The Shark cordless is a simple vacuum cleaner with no variable power modes: it’s either on or off. Above the power button, ever so slightly out of reach of my thumb, is the bin release mechanism. The Shark can’t go long without being emptied but, fortunately, it’s a hassle-free experience. Simply hold the machine horizontally over the bin and release the catch. The bin flips outward and hurls its contents with remarkable force, so be careful where you aim. Small handheld vacs are a great way to clean up small messes, but some can struggle to deal with more sizeable debris or larger areas. Not so with the Shark Premium Handheld Vacuum WV270UK, the new version of Shark’s classic handheld. Delivering more power, via two selectable modes, and a decent 15-minute runtime, this is a compact vacuum cleaner with the power to compete with a full-sized model. Design and Features For those who own a Vax ONEPWR, the Vax ONEPWR Cordless Hand Vac is a barebones add-on (it comes minus a battery) that’s super-cheap. The crevice tool can help in really tight spaces but for most jobs the regular head will suffice. This intelligent design is aided by a powerful vacuum motor that has no real use for a “boost” mode; carpet or linoleum, the Shark handheld powered through my cleaning tests without breaking a sweat. I found this vacuum cleaner quite noisy, peaking at 81.9dB on ION mode and 82.3dB on Boost mode. That’s a bit louder than most regular cordless cleaners, although the high-pitched motor here isn’t particularly annoying. Conclusion

Two accessories: The crevice cleaning tool is designed to get into tight spots and has a flip-out brush head for sweeping up any dust bunnies. There’s a separate pet multi-tool with ultra-short bristles that will brush clean upholstery. It’s a bit of a shame, then, that the charging stand only has room to accommodate one of these accessories. You’ll need to find space to store the other tools. The single-battery variant offers space for two accessories. Is that a problem? Well, not necessarily. The battery life of the WV270UK is more than sufficient for its intended purpose, so I didn’t feel the need for a second battery.

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Lightweight body: The handheld device weighs just 0.6kg, making it the lightest Shark model you can get. It’s perfect for those with mobility problems who might not be able to lift heavy objects. When faced with the cramped spaces of my Ford Fiesta, the Shark didn’t bat an eyelid, taking on dried mud and ingrained dust with equal vigour. The soft bristles of the crevice tool proved particularly useful for vacuuming dashboards and cupholders. A bigger vacuum might have done a better job of removing particularly tough bits of gravel but the Shark wins that particular contest by virtue of its size and manoeuvrability. Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: Verdict

Shark states that the WV361UK has a 16-minute run-time, although this is without the motorised floor brush. Attach a motorised tool and battery life is closer to 12 minutes. On Boost mode, you’ll get less than 10 minutes. Slimline design: There’s no bulky motor here. Instead, you have a 2ft (61cm) long wand-style vacuum that measures 2.5in (6cm) at its widest point. It's great for getting into those narrow gaps, tight corners and reaching up to clear away cobwebs. READ NEXT: Our Dyson V11 Absolute review Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum review: Price and competition Inside the bin is the filter housing, which can be popped open so that the filter can be removed for cleaning.Double battery: You get two batteries with this design so when one runs out, you can easily switch to the other and continue your clean. Each one has a run time of 8 minutes.