Which Handheld Vacuum Cleaner is Best for You?

9th Jun 2023

It goes without saying that an important aspect of keeping a house clean is to regularly purge it of any dust and dirt that assails it. Brooms are a starting point for many people but they kick up dust particles which can irritate the eyes and the lungs. Leading us to the next best solution: vacuum cleaners.

Vacuum cleaners offer a great deal of convenience, but their large unwieldy frames is a major drawback for many. Fortunately, other options are available – you can get nearly the same cleaning power literally in the palm of your hand, by using handheld vacuum cleaners. And even with this type of device, you will have many choices to select from. So many, in fact, that it can get a little overwhelming!

That’s why we’ve come up with this guide to help you out, and answer the question: Which handheld vacuum cleaner is best for you?

But before we look at specific models, let’s start at the beginning and ask: Why use handheld vacuum cleaners anyway? What, if any, are their unique advantages?

Why Use a Handheld Vacuum Cleaner in the First Place?

Handheld vacuum cleaners possess a few unique advantages due to their small size and the resulting convenience when using them:

Handheld Vacuum Cleaners Can More Easily Reach Small Spaces

Because of their size, design principles, and features such as pivot points and extendable flexible hoses, you can use handheld vacuums to access difficult or tight spaces within your home. With such a device, you’ll be able to clean spots such as the spaces behind large appliances, under couches or large chairs, and more. This would likely be more difficult to do with a full-sized vacuum cleaner that has a large or inflexible head.

Handheld Vacuum Cleaners Can be Used for the Interiors of Vehicles

Some handheld vacuums are designed specifically for use inside a car or other vehicle, but practically speaking, any model of handheld vacuum cleaner can be used for this purpose. Their small size and lack of bulk make them easy to manoeuvre under pedals, beneath or in between car seats, on and under floor mats, and other awkward spaces. Some models of handheld vacuum cleaners even come with special accessories such as brushes that are made to clean upholstery or car seats without damaging them.

Again, these tasks would be all but impossible to do using a large vacuum cleaner (not to mention the difficulty of dragging that thing out to the garage and finding a socket to plug it into).

Handheld Vacuum Cleaners Are Easier to Store at Home

Because of their size and shape, handheld vacuums are much easier to place in storage than larger vacuum cleaners. They can fit into small spaces in a cupboard or closet, out of sight and out of the way until you need them again. Some models are designed to fold in half for even more convenient storage (and they can continue to charge while folded). This is perfect for people living in small homes, apartments, or just for those who’d rather not take up a lot of space with their cleaning appliances.

With these unique advantages, handheld vacuum cleaners begin to look more and more like a viable alternative to the traditional full-sized version. Not quite convinced just yet? Then it’s time to take a look at some specific models and see what they have to offer in terms of cleaning power, convenience, and other handy features.

Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Models

Black and Decker NVB115J 3.6V Cordless Hand Vacuum

A simple and basic – yet effective – cordless handheld vacuum, the Black and Decker NVB115J is a good overall choice. Its design is light and portable without sacrificing suction power.

It uses lithium technology, which translates to a long battery life and of course, the ability to go cordless – perfect for reaching and cleaning every nook and cranny of your space, such as behind closets and other pieces of furniture placed against walls. You can even use it to clean on furniture itself, such as cleaning up spilled crumbs on a couch.

This model comes with a transparent dirt container so that you can see when it’s time to empty it out. This container as well as the vacuum filter are both washable, so that you can prevent excessive dirt buildup and keep your vacuum cleaner working at peak effectiveness.

Black and Decker WD1210AV 12V Wet and Dry Car Vacuum

Black and Decker WD1210AV 12V

The Black and Decker WD1210AV handheld vacuum was designed specifically for cleaning up the interior of your car.

It is versatile and easy to use even when manoeuvring and cleaning in the small spaces of your vehicle. It comes with a 5 metre long power cord, as well as a full set of useful accessories: a flexible hose, additional attachments for reaching into small crevices, a storage bag, an upholstery brush for cleaning your car seats, and more. A one year warranty seals the deal on this handheld vacuum cleaner.

Black and Decker PDB315JP 10.8V Cordless Flex Hand Vacuum

If you want a vacuum cleaner with the portability of a handheld model but the utility of a larger model, then the Black and Decker Cordless Flex Hand Vacuum fits the bill. Its cyclonic action and triple action filtration ensure strong suction and a thorough clean, every time.

This vacuum is powered by a lightweight lithium battery that charges in under 4 hours. The charger automatically turns off once a full charge is achieved.

It is small enough to be easily used with one hand, yet it sports an integrated 1.5 metre flexible hose that allows you to access hard-to-reach areas for cleaning – even really awkward areas like the tops of cabinets and other high spots. The rotating brush attachments works great for removing stubborn pet fur or other hair from upholstery. The built-in flip-up dusting brush can also be used for easy dusting of surfaces.

It also features a washable transparent dust container and filter, both of which can be easily removed for cleaning.

Ohm SVC1021L Wireless Cyclone Vacuum Cleaner (Online Exclusive)

A unique model that is available exclusively online, this Ohm Wireless Cyclone handheld vacuum cleaner impresses with its tremendous suction power and its ergonomic design.

This vacuum cleaner is constructed with ring hand-holds for easy handling, as well as two alloy extension pipes that ensure a firm grip and comfortable control as you clean. The overall construction is very lightweight, making this device suitable even for elderly users.

The stainless steel filter in this vacuum does not need replacing – just detach and wash it as needed, then put it right back in. As for power, it uses a lithium battery that fully charges in 5-6 hours, giving you 45 minutes straight of high-level suction and cleaning power.

Accessories include an attachable floor brush, a special nozzle for reaching small crevices, and a tool specifically for cleaning mattresses.

Black and Decker PV1820LF-B1 Pivot Dustbuster 18V

If you need flexibility during cleaning, but don’t want to use a vacuum cleaner model with an extended hose, you might enjoy the Black and Decker Pivot Dustbuster. Its patented nozzle design can pivot up to 200 degrees, and the integrated extendable crevice tools make it easy to access awkward spots behind furniture, in crevices, between car seats, or other difficult areas in your house or vehicle. The triple filtration action also results in better vacuuming performance and ultimately a cleaner home.

This device includes a soft brush that extends out, providing an ideal way to clean delicate surfaces such as countertops or tabletops.

The eco smart lithium ion battery fully charges in under 4 hours, and an indicator light will let you know when it’s about to run out of power during use. Finally, this vacuum cleaner can fold in half for compact storage when not in use. It can even continue to charge while folded!

Black & Decker BCHV001D1E 20V Max Power Connect Dustbuster

The Black and Decker Max Power Connect Dustbuster is a true powerhouse, delivering up to 40 percent more suction power than other models of handheld vacuum cleaners while remaining cordless and convenient.

The two stage filtration system is potent at picking up dirt in your home – anything from dust to pet hair, and even things as small as particles of beach sand. The crevice tool included with this device allows you to get to hard-to-reach spaces, and also easily stores within the vacuum cleaner itself when you are done. Finally, the long battery life and extra large dust container mean fewer interruptions and less frequent emptying of dirt.

Aside from use within your house itself, the Max Power Connect Dustbuster is also great for cleaning up garages, workshop areas, and even the interiors of vehicles.

Final Thoughts

If storage space, size and the ability to clean tight spaces is important to you, handheld vacuum cleaners are the best way to go.

Any one of the models we examined in this article would be highly effective at cleaning your home, but these aren’t the only products you can get at Selffix. We also offer many kinds of tools and hardware, locks and security devices, and various cleaning solutions to make your home really spotless.

See these items for yourself by visiting your nearest Selffix branch today and stay tuned for our upcoming Black and Decker promo!

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