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A few weeks ago, my husband uttered the words that every girl wants to hear: 'I think it's time for a new vacuum.'
Our old model, bought three years ago when we moved into our first flat together, had essentially packed it in.
There's nothing worse than going over the same piece of fluff on the floor countless times and watching it stubbornly stay put.
Of the many options out there, one brand was regularly recommended by friends, family and Google alike - Shark.
The brand was kind enough to send me one of its latest models, the PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum, to try out.
And it's made me realise just how much we've been missing out on.
After years of lacklustre suction and hours spent removing hair from the brush, cleaning has once again become quick, easy and even enjoyable.
Even better? The model, which is usually priced at £299.99, is currently on offer for Black Friday at an impressive £160.99.
Shark were kind enough to send me their PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum to try out - and it was perfect for my flat
PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum
The device comes in a lightweight stick design and is cordless, meaning I can whip around my flat at speed before storing it neatly in a corner, where it stands up by itself.
Its 'floor detect' technology can work out if you're on carpet or a harder surface, and adjusts the suction power accordingly - a handy feature which means I don't have to really pay attention to what I'm doing.
This is my first 'anti-hair-wrap' hoover and I'm in awe of the mechanism that somehow manages to separate and remove strands from the brush as I clean.
A single charge gives me 50 minutes of run time. Given that I can get around my flat in 10 minutes, this is perfect.
The 'extras' that came with the vacuum include a car cleaning kit, which was a lifesaver following an orange feather boa incident.
In fact, my only gripe is that the vacuum is so powerful, some of my thinner rugs have fallen foul of being partially sucked into the brush as I've tried to clean them.
And the price is almost too good to be true. It's definitely worth investing a little bit more if you've been looking at cheaper options.
How we test
It's important to review vacuums thoroughly, as they can be quite an expensive bit of kit.
When testing devices we try them across multiple real-world settings, including the office, our homes, and out and about.
We evaluate the technology across a range of measures, including design, comfort, price and sound quality.
Each device goes through several days of hands-on testing allowing us to provide an in-depth review to help consumers make informed decisions.
I tested this vacuum in my home - using it to pick up hair, dust, chunks of fluff and larger debris like pieces of food from the kitchen floor.
I also tested it on the car to see how well it can suck up dried leaves and even feathers.
PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum Review
The device is tall and slim in a lightweight stick design while maintaining powerful suction to pick up dirt and debris
Size
Measuring H:114.3cm x W:31.6cm x D 26.4cm the vacuum is tall and slim making it easy to manoeuvre and store.
It also weighs just 5.68kg meaning it's sturdy but light enough to not break you out in a sweat during use.
Suction
This is the main selling point, in my opinion.
For its size, and the fact that it's cordless, the suction is incredibly impressive and you can feel it really trying to get the dust and dirt up off the floor.
The only comparison I've experienced is my Mum's old plug-in Dyson, which she loves but I think is comparable to pushing a lawnmower around your house.
I do wish, however, there was an option to reduce suction to an even lower level to help clean flimsier items such as a thin rug or bath mat, as these just get sucked into the powerful brush.
Charging capacity
A single charge will provide you with enough power for a 50-minute deep clean.
Unless you live in a mansion, this is more than sufficient to get around your home (and likely have plenty of battery to spare!).
There's also a handy three-light system which indicates how much charge you have left, so you don't get caught short halfway through the living room.
Ease of use
Vacuums are usually quite self-explanatory, and this is no exception. It's simple, straightforward and even comes with little stickers that tell you what each button or lever does.
It's also designed to 'flex', allowing you to bend it easily to clean under furniture.
Emptying the debris cup - which used to be a very dusty job - can be done with the click of a button and without getting your hands dirty.
Extras
The model I was sent came with a 'pet tool' and a car cleaning kit.
While I don't have a pet, I do have a car - which happened to be filled with dried up leaves and orange feathers (from a fancy dress night).
The attachments made it super easy to clean my car floor and under the seats - and was much more effective than my previous device.
Price
At just under £300, the vacuum's regular price might seem a bit too much of a commitment as the cost of living increases and Christmas creeps up.
But Shark's Black Friday deal puts it at £160.99 - not far off half price.
Rather than a cheaper, flimsier, less powerful option, I really do think it's worth investing a bit of extra money to go for this option. I wish we had done years ago.
How does it compare to similar products
The old vacuum we had was from the brand Bush, cost around £70 and was purchased three years ago.
At the time, we had just bought our first flat together and so didn't have much spare change for a more expensive vacuum.
It was bought following the recommendation of a friend - but I've since realised she mainly has wooden floors compared to our carpets.
Shark's model while a similar size and shape is leagues above in terms of suction and anti-hair-wrap technology.
Gone are the days of relentlessly vacuuming the same patch of carpet or spending hours trying to de-clog the brush.
If you're able to, I do think it's worth spending an extra £100 when it comes to buying a device such as this, as the difference in quality is huge.
How does it rate online
On Shark's website, this model has been rated 4.5 stars from 574 reviews.
Users praise the suction, light weight and ease of use.
One wrote that it 'makes a mundane job much easier' while another said it's 'worth the money'.
However, some wish that it came with a wall mount for storage while others complained about the battery life.
Why trust us
Xantha Leatham is the Executive Science Editor at the Daily Mail and has worked at the newspaper for nine years.
She completed a Master's degree in Print Journalism at the University of Sheffield in 2014 and previously worked at Deadline News in Edinburgh.
She has carried out several technology reviews including for headphones and power banks.
FAQs
Does it come with a warranty?
When you register your guarantee with Shark, you are covered for five years.
What are the benefits of anti-hair-wrap?
The bristle guard and comb actively separate and remove long, short and pet hair, sucking it straight up into the dust cup and helping to leave the brush tangle-free.
How long does the battery last?
The battery lasts for 50 minutes when it is used in eco mode.
What is 'floor detect'?
The brush-roll responds to surface changes and automatically adjusts to optimise your clean.