Everyone needs a good, full-sized upright or canister vacuum cleaner for big jobs, like weekly whole-house cleaning or for giving your carpet a thorough, deep vacuuming. However, when you have a smaller mess, like a dry spill of flour or rice in the kitchen, or a coating of cat hair on the cushions, it's nice to be able to reach for something small and light -- which is why handheld vacuums are so popular. There are two basic types of handheld vacuums: cordless, which run on rechargeable batteries, and corded, which plug into a wall outlet. These small gadgets are good not just for spot-cleaning, but also for accessing places that can be a challenging reach for the larger accessories on full-sized vacuums, or for dealing with areas where hauling a large vacuum is cumbersome, like vacuuming stairs. Portable vacuums are also great for cleaning cars, boats and for using in RV's. The best handheld vacuums will have either a nozzle that acts as a crevice tool for getting into small spaces, or onboard accessories that include a crevice tool.

Many have hoses and specialized brushes for dusting. The best also can rotate or angle to clean hard-to-reach items like ceiling fans. Cordless handheld vacuum cleaners are more versatile because they're not restricted by cord length or access to a wall socket. That means you can move from room to room to pick up small messes or pet hair without having to unplug the vacuum and plug it back in each time. Portable cordless vacuums typically run between 10 and 30 minutes on a single charge. Recharging can take 4 hours or more for a full charge. Some cordless hand vacs don't have replaceable batteries; when its battery finally loses the ability to hold a charge, you just have to toss the vacuum away and buy a new one. However that's not as big a negative as it might seem; even if the battery is replaceable, a new one can cost more than a new handheld vacuum itself. One more thing to know about cordless handheld vacuums is that they use one of two types of batteries. Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, which are the older technology, are heavier and should be fully discharged before recharging to avoid "memory effect," which can prevent the batteries from being charged to their full capacity.

If you see user comments regarding a hand vac no longer holding a charge, this is a likely culprit. Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion) batteries are the other, newer technology. They aren't susceptible to memory effect, can hold a charge longer between uses, and are more environmentally friendly. The other key difference is that with NiCd technology, the power level drops as the battery drains, which means that you may have very strong vacuum performance for the first 5 to 10 minutes, but then less and less until the battery finally runs down and needs to be recharged. With a Li-ion battery, full power is maintained until the battery runs out of juice. While Li-ion-powered hand vacs look to have some significant advantages, the trade-off is that portable vacuums with lithium-ion batteries are more expensive, sometimes significantly more. Corded hand vacuums typically have power cords between 12 and 25 feet long, and those with longer cords tend to receive better feedback from both professional reviewers and owners.

Corded models aren't limited on run time, they vacuum for as long as you need them to. For some cleaning tasks like stairs or an automobile, you may need an extension cord. We saw more complaints about a corded vacuum seeming heavy, even if it weighs less than comparable cordless vacuums, which leads us to conclude that there is a fatigue factor in using even a relatively lightweight handheld vacuum for a longer period of time.best vacuum for cleaning carpeted stairs Car vacuums are 12-volt vacuums that plug into your car's cigarette lighter or 12-volt accessory socket to provide a steady stream of juice while you clean up your car. pool filter cleaning containerA good car vacuum will also have a long, narrow crevice tool for slipping between the seats -- a popular hiding place for dropped foods -- and a dusting brush for pulling dust and hair out of the vents.pool cleaning companies in birmingham al

Of course, a handheld vacuum won't be suitable for all cleaning jobs. Most people need a good upright vacuum, which we cover in our separate report on vacuum cleaners, for whole-house cleaning and digging deep to pull dirt and debris out of pile carpet. Canister vacuums use slender wands that can reach farther into tight spaces, like under beds, while stick vacuums are great to have around for maintaining a hardwood or tile floor on a day-to-day basis, or for cleaning up spot messes without having to stoop. best steam cleaner for carpet 2014If you need something a bit more heavy-duty, see our shop vac report for a top portable option.best vacuum and steam cleaner combo, , to name just a few. what works best to clean floor tile grout

These user reviews give the best overview for how each handheld vacuum operates in real-world, long-term use. In evaluating these reviews, we consider performance on different flooring surfaces, pet-hair removal, features and attachments, and ease of use and durability to help you find the best portable vacuum for your cleaning needs.Carpet Stair RunnersStaircase RunnersBohemian Gypsy HeartsGypsy RoseBohemian RhapsodyCarpets Rugs TuftingHooked Rug IdeasHand Hooked RugsStaircase CarpetForwardNot really about a vacuum but I love the covering on these stairs!best way to clean dog pee out of carpetsThat extremely useful hunk o' plastic that's relegated to a utility closet for most of its life. Yes, I admit it: I have a love-hate relationship with vacuums. Sure, they clean the floor, but these home appliances can also be guilty of a number of offenses that make even the most basic clean-ups a major pain.

Some are noisy and heavy and have too few or too many accessories. Others come with bins that are a challenge to empty or bags with hard-to-find replacements -- you get the idea. Basically, there are a lot of potential annoyances you can run into and it's not like any of us need another excuse not to break out the vacuum. On top of that, today's market has expanded to include a bunch of different vacuum categories. So how do you narrow down your options to find something durable that's easy to use and cleans well? Well, by reading this buying guide, of course.Vacuums, vacuums everywhere The beauty of vacuum shopping is that there's almost definitely a machine out there to fit your lifestyle. The problem with vacuum shopping is that there are tons of options and it can be difficult to zero in on that perfect model. I mean, you can find upright, canister, robot, handheld, stick, and even convertible vacuums that can be both upright and canister or both handheld and stick (depending on the configuration).

So, here's a rundown of the top vacuum styles, their key features, and details about what type of cleaning is best suited for each one. Upright vacuums are the most common style found in homes today. As you likely guessed, they sit in an upright position, so they are a great option if you don't want to bend over a lot. Typically, they have a foot lever you press to change the angle of the machine for increased maneuverability. Features can vary a lot, but one decision you will definitely have to make is whether to get a model that collects dust in a bin or in a bag.Key features: Upright position, bins or bags collect debris, typically comes with accessories, including a wand for corners or stairs. Many can transition between carpet and bare floors.Takeaway: Best if you have the space to store something tall. They typically weigh more than other models, so an upright stick vacuum might be a good lighter-weight alternative. Bagless vacuums are generally more expensive, reaching average prices near $700, whereas bagged models rarely exceed $300.

Canister vacuums are also popular. They are a bit more versatile than uprights, because you can lift the canister and take it wherever you want to go. They are known for working well on stairs, because you can carry the canister and use the long wand extender to tackle each level with ease.Key features: Most offer the same or similar cleaning options as uprights, but with increased mobility.Takeaway: They are lighter than uprights, but you still have to be comfortable lifting at least 8 pounds. You'll also have to bend over to push the canister around the house (or you can use the wand to pull it, but you'll have less control over the movements). The long wands and cords get tangled more easily, and might be a more difficult to store because the hose and wand don't snap to the canister. Robot vacuums may seem like a novelty, but they actually do a lot to keep your floors clean. Just let 'em go, and they bounce around your carpeted and bare floors to tidy up your messes.Average weight: Typically under 10 poundsKey features: Battery-powered with docking station, cordless, sensor-controlled, automated via scheduling feature, various cleaning modes, many can clean both carpets and bare floors.

Takeaway: This is a great supplement to regular vacuuming. If you hate vacuuming and have the money, use a robot vacuum so you can wait longer between each full-scale vacuum session. These little mini-vacs are great for smaller jobs. Some are cordless, so they work well for quick and easy cleaning or as compact on-the-go option for RV owners. It's also a great supplement if your main vacuum doesn't offer many attachments or if you'd rather not pull out your whole vacuum every time you spot a mess.Average weight: About 5 poundsKey features: Lightweight and incredibly easy to store. Takeaway: Great option for small spaces and easy lifting. Cordless models can also clean your car, boat, and so on. The Stick vacuum is similar to the upright but without any added attachments or accessories. It's about as streamlined as it gets, and therefore easier to store and lighter weight. These models typically run on batteries, so they can go where corded vacuums can't. They also tend to be less powerful than their upright counterparts.

Average weight: Typically under 10 poundsKey features: Lightweight, often cordless and battery-powered, can transition from carpet to hardwood.Takeaway: Great if you want something that can handle light debris. A good lightweight option for those with limited arm strength. As if vacuums weren't already confusing enough, some models are convertible. That means that they can do more than one thing. For example, the Eureka vacuum pictured above can work as a stick or a handheld vacuum, and the Shark Rotator Pro Lift-Away model I recently reviewed is an upright vacuum that can convert into a canister vacuum. These models tend to offer a great value since you're getting more options; a two-for-one, if you will. Key features: Extra accessories and attachments, extremely versatile.Takeaway:If you know you want an upright, but also want to regularly vacuum stairs, a convertible canister model like the Shark Rotator Pro Lift-Away makes sense rather than buying two separate machines. Or if you think the attachments on an upright won't tackle your detailed dusting, you can get a stick and a handheld model like the Eureka.Other considerations In addition to the different types of vacuum models available today, there are a couple of other things you ought to think about before making a final decision.

If you're buying an upright or a canister vacuum, you will have to opt for disposable bags or a reusable bin. Bags tend to hold more dust, but it's much harder to tell how full the bag is without removing it completely from the vacuum. Bags also release less dust into the air during disposal, but you have to deal with buying replacements fairly regularly.Dust bin models have been increasing in popularity ever since James Dyson invented the Dual Cyclone bagless vacuum in the 1980s. The bins are transparent, making it easier to tell when they're full -- and you can empty and reuse them countless times. You may still have to replace the filter, though, which is more expensive, but less frequent than buying bags. Both bag and bin models are widely available, so it's really a matter of preference here. Many vacuums today come with a dedicated HEPA filter. HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. That may sound fancy, but it really just means that it removes harmful allergens like mold, smoke, or dust from the air.

All filters do that to some extent, but the more expensive HEPA variety must trap at least 99.97 percent of particles to be considered the real deal. If you have asthma or allergies, or are just generally concerned with air quality, a vacuum with a HEPA filter might be worth your consideration. Many of them are removable and can be cleaned with water until they need to be replaced. This might all sound really good, but some non-HEPA models can do just as well as their High Efficiency Particulate Air counterparts. So do your research -- emission reduction can vary a lot.Conclusion Vacuum buying can seem daunting. Prices can climb quickly, and there are a ton of different models available. Think about the type of cleaning you do on a regular basis. Have a pet that sheds a lot? You may want a model that offers attachments for dusting and getting hair that's stuck under furniture or in crevices. Hate vacuuming, but want a clean house? A robot vacuum could really lessen your work load. Want something like an upright that's lighter weight?