That means the vacuum is well equipped to detect the height of the surface. And then carry out the job accordingly. When you combine this with Dyson’s unique suction design, what’s the outcome? Expect nothing short of exceptional performance from this best vacuum for shag carpet.

Furthermore, you can turn off that beater brush if you don’t require it. And that will be the case since the feature tends to damage high pile carpet.

Then comes the easy, quick maneuverability. Pushing the unit around the thick texture of shag is not a tedious task. On top of that, the phenomenal HEPA filter makes room for clean, fresh air. What more could you have asked for, right!

Let me bring to your notice that the product includes a very practical extendable wand. This you can use for stairs cleaning. Getting rid of pet hair is also another huge benefit. Thanks to the effectiveness of the Dyson Ball Multi Floor Upright Vacuum.

It took at least 4-5 tries for me to make that switch to upright mode. So this can be quite frustrating to deal with during operation.

The Dyson vacuum offers powerful suction.
​Long, integrated extension is useful for cleaning stairs.
The canister is easy and convenient to empty.

Switching to upright position is slightly annoying.

Best Vacuum For Shag Carpet: Buyer’s Guide

Mixed flooring has become quite common in many homes now. And when that’s the case, finding a vacuum for all the different surfaces is nothing but a headache.

The majority of vacuums work well with carpets and hardwood floors. But as far as shag carpets are concerned, they’re pretty much useless. These vacuums are not crafted to deal with carpets that have a longer pile.

For shag carpets, you require a unit specifically designed for the job. But why is that?

Why Buy The Best Vacuum For Shag Carpets?

What is it that sets shag carpets apart from the rest? Let’s find out!

Shag carpets consist of a soft texture and high pile. This is how the fiber offers the perfect luxurious feel, right? In that case, the vacuum tends to suck deep down into that carpet. It’s like a car getting bogged down due to thick, soft mud or snow. Likewise, a regular vacuum ends up plowing into the carpet’s soft pile. And this is how it becomes difficult and even impossible for you to move the unit’s suction head.

So tell me, would you dare to drive off in a sedan for an SUV adventure? Of course not, right? In the same way, you shouldn’t opt for just any vacuum cleaner for carpets with longer pile. Unless the model is specifically created for that particular purpose!

Manufacturers of the best vacuum for shag carpet keep certain design principles in mind. And these unique characteristics are what make the machine capable to handle the texture of such carpets. These vacuum cleaners are built to deal with extra depth and soft fibers.

So now is the time to get to know everything about the special features of the best vacuum for shag carpets.

What Factors To Keep In Mind When Buying The Best Vacuum For Shag Carpet?

The thing about carpets is that not all of them share the common design and feel characteristics. The same applies to vacuum cleaners as well. So if you want to buy the best vacuum for shag carpet, this is what you need to know.

1. Suction Force

Dealing with the deep pile of shag carpet doesn’t mean opting for very powerful suction. When you use excessive force, the chances of damaging carpet fibers are quite high.

So the best way to go about it is to strike a perfect balance between too strong and too mild suction. Mid-range force is ideal for thorough cleaning while also preventing carpet damage. (Causes of vacuums losing suction)

2. Wheels

Always select a vacuum cleaner with not tiny but only small wheels. Especially when you know you’re going to use it for shag carpets. Otherwise what happens is the appliance gets bogged down due to the fibers.

With relatively smaller sized wheels, navigation becomes easier. Plus, the unit avoids getting caught or stuck during cleaning.

3. Beater Bar

Cleaning carpets on a regular basis requires a model that offers the beater bar. But don’t ever use it on hardwood flooring. As it can ruin and scratch the surface! On the other hand, when used on medium or low pile carpet, it delivers spotless results. Quite literally!

However, shag carpet contains higher piles, right? And not medium or low! So for such a texture, it’s better to buy a unit without the beater bar. Or one that allows you to turn the feature off! Failing to do so might result in causing damage to your expensive shag carpet.

4. Weight

A heavy vacuum serves little to no purpose. These types of cleaners are nothing but a nuisance. Especially when it comes to moving them around! And this can result in even more trouble when working with shag pile.

Now you should know that if the vacuum gets stuck, it doesn’t end up spoiling the carpet. But it does make way for a lot of straining. As a result of which you might postpone cleaning. And eventually, put it off until more dirt enters the carpet. And worsens the condition!

So to avoid such a tragedy from taking place, do yourself a favor and choose a lightweight machine. But make sure that it offers enough power/suction for deep, thorough cleaning. This way, you won’t find the task inconvenient or tedious in any way.

5. Filters
Thick carpets attract more debris, dust, and dirt, correct? In that case, the process demands the use of a filter. What this particular component does is prevent the mess from belching back into your home atmosphere.

So don’t forget to buy a unit that comes with a strong air filter (HEPA filter). It does an excellent job of delivering clean air and best results.

6. Cleaning Mechanism
This is when you need to take the distance between the carpet and cleaning mechanism into account. The higher the latter, the less thorough your cleaning efforts will be. At the same time, a mechanism very close to your carpet results in bedraggling and fuzzing it up. And that might lead to ruining the luxurious appearance you love so much.

So in this case too, just like the suction force, opt for something that falls in between. When choosing the best vacuum for shag carpet, balance is essential with the majority of features.

The End

My Choice: Hoover T-Series Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Finally, what is the best vacuum for shag carpet? It’s none other than the Hoover T-Series Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner. Its unique WindTunnel technology lifts and eliminates dust. This includes surface debris as well as dirt present deep down on that carpet.

The little beast is pretty light in weight. So you don’t even have to worry about moving it around. Overall, in terms of performance and design, the product is well constructed to deliver best results.

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