Last updated on December 27th, 2023
While most of you may have a Eureka moment thinking shag carpets belonged to Shaggy from Scooby Doo, I can assure it has no such connection.
If you are, however, wondering about the origin of a shag carpet, it is actually derived from Old English “sceacga” translating to beard. Big shocker there! However, it does feel soothing and relaxing.
While the sensation is worth the money, your love for shag rugs needs care and attention thus, you do need to scout for the best vacuum for shag carpets and what else can better help than this well-researched list?
Also, maintenance of your carpet could be challenging especially when you have pets, thus, glide through this list to choose the best vacuum for shag carpets.
5 Best Vacuums for High Pile Carpet – Our Picks
There are many vacuum manufacturers’ that claimed that they produces the best vacuum for your carpet cleaning needs. The following are some of the best models that was picked by our editor’s after some testing and research.
#1: Best Vacuum for Soft Carpet - Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum, SFC-7000
This award-winning vacuum from Soniclean is one of the best vacuums for shag carpet, as it’s certified “Highest Performance” by The Carpet & Rug Institute.
This is backed-up by soft nylon brush-roll bristles that will run gently on your carpet and not pluck those carpet strands off while you vacuum your shag rug.
Large front wheels, 200 vibrations per second and direct-air paramagnetic motor are some superior features to ensure great suction and professional cleaning touch on your carpet, keeping it evergreen.
Why we love it:
We don’t think we can find ourselves being dissatisfied anytime soon with this remarkable creation.
Our love for shag will last for the long run and with this product at hand, we are going to marvel at the suction power. The outlook of this Soniclean vacuum looks stylish too.
#2: Best Budget for High Pile Carpet - Shark Navigator Deluxe Upright Vacuum, NV42
The Shark Navigator NV42 screams power with its powerful motor which ensures continuous suction power for the starting till finish so you don’t have to stop mid-way and deal with unnecessary temper fits.
This Shark upright bagless model made the list for the best vacuum for high pile carpet because it is portable and that readily means NV 42 is lightweight. Your work just got a lot easier on a daily basis.
Dust capacity is a plus one as you can contain more dirt and dust, while you enjoy dusting brush and crevice tool included in the package. Best vacuum for high-pile carpet is looking very dandy.
Why we love it:
The design and its features have made us go crazy because it is indeed worth your money. There is no arguing that your carpet is in the safe custody of Shark NV42. The unit also can do the pet hair cleaning effectively.
Also, the suction power is the highlight of the product. It’s powerful to deep-clean the carpets as well as gentle enough for hard floors. It comes with several accessories like crevice tool, pet hair power brush, dusting brush and upholstery tool. Work in peace and without involuntary breaks from your vacuum.
#3: Best Canister Vacuum for Soft Carpet - Miele Complete C3
Nothing is going to go the extra mile than the Miele Complete C3 vacuum with its adjustable suction control that you can manipulate with a footswitch pedal. This feature will allow you to control the fate of your carpet and keep it soft.
If you aren’t convinced this is the best vacuum for shag carpets, then it’s 5-stage adjustable height is sure going to change your mind on that. The vacuum weight is about 20 pounds and it also comes with and full-size electric power brush.
HEPA filter is going to do what it does best, give you cleaner air and make sure those dust particles do not escape and roam freely, making your work a lot easier and breathable.
Why we love it:
The cherry on the topping is the revolving brush, pair that with wheels which has a clean 360-degree smooth swivel, and you have the perfect recipe to maintain that beautiful shag carpet as well as smooth (hard) flooring.
Miele is going to make your list every time you think of soft carpets and the best vacuum for shag carpet because the features are eye-catching with several accessories to help you do the better cleaning.
#4: Best for Commercial Carpet - Oreck Commercial Upright Vacuum, U2000R-1
Convenience has attracted goodwill from Arthritis Foundation which gives this the title to be considered as one of the best vacuums for shag carpets. On/off switch located on the handgrip strengthens the claim.
Clogging and jams are minimized with v-belt resist slippage and circuit breaker. This will make cleaning a lot easier as not a long time has to be allocated to tend to clog inconvenience.
The filtration system will make sure of cleaner hands and eliminate the necessity to get your hands dirty as you can easily dispose of the content with the disposable bag feature. Neat right?
Why we love it:
The Oreck U2000R-1 gets our need for hygiene and comfort with the on/off button and the disposal bag has got us screaming sweet all over.
This is a luxury we sure won’t pass and would tell you to give it a consideration because U2000R-1 is going to be someone’s best vacuum for high pile carpet.
#5: Best for Multi-surface & Pet - Hoover WindTunnel 2 Rewind Bagless Upright Vacuum, UH71250
It isn’t a surprise to see Hoover making the list for the best vacuum for shag rugs as it serves you with WindTunnel 2 Technology that create two channels of suction and quality HEPA filtration system.
The Hoover WindTunnel UH70120 assures you deep cleanse of stubborn debris and dirt that is embedded deep in the carpet, making it cleaner and refining hygiene concerns surrounding your carpet.
No-scuff bumper, a 25-foot retractable power cord, extension wand, crevice tool, the 8-inch stretch hose will just help you get down to business with no compromise at once.
Why we love it:
No one can ignore Hoovers features that have been dedicatedly input to give users the cleaning experience they always required.
Our best quality pick for this product is the WindTunnel 2 technology that is actively responding to pick up dirt and debris as it works its way through stubborn agents. So, if you are looking for a vacuum that can clean hardwood floors and carpets, this machine is for you.
Best Vacuum for Shag Carpet – Buyer’s Guide
There are a lot of vacuum models available and while you may question which to buy, you might want to extend and ask which is the best vacuum for shag rugs? We realize the carpets need vacuums that complement cleaning, therefore, the following key points are your savior.
- Shapes and Sizes
Yes, it is true that your conquest for the top vacuum for shag carpets comes in different size and shapes, types and other varieties. While this could be daunting, let’s all have a lovely cup of jasmine tea and answer the necessities.
First, what is your requirement? If you are looking for quick and easy, upright is your friend but if you want versatility on a budget then canisters are your safe bet.
Second, what do you need your vacuum for? Again, some may prefer an all-rounder or might look specifically for carpets so do look into it.
While you answer those, bring in factors such as hand-held, cords weight that will help you narrow down the preference. These can save your time and also from a wild goose chase.
Finally, when you get down on the battlefield, consider the size and shape which feels like your calling. While uprights can be your all-rounder, the handheld is lightweight and canisters are the perfect go-between
- Brush-roll and Functionality
In your pursuit for the best vacuum for shag carpet, do bear in mind of the brush-roll and how well are their functionality. Inside of your vacuum, it will be equipped with a brush or rollers with a different disposition and are the important aspect of your vacuum.
Brush-roll configuration makes a remarkable difference in your cleaning and if your brush roll is equipped with a full motorized brush then it’s your lucky buy.
In correlation to that, your vacuum’s brush may have small brushes around the edge to trap and collect any debris. This is where you need to verify if your purchase is carpet friendly or will be a hassle to work with.
It is undoubtedly necessary to be on the lookout for commendable features when you would consider for shag carpets and usually the suction quality steps in to influence your choice.
In all honesty, what you should be on the lookout for are brush or rollers that don’t get tangled and are easy to let loose while the suction power glides through smoothly.
- HEPA filtration
While carpets are your favorite fabric in the house because it feels “oh so royalty” it does house a range of harmful dust particles, strands of hair, dirt, and morsels of dried up food leftovers.
If you are a cleaning enthusiast and need the perfect clean then those mentioned above can be an absolute nightmare to you. This is where your need a great vacuum for shag carpets amplifies.
Most vacuums now are provided with HEPA filtration and they do safeguard you while cleaning, making sure those particles don’t escape back into the air.
HEPA filtration will have no such shenanigans on their watch so they are designed to filter out these particles ensuring cleaner air for you to breath.
Thus, you should be opting for HEPA media filter system as shag carpets would comprise of more dust particles than anywhere in your house, thus, HEPA filtration all the way.
- Venting
This is probably what you are doing as your brain has gone haywire from finding the best vacuum for shag carpets. However, let your vacuum be the one to vent and cool off while at work.
This is simple mechanics, stay with us as things are about to get all science and nerdy. Your vacuum design has to be modified in ways to make sure the head does not block and suction isn’t disturbed with.
When your vacuum drifts on a hard floor, there is enough space on the opening to let air flow pass but shag carpets are a whole different story. The bushy surface drags down the head interfering with venting and air flow.
In this context, if you need a smooth surf over your shag do look out for a vacuum that has extra venting. With that, you can maneuver however you like it to your heart’s content without losing your head or cool.
Conclusion and Our Pick
While shags are a desirable form of a flat, cushy throne, it needs to be paired with the best vacuum for shag carpets. That’s right; we are talking about our editor’s recommendation.
In the lights of this event, our best pick without a doubt is the Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum, SFC-7000.
If you prefer to use a canister vacuum for soft carpet cleaning, then the Miele Complete C3 is a great choice.
Having your shag at tip-top shape will eventually become a necessity, therefore, bring home your best pick from the list because the only form of the tangle that you need is the movie and not from your precious carpet.
