Shark CarpetXpert EX304

It ranks #2 (S tier) on our consolidated carpet cleaners board, drawn from 4 independent outlets.

Premium price.

It is for someone who wants the best deep-cleaning performance on our board and is willing to pay a premium for it. Reviewers give it the highest stain-removal scores on the market, the fastest drying time and a heavy-duty frame that holds up after years of use. It shares S tier with the Tineco CARPET ONE Smart Carpet Cleaner Machine, which ranks one place above it. If the price is the sticking point, the Shark CarpetXpert EX151 in B tier gives you most of the same stain removal in a lighter, cheaper machine.

Longer than most. Reviewers single out its heavy-duty frame as holding up after years of use, and durability is one of the reasons it sits in S tier rather than just near the top. Expect the brush roll to be the first part that wears, which is true of every carpet washer, and keep the tanks rinsed so the pump and jets stay clear.

Reviewers credit it with the fastest drying time of any carpet cleaner on our board. Fast drying comes from strong extraction on the dry passes, so the carpet is left damp rather than wet. Help it along by making one wet pass followed by two dry passes, keeping the room ventilated and staying off the carpet until it is dry to the touch.

Buy the Shark CarpetXpert EX304 if you clean large areas or badly soiled carpet and want the strongest extraction and the quickest drying. Buy the Shark CarpetXpert EX151 if you want the same family's stain removal and drying speed at a lower price and in a lighter body. The smaller machine gives up extraction power and tank size, which is why it sits in B tier while the EX304 is in S.

Empty the dirty water tank, rinse it, run clean water through the hose and nozzle until it runs clear, and leave the tanks off the machine to dry overnight. Clear hair from the brush roll and wipe the nozzle so dried residue does not block the spray. Store it upright in a dry place with the tanks empty.