I’ve been helping a friend shop for cleaning and maintenance supplies for his new home, and then it came time to choose a DustBuster. Well, we were technically shopping for a “compact cordless handheld vacuum” to be precise, but let’s be real – we were looking for a DustBuster. It’s tough to choose one from the many, many available models, but we’ve narrowed it down to what we feel are the three best choices.
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Black & Decker 15.6V Cyclonic CHV1568
I’ve been using Black & Decker’s 15.6V model for several years now, and would readily recommend it to anyone. But, the CHV1500 vac that I’ve been using has been discontinued. This model looks to be a decendent of the CHV1500, but with a snazzy new appearance and AccuREACH extendable nozzle.
The AccuREACH narrow nozzle extends like an anteater’s tongue to reach into tight spaces, and seems to be a great improvement over traditional snap-in nozzle attachments. This model will set you back about $40-50 (and if it’s anything like its predecessor, it’ll be worth every penny). Black & Decker CHV1568 via Amazon
Black & Decker 18V Pivoting Nose PHV1800CB
No offense to the design engineers, but this pivoting nose vacuum is downright ugly. But, we’re more concerned about function than style, and this vac looks like it can tackle narrow spaces with ease. Opting for this 18V pivoting nose vac will cost you $55. Black & Decker PHV1800CB via Amazon
Black & Decker Ultra Compact Flex Vac FHV1200
This super ultra-compact cordless vac includes a 4-foot hose for reaching and cleaning awkwards or tight spots. The only downside is that it has a 12V unit, but according to Black & Decker, it has a high performance motor [that] provides 40% more suction power to tackle messes big and small, when compared to other 12V DustBusters.
With its small size and versatile hose, the flex vac has a slightly higher but still affordable price of about $65. Black & Decker FHV1200 via Amazon
Black & Decker DustBusters via Amazon
Current DustBuster Product Line via Black & Decker
We’re always welcome to suggestions – which alternatives in the $45-$75 price range would you recommend for in-home use?
Eric
Having handled all three, I would recommend the Flex vac. The 15.6 is a great vac, but not nearly as versatile and for the $10 – $15 extra bucks, the Flex vac is a great choice. I would stear clear of the pivot nose. Although it’s 18 volts, it seems to lack the overall sucking power of the other two.
PutnamEco
I would recommend the Black & Decker SPV1800 18V Platinum Series Cordless Hand Vac which has a removable battery, buy an additional battery and you have considerable time vacuuming, without having to wait for a recharge.
If you have Makita LXT cordless tools go for their BCL180ZW again removable battery and this one recharges in 15-30 minutes depending on which battery you use.
Stuart
Those do seem like good suggestions. But, it is also advisable that anyone needing more than one battery’s worth of charge consider a corded vacuum solution, either AC or one compatible with a car charger outlet.
We mentioned that Makita vacuum recently, and its features definitely place in a class way beyond that of the aforementioned DustBusters.
lens42
Any cordless vac review needs to mention the battery type. I am patiently waiting for a reasonably-priced (less than $70) Dustbuster-like vac that has a lithium battery. I’d really like to get the sort of performance I’ve been getting from my lithium powered drills, but in a hand vacuum, but it seems these are a lot slower coming to market. All I’ve seen so far is Dyson (way over priced) units with removable batteries. Removable batteries are not a bad thing per se, but I don’t want to pull the battery from the vac for charging.
lens42
Sorry. In previous post meant to say “Dyson AND units with removable batteries….”
Stuart
It doesn’t seem like lithium-ion cordless vacs will be coming out any soon. It’s just a LOT cheaper to supply these vacs with NiCad or NiMh batteries. That, and Li-ion might not provide any measurably performance boost given the application.
Many major tool brands do have cordless vacuums that work with their battery systems, but they’re also often used very differently than DustBusters are. DustBuster are convenience quick-cleanup vacs meant for light or infrequent usage.
As mentioned, Makita’s new Li-ion vac looks very promising, but again, you’re looking at $100 for just the vac without a battery or charger.
KenZ
Stuart-
I run my B&D 18V cordless vac from a Li-Ion battery. Built an adapter that adapts a Makita Li-Ion battery to the B&D battery pack locking mechanism. Thus, my Makita batteries run not only the 18V vacuum, but the 18V electric chainsaw (more than double the cuts), weed whacker, leaf blower, etc.
So, it’s doable, but you have to make the adapter yourself. And yeah, it works GREAT.
David Cameron
For a Children’s Museum staff no ni-cad system will survive. Must have Li-ion or other batt tech with no memory etc. I would like to learn more about the adapter you made. Are pics possible?