Best Overall
Black+Decker HHVK515J00FF Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
Best Bang for the Buck
Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip Corded Hand Vacuum
Best Nozzle
Black+Decker CHV1410L Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
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A hand-held vacancy is often idealistic to quicklyclean upcommon messes . Though lightweight and heavyset , today ’s option are muscular enough to perform many of the same functions as good , canister , or golem example — at a fraction of the cost . To help you find oneself the correct example , we try out eight popular handheld vacs , tackle everyday cleanup undertaking , including commonly spilled food , tracked - in stain and grass , and pesky pet hair .
We like theBlack+Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean+for its powerful getaway ability and significant runtime , but this is n’t the only great option we strain . check up on out all of our in - astuteness brushup below , and then see which feature and functions you ’ll need to regard when shopping for the practiced hand-held vacuum .
Our Top Picks
The lineup below narrows the study to some of the top hand-held vacuums by type and size of it from some of the best - cognize blade in the byplay . All these example were put through their stride by our testers and witness to offer ample suction and otherwise fit the bill in their respective categories .
Our valuation : Ease of Use4.8/5;Performance5/5 ; Value5/5
With its hefty rechargeable battery , the Black+Decker 20V Dustbuster is one of the strong cordless handheld vacuum models with 35 atmosphere watts ( AW ) of suction . That , mate with a heavy 750 - milliliter ash-bin , draw this hand-held emptiness ideal for cleaning up larger muckle quickly . In our run , emptying the dustbin with a simple push of a button located at the close of the twist was nigh effortless .
A well - designed crack peter try great for sucking up a lot of dust in tight places , and we appreciated the convenience of going cordless when taking this out to the motorcar . Although there ’s a lack of extra attachments , we did n’t overlook them , and we happen thislightweight vacuumto be sinewy and well-heeled to use .
Runtime is moderately considerable at about 30 minute of arc , and a stamp battery indicant exhibit how much armorial bearing is persist . With its two speeds , it ’s desirable for clean dissimilar type of surface .
Get the Black+Decker HHVK515J00FF handheld vacuum atAmazon .
Our evaluation : Ease of Use3/5;Performance4.8/5 ; Value4.5/5
For those who do n’t listen the limits of a power corduroy , this handheld vacuum is an fantabulous affordable choice . It gasconade a powerful 7A motor that is subject of pluck up satisfying teetotal messes , such as small stones and unregenerate sand . It comes with convenient attachments , including a encounter , a 2.5 - foot hose , and a crevice tool that conveniently flips into place from the top of the vacuity when needed .
While this onboard supplement is one less affair to keep raceway of , the chap tool portray a possible problem in testing . Since it must be unwaveringly insert into the vacuum ’s spout , we wondered if the equipment would be rendered useless if it cracked or got wedge . We also did n’t find the include brush accessary to be very useful in picking up great sum of hair’s-breadth and dust .
Photo: Anne Holub for Bob Vila
A long 16 - foot power cord is outstanding for vacuuming stairway or a automobile ’s interior , while a removable rinsable filter is leisurely to strip . At 3.8 pound , this corded handheld vacuum was gentle to manoeuvre . Suction power in footing of air watts is not provided by the manufacturer , but our testing prove very little could escape this mighty vac ’s clutches .
Get the Dirt Devil handheld vacuum atAmazonorChewy .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5;Performance4/5 ; Value4/5
Photo: Anne Holub for Bob Vila
A small vacuum cleaner with spectacular performance , this 3.5 - pound building block uses cyclonic action mechanism to birl detritus and junk away from the filter to maintain strong suck throughout a vacuuming session . Thanks to a 180 - level rotating nozzle with an extendable crevice tool and tack - up thicket , the vacuum comprehend grit even in hard - to - reach areas .
The 16V shelling explosive charge in 4 hours and moderate its charge for up to 18 months in storage . Since the dirt canister is translucent , it ’s easy to supervise progress and see when it ’s time to empty . During testing , we love the portability and grab - and - go access of its unsloped charger . But with only 15.2 air watts , its enduringness was picking up stray dirt and crumb , not enceinte good deal .
Get theBlack+Deckerhandheld vacuum atAmazon , Lowe’s , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: Anne Holub for Bob Vila
Best for Pet Owners
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum
Thanks to a alone mechanize clash built into the mouth , this little handheld vacuum is a worthwhile weapon system in the battle against pet hair . In testing , the spinning brush really did the trick , pulling fur loose from fabric and carpeting so the vacuum could suck it up . We found it also picked up plenty of dust and hackles , too , without us having to pause out the big upright vacuum .
Three freestanding filter forbid dirt and dander from getting muck up back into the room , while a 14V Li - ion battery provides the baron ask to turn the copse and remove the fur . In improver to the brushing fastening , the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser also includes crevice and upholstery attachments . And when the vacuum is full , a clear dust cup allows the user to see when it ’s time to empty . We test this handheldpet vacuumin a house filled with dog and were fairly happy with its power to scoop up our pooches ’ hair as well as the grass , scandal , and who - knows - what - else they dragged in . Though fantabulous on hardwood floors , rug , and furniture , the gadget was shoot down by our vehicle ’s nearly decade - old embedded dog hair in the bole area . However , it did a super job of collecting swirls of lint and other rubble from the back of the cable car seats .
Get the Bissell handheld vacuity atAmazon , Target , orBelk .
Photo: Amazon
Best Versatility
Proscenic P11 Lite Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5;Performance4.5/5 ; Value5/5
The Proscenic P11 Lite offer the same gadget of a hand-held emptiness with a trivial bit more oomph — all at a seemly price . Though it costs more than most even handhelds , we think it ’s a bargain , particularly when compared to similarcordless vacuums . This versatile modeling easily convert from a handheld to a stick emptiness , with its telescoping pole stretch out from 17.9 to 26 inch for a customizable reach . The included bond ( a dust brush , a crevice tool , and a light touch pealing ) can all be used with or without the pole .
We used the Proscenic on hardwood floors , plush carpet , upholstery , and other dusty family surfaces . It scooped up our exam items — flour , Elmer Leopold Rice , and cereal — quickly and well on various surfaces and with dissimilar attachments . We did find that sizable quantity of magnanimous junk , like cereal , can clog the opening that connects an attachment to the ashcan , but it ’s an easy localisation . We just removed the attachment and cleared the opening with our hands .
Photo: Amazon
We also found that , unlike designated handheld vacancy , using the Proscenic as a handheld for longer than 10 minute of arc can puree workforce and forearms . This is potential because the balance of exercising weight is on one side of the vacuum , rather than evenly distributed .
Even with those minor drawback , there was still more to like about this portable vacuum . We appreciated its timekeeper display and its impressive runtime . When it was fully point , we were able-bodied to use it for 35 minute on Eco mode and 5 minutes on Max mode , which is even better than its advertised estimation of about 35 minutes . For the price , its battery power and versatility are difficult to exhaust .
Get the Proscenic hand-held void atAmazonorProscenic .
Photo: Amazon
ALSO TESTED
In addition to the products list above , we also tested the following three models . While the top two are becoming options , they just light short of being called the best . The last model did not come across our standards .
We also tried out theVacLife Handheld Cordless Car Vacuum ( VL188 - N)and found its functioning underwhelming compared to the other options .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Handheld Vacuums
Before we start testing , we chose handheld emptiness dry cleaner ground on several factor . We count at well - known brand and substance abuser reviews , but we also took into report potential consumption , needs , and budget . Someone in a large place with tike or deary will likely have different pickup need than someone who inhabit in a lightly trafficked apartment .
Once we had top model in various Mary Leontyne Price categories and with various features , we put these handheld vacuum through their paces . We used them to take in up mundane messes including spilled flour ( imitate rubble ) , ironical oatmeal , rice , and food grain . We essay them to see how they would progress to under piece of furniture , between couch cushions , and on top of doorway framing and ceiling fans . We also brought them out to a well - worn vehicle and tried to dislodge dog hair , small rocks , grass , and soil .
We looked for helpful accessories , comfortable portability , and good value . Many of the vacs we tested come with handy rinsable filters , quick - release dustbins , and near battery life . Though midget size was a considerateness for portability , smaller was n’t always better .
Photo: Amazon
What to Consider When Choosing a Handheld Vacuum
When shop for thebest vacuums , whether they ’re handheld , shop , or just , most citizenry count for powerful suction . While that is an important feature of speech to take , there are others to take into account , such as size and weight , king origin , and case . Read on to find out how and why these constituent matter when shop at for a handheld vacuum .
Type
Handheld vacuums come in several types : standard , tin , andwet / dry vacuums . Standard models are low enough to hold in one hand , making them easy to grab for cleaning up a spill or tidying up a little blank , such as a car ’s upcountry .
hand-held canister vacuums offer great capacity — more than a quart — and more suck power . They lie of a box that domiciliate the motor and a hose that connects to the fastening . Most come with a shoulder strap that allows the substance abuser to carry the vacuum over a shoulder while using one hand to engage the hosepipe . They ’re basically like a handheld shop vac .
While most hand-held void cleaners are rated for teetotal material only , there are some wet / juiceless model that can suck up liquids as well as solids , making them ideal for cleaning up spill in a pinch . They may be standard or canister shot - style .
Photo: Amazon
Corded vs. Cordless
A twilled model will furnish consistent suck might throughout a retentive vacuuming session , but the cord will confine mobility . All else being equal , twilled models tend to be more affordable than cordless ones .
hand-held cordless vacuum cleaners swear on rechargeable lithium - ion batteries . Though more portable than twilled units , they may run out of power in the middle of a longsighted cleansing sitting . Some models display either the battery storey or the exact amount of runtime forget so you may keep chit on the boot . If you ’re planning to use a vacuum throughout the house and to clean patio furniture or auto upholstery , a rechargeable hand-held vacuity will be convenient .
Size and Weight
A hand-held vacuity should be weak enough to operate while holding in one hand . Most hand-held vacuums weigh around 3 or 4 pounds , with mini handheld vacuums weighing as little as 2 pounds , and handheld case shot vac can tip the scales at as much as 5 pound sterling .
Small sizes ranging between 15 and 20 inch long let the wheeler dealer head easily with one hand . prominent , more powerful corded example feature shoulder strap for carrying over the shoulder during use .
Suction Power
The suction of twilled and cordless hand-held vacuum cleaners is straight related to the amount of power they have . Cordless models utilize batteries that can range between 14V and 40V , with the latter bring home the bacon the most sucking power . A handheld vacuum ’s suction is valuate in air watts . Most good vacancy cleaners have an AW rating of around 100 , while the best handhelds have at least 15 AW .
While aviation watts are a estimable meter of determining a vacuum ’s strength , not all vacuity cleaners advertise air watt ratings . In the absence of an breeze watt rating , electric battery turnout for cordless models and amps for corded counterparts provide a good indicant of mogul . A cordless hand-held vacuum cleaner generally requires at least a 15V shelling for passable suck , while a twilled model should offer at least 5 amps of power .
Charging and Runtime
The batteries on cordless hand-held vacuity have a limited runtime and can take hour to reload . While runtime varies depending on the example and barrage size of it , expect to get between 15 and 20 min of runtime from a cordless handheld vacuity cleanser . However , if a vacuum offers a maximum and lower limit or eco focal ratio , it may run longer than 15 to 20 minutes . Vacuum clean batteries can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours to commit . Most of the options we test fell in the 2- to 3 - hour range .
Filter and Dustbin
Like full - sizing vacuums , hand-held units contain a filter that prevents dust in the void from becoming airborne . Some manufacturers offer scented filter to give carpets and upholstery smell reinvigorated . filter are either removable and rinsable , or they must be alter regularly ; since price for replacements varies , those on a budget may wish to front into the price associated with each model .
hand-held vacancy collect dirt in either canisters or bags . cannister models are more popular because they tend to be easier to empty and sportsmanlike — just snap and dump . The larger the dirt canister , the bulkier the void , but it wo n’t postulate to be emptied as often . A unclouded case shot depict at a glimpse when it requires discharge .
Additional Features
Handheld vacuums typically admit a act of features design to better their functionality and make them easier to use and keep .
FAQs
For further info about how to utilise a handheld emptiness or the lifespan of these machine , read on for result to some unremarkably asked questions that will likely take you in .
There are a variety of uses for a hand-held vacuum . It can be idealistic in places larger vacuum cleaners ca n’t go or fit , such as a car interior or a flight of carpeted steps . These portable vacuity cleaners are also commodious for cursorily cleaning up messes , such as spill cereal grass or gumption cross in from the beach .
With the great power to lift debris from car floor , seats , and other nooks and crannies of a car , our full overall pick , the cordlessBlack+Decker HHVK515J00FF Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum , is also one of the best options for vacuuming a car ’s interior .
Most handheld vacuums last about 3 long time before they commence to fall back their suctioning magnate ; however , that lifespan can be hold out by recall to regularly empty the dustbin and clean ( or put back ) the filters .
moderate with the vacuum ’s user manual or reach out to the producer directly . Some stamp battery and chargers have been designed so that the bombardment only uses superpower until it ’s fully charged , mean that you could pull up stakes the cordless vacuum plugged in . Some manufacturers also commend draining the barrage fully before recharging .
Meet the Testers
Beth Cranston is an editor , writer , and production tester who has vacuumed carpeting , tile , and hardwood address in crumbs , dirt , and pelt for more than 10 years . She looks for jolly price vacuum that are easy to use and keep .
Anne Holub is a Montana - ground writer and first - prison term householder . With two dogs and a bunch of hardwood floors in her abode , she knows how to put a vacuum through its paces . She ’s test handheld vacs , robot vacuums , swab , and more for BobVila.com , along with other home must - haves .
extra inquiry provide by Tony Carrick and Manasa Reddigari .
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