New Delhi, June 19 -- A handheld vacuum cleaner is a convenient and practical appliance for regular cleaning. You won't need to haul out a large machine just to get rid of crumbs from the sofa or dust off your car seat. These compact gadgets are perfect for quick cleanups and can save you a lot of time and effort. But before you make a purchase, there are some factors you should think about.

Cordless models give you the flexibility to move around. They are a good pick for cleaning corners, cars, and even stairs without worrying about plugs. But you must charge them, and battery life can be short. Corded ones don't need charging, but you may find the cord a bit annoying if you are cleaning far from a power point. Choose based on where and...