Dyson DC16 Root 6 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Although not a true kitchen gadget, my DC16 gets used in the kitchen more than any other room. The wall mounting holder/charger means it's always close to hand.

Most reviews complain about the battery life, which admittedly is poor, but I only use it for a minute or two at a time. I have better things to do than vacuum a whole room with one of these! We use an iRobot Roomba for that, so this is ideal for the bits that she misses out. In the kitchen, I use it to pick up spills (liquids excluded), cleaning down the oven top and work surfaces and for a quick tidy up after chopping vegetables etc.

It will last just long enough to clean an average stair carpet or maybe (if you're very quick) to hoover out a car. Later versions (The Animal?) may have better battery life, but I find this is just fine for a quick tidy-up.

Whilst it was under warranty, I did 'accidentally' hoover up liquid. It stopped working. A quick call to Dyson (no I didn't admit to using it as a water pump) and the replacement parts were despatched the same day. Good service.

This product is what is the K-Tel Vac-O-Matic purported to be, but never was.