You may wonder what makes Shark vacuum cleaners better than all those other cleaners out there. After all, most vacuum cleaners come with a host of features.

What makes Sharks stand out is that they hyper-focus on maneuverability. They tend to be on the lithe side, making them a good option for tight spaces. Yet, they don’t sacrifice power.

A good vacuum cleaner is a long-term household purchase. On average, a vacuum cleaner usually lasts about eight years. However, when you purchase a Shark vacuum, you can opt for either a five-year warranty deal or a lifetime warranty deal.

Below are some other key features found in Shark vacuums.

One of the most notable features of many Shark vacuums is that you can take them apart for different uses.

Many models allow you to detach a smaller portion of the vacuum for a hand-vac mode. How perfect is that for smaller messes?

Other models have a removable canister that the company calls its Powered Lift-Away Technology; you carry the canister around in one hand so you can still vacuum with the other. This allows for better access to tight spaces and high spots.

Shark prides itself on the deep-cleaning suction power of its machines. Even the slim stick vacuums don’t skimp on sheer cleaning power. Because when it comes down to it, that’s what you really need in a vacuum.

Many models boast a large capacity dust cup. This allows you to get more vacuuming done with less time emptying it.

Another notable feature is the swivel steering the brand is known for. The head of the vacuum rotates, making it far easier to control the machine. Gone are the days of manually pivoting the machine on its hind wheels or wrenching the machine around with your arm.

Some models have LED lights right on the cleaning head. It’s great for cleaning under chairs, beds, or in dark corners.

This is the technology the company employs to make sure allergens do not go back into the air after you vacuum them up. It’s perfect for the allergy conscious, as the company states the technology captures and traps 99.99 percent of dust and allergens.

Many models have two brushrolls that work simultaneously to remove multiple sizes of particles from the floor, along with stuck-on pieces. Other vacuums have a single brush bar.

Shark vacuums come in three main varieties:

These models focus on maneuverability. These are the models that have the Powered Lift-Away Technology with the removable canister. Other features include the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, high suction power, and swivel steering.

This is Shark’s stick vacuum line. These lightweight machines boast powerful suction, along with similar swivel maneuverability. They also have hand-vac mode, so you can detach the stick portion and use the hand-vac for smaller messes.

This is Shark’s original line, and it’s bigger than the others. It boasts the large-capacity dust cup. It’s good if you have a large, open area to clean. It tends to come with the most basic features, but has powerful cleaning capabilities. Some even lift away like the Rotator series.

In order for your vacuum to perform at peak performance and last the longest, it needs maintenance, like any vacuum. Maintenance needs vary, based on the model, so be sure to refer to your owner’s manual. Some basic care requirements on most to all models include:

Watch for the cup to approach full capacity and empty it before it’s overloaded with debris.

This can get tricky, as different models have different filters and filter needs. For instance, some retail version vacuums have post-motor filters that take less frequent care than pre-motor filters on other machines. Be sure to check your owner’s manual.

Many come with a hair removal tool to help free the roll of any debris. You may need to wash it with just water and let it air dry for 24 hours, depending on how dirty it is.

Costs for these come in tiers, depending on which model you want. They are:

• The Navigator series tends to be priced between $140 and $180. Retailers sell them more commonly than the other models, so prices on these may vary based on sales.

• A Rocket stick vacuum will cost right around $200.

• Rotator models with the Powered Lift-Away Technology are priced between $250 and $300.

Q. Why are Shark vacuums the right choice for me?

A. Shark vacuums have a good amount of suction power at reasonable price points. Also, the lightweight, narrow designs allow you to get into tight spaces. Since they’re so narrow, they also store well, and many even come with hanging hooks.

The powerful design on certain models makes them good for cleaning larger spaces, while the swivel technology allows for cleaning tighter spaces, as well. And between the larger Navigator machines, the Rocket stick machines, and the Powered Lift-Away Rotator series, there’s a machine that fits the needs of any space.

Q. What makes Shark vacuums so different from other vacuums?

A. Shark vacuums are fairly unique in that they transform into different types of vacuums for different uses. For instance, the Rocket models can detach into a hand-vac mode and the Rotators have detachable canisters that allow you to carry the canister around without losing power to the motor.

Q. Are Shark vacuums easy to care for?

A. Shark vacuums typically require filter care and dust cup emptying, and sometimes brushroll cleaning depending on the model. In other words, they require fairly basic care, no different from any other type of vacuum. But each model is different, so refer to your owner’s manual for each machine.