Updated on 9 December 2022
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
Black+Decker PV1820L
In addition to a good suction power, this vacuum is also very easy to handle. Its pivoting suction head allows access to the smallest corners and its ease of use is quite convincing.
This handheld vacuum is a great performer despite its small size. Its triple filtration system is effective even on the smallest dust particles and its nose swivels on eight levels of inclination, up to 200°, allowing it to reach every corner of the house. Its battery life is average, with 11 minutes of continuous suction, and is compensated by a nice suction power of 35 W, effective on hard surfaces as well as on upholstered furniture. During our tests, it is this handheld vacuum that was the most convincing on all counts.
Handheld vacuums have become indispensable tools for the household.
It is important that your device is not too heavy, so as not to cause pain.
If you want to clean textiles and your car, a power of 20 AW is recommended.
The battery life is not really the strong point of handheld vacuums. It often lasts between 10 and 15 minutes.
For pet owners, there are accessories such as larger brushes.
A handheld vacuum is an interesting option for cleaning your furniture quickly and efficiently.
Eufy HomeVac H11
Por un precio razonable, esta aspiradora representa la mejor opción para la aspiración de superficies duras como mesas de comedor, escritorios y cocinas, gracias a una buena ergonomía y un formato compacto.
Hay que reconocer que estéticamente, el HomeVac H11 es bastante convincente. También es muy ligero, con un peso de apenas 550 g. La aspiración es correcta en superficies duras como nuestras oficinas o la mesa del comedor, a pesar de un colector de apenas 90 ml. Su autonomía se inscribe en la media alta, ya que en nuestras pruebas no se apagó hasta después de 13 minutos de funcionamiento. Por otra parte, apreciamos su práctico indicador de batería.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser
Despite a perfectible maintenance system, this handheld vacuum seems to us to be the best choice for the car thanks to a good autonomy of 14 minutes and a large dust collector of 600 ml.
Much more traditional than some of the handheld vacuums we have tested, the Pet Hair Eraser is imposing, weighing in at 1.270kg on the scale. However, the wide handle is comfortable to hold and the power button is easy to reach. It comes with 3 accessories, including a motorised brush that can suck up all surfaces and is particularly useful in the car, although it is basically designed for pet hair. Vacuuming on hard surfaces was also no problem for us in practice.
Our selection
| Our choice, Best high-end | Mejor barato | High-end alternative |
|---|---|---|
| | | |
| Black+Decker PV1820L | Eufy HomeVac H11 | Bissell Pet Hair Eraser |
| In addition to a good suction power, this vacuum is also very easy to handle. Its pivoting suction head allows access to the smallest corners and its ease of use is quite convincing. | Por un precio razonable, esta aspiradora representa la mejor opción para la aspiración de superficies duras como mesas de comedor, escritorios y cocinas, gracias a una buena ergonomía y un formato compacto. | Despite a perfectible maintenance system, this handheld vacuum seems to us to be the best choice for the car thanks to a good autonomy of 14 minutes and a large dust collector of 600 ml. |
| £ 99.82 on Amazon | Price search in progress... please wait | £ 109.42 on Amazon |
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How did we do the tests?
To test handheld hoovers, we first look at their design (general presentation, quality of the material, presence of accessories, etc.). In terms of performance, we start by analysing the power and efficiency of suction, both on hard surfaces (table) and soft surfaces (sofa or car).
Ergonomics was assessed during use (weight, practicality of accessories), but also during storage. We then focused on measuring the autonomy of each device and analysing the planned recharging system. Finally, we judged their ease of maintenance. To do this, we had to empty the dust collector of each device. We took the opportunity to check the accessibility of the filter and its ease of cleaning, according to each brand’s instruction manual.
How to choose your handheld vacuum?
As the centrepiece of today’s household appliances, the vacuum has become an indispensable part of daily or weekly cleaning sessions.
Compact and cordless, they can be very effective for short cleaning jobs. But small size does not have to mean small power. So it is important to choose a competent model within the vast vacuum market.
To help you in your choice, we have selected some criteria to pay attention to:
- Power: it is important to define the use you will make of it before determining how much power you need. Generally speaking, below 15 airwatts (AW), your vacuum will only be useful for a few quick and easy tasks. If you want to clean certain textiles or your car, at least 20 AW is recommended.
- Ergonomics: as the name suggests, these vacuums are handheld. Above 1.5 kg, you will probably find it difficult to hold it for several minutes without tiring. The handle should also ensure a comfortable grip and allow you to access high surfaces or less accessible corners. Larger models have the advantage of increased tank size and/or battery life, but are less manoeuvrable and heavier.
- Power button: it should be positioned so that it is easily accessible wherever your hand is located on the handle. If it is too small or offers too much resistance, it can quickly become difficult to use.
- Battery life: intended for small cleanings, handheld vacuums generally last a little less than upright ones. It is rare to see them last more than 10-15 minutes.
- Accessories: these can include an extension tube for floor cleaning, a wider brush to increase the treatment surface, a long nozzle to reach less accessible areas or a charging cable via the cigarette lighter, which is very practical if you use the handheld hoover to clean your car.
- Noise level: even for small, occasional cleaning jobs, it is preferable that the noise of the machine is not deafening. Unfortunately, the actual noise level is rarely as low as advertised.
Other models we recommend
Black+Decker PD1820L (£89.00 upon publication): advantages… and disadvantages. With a power of 25 W, this vacuum performed well in our tests, particularly thanks to its 14-minute battery life. It stands out from the competition thanks to an integrated hose that allows you to extend the suction head to 1.5 m and thus easily vacuum at height. However, we found its weight to be poorly distributed and its hose to be loose, making it uncomfortable to use and to empty from the side.
Invictus One (£106.39 upon publication): a small tank for extra use. This handheld vacuum performs well on hard surfaces, has a convincing Dyson look and is light enough to hold. During our tests, we found its emptying system very practical (it avoids contact with the dust), as was the rest of the maintenance. Unfortunately, the small size of its dustpan (90 ml) and the absence of other accessories than the flat nozzle (which does not hold well) make us question its price-quality ratio.
Other models tested
Black+Decker DVJ325J Dustbuster (£104.93 upon publication): an appreciable 16 minutes of run time. Although some people think that it does not have the necessary performance to vacuum animal hairs well, despite having 27W of power and 500 ml of capacity, it is still quite practical for small cleaning jobs.
Eufy HomeVac H20 (£99.99 upon publication): does not justify its price/performance ratio. It has to be said that its good design, range and suction performance make it a very convincing device. Even so, its price seems to us a bit exaggerated.
Translated by Aylin Akturk
