When it was time to run this dustbuster through the mess test, its powerful suction surprised us, and it seemed to inhale everything in its path. Thanks to the large dust bin, we didn’t have to run to the trash can mid-test—it sucked up all the debris from every surface and still had room for more. This dustbuster also excelled in the maneuverability test, and we were able to run it along baseboards, over and around a coffee table, and in between couch cushions with ease. On top of its reliable performance, the extra-large dust bin is easy to empty and mess-free. There’s lots to like about the BLACK+DECKER dustbuster, which we quickly discovered during testing.
When it comes to swapping out the cleaning tools, all you have to do is slide the appropriate end of the tool into the nozzle’s hole at the nose of the vacuum. There is only one power switch and one button to release the dust bin. The suction power of this Shark handheld is strong, without a doubt.
In our experience, HEPA filters are less common in dustbusters than in the best full-size vacuums, so you may want to consider this as you shop. HEPA stands for “high-efficiency particulate air,” and a HEPA filter can remove over 99 percent of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other small airborne particles. The other potential downside we encountered in testing was the small dustbin, which we had to empty seven times in our testing. Overall though, there are more pros than cons to this machine, and if you fancy the extra information in the display, we think you’ll enjoy using it. The end of our efforts is the thoroughly vetted list of tried-and-true recommendations you’ll find below. Before investing in a handheld model, check your current vacuum’s functionalities as some cordless designs double up as handhelds, so you may have one already.
They are similarly priced and have long, flexible hoses that you can use with one hand while setting the vacuum’s body on the ground. Whereas a Black+Decker spokesperson told us that the vacuum has a decibel level of 81 dB, we recorded it at 86 dB. Finally, because this model has no hose or pivoting nozzle, using it to clean at odd angles—the kinds that our main picks excel at—is a hassle. In our testing, the CHV1410L had no trouble sucking up crumbs and dirt off bare surfaces like countertops and windowsills.
This tiny, lightweight vacuum checked almost all of the boxes for an ideal handheld unit, and its small size and clever attachments make it an excellent choice for cleaning home office surfaces. It weighs only 1 pound, and the handle is easy to grip when zapping up multiple messes. Even though it’s small, the dust bin is surprisingly large in proportion. When it came time to empty the dust bin, the process was incredibly simple and mess-free. The filter came out with no issues, which is a big perk when it comes to frequent use.
We also tested the Shark Wandvac Cordless Handheld Vacuum and the Shark Wandvac Power Pet. Though they look snazzy and have decent suction for such light, little machines, we found their tiny bins frustrating. Adding to that frustration was the positioning of each model’s power button right below the bin-emptying button, which led to more than one instance of our testers accidentally emptying the bin.
The handle is chunky and the battery life short, but on balance, it’s a neat gadget to have on hand. It wasn’t the best performer on carpet, struggling shark robotic vacuums to pick up some debris, but its upholstery tool lifted pet hair nicely. If storage is tight, you can mount the accompanying charging base on the wall.