The ultra lightweight nature of the H-Handy makes it a good option for cleaning stairs. However, the small nozzle is time-consuming, so we’d suggest using the dusting brush attachment. It would have been nice to see a motorised attachment included, particularly for carpeted stairs. We found that the design of the 3-in-1 tool was less convenient than the Shark WV200UK though. Instead of a flip-down brush, you need to push the brush along the crevice tool to use it. Whenever we tried to do this with the tool attached, we also pulled off the entire tool, as there was nothing clipping it into place. But it really is only good for small jobs, like toast crumbs on the countertop or dried mud in the hallway. The short battery life, mediocre suction, and tiny dust canister mean it’s not suitable for anything bigger.

Considering the Hoover H-Handy Express is around half the price of the Shark WV200UK, we think it provides decent value for money. Its appearance is part of the appeal, as you don’t need to hide it away, and it’s lightweight and convenient to use around the home.With that said, the H-Handy can still be useful for small dry spills inside your car. It’s certainly more convenient than a regular vacuum cleaner – just don’t expect to deep clean your car with it. For car cleaning, take a look at our guide to the best car vacuums instead. Stairs One of the first items I test when reviewing any vacuum cleaner is its power in AirWatts. This provides an indication of the vacuum’s level of suction. With the Hoover H-Handy 700, at the nozzle I estimated that it produced 63AW, which is a little more powerful than your average cordless vacuum cleaner’s standard setting. Car interiors are often the reason people buy a handheld vacuum cleaner. Sadly, we don’t recommend the Hoover H-Handy 700 Express for car cleaning. We also found that it struggled to clean carpets, pet hair, and other tougher jobs. And we really hope that Hoover re-thinks the messy emptying system for their next handheld vacuum!

If I have one minor complaint it’s that you don’t get a wider tool with this model, so larger areas can take a little longer to clean.Competition is growing in this area, however. If you have a Vax ONEPWR vacuum cleaner, then the Vax ONEPWR Cordless Hand Vac comes barebones (no battery), and offers up to 25 minutes of runtime; it also has a bigger bin. It’s half the price of the H-Handy 700, making it a bargain for ONEPWR owners. To empty the bin you have to hold down the button on the top, and then snap the vacuum in half. You then need to detach the filter from inside the bin before you can empty the debris. Front LED cleaning light– Allows greater visibility so you never miss even the tiniest of crumbs, ideal for use in shadows under furniture. In terms of charging, Hoover say it'll take the H-Handy three hours to charge from flat to full. Hoover H-Handy 700: The verdict