A woman using a handheld vacuum cleaner to clean spilled cereal on a counter

Are Stick and Handheld Vacuums Worth Buying?

Leslie Murray 5 min read

Stick and handheld vacuum cleaners excel at spot cleaning and quick touch-ups. They’re great for busy families, small homes, and condo living. Strong performers like Henry Quick can even replace your main vacuum if your home has mostly light dirt and hard floors.

Vacuum cleaners were invented to make cleaning more convenient. But many older, traditional vacuum models are heavy, hard to move around, and even harder to store. 

When stick and handheld vacuum cleaners entered the market, they quickly became household favourites. But are they actually worth it? In this article, we guide you through their benefits, ideal uses, and how they perform next to larger vacuum models.

Are Cordless Stick Vacuums Worth Buying?

Absolutely! Stick vacuums are a great choice if you value convenience, easy handling, and versatility. 

Here’s why Canadians love them:

  • They’re lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.
  • They take up minimal storage space + tuck away easily.
  • They use simple controls that anyone in the family can use.
  • Most models convert to handheld mode for furniture, stairs, and car interiors.
  • They’re always ready to go.
  • They’re great for bare floors.
  • Cordless models offer hassle-free cleaning.
  • Corded stick vacuums allow for longer cleaning sessions. 

Fun fact: Older cordless stick vacuums (manufactured from 2017 to 2020) often had short battery life, typically lasting 15 to 30 minutes per charge, or even shorter. Today, powerhouse models like Henry Quick use more efficient lithium-ion batteries, which provide 60 minutes of cordless runtime on a single charge

 

Can a stick vacuum replace a regular vacuum?

For some households, yes. Stick vacuums can serve as the main cleaner if your space and cleaning needs are simple. They fit well in:

  • Small houses, condos, or apartments 
  • Homes with mostly hard floors or low to medium-pile carpet
  • Places with light to moderate daily dust
  • Households that prefer quick cleanups over deep cleaning
  • Homes with limited storage space

Tip: If your home has pets, thick carpets, or heavy dirt, pair your stick vac with a full-size canister vacuum like Henry 200 to handle deeper cleaning and tougher debris. This way, you get speed and convenience for touch-ups, plus serious cleaning ability whenever the job demands it. 

Learn more: Best Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair 

Henry Quick cordless stick vacuum being used to clean dirt on carpet

 

How long will a stick vacuum last? 

A stick vacuum typically lasts around five to seven years. However, reliable brands like Henry are built to last much longer with proper care and maintenance. As long as you maintain basic upkeep and follow the user manual, you can enjoy years of dependable performance. 

Stick Vacuum vs Upright Vacuum

A stick vacuum is technically an upright vacuum, as it stands vertically and is pushed in the same manner. Their main differences lie in weight, power, and capacity

Features

Stick Vacuum

Upright Vacuum

Weight

4 to 8 lbs

15 to 22 lbs

Suction Power

100 to 150 AW (800-1,200 Pa)

180 to 200 AW (1,400-1,600 Pa)

Average Capacity

Around 1L 

Around 1L to 2L

Power Source

Mostly cordless (battery-operated)

Mostly corded

Versatility

- Converts to handheld

- Good for stairs, hard-to-reach spaces

- Comes with attachments

- Primarily for floors or carpets, includes attachments for above-floor cleaning

- Bulkier and less flexible

Storage

Compact, easy to store

More compact than canister but still requires more space than stick vacuums

Best for

Small spaces, hard floors, touch-ups

Medium to large homes; carpeted flooring


Verdict: Stick vacuums win on convenience, while traditional uprights excel in power and capacity. When choosing your fighter, consider your home's size, flooring type, and how much cleaning you're tackling.

Learn more: Ultimate Guide to Buying a Vacuum Cleaner

Are Handheld Vacuums Worth It?

Handheld vacuums are entirely worth it if you’re looking for a grab-and-go solution for everyday messes. They’re great for spot clean-ups and detailed work. 

Handheld vacuums work best for cleaning: 

  • Car interiors
  • Kitchen counters
  • Crevices and tight spaces
  • Furniture and upholstery
  • Stairs 
  • Pet beds and crates 

Tip: Save money and storage space by choosing a convertible model like Henry Quick. It transforms from a stick to a handheld device instantly, so you're covered from the ceiling to the floor and everything in between! 

A woman disposing a Henry Quick pod directly into a garbage bin

 

Do handheld vacuums have good suction?

Yes, handheld vacuums offer good suction for spot cleaning, smaller messes, and tight spaces. Some high-end models even provide sufficient power for cleaning pet hair and carpets. 

However, the performance of a strictly handheld vacuum is optimized for convenience and portability. They work best as a complement to your main vacuum, which works best for deeper cleaning tasks. 

If you want both convenience and cleaning ability, we recommend getting a convertible stick vacuum with a handheld mode, so you have the right tool for every cleaning situation. 

What’s a Good Handheld Vacuum?

Henry Quick is a good stick and handheld vacuum cleaner that’s versatile, powerful for its size, and built to last. It’s one of the best cordless stick vacuums on the market, which can instantly transform into a handheld vacuum with the flip of a switch and the addition of attachments. 

  • Lasts up to 60 minutes on low power
  • One litre dust pod capacity with self-seal technology
  • Weighs only 7 lbs for an effortless cleaning job
  • 300W motor delivers the suction power you need for everyday messes
  • Two-year warranty for worry-free ownership
  • Versatile attachments tackle every surface and space

Buy Henry Quick

In Summary

  • Stick and handheld vacuums are an excellent investment if you’re after convenience, portability, and ease of use
  • They’re perfect for busy families, small homes, and condos.
  • Stick vacuums are technically uprights, but they’re often more lightweight, versatile, and compact than other models. 
  • Stick vacuums like Henry Quick work best alongside a full-size canister vacuum like Henry 200 for deep cleaning carpets and handling larger jobs.
  • Handheld vacuums work great anywhere precision matters: spot cleaning, car interiors, stairs, and furniture.
  • Convertible stick-to-handheld models offer the best value, giving you two tools in one machine. 

Get the Cleaning Power of Stick and Handheld Vacuums in One

Why choose when you can have both? Henry Quick gives you the reach of a stick vacuum and the convenience of a handheld in one lightweight but powerful machine. Get both stick and handheld functionality without the hassle, the bulk, or the extra expense. 

Shop Henry Quick today and join the thousands of Canadians who've already simplified their cleaning routine.

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