Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaner vs Shark CarpetXpert Deluxe

The PowerDash Pet is the better pick for small homes, apartments and spot work: it weighs 13 lb, stands on its own, has a low-profile foot for under-furniture stains and a 20 ft cord. The CarpetXpert Deluxe is the bigger, more capable machine: an upright deep cleaner plus a handheld StainStriker spot tool, a HEPA filter and separate clean, dirty and Oxy tanks. Owners of the Hoover praise the light weight and stain lifting but complain about small tanks, a strong scent and cleaning the machine itself. The Shark has far fewer ratings, so its record is thinner, and it is tall and heavy to move around.

• Choose the PowerDash Pet if you have a small space, pets and mostly spot stains, and you want a light machine you can carry and store easily.
• Choose the CarpetXpert Deluxe if you want a full upright deep clean plus a handheld tool for stairs, upholstery and pet accidents.