Reviewer says Lakeland’s £10 mini countertop vacuum is a useful desk gadget after hands‑on tests

A Daily Mail reviewer who tests vacuums professionally said Lakeland’s new mini countertop vacuum exceeded low expectations in week‑long trials, clearing most small dry spills on desks and kitchen worktops while costing about the price of two coffees.

The palm‑sized gadget, measuring 7.5 x 7.5 x 5.5 centimetres, is cordless and rechargeable via an included USB‑C cable. The reviewer used it on coffee grounds, toast crumbs and loose cat hair and reported the device picked up roughly 80 to 90 percent of debris on the first pass on hard surfaces. The product is marketed for quick spot cleaning on worktops, desks and keyboards rather than for upholstery or carpeted areas.

In performance testing, the reviewer noted the mini vacuum’s small bristles helped dislodge crumbs between keys on shallower keyboards, though it was less effective on very deep mechanical key switches. The unit is not intended for rugs or heavy cleaning; the suction and form factor are designed for small, dry piles on hard surfaces.

The reviewer also evaluated usability and maintenance. The mini vacuum opens to allow the user to empty collected debris, but doing so can be messy because the device lacks a mesh filter to contain particles. Shaking the unit while emptying sometimes caused contents to spill and, when the unit was full, small particles could emerge from around the power button. The reviewer said emptying should be carried out over a bin to avoid a second mess.

The compact white plastic shell drew mixed comments: it fits easily in a drawer or kitchen unit, but the reviewer expressed concern that the light colour may show stains over time and suggested a darker option would be preferable. The absence of removable filters or multiple brush heads appears to keep the price low but limits versatility compared with larger, multi‑attachment mini vacuums.

Value for money was a prominent finding. At about £10, the device represents a low‑cost tool for users who want to clean up crumbs, coffee grounds and other small dry debris without retrieving a larger handheld vacuum. The included USB‑C cable eliminates the need for an extra purchase and supports common charging standards.

During research into similar products, the reviewer noted other compact vacuums on the market, including a slightly larger Lakeland 3‑in‑1 mini vacuum with multiple brush heads priced around £20; that model was not tested and the reviewer did not draw conclusions about its performance.

The mini countertop vacuum’s limitations are clear: it is not a substitute for a full‑size handheld cleaner, lacks filtration to prevent spills during emptying and may be less effective on deep keyboard crevices and textile surfaces. For consumers who frequently eat at their desks, make coffee at a countertop or need a quick way to clear dry messes from hard surfaces, the reviewer concluded the device is a practical, inexpensive convenience.

The product sits within a growing category of small household tech that prioritises portability, low cost and ease of charging, reflecting consumer demand for devices that slot into busy desks and kitchens without significant maintenance or storage burden. As manufacturers expand offerings in this space, features such as filters, multiple brush heads and darker colour options may influence future buyer choices.