Keep It Clean: Choosing the Best Handheld Vacuum for All Your Quick Cleaning Needs

If you need a fast and convenient way to clean up small messes around your home, a handheld vacuum cleaner is just what you need. Handheld vacuums are compact, portable, and easy to use for quick pick-ups. They can thoroughly clean hard to reach areas like stairs, upholstery, and even your car.

Unlike bulky upright or canister vacuums, handhelds are lightweight and easy to maneuver into tight spaces. They run on battery power so you can move freely without dealing with a cord. Many new handheld vacuums have strong suction power, washable filters, and useful attachments for cleaning all types of debris.

In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about today’s best handheld vacuum cleaners. You’ll learn about the top 5 highest-rated models on the market based on performance, features, and value. We will also provide a helpful guide on what to look for when choosing a hand vac for your needs. Finally, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about handheld vacuum cleaners.

So if you need a convenient portable vacuum for quick cleanups, pet hair, stairs, cars, and other tight spaces, read on to find the perfect handheld vacuum cleaner for your home!

The Best of the Best: Top 5 Handheld Vacuums

Here are our picks for the top 5 best performing handheld vacuum cleaners available today:

1. Dyson V7 Trigger

The Dyson V7 Trigger tops our list as the best overall handheld vacuum cleaner for several reasons. This lightweight cordless Dyson vacuum packs serious cleaning power with 100 air watts of suction. That’s more than double most other handheld vacuums!

The V7 Trigger has a “trigger style” grip that engages the suction only when you squeeze. This helps extend the battery runtime to about 30 minutes of fade-free power. The cyclonic technology and washable filter keep suction strong throughout use.

This handheld vacuum is conveniently bagless. Just point and shoot debris right into the bin for hygienic disposal. Other handy features include 2 power modes for different tasks and 3 useful attachments – a motorized mini tool, crevice tool, and combination upholstery/brush tool.

We love the Dyson V7 for quick cleanups on hard floors or carpets. It’s great for vacuuming pet hair off furniture, stairs, car seats, and other tight spaces. The only downsides are the high price tag and small 0.14 gallon bin capacity. But for raw cleaning performance, nothing beats the Dyson V7 Trigger!

2. Shark WANDVAC

The Shark WANDVAC is a top-rated corded handheld vacuum that delivers professional-grade cleaning. This lightweight vac provides excellent suction power at a more affordable price point than the Dyson.

The flexible wand swivels for easy maneuverability to access tight spaces. The stretchable hose also extends your reach. Attachments like the pet multi-tool, dusting brush, and crevice tool are perfect for cleaning pet hair, upholstery, blinds, vents, and more.

We love the strong suction on carpets, rugs, bare floors, and pet messes. At just 4 pounds, the WANDVAC won’t fatigue your hand and wrist during use. Downsides are the loud noise and lack of battery power. But it’s a great value electric handheld vacuum cleaner for home use.

3. Black + Decker Dustbuster

For an ultra-affordable option, the Black + Decker Dustbuster offers reliable cleaning performance. Priced under $50, this lightweight handheld vacuum runs off a 16-volt lithium ion battery.

The slim rotating nozzle fits into tight spaces like car vents. Suction power tackles debris, spills, and surface dirt well. We get up to 18 minutes of runtime, plus the charging base keeps it ready to go. A brush tool attachment is also included for cleaning furniture.

While not the strongest suction, the Dustbuster is ideal for quick cleanups on hard floors or carpets. It’s compact design makes it easy to store in a closet or even the car. For basic everyday cleaning convenience on a budget, the Black + Decker Dustbuster delivers.

4. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser

Pet owners rejoice – the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is designed specifically for cleaning pet hair off any surface! This handheld vacuum comes with an innovative rubber contour nozzle that surrounds and lifts stubborn pet hair.

The 14-volt lithium ion battery provides fade-free power for about 15 minutes. Attachments include a hard surface tool and upholstery tool. The dirt cup empties with the push of a button.

While it’s pricier than other models, pet owners report this Bissell hand vac saves time and frustration trying to remove pet hair. It tackles dog and cat hair on furniture, car seats, stairs, and other places hair sticks and gathers. For convenient pet hair cleanup, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a must-have tool.

5. Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip

If you’re seeking an affordable corded handheld vacuum, the Dirt Devil Scorpion delivers. It offers reliable suction power combined with handy design features.

The 7 foot hose stretches to access hard to reach spots. Attachments like the crevice tool and upholstery tool clean edges, corners, stairs, and furniture. The Quick Flip release makes wrapping the 16 foot power cord around the handle fast and easy.

While it doesn’t have the most advanced features, the Scorpion picks up dry debris, dirt, and pet hair effectively. It’s a bit loud but that’s expected for the suction power. For an economical, no-frills hand vac, the Dirt Devil Scorpion Quick Flip gets the job done.

So there you have it – our picks for the top handheld vacuum cleaners available today. From powerful cordless models to budget-friendly corded versions, there’s a hand vac here for every cleaning need and budget!

What to Look for When Buying a Handheld Vacuum

Now that you know the top-rated options, let’s discuss what features to look for when shopping for a handheld vacuum cleaner. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Cordless or Corded – Cordless hand vacs operate on battery power so you can easily move around and clean wherever needed. They’re perfect for cars, quick pick-ups, and areas far from electrical outlets. Corded models offer continuous power for longer cleaning sessions but maneuverability is limited by the cord length.
• Battery Life – Cordless run time ranges from 10 minutes up to 50 minutes or more. Look for fade-free lithium-ion batteries. Additional battery packs can extend run times too. Corded models have unlimited continuous power.
• Suction Power – Handheld vacuum suction is measured in air watts or Pascal. Higher numbers indicate stronger suction for cleaning carpet fibers and dirt. Cyclonic filtration helps maintain suction as the bin fills with debris.
• Weight – Look for more lightweight handhelds, ideally 3 pounds or less, to prevent wrist strain during cleaning. Cordless models are typically lighter than corded.
• Attachments – Useful attachments like crevice tools, pet hair tools, brushes, and upholstery tools help you clean various surfaces. Make sure they easily attach and store on the hand vac.
• Size/Maneuverability – Choose an ergonomic handheld vacuum that feels comfortable in your hand. Features like swivel heads and extendable hoses aid maneuverability in tight spaces.
• Noise Level – Hand vacuums range from 70-85 decibels. More powerful motors tend to be louder. Look for models with noise diffusing designs if sound level is a concern.
• Filtration – Advanced filters like HEPA capture dust and allergens while releasing cleaner air back into the environment. Washable filters are convenient as they don’t require replacement.
• Price – Handheld vacuum prices span from $30 to $500. Evaluate the performance you need versus budget. Getting the right suction power is more important than extras.

By keeping these criteria in mind as you shop, you’ll be equipped to select the best handheld vacuum cleaner for your cleaning challenges. Prioritize power, battery life, attachments, and usability to find the perfect fit.

Frequently Asked Handheld Vacuum Questions

We’ve covered the top handheld vacuum models and buying considerations. To wrap up, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about handheld vacuums:

How does the suction power compare to a regular upright vacuum?

Handheld vacuums almost always have less suction power since they run on batteries. Look for hand vacs with at least 15 air watts for adequate cleaning ability. The most powerful handhelds have up to 28 air watts suction, comparable to some full-size vacuums.

Can a handheld vacuum effectively clean carpets and rugs?

They can, but the cleaning won’t be as deep as with an upright or canister. Look for a handheld with a motorized brush roll to agitate and lift carpet fibers. Handhelds are best for surface debris, not ground-in dirt on carpeting.

Should I choose a bagged or bagless handheld vacuum?

Most handheld vacuums are bagless since they have compact dirt cups or chambers that are quick and easy to empty. Bagged models keep dust contained but require buying replacement bags. For convenience, a bagless handheld is usually preferable.

How long does the battery last on a cordless hand vac?

It depends on the model but average runtime is 15-20 minutes per full charge. Higher voltage lithium-ion batteries provide the longest runtime, up to 50 minutes before needing a recharge. Storing it in the charging base extends the battery lifespan.

Can I use a handheld vacuum cleaner on stairs?

Absolutely! A handheld vacuum is perfect for stairs since it’s lightweight and maneuvers easily. Cordless models allow you to move freely without a cord getting in the way. Attachments like a crevice tool help you access corners and edges on steps.

We hope these tips help you choose the perfect handheld vacuum cleaner to make quick cleanups a breeze in your home. With the right model, you’ll have a convenient portable cleaner ready for pet hair, crumbs, spills, stairs, and hard-to-reach spots that need attention. Thanks for reading!