When Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson enthusiastically praised her £180 Shark WandVac 2.0 cordless handheld vacuum cleaner, calling it "unbelievable" for daily cleaning tasks, many consumers took notice. However, for those seeking similar convenience without the premium price tag, an excellent alternative exists at Lakeland for just £69.99 – a substantial saving of £110.
The Premium Versus The Practical
Louise Thompson's beloved Shark model, typically retailing at £179.99 though occasionally discounted to £129, represents a significant investment for what is essentially a quick-clean tool. The television personality uses it for everything from vehicle cleaning to tidying up after her son and pets, highlighting its versatility. Yet for many households, spending nearly £200 on a supplementary cleaning device feels excessive, especially when comparable performance can be found elsewhere.
Discovering Lakeland's Budget-Friendly Alternative
Lakeland's Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner immediately catches the eye with its sleek design that closely resembles the Shark model. Priced at just £69.99, this cordless device offers straightforward operation and compact storage, fitting neatly into cupboards without occupying valuable space. The package includes two practical attachment heads – a brush and a crevice nozzle – allowing users to tackle various surfaces and access hard-to-reach areas that standard vacuum cleaners might miss.
Perfect for addressing sudden spills, scattered crumbs, accumulated dust, or muddy footprints near entryways, this handheld vacuum eliminates the need to retrieve your main vacuum cleaner for minor messes. Its primary appeal lies in providing quick-cleaning convenience without the substantial financial outlay associated with celebrity-endorsed models.
Performance And Practicality Assessment
During testing, Lakeland's handheld vacuum demonstrated surprisingly powerful suction capability, efficiently dealing with various debris types despite generating noticeable operational noise. The device features two adjustable suction settings, proving particularly effective for pet owners managing shedding animals, as it easily collects hair from between cushions and upholstery.
Considering The Limitations
Like many cordless appliances, this vacuum has certain constraints worth noting. A complete charge requires approximately four hours, providing around twenty minutes of continuous operation. For extensive cleaning sessions – such as thoroughly vacuuming an entire vehicle – users must work efficiently within this timeframe. However, for typical quick-clean scenarios lasting five to ten minutes, the battery life proves perfectly adequate.
Some users might find the dust container removal process slightly fiddly initially, though this becomes easier with practice. Despite these minor considerations, the vacuum excels at maintaining cleanliness between major cleaning sessions, preventing small messes from accumulating into larger cleaning challenges.
Consumer Feedback And Market Alternatives
Shopper reviews for Lakeland's handheld vacuum have been overwhelmingly positive, with one enthusiastic customer declaring it "probably one of the best things I've purchased - ever," praising its ease of use, manoeuvrability, and compact design. Another satisfied user reported excellent performance in their campervan, noting impressive power and reasonable running time before requiring recharge.
For those seeking even more budget-conscious options, Argos offers the Black and Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum Cleaner at just £25, which has received praise for its power and quick charging capability. However, some Lakeland customers have expressed minor criticisms, with one noting difficulties with dust container removal and less-than-ideal performance in automotive applications.
Ultimately, Lakeland's cordless handheld vacuum cleaner represents a compelling middle ground between premium celebrity-endorsed models and basic budget alternatives. It delivers substantial cleaning power and convenience at a fraction of the cost of Louise Thompson's favoured Shark device, making it an intelligent choice for practical households seeking effective cleaning solutions without extravagant expenditure.
