Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Vacuums - Models AX912, AX950, AX951 and AX952
Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Speed Vacuum AX912 and slightly larger Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Vacuums AX950, AX951 and AX952 are versatile upright vacuum cleaners that can be used as classic upright vacuums and in Lift-Away configuration.
They combine several Shark's cleaning technologies and come with various cleaning attachments for thorough cleaning from the floor to the ceiling and are suitable as excellent main vacuums at homes and apartments. But, they are also far from being cheap units - since they come with 7-Year limited warranty and lifetime belts and filters, their price is more than acceptable.
Updated: July 30, 2019.
Most important features of Shark APEX DuoClean vacuums are:
Powered-Lift Away Technology: Shark APEX DuoClean Powered-Lift Away vacuums can be used as classic upright vacuums for vacuuming large flat surfaces, or they can be used in 'Lift-Away' mode, where the Lift-Away pod is detached, allowing the user to clean both floors and elevated surfaces using main cleaning head or available cleaning attachments.
DuoClean Technology: Main cleaning head features two different brush rolls. A bristle brush is designed to clean carpets and area rugs, while a soft brush is designed to pick larger particles and directly clean bare floors for a polished look.
Advanced Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology: Shark APEX DuoClean Powered-Lift Away vacuums are true HEPA vacuums and are designed to not allow any air escape without first being thoroughly filtered.
Noise Reduction Technology: Shark APEX DuoClean vacuums are relatively quiet vacuums. They are designed to both reduce the noise and to soften the pitch.
Active-Glide Technology: Although these are not light vacuums, they are easy to maneuver on bare floors and carpets.
Shark APEX DuoClean AX912 vs. AX950 vs. AX951 vs. AX952
Although these are very similar units there are few very important differences.
Shark APEX DuoClean AX912 is 'Speed' model - it is lighter and thus faster and more agile model.
Shark APEX DuoClean AX950, AX951 and AX952 differ mostly in available cleaning attachments and color.
Their features and the list of available attachments is given in the following comparison table:
| Model | Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Speed Vacuum AX912 | Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Vacuum | ||
| AX950 | AX951 | AX952 | ||
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| Weight | 14.8 lbs (~6.7 kg) | 16 lbs (~7.25 kg) | 16 lbs (~7.25 kg) | 16 lbs (~7.25 kg) |
| Power Cord Length | 30 feet (~9.1 m) | 30 feet (~9.1 m) | 30 feet (~9.1 m) | 30 feet (~9.1 m) |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 10.1 x 12 x 46.5 inches ~25.6 x 30.5 x 118 cm |
10.1 x 12 x 46.5 inches ~25.6 x 30.5 x 118 cm |
10.1 x 12 x 46.5 inches ~25.6 x 30.5 x 118 cm |
10.1 x 12 x 46.5 inches ~25.6 x 30.5 x 118 cm |
| Motor | 900 W (7.5 Amps) | 1350 W (11.3 Amps) | 1350 W (11.3 Amps) | 1350 W (11.3 Amps) |
| Pre-Motor Filter | Foam and Felt Filters | Foam and Felt Filters | Foam and Felt Filters | Foam and Felt Filters |
| Post-Motor Filter | Pre-HEPA and HEPA Filters | HEPA Filter | HEPA Filter | HEPA Filter |
| True HEPA Vacuum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dirt Cup Capacity | 0.9 Dry Quarts (~1 liter) | 1.5 Dry Quarts (~1.65 liters) | 1.5 Dry Quarts (~1.65 liters) | 1.5 Dry Quarts (~1.65 liters) |
| LED Lights | On Floor Nozzle | On Floor Nozzle and Handle | On Floor Nozzle and Handle | On Floor Nozzle and Handle |
| Duster Crevice Tool | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Multi-Tool | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Anti-Allergen Dust Brush | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MultiFLEX Under-Appliance Wand | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Accessory Bag | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Motorized Pet Tool | No | No | No | Yes |
| Amazon Link | Shark APEX DuoClean AX912 Powered Lift-Away Speed Vacuum |
- | Shark APEX DuoClean AX951 Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum |
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Note: Amazon affiliate links open in the new windows, feel free to follow them for most up-to-date prices and offers.
As one can see, the only difference between Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away vacuums is in color and available attachments.
The difference between Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Speed vacuum (AX912) Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away vacuums (AX950, AX951 and AX952) is in strength, filtration, color and available attachments.
Shark AX912 (SPEED!) is lighter (14.8 vs 16 lbs), has weaker motor (900 W vs 1350 W) and has smaller dirt cup (0.9 vs 1.5 dry quarts).
This 1.2 pounds difference isn't large, IMHO, not even when the vacuums are carried up and down the stairs. When vacuuming both AX912 and AX95* models are easy to move around and can maneuver without issues around the furniture, around the corners, along the walls and around other potential obstacles.
However, AX912 does come with smaller Lift-Away pod and can quickly and more easily reach hard-to-clean areas, especially in upright vacuum cleaner mode, where smaller vacuum body can cause issues when cleaning narrow areas.
900 W motor of AX912 creates very good suction, but 1350 W motor of AX95* models creates even better suction. Power cords are 30 feet long, allowing the vacuums to clean large area using just one wall power socket.
All of these models are true HEPA vacuums. To achieve such air filtration, vacuums use lifetime washable air filters.
AX912 uses foam and felt pre-motor filters and two post-motor filters - pre-HEPA and HEPA air filters.
AX95* use foam and felt pre-motor filters and HEPA post-motor filter.
Filters are washable - never assemble the unit with wet air filters and never use the vacuums without filters in the unit.
Although these units are rather easy to use, to get accustomed with them, it is highly recommended to thoroughly read the manual/instructions before the first use.
Dirt cups are transparent, enabling the user to see type and amount of vacuumed dirt. In order for these vacuums to function properly, don't fill them above 'Max Fill Line'.
Dirt cups are easily and quickly emptied - it is recommended to empty the dirt bins after each use.
Note: unit comes with motor thermal protection - if the air flow is decreased due to dirty filters or clog in the system, motor thermal protection will turn off the motor automatically to protect it. Also, to protects the belts, if they get blocked, electronic safety system will turn off nozzle motor.
Shark APEX DuoClean vacuums are designed for cleaning various floor types using the same main cleaning head, but with different settings of the 'Floor Type Selector' for optimal performances on different floor types.
Floor Type Selector is on the handle and it has three settings: Hard Floor, Low Pile Carpets and Thick Carpet/Area Rugs.
Shark APEX DuoClean Cleaning Attachments
Shark APEX DuoClean upright vacuum cleaners are becoming more and more popular thanks to their performances, available attachments and of course, the price.
They come with the following cleaning attachments:
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The crevice tool is designed for cleaning small and narrow spaces, while the dusting brush helps clean a multitude of surfaces by combining brush bristles to agitate dust and other dirt and strong air flow for vacuuming the dirt into the vacuum cleaner. Duster Crevice Tool comes with all four current Shark APEX DuoClean vacuums. |
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It uses stiff bristle brush for removing stubborn stuck-on dirt from various surfaces. Also, when bristles are detached, an upholstery tool is revealed which is used for cleaning pet and human hair, lint, fibers and other dirt from upholstery, stairs and even smaller carpets. Pet Multi Tool also comes with all four current Shark APEX DuoClean vacuums. |
 Anti-Allergen Dust Brush is designed for fine dusting of hard to reach and delicate objects and in between narrow spaces.
It has very slim profile and fine dusting brush and in combination with strong air flow can clean even the smallest particles of pollen, dust and other similar allergens - hence the name. Anti-Allergen Dust Brush also comes with all four current Shark APEX DuoClean vacuums. |
 MultiFLEX Under-Appliance Wand features very slim profile, long wand and flexible elbow joint in order to clean under and behind appliances and furniture.
When used for the first time, don't be surprised with the amount of vacuumed dirt. MultiFLEX Under-Appliance Wand comes only with AX912 and AX951 vacuums, but if required, can be ordered separately. |
 Motorized Pet Tool is designed for removing pet and human hair and other deeply embedded dirt from stairs, upholstery, car seats and interiors, bookshelves, etc.
Motorized Pet Tool is more 'aggresive' cleaning tool than Pet Multi-Tool, but it also cleans better - for sensitive surfaces Pet Multi-Tool is recommended and if one is not sure, a test on a small area should be done. Better safe than sorry :) It is stored on-board Shark APEX vacuum for quick access. By default, Motorized Pet Tool comes only with AX952 model, but if required, it can be ordered later. |
Duster Crevice Tool is 2-in-1 cleaning tool.
Pet Multi-Tool is one another 2-in-1 cleaning tool.Accessory Bag is used for storing cleaning attachments when not in use. By default, it comes with AX951 and AX952, but it can also be ordered later, if required.
Shark Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuums Comparison
Shark Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuums share certain features, but over time they have been perfected to perform even better, while keeping the costs at rather acceptable levels.
Most popular Shark Powered Lift-Away Upright vacuums are Shark Rotator NV752 and Shark DuoClean NV803, while AX912 and AX95* still have to prove themselves - and AX951 so far has been almost exclusively praised by his users with few smaller individual issues.
For comparison reasons we have also added very popular Shark APEX AZ1002 DuoClean with Zero-M Self-Cleaning Brushroll upright vacuum - excellent vacuum, that also features 'Powered Lift-Away' technology:
| Model | Shark Rotator NV752 Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum | Shark DuoClean NV803 Powered Lift-Away Speed Upright Vacuum | Shark APEX DuoClean AX912 Powered Lift-Away Speed Vacuum | Shark APEX DuoClean AX951 Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum | Shark APEX AZ1002 DuoClean with Zero-M Self-Cleaning Brushroll Upright Vacuum |
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| DuoClean Technology | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active-Glide Technology | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Noise Reduction Technology | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LED Lights | On Floor Nozzle and Handle | On Floor Nozzle | On Floor Nozzle | On Floor Nozzle and Handle | On Floor Nozzle and Handle |
| HEPA Vacuums | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dirt Cup Capacity | 3.3 Dry Quarts | 0.9 Dry Quarts | 0.9 Dry Quarts | 1.5 Dry Quarts | 1.5 Quarts |
| Weight | 15.6 pounds (~7.1 kg) | 14.5 pounds (6.56 kg) | 14.8 lbs (~6.7 kg) | 16 lbs (~7.25 kg) | 17.1 lbs (~7.75 kg) |
| Power Cord | 30 feet (~9.1 m) | 30 feet (~9.1 m) | 30 feet (~9.1 m) | 30 feet (~9.1 m) | 30 feet (~9.1 m) |
| Motor | 1200 W | 1150 W | 900 W | 1350 W | 1350 W |
| Cleaning Accessories and Tools | Hard Floor Hero, TruePet Mini Motorized Brush, Pet Multi-Tool, Duster Crevice, Accessory Bag | Under Appliance Wand, Pet Power Brush, Pet Multi-Tool, Duster Crevice Tool, Accessory Bag | Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool, Anti-Allergen Dust Brush, MultiFLEX Under-Appliance Wand | Anti-Allergen Dust Brush, Pet Multi-Tool, Duster Crevice, MultiFlex Under Appliance Wand, Accessory Bag | 12" Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool, Motorized Pet Tool |
| Amazon Link | Shark Rotator NV752 Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum |
Shark DuoClean NV803 Powered Lift-Away Speed Upright Vacuum |
Shark APEX DuoClean AX912 Powered Lift-Away Speed Vacuum |
Shark APEX DuoClean AX951 Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum |
Shark APEX AZ1002 DuoClean with Zero-M Self-Cleaning Brushroll Upright Vacuum |
Note: Amazon affiliate links open in the new windows. Also, actual list of available attachments may change over time.
Over time Shark's Powered Lift-Away vacuums were perfected:
- NV803 introduced DuoClean technology which NV752 didn't have. Both vacuums have very good suction thanks to 1200W (NV752) and 1150 W motors.
- AX912 and AX950/AX951/AX952 come with Active-Glide and Noise Reduction Technology, which are not present in previous NV752 and NV803 models.
- NV803 and AX912 are designed to be compact units and are somewhat lighter than NV752 and AX951 vacuums, but they also have smaller dirt cups - 0.9 dry quarts vs 1.5 dry quarts found on AX951 and 3.3 dry quarts found on NV752.
Note that some sites claim that dirt cup capacity of NV752 is 1.5 dry quarts, while official Shark Web Site state that its capacity is 3.3 dry quarts.
Also, NV803 and AX912 has LED lights 'only' on the floor nozzles, while NV752 and AX951 have LED lights on both floor nozzles and on the handle, which can be very important when using the unit in 'Lift-Away' mode without main cleaning nozzle.
Compare the prices:
So which one is 'the best'? Well, NV752 is tested in action by countless users and it has proven to be very sturdy vacuum that does its job well. Shark NV803 proved itself as another excellent all-round vacuum cleaner, and it is doing very well. AX951 is rather new model, but so far it has very good reviews by many users, but not as many as NV803 and certainly not as many as NV752.
Shark AZ1002 is the lastest of them all and it combines the latest Shark's cleaning technologies in one unit. It has been already tested by many users in real life situations and it features excellent reviews.
Shark APEX DuoClean vacuums are improved designe of Shark's previous models and are excellent choice for anybody requiring main vacuum cleaner with good suction, versatile cleaning tools, almost zero maintenance costs and rather long warranty.
For the best offers and most up-to-date prices, check Shark APEX DuoClean AX951 Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum and Shark APEX AZ1002 DuoClean Upright Vacuum Amazon links (links open in the new windows).