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Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner vs Shark CarpetXpert Upright Carpet Cleaner with Built-in StainStriker
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner ranks higher (#2 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on cleanup & upkeep. Shark CarpetXpert Upright Carpet Cleaner with Built-in StainStriker wins on ease of use.
The biggest complaint about the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner is bulky to steer and store; for the Shark CarpetXpert Upright Carpet Cleaner with Built-in StainStriker it's small tank, frequent refills. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner | Shark CarpetXpert Upright Carpet Cleaner with Built-in StainStriker | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in carpet cleaners | #2 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Full-size | Full-size |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 8% | 6% |
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.7 |
| Cleaning power | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Suction & dry time | — | 4.0 |
| Ease of use | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Cleanup & upkeep | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $120 · $$ $120–300 · $$$ over $300. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner
- Bulky to steer and store
HGTV says its bulk affects maneuverability and makes it harder to store, though at about 18 lb it isn't heavy.
Source: HGTV - Some units break within months
Amazon's summary says owners generally praise durability, though some report it breaking after 4 months of use.
Shark CarpetXpert Upright Carpet Cleaner with Built-in StainStriker
- Small tank, frequent refills
Vacuum Wars lists its 0.6-gallon tank as well under the 0.99-gallon average and says it needs frequent refills on larger jobs. Amazon's summary says water capacity gets mixed reviews, with some noting it must be refilled more often.
- Short hose, weaker hose suction
Vacuum Wars measured a 5-ft hose (7.8-ft average) and sealed hose suction slightly below average (58 vs 65), and says it's less suited to frequent stair and above-floor cleaning.
Source: Vacuum Wars review - Some owners say carpets stay soaked
Amazon's summary says water pickup is mixed: some say it sucks up water well, others report it leaves carpets soaked.
Who should pick which
Pick the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner if
Whole-room cleaning on a budget
Big tanks (128 oz) for fewer refills
Stairs and upholstery (powered SpinBrush hand tool)
Skip it if: You have little storage space; You want the lightest, nimblest machine; You want lab-measured drying data
Pick the Shark CarpetXpert Upright Carpet Cleaner with Built-in StainStriker if
Small-to-mid homes and area rugs
People who want a light upright (15.9 lb)
Quick switching to stairs and upholstery
Skip it if: You clean large wall-to-wall areas (small tank); You do a lot of stairs or above-floor cleaning (5-ft hose); You want independent long-term reliability data
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