On Monday, March 24, 2014 at 11:27:19 AM UTC-5, DerbyDad03 wrote:
_dee_ wrote:
I've been looking for a reliable battery-powered vacuum cleaner.
Important points:
Reliable batteries, easy to find replacements.
Versatile, able to reach corners.
Easy to clean!
The obvious: Good vacuum, efficiency

I had a Delonghi that would trap dirt inside the badly designed
internal parts. Horrible to clean.

Some that come to mind:
Black and Decker Dustbuster:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/stor...eyword=vacuumh

Shark:
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/stor...eyword=vacuumh

Dirt Devil:
(Don't have a link on hand)

Can any of those knowledgable about these things please help to tip
the scales?

I used to use the older style DustBusters. I stopped using them because I
could always smell the dust that would blow out of the side vents. I can't
actually confirm that dust came out, but it seemed to me that if I smelled
it, it must be blowing out. It would gross me out if a family member used
it to clean crumbs off of a table or counter. It always seemed to me
(because of the smell) that the device was picking up the crumbs but laying
dust down on everything around it.

My wife bought a Shark mini-electric vacuum a few years back. It was a
piece of crap in so many ways that it sat in a closet for a year before I
finally threw it out. I can't speak to their handhelds, but if the electric
mini is any indication of the Shark brand quality, I'd stay away from it.

My go-to vacuum for small jobs is this one:

http://evacuumstore.com/p-193-sanita...Fenm7AodrXoAxQ

I had one of the original Electrolux Mighty Mites for over 20 years. It was
physically beat up but still worked great. I gave it to my son 5 years ago
and bought the new one. He still uses the old one for his car, stairs, etc.

The Mighty Mite is the best small vac made in my opinion (but not battery operated). We use one to vacuum the hair at a vet clinic. It is used 6 nights a week and lasts for years. After much use, the cord develops an internal break from flexing where it exits the machine. Then you can take it apart and rewire it to make like new again. The vac is made by Electrolux and is sold under both the Electrolux and Eureka names. Price ranges from about $70 to over $100. Some of the more expensive models have a metal wand but the plastic is better.