Recommend me a non-Dyson 'dustbuster' type vacuum cleaner that's good for dust allergies! (Please)

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Need to replace my handheld Dyson which I hate for various reasons. They get good Which? ratings for allergy filters compared to others reviewed by Which (not loads last time I looked) but I'm not getting another Dyson.

Basically it needs to be easy to use and empty, and have attachments like brush attachment for doing skirting boards etc, as well as doing the inside of the car. If there is a flexible hose attachment that's a bonus - motorised head for stairs would also be good.

But mainly it needs to not make me sneeze - if you are affected by dust flying around then please let me know if there is a model you'd recommend!

I've got a decent 'main' vacuum cleaner so don't want one with a full-length 'stick' or anything like that - just a handheld one you can recharge.

Thanks in advance.

Miele

Do you have a model name? I looked at Miele earlier and they don't seem to do handvac type ones.

I am not sure if the "dust flying around" is from emptying the vacuum cleaner or from the process of cleaning your house, either by disturbing the dust on the surfaces, or it blowing out the cleaner. Can you clarify?

There are now at least two manufacturers of bagged rechargeable cleaners, and that will cut down on the dust when emptying - Gtech make one and Numatic make several under the Hetty and Henry names.

BBC 4's "Sliced Bread" podcast did an excellent investigation into vacuum cleaners. you can find it by Googling what I have just written. The conclusion was that as of yet, no rechargeable vacuum cleaner has anywhere near the power of a mains powered cleaner, and that for interim cleaning they're fine, but for cleaning thoroughly & and with attachments, you do need a mains cleaner.

They said that the technology to have a battery with the power that's needed to run a vacuum cleaner to the same kind of standard as a mains cleaner, yet can be easily attached to the cleaner and is lightweight enough & small enough has simply not been invented yet.

I've had several cordless cleaners of various makes, although only for a quick pick-up. They were all terrible, no matter what I paid for them. The one I have now cost me about £80 from Asda, and it's no worse than any other I've owned. If anything, it's lasted longer than at least one of the more expensive cleaners I've had.

What do you hate about your Dyson?

With mine, I hated all the weight being at the top of the cleaner, the floor head was floppy and too light, and I had to hold the switch in at all times to use it. That was very tiring, but I didn't have to worry as with no time at all the battery failed anyway. I was so pleased to see it gone.

I could have written exactly that! Holding the switch on, with the weight of it, is terrible design. The 2nd battery we got for it has died. Plus if the filter got in the least bit clogged it wouldn't stay on. Emptying it is a total nightmare and dust just stayed stuck inside it.

Thanks for your earlier post. I think it's more the filter I was wondering about. I'm not massively fussed about amazing suction as it would mainly be used for interim jobs.

I had a Black n Decker one a long time ago with a long hose bit. That seemed ok but was wondering if there was better. Last time my DH looked into it he said out was hard to get comparable information about allergy stuff so I assume they're much of a muchness.

Have a look at the Allergy UK recommendations.
www.allergyuk.org/our-services/allergyuk-products/?product_type%5B0%5D=134&filter-type=4
If weight/weight distribution is also an issue, test them out in a High Street retailer (Currys or your local independent) rather than buying online.

Back in the mid 1980s, when I was in my 20s, I had a job working for Vax, as an in-store demonstrator. Back then, they only had one vacuum cleaner (although at some point they brought out a handheld cleaner too but it wasn't a massive success), which was their flagship 3-in-1 dry vacuum & wet carpet cleaner.

I could be working in any number of shops, though typically it was a department store or an electricity board showroom, and I'd have a stand with two cleaners set up either side of me, one for dry vacuuming, and one for wet cleaning. I sold so many of those cleaners in my time!

I have a photo of me somewhere, aged - I think - 29, in a stunning black & white suit, killer heels, and my hair and make up I used to have like Bonnie Tyler of the same era. Of course, if you're a young person, most of this will go straight over your head, but I do miss the 80s.

I also hated the Dyson.

I now have a Henry Quick, it's heavier than I'd like but I needed a bagged one due to pollen/dust allergies and it's bloody good.

You are the only person I've heard say they have a Henry Quick. How much are the bags, and what is the quality of the cleaner like? They are a lot of money, but of course if it's good then it's worth it. I haven't seen one in the flesh, only online, and I'm very interested.

Sharp stratos stick corded with hepa filter. Has a really long cord. Does need emptying often but is really easy to empty

Sebo. They're pricy but 100% worth it, I have a dust mite allergy and it's the only one I've found that actually helps

My cordless Vax pet and allergy vacuum is great. Powerful and lasts for ages and the filters is great. It isn't bagged though, which isn't a problem as it's my son with allergies rather than me (who empties it) but about half the price of a shark/ Dyson at about £175

I have a Henry Quick Pet. I'm really pleased with it although I've never had a cordless one before so can't compare it to anything.
Although my sister has one and says she prefers it to her old Dyson.

I have a black and decker. It is a wet / dry vac so you can vacuum up spilled wine water.

I don't know about filters but you could vacuum some water first so the dust wouldn't be flying around.

Link to mine, I did not pay that much, I think it was just under £30 so maybe wait for the sales. My carer loves it.

www.amazon.co.uk/BLACK-DECKER-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Dustbuster/dp/B01GUYXQGO?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A29F1JIJWJQSEI&th=1

I feel your pain re the Dyson hand held @WhatIsThisFolder
I have one, it was expensive and it's not easy to use.
It's old now but It still works.
But you have to keep your finger on the button for it to work.
It dies quickly too.
Because it was expensive I can't justify binning it but when it dies I'll buy a wee Shark one.
It was recommended by Which.
They did say that the container for debris is tiny and it is, my Mum has one, so I have used hers.
But it's easy to use and has great suction.
It isn't bagged so I'm not sure how suitable it would be for people with dust allergies OP.

Miele

I'm quite slovenly so when I Hoover (though I've persuaded dh to do it now) it must be good.

When we did have a cleaner the reccy woman was turning her nose up at my house a lot till she heard I had a Miele.

You'll have to check for bag prices as mine came with a load included so haven't needed to buy any yet.

It has 2 settings, a fairly standard suction and a carpet-lifting boost function, you don't have to hold down the buttons.

Because it's Henry I expect it to be easy to buy spare parts for many years to come. The battery is easily removable rather than built in. It is extremely well built, better than my Miele. But it is heavy and a bit cumbersome to use as a handheld, which is definitely a compromise.

With allergies I'd probably go for a bag type.

The Miele handheld pet is extremely good but emptying is a bit of a faff as no bag.