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Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet 2024 {Expertly Reviewed}

Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet - SEBO 90640AM Airbelt D4 Premium Canister Vacuum with ET-1 Powerhead

What’s the best vacuum for shag carpet?

While most vacuums are great for bare floors and low pile carpets, not all are ideal for shag carpets or shag rugs. Some have small wheels or too much power that pulls in the carpet hence making it difficult to push the vacuum. You need to get the best vacuum for shag carpet for you to have an easy time.

Today, we review the Top 10 Best Vacuums for Shag Carpet 2024 for you to choose from.

Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet – Comparison Chart

Before we get into detailed reviews, here is a sneak peek into the top 10:

Best Vacuum for Shag CarpetCorded/Cordless?Bagged/Bagless?HEPA filter?
1. Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner
(Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet)
CordedBaglessYes
2. Bissell 9595A Vacuum with OnePass
(Best Budget Vacuum for Shag Carpet)
CordedBaglessNo
3. SEBO 90640AM Airbelt D4
(Best Commercial Grade Vacuum for Shag Carpet)
CordedBaggedNo
4. Panasonic MC-UG471 Bag Upright Vacuum CleanerCordedBaggedYes
5. Electrolux EL4335B Corded Ultra Flex Canister VacuumCordedBaglessYes
6. Eureka FloorRover NEU562A Versatile Bagless Upright VacuumCordedBaglessYes
7. Miele Complete C3 Soft Carpet VacuumCordedBaggedYes
8. Kenmore Elite 81714 Pet-Friendly Ultra Plush Bagged Canister VacuumCordedBaggedYes
9. Shark Navigator NV360
(Best Shark Vacuum for Shag Carpet)
CordedBaglessYes
10. Oreck Magnesium RS Swivel-Steering Bagged Upright Vacuum LW1500RSCordedBaggedYes

Reviews of the Best Vacuums for Shag Carpet 2024

It’s never easy to find the best vacuum for plush carpets or shag rugs. A good vacuum should be easy to push over any high pile carpet and have suction powerful enough to get rid of all dirt. Whichever you decide to buy among these will certainly give you the best bang for your buck.

These are the 10 best vacuums for shag carpet to buy in 2024:

1. Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner – best vacuum for shag carpet

Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet - Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner

If you are looking for the best vacuum for your shag carpet or shag rug, this is our top pick. It does a great job that will leave you totally satisfied. It has an amazing power that helps it easily suck in dirt and dust, coupled with a design that makes it quite user-friendly.

The best vacuum for shag carpet must be light and easy to push and pull as you clean the carpet. This Soniclean vacuum gives you that. It is lightweight and has large wheels which enable the vacuum to “hover” as sonic vibrations loosen any ground-in dirt. Then, the vacuum powerfully sucks in the dirt, with the aid of a direct-air paramagnetic motor design.

A special brushroll with ultra-soft bristles is specifically designed to clean high-end soft style carpets. This minimizes damage so that you can use the carpet for years on end without the need of buying a replacement.

Versatility is the name of the game with this vacuum. It does an incredible job on soft carpets, high pile carpets, shag rugs as well as hardwood floors. It also employs an adjustable vent system that makes it easy to maneuver on soft style carpets.

Also, if you or your loved ones are asthmatic or suffer from allergies, the Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a fantastic option. It uses seal-tech HEPA filter bags that get rid of up to 99.97 percent of allergens from your home. Also, a fragrance dispensing system keeps the air in your home fresh.

Features summary:

  • Bagged
  • 35-foot power cord
  • Lightweight (10.5 lbs.)
  • Soft brush roll bristles
  • Large wheels
  • Adjustable vent system
  • Full bag indicator light
  • Powerful suction (direct-air paramagnetic motor design)
  • Uses seal-tech HEPA filter bags
  • Patented Sonicfresh fragrance dispensing system
  • Jam protection technology
  • A sonic bar at the bottom vibrates 200 times per second
  • Warranty: 5-year motor, 1-year parts, lifetime for the belt

Click here to see the current price of the Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner.

2. Bissell 9595A Vacuum with OnePass – best budget vacuum for shag carpet

Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet - BISSELL 9595A Vacuum with OnePass

If you are on a tight budget and you need a vacuum to work some magic on your shag carpet, look no further. At less than 100 bucks, the Bissell 9595A will definitely give you the best bang for your buck. It has amazing features that justify its place in this best vacuum for shag carpet review.

This vacuum has all the tools to do a great job on carpets, stairs, upholstery, furniture, and so on. It is lightweight and provides powerful suction that helps get rid of dirt and debris from different types of floors. It also employs multi-cyclonic action to separate dirt from debris so that the filters stay clean for longer periods.

Also, the vacuum is convenient to use because you don’t have to stop severally before the task is complete. It has a large, easy to empty dirt tank. Additionally, a long 25-foot cord provides you with a large cleaning radius.

Features summary:

  • 25-foot power cord
  • Bagless
  • Lightweight (15 lbs.)
  • Easy empty 2-liter dirt tank
  • Powerful suction
  • Rinsable pre-motor filter
  • Multi-cyclonic system
  • Multi-level filtration
  • OnePass technology
  • Accessories: extension wand, TurboBrush tool, dusting brush, crevice tool

Click here to see the latest price of the Bissell 9595A Vacuum.

3. SEBO 90640AM Airbelt D4 – best commercial grade vacuum for shag carpet

Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet - SEBO 90640AM Airbelt D4 Premium Canister Vacuum with ET-1 Powerhead

The SEBO Airbelt D4 is ideal for commercial cleaning. However, you can also get it for home use since it is quite effective. Also, you may have to fork out a bit more than you would have for an ordinary home vacuum.

The ET-1 powerhead has a manual, 4-level brush height adjustment. This helps to effectively clean all kinds of carpets as well as hard floors. An indicator light turns on when you’ve set the height too high in order to maintain optimal performance. Also, there is a manual brush shutoff that comes in handy when dealing with delicate rugs or floor types which require straight-suction vacuum cleaning.

Being commercial-grade, expect some bigger/better parts. For example, the cord is quite long (40 feet). This gives you a large cleaning radius which is unmatched. The 1.5-gallon filter bag is also very big. This means that you can clean for a long time before needing a replacement. It also has a powerful motor that guarantees powerful suction over shag carpets and other floor types.

Also, the vacuum’s filtration system is effective enough to get rid of up to 99.9 percent of pollutants. The filter bag, pre-motor filters, and S-class exhaust microfilters partner well to do a great job. The S-class filters also last longer than HEPA filters and cost less. These SEBO filters are recommended by the British Allergy Foundation for their effectiveness.

Features summary:

  • Bagged (1.5-gallon filter bag)
  • 40-foot power cord
  • 50-foot cleaning radius
  • Patented Airbelt bumper
  • Rubber-coated castor wheels
  • Durable telescopic tube
  • Full bag or clog indicator
  • LED suction-power indicator
  • 180-degree steering ability
  • 320-degree rotating hose-to-canister connection
  • Automatic shut-off for brush obstructions
  • Manual height adjustment with indicator light
  • Convenient parking and storage aids
  • Adjustable suction switch on its handle
  • Attachments: dusting brush, crevice tool, upholstery nozzle, parquet brush
  • Effective filtration system
  • 5-year warranty

To see the current price of the SEBO 90640AM Airbelt D4, click here.

4. Panasonic MC-UG471 Bag Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet - Panasonic MC-UG471 Bag Upright Vacuum Cleaner

This red vacuum not only does a great job but also adds pomp and color to your home with its sleek design. No matter how high your carpet is, the MC-UG471 will leave it free of dirt and dust. It automatically adjusts its height to suit your carpet. So, it is not only perfect for shag carpets but also works well on Berber, frieze or plush carpets. Also, its 15-inch wide nozzle allows you to clean large tracts thus saving you time.

A strong 12-amp motor ensures that you get a powerful suction as you clean your carpet. Also, the vacuum uses a HEPA filter to get rid of allergens from your home. This is a huge plus if you’re dealing with asthma and other allergies.

Apart from vacuuming an array of carpets, this vacuum helps in other parts such as curtains, furniture, upholstery and hard to reach areas.

Features summary:

  • Bagged
  • 24-foot cord with auto-rewind
  • Powerful 12-amp motor
  • HEPA filter
  • Automatic height adjustment
  • Motor-protection system
  • 15-inch cleaning path
  • On/off power switch on the body
  • Headlight
  • Foot pedal handle release
  • Air turbine brush to remove pet hair from stairs and upholstery
  • Accessories: dusting brush, crevice tool, stretch hose, two wands
  • 1-year limited warranty on parts and labor

Click here to see the current price of the Panasonic MC-UG471.

5. Electrolux EL4335B Corded Ultra Flex Canister Vacuum

Electrolux EL4335B Corded Ultra Flex Canister Vacuum

Another great vacuum for shag carpet is the Electrolux EL4335B. It offers great performance on all kinds of floors ranging from bare floors to shag carpets. This is possible because it has 3-level height adjustment and an on/off brushroll switch. It also weighs just 11.6 pounds and should be easy to move around as you clean from room to room.

The suction power is adjustable depending on where you are cleaning. This is important if you are switching let’s say from the shag carpet to more delicate fabric like curtains. Also, cyclonic action guarantees you consistently powerful suction until the task is complete.

If there is anyone at home suffering from asthma or allergies, this Electrolux vacuum is ideal. It uses HEPA filtration to get rid of up to 99.97 percent of dust and other allergens for a fresher, cleaner home. Also, the narrow design of the dust cup, as well as its bottom opening, allows you to easily empty the dust cup. This reduces the amount of dust escaping back into the air.

Features summary:

  • Bagless
  • 21-foot power cord
  • Easy to empty dirt cup
  • Motorized, self-cleaning brushroll
  • On/off brushroll switch
  • 12-Amp motor
  • 3-level height adjustment
  • Adjustable suction power
  • HEPA filtration
  • Fingertip controls
  • Cyclonic action
  • LED nozzle headlights
  • Accessories: telescopic wand, upholstery nozzle, bare floor nozzle, crevice tool, dusting brush
  • 5-year limited warranty

Click here to see the current price of the Electrolux EL4335B.

6. Eureka FloorRover NEU562A Versatile Bagless Upright Vacuum

Eureka FloorRover Versatile Bagless Upright Vacuum

The Eureka FloorRover is particularly easy to use as you vacuum any kind of floor. I believe that’s why it has been this vacuum has been branded the ‘FloorRover’. It has big wheels that allow it to easily glide over the carpet or any other type of floor. Also, the vacuum uses swivel steering for seamless navigation around obstacles such as furniture. Handling is also a breeze thanks to the ergonomic handle.

The vacuum has a large, easy to empty dirt cup. Also, the filters are easy to remove, wash and reuse. A multi-stage cyclone system helps keep the filters clean and maintain a strong suction until you are done. This is done by separation of large and small particles. The FloorRover uses HEPA filtration to get rid of up to 99.97 percent of allergens.

Since it’s the most powerful Eureka vacuum thus far, expect the vacuum to do an exemplary job in all parts of the house. You can clean various types of floors, low to high pile carpets, upholstery, stairs, deep pile rugs and car interiors. Also, a long power cord (30 feet) gives you a large cleaning radius. So, you don’t need to keep plugging and unplugging as you vacuum.

Features summary:

  • Bagless
  • 30-foot power cord
  • Multi-stage cyclone system
  • HEPA filter
  • Easy-glide wheels
  • Swivel steering
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Easy empty 1.6-liter dirt cup
  • Accessories: pet Turbo brush, 2-in-1 upholstery tool, crevice tool

Click here to see the current price of the Eureka FloorRover NEU562A.

7. Miele Complete C3 Soft Carpet

Best Shag Carpet Vacuum - Miele Complete C3 Soft Carpet Vacuum

The Miele Complete C3 is another great vacuum for shag carpets. It has five height adjustments making it ideal for all floor types including medium to deep pile carpets.

The last thing you want is a vacuum that gets stuck as you try to clean your shag carpet. With this, it is very easy to navigate on the carpet as you vacuum thanks to the three 360-degree swivel wheels. With a total cleaning radius of 33 feet, you don’t need to keep plugging and unplugging as you move from one corner to the other.

The vacuum also has a powerful Vortex motor system. This ensures that you get strong suction as you move along the carpet. It helps suck in all dirt and debris from the carpet. Also, the Miele Complete C3 is ideal for asthma and allergy sufferers. This is because it has a HEPA AirClean filter that gets rid of up to 99.9 percent of allergens and other air pollutants.

If you need to vacuum a soft carpet, engage the ‘SoftCarpet’ mode for optimal performance. Also, the SEB 228 SoftCarpet Electrobrush helps make the job easy when it comes to carpet cleaning.

Features summary:

  • Bagged
  • Automatically retractable cord
  • 33-foot cleaning radius
  • SoftCarpet Electrobrush
  • Silence motor with 7-speed settings e.g. SoftCarpet setting
  • Adjustable suction control
  • Five-level height adjustment
  • Footswitch pedals
  • Three 360-degree swivel wheels
  • Parquet twister with 180-degree rotation
  • Other attachments: dusting brush, upholstery tool, crevice nozzle
  • Telescopic, stainless steel wand
  • 3D bumper
  • HEPA AirClean filter

Click here to see the current price of the Miele Complete C3.

8. Kenmore Elite 81714 Pet-Friendly Ultra Plush Bagged Canister Vacuum

Best Vacuum Cleaners for Shag Carpet - Kenmore Elite 81714 Pet-Friendly Ultra Plush Bagged Canister Vacuum

We recommend the Kenmore Elite 81714 among the best vacuums for shag carpets because of its specialized features. It also has other features that are useful when cleaning any non-carpeted areas in the house. Also, if you have pets, consider pet hair taken care of in the process.

First, the vacuum uses a 2-motor system coupled with a powerful inducer motor for up to 20 percent more power than most upright vacuums. This strong suction power helps remove dirt and pet hair from carpets, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas easily. The stair grip feature also comes in handy if you need to vacuum stairs.

Then, it has an Ultra Plush nozzle that helps suck in any dirt hiding in carpets. The nozzle uses powerful airflow to ensure that you get a deeper, more complete clean. If there are areas with more delicate carpets or rugs, you need to engage Variable Power. Also, its design plus the Swivel+ Steering System make it very easy to move around, whether you have a dense, ultra plush or super plush carpet.

Lastly, a huge plus is the HEPA filtration system. If there is anyone at home suffering from asthma or allergies, you need not worry. The filter helps get rid of allergens and other pollutants from your home. In fact, the Kenmore Elite 81714 is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America in this regard.

Features summary:

  • Bagged (uses canister HEPA bags)
  • Bag change indicator
  • 26-foot retractable power cord
  • Height adjustment
  • Ideal for dense, ultra plush & super plush carpets
  • Powerful 2-motor system
  • Telescopic wand
  • Stair grip
  • Headlights
  • Swivel+ steering
  • Motorized pet PowerMate pet tool
  • Ultra Plush nozzle
  • Crevice tool
  • Dusting brush

Click here to see the current price of the Kenmore Elite 81714.

9. Shark Navigator NV360 – best shark vacuum for shag carpet

Shark Navigator NV360

Shark vacuums are among the best in the market. When looking for the best Shark vacuum for shag carpets, the NV360 stood out from the rest. As with any other Shark vacuum, this one has awesome features that help get rid of dirt and dust from carpets and other floor types easily.

First, the vacuum is light and easy to move around. It weighs about 13 pounds. It also has the Swivel steering feature that makes it easy to maneuver under and around obstacles such as furniture. Then, it has a powerful suction that remains constant as you clean. Also, the lift-away feature allows you to detach the canister at the push of a button. This allows you to clean hard to reach areas with ease.

Secondly, the Shark Navigator vacuum NV360 is perfect if there are any asthmatic people or allergy sufferers in the home. It utilizes HEPA filtration coupled with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology to get rid of over 99.9 percent of dust and other allergens. The dirt cup also empties from the bottom so that dust doesn’t escape back into the air.

The vacuum is also pet-friendly as it comes with a variety of tools such as the air-driven pet brush.

Features summary:

  • Bagless
  • 25-foot power cord
  • Lightweight (13 lbs.)
  • Lift-away (easily detach the canister)
  • Extendable under appliance wand
  • Uses Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and HEPA filter
  • Brushroll shutoff button
  • Swivel steering
  • Large, easy to empty dust cup
  • Accessories: under appliance wand, pet power brush, dusting brush, crevice tool

Click here to see the current price of the Shark Navigator NV360.

10. Oreck Magnesium RS Swivel-Steering Bagged Upright Vacuum LW1500RS

Oreck Magnesium RS Swivel-Steering Bagged Upright Vacuum LW1500RS

Another vacuum you need to consider if you are looking to clean your shag carpet or shag rug is the Oreck Magnesium LW1500RS. It is lightweight, easy to handle and utilizes the unique SlimSwivel design to easily maneuver around obstacles.

In terms of power, this machine uses a high-performance motor to spin the inverted single helix rollerbrush. It generates an incredible 7,000 RPM to produce a top-notch cleaning performance.

This vacuum is so versatile that it can clean any floor type. It can vacuum long pile carpets as well as hardwood floors. The vacuum is also great for people dealing with asthma attacks and allergies. It uses a HEPA inner bag to capture up to 99.97 percent of dust and other allergens. Also, as you change bags, its Saniseal Docking System prevents dust from escaping into the air.

Features summary:

  • Bagged (uses HEPA inner bag)
  • 30-foot power cord
  • Lightweight (7.7 lbs.)
  • SlimSwivel design
  • LED lights
  • Large wheels
  • Endurolife Belt protects the motor
  • Two-speed QuickSwitch to select the right power for different floor types

Click here to see the current price of the Oreck Magnesium RS.

Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet 2024 – Final Thoughts

When you have a shag carpet or a shag rug, you need a specialized vacuum – a vacuum that makes the work easy for you. You cannot be pushing a vacuum that always gets stuck just as you start cleaning. An ideal vacuum is one that has large wheels or one that can be adjusted to match the height of the carpet.

We have gone through numerous vacuums to get the top 10 best vacuums for shag carpets. So, whichever you choose from this list will give you the satisfaction you’ve been looking for. Our top pick as the best vacuum for shag carpet is the Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner. This one is ideal for home use.

However, if you are looking for a commercial grade vacuum for shag carpets, the SEBO Airbelt D4 will not disappoint. Lastly, if you are on a tight budget there is a good vacuum that costs less than 100 dollars – the Bissell 9595A.

If you have any feedback about the products reviewed here, feel free to let us know in the comments section below. We’ll be glad to discuss with you more on what you think is the best vacuum for shag carpet (or the best vacuum for shag rug).

In summary, these are the top 10 best vacuums for shag carpet in 2024:

  1. Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner
  2. Bissell 9595A Vacuum with OnePass
  3. SEBO 90640AM Airbelt D4 Premium Canister Vacuum
  4. Panasonic MC-UG471 Bag Upright Vacuum Cleaner
  5. Electrolux EL4335B Corded Ultra Flex Canister Vacuum
  6. Eureka FloorRover Versatile Bagless Upright Vacuum
  7. Miele Complete C3 Soft Carpet – Best for Soft Carpets
  8. Kenmore Elite 81714 Pet-Friendly Ultra Plush Bagged Canister Vacuum
  9. Shark Navigator NV360
  10. Oreck Magnesium RS Swivel-Steering Bagged Upright Vacuum LW1500RS

Here is a YouTube video by Surya on Hand-Loomed Shag Rugs:

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