Portable Power: Shark WANDVAC Cordless Handheld Vacuum

We purchased the Shark WANDVAC Cordless Handheld Vacuum so our reviewer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

The Shark WANDVAC Cordless Handheld Vacuum promises unbelievable suction for everyday messes and small spaces. And as someone who’s constantly battling dust, fur, and litter box debris from five animals, I was intrigued. Sometimes I have a quick mess that needs cleaning, and I don’t want to pull out my full-size vacuum or battle with a broom and dustpan. But I’ve used plenty of dustbusters and handheld vacuums in the past, and they just never really seem to live up to their claims. Could the Shark WANDVAC be the one that does everything it promises? I had to know.

As soon as the WANDVAC arrived, I excitedly opened it and started to put it together. It comes mostly assembled. The only thing I had to do was connect the three base pieces, and (I thought) I was ready to go. But then I got to the part of the instructions that say you have to fully charge the battery before using it for the first time, or the battery won’t be properly conditioned.

I plugged the vacuum in and waited for the fading blue light to turn solid. It finally did—2.5 hours later—which I thought seemed excessively long given that the run time of the vacuum is only 9.5 minutes.

When it was finally ready, I took the Shark WANDVAC off the charger and turned it on. I was actually startled by how loud it was (and so were all of the sleeping pets around me). But the suction was really powerful, so it was a welcome trade-off. I used the WANDVAC on my couch, and it easily picked up pet fur, dust, debris, and crumbs. 

Then I took it to the other room and cleaned up the stray litter that had somehow piled up on the hardwood floor around the litter box. The mess was gone in seconds, but the dustbin started to fill up really quickly. After just a few minutes of use, I had to empty it, which is partly a reflection of the amount of pet fur in my home. But it's also due to the fact that the dustbin is really small. It probably holds about half a cup of compacted dirt, if that.

Fortunately, it’s really easy to empty. There’s a push-button right underneath the power button, and when you slide it forward with your thumb, the dustbin pops right open. I opened it over the trash, and the dust and dirt slid right out. Some fur did get stuck on the screen, but I wiped it out and got back to work.

After using the vacuum on its own for a little while, I attached the Duster Crevice Tool. It not only extends the length of the vacuum, but it also has bristles on the end that pull fur and hair off upholstery and carpets before the powerful suction takes them away. This tool is a dream for cleaning up around the edges of my bedroom that my regular vacuum constantly misses and for cleaning the floors in my car. In fact, because it fits into small spaces and is really powerful, the vacuum really shines for use as a car cleaning tool. The WANDVAC also has a Multi-Surface Pet Tool, but I didn’t notice a huge difference in performance when using the vacuum with and without it attached.

In addition to loving the vacuum’s performance, I also really liked the design. The WANDVAC has an ergonomic handle and a one-touch start button that perfectly lined up with my thumb. It’s sleek, lightweight, and easy to carry from room to room or outside to the car. The design of the stand is equally impressive. It has a slim footprint and housing for the attachments, so everything is neatly lined up in a row.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Shark WANDVAC run on a single charge?

The Shark WANDVAC runs for 9.5 minutes on a full charge and takes 2.5 hours to fully charge from empty. To ensure that the vacuum is always charged, the manufacturer recommends returning it to the charging base after each use.

I was shocked to hear that the run time was so low, but it only died on me once—when I cleaned my car after vacuuming off my couch. If you make it a point to return the vacuum to the charger after each use and understand that this is meant to be more of a picker-upper rather than a full vacuum job, you won’t have any problems.

Is the filter washable?

This handheld vacuum has a washable filter, so there’s no need to purchase replacement filters. Shark recommends washing the filter once a month by rinsing it with cold water only (no soaps or cleaners) until the water runs clear and then letting it dry for at least 24 hours before returning it to the unit.

If you notice that the Shark WANDVAC stops picking up dirt or its suction seems to have lessened, you may need to clean the filter sooner.

What does the Shark WANDVAC come with?

The Shark WANDVAC comes with two attachment tools: a Duster Crevice Tool and a Multi-Surface Pet Tool. It also comes with a charging base and a stand that neatly holds everything upright.

Shark WANDVAC Cordless Handheld Vacuum vs. BLACK+DECKER dustbuster QuickClean Hand Vacuum

If the Shark WANDVAC is just a little too small, the BLACK+DECKER dustbuster QuickClean Hand Vacuum is another cordless option. The BLACK+DECKER vacuum retails for around $30 in comparison to Shark's $120. It’s bulkier and heavier than the Shark WANDVAC and not as portable, but it has an extra-long crevice tool and a motorized pet brush that you can use to clean out-of-reach places and stray fur. The dustbin is also larger, so you can clean up bigger messes without emptying it as frequently. If you need to clean larger areas and don’t mind the larger footprint, the BLACK+DECKER is a good option, but if you’re after portability and sleek storage, the Shark is the better choice.