Kirby vs. Shark Vacuum Comparison

It’s great to know that your vacuum will meet your needs in the short term, but what happens years down the road? This device shouldn’t be considered a temporary cleaning solution but a permanent part of your routine. This is accomplished with the Kirby Avalir Platinum, one of the most durable vacuums.

Durability varies from one Shark vacuum to the next, but there’s never quite the same confidence in these devices as in the Avalir Platinum. While some Shark products provide a solid warranty, the sheer reputation of the Kirby brand can even weigh in its favor when examining an old Kirby vs. a new Shark.

A solid warranty should provide much-needed peace of mind, particularly if you’ve invested significantly in your vacuum of choice. While some vacuum companies skimp on warranty coverage, this is not an issue with Kirby or Shark. That being said, you’ll want to do your research so that you can avoid any surprises.

Shark’s warranty can be confusing to navigate. This confusion derives, in part, from the sheer variety of products available. Some models offer a mere one year of limited warranty coverage, while select models may be under warranty for up to five years. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away comes with a five-year limited warranty, so it is preferable to other Shark models if you intend to use the same vacuum for years to come.

Kirby’s warranty process is a lot easier to navigate. The Kirby Avalir Platinum is backed by a three-year limited warranty. This is limited to registered owners who have purchased Kirby vacuums from authorized distributors and you should have no trouble getting your vacuum fixed or replaced if you encounter any defects in workmanship or materials.

Even the most durable vacuums typically require tune-ups from time to time. This is sometimes as simple as replacing the roller brush — but after several years or even decades, some vacuums may require additional attention. Enter the Kirby Avalir Platinum. The company offers an impressive Factory Rebuild Program, which can return any model to like-new condition for a reasonable cost. This goes above and beyond the warranty to ensure that your Kirby remains pristine long after you’ve purchased it — even if you fail to qualify for warranty coverage.

If you take advantage of the Lifetime Rebuild Program, a team of experts will disassemble your vacuum and repair or replace any parts requiring extra attention. Next up? Sandblasting, polishing, and a full inspection. Finally, your vacuum will be tested to ensure that it achieves the same level of performance that you enjoyed when you originally purchased it.

The Lifetime Rebuild Program is a clear differentiating feature between the Kirby and nearly every other vacuum on the market today. Shark vacuums, for example, can be repaired long after their initial purchase — but there is no rebuild program quite like the elite offerings from Kirby.

No one vacuum is ideal for every user, although several Kirby models come close. Still, certain features and styles will be more desirable for some more than others. Space, budget, and cleaning power are key considerations, as is versatility. All this can be found in the Kirby Avalir Platinum, which is currently the brand’s flagship model.

Dyson produces a wider variety of models, which can be both beneficial and problematic. More products may provide better opportunities to tailor your vacuuming experience, but it also means more research. However, if you do your homework and invest in a high-end Dyson that is suited to your unique needs, you can expect dependable cleaning.

For the purposes of this guide, we’ve focused primarily on the Dyson Ball Animal II and III. These higher-end models are more in line with Kirby’s performance than other designs.

Struggling to discern the practical differences between vacuums such as the Kirby Avalir Platinum and the Dyson Ball Animal models? When in doubt, look for these essentials:

While most vacuums can get dirt and debris off your carpet, not all are ideal for purification purposes. Without HEPA filtration, common particles such as pet dander and pollen continue circulating. HEPA filters allow high-level vacuums to trap these particles. This, in turn, dramatically improves air quality.

Both Kirby and Dyson Ball Animal vacuums are equipped with HEPA filters. For the Avalir Platinum, this is accomplished via filter bags, which require occasional replacements. Meanwhile, Dyson vacuums typically rely on dirt cups. This decision, as with everything bagged vs. bagless, ultimately comes down to personal preference.

In addition to materials and specs, it’s important to consider where these vacuums are manufactured. This can have a surprisingly significant impact on the quality of your cleaning system.

While durable vacuums can be produced in many locations, models that are made in America typically provide a higher degree of confidence. These usually have higher standards for durability than vacuums produced in many other countries. American-made vacuums are also known for their superior craftsmanship. This translates to long-lasting, reliable devices that consistently provide a deep clean.