Buying Guide for the Best Shark Handheld Vacuums
When choosing a Shark handheld vacuum, it's important to consider your specific cleaning needs and preferences. Handheld vacuums are great for quick clean-ups, reaching tight spaces, and cleaning upholstery or car interiors. To find the best fit for you, focus on the key specifications that will impact the vacuum's performance and usability. Here are the main specs to consider and how to navigate them.Suction PowerSuction power determines how effectively the vacuum can pick up dirt and debris. It's usually measured in air watts (AW) or volts (V). Higher suction power means better cleaning performance, especially on carpets and upholstery. For light cleaning tasks, a lower suction power (around 15-20 AW) may suffice. For more demanding tasks, such as pet hair removal or deep cleaning, look for higher suction power (above 20 AW). Consider your cleaning needs to decide the appropriate suction power.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the vacuum can run on a single charge. This is crucial for cordless handheld vacuums. Battery life is typically measured in minutes. For quick spot cleaning, a battery life of 10-15 minutes may be enough. For more extensive cleaning sessions, look for a vacuum with a longer battery life (20-30 minutes or more). Think about the size of the area you need to clean and how often you'll use the vacuum to determine the right battery life for you.
WeightThe weight of the vacuum affects how easy it is to handle and maneuver. Handheld vacuums are designed to be lightweight, but there can still be variations. Lighter models (under 3 pounds) are easier to carry and use for extended periods, making them ideal for quick clean-ups and reaching high or awkward spots. Heavier models (3-5 pounds) may offer more power or larger dust capacities but can be more tiring to use. Consider your strength and how long you'll be using the vacuum to choose the right weight.
Dust CapacityDust capacity refers to the amount of dirt and debris the vacuum can hold before needing to be emptied. It's usually measured in liters or quarts. Smaller capacities (around 0.3-0.5 liters) are sufficient for quick clean-ups and small areas but will need to be emptied more frequently. Larger capacities (0.5-1 liter or more) are better for longer cleaning sessions and larger areas. Think about how often you're willing to empty the vacuum and the size of the areas you'll be cleaning to decide on the right dust capacity.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories enhance the versatility of the vacuum. Common attachments include crevice tools, brush tools, and pet hair tools. Crevice tools are great for tight spaces, brush tools for delicate surfaces, and pet hair tools for removing pet hair from upholstery. Consider the types of surfaces and areas you'll be cleaning to determine which attachments are most useful for you. A vacuum with a variety of attachments can handle a wider range of cleaning tasks.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system affects the vacuum's ability to trap dust and allergens. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are the gold standard, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This is especially important for allergy sufferers or households with pets. If air quality is a concern, look for a vacuum with a HEPA filter. For general cleaning, a standard filter may be sufficient. Consider your sensitivity to dust and allergens when choosing the filtration system.