The Shark Navigator Freestyle SC1106 brings good suction power to a lightweight vacuum, putting it on the road to be the best vacuum for the elderly. Despite being battery-powered, its performance doesn’t suffer, something you want out of the best cordless vacuum. And due to its dual-action design, it quickly transitions from carpet to bare flooring. If you want more vacuum choices, read our best vacuum cleaner reviews.
Why We Like It – Shark Navigator Freestyle SC1106
Featuring a dual-action design, maneuvering the Shark Navigator Freestyle SC1106 through bare floors and carpet is as easy as pressing a single button, in addition to an easy-empty dust cup.
- Swivel steering is easy on the wrists
- Dual-action design
- Easy empty dust cup
- Abysmal run time & recharge time
- No attachments; strictly a floor cleaner
Power, Speed & Efficiency
With a cleaning path of 10 inches, Shark Navigator Freestyle Cordless Stick Vacuums are right around average. Moving from carpet to bare floor is as easy as pressing one of the two speeds, though shag carpeting is the Shark Navigators SV1106 weakness. For pet hair, the motorized brush does fairly well. More importantly, swivel steering is easy on the wrists, and it doesn’t take much to turn. Its cordless convenience might be a positive for some, its battery would say otherwise. Its run time lasts up to 17 minutes on bare floors alone and 12 minutes on carpets, with a 5-7 hour recharge time. If that sounds problematic, then stick to a corded Shark Rocket HV301.
Related: Check out this Shark Apex vacuum cleaner review
Bin Capacity, Maintenance & Durability
Bin capacity is solid. You can fill up to 0.16 gallons, which isn’t as much as an Oreck Commercial Upright XL2100, but the upside is that you have an easy-empty dust cup. No vacuum bags required. The downside: extra maintenance. Both the dust cup and filters need to be rinsed and cleaned every few months to keep it running in tip-top shape.
Value
For performance and design, $115 almost sounds about right. It has dual-action performance, a lightweight design, and you never have to touch the dirt. On top of that, you’ll save money by avoiding the purchase of vacuum bags. However, it has to be stated: you don’t get any attachments. The Shark Navigator Freestyle SC1106 is strictly for floor cleaning. An iRobot Roomba 675 is the same way, but at least you don’t have to clean.
Related: Visit our Shark Navigator Freestyle Upright Stick Cordless bagless vacuum for carpet review
Shark Navigator Freestyle SC1106 Wrap Up
If you already have a small handheld vacuum, the lack of attachments on the Shark Navigator Freestyle SC1106 won’t be an issue. Its biggest positive is its swivel steering, reducing the amount of strain on your wrists, plus low product weight. Yes, its battery is so-so, but if you’re vacuuming regularly you’ll hardly notice.
