Best handheld vacuums to buy UK 2023, from Shark to Hoover

We noted in multiple settings that it’s incredibly effective at picking up debris and pet hair. We also love that it can function as a vacuum and mop simultaneously. You can set a schedule for this robot to run regularly in your home and it will automatically return to the base once the cleaning session is complete. We were disappointed to learn that this robot only self-empties when in vacuum mode, so we did manually empty it after using it in mop mode (a favorite feature among our team).

It had great pick-up across all our tests and floor types, whether lifting dust, pet hair, or crumbs. It also scored top marks for its car cleaning abilities and our testers were impressed with the way it easily cleaned up liquids, leaving our flooring dry to the touch. The Shark Pet Perfect 2 handheld vacuum is built in a tubular shape with a simple purple and black aesthetic. At the nose of the vacuum is a slot where one of three cleaning tools (crevice tool, pet hair tool, dusting brush) can be inserted for a more specific cleaning style. A good stick vacuum should be lightweight, but not necessarily light-duty.

Speaking of vacuums with a self-empty base, this feature is also a game changer for users with allergies who don’t enjoy the cloud of debris that puffs out when emptying standard vacuum bins. In addition, we gathered insights on how well each pick transitioned from smooth floors to a carpet, while testing its maneuverability in our living room-inspired obstacle course. Our testers tested the ease of emptying the dust bins, noting if the process was messy, as expected, or thrillingly simple. At home, additional vacuums were rated on the same attributes in real-world environments and situations.

Its dust capacity is small, but its slim design makes it a breeze to pack away and the charging dock’s tool storage space makes it a smart choice for compact homes. It’s easy to set up and use, but best kept for quick cleans as you need to hold the on button down throughout use, which can take its toll after a short while. The following table indicates the frequency at which you will likely want to replace the various shark dustbuster parts and components of the vacuum. The following replacement frequencies are what the manufacturer recommends. On the flip side, it is beneficial that this Shark handheld is skinny, as it gives users the opportunity to squeeze into tighter spaces. All in all, the maneuverability of the Pet Perfect 2 is more beneficial than derogatory, but there are a few items I would have liked to see done differently.

Surprisingly, this device isn’t that much quieter than some of the other larger products in the competition, and it has a higher-pitched whine that can be irritating. The different tools also aren’t integrated, so you must exercise caution not to lose them. The dust bin is straightforward to empty, popping open as soon as you hit the switch. We consider this a positive, but the dust bin’s extremely tiny size was a disappointment, so get ready to empty it often. The Wandvac is great for cleaning loose debris out of the narrow slot of a sliding window, quickly and easily sucking up all of the oats.

Lastly, when determining the overall value of each product, we considered our entire experience with the product in comparison to the price. Our editors took all of the consistently applied testing data that was gathered at The Lab and at home, and boiled it down to the Shark vacuums we believe are the very best. This handy vacuum weighs under three pounds making it easy to grab to quickly clean up spills and messes, yet it’s still powerful enough to suck up pet hair and more! The dust cup is easy to empty and it includes a variety of tools so you can clean your home and car. Included with the vacuum are a pet crevice tool, precision duster, and self-cleaning pet power brush.

One of the main appeals of this vacuum is its Matrix Clean technology, which moves across floors in a grid pattern, effectively passing every spot multiple times so no debris is left behind. You can also notify the robot for spot cleanings, which is great if a sudden mess occurs or if you have a high-traffic area in your home that you’d like to pay special attention to. In our testing, the VACMOP earned a perfect score across every category.

It impresses on any type of flooring, but the colour starts to wear away around the short nozzle after a few uses. Accessories shouldn’t be an afterthought when shopping for a Shark vacuum, because the right tools can help you complete your cleaning tasks more quickly and easily. There’s a reason Shark vacuums are a top buy—the brand’s offerings come with powerful suction, fully-sealed HEPA filtration systems, and comprehensive warranties, all at affordable prices. Plus, in recent years, the brand has come toe-to-toe with its more expensive rival, Dyson, to release innovative designs for robot vacuums and handheld models.

I have arthritis in my hands and wrists and was able to keep going with this little wonder without pain or fatigue. Therefore, you do not have to worry about swapping between power modes after turning the unit on. Item prices do not include fees for pickup, shipping or delivery (if applicable) unless noted in the item description. Item prices may vary between online (for pickup, shipping or delivery) and in club. To avoid continuously emptying your dust canister, look for a minimum capacity of 0.3 litres.

When it is time to empty the dust bin, keep in mind that it’s a little tricky to pull apart. We found that if we didn’t properly place the two pieces together, the vacuum lost suction power once restarted. We also had to pull some hair out of the dust cup from crevices that did not initially empty. This Shark model is a little bulky for a handheld vacuum, but we think the extra-large dust bin makes it worth it. The attachments are what make this vacuum really shine, but there’s no included storage for them, so you’ll need to repurpose a box or bin to make sure you don’t lose them.