Bissell Vacuum

Light enough for kids to handle. At 5.8 lb, the Featherweight 3061 is easy to grab for quick daily pickups, and it gets used in classrooms as well as homes. The low weight is the main reason to buy it, more than its suction or runtime.

Not well. It does a good job on vinyl plank, hard floors and mats, especially with the brush roll switched off, but it's weaker on shag, thick carpet and along edges. The Bissell Featherweight suits homes that are mostly hard floor with a few thin rugs.

Only a small one. Bissell rates it at 20 minutes, which covers a few rooms, but it doesn't last long and recharging after a big session takes a while. If you clean several rooms at once, the Featherweight 3061 will leave you waiting on the charger.

Yes, for small jobs. The hand vac pops out of the Bissell Featherweight for couches, upholstery and quick spills, so you don't need a second machine for them. A crevice tool and an upholstery brush come in the box.

Quickly. The cup empties in one go and the filters rinse out with little fuss. It holds 0.45 liters, so on the Featherweight 3061 expect to empty it often on any job beyond a touch-up.

The folding handle bends to reach under furniture and folds down so the vacuum fits in a closet.