The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.
How we test carpet cleaning
This score shows how well this handheld vacuum cleaner sucks up dust and small debris from Wilton carpet. The best models will suck up almost everything in their path, while others can suck up less than 10% of it.
How we test ease of use
The overall ease of use score takes account of the manoeuvrability, ease of maintenance and versatility of each machine. Our ease of use tests make up 22.5% of the total test score compared with 75% for suction performance and 2.5% for noise. We evaluate how easy each machine is to use in a real car, at various heights, on stairs and how easy each machine is to empty, clean and maintain.
How we test hard floor cleaning
How well this handheld vacuum cleaner sucks up dust and debris from hard floors. The best models have no trouble sucking up bits of various sizes, and the worst struggle to lift anything and clog up easily during use.
How we test allergen retention
Allergen retention is how well each vacuum retains the fine dust and allergens that it sucks up. The best (four or five-star rated) can trap nearly all of these fine particles within the machine and so are very suitable for allergy sufferers.
How we test pet hair
For the pet hair test we comb real cat and dog hair into carpet and time how long it takes to suck it up, with the worst models leaving hair behind even after two full minutes of continuous cleaning.
How we test fibre removal
We test how quickly a vacuum will vlean upholstery of short fluff and fibres.
How we test noise
The noisiest vacuums make a similar din to a busy road, while the quietest will allow you to carry on your conversation.
