Sometimes there are small messes around the house that you don’t want to use your big vacuum cleaner for. Plugging in a vacuum every time you see pet hair or need to clean out the car by hand can be inconvenient. So, for the occasional small cleanup, handheld cordless vacuum cleaners can be very useful.
To help you on your search for the best handheld vacuum, we’ve have compiled a list of the best products currently on the market. A guide is also provided later in the article outlining the key considerations when making your selection.
Here are the best handheld vacuums in Australia:
1. Black + Decker Lithium Pivot Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum (Top Pick)
The Black+Decker dustbuster pivot handheld vacuum has a pivotable head that rotates up to 200 degrees. This feature allows it to reach difficult areas. A soft brush that can be flipped out and an extendable crevice nozzle are also integrated with the vacuum. The crevice tool makes it easy to clean tight spaces and the soft brush is best for upholstery. It is an ideal vacuum for pet hair, cat litter, pet food, cars, dirt and even chunky bits such as pasta and cereal.
The dust bowl is translucent, making it easy to see when it needs to be emptied out, and can be opened without having to touch any of the dirt in it. The filter can also be removed to be cleaned, and the dust bowl and filter can be disassembled to be properly washed.
This vacuum can be folded in half and docked onto the charger which also makes for compact storage. The battery charges from empty in around 4 hours. A fully charged vacuum has a run time of 10 minutes during which its suction power doesn’t fade at all.
What We Like:
- Integrated soft brush and extendable nozzle
- Compact storage
- Washable dust bowl and filter
- Consistent powerful performance
What We Don’t Like:
- The battery isn’t replaceable
- Only runs for about 10 minutes after full charge
2. Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Hand Vacuum
Ryobi One+ is a compact handheld vacuum cleaner equipped with a dual filter that picks up dry debris easily and provides maximum suction performance. A crevice tool with a built-in brush has a dedicated storage spot on the vacuum. It can be used to reach difficult spots such as in between car seats and cushions.
The dust bowl at the head of the vacuum is detachable and easy to empty. The filters can be cleaned and also replaced when needed.
This model does not come with a battery or a charger. A Ryobi 18V One+ lithium ion battery and accompanying charger can be bought separately. Ryobi has a wide range of products that are compatible with the 18V One+ battery so this vacuum cleaner will suit those who already have other Ryobi tools. Or, if you plan on buying other Ryobi tools, the cost of buying separate batteries and charger won’t hurt.
What We Like:
- Compact
- Easy to carry
- Comes with a creview tool with a built-in brush
What We Don’t Like:
- Does not come with a battery or charger
3. Black + Decker Lithium-ion Dustbuster Flexi Hand Vac
The Black+Decker Dustbuster Flexi is a cordless vacuum cleaner with a 1.5m hose offering manoeuvrability. The hose has a flip-up brush tool attached for upholstery and other delicate surfaces. The vacuum also comes with a separate long crevice tool to reach difficult and far away nooks and crannies. The cyclonic action and triple filtration ensures that the vacuum is efficient and retains its suction power for longer.
The translucent dust bowl can be opened and turned over a dust bin for easy disposal. The filter does not need to be taken out and cleaned as the vacuum is equipped with a filter cleaning system.
The dustbuster can be docked onto the charging station when not in use, which is also a storage space for the other accessories, ensuring easy accessibility. It takes less than 4 hours to get the vacuum fully charged from empty and then it runs for about 15 minutes.
What We Like:
- 1.5m flexible hose
- Filter cleaning system
- Triple filtration
- Charging station is also a storage dock
- Charger turns off automatically when battery is full
What We Don’t Like:
- Non-replaceable battery
- Difficult to find a replacement filter
4. Dyson V7 Trigger Handheld Vacuum
Dyson V7 Trigger handheld vacuum is a powerful tool for cleaning carpets and floors. It comes with a crevice tool and an upholstery tool which has a brush attachment. The vacuum is best for dry spills of dust and dirt, pet hair and other household messes.
The dustbowl is transparent and can be emptied simply by pulling a lever that opens up its bottom – no need to touch the dirt. The filter is washable and also provides filtration of allergens and expels cleaner air.
The vacuum can be charged to full in about 3-4 hours from empty, and its run time depends on which of the two power settings are used – Powerful mode or Max mode. Powerful mode is for regular cleaning and gives the handheld vacuum about 30 minutes of fade-free suction. Whereas Max mode is more for intense cleaning and only has a run time of about 7 minutes.
What We Like:
- Washable filter and dust bowl
- 30 minutes run time on Powerful mode
- Comes with crevice and upholstery tool
- Replaceable battery and filter
- Motorised brush
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
- Very short battery life on max mode
5. Electrolux Rapido 18V Handheld Rechargeable Vacuum
An 18V handheld vacuum with a longer run time, the Electrolux Rapido is ideal for cleaning around the house. It has an in-built crevice nozzle to reach the awkward spaces. The nozzle also has felt-covered wheels attached to it for an easy glide without scratches on surfaces.
The battery charges from empty in about 4 hours and the vacuum has two power settings of regular and boost mode. It runs for around 30 minutes on regular and 16 minutes on boost mode. The charging stand can be mounted on the wall and has multiple positions in which it can fit, making for compact storage.
What We Like:
- Longer run time
- Felt-covered wheels under nozzle for easy glide
- Flexible, wall-mountable charging station
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
6. Kambrook Portable 11V Handheld Vacuum
The Kambrook portable handheld vacuum is compact and easy-to-carry. It cleans up dry messes and can be used in the house, car or garage. It comes with a crevice and brush tool to suit different purposes. The dust bowl and filter are easy to clean and remove when needed.
The vacuum works in two power modes and the charging base can be mounted on a wall and can store the accessories.
What We Like:
- Inexpensive
- Wall-mountable charging base
- Charging base can store tools
- Two power modes
What We Don’t Like:
- Short run time
7. Black & Decker 21.6Wh Lithium-ion Dustbuster Cyclone
Black & Decker 21.6Wh lithium-ion vacuum is ideal for regular cleaning tasks around the house and is perfect for carpets and hard floors. This handheld vacuum has a flip-up brush tool attached to the nozzle and comes with a crevice tool for tight spaces.
The filter and the dust bowl can be removed and washed for hygiene, and the appliance can also be used with a scented filter. Cyclonic action keeps the dirt away from the filter to ensure that the powerful suction is consistent and lasts long. Boost mode is available for quicker and more efficient vacuuming.
The vacuum can be charged in about 5 hours from empty and then has a run time of 15 minutes.
What We Like:
- Boost mode
- Washable filter and dust bowl
- Easy to carry
What We Don’t Like:
- Long charging time
8. Hamkaw Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
The Hamkaw cordless handheld vacuum is an affordable 2 in 1 machine as it cleans up both dry and wet mess. It comes with several extensions – a dusting brush tool, an extension hose, a crevice tool and two nozzles of different widths.
The dust bowl can be detached and emptied, while the vacuum’s HEPA filter can be washed multiple times and reused. Pure copper wire suction is used in the vacuum for powerful suction.
It can be charged with ease with the provided USB charger.
What We Like:
- Inexpensive
- Suitable for dry and wet waste
- Easy to use
What We Don’t Like:
- Short battery life
9. Milwaukee Cordless Handheld Vacuum
The Milwaukee cordless handheld vacuum is best known as a vacuum ideal for construction job sites. It can pick up dust and wood and metal shavings and other dry debris.
Two extension wands, a 1.2m hose, and a floor and crevice tool are included with the vacuum. The extension wands make it reach more places and the hose offers manoeuvrability. The dust bowl can be emptied easily by simply opening up its bottom, and the filter can be removed and cleaned.
This handheld vacuum does not come with a battery and charger – it is a part of Milwaukee’s M18 system of products so runs on red lithium-ion batteries sold separately. A 5.0Ah battery pack provides a run time of around 25 minutes and a 9.0Ah battery pack provides 40 minutes. This vacuum is best for those who already own or plan to buy other Milwaukee tools that run on the same battery packs.
What We Like:
- Comes with a floor toolPro 1
- Powerful suction suitable for construction site debris
- Can run for around 40 minutes on 9.0Ah battery pack
- Two extension wands included
What We Don’t Like:
- Battery and charger not included
Handheld Vacuum Buyer’s Guide
While many of the features of the cordless handheld vacuums are similar, some are better suited to particular tasks than others. So, it’s important to think about its main purpose to find the cordless vacuum that offers maximum convenience.
The space
Home
If the handheld vacuum will mainly be used around the house, you might want one that looks sleek or can be stowed away easily. If removing pet hair is an objective, look for vacuums with HEPA filters that help with allergens. Motorised rotating brush heads also make pet hair clean up easy. If you need to reach higher places, a vacuum with a long hose might be more suitable.
Car
If you’re looking to buy a vacuum to clean your car, you’ll want one that is compact enough to fit somewhere in the car or garage so that it is readily available whenever needed. A small body will also make it easy to manoeuvre around. It also needs to be able to reach into the tight spaces between seats and other areas.
Garage and job sites
For debris from construction and other messy work, a vacuum with powerful suction will work best.
Type of waste
Dry or wet
Many handheld vacuums can clean up dry debris easily but finding one that also clears up wet waste can be difficult. Keep an eye out for the features of each vacuum if this is important to you.
Large debris
Not all vacuums will have the appropriate nozzle or attachments to clean up large debris. Some might not be able to pick large waste up at all and some might get damaged if they do. But handheld vacuums that can clean up nails, paperclips, cereal and more are available if this is something you think you need.
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Battery
Cordless handheld vacuums need to be charged regularly as they run on batteries. The charging time and the run time of each varies on the type of battery it has and the mode its run on. So, consider how long a clean up job would likely take you and how often you’ll need the vacuum.
Some vacuums do not come with a battery and a charger. These are usually a part of a power tools system that uses the same battery. If you already own these tools and the required batteries, buying only the skin of the vacuum can be economical. Otherwise, buying a battery and a charger separately will be an additional cost.
Maintenance
Filters and dust bowls
Dust bowls need to be emptied when they are completely filled. If this isn’t done, the vacuum’s cleaning performance won’t run at full capacity. An overfilled canister can also damage the vacuum or overheat it.
Many handheld vacuums allow simply opening the dust bowl and throwing away the waste. It’s also important to properly wash the dust bowl every now and then to prevent build-up of dirt.
Clean filters keep the vacuum efficient and the suction powerful. They also ensure that a bad smell isn’t left behind every time you vacuum.
So while filters can be given a cursory dust off, a regular proper clean is also necessary. Make sure the filter is fully dry before inserting it in a vacuum for use again. Even replacing the filters might be needed at times.
Charging
Battery life can tend to fade out when overcharged. So it’s important to keep an eye on how long a vacuum is left on the charging station and shutting it off when full.
Note that some vacuums do not have replaceable batteries, s it’s especially important to keep their battery life healthy as otherwise, you’ll need to buy a whole new handheld vacuum.
Some handheld vacuums come with chargers that shut off automatically, which is also an economical feature.
