The brush pivots 360 degrees, which makes it perfect for awkward angles, such as when you’re getting into car cup holders and other interior storage compartments. At 2.3 pounds, this Ryobi model is one of the lightest high-performing vacuums we’ve tested. And it charges in under an hour, whereas other handheld models commonly take three to four hours. Clean tight spaces and in the car with the Duster Crevice Tool and use the Multi-Surface Tool for upholstery, carpets, and pet hair. And when cleaning is complete, one-touch debris emptying means you won’t have to get your hands dirty.
That’s why you might want a corded vacuum like the Dirt Devil Scorpion. This traditional handheld has an especially powerful motor since there’s no risk of the battery running down too quickly. The vacuum holds about 15 ounces in its dirt bin and has a triple-level filter. Best of all, you don’t need to pay a pretty penny for one of these machines; some of our favorites are priced in the $50 to $100 range.
In our tests, we maneuvered them around high chair covers, couch cushions, and car seat cupholders to see how they handled hard-to-reach areas. We paid particular attention to their battery life and how well they picked up different debris. How Consumer Reports Tests Handheld VacuumsTo rate handheld vacuums, we tested models on their ability to clean debris on carpet, bare floors, and edges. We also examined how loud they were, how long they kept running on a single charge, and how well they cleaned up pet hair, among other things. For example, one of our tests for surface cleaning involves dispersing Cheerios and noting how long it takes the vacuum to pick them all up. To learn more about how we rate and test handheld vacuums, check out our vacuum buying guide.
Cordless vacuums give you easy mobility without the worry of tangled wires and plug points. The charge-and-go feature of cordless models helps you reach even the tightest of corners with ease. Hand vacs are a must-have when you have furry friends around and pet hair is everywhere. There are a wide range of brands like Shark, Dyson, Black+Decker, etc. with different models like Dustbuster, UltraCyclone, and more designed for specific tasks. Hand vacuums come in a variety of sizes and types that clean everything from your laptop to your rug and even your tables. Handheld models are ergonomically designed to give you comfort while you take care of dusty corners.
In our battery tests, the CHV1410L ran for about nine minutes, so it’s best suited for quick tidying rather than deep cleaning. The CHV1410L also comes with a convenient charging base that allows the vac to stand upright in storage; we found, however, that it tends to wobble when bumped. At one time, you’d get started only to find your battery died in a matter of minutes. The only other option was a corded handheld vacuum cleaner, which limited your reach. Today’s handheld vacuums can last up to 30 minutes without the gradual decline in use seen with previous models. Just keep it on the charging base until you need it, and you’ll be all set.
The crevice tool is designed to tackle tight spaces in cars, corners, and crevices, while the pet tool allows you to easily clean pet hair from delicate fabrics and upholstery. For power, performance, and reliability, the Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum is an excellent choice. Its powerful suction and large dust bin are hard to find in other handheld models, and when testing, we enjoyed that the tapered nozzle allows for efficient cleaning. If you’re looking to spend a little less on a dustbuster, consider the BLACK+DECKER Cordless Lithium Hand Vacuum. In our experience, this vac is extremely lightweight, easy to use, and a great value.
She obsesses over how different types of fur adhere to upholstery and how best to remove hairballs from heirloom Persian rugs. After a fresh round of testing, we recommend the Ryobi 18V One+ Performance Hand Vacuum Kit for most jobs and the Black+Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ HHVK515JP07 for cleaning lots of pet fur. Always at your fingertips, store this streamlined design right on the countertop. Once you’re done handling above-floor cleans, connect the wand and nozzle to take on floors and carpets. ◊Pricing, selection, and availability of store clearance items are determined by each store. Items may be display models or not exactly as shown and may not be available in all stores.
If you don’t mind dancing around a cord, a plug-in option—which typically has more suction power—may be a good fit. On the other hand, if you don’t want to be bothered with the extra step of plugging in your device, cordless is the way to go. You can find powerful cordless models with shark canister vacuum a runtime of as much as half hour. Just be sure to look at the specs, though, as some cordless models only last a few minutes on a single charge. While not a main selling point, it’s nice to know that Bissell donates $5 from each Pet Hair Eraser to the Bissell Pet Foundation.