Our buying guide will explain which type of vacuum would suit you most, how much you can expect to pay for one, and which features are worth looking out for. Make a commitment to something and stick to it because that ultimately is what will set you free.Your browser does not support the video tagHandheld vacuum cleaner prices range from around £15 for a small basic one and range all the way up to £250 for fancier models, such as the Dyson DC58 Animal. But our independent lab tests have revealed that you don't always get what you pay for and that price isn't always a good indicator of quality. Our exclusive list of Best Buy handheld vacuums reveals which models did have what it takes to excel in our cleaning, usability and battery life tests.Cordless vacuum or handheld vacuum?Most handheld vacuums are cordless, but there is more than one type of cordless vacuum cleaner available. As well as small dustbuster-style handheld vacuums, you'll also see cordless or 'stick' vacuum cleaners in the shops.

These cordless stick cleaners look like skinnier versions of a conventional push-along vacuum. They don't have a cord but are pushed around the floor in the same way. As they're battery powered they have a limited running time, so are better for smaller cleaning jobs.Handheld vacuum cleaners are even smaller and lighter, and have an even shorter battery life. Unlike cordless stick vacuum cleaners they don't claim to replace all of the functions of a conventional corded model, and they are difficult to clean large floor areas with due to their short handles. We've tested both types of cordless vacuums - find out which are the best models in our handheld vacuum reviews and cordless vacuum reviews.Handheld vacuum cleaner featuresThe cheaper models tend to have a more traditional ‘dust-buster’ design and fewer specialist tools and attachments, but that doesn’t always mean that they suck up less dirt and grime or that they are more difficult to use. Try to find a model that at least has a crevice tool for really tight spaces.

Some handheld vacuums have turbo brushes that can make sucking up pet hair quicker, although this isn't always the case. Upholstery brushes can help with cleaning chairs and curtains, and some models even come with a mini extendable flexi hose.30 minutesthe longest running handhelds can clean for half an hourHandheld vacuum battery lifeBattery life typically varies from a blink-and-you'll-miss it five minutes, all the way up to a more respectable 30 minutes. You should also consider how long it takes each model of handheld vacuum to fully recharge, as you won't want to be waiting a full day before you can use it again.Some models have a light indicator to let you know when it's running low, which is a helpful feature to look out for. Some handheld vacuums come with a charging docking station (which can be fixed to the wall for easy storage), while more basic versions simply charge through a plug-in cord. Handheld vacuum cleaner weightThe main point of a handheld vacuum cleaner is convenience, so weight and size are of paramount importance.

Handheld vacuum cleaners vary in weight, from 0.7kg to 2.3kg - although most are around 1.5kg.If you can, it's worth holding and lifting the handheld vacuum you're thinking of buying to get a feel for whether it's comfortable to hold and use.Cleaning and attachmentsYou can also get handheld vacuum cleaners that clean up wet spills as well as dirt, such as the Hoover Jovis Wet and Dry handheld vacuum cleaner.Attachments such as soft brushes and crevice tools, as well as bendable hoses, are useful as they make the cleaner even more flexible for different cleaning jobs.best leather cleaner detailingDust capacityThe amount of dust handheld vacuum cleaners can hold varies, so it's worth looking out for the highest capacity if this is an important consideration for you. best way to clean furniture after sanding

The higher the dust capacity, the longer you'll be able to clean for without having to empty your vacuum.Handheld vacuum cleaners have a smaller dust capacity than other vacuum cleaners - around 0.5 litres compared with up to 5 litres for a conventional vacuum cleaner. Handheld vacuum cleaner reviewsWe have sent handheld vacuums from all of the major brands to our lab for testing and can tell you if models from Dyson, Hoover, Black & Decker and Vax live up to their claims and whether they're worth spending your money on. replace fan on samsung laptopBefore you buy a handheld vacuum, make sure you take a look at our in depth handheld vacuum cleaner reviews.top 10 vacuum cleaners uk 2015Are you looking for a handheld vacuum or a portable canister?The best handheld I’ve used is an Electrolux Ergorapido.

This is a 2-in-1 handvac/stick vac that is very lightweight and has good suction. The stick has a powered brush roll that can be active or not, depending on the surface being cleaned. The handheld decouples from the stick quickly and easily for solo use and emptying....If you’re looking for a portable canister, then I would suggest sticking with the Oreck brand. They have the Ironman, Ultimate Handvac, Edge, and the Little Hero to choose from. With the shoulder strap, these portable canisters are light and easy to use.......Another good portable canister comes in the form of the Shark Navigator Lift Away. The Lift Away is a compact vacuum cleaner with all the tools and conveniences you’ll normally find on any multipurpose vacuum, its party trick is that the canister separates from the vacuum base, cutting the total weight in half and giving you more freedom. You are tethered to a 25 foot cord, but you will have a more powerful vacuum cleaner with unlimited runtime over any rechargeable unit.

...The best hand-held vacuum depends on what you are trying to accomplish.  Other than picking up VERY light dust off of hard surfaces, most battery operated hand-helds perform the same with the exception of run time.  The more expensive models tend to run longer and charge faster.  If you are looking for power, have a look at 110v models.  What you give up in convenience by the addition of a fixed power cord, you gain in vastly greater suction.The handheld vacuum fills a unique cleaning niche and allow you to clean those tough to reach places with ease. The size of a handheld vacuum makes them perfect for cleaning stairs, behind or underneath tough to move furniture and vacuuming up pet hair off any and all surfaces.Better yet, if you have a handheld vacuum nearby, you’ll never again have to drag out your bulky cylinder or upright vacuum to take care of small spills. This is especially true if you choose one of the many handheld models that can take care of both dry and wet vacuuming jobs.