The best handheld vacuums in the UK 2023

The handheld vacuum cleaner, also known as a table vacuum cleaner, car vacuum cleaner or vacuum cleaner, is more compact, more practical and easily transportable than the traditional vacuum cleaner(broom or canister). It is perfectly suited to cleaning small everyday accidents and even allows access to difficult places like nooks and crannies. But not all models are created equal, which is why we've put together this guide to the best handheld vacuums especially for you.

Philips FC6148/01 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Philips FC6148/01

The best handheld vacuum in 2021

Far from being a simple gadget, this Philips handheld vacuum cleaner offers many possibilities of use. Of course, its cyclonic suction technology as well as its 2 levels of filtration are there to increase its performance.

67,71 £ on Amazon

Are you looking for a handheld vacuum cleaner that actually vacuums and is not just a gadget? The Philips FC6148/01 will satisfy you. In addition to its beautiful design, this device is very practical. The vacuum cleaner can work continuously for 9 minutes. This is thanks to its long-lasting lithium-ion battery.

Its power is such that it sucks up even small stones. Perfect for the entrance, stairs, crumbs on the sofa or bed, or even inside the car, it will also get rid of pet hair. Regarding the noise, nothing catastrophic since it delivers a sound level around 81 dB. But keep in mind that it is a vacuum cleaner!

AivaToba TY-FR-FBA
8/10

Best cheap

AivaToba TY-FR-FBA

The best entry-level handheld vacuum

Handheld vacuums were originally designed to clean the interior of cars. The AivaToba is certainly the best in this field. Moreover, it is one of the cheapest on the market.

36,79 £ on Amazon

This version of the AivaToba is a leap forward from some models in the same line. The powerful cordless motor offers a stable cyclonic suction at 8,000 AP. Thanks to this, the unit can easily vacuum any surface to get rid of pet hair, dust and crumbs. The unit can be used for up to 35 minutes non-stop on a single charge.

However, this handheld vacuum's main area of use is the car. Its lightness and ergonomics work wonders in a car. What's more, it can be recharged via the cigarette lighter if the power outlet is out of reach. It cannot be repeated often enough, but the power of the AivaToba is astonishing. Even with extension tips or hoses, the device retains its efficiency.

Black et Decker PD1820L
9/10

Best high end

Black and Decker PD1820L

The best high-end handheld vacuum

The Black and Decker PD1820L offers an excellent compromise between quality, efficiency and price. Able to reach into corners, this model vacuums up crumbs, but also pet hair.

104 £ on Boulanger

The Black and Decker PD1820L has everything it takes to appeal to the masses. In addition to its compact size, the handheld vacuum cleaner also offers a suction power of up to 25 Airwatts. Naturally, with such a jewel in your hands, you will have no trouble sucking up crumbs as well as dust. Note that it comes with a brush and a nozzle. The device is no less versatile. It is adorned with a flexible hose that can be extended up to 150 cm.

The Black and Decker PD1820L handheld vacuum cleaner uses cyclonic suction technology to be efficient. In addition, it has a patented motor system placed just inside the filters, which saves space and makes it compact. You will have to choose between 3 levels of filtration if you want to ensure the durability of your equipment.

Eufy HomeVac H11
7/10

Excellent choice

Eufy HomeVac H11

The best entry-level alternative

Lightweight, compact, cordless and bagless, the Eufy HomeVac H11 competes very well with high-end handheld vacuum models. It uses cyclonic suction and features washable filters.

39,19 £ on Boulanger

The Eufy HomeVac H11 handheld vacuum cleaner is both easy to use and very handy. One hand is enough to handle it. You can use it to clean your home as well as your car. It has a 2-in-1 nozzle that has been specially designed to adapt to all types of surfaces. What's more, it's available for less than €50. Why deprive yourself?

With a good suction power, mainly due to its cyclonic technology, the device manages to suck up large breadcrumbs and small stones without any difficulty. The noise level is quite tolerable. In addition, it recharges via a micro-USB cable for 4 hours for an autonomy of 15 minutes, which is satisfactory. It's a pity that its air outlet is installed on the bottom. This would be unpleasant if you vacuum over high furniture.

Hoover MBC500UV Ultra Vortex
9/10

For mattresses

Hoover MBC500UV Ultra Vortex

The best handheld vacuum for mattress cleaning

Unlike the other models in our selection, this one stands out for its design quality and especially for its functionality. Indeed, it was specifically made for the maintenance of mattresses. It also gets rid of pet hair and bacteria.

79,99 £ on Boulanger

With the Hoover MBC500UV Mattress, the interior of your home will quickly regain its pristine condition and cleanliness. The handheld vacuum cleaner has a super powerful 500 W motor coupled with a 300 ml cassette. Mattresses will not be spared, nor will furniture, carpets and textiles. This Ultra Vortex model weighs only 2.8 kg, which makes it easy to handle.

The Hoover MBC500UV Mattress has 3 cleaning modes. For optimal suction, it uses an electro brush beater that will remove dust mites as well as bacteria, allergens and dust. The UV mode also guarantees exceptional hygiene. The different adjustment levels allow it to better adapt to any surface. And that's not all! The device is equipped with a 5 m XL power cord.

Black et Decker DVJ325J Dustbuster
8/10

Very good

Black and Decker DVJ325J Dustbuster

A mini vacuum that has all the makings of a big one

Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, this handheld vacuum cleaner offers a constant suction power. It will perfectly substitute a standard vacuum cleaner when you are too far from a power source.

59,44 £ on Boulanger

The Black and Decker DVJ325J Dustbuster is a top of the line cleaning tool. There's no need to get out your traditional vacuum cleaner for an extra cleaning because this one will do the job perfectly. Equipped with a lithium battery and a cyclonic technology with double filtration, it lets you enjoy a constant power during the cleaning. The suction is more efficient and effective thanks to an improved ventilation system.

The dust tank capacity is 500 ml. This container is transparent, so you can see its filling level at any time. Recharged via a jack plug, this handheld vacuum cleaner is also distinguished by the lightness of its battery and its ultra compact design. It is very comfortable to use. The same is true for the handling. In addition to the battery level indicator, the device also includes an extension cord and a retractable brush.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best handheld vacuum cleaner

Any specific needs?

The best handheld vacuum in 2021

The best entry-level handheld vacuum

The best high-end handheld vacuum

The best entry-level alternative

The best handheld vacuum for mattress cleaning

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best handheld vacuums

THE BEST LESS EXPENSIVE TOP OF THE RANGE EXCELLENT For mattresses Very good
Philips FC6148/01 2
9/10
AivaToba TY-FR-FBA
8/10
Black et Decker PD1820L
9/10
Eufy HomeVac H11
7/10
Hoover MBC500UV Ultra Vortex
9/10
Black et Decker DVJ325J Dustbuster
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Philips FC6148/01
AivaToba TY-FR-FBA
Black and Decker PD1820L
Eufy HomeVac H11
Hoover MBC500UV Ultra Vortex
Black and Decker DVJ325J Dustbuster
Far from being a simple gadget, this Philips handheld vacuum cleaner offers many possibilities of use. Of course, its cyclonic suction technology as well as its 2 levels of filtration are there to increase its performance.
Handheld vacuums were originally designed to clean the interior of cars. The AivaToba is certainly the best in this field. Moreover, it is one of the cheapest on the market.
The Black and Decker PD1820L offers an excellent compromise between quality, efficiency and price. Able to reach into corners, this model vacuums up crumbs, but also pet hair.
Lightweight, compact, cordless and bagless, the Eufy HomeVac H11 competes very well with high-end handheld vacuum models. It uses cyclonic suction and features washable filters.
Unlike the other models in our selection, this one stands out for its design quality and especially for its functionality. Indeed, it was specifically made for the maintenance of mattresses. It also gets rid of pet hair and bacteria.
Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, this handheld vacuum cleaner offers a constant suction power. It will perfectly substitute a standard vacuum cleaner when you are too far from a power source.
Power source
10.8V lithium-ion battery
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries 3 x 2200 mA
18V lithium battery
12.6V battery
Wired
10.8V battery
Accessories
Brush and crevice tool
2 washable filters, 1 flexible hose, 1 brush, 1 nozzle
Extendable extension cord up to 1.5 m, furniture brush
Brush and crevice tool
Electric brush (4200 rpm), 5 m cord, UV-C lamp Sterilization
Furniture brush, crevice tool, turbo brush
Tank capacity
0.5L
0,6 L
0.56 L
0.9L
0.3 L
0.5L
Autonomy
9 minutes
Up to 35 minutes
15 minutes
13 minutes
Illimited
14 minutes
Weight
800g
1,2 kg
2.2 kg
600g
2.3 kg
1.5kg

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Buying guide - handheld vacuum cleaner

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How to choose your handheld vacuum cleaner

Regardless of the make and model of a handheld vacuum cleaner, here are some essential criteria to keep in mind when making a purchase.

#1 - Battery life and charging time

Battery life generally ranges from 10 to 20 minutes but can be as long as 30 minutes depending on the model. You should also consider how long it takes the vacuum to recharge, as some can take a full day or more.

For added convenience, look for an indicator to let you know when the battery is low, so you know if you're running out of cleaning time.

Some handheld vacuums come with a charging dock (which can be mounted on the wall for easy storage), while more basic versions simply charge via a plug-in cord.

#2 - The weight

This is the second criterion not to be overlooked because the main point of a handheld vacuum is convenience. So, weight and size are of paramount importance.

The weight of handheld vacuums varies between, approximately, 0.7 kg to 2.3 kg, although most weigh about 1.5 kg. If you can, it's worth holding and lifting the handheld vacuum you're considering to see if it's comfortable to hold and use.

#3 - The dust bag

The amount of dust that handheld vacuums can hold varies. Most can hold about 0.5 liters, compared to about 0.7 liters for cordless canister vacuums and 2.1 liters on average for a full-size corded vacuum.

That's pretty small, but should be fine for small jobs such as cleaning the car. However, it's worth looking for the higher capacity if that's an important consideration for you. The higher the dust capacity, the longer you'll be able to clean without having to empty your vacuum.

#4 - Ease of use

In fact, you should consider this criterion when purchasing, as the vacuum should be light, quiet and easy to maneuver. To do this, try the vacuum cleaner in the store to see if it is all of these things.

For stick models, check that it moves easily over carpets and hard surfaces. There are also some vacuum models that weigh about 10 pounds, which may not be noticeable if you use it on the floor and can become tiring if you are trying to clean ceilings and fans, for example.

#5 - Filtration

An important, but often overlooked, element of cleaning ability is the vacuum's ability to hold the dirt, and especially the fine particles, that it picks up.

If a vacuum cleaner does not offer high levels of filtration, these fine particles can simply pass through the vacuum and back into the ambient air, where they settle as dust.

It is therefore necessary to have a high filtration vacuum cleaner so that people who suffer from allergies, asthma or any other health problem impacted by fine particles or allergens in the indoor air will be protected.

Tips

Replace the bag regularly.

If you have a vacuum cleaner with a bag, replace it regularly. Don't wait for it to overflow.

Empty it regularly.

Many bagless handheld vacuums have a marker indicating when to empty the dedicated compartment. This is helpful, but even if the marker hasn't been reached yet, it's still wise to empty the container anyway. It is best to empty it after each use. Don't let dirt and debris settle inside the device. And depending on the type of bagless machine you have, you can even rinse the receptacle with water to make sure all the dirt has been removed.

Clean the brush roller.

From time to time,

check the brush roll on your vacuum. Over time, some objects can become wrapped around the roller, which can prevent it from spinning as well as it should. This can include things like dental floss, hair, pet hair, fibers...

Clean the filters.

Most vacuum cleaners, especially newer ones, have filters that help capture particles that can contaminate indoor air quality. If your vacuum cleaner has a filter, you'll need to clean and replace it periodically. You can rinse a plastic filter and shake out a paper or cloth filter, depending on how easily it comes off. The importance of keeping your filter clean cannot be stressed enough. This is especially true if you have a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, as this filter is designed to improve your indoor air quality.

Always pick up valuables by hand before using the handheld vacuum cleaner.

Avoid

vacuuming blindly and, before you start, take a moment to check that you don't have any valuables, coins, or bills lying around. This will prevent you from having to dig through the trash your vacuum has collected to retrieve your property, or worse, from accidentally throwing them away.

FAQ

The motor of my handheld vacuum cleaner smells burnt. What should I do?

If you smell burning, the motor of your hand vacuum cleaner is overheating. In this case, stop the appliance immediately and cut the power supply by unplugging it. Then check the condition of the filter and clean it if it is clogged. Do you have a handheld vacuum cleaner with a bag? Inspect the bag and replace it if it breaks or put it back in its place if it has come loose.

What is the average autonomy of a cordless hand vacuum cleaner?

Generally, theautonomy of a cordlesshand vacuum cleaner ranges from 5 to 30 minutes. Due to its compactness and although it is easier to handle than a traditional vacuum cleaner, this type of vacuum cleaner offers a limited autonomy. On average, you will have to enjoy 15 to 20 minutes of use depending on the chosen power level with an average charging time of 3 hours.

Is a handheld vacuum cleaner suitable for people with allergies?

Easy to use and handle, the handheld vacuum cleaner is the ideal companion for anyone suffering from allergies. Indeed, the device allows him to quickly clean his interior while avoiding being in direct contact with the dust. Some models even have a function that allows them to suck up ultrafine, allergy-causing particles.

Can I use the handheld vacuum cleaner to clean my car?

Yes! Being about the same size, a handheld vacuum cleaner can easily replace a car vacuum cleaner. You just need to make sure that the equipment you choose has enough power to suck up all the dirt in your car, get into difficult places and plug into the cigarette lighter if necessary.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. , consumerreports.org
  3. , consumersearch.com
  4. , bestreviews.com
  5. , thewirecutter.com
  6. , homeappliancebuyer.com
  7. , consumeraffairs.com
  8. , slant.co
  9. , thespruce.com
  10. , toptenreviews.com
  11. , darty.com
  12. , bfmtv.com
  13. , leroymerlin.fr
  14. , electroguide.com
  15. , fnac.com
  16. , boulanger.com
  17. , gtestepourvous.fr
  18. , maisonae.fr
  19. , amazon.co.uk
  20. , lemeilleuravis.com
  21. , protegez-vous.ca
  22. , manomano.fr
  23. , e.leclerc
  24. , but.fr
  25. , cdiscount.com
  26. , amazon.co.uk
  27. , meilleuraspirateur.fr
  28. , vandenborre.be
  29. , rueducommerce.fr
  30. , amazon.co.uk
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Philips FC6148/01 3
Philips FC6148/01
AivaToba TY-FR-FBA
AivaToba TY-FR-FBA
Black et Decker PD1820L
Black and Decker PD1820L
Eufy HomeVac H11
Eufy HomeVac H11
Hoover MBC500UV Ultra Vortex
Hoover MBC500UV Ultra Vortex

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