Two upright vacuums compete for household dominance at vastly different price points. One offers advanced pet-cleaning technology and premium features, while the other delivers budget-friendly reliability. Here's our detailed breakdown.
| Specification | Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly CrossOver | Shark Navigator NV352🏆 Winner 🏆 |
|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | Not specified | Not specified |
| Bin Capacity | 1000ml | 900ml |
| Noise Level | 78dB | 78dB |
| Weight | 23 lbs | 5.9kg |
| Filtration | HEPA | HEPA |
| Cord Length | 28 feet | 25 feet |
Shark Navigator NV352
Our top pick for this comparison
The Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly CrossOver and Shark Navigator NV352 represent two distinct approaches to upright vacuuming. The Kenmore Elite positions itself as a premium, feature-rich solution designed specifically for pet owners who demand advanced cleaning technology and convenience features. The Shark Navigator NV352, by contrast, is an older budget-friendly model that prioritizes essential cleaning performance and proven reliability without unnecessary complexity. The price difference is substantial—the Kenmore Elite costs $455.10 while the Shark Navigator comes in at just $149.98, making it roughly one-third the price. Both vacuums maintain similar noise levels at 78dB and include HEPA filtration systems, but their target audiences are fundamentally different. The Kenmore Elite appeals to pet owners willing to invest in specialized technology, while the Shark Navigator serves cost-conscious consumers seeking dependable performance without premium pricing.
When evaluating these machines, it's crucial to understand that you're not simply comparing two versions of the same product at different price points. These are entirely different product philosophies. The Kenmore Elite represents modern upright vacuum engineering with CrossOver technology that automatically switches between carpet and hard floor modes, LED headlights for visibility, and a dedicated Lift-Up mode for above-floor cleaning. The Shark Navigator NV352, while released years ago, still maintains solid fundamentals with Lift-Away portable cleaning and swivel steering. The weight difference is significant—the Kenmore at 23 pounds is considerably heavier than the Shark at 13 pounds (5.9kg), which affects maneuverability and user fatigue during extended cleaning sessions. This fundamental difference in design philosophy means your choice should depend heavily on your priorities, home size, and cleaning needs rather than simply selecting the higher-rated product.
The Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly CrossOver excels specifically where its name suggests—pet hair removal. The vacuum is engineered with powerful suction specifically calibrated for extracting embedded pet hair from both carpets and upholstery. Pet owners consistently report that the CrossOver technology's automatic mode switching prevents the frustration of manually adjusting settings when moving between carpet and hard floors, which is especially valuable when dealing with scattered pet hair throughout a home. The HEPA filtration system captures microscopic pet dander and allergens, making it superior for households with allergy-prone family members. The LED headlights are a practical feature that helps users spot pet hair and debris in dark corners or under furniture where pets often shed. However, the vacuum's heavier weight can make extended cleaning sessions tiring, and users report that it can be loud on carpeted surfaces, potentially disturbing pets who are already anxious about vacuum noise.
The Shark Navigator NV352 takes a more straightforward approach to cleaning performance. While it lacks specialized pet-cleaning technology, the vacuum still delivers reliable suction across both carpet and hard floors. The Lift-Away feature allows users to detach the main unit and use it as a portable cleaner for above-floor surfaces, which is particularly useful for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and reaching ceiling corners. The swivel steering provides excellent maneuverability around furniture and obstacles, making it easier to navigate tight spaces. The large dust cup means fewer emptying sessions during typical cleaning routines. However, as an older model, it doesn't offer the specialized pet hair extraction that modern vacuums provide, and the lack of LED headlights means you might miss debris in dimly lit areas. Real-world performance shows the Shark handles general household debris effectively but requires more passes on heavily pet-soiled carpets.
In direct performance comparison, the Kenmore Elite wins for pet-specific cleaning due to its specialized technology and powerful suction designed for embedded hair removal. Pet owners will notice the difference in how thoroughly the Kenmore extracts hair from deep carpet fibers. However, the Shark Navigator remains adequate for households with minimal pet hair issues or those who don't mind putting in slightly more effort. For general household cleaning without pets, the performance difference narrows considerably, making the Shark's lower price more attractive.
The Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly CrossOver's 23-pound weight is its primary usability challenge. While the vacuum performs excellently, moving it between rooms, carrying it up stairs, or maneuvering it around furniture requires more physical effort than lighter alternatives. The Lift-Up mode for above-floor cleaning is convenient, but the overall weight means you'll feel it during extended cleaning sessions. Users with mobility concerns or those who clean frequently may experience fatigue with this machine. The automatic CrossOver technology is genuinely useful—it eliminates the need to manually switch between carpet and hard floor settings, which streamlines the cleaning process and reduces user error. The LED headlights improve visibility and make it easier to spot debris, enhancing the overall user experience.
The Shark Navigator NV352 excels in portability with its 13-pound weight, making it significantly easier to handle during extended cleaning sessions. The Lift-Away feature is a genuine convenience that allows you to detach the canister and use it independently for stairs, upholstery, and above-floor cleaning. Swivel steering provides excellent maneuverability, allowing you to navigate around furniture and obstacles with minimal effort. The vacuum is easier to store due to its lighter weight and more compact design, which matters in homes with limited closet space. However, the short cord can be frustrating in larger homes, requiring frequent outlet changes. The lack of LED headlights means you might miss debris in shadowy areas under furniture.
For users who prioritize ease of use and physical comfort, the Shark Navigator wins decisively. Its 10-pound weight advantage is noticeable during cleaning sessions, and the Lift-Away feature provides genuine practical value. However, if you have significant pet hair challenges and don't mind the extra weight, the Kenmore's automatic mode switching and specialized pet technology might justify the additional effort required to handle it.
Both vacuums operate at 78dB, which is moderately loud—roughly equivalent to a dishwasher or heavy traffic. This noise level means you cannot comfortably watch television or conduct phone calls while vacuuming, and the sound may disturb household members in adjacent rooms. However, users report that the Kenmore Elite produces noticeably more noise specifically on carpet, which is problematic since carpeted areas are where most homes require the most cleaning. The noise level on hard floors is somewhat more tolerable, but the variance suggests the motor works harder on carpet, which contributes to the louder operation. For households with noise-sensitive pets, the Kenmore's louder operation on carpet can be particularly problematic.
The Shark Navigator's 78dB rating appears consistent across different floor types, suggesting more balanced operation. While still moderately loud, users report fewer complaints about excessive noise compared to the Kenmore. The more consistent noise profile makes the Shark slightly more tolerable in homes where noise is a concern. Neither vacuum qualifies as particularly quiet, but the Shark's more consistent noise level across floor types gives it a slight advantage for noise-conscious households. If you have anxious pets or live in close quarters with noise-sensitive neighbors, the Shark's more balanced noise profile might be preferable despite both machines operating at the same decibel rating.
The Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly CrossOver requires regular maintenance due to its powerful suction and pet hair specialization. The vacuum's HEPA filtration system needs periodic cleaning to maintain optimal performance, and pet hair can accumulate more quickly in the bin requiring more frequent emptying than standard vacuums. The bin design appears to be straightforward, but the heavier weight means carrying a full bin to the trash is more physically demanding. Replacement parts for Kenmore vacuums are increasingly difficult to find as the brand has declined in market presence, which could be problematic if the vacuum requires repairs or component replacements down the line. The HEPA filter is essential for maintaining air quality, but replacement filters need to be purchased periodically, adding to long-term ownership costs.
The Shark Navigator NV352 features a large dust cup that requires less frequent emptying than many competitors, reducing the frequency of this necessary maintenance task. The HEPA filter is also present and requires periodic cleaning and eventual replacement. The lighter weight makes emptying the bin less physically demanding, and Shark parts are generally easier to find due to the brand's continued market presence. The vacuum's simpler design means fewer components to maintain and fewer potential failure points. Long-term maintenance costs are likely lower with the Shark due to easier parts availability and simpler design. The Lift-Away feature makes it easier to access and clean the dustbin and filter components.
For maintenance and long-term ownership, the Shark Navigator wins due to its simpler design, larger dust cup, and easier parts availability. The Kenmore Elite's more complex pet-specific systems require more attention and have higher long-term maintenance costs. If you prioritize minimal maintenance hassle, the Shark is the more practical choice.
Neither the Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly CrossOver nor the Shark Navigator NV352 offers Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, smart mapping, or Lidar technology. Both are traditional upright vacuums without smart home integration. The Kenmore Elite's CrossOver technology is the closest thing to an "intelligent" feature—it automatically detects floor type and adjusts suction accordingly without requiring manual intervention. This is genuinely useful for streamlining the cleaning process, but it's not the same as true smart features that allow remote monitoring or scheduling. The LED headlights on the Kenmore could be considered a technology feature, but they're more accurately described as a convenience feature rather than smart technology.
The Shark Navigator NV352 lacks even these basic intelligent features, relying entirely on manual operation and traditional controls. There's no automatic mode switching, no LED headlights, and no technology-driven convenience features. This simplicity appeals to users who prefer straightforward operation without complex systems to learn or troubleshoot. For those seeking smart vacuum features like app control, scheduling, or mapping, neither of these models will satisfy those requirements. If smart features are important to your decision, you should consider entirely different product categories like robotic vacuums or newer upright models with Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Kenmore Elite wins this category by default due to its CrossOver automatic mode switching, which provides genuine practical benefit. However, neither vacuum offers true smart home integration, so this shouldn't be a major factor in your decision unless you specifically need app control or remote features.
The Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly CrossOver includes several useful attachments designed specifically for pet owners. The Lift-Up mode for above-floor cleaning suggests the vacuum comes with upholstery attachments suitable for cleaning pet bedding and furniture where pets spend time. The LED headlights are a practical addition that improves visibility during cleaning. The pet-specific design implies that specialized tools for pet hair removal are likely included, though specific attachment details aren't provided. The HEPA filtration system is included standard, which is important for allergen control. The CrossOver technology is a built-in feature rather than an accessory, but it provides significant practical value.
The Shark Navigator NV352's Lift-Away feature comes with the portable canister unit that serves as an independent cleaner, which is genuinely useful for stairs and upholstery cleaning. The large dust cup is a standard feature that provides practical benefit by reducing emptying frequency. The swivel steering is built-in rather than an accessory. Standard attachments are included but not specifically detailed. The vacuum comes with the HEPA filter standard. Compared to the Kenmore, the Shark includes fewer specialized accessories, but the included features are more universally useful rather than pet-specific.
The Kenmore Elite wins for included accessories and specialized extras, particularly for pet owners. The Lift-Up mode and pet-specific tools provide more comprehensive cleaning solutions. However, the Shark's Lift-Away feature and large dust cup provide practical value for general household cleaning. Your choice should depend on whether you prioritize pet-specific tools (Kenmore) or general-purpose flexibility (Shark).
The Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly CrossOver at $455.10 represents a significant investment in upright vacuum technology. This price point places it in the premium category, and the vacuum needs to deliver proportional value to justify the cost. The specialized pet-cleaning technology, automatic CrossOver mode switching, HEPA filtration, and LED headlights are all legitimate premium features. However, the declining availability of Kenmore replacement parts and the brand's reduced market presence create long-term value concerns. If the vacuum requires repairs after the warranty expires, finding parts and service may be difficult and expensive. The heavier weight and louder operation on carpets are drawbacks that affect daily usability. For pet owners who demand the best pet-hair removal and can afford the premium price, the Kenmore Elite delivers specialized technology that justifies the investment. For budget-conscious consumers or those without significant pet hair challenges, the price is difficult to justify.
The Shark Navigator NV352 at $149.98 is roughly one-third the price of the Kenmore Elite, making it accessible to budget-conscious consumers. This price point is exceptionally competitive for an upright vacuum with HEPA filtration and Lift-Away functionality. The Shark's lower price doesn't mean lower quality—Shark vacuums maintain solid reputations for reliability and performance. Parts are easier to find due to the brand's continued market presence, reducing long-term ownership costs. The lighter weight and more consistent noise level across floor types provide practical daily benefits. However, the vacuum lacks specialized pet-cleaning technology, automatic mode switching, and LED headlights. The shorter cord and bulkier storage requirements are minor drawbacks. For most households without severe pet hair issues, the Shark Navigator delivers exceptional value at a fraction of the Kenmore's price.
In terms of pure value for money, the Shark Navigator wins decisively. You're receiving a functional, reliable upright vacuum with HEPA filtration and Lift-Away capability for less than one-third the Kenmore's price. The Kenmore Elite's value proposition depends entirely on whether you have significant pet hair challenges and can justify premium pricing for specialized technology. For general household cleaning, the Shark's value is superior. For dedicated pet owners, the Kenmore's specialized features might justify the premium, but only if you're certain you need that level of specialization.
If you have multiple pets, significant pet hair challenges, or household members with pet allergies, the Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly CrossOver is the superior choice. The vacuum is specifically engineered for pet hair extraction, with powerful suction designed to pull embedded hair from deep carpet fibers where pet hair accumulates. The HEPA filtration system captures microscopic pet dander and allergens, which is essential for allergy sufferers. The automatic CrossOver technology eliminates the frustration of manually switching settings when moving between carpet and hard floors—a common scenario in homes with scattered pet hair. The Lift-Up mode makes it convenient to clean pet bedding, furniture, and other above-floor surfaces where pets spend time. While the higher price and heavier weight are drawbacks, pet owners who deal with constant shedding will appreciate the specialized technology that makes pet hair removal significantly easier and more thorough.
If you're seeking a reliable upright vacuum without premium pricing, the Shark Navigator NV352 is an excellent choice. At $149.98, the vacuum costs less than one-third of the Kenmore Elite while still delivering functional cleaning performance. The HEPA filtration system provides allergen control, and the Lift-Away feature offers genuine practical value for stairs and upholstery cleaning. The lighter weight makes extended cleaning sessions more comfortable, and the vacuum is easier to store in limited closet space. Shark parts are readily available, keeping long-term maintenance costs reasonable. For households without severe pet hair issues or those who prioritize affordability over specialized features, the Shark Navigator represents exceptional value. You're not sacrificing essential cleaning performance; you're simply skipping premium features that many households don't need.
For large homes where cleaning power and specialized pet hair removal matter, the Kenmore Elite is the better choice despite its heavier weight. The powerful suction and pet-specific technology ensure thorough cleaning across extensive square footage. The automatic CrossOver mode switching streamlines cleaning in homes with mixed flooring throughout multiple rooms. The LED headlights help you spot debris in large homes where shadows and dark corners are more common. The Lift-Up mode makes it practical to clean above-floor surfaces in expansive homes. While the weight is a consideration, the superior cleaning power and specialized features justify the investment for large homes with significant cleaning demands.
In apartments and small homes, the Shark Navigator NV352 excels due to its lighter weight, easier storage, and lower price. The vacuum's 13-pound weight is significantly more manageable when carrying it up stairs or between rooms in compact spaces. The Lift-Away feature is particularly valuable in apartments where above-floor cleaning is essential due to limited horizontal space. The more consistent noise level is important in close-quarter living situations. The lower price is attractive for renters who may not want to invest heavily in cleaning equipment. The shorter cord is less problematic in smaller spaces. For apartment living and small homes, the Shark Navigator's practical advantages outweigh the Kenmore Elite's specialized features.
Winner: Shark Navigator NV352
The Shark Navigator NV352 emerges as the superior choice for most consumers due to its exceptional value proposition, practical design, and reliable performance at a fraction of the Kenmore Elite's price. While the Kenmore Elite offers specialized pet-cleaning technology and premium features, the Shark Navigator delivers essential vacuum functionality with genuine practical advantages that benefit a broader audience. The 13-pound weight advantage is noticeable during extended cleaning sessions, reducing user fatigue and making the vacuum more accessible for users with mobility concerns. The Lift-Away feature provides genuine practical value for stairs and above-floor cleaning, and the large dust cup means less frequent emptying. Most importantly, at $149.98, the Shark Navigator costs less than one-third of the Kenmore Elite, making it accessible to budget-conscious consumers without sacrificing essential cleaning performance.
The Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly CrossOver is the superior choice specifically for pet owners with significant pet hair challenges who can justify premium pricing for specialized technology. The vacuum's CrossOver automatic mode switching, powerful pet-specific suction, and HEPA filtration system provide genuine value for households dealing with constant pet shedding. The LED headlights improve visibility, and the Lift-Up mode is convenient for cleaning pet bedding and furniture. However, the 23-pound weight, louder operation on carpets, and declining brand presence create practical drawbacks that limit its appeal to the broader market.
For most households, the Shark Navigator NV352 wins because value for money matters more than specialized pet features. You're receiving a functional, reliable vacuum with HEPA filtration and practical Lift-Away functionality for exceptional pricing. The lighter weight improves daily usability, and Shark's continued market presence ensures parts availability and long-term support. The vacuum handles general household cleaning effectively and requires less physical effort to operate than the heavier Kenmore Elite.
However, if you have multiple pets, significant pet hair challenges, or household members with pet allergies, the Kenmore Elite's specialized technology justifies the premium investment. The vacuum is engineered specifically for pet hair removal, and that specialization provides genuine value for pet-owning households. The automatic mode switching eliminates frustration when moving between floor types, which is common in homes with scattered pet hair throughout multiple rooms.
Your final decision should depend on your specific cleaning needs and budget constraints. Choose the Shark Navigator if you prioritize affordability, lighter weight, and practical general-purpose cleaning. Choose the Kenmore Elite if you have significant pet hair challenges and can justify premium pricing for specialized technology. For most households without severe pet issues, the Shark Navigator's exceptional value and practical advantages make it the superior choice. For dedicated pet owners, the Kenmore Elite's specialized features provide genuine value despite the higher price and heavier weight.
