Home Improvement

The Best Handheld Vacuum for Stairs In 2022: Buyers’ Guide

Are you tired of dirty stairs at your home? Do you want to know a method to quickly clean up such places in your residence?

Are you tired of dirty stairs at your home? Do you want to know a method to quickly clean up such places in your residence? If yes, then all you need is a good, handheld vacuum cleaner to clean areas in your houses!

In this article, we are going to explore the best handheld vacuum for stairs in 2022. This guide will contain the following information as well:

  • Uses of Vacuum Cleaner
  • Difference between various types of vacuum cleaners
  • Ways to maintain the vacuum cleaner
  • Recommendations on the best handheld vacuum cleaner
  • Frequently asked questions

Due to the advancements in technology, more electrical appliances are becoming portable to allow ease in use and storage. Vacuum cleaners are no exception because they are an essential item in households. Even if your home does not have carpets, there are many other places where you could use a vacuum. Stay with us in this article and you will find everything related to the top-rated hand vacuums!

What is a Vacuum Cleaner?

A vacuum cleaner is an electrical device that sucks the dirt and other small items from floor. It consists of a pipe that contains a suction cap at the front. This suction cap can be changed according to the surface a vacuum is used on. The dirt goes into a waste bag placed in the main compartment which can be removed and cleaned after usage. The earliest vacuum cleaners used blowing air instead of the normal suction operation. The first suction vacuums were invented in 1901 which were powered by an electrical motor. Over the next years, domestic models of vacuum cleaners emerged but their use in common household started in the mid 20th century.

Types of Vacuum Cleaners

There are different types of vacuum cleaners available on the market. Although we will be finding out the best handheld vacuum for stairs in this article, it is still important to know the differences between all types of vacuums.

1- Upright Vacuum Cleaners

The upright vacuum cleaners are long, standing devices that are powered by a motor.  They consist of fans which can be placed near the bottom or at the top near the handle. If you have some back problems and want to clean your house while standing, this vacuum is ideal for you. The fan-bypass type upright devices are one of the best vacuums for stairs. They have good power output and can be used continuously for a long time due to the efficient cooling system.

2- Canister Vacuum Cleaners

Canister vacuum cleaners have a compartment which contains the motor and dust bag and contains wheels to move it around easily. The unit is connected by a pipe to the suction hose which can be interchanged according to the requirements.  Residential users find this a very practical one for use in homes since the pipe can be inserted in small places to take out the dirt easily.

3- Drum Vacuum Cleaners

As its name suggests, the canister in this type is drum-shaped.  These vacuum cleaners are mostly considered heavy duty machines because their dirt bags are large in size and they are operated with powerful motors. The pipes and suction heads are similar to canister vacuums. If you are looking for a rugged vacuum cleaner for your workplace or residence, drum-type will be ideal for you.

4- Backpack Vacuum Cleaners

Users who have to clean large indoor halls often use backpack vacuum cleaners which they can carry on their back and move around easily. These vacuums have light weight canisters attached to straps and the pipes are kept long so that the person can easily place it in different places. Such portable vacuums are suited for commercial use where workers have the task to clean huge areas like prayer halls or gatherings.

Read more: The Best Above Ground Pool Robotic Cleaner

5- Handheld Vacuum Cleaners

Handheld vacuum cleaners are small devices that are usually batter operated. These types of vacuums are perfect for tight spaces like sofa edges, car interiors, computer surfaces, etc. They can be operated by mains supply or USB as well. In this article, we are going to find out the best handheld vacuum cleaners for stairs!

6- Robotic Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuum cleaners have undergone massive transitions with technology. There are various styles of robotic vacuums available today. The simplest form is a roller style device which moves in specific directions on the floor while the brushes or suction pumps attached to it clean the surface. Many other companies have introduced new technologies in robot vacuum cleaners like laser based movement and smart camera systems. However, the widespread use of such robots is still far off in future!

Uses of Vacuum Cleaners

You already know that vacuum cleaners are used for cleaning purposes. But, what types of places can they clean? Let’s find out below:

Carpeted Areas

The most common use of vacuum cleaners is to remove dirt, debris, hair or other small unwanted pieces from carpeted areas. These can be in rooms, halls or stairs. The suction property of vacuums makes them ideal for this job because we cannot put wet mops on carpets. Therefore, if you have carpets at your home, it is essential that you buy a good quality vacuum to keep them neat and tidy!

Sofas/Beds

Have you ever experienced the anger when a small item falls inside the edge of sofa cushion and you cannot take it out? Almost everyone has gone through this and vacuum cleaners can be used to rescue your precious things.  Most cloth sofas and bed mattresses are difficult to clean with clothes and if done, the material is often damaged. Therefore, users are always in the search for the best portable vacuum cleaners to fulfill this need.

Car Interiors

Cleaning your car interior is not an easy job! You have so many places to consider like the internal carpeting, dashboard, center console, seats, etc. Users like to have to top rated handheld vacuum for this purpose because small devices can be reached out in the tiny spaces inside a car. Moreover, as you cannot wash the interior, vacuum cleaners are the only way to suck out dirt from inside the vehicle.

10 Best Handheld Vacuums for Stairs

The following are the 10 best handled vacuums for stairs according to our experts.

ImageProduct NameDetailsCheck Price
Black + Decker Dust Buster Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Black + Decker Dust Buster


Lithium Ion for long battery life


Check Price
Eureka Easy Clean Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Eureka Easy Clean


Motorized brush with on/off switch


Check Price
Shark Rocket Ultra Light
Shark Rocket Ultra Light


True Pet Motorized Brush for deep cleaning


Check Price
Vaclife Handheld Vacuum
Vaclife Handheld Vacuum


Improved heat filter & cordless design


Check Price
APOSEN Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
APOSEN Cordless


Advanced Cyclone Filtration System


Check Price
Dirt Devil Scorpion Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Dirt Devil Scorpion


REMOVABLE RINSABLE FILTER


Check Price
Shark Handheld Vacuum
Shark WV201


Up to 80 quarts dust capacity


Check Price
Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Homasy Portable


Deep cleaning with strong suction


Check Price
Uplift Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Uplift Portable


3 in 1 Wet-Dry deep cleaning


Check Price
Black + Decker Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Black + Decker Cordless


Ideal for quick clean ups and spills


Check Price

1. Black + Decker Dust Buster Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Decker Dust buster Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

This is a portable vacuum cleaner by Black & Decker. Powered by lithium ion battery, this product can keep the charge for one and a half years if not in use. You will only need 4 hours to charge it to full capacity.  The dust bag is contained inside a translucent compartment so that users can easily see the amount of dirt gathered. It has a capacity of 0.6 kg and can be washed after use.  There is a normal suction head and a small brush for use in tiny spaces.

This vacuum gives output of 16V and 15.2 Air Watts (AW). The AW standard is used to quantify the suction power of vacuums in terms of the power used to suck a unit of air through the vacuum’s suction head.  Its handy style makes it one of the best cordless vacuums for stairs in 2021 and you would only need to spend $68 on it.

Pros
  • Washable dust bag
  • Multiple cleaning heads
  • Portable (Works on battery)
Cons
  • Limited dust bag capacity

2. Eureka Easy Clean Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Eureka Easy Clean Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

This yellow coloured device looks like a bee but does your cleaning very well. It works on AC supply but its 20 foot long cable allows you to take it anywhere in your home or outside. It has a round suction head and a built in brush system which is ideal for cleaning sofas, bed sheets, and car interiors. This 5 pound machine is also a good vacuum for stairs because it is easy to carry around and can work in tight spaces. Users are provided with two motors on the brush and suction systems. The cost of this product is $45 and its practicality makes it one of the best mini vacuums out there!

Pros
  • Unique design
  • Extra-long connection cable
  • Features both: brush and suction heads
Cons
  • Not wireless

3.  Shark Rocket Ultra Light

Shark Rocket Ultra Light

If you are looking for the lightest possible vacuum cleaner, this is the one to choose! Weighing merely 3.7 pounds, you will barely feel it your hands while cleaning. Connect the 15 foot long cable to your mains supply and carry this handheld vacuum by Shark anywhere in your home.  The output of this device is only 400 Watts which is very reasonable for this type of energy intensive equipment. It has 3 different types of suction heads that can be used according to the requirements.  Costing $100, this is truly one of the top-rated handheld vacuums of 2021.

Pros
  • Multiple suction heads
  • Long connection cable
  • Very lightweight
Cons
  • Expensive for a handheld vacuum cleaner

4. Vaclife Handheld Vacuum

Vaclife Handheld Vacuum

The Vaclife Handheld Vacuum is a true portable, compact machine that is ideal to clean your staircases, cupboards or any other place you can imagine. Powered by a Lithium ion battery, it can operate for 30 minutes straight. Users can fully charge the device in 3 hours. There are 3 different types of suction heads including brush, crevice and horizontal head. You have a bright LED light that can help you locate items at night that you wish to clean. Priced at $65, you must not miss this product as it is one of the best cordless vacuums for stairs.

Pros
  • 3 types of suction heads
  • Fully wireless
  • Washable filter
  • LED light option
Cons
  • Limited dust bag capacity

5. APOSEN Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

APOSEN Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

If you are looking for a versatile cordless vacuum cleaner, you must explore this product by APOSEN. This is a wireless device which works on a Lithium ion battery and can operate for 20 minutes straight. It has a highly advanced HEPA filter which can trip your 99.9% of particles inside. The unique part about this vacuum is that it comes with a long full size suction head which can be attached if needed.

Weighing only 2.4 pounds, this portable vacuum is extremely light weight. It can be fully charged in 4.5 hours. The dust collection is done in the 0.65 liter compartment itself, which means that there is no separate bag that needs cleaning. Users spend only $68 for this package and get one of the best mini vacuums on the market.

Pros
  • Long suction head
  • No filter bag to clean
  • Light weight
Cons
  • Only 20 minutes of operating time

6. Dirt Devil Scorpion Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Dirt Devil Scorpion Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

This vacuum by Scorpion is a stylish device which you can use in daily operations at your home. It has 0.45 liter dust capacity and contains a filter which you can rinse and clean after use. The electrical cable length is 16 foot.  Moreover, there is a 1.5 foot suction head that can be detached as well. If you wish to reach out in tiny spaces for cleaning, you have an extra crevice attachment.

You can operate it for as long as you wish in your rooms or stairs because there is not a battery to worry about. Overall, this is one of the best vacuums for carpeted stairs in the house because it costs only $30.

Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Long connection cable
  • Extra suction head and crevice tool
Cons
  • The dust compartment is very small
  • Not wireless

7. Shark Handheld Vacuum

Shark Handheld Vacuum

The product you are seeing below is actually a handheld vacuum cleaner although, it may not look like it. Resembling a long stick, this device weight only 1.4 pounds which is unbelievably light for a vacuum.  It is kept on a charging base which contains another suction attachment as well. The dust bag capacity is 75 ml and you only need to press one button to empty it. The powerful motor allows good suction capacity for this machine. You can recharge it in 2.5 hours only and enjoy this top-rated hand vacuums! However, you shall have to pay $130 for it which is a bit higher than usual.

Pros
  • Sleek Design
  • One-touch empty feature for dust bag
  • Extremely lightweight
Cons
  • Very small dust capacity
  • Expensive handheld vacuum

Read more: The Best Above Ground Pool Pad

8. Homasy Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Completely wireless, this handheld vacuum cleaner by Homasy is a great choice for everybody.  Powered by a 100 W motor and 8 Kpa suction capacity, this device can clean your stairs, sofas, beds, cars or even your electronic items easily. Charge it fully in 4 hours and keep cleaning for 30 minutes continuously without any worry.  The dust bag capacity is decent as well because you can store 0.6 liters in it.  You have 3 different suction heads including rubber, brush and crevice head. Costing only $60, this is one of the best stair vacuums in 2021.

Pros
  • Decent storage capacity
  • Multiple suction heads
  • Low noise operation
Cons
  • Only 30 minutes’ operation in full charge

9. Uplift Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Uplift Portable Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Looking for a good, portable vacuum cleaner for your house? This product by Uplift will offer you lots of features for just $ 40. It is powered by a Lithium ion battery and can work for 25 minutes on a full charge.  The dust compartment has a capacity of 0.6 liters while containing a HEPA washable filter. Users can choose from 3 various options like a long tube, brush and crevice tool to suit your needs.  With a suction power of 7 Kpa and a maximum power of only 120 W, it is one of the best handheld vacuums for stairs at your home!

Pros
  • Cheap vacuum cleaner
  • Lightweight
  • Multiple nozzle choices
Cons
  • Working time is limited

10. Black + Decker Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Best Handheld Vacuum for Stairs

If you are looking for a handy, cordless vacuum cleaner, pick this one without any doubt!  Coming from Black + Decker, this product is a 100W, 12V portable device which works on lithium-ion batteries. It weighs 1.9 pounds and can be attached to the wall charging station that is pre-included in the box. With 6 colour choices and a price tag of $ 47, you find yourself a well-reputed product that is termed as one of the best cordless vacuum cleaners overall.

Pros
  • Handy and compact
  • Wall mount for charging
  • Multiple suction attachments
Cons
  • Very small dust compartment

Important Features of a Handled Vacuum Cleaner

Every appliance has specific features that you shall look when buying it. The essential ones in handheld vacuums are listed below:

  • Suction Power

The primary purpose of vacuum cleaner is to suck the dust and other unwanted materials. Most handheld vacuums consume 100- 150 watts power. This is significantly less than full size vacuums which operate at higher than 1000 W in most cases. However, this means that the suction power of portable vacuum is less as well. Most of them have 7-8 Kpa suction power which is enough to use on carpeted stairs, sofas and car interiors.

  • Battery Life

Even the best cordless vacuum cleaners have a maximum battery life of 30 minutes in full charge. This is a limitation that users have to consider when buying such devices. If your usage is higher than this, you are recommended to purchase wired handheld vacuums which offer similar performance without the worry of charging.

  •  Storage Capacity

Small size means small storage space for dirt. Majority of handheld vacuums have dust bags that can accommodate less than 1 liter of dirt at a time. However, emptying such compartments is very easy and usually possible with a one touch operation. Consequently, most users do not need to worry much in this regard if they are working at home. If they are cleaning out of home, emptying the waste compartments may be a problem.

  • Accessories

Even if you buy the best handheld vacuum cleaner, you would need different accessories to complement it. These include suction heads, filters, chargers and storage bags. Most manufacturers provide these items with the device but the user has to ensure their quality and pricing. Sometimes, they are not included in the overall price of the product. Moreover, people may need bags to carry the vacuum cleaner on vacations or use it to clean specific areas which means that extra equipment needs to be present along with the vacuum itself.

When should You Buy a Handled Vacuum Cleaner?

There is no doubt that small, portable vacuum cleaners have their advantages over large ones. They offer quick use in very small places and you do not have to worry about high power consumption. However, handheld vacuum cleaners are not suited for heavy duty use. If you are living in a large house with several rooms, a portable vacuum cannot suit you because these types have maximum 30 minutes operating time. Moreover, their dirt storage is limited to less than 1 liter.

Consequently, you must choose a full size canister or drum based vacuum cleaner for your house if your usage is greater than above. Handheld vacuums are good for small flats where the family size is small or when this is used as a complement to a large sized vacuum cleaner. The best uses for such devices are in cleaning sofas, stairs, car interiors or other small spaces inside the houses.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the best hand vacuum for stairs?

You have many choices for a good handheld vacuum for cleaning staircases at your home.  The list below shows some of the best ones:

  • Shark Rocket Ultra Light
  • Eureka Easy clean
  • Black + Decker 12V Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
  • Dirt Devil Scorpion Handheld Vacuum
  • Uplift Portable Vacuum Cleaner
  • Black + Decker 20V Max
  • Bissell Clean View Deluxe Vacuum
  • Vaclife Handheld Vacuum
  • Homasy Handheld Vacuum
  • APOSEN Cordless Vacuum
  1. What is the most powerful handheld vacuum cleaner?

The Dyson V11 is a powerful handheld vacuum cleaner powered by a Hyperdymium motor which can rotate up to 125000 rpm. The 14 cyclones generate enough power to remove all microscopic dirt from any surface. Users can remove dust particles of even 0.3 microns in size. Moreover, this device has good battery life with up to 120 minutes of working time.

  1. How long due do handheld vacuum last?

Handheld vacuums are popular devices for household use. They are intended for light usage i.e maximum 1-2 hours use per day. If they are used in the proper manner, they can easily last up to 10 years. However, with new models coming out every year, we would recommend you to change your handheld vacuums after 3 years to keep up with the latest trends.

  1. How do I choose a handheld vacuum?

When buying a new, portable handheld vacuum, you should keep the following things in mind:

  • See the battery life as most cordless vacuums run 25- 30 minutes on a full charge.
  • Consider the size and weight of the vacuums. Most devices weigh less than 5 pounds and 20 inches in length approximately.
  • Explore the dust bag capacity. If you are planning to clean the whole house from a handheld vacuum, do not buy it because it has low storage capacity.
  • Look for different suction heads and accessories that can be attached to the vacuum cleaner in various situations.

Final Thoughts

Vacuum cleaners are an integral part of household appliances. In the busy life that we are living in today, we want the cleaning to be done quickly and efficiently. Therefore, users are on the search of the top rated hand vacuums all over the world. In this article, we have explored the 10 best handheld vacuums. These included both wired and cordless devices. It was observed that almost all vacuums had a dust storage capacity of less than 1 liter. The operating time of battery powered machines is approximately 30 minutes.

Overall, handheld vacuums are best for light use such as cleaning the stairs, pulling dust out of the sofas or tidying the carpets in a car. All the devices are similar in operation and features so it is up to the user’s preference on the brand to choose. Read this article carefully to make the best choice for your portable vacuum cleaner!

Hope you liked this article. Please give your thoughts in the comments section below. We look forward to your valuable feedback!

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