Handheld vacuums are small and convenient but lack power and endurance.
- Cordless (rechargeable) vacuum cleaners should be seen as an alternative to brooms and dustpans, not an alternative to regular vacuum cleaners.
- A corded handheld vacuum can be an alternative to a full-sized vacuum, but only for small apartments.
Popular brands include Dyson, Shark, Eureka, Black and Decker (Dustbuster), Electrolux, Hoover, Makita, Dirt Devil (Scorpion, Kurv, Kone) and Royal (Dust Devil).
Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
These are convenient for small ad-hoc jobs. Their input electrical power can range from 20 to 200 watts.
Advantages
- Convenient. Can be easily used anywhere without having to deal with power cords.
Disadvantages
- Limited power. Not suitable for deep-pile carpets.
- Limited endurance, 5 to 20 minutes is common. Recharging takes hours. The more powerful models normally have the shortest run times.
- To maximize available power, many use coarse filters which blow out fine dust into the air.
- Batteries last only a few years. Replacements, if available, are expensive.
Most brands and models are roughly comparable, differing mainly in power and reliability.
The Dyson DC16 series is an interesting exception. It filters well and is powerful. However some users complain about its large size and limited 6 minute run time (the trade-off for having a 200 watt motor and a good filter).
To maximize battery life, some models have a button that has to be continually pressed (so that it is quick to switch on and off). Releasing the button will switch off the power. Some users find this tiring and prefer an "always on" switch.
Corded Handheld Vacuum Cleaners
These small vacuums can be almost as powerful as regular vacuums. Their input AC power can range from 400 to 1000 watts (regular canister vacuums are typically 1000 to 2000 watts).
Advantages
- Can be powerful enough to replace regular vacuum cleaners, for small apartments.
- Not limited by battery life.
- Some have HEPA filters for better filtration.
Disadvantages
- Power cord is inconvenient.
- Can overheat and automatically shut off after 5 to 10 minutes, especially the more powerful models. Cleaning can resume after cooling down.
- Can be noisier than regular vacuums, requiring the use of ear plugs.
- Their small dirt cups or bags quickly fill up and may need to be emptied every few minutes.
- Small filters and bags get clogged up with fine dirt more quickly than regular vacuums. May require cleaning every few minutes to maintain acceptable suction power.
Like cordless vacuums, most brands and models are roughly comparable.
Electrical Watts and Air Watts Vacuum Power
More electrical power (watts) generally means
- better suction
- less battery life for cordless vacuums
- more overheating problems
If the amperes are given instead of watts, the electrical power can be calculated by multiplying the current (amperes) with the voltage.
Air watts is a more accurate measure of suction power. When comparing models it is important to compare electrical watts with electrical watts, and air watts with air watts. The 200 watt Dyson DC16 is rated at 36 air watts.
Rotating Beater Brush (Beater Bar)
A rotating brush to dig up dirt from carpets, is a popular feature. Unfortunately there are few good implementations.
- Some brushes are powered by the vacuum's airflow. They can lack the power to turn when pushed into carpet.
- Belt-driven brushes are more powerful, being powered directly from a motor. However many suffer from reliability problems, with the belt needing occasional replacement. Some models don't even have replaceable belts: when the belt breaks, it stays broken.
Whatever the mechanism, hair will get caught in the brush and will need to be manually removed.
The Best Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Anyone buying a handheld vacuum should be aware of their inherent limitations. Unrealistic expectations is one major cause of buyer dissatisfaction. Manufacturers naturally emphasize the advantages of their products. Consumers need to think for themselves and understand the design trade-offs all manufacturers need to make when building a small handheld vacuum.
Power and reliability are the most important issues to consider when choosing a handheld vacuum. Home owners should search the Internet for complaints of reliability when researching a specific brand or model. Whether bagless or not and other features are a matter of individual preference.
Yuen Kit Mun - Kit Mun is a self-confessed information junkie, reading an average of a book a week over the past two decades. His growing Internet ...
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