Shark Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 9.0/10
Best for: Chemical-free steam cleaning and sanitising of sealed hard floors
Not for: Unsealed wood or carpets, and soaking up spills - it cleans with steam, not a wet mop
Bottom line: A practical steam mop (upright mop) for quick, chemical-free floor cleaning at home.
Overall, the Shark S8201UKCP is positioned as an upright automatic steam mop for SEALED hard floors, using HOT STEAM (water only) to help lift dirt and stains. It suits people wanting a straightforward The Shark steam mop experience, as it is designed specifically for sealed hard floors. In the UK context, the build includes steam tiers and a steam blaster for extra stain treatment. It uses six dirt gripping pads, so cleaning coverage is planned around pad replacement.
Key specifications
| Spec | What it means |
|---|---|
| 3 steam tiers | Choose the heat level |
| 6 cleaning pads | Replaceable pad set |
| 8m cord | Longer reach area |
Pros
- Upright steam mop
- Chemical-free cleaning and sanitising with just water
- Floors dry quickly after steaming
Cons
- Only for SEALED hard floors - not unsealed wood, waxed floors or carpet
- Washable pads are the ongoing cost and need regular cleaning
- Needs a power socket and tank refills on big jobs
Cleaning Performance
Cleaning performance in the steam mop centres on its steam control and the included pad set, with the mop designed specifically for sealed hard floors only. Steam is used in three tiers to tackle everyday dirt and stains with adjustable cleaning strength. The six dirt gripping pads are built to lift grime, and swapping pads helps maintain consistent contact as cleaning continues. For best results, move the mop steadily over the surface, allow the steam time to work, then continue with overlapping passes. The steam mop is not intended for unsealed floors, including unsealed wood, waxed floors, or carpet, so the floor manufacturer's advice should be followed; performance may be reduced on unsuitable surfaces.
Steam, Heat-Up and Water Tank
Before use, the Shark generates steam for cleaning and offers three steam tiers for different levels of dirt and stain removal on sealed hard floors. The selected tier is used to let the mop generate steam before continuing across the floor, with steam delivered through the mop head. An onboard water tank provides the water used to create the steam. The power cable is 8 m long, which supports cleaning across larger areas without frequent stops. If the tank runs low, steaming may pause while it is refilled.
Floor Types and Pads
The steam mop's S8201UKCP is designed for use on sealed hard floors, where steam mopping loosens grime without soaking the surface. Sealed laminate, tile, vinyl and sealed hardwood are the most suitable targets, but unsealed wood, waxed floors and carpet are not suitable. Floor manufacturers' guidance should be followed before use. The mop includes 6 dirt gripping pads for day-to-day stains and traffic marks, with performance affected by how old the dirt is. For best results, align the pad under the head, steam across in steady passes, and replace pads when they look worn.
Type: Upright Mop, Handheld or Multi
Why choose an upright steam mop type like this steam mop? It is an upright steam mop designed for continuous passes across sealed hard floors, rather than small, one-off spot cleaning. The model uses an automatic steam mop head with Steam Blaster and a cleaning system supplied by 6 dirt gripping pads. Three steam tiers let users adjust the heat level for different levels of soiling. This format is less suited to very tight corners where a multi-tool design with a more compact head would be easier to manoeuvre, and it is also not intended as a wet mop, vacuum, or carpet washer.
Weight, Cord and Handling
The Shark S8201UKCP is designed to be used as an upright steam mop, which supports continuous, controlled movement across sealed hard floors. For cord use, the 8 m cord provides longer reach so the cleaner can be moved from one area to the next without frequent plug changes. With upright handling, the steam head stays aligned during cleaning, which can help around tighter corners. The three steam tiers allow heat to be adjusted by task, with a lower tier available for lighter dirt.
Who Is This Steam Mop For?
This upright steam mop is for cleaning sealed hard floors with hot steam, particularly where day-to-day mess needs more help than a basic mop can provide. The Shark is designed for sealed hard floors and suits households dealing with spills, sticky marks and general grime, with steam plus dirt-gripping pads. It also offers three steam tiers, allowing cleaning level to be matched to the floor condition. It is not the right choice for unsealed surfaces, waxed floors, or carpets, and it is important to check the floor manufacturer's advice before use.
Where to Buy in the UK
Buying the steam mop in the UK is usually straightforward because it is an upright steam mop designed for sealed hard floors. It is typically sold through major UK retailers that stock The Shark appliances, and it is also available via online marketplaces that carry The steam mop models, including Amazon UK, John Lewis, Currys, AO, and Argos. Shoppers should double-check the exact model code, S8201UKCP. Delivery times vary by seller and dispatch dates, so it is worth checking those details before ordering. For returns, shoppers should review the relevant store returns policy, particularly for open-box or non-standard delivery conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this steam mop worth it?
For chemical-free cleaning and sanitising of sealed hard floors, the Shark lifts grime and kills most germs with hot steam. Check the current Amazon UK price, as steam mops go on deal often.
Is the Shark S8201UKCP an upright mop, handheld or multi-cleaner?
The steam mop is an upright steam mop, built to steam-clean sealed hard floors quickly and easily.
Do steam mops actually work?
Yes - they heat water into hot steam that loosens dirt and sanitises sealed hard floors without chemicals, killing most household germs. They're for cleaning sealed floors, not for soaking up spills like a regular mop, and the floor dries quickly afterwards.
What floors can you use this steam mop on?
The Shark suits sealed hard floors - sealed laminate, tile, vinyl and sealed hardwood. Avoid unsealed wood, waxed floors and damaged sealing, as steam and moisture can get into gaps. Always check your floor manufacturer's advice first.
Do you need cleaning solution with the steam mop?
No - that's the point of steam cleaning: the Shark uses only tap water turned to steam, so there are no chemicals or solution to buy (some models offer optional scent discs). It's a cheaper, more natural way to clean and sanitise floors.