Just FYI, Stain Striker refers to the EX201's hand tool which uses the additional tank supplying that Oxy multiplier cleaner in order to more thoroughly attack tough stains as opposed to the EX501which just uses the regular carpet solution from the main tank. The EX201 Oxy Multiplier solution is ONLY going to the hand tool, not to the floor head. That's why they refer to that hand tool part as "Stain Striker" as it uses the Oxy solution. From the manual: "Shark OXY Multiplier: Dispensed from the StainStriker tank. Combines with Deep Clean Pro from the CarpetXpert Tank to be used at the hand tool for stain cleaning".
Thank you so much for this!! I purchased maroon one on the left a few months ago. When using the quick dry mode it works somewhat but not anywhere what it did when I purchased it. The suction on the quick dry mode in some instances is not working at all, leaving the carpet quite saturated. I called Shark but so far we haven't been able to resolve the issue. Any ideas? I was wondering - when you used the quick dry mode on both did they both seem to have equal suction power or did one seem better than the other? I do have to say, when the quick dry mode on my maroon one works properly the suction is really strong! My machine is beyond the return date and I need to purchase a new one and was trying to decided between these 2 models. Thank you again so much for this review!
I too did this test. I brought both. I returned the stain striker and saved a hundred dollars. They both equally cleaned the same. For example 10 passes vs. 15 passes.
Other than the Shark website, can't find the EX501 anywhere else. I'd rather purchase it where I know I'll get a quick refund if I return it. Shark customer service is horrible.
Did you buy it straight from shark? I ordered mine 3 weeks ago it was supposed to come with a mop then they canceled it I still receive the shampooer but not mop did you receive your free mop?
I like to be able to control the amount of solution put down. I like how a manufacturer can make the less expensive unit look cheaper even though they are identical. From an American company that sold out to a Chinese manufacturer. Hard no.
The automatic solution is a deal breaker for me. I want to be able to make multiple passes on the carpet without solution to try and extract as much as possible. Can't do that if every time you move in one direction it's applying more solution. Thanks for mentioning it though.
