Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair Buyer’s Guide
Handheld vacuum cleaners can be categorized according to two criteria:
Cordless vs. Corded
The first thing that you need to consider when looking for the best handheld vacuum cleaner for pet hair is whether the unit is corded or cordless. With no cord attached, you’ll get more flexibility and better maneuverability, but you’ll usually have to sacrifice some power to reap the benefits of convenience. Also, cordless vacuum cleaners take several hours to charge to give the user less than half an hour of runtime, which may be a deal breaker for some consumers.
Corded models, on the other hand, offer plenty of suction power, giving them the upper hand when it comes to performance. The obvious downside here is that you’re going to be a bit limited when using a corded vac. Thankfully, most corded models come with long power cords these days.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Bagless vacuum cleaners are taking the lead these days because of two reasons: first, they’re easy to empty and clean, and second, they don’t require any extra investment to get new bags every time. That said, many homeowners still believe that bagged models are superior because they’re more hygienic. Although there is truth behind such a claim, you needn’t really worry about the hygiene of bagless vacuums as long as they come with an efficient filtration system that can keep harmful particles away.
There isn’t a best and worst here, as it boils down to personal preference.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing A Handheld Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair
When it’s finally time to pick the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair out of the recommended models, there are several factors that you should look out for, including:
Suction Power
The suction power is the pillar of vacuum cleaners, and handheld models are no exception. This is the factor that will determine how well the vac is going to remove pet hair from floors, carpets, and furniture.
To evaluate the suction power of a vacuum cleaner, all you have to do is check its air watt rating. If the unit offers more than 100 air watts, it should be more than enough for your occasional cleaning and pet hair removal tasks.
Size and Weight
As handheld vacuum cleaners are designed to be carried around when you’re cleaning your house, they have to be lightweight and compact. Thankfully, all of the models that we reviewed above check both boxes, so you shouldn’t worry about the ease of use and dimensions regardless of which model you choose. They’re also well-balanced when it comes to weight distribution, which adds to the ease of use and convenience.
Another thing that you should factor in is how and where you intend to use the vacuum. If you’re planning to use the unit every day, you ought to go for the lightest model. On the other hand, if you only need the vacuum occasionally, then the size and weight shouldn’t really be on top of your list of priorities.
Runtime and Charging Time
If you’re rolling with a cordless vacuum cleaner, there are two specs that you should consider: the runtime and the charging time.
Most models available today pack lithium-ion batteries, which offer enough runtime for quick cleaning sessions while taking only a few hours to recharge. These factors are especially crucial to consider if you’re always running on a tight schedule, as they make or break your experience.
Dustbin Capacity
The last thing you need when vacuuming your house is to have to empty the dust container several times during every cleaning session. Take a look at each model’s dustbin capacity and, depending on how much your pet sheds every day, determine whether it’s going to be enough to cover your needs.
Filtration
As a general rule of thumb, you want to stick with vacuum cleaners with multi-layered filters, as they’re the safest to use, especially if you have asthma or suffer from allergies.
Although HEPA filtration is preferred, it isn’t a necessity, but you need to make sure that the filters in your vacuum cleaner are long-lasting, efficient, and, of course, easy to clean.
Attachments
The attachments or tools of a vacuum cleaner as the parts that will allow it to take care of its intended job. Vacuum cleaners usually come with different accessories to deal with various scenarios. When looking for the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair, there are three tools that you need to look for:
- Motorized brush, which picks up stubborn pet hair.
- Crevice tool, which removes the nooks and crannies of pet fur.
- Dusting brush, which can remove dust, dirt, and pet hair from delicate surfaces.
If you want to go the extra mile and grant yourself a higher level of convenience, you can shell out some extra bucks to get a vacuum cleaner that comes with additional add-ons, such as a wand or hose that can be used to clean hard-to-reach spots.
Price
The price is a critical factor to consider when purchasing any device, not only the best handheld vacuum cleaner for pet hair. We made sure to review products from different price points so offer something for everyone. No matter your budget, you’ll find something you like and can afford on our list.
