Handheld vacuum - super light

May 31, 2017 1:02 PM

I want to get a handheld vacuum. I have hand issues, so I'd like something super light and easy to use. I'd also like it to be durable and good at picking stuff up. Does such a thing exist? I'm willing to spend more for higher quality. There are some old questions about this, but I figure there are advances in vacuum technology. Any recommendations?
posted by FencingGal to Home & Garden (13 answers total)

Some reviews here.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 1:07 PM on May 31, 2017 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks, but reviews don't seem to mention weight, so I want to emphasize that is extremely important. I've had some before that were so heavy they really weren't usable for me.
posted by FencingGal at 1:13 PM on May 31, 2017

yes, but if you look up the models in the review list, it will generally list the weight of the vacuum. i clicked on the link for the black and decker model that they mention, and under details, it lists the weight of the vacuum at 3.2lbs.
posted by koroshiya at 1:15 PM on May 31, 2017 [1 favorite]

My relatives have a Dyson V6 and I am very jealous. It converts to a handheld but even in its unconverted state it's only 4.5 pounds.
posted by beandip at 1:21 PM on May 31, 2017 [1 favorite]

I wanted a really light vacuum, and asked this. Ended up buying a Dyson (V8 Animal), and love that darn thing so much. Its pretty darn light. It converts to a handheld as well. Super pricey, but dang they're awesome. When mine broke I pretty much cried. But then I fixed it by myself with 10 min of effort (thanks to an amazing youtube video) and was happy again.
posted by cgg at 2:19 PM on May 31, 2017

Do you have a target price range in mind? I bought this two-in-one recently and it was pretty good for the price:

https://smile.amazon.com/Eufy-Cordless-Rechargeable-Handheld-Charging/dp/B01J3QW32Y/

My only nit is that cleaning the vacuum is a pain in the butt, but I don't have to do it that often.
posted by FlatHill at 2:20 PM on May 31, 2017

We have the handheld-only version of that dyson linked above (perhaps a model or two off, but very similar), and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Highly recommend.
posted by kellygrape at 5:03 PM on May 31, 2017

Nthing that Dyson (I forget the model we have but similar to the V8 & V6 linked above). Works well for our house (no animals but messy kid). Much lighter than our old vacuums.
posted by Ashwagandha at 5:26 PM on May 31, 2017

The handheld Dysons are super powerful and very light, but whether or not they work for you may depend on what your hand issue is. You have to hold down the trigger for it to work. My mom who has arthritis in her hands still really loves using hers, but I'd suggest stopping by a store that carries them to see how it feels in your hands before committing.
posted by Caravantea at 6:39 PM on May 31, 2017

I have a previous version of the B&D mentioned in the sweethome review and it's quite good. Obviously I can't speak to whether its weight would be too much for you (see comment above re. specs) but for many uses you can place the main unit on a floor or table or whatever and just hold the hose part.
posted by 2 cats in the yard at 7:04 PM on May 31, 2017

I just noticed they mention two different B&Ds; I mean the Flex model.
posted by 2 cats in the yard at 7:06 PM on May 31, 2017

I have the dyson for my hardwood floors. Its superlight and has great suction. I use it for "maintenance" between proper vacuuming, but also spills or when the dog tracks in dirt. The only thing is the cost. It is pricey, but you can find refurb models for pretty cheap and every once in a while you will find a real discount through groupon or woot or something like that.
posted by GreatValhalla at 5:59 AM on June 1, 2017

Dyson V6 Trigger is a good one you can get.
posted by davidechols at 1:18 AM on June 11, 2017