The Greatest Handheld Vacuums – Examined by Bob Vila

A handheld vacuum is commonly splendid to rapidly clear up widespread messes. Although light-weight and compact, right this moment’s choices are highly effective sufficient to carry out lots of the identical capabilities as upright, canister, or robotic fashions—at a fraction of the fee. That can assist you discover the fitting mannequin, we examined eight well-liked handheld vacs, tackling on a regular basis cleanup duties, together with generally spilled meals, tracked-in grime and grass, and pesky pet hair.

We just like the Black+Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ for its highly effective pickup talents and vital runtime, however this isn’t the one nice choice we tried. Try all of our in-depth critiques under, after which see which options and capabilities you’ll wish to take into account when looking for the perfect handheld vacuum.

1. BEST OVERALL: Black+Decker HHVK515J00FF Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
   ↓ Soar to Evaluate
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Dust Satan Scorpion Fast Flip Corded Hand Vacuum 
   ↓ Soar to Evaluate
3. BEST NOZZLE: Black+Decker CHV1410L Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
   ↓ Soar to Evaluate
4. BEST FOR PET OWNERS: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum
   ↓ Soar to Evaluate
5. BEST VERSATILITY: Proscenic P11 Lite Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
   ↓ Soar to Evaluate

Testing Stats
Merchandise examined	8
Time spent testing	36 hours
Exams carried out	6
Worth vary	$35 to $230

Our High Picks

The lineup under narrows the sphere to among the prime handheld vacuums by kind and measurement from among the best-known manufacturers within the enterprise. All these fashions had been put by way of their paces by our testers and located to supply ample suction and in any other case match the invoice of their respective classes.

Our Scores: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Efficiency 5/5; Worth 5/5

Product Specs

• Filter: Washable filter and prefilter
• Volts/amps: 20 volts (V)
• Weight: 3.5 kilos

What We Like

• 20V battery offers loads of energy
• 30 to 35 minutes of runtime
• Extendable crevice instrument is all the time on board

What We Don’t Like

• 5-hour preliminary battery cost time
• No brush or particular pet hair attachments

With its highly effective rechargeable battery, the Black+Decker 20V Dustbuster is among the strongest cordless handheld vacuum fashions with 35 air watts (AW) of suction. That, coupled with a big 750-milliliter dustbin, makes this handheld vacuum splendid for cleansing up bigger messes rapidly. In our assessments, emptying the dustbin with a easy push of a button situated on the finish of the machine was just about easy.

A well-designed crevice instrument proved nice for sucking up a variety of particles in tight locations, and we appreciated the comfort of going cordless when taking this out to the automobile. Though there’s an absence of additional attachments, we didn’t miss them, and we discovered this light-weight vacuum to be highly effective and straightforward to make use of.

Runtime is fairly appreciable at about half-hour, and a battery indicator reveals how a lot cost is remaining. With its two speeds, it’s appropriate for cleansing several types of surfaces.

Get the Black+Decker HHVK515J00FF handheld vacuum at Amazon.

Our Scores: Ease of Use 3/5; Efficiency 4.8/5; Worth 4.5/5 

Product Specs

• Filter: Washable filter
• Volts/amps: 7 amps (A)
• Weight: 3.8 kilos

What We Like

• Onboard fold-out crevice instrument
• Light-weight, slim design can slot in small areas
• Fixed energy with no charging downtime
• Very reasonably priced in comparison with different choices on this record 

What We Don’t Like

• Crevice instrument requires agency insertion
• Robust “kick” doubtlessly off-putting to some customers

For many who don’t thoughts the bounds of an influence wire, this handheld vacuum is a superb reasonably priced choice. It boasts a robust 7A motor that’s able to choosing up substantial dry messes, comparable to small stones and cussed sand. It comes with handy attachments, together with a brush, a 2.5-foot hose, and a crevice instrument that conveniently flips into place from the highest of the vacuum when wanted.

Whereas this onboard accent is one much less factor to maintain monitor of, the crevice instrument introduced a possible downside in testing. Because it have to be firmly inserted into the vacuum’s spout, we questioned if the machine could be rendered ineffective if it cracked or acquired caught. We additionally didn’t discover the included brush accent to be very helpful in choosing up massive quantities of hair and dirt.

A protracted 16-foot energy wire is nice for vacuuming stairways or a automobile’s inside, whereas a detachable rinsable filter is straightforward to wash. At 3.8 kilos, this corded handheld vacuum was simple to maneuver. Suction energy when it comes to air watts will not be supplied by the producer, however our testing proved little or no might escape this mighty vac’s clutches.

Get the Dust Satan handheld vacuum at Amazon or Chewy.

Our Scores: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Efficiency 4/5; Worth 4/5 

Product Specs

• Filter: Washable filter and grime bowl
• Volts/amps: 16V
• Weight: 3.5 kilos

What We Like

• Rotating nozzle tackles messes from virtually any angle
• Vertical charging hub gives single-handed docking
• Onboard crevice instrument and flip-down brush

What We Don’t Like

• Air watts are comparatively low
• No extra attachments included

A small vacuum with excellent efficiency, this 3.5-pound unit makes use of cyclonic motion to spin mud and particles away from the filter to keep up sturdy suction all through a vacuuming session. Due to a 180-degree rotating nozzle with an extendable crevice instrument and flip-up brush, the vacuum grasps grit even in hard-to-reach areas.

The 16V battery prices in 4 hours and holds its cost for as much as 18 months in storage. Because the grime canister is translucent, it’s simple to observe progress and see when it’s time to empty. Throughout testing, we loved the portability and grab-and-go entry of its upright charger. However with solely 15.2 air watts, its energy was choosing up stray grime and crumbs, not heavy messes.

Get the Black+Decker handheld vacuum at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Dwelling Depot.

Our Scores: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Efficiency 4/5; Worth 4/5

Product Specs

• Filter: 3-layer filtration
• Volts/amps: 14V
• Weight: 3 kilos

What We Like

• Motorized pet brush helps carry grime and hair
• Light-weight and transportable to go virtually anyplace
• Giant 700-milliliter capability holds a variety of particles

What We Don’t Like

• Preliminary battery cost time is 8 hours
• Emptying the dustbin requires filter elimination

Due to a singular motorized brush constructed into the mouth, this small handheld vacuum is a worthwhile weapon within the battle in opposition to pet hair. In testing, the spinning brush actually did the trick, pulling fur unfastened from material and carpeting so the vacuum might suck it up. We discovered it additionally picked up loads of mud and dander, too, with out us having to interrupt out the massive upright vacuum.

Three separate filters forestall grime and dander from getting blown again into the room, whereas a 14V lithium-ion battery offers the facility wanted to show the comb and take away the fur. Along with the comb attachment, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser additionally contains crevice and fabric attachments. And when the vacuum is full, a transparent mud cup permits the consumer to see when it’s time to empty.We examined this handheld pet vacuum in a home crammed with canines and had been pretty pleased with its potential to scoop up our pooches’ hair in addition to the grass, grime, and who-knows-what-else they dragged in. Although glorious on hardwood flooring, carpet, and furnishings, the machine was defeated by our automobile’s practically decade-old embedded canine hair within the trunk space. Nevertheless, it did an excellent job of accumulating swirls of lint and different detritus from the again of the automobile seats.

Get the Bissell handheld vacuum at Amazon, Goal, or Belk.

Our Scores: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Efficiency 4.5/5; Worth 5/5

Product Specs 

• Filter: 5-layer filtration
• Volts/amps: 22V
• Weight: 2.9 kilos (principal physique with battery hooked up)

What We Like

• Nice mixture of options at an honest worth
• Telescoping pole accommodates many varieties of use
• 2 energy modes for extra environment friendly use
• Ample runtime of 35 minutes or extra on Eco mode

What We Don’t Like

• Charger doesn’t point out when battery is full
• Prolonged use as a handheld might trigger minor pressure 

The Proscenic P11 Lite gives the identical comfort of a handheld vacuum with somewhat bit extra oomph—all at an honest worth. Although it prices greater than most common handhelds, we predict it’s a cut price, particularly when in comparison with related cordless vacuums. This versatile mannequin simply converts from a handheld to a stick vacuum, with its telescoping pole extending from 17.9 to 26 inches for a customizable attain. The included attachments (a mud brush, a crevice instrument, and a brush roll) can all be used with or with out the pole.

We used the Proscenic on hardwood flooring, plush carpet, upholstery, and different dusty family surfaces. It scooped up our take a look at gadgets—flour, rice, and cereal—rapidly and simply on numerous surfaces and with completely different attachments. We did discover that sizable quantities of bigger particles, like cereal, can clog the opening that connects an attachment to the dustbin, nevertheless it’s a straightforward repair. We simply eliminated the attachment and cleared the opening with our arms. 

We additionally discovered that, in contrast to designated handheld vacuums, utilizing the Proscenic as a handheld for longer than 10 minutes can pressure arms and forearms. That is possible as a result of the stability of weight is on one aspect of the vacuum, relatively than evenly distributed.

Even with these minor drawbacks, there was nonetheless extra to love about this transportable vacuum. We appreciated its timer show and its spectacular runtime. When it was absolutely charged, we had been in a position to make use of it for 35 minutes on Eco mode and 5 minutes on Max mode, which is even higher than its marketed estimate of about 35 minutes. For the worth, its battery energy and flexibility are arduous to beat.

Get the Proscenic handheld vacuum at Amazon or Proscenic.

ALSO TESTED

Along with the merchandise listed above, we additionally examined the next three fashions. Whereas the highest two are respectable choices, they simply fall wanting being known as the perfect. The final mannequin didn’t meet our requirements.

• We appreciated the flexibility of the Makita XLC02R1B 18V LXT Cordless Vacuum Equipment, which included a stick attachment, permitting us to make use of it as an upright and handheld. Nevertheless,  given its excessive worth level, we anticipated it to carry out higher. After we used the stick attachment, it carried out greatest solely after we pushed, not pushed and pulled. 
• Although we appreciated the prolonged attain and its potential to choose up pet hair fairly effectively, the Black+Decker BDH2020FL Handheld Vacuum failed to totally seize all cussed mud from image frames, door frames, and lighting fixtures.

We additionally tried out the VacLife Handheld Cordless Automotive Vacuum (VL188-N) and located its efficiency underwhelming in comparison with the opposite choices.

How We Selected and Examined the Greatest Handheld Vacuums

Earlier than we started testing, we selected handheld vacuum cleaners based mostly on a number of elements. We checked out well-known manufacturers and consumer critiques, however we additionally took into consideration potential makes use of, wants, and budgets. Somebody in a big residence with youngsters or pets will possible have completely different pickup wants than somebody who lives in a calmly trafficked condominium. 

As soon as we had prime fashions in numerous worth classes and with numerous options, we put these handheld vacuums by way of their paces. We used them to suck up on a regular basis messes together with spilled flour (simulating mud), dry oatmeal, rice, and cereal. We examined them to see how they might attain beneath furnishings, between sofa cushions, and on prime of door frames and ceiling followers. We additionally introduced them out to a well-worn automobile and tried to dislodge canine hair, small rocks, grass, and grime.

We regarded for useful equipment, snug portability, and good worth. Lots of the vacs we examined got here with helpful rinsable filters, quick-release dustbins, and good battery life. Although diminutive measurement was a consideration for portability, smaller wasn’t all the time higher.

What to Take into account When Selecting a Handheld Vacuum

When looking for the perfect vacuums, whether or not they’re handheld, store, or upright, most individuals search for highly effective suction. Whereas that is a vital function to think about, there are others to keep in mind, comparable to measurement and weight, energy supply, and sort. Learn on to learn the way and why these elements matter when looking for a handheld vacuum.

Kind

Handheld vacuums are available in a number of varieties: normal, canister, and moist/dry vacuums. Customary fashions are sufficiently small to carry in a single hand, making them simple to seize for cleansing up a spill or tidying up a small house, comparable to a automobile’s inside.

Handheld canister vacuums provide higher capability—greater than a quart—and extra suction energy. They include a field that homes the motor and a hose that connects to the attachments. Most include a shoulder strap that permits the consumer to hold the vacuum over a shoulder whereas utilizing one hand to function the hose. They’re principally like a handheld store vac.

Whereas most handheld vacuum cleaners are rated for dry materials solely, there are some moist/dry fashions that may suck up liquids in addition to solids, making them splendid for cleansing up spills in a pinch. They might be normal or canister-style.

Corded vs. Cordless

A corded mannequin will present constant suction energy all through a protracted vacuuming session, however the wire will restrict mobility. All else being equal, corded fashions are typically extra reasonably priced than cordless ones.

Handheld cordless vacuum cleaners depend on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Although extra transportable than corded models, they could run out of energy in the midst of a protracted cleansing session. Some fashions show both the battery stage or the precise quantity of runtime left so you’ll be able to maintain tabs on the cost. For those who’re planning to make use of a vacuum all through the home and to wash patio furnishings or automobile upholstery, a chargeable handheld vacuum will probably be handy.

Measurement and Weight

A handheld vacuum must be gentle sufficient to function whereas holding in a single hand. Most handheld vacuums weigh round 3 or 4 kilos, with mini handheld vacuums weighing as little as 2 kilos, and handheld canister vacs can tip the scales at as a lot as 5 kilos.

Small sizes ranging between 15 and 20 inches lengthy let the operator maneuver simply with one hand. Bigger, extra highly effective corded fashions function shoulder straps for carrying over the shoulder throughout use.

Suction Energy

The suction of corded and cordless handheld vacuum cleaners is immediately associated to the quantity of energy they’ve. Cordless fashions use batteries that may vary between 14V and 40V, with the latter offering probably the most suction energy. A handheld vacuum’s suction is measured in air watts. Most upright vacuum cleaners have an AW ranking of round 100, whereas the perfect handhelds have a minimum of 15 AW.

Whereas air watts are measure of figuring out a vacuum’s effectiveness, not all vacuum cleaners promote air watt scores. Within the absence of an air watt ranking, battery output for cordless fashions and amps for corded counterparts present indication of energy. A cordless handheld vacuum cleaner usually requires a minimum of a 15V battery for enough suction, whereas a corded mannequin ought to provide a minimum of 5 amps of energy.

Charging and Runtime

The batteries on cordless handheld vacuums have a restricted runtime and may take hours to recharge. Whereas runtime varies relying on the mannequin and battery measurement, anticipate to get between 15 and 20 minutes of runtime from a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner. Nevertheless, if a vacuum gives a most and minimal or eco pace, it could run longer than 15 to twenty minutes. Vacuum cleaner batteries can take anyplace from 1 to six hours to cost. A lot of the choices we examined fell within the 2- to 3-hour vary. 

Filter and Dustbin

Like full-size vacuums, handheld models include a filter that forestalls mud within the vacuum from changing into airborne. Some producers provide scented filters to depart carpets and fabric smelling contemporary. Filters are both detachable and rinsable, or they have to be modified usually; since pricing for replacements varies, these on a finances might want to look into the fee related to every mannequin.

Handheld vacuums accumulate grime in both canisters or baggage. Canister fashions are extra well-liked as a result of they are typically simpler to empty and clear—simply snap and dump. The bigger the grime canister, the bulkier the vacuum, nevertheless it received’t have to be emptied as usually. A transparent canister reveals at a look when it requires emptying.

Further Options

Handheld vacuums sometimes embrace plenty of options designed to enhance their performance and make them simpler to make use of and keep.

• Adjustable pace: Some handheld vacuum cleaners provide multiple pace choice. This permits for versatility, making the vacuum cleaner able to cleansing areas that could be broken by cleansing at the next pace. For battery-operated fashions, it may well additionally prolong the runtime.
• Grip: Handheld vacuum cleaners are meant to be operated utilizing one hand. As such, most have molded ergonomic grips for a agency, snug maintain. Most even have the controls constructed into the grip, permitting the consumer to show the vacuum cleaner on and off with out using a second hand.
• Equipment: Specialised equipment that may make a unit extra helpful embrace attachments designed to choose up pet hair and clear nooks and crannies of upholstery. A versatile hose that reaches into less-accessible areas may be included. 
• Convertible vacuum kits: Some vacuums embrace extension rods that allow changing the unit from a handheld to a flooring vacuum.

FAQs

For additional information about the way to use a handheld vacuum or the lifespan of those gadgets, learn on for solutions to some generally requested questions that can possible fill you in.

Meet the Testers

Beth Cranston is an editor, author, and product tester who has vacuumed carpet, tile, and hardwood lined in crumbs, grime, and fur for greater than 10 years. She appears for fairly priced vacuums which are simple to make use of and keep.

Anne Holub is a Montana-based author and first-time home-owner. With two canines and a bunch of hardwood flooring in her residence, she is aware of the way to put a vacuum by way of its paces. She’s examined handheld vacs, robotic vacuums, mops, and extra for BobVila.com, together with different family must-haves.   

Further analysis supplied by Tony Carrick and Manasa Reddigari.

 

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