Pocket-sized cleaners are reshaping daily tidying habits, cutting faff between big cleans and keeping crumbs from spreading across shared spaces.
A tiny Silvercrest table vacuum at Lidl, priced at €5.99 (roughly £5.20), is drawing rare unanimity from shoppers who value speed and simplicity. It won’t replace a household vacuum, yet it seems to be the gadget people actually reach for when a spill happens now, not later.
What sits behind the €5.99 buzz
Silvercrest’s mini table vacuum targets small messes where they appear: dining tables, worktops, desks, shelves and car dashboards. Its footprint is 8.2 × 8.2 × 6.4 cm, with a featherweight 132 g build that fits the palm and disappears into a drawer. A top-mounted on/off switch makes single-hand use easy. The transparent bin holds 0.025 l and twists off for a rinse under the tap.
There’s no cable. Power comes from 2 AA batteries, so you can sweep crumbs off placemats or clear grit around a keyboard without hunting for a socket. That, say users, is the point: minimal setup, quick result, no excuses.
Price: €5.99. Weight: 132 g. Size: 8.2 × 8.2 × 6.4 cm. Power: 2 × AA. Bin: 0.025 l, rinse-clean.
Where it works, where it doesn’t
This is a spot cleaner, not a carpet-sucking powerhouse. Think breadcrumbs, sugar crystals, pencil shavings, craft glitter and dry dust. It gathers small debris effectively across smooth surfaces. On thick rugs or in deep crevices, a full handheld vacuum with a crevice tool still wins.
- Dining table after breakfast: toast flakes, cereal dust, stray oats
- Home office: keyboard grit, rubber eraser nubs, hole-punch confetti
- Kitchen prep: flour around the scales, coffee grounds near the grinder
- Hobby table: beads, thread snips, model-making debris
- Car interior: dry crumbs around cupholders and seat seams
Because it’s light, older relatives and children can handle it with ease under supervision. The transparent bin makes it clear when to empty, and a quick rinse keeps odours at bay.
Your questions answered
How long do AA batteries last?
Expect several short sessions per week for a few months on quality alkaline AAs, as long as you stick to light tasks. For frequent use, consider NiMH rechargeables to cut running costs and waste. Keep a charged pair ready and rotate.
Is it loud?
Noise sits well below a mains vacuum and closer to an electric toothbrush or small desk fan. It’s suitable for shared homes where an evening clean-up shouldn’t wake sleepers.
What about maintenance?
Pop off the collector, tip out debris, then rinse. Let it dry fully before reassembly to protect the motor. A soft brush helps clear the intake. Replace or wash any mesh insert if fitted.
Can it handle wet spills?
No. Avoid liquids, hot ash and sharp fragments such as glass splinters. Stick to dry, cool materials only.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | €5.99 (approx. £5.20) |
| Dimensions | 8.2 × 8.2 × 6.4 cm |
| Weight | 132 g |
| Power | 2 × AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH) |
| Dust bin | 0.025 l, removable and rinseable |
| Best use | Crumbs, dust, small dry debris on smooth surfaces |
Shoppers report 100% recommendation for one reason above all: convenience that beats procrastination.
Why buyers say yes: convenience over brute power
A full-size vacuum cleans better, yet people don’t always fetch it for minor mess. This is where the little Silvercrest wins. It cuts the barrier to action: no cable, no attachments, no hauling. You see crumbs, you sweep the area in 20 seconds, and the table is ready for the next plate.
Speed also reduces spread. Crumbs left on fabrics work their way into seams and flooring. A quick pass after meals prevents that slow grind of dirt. For households with children or home workers, that means fewer deep cleans and less irritation between them.
Cost of use and smart set-up
At €5.99, the upfront cost undercuts most handheld vacuums by a wide margin. Ongoing costs hinge on batteries. A pair of good rechargeables reduces waste and pays off after a few dozen cycles. Keep a small tray nearby to store the vac and spare cells so it gets used more often.
If you regularly clean larger areas, pair this gadget with your main vacuum instead of replacing it. Treat it like a crumb brush with suction, not a tool for carpets or long pet hair.
How it compares with other cheap fixes
Alternative approaches exist. A microfibre cloth gathers dust on screens and shelves, yet it struggles with grit and food crumbs. A hand brush and dustpan work well but create airborne particles and need bin trips. USB-rechargeable mini vacs in the £12–£25 range add built-in charging and sometimes stronger suction, though they weigh more and cost extra. If your goal is ultra-speed between tasks, the AA-powered Silvercrest keeps friction low and storage easy.
Safety, care and small-print
Keep the device away from very young children due to small parts. Never vacuum hot ash, liquids or metal shards. Empty the bin after each session to avoid odours. If suction drops, check for blockages near the intake. Dispose of spent batteries responsibly at collection points. If the unit will sit unused for weeks, remove the cells to prevent leakage.
A quick reality check on capacity
The 0.025 l bin equates to roughly two heaped tablespoons of debris. For a post-lunch table, that’s plenty. For a flour-splashed bake, you’ll empty once or twice. Treat emptying as part of the routine: a 10-second twist, rinse, dry, and it’s ready for the next spill.
Practical add-ons and small upgrades
Consider a slim brush attachment if compatible; bristles help dislodge dust along keyboard rows and window tracks. Keep a small paintbrush in the drawer for corners and loose crumbs before vacuuming. If pets shed on worktops, a lint roller pairs well for hairs while the mini vac lifts the dander.
If you’re weighing value, run a simple simulation. Three 30-second clean-ups per day equals 10–11 minutes per week, often replacing a single five-minute drag of a bulky vacuum plus set-up time. The smaller device isn’t stronger; it merely shows up more often. That frequency is why so many shoppers rate it highly for real life, not lab tests.
For households preparing for holidays, craft sessions or winter baking, a fast crumb solution helps keep shared spaces calm. Place the unit near where mess happens—on a sideboard, in a desk drawer, or in the glovebox. The closer it is, the more you’ll use it, and the less dirt travels through the home.
Picked this up for the kitchen table last week—crumbs gone in 10 seconds. Not a vacuum replacement, but it’s the one I actually reach for.
Is it £5.99 or €5.99? The article says €5.99 (~£5.20) but the headline says £5.99. Either way, still a bargain—just want the right price at the till.