Much as you try, your home can never be 100% dirt free. Sources of dirt are always near. Whether its soil on shoe soles, dirt blown in from outside or crumbs from food. There will always be a fresh layer of dirt ready to accumulate around your home.
Not only this but, how can you clean those hard-to-reach areas? Like staircase corners, your car, or food crumbs from your countertops. Lucky for you, there is a tool meant for this job – the handheld vacuum cleaner.
Handheld vacuum cleaners are great for cleaning those hard-to-reach spots. Due to their size, they are also great for quick cleanups. In this guide, we’ll dissect everything you need to know about these handy gadgets. We’ll also compare powerful cordless models from brands such as Dyson and Gtech and checkout some great cheap and mini models that are budget friendly.
Handheld Vacuum Comparison Table
Prices & information last updated on 2021-08-11
Roundup: The Best 6 Handheld Hoovers
Gtech Multi MK-2-ATF006 Cordless
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Gtech is gaining traction in the UK as a company that developing appliances for gardening, cycling, and floorcare. Most notably they are known for their rivalry with Dyson to continuously innovate in the vacuum cleaner market. And, one of their most innovative models, is the Gtech Multi MK-2-ATF006 handheld cordless.
The MK2-ATF006 improves on the previous MK1 in several ways and comes with more accessories right out of the box. For starters its motor is more powerful and the improved design provides a better user experience. Read on to learn all there is to know about the Gtech Multi MK2 and determine whether it would make a good addition to your list of household cleaning tools.
Ease of Use
The Gtech’s flexible hose allows your to reach awkward places
The Gtech Multi MK-2-ATF006 has a host of features that focus on making it easy to use. To begin with, a couple of headlights shine onto the area you are cleaning. So, even when working on dark spots, dirt has nowhere to hide.
One of the tools you get is a flexible pullout hose for getting into awkward places. You can also order your vacuum with the optional 36cm hard plastic extension tube to increase your reach. Add the motorized brush head to this attachment for floor cleaning or hook it to the crevice tool to run your vacuum along windowpanes and curtain rails.
The design team at Gtech fashioned the Multi MK2 cordless vacuum with a button on the handle. Using the thumb, you can press this button once to either turn on or switch off the vacuum. This transition from the previous MK1 trigger button that required pressing down to keep the vacuum on works well to reduce finger fatigue.
Besides making operation easy, the overall design of this handheld vacuum also simplifies maintenance tasks. For instance, a transparent bin lets you know when to empty collected dust. The bin also has a door at the bottom that flips open easily when you want to empty dirt and debris.
Power
With the Gtech Multi MK2, you get a handheld vacuum with a powerful motor that literally sucks dust out of nooks and crannies. The unit’s 140-Watt motor offers enough suction pick up pet hair from upholstery when using the power brush attachment.
There is no turbo boost function on this model (often found on Dyson vacuums), but the battery keeps suction constant and does not decline as it discharges.
Runtime
The Gtech Multi MK2 uses a 22-Volt lithium-ion battery that lasts for 20 minutes when fully charged. If the battery runs out and there is still some vacuuming left to do, you can charge it for 1 hour to get a burst of cleaning. However, it takes up to 4 hours to fully recharge the battery.
Four LED bars on the handle let you know how much battery life is left. The green bars turn off in a downward direction as runtime diminishes. A single flashing green bar means the battery needs recharging. The bars pulsate during charging and remain solid green when the battery is full.
Additional Features
Gtech offers a 2-year warranty on their Multi MK2 cordless handheld vacuum. There aren’t any parts that need replacing unless you lose them. Even the filter is reusable after washing it under tap water. As an added bonus, the dusting brush & crevice tool store on-board for easy access. This also reduces chances of misplacing or losing your attachments.
Conclusion
The Gtech Multi MK-2-ATF006 is certainly an improvement from the original MK1. Its single press button and extra accessories included in the box provide value for money.
Overall, this is a great choice if you are looking for a versatile, easy-to-use, and stylish handheld vacuum that falls in the £100 to £200 price range.
Morphy Richards Supervac Sleek Power+ 731007
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Imagine everything you have ever wanted in a vacuum cleaner. This may be a vacuum cleaner that eliminates the hassle of avoiding a lengthy cord or having to move from a socket to another in order to cover your whole home.
Maybe you’d like a model with powerful suction or one that feels light in your hands, is flexible to manoeuvre around tight spots; and has the versatility to clean the entire house. Well, if your wishlist includes the features mentioned above, look no further than the Morphy Richards Supervac Sleek Power+ 731007.
In all the full glory of a Morphy Richards product, the Supervac 731007 is sure to meet the expectations of most people. It is cordless, lightweight, innovative, and combines superior performance with effortless versatility. Read on to get a picture of what the Morphy Richards Supervac 731007 has to offer.
Ease of Use
The Sleek Supervac easily configures into a handheld vacuum for use on areas such as stairs and upholstery, which require close-up cleaning, or upright vacuum for cleaning floors. There is a detachable extension tube provided for easy conversion from handheld to upright and vice versa.
But, that’s not all. There is also a third function in the form of an extendable reach mode. This is perfect for cleaning those areas where the cleaner cannot reach in handheld mode or manoeuvre around in upright mode (e.g. arched section of a wall surface, ceilings, and so on).
Like any good vacuum cleaner, the Supervac Sleek Power+ comes with accessories to ensure the unit covers all your cleaning needs. You get a crevice, tool, a dusting brush, and an upholstery brush. Attachment tools clip on and off the unit with ease and can attach directly or on the extension tube. Buttons control all functionality, with the unit including an on/off switch, dual power switch, and bin handle.
Power
With its 22.2 V lithium-ion battery, the Morphy Richards Supervac 731007 is not the most powerful unit around. But what this cleaner lacks in power, it makes up for with ingenuity. The motorized floorhead of the cleaner is powered with a rotating brush bar, which lifts carpet fibres when vacuuming to achieve a deep clean. This makes it great at removing deeply embedded dirt or pet hair on carpets.
The brush bar also does a great job over hard floors by pushing debris into the bristles before spinning them into the vacuum. This results in thorough dust removal and prevents the occurrence of scratches on floors.
There is also the dual power function, which you can always use to increase power for deeper vacuuming when dealing with stubborn dirt.
Runtime
The biggest downside of cordless vacuum cleaners is that you trade a long run time for portability. Luckily, this downside will not be so hard felt with this Morphy Richards Supervac unit as you will get a full 40 minutes of vacuuming before the battery dies. This is plenty of time to clean most, if not all, of the rooms in your home.
Additional Features
One thing that the Morphy Richards Supervac does not lack in features. Aside from its adjustable build, respectable performance, and runtime that will not disappoint, this feature-packed unit has more to offer. The bonus you are likely to love the most is a light at the front of the motorized brush head. With this LED, you will be able to see better in the dark corners of your home as well as under furniture and therefore clean more effectively without leaving a single piece of dust, dirt or food crumbs lurking in dark corners.
Another plus for the Supervac Sleek Power+ is that dust and dirt collect in a see-through bin that is easy to empty. Following in the steps of the Dyson V7, this cleaner has a handle at the top of the bin, which you pull to open up the bottom.
Unfortunately, the bin does not self-clean, so you may find yourself having to go back to scoop out stuck on dirt especially along the metal filter. Luckily, the filter unclips from the top making it easy to wash out/brush off any leftover dirt.
Conclusion
The Morphy Richards Supervac Sleek Power+ 731007 sits neatly between high-end and budget models. So, if you want a high performing vacuum cleaner that will not leave holes in your pockets, the Supervac Sleek should fit your needs.
It cleans well over carpeted floors and hard surfaces offers plenty of cleaning time when fully charged, and comes with enough accessories plus an assortment of features that will keep you happy. That is really all you will need to maintain a sparkling clean home without exerting a lot of effort.
Holife (2nd Gen) Handheld Cordless 14.8V 100W
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A handheld vacuum cleaner that is both affordable and reliable is usually a rare find. That is what gives the HoLife (2nd Gen) Handheld Cordless Cleaner an edge above the rest.
With a price tag of under £50 (at the time of writing), this unit is a cost-effective, powerful little cleaner that will go anywhere you need it to. Great suction power, decent runtime, wet & dry functionality, and versatile use, add up the cleaner’s features, making for one very handy tool to have around. Read our guide below to find out just how easier life will be with the HoLife (2nd Gen) Cordless Cleaner.
Ease of Use
Despite being a budget vacuum the Holife 2nd Gen arrives with a good selection of attachments
A hassle-free user experience is one of the benefits you will get to enjoy with this HoLife. The hand vacuum combines a cordless design with a compact light build to provide a unit that you can easily carry around the house and vacuum with for long stretches without straining your hands.
This hoover also features a handle that is comfortable to hold and an elongated nozzle. This plus the small size of the handheld vacuum means you will have quite an easy time manoeuvring the vacuum along whatever surface you are cleaning.
Handling the HoLife (2nd Gen) is also just as easy. It has it’s on/off and power buttons within inches of each other, whilst changing from dry to wet modes is as simple as flipping a switch. And when it comes time to empty it out, all you have to do is push a ‘lock’ button to release the translucent dirt container from the rest of the unit.
Power
Even if you take away everything else, the HoLife (2nd Gen) would still be worth buying based on its power alone. The unit features a fairly powerful 90W motor and operates at 6000pa of cyclonic suction power. This is more than enough power for all your basic and on-the-spot cleaning tasks.
What’s even better is that, just like all cyclonic vacuum cleaners, the HoLife (2nd Gen) filters while vacuuming. So, if you suffer from asthma or allergies, the filter will help prevent any nasties which get sucked from being blown back out into your home. And the best part is that you get not one but two washable fitters to get you started.
Runtime
While the Holife (2nd Gen) is by no means a match for the endless runtime of corded vacuums, it offers one of the longest running batteries around. The cordless vacuum cleaner runs on a 2000mAh Lithium-ion battery that runs for approximately 25-30 minutes on a full charge.
This is more than enough time to clear your couch of food crumbs and pet hair before having guests over, rid your car of food crumbs after a family road trip, or clean your kitchen shelves and cabinets. And since it is a Li-ion battery, the cordless vacuum will maintain its strong 6000pa suction the entire time.
Additional Features
From soft couch covers and smooth countertops, to the textured carpet in your car, to your home’s hardwood floors, this HoLife Handheld Cleaner can tackle all manner of surfaces. And all that is needed of you, is to simply attach one of the cleaner’s 3 attachments (liquid nozzle, crevice tool, & cleaning brush) to suit the particular task at hand.
Verdict
The HoLife (2nd Gen) Handheld Cordless Cleaner is one of the best budget models you will come across. It is comfortable, quick, powerful, and has a long battery life. So, you can be sure that the cleaner will do an excellent job of quick spot cleaning and even access the hardest to reach corners of your home thank to 3-attachment advantage.
VonHaus Stick 600W Corded
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Who needs an upright vacuum when you have the VonHaus Stick Vacuum Cleaner 600W Corded? While that statement may be a bit of a stretch, the truth is you will find yourself reaching more for the VonHaus Stick than your upright vacuum. And who would blame you considering the VonHaus is small, lightweight, plus not to mention slim.
As such, it fits into all sorts of tiny spaces and gaps. Furthermore, this cleaning appliance can tackle big jobs since it doubles in functionality, acting as both a handheld and upright vacuum. Find out more about the versatile VonHaus Stick Vacuum Cleaner in our buyers guide below.
Ease of Use
The biggest advantage of the VonHaus Stick is its 2-in-1 performance that sees the cleaner swap around from handheld to an upright vacuum. Changing between the two functions is made easy by a telescopic wand handle. Simply use this handle to adjust the unit’s height to suit your needs. You can give the handle a little tug upwards for slightly elevated surfaces like the stairs and extend all the way up when cleaning low areas like floors. Not many stick vacuums offer this much flexibility, much less at the very affordable price (around £30 at the time of writing).
Just like the effortless transformation, operating the VonHaus Stick is easy. With the push of a button, this vacuum cleaner starts up or releases the detachable dust tank. You will also have an easy time manoeuvring around corners and in between furniture thanks to a lengthy 6-metre (almost 20 ft) quick-release power cord and high-performance vacuum head with easy glide wheels.
Power
The VonHaus Stick has a 600-Watt motor. At this power, you can easily handle high-traffic areas as well because it can suck-up all manner of debris small or large. However, where this stick cleaner really shines is in the way it vacuums.
It utilizes two filters – a sponge and hygienically advanced HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. Combined, these two components do an excellent job of sucking in even the tiniest of dust particles, leaving behind clean allergen-free air in your home. The sponge filter is washable while the HEPA one will need replacing every 6 months.
Runtime
Whether you need to fire up your unit for a few minutes to quickly clean up a small mess or want to remove dust from all the corners of your home, the VonHaus will rise up to the occasion. Since it is corded, there is no limit on runtime.
Additional Features
Thanks to its 2-in-1 design, the VonHaus Stick is highly versatile and can clean pretty much whatever you need it to. Floors and stairs are upright vacuum territory, while surfaces above the floor (chairs, tables, ceiling, skirting boards, etc) are right in the handheld vacuum’s alley.
The unit even comes with an upholstery tool, a combination of crevice & brush tool, and flexible hose attachments to ensure you have the right accessories for all your cleaning needs.
One thing to note; however, is that the unit does not have a motorized brush. So, you might have a hard time cleaning thick (high pile) carpets. On the bright side, the vacuum does a great job of cleaning hard surfaces.
Another feature you will find very handy is the dust container. At 1.3 litres, it is large enough to collect a lot of dust and dirt before you need to empty it.
Final Verdict
The VonHaus Stick corded vacuum cleaner is probably the least expensive model you will find that transforms from handheld to upright functionality. This in itself makes it a worthwhile buy.
The unit also performs well and can run for hours on end making it an even better buy for any home. But there is still the issue of diminished performance over carpeted surfaces which many people find to be a deal breaker. So, if you are looking for something that can deep clean carpets, you should aim for a little more power with a unit such as the Dyson V7.
Hoover Freedom Lite 2in1 Cordless Stick
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The Hoover Freedom Lite is a 2 in 1 stick vacuum cleaner that you can use throughout your home. This cordless unit comes in handy during those times when you don’t feel like unpacking your heavy-duty vacuum.
It is convenient for both floor and above floor cleaning thanks to a lightweight design and interchangeable attachments. The best part is that you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for this model. But, is the Hoover Freedom Lite 2in1 cordless stick vacuum cleaner the best choice for your home? Find out more as we take a deeper look…
Ease of Use
Continuous mode allows the vacuum to run without the need to hold down the trigger
Cleaning your house is already enough of a hassle. The Hoover Freedom does not add to your trouble with a design that is difficult to handle.
First of all, it helps you by not tethering you with a power cord, making it easy to reach anywhere in your home that needs cleaning. Secondly, the vacuum is very light so many people will easily be able to hold it in one hand. Lastly, a versatile 2 in 1 design lets you clean every surface from your floors and carpets to upholstery and vehicle interiors.
There are two modes of operation when cleaning with the Hoover Freedom Lite. The temporary/trigger mode turns on the vacuum as long as you press down the on/off switch. Releasing the trigger button also shuts off the motor. This mode of operation prevents the battery from running out before you have finished cleaning because you can switch off the motor when moving between cleaning areas.
Pulling back a lever on the handheld unit allows the vacuum to operate in continuous mode. This function keeps the vacuum running after pressing the on/off button once. It is convenient if you don’t want to hold down a button to prevent your fingers from tiring or aching.
When you are done vacuuming, you can easily attach your crevice tool and dusting brush on either side on the handheld unit. You will experience this same convenience when preparing the Hoover Freedom Lite for cleaning or during maintenance tasks. With the single press of a release button, you can empty the dust cup, dismount the battery pack, remove the exhaust filter, or change accessories.
Power
Impressively the Freedom can also tackle carpets – just like a corded vacuum cleaner
Operating at 150Watts, the Hoover Freedom Lite 2in1 provides enough suction to tackle most surfaces. It performs best on hard floors but can cope with carpets as well.
As an added bonus, the vacuum comes with LED battery indicators. The battery light blinks when you have a low charge. It turns red when charging and changes to blue when fully charged. In addition, the technology used to power up this appliance is a lithium battery. As a result, the vacuum does not slow down or lose suction. It just stops when the battery runs out of charge.
Runtime
The 22V lithium battery that powers this appliance offers 20 to 25 minutes of cordless use. While this doesn’t break any records in the battery life department, you still get enough time to quickly clean up small spills and messes.
If a long lasting battery is what you need in a cordless budget vacuum, you may want to consider the Morphy Richards Supervac 731007 cleaner. It is in the same price range but charges faster and has a battery that lasts twice as long as that of the Hoover Freedom Lite.
Additional Features
Another great attachment of the Hoover Freedom Lite FD22L 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner is a motorized brush head. This rotating brush attaches onto the power nozzle at the end of the extension tube. Its fine agitating bristles help to loosen up fine dust from carpets, hardwoods and tiled floors.
Conclusion
The Hoover Freedom Lite FD22L is a good choice if you are on a budget and want a cordless vacuum cleaner. It might not replace your traditional vacuum but comes in handy for cleaning small, lightly soiled areas. From vacuuming tiled and wooden floors to upholstery and carpets, this cleaner will help you stay on top of your chores.
Dyson V7 Motorhead Cordless
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If you stick around the handheld vacuum cleaner market long enough, you will realize that Dyson never disappoints. Their units always seem to offer everything the user needs to clean better and run more efficiently than the competition.
What’s more, they come in a superb range of eye-catching designs and a plethora of useful accessories. So if you’re looking for a hardcore cleaner that will be able to keep up with regular use or a messy household, the Dyson V7 may be just right for you.
Ease of Use
The first thing you will notice about the Dyson V7 (aside from its colourful purple and grey design) is the upwards of £200 price tag (at the time of writing). But before you frown upon the high price, this vacuum has a lot to offer.
The V7 is flexible and adaptable allowing you to clean almost any surface in your home
To begin with, it is 2 vacuums in one. The unit comes with a lightweight detachable long-reach wand that allows you to transform the Dyson V7 from a light and compact hand-held cleaner into an upright vacuum. And, to ensure the best vacuuming performance, the V7 also comes with 2 motorized heads.
The Dyson V7 also includes several vacuum heads in its package to add to its versatility. All attachment tools (including the extension tube) snap on & off the main handheld unit with remarkable ease. So, you won’t have a hard time transforming the unit to what you need it to be.
You can also attach the cleaning tools onto the V7’s purple extension tube to get at hard-to-reach areas. For example, attaching the brushing tool onto the tube will make it easy to clean ceiling corners.
To switch on the Dyson V7, all you have to do is press down a spring trigger. This mechanism turns off the motor instantly when released. While most people prefer the simpler act of pressing an on/off button, the spring trigger here is used for a reason. The idea is that you will have to let go of the trigger (and consequently stop the motor) when moving between areas or furniture. As a result, every second of the vacuum’s limited runtime ends up going to good use.
Power
Another way in which the Dyson V7 is ahead of the competition is by offering suction power that is stronger than what you will find on other handheld vacuums. The V7 cordless vacuum cleaner features a 100W motor and uses a special lithium-ion (nickel manganese cobalt) battery, which maintains constant power output throughout use.
But, that is not the only thing that makes the Dyson V7 a great catch. The vacuum cleaner features Dyson’s innovative 2-tier radial cyclone technology in its design. This is basically 15 cyclones stacked in 2 layers which create strong centrifugal forces that ensure the vacuum grabs at more dirt with every sweep. Therefore, you will be able to remove more dirt from you carpets and floors with less effort whilst cleaning.
Runtime
As with all cordless vacuum cleaners, the Dyson V7 has a limited runtime. In this case, you get up to 30 minutes of uninterrupted powerful vacuuming on ‘Normal’ mode. You also have the option of cranking things up with the ‘Max’ mode, which provides you with around 6 minutes of dust-sucking power.
Additional Features
With powerful suction, decent runtime, and more versatility than you could ever hope for, what more would you ask for in a cordless vacuum cleaner? Well, the Dyson V7 couldn’t help but throw in a few more cool features starting with a dirt bin that not only self-empties but also cleans itself while at it.
The bin is 0.6 litres in capacity and features a big red handle at the top. Pulling the handle sets a series of actions in motion. The cyclones pull out of the bin, freeing up the debris while a flap opens at the bottom to send the dust particles flying out. While emptying, the bin also scrapes clean the clear dust screen, ensuring you do not have to go back in and manually dig out leftover dirt.
A washable filter sits at the centre of the bin, which easily lifts out from the top to wash under your kitchen sink. Sadly, there is no secondary filter with the V7, such as a HEPA filter, but Dyson claims their filter system is so effective the air exiting the machine is cleaner than the air in your room.
Also included with the V7 is a handy docking station accessory. The docking station acts as the charger and storage location for the V7 and saves you from the stress of looking for an out-of-the-way place to store the cleaner since it can be wall mounted.
Conclusion
If you consider all the features the Dyson V7 Motorhead brings to the table, it is hard to beat regardless of its higher price.
This model offers the same beautiful and colourful design, versatility, as well as convenience found on all Dyson vacuum products. Its performance is also exemplary with the unit packing a punch when vacuuming.
As an added bonus, it comes with enough parts for you to vacuum carpets, cars, couches, and pretty much every nook and surface in your home. This combination of excellent features throughout easily puts it among the greats of handheld vacuum cleaners.
Why Invest in a Handheld Vacuum?
As you are reading this, you probably own an upright vacuum cleaner. It already has excellent suction, can clean large surfaces, and collects a lot of dirt. So, what is the point of buying a handheld vacuum cleaner when you can rely on a traditional upright model to rid your home of dirt?
Well, there are plenty of benefits to owning a handheld vacuum cleaner, which you will not get from an upright version. These little dust busters are:
Small & Lightweight
Handheld vacuums come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Nonetheless, they are usually much smaller than their larger upright counterparts. Some are even so small they could fit into a purse. They are also light with most weighing less than 2.27 Kilos.
Thanks to this compact build, handheld vacuums are easy to carry around the house. They will clean those tiny spaces where upright vacuums cannot reach in a snap. What’s more, handheld vacuums take up very little storage space in your home. They are very easy to operate too and anyone from children (with supervision) to the elderly can use them.
Portable
The small and lightweight housing of a handheld vacuum makes it portable. It can go anywhere you need it, both in and outside the house.
For instance, you can use it to clean the carpet in your car. Over the weekend, carry it to the beach to remove sand from your gear before heading back home. When you are working, take it to the office to remove dust and crumbs from your computer and keyboard.
Versatile
There are endless ways in which you can put your handheld vacuum to work. Use it to clear cobwebs and dirt from corners or underneath furniture. It will clean crevices in ceilings, stairs and cushions. Don’t forget those cabinet, drawer, and shelve interiors as well.
Dirt is not the only thing handheld vacuums pick up. You can also use these appliances to retrieve tiny items that fall into small unreachable spaces. This can be earrings or toy pieces that fall into couch corners or under the bed.
Additionally, vacuums may serve specialized functions. Some suck up pet hairs while others clean wet messes such as juice spills. And, this brings us to the next benefit.
Great at Cleaning Messes
Accidents happen around the house all the time. The sugar bowl can get knocked over the kitchen counter; a potted plant can tip over and spew dirt onto your favourite rug; snack crumbs can fall into the crevices of the couch; and so on.
As such, it pays to have a handheld vacuum at hand. Instead of turning to tedious conventional cleaning tools (mop, broom & dustpan, rug, etc) or dragging over a heavy upright vacuum, simply use a handheld vacuum to clean up the mess quickly.
Types of Handheld Vacuum Cleaners
There are 2 main types of handheld vacuum cleaners; corded and cordless models. Cordless handheld vacuum cleaners run on rechargeable batteries. This has the obvious advantage of being able to use cordless units anywhere.
Corded versions, on the other hand, are less flexible in the portability since you must be close to a power socket. However, they offer the benefit of being able to run for hours. This is an advantage over their cordless counterparts. Cordless vacuums often have batteries that last only several minutes depending on quality.
So, choosing between the two comes down to what benefit will suit your needs more. Do you prefer complete portability in and out of the home or the unlimited run time of the corded version?
While all handheld vacuum cleaners come as either corded or cordless, that is not all there is in terms of choices. These dust-busting tools are also labelled according to their performance with categories including:
1 Standard Handheld Vacuum
Also referred to as a dry handheld vacuum, this option is the most basic of these cleaning appliances. It deals with regular dirt alone (dust, food crumbs, cobwebs, etc). As long as the dirt in question is dry, the standard handheld vacuum can scoop it up.
2 Dry & Wet Vacuum
If versatility is what you want, the dry & wet handheld model is the best pick. These vacuums can handle everything the standard models can as well as work on wet spills.
One thing you should note about dry/wet vacuums is that emptying the storage bin is absolutely necessary after cleaning a wet surface. This will help to prevent maintenance issues and the build up of a musty odour inside the appliance.
3 Pet Vacuum
The only time a handheld pet vacuum cleaner is a good buy is if you have a pet that sheds hair. These vacuums are usually very powerful, even more so than the standard models.
This is due to the fact that they have to pick up fine pet fur sometimes from deep within the carpet or couch corners. Some even feature a rotating brush head which helps lift even stubborn pet hair from your carpets and furniture.
4 Car/Boat Vacuum
These are the tools of choice for cleaning cars, boats, RVs, and upholstered surfaces. They often come with specialized vacuuming attachments that can reach into tight corners.
Other than the categories listed above, you can also find hybrid handheld vacuums. Such options double up in functionality.
For instance, you can find a pet hair vacuum cleaner that also sucks up dry debris. This is something you should keep in mind when shopping for your handheld vacuum. The more functionality you get from a handheld vacuum, the better.
Handheld Vacuum Cleaners Buyers Guide
After identifying what type of handheld vacuum to buy, you are now ready for the final step – making your pick. The great thing about handheld vacuums is that they come in a vast array of shapes, sizes, and designs. So, you can be sure there is a model out there that will meet your needs.
The real key is to narrow down your the options that are important to you (can remove pet hair, pick up wet spills etc) while taking into account the most important features to look for in a handheld vacuum cleaner. The key features we think you should consider include:
1 Power
This is one of the most important things to consider when buying a handheld vacuum especially if you are shopping for a cordless model. The higher the wattage the more power the appliance will consume and, usually, this means reduced run-time in favour of high performance.
If you settle for a cordless unit, also check the battery type. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the preferred choice since they vacuum at full power up until the battery completely runs out of charge. This is unlike other battery options, which tend to lose suction power as the battery discharges.
Power is also great to have in corded versions. A powerful motor translates into great suction power. This will enable the handheld vacuum to do a very clean job.
2 Lengthy Battery Life
This is more of a cordless model issue since the corded versions can vacuum all day if need be. Some cordless vacuums will only run for 10 minutes. Others offer a respectable 20 to 40 minutes of runtime. In most cases, handheld vacuums with a lengthy battery life usually have a high price tag.
That said, technology is improving and many Dyson models provide the power of a regular vacuums cleaner for up to 20 minutes. Which doesn’t sound like a long time but we found it more then adequate to clean a 3 bedroom house.
The recharge time of a battery is also something to consider. Naturally, you will want a battery that charges quickly. However, you can make an exception if the pay-off for a longer charging time is more runtime.
3 Portability
If you have chosen to go with a corded handheld vacuum, take the time to look into its portability. Make sure the vacuum cleaner you buy has a lengthy cord at the very least – if it doesn’t you’ll be left hunting for your extension lead.
Tip! You should also check the plug type. Some cordless vacuum cleaners come with car charging port plugs (used to be the cigarette lighter plug!) which will obviously make it unsuitable for use outside of your car.
4 Comfortable Weight
You would think that with such a small cleaning appliance, weight will not be a problem. But, when you are dealing with an over 4lb vacuum cleaner for more than 20 minutes straight, you can begin to feel some strain on your wrist. T
This is why you should choose one, which you can handle without straining. Handheld vacuum weights tend to range from a little as 700g to around 2.27Kg. Stick to a lighter weight if you have hand issues. Go higher if you can handle the extra weight or only intend to do quick cleanups.
5 Easy Controls
Handheld vacuum cleaners are usually user-friendly. However, you still need to find out how easy the operation will be. For instance, some offer simple single button operation. In other models, you may need to tediously press and hold down a suction button.
Controls aside, cleaning and maintaining the handheld dust buster should also be easy. For example, a good handheld vacuum will feature a dust container that opens effortlessly and empties without emitting a lot of dust in the process.
6 Larger Collection Bin
A small dust canister means you will have to stop and empty your handheld vacuum regularly. So, it is better to have a vacuum with a larger collection bin. More so if you will be cleaning up after a pet that sheds a lot or a toddler who is prone to making a mess.
Most handheld vacuums have a capacity of between 0.5 – 1 litre or more. A vacuum cleaners size usually determines how much dirt it can contain. So, if you decide to buy a small lightweight vacuum, you will have to settle for a smaller collection bin.
It would also a good idea to ensure your dust container is transparent. A clear view dust container lets you see whether it is full and it is also quite satisfying to see how much dirt has been picked up! This means you will always get a rough estimate of how much more cleaning to do before having to empty your handheld vacuum.
7 Extra Attachments
The best handheld vacuums come with one or more attachments. These accessories provide more functionality. A few examples include:
- Bendable or extendable hose for snaking into tight spots
- Crevice tool for sucking up dust from tough angled sections (e.g. where stair riser and tread meet)
- Soft brush roll for cleaning delicate areas such as upholstered surfaces, plush carpets, or countertop surfaces
8 Re-usable Filters
A filter is an important part of a handheld vacuum cleaner. It performs the job of filtering dust as it enters the vacuum. This prevents dirt from going airborne again. With time, dirt clogs the filter, which will then need cleaning or changing.
Any good handheld vacuum will have a filter in its design. Some brands design vacuums with a reusable filter. With this kind of unit, you can wash and use the filter again instead of having to buy replacements.
How Much Should You Pay for a Handheld Vacuum Cleaner?
Handheld vacuum cleaners are small and thus quite affordable. You can find a nice handy model with as little as £20 or opt for more power with a mid-range cleaner at a budget of over £50+. However, in this price range just don’t expect it to perform as well as a regular vacuum cleaner.
High-end powerful versions, in turn, can easily cost £100 upwards. But! The higher the price, the more features, power, and accessories you will get from a handheld vacuum.
Granted, a handheld vacuum cleaner replacement for the bigger upright model. But, getting one will definitely make life so much easier. From going where the upright vacuum cannot to clearing messes in seconds, a handheld vacuum will not stay idle for too long in your home.
To Sum Up
Portable, high powered and effective – handheld vacuums have come a long way in recent years. For the most part the weak, ineffective models of the past are gone – replaced by high-powered cleaning whirlwinds of appliances.
That is, if you buy the right one.
The truth is if you buy a handheld model for £5 I wouldn’t expect it to work too well. We’ve tried the very cheapest models and they barely lift any dirt at all. But, if you’re willing to pay a little more you can now buy appliances that could easily replace your regular vacuum cleaner and clean almost anywhere inside your home and out.
There was a time we’d recommend Dyson portable vacuums with no hesitation. However, in recent years Gtech have been closing in on Dysons vacuuming crown with a slew of impressive innovations in the portable vacuum cleaner market. You can browse a full range of their vacuums here.
The problem with Gtech, as with Dyson, is that their vacuums are impressive but not cheap. Which is why we’d recommend the Morphy Richards Supervac as a more affordable alternative. Its impressive run time, large waste collection bin and decent complement of accessories make it an excellent value vacuum.