The Guardian's tech reviewer tests the Shark Detect XL LA791UKT, a corded upright vacuum, arguing that despite cordless models dominating the market, corded designs still offer real advantages such as uninterrupted power and lower prices due to the absence of a costly battery. The review finds this particular model impresses by combining strong suction with an effective dual-surface cleaning head, making it a standout among corded options despite the inconvenience of managing a cable and plug sockets.

Central to the vacuum is its Duo Clean floor head, which merges a soft roller and a standard brush bar so it can tackle both carpets and hard floors without swapping attachments, and a new "Detect" sensor that automatically senses the floor type and adjusts roller speed accordingly. Testing involved measuring suction with a gauge and running cleaning trials with pre-weighed cat litter, flour and pet hair on carpet and hard flooring. The reviewer notes the design borrows heavily from Shark's cordless range, offers a lift-away handheld mode via a foot-pedal release, and features a 2.5-litre bin, concluding that its incremental, unflashy improvements are more effective than the drastic redesigns seen on some rival cordless models.