Vax Gator Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner | Lightweight, Quick Cleaning | Built-in Crevice Tool - H85-GA-B10, 0.3 Litre, White and Orange

I reviewed my first Vax Gator five years ago. But the best recommendation I can give it, is the old one is now showing it's age and I have bought the exact same model again. The only things you need to know about the Vax Gator is that it is brilliant. It is powerful, is easy to empty and easy to clean. The built-in crevice tool is no gimmick, it is genuinely useful around the kitchen, as it allows you to direct the suction a little further under the microwave and toaster etc, than you would be able to without the tool. Because I am replacing an old Gator, I can tell you that if you keep them on charge permanently, the batteries will last for four years with full performance, then start to deteriorate quite quickly after that. Mine is now five years old and after starting at full power, the suction drops off within about 20 seconds and the vacuum then runs at a noticeably slower speed for about 10 minutes before it begins to slow to a stop. The suction is still useable, but nowhere near its brand new performance. I will still use the old Gator until the poor thing finally throws in the towel. For all you fellow electronic engineers out there, I did consider replacing the battery in the old Gator, but it proved not economically viable. The power source is an integral part of the unit and consist of 9 'C-cell' sized batteries, soldered in a circle around the motor. I took one look, reassembled the Gator and backed away slowly. Truth is, I honestly don't mind paying for another new unit, as these Vax Gators are built like tanks, last a minimum of four years, are sensibly priced and work extremely well. I used to think it was a bit on the heavy side, but now that I have seen what is inside the shell, they are built extremely well. There is only one criticism I have and it is for Vax, not the Gator product, and that is why do they not make a wall bracket for the Gator? Other than that, if you are looking for a really good kitchen clean-up vacuum, the Vax Gator is absolutely brilliant.

Obviously not hugely powerful and has relatively short battery life, but for quick cleanups after the kid has created a pile of crumbs on the sofa / in the car etc it is ideal. Talking of the car, it is fairly good, but a bit bulky to reach right down the side of seats etc. and it is a shame it has no slim extension hose or similar, but for a quick whiz to get the worst of the dirt / crumbs / dust from the car it is fine. due to the light weight and size it is handy just to keep in an easy to reach place and bring out for little jobs where getting a big vacuum out is a bit of a pain / overkill.

A very good quality machine

This is my second one, originally given to me as a present, had it for years, the charge would t hold anymore so got another. Would not be without it, invaluable.

Whilst this is powerful and easy to use it does have a few issues that other handheld vacuums have overcome. It is as if Vax have designed them in on purpose. The filter is a mesh cone supported by a lightweight plastic frame with silicone seal. The silicone seal just sits in the back of the clear plastic dust receptacle. Dust and debris get behind this very easily and the escapees are just ejected into the air. The dust trap is too cumbersome to clean and whilst the jaw opens for dust to be extracted there are far too many nooks to hold onto the dirt, making emptying a task that is not as easy as you first think. Why not create a charging holder for this? Other vacuums have one so why not this? It is cumbersome to plug in the charge lead underneath the handle and doesn't always connect properly to start charging. It is a good, basic, vacuum, but could have been so much better.