Buying guide for Best Black+Decker handheld vacuums
When it comes to cleaning small messes around the house or in your car, a handheld vacuum is usually the most convenient tool for the job. Not all handheld vacuums are created equal, though, so if you want an effective, reliable model, investing in a BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuum is your best bet.
BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums are compact vacuums that are lightweight enough to be easily carried from room to room. They don’t offer the same suction power as full-size vacuums, but they are ideal for cleaning up small spills or messes. A BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuum can also work well if you need to clean pet hair off furniture or other small areas in your home.
BLACK+DECKER offers a wide array of handheld vacuums, so selecting the right model for your needs is key. That means choosing between cordless and corded models, deciding whether you need a wet/dry option, and figuring out what other features will be the most effective for your cleaning needs.
With our handy shopping guide, you’ll have all the facts you need to select the best BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuum for your house. We’ve even included specific product recommendations to make shopping as easy as possible.
Key considerations
Cordless vs. corded
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Cordless: Most BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums use a rechargeable battery for power, so they’re highly portable and can be used anywhere in your home. Cordless models usually don’t have the strongest suction power, though. For a cordless handheld vacuum, power is measured in volts, with most BLACK+DECKER models ranging from 15 to 22 volts. The more volts that a cordless model has, the stronger its suction power will be.
- Corded: In most cases, BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums that are corded must be plugged into the cigarette lighter socket in a car, which is why they’re mainly sold as automotive vacuums. Because they have to be plugged in, they’re not quite as portable as cordless models and often can’t be used inside your home. Corded BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums usually offer stronger suction power, though. Suction power for corded models is measured in amps, with most BLACK+DECKER corded handheld vacuums ranging from 4 to 12 amps.
Expert Tip
Handheld vacuums can be a headache to keep charged becasue charging them after each use is important, but you need to remember not to overcharge them.
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Dry vs. wet/dry
All BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums can handle dry messes, such as dirt, crumbs, and pet hair. However, some models can also pick up liquids. So, if you spill a glass of water, you can use the vac to suck up the puddle from the floor. BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums with a wet/dry feature are obviously more versatile, and some models even include a squeegee to make it even easier to pick up liquids.
Weight
A handheld vacuum’s weight is a key factor to consider because you may get tired holding a model that’s too heavy. BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums usually range from 1 to 4 pounds. The lighter the vacuum, the more comfortable it will be to hold while you’re cleaning.
Run time
If you opt for a BLACK+DECKER cordless handheld vacuum, it’s important to consider how long it can run on a single charge. Most models run for 10 to 30 minutes before needing to be recharged. The longer a cordless handheld vac can run before the battery runs out, the more efficiently you’ll be able to clean your home.
Charge time
In addition to a battery’s run time, you should also pay attention to how long a BLACK+DECKER cordless handheld vacuum takes to recharge once the battery runs out. Some models need up to 24 hours to fully recharge, but some higher-end models only require three to four hours. You don’t want to have to wait all day to finish cleaning your home, so choose a handheld vac that charges as quickly as your budget allows.
Expert Tip
Clearing out the dust canister and debris will keep your handheld vacuum working like a charm.
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Features
Variable speeds
Most BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums have a single speed. When you turn the vac on, it’s at full power and can pick up most dirt and debris. However, some models actually have two speeds: low and high. Variable speed settings allow you to use greater suction when you’re picking up a particularly stubborn mess, like embedded pet hair, and less suction when you’re cleaning up large crumbs or other easy-to-pick-up messes.
Dustbin capacity
BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums all have dust bins or cups that collect the dirt and debris that the vac sucks up while you’re cleaning. A larger dustbin allows you to clean a more significant area without having to empty the dustbin because it doesn’t fill as quickly. Most BLACK+DECKER hand vacs have dustbins that are approximately half a liter in size, but there are some models with extra-large bins that are three-quarters to one liter in size.
Washable filter
All BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums have filters that keep dirt, dust, and debris from making their way from the vac into your home’s air. Some models even have a three-stage filtration system to ensure that all debris is captured. The handheld vacuums all have reusable filters, but they can become clogged over time and require replacement, which adds to the overall cost of the vac. Some models have washable filters that you’re able to rinse clean, though, so you don’t need to replace them nearly as often.
Expert Tip
Make sure that the size of the vacuum's canister matches the size of your cleaning project so you won't need to constantly empty the canister before you finish cleaning.
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Battery indicator
If you choose a cordless BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuum, you always want to be aware of the battery level, so you know when the vac is ready for use. To make it easier, some models have a battery indicator light that alerts you when the vacuum’s battery requires charging. This feature helps make sure you never forget to charge the vac, so it’s always ready when it’s time to clean.
Attachments
Some BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums include attachments that increase their versatility. Several models include an extension hose, which allows you to reach higher spots or into tight corners. Others also feature a crevice tool designed specifically for cleaning between furniture cushions or car seats. You can also find models with flip-up brushes to remove stubborn pet hair.
Did you know?
BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums with wide nozzles work best for picking up larger crumbs or debris. If you want to get into tight spaces, though, a model with a narrow nozzle is your best bet.
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BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuum prices
Inexpensive
The most affordable handheld vacuums are models with lower suction power. Cordless models typically have fewer than 15 volts, while corded models typically have fewer than 6 amps. They don’t offer much in the way of special features and usually range from $20 to $47.
Mid-range
For $47 to $74, you will find BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums with average suction power. Cordless models typically have about 15 volts, while corded models usually have approximately 6 amps. They may also include special features, such as a crevice tool.
Expensive
The priciest BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums, which range from $74 to $109, are models with superior suction power. Cordless models have 15 to 22 volts, while corded models offer more than 6 to 12 amps. They usually have many special features, such as a crevice tool and other accessories, three-stage filtration, and a washable filter.
Tips
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A handheld vacuum can be extremely helpful in removing dust and cobwebs from your walls, window sills, and baseboards. You can even run it along paneling to pull dirt and dust out of its grooves with ease.
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If your kids are always getting crumbs all over the car, a handheld vacuum allows you to clean up the mess much more easily than lugging your full-size vacuum out to the backseat with an extension cord.
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When you don’t have time to give your bedspread or comforter a thorough washing, use your handheld vacuum to go over the entire surface to remove any dust that may have found its way into your bed.
FAQ
Q. Can I do my regular vacuuming with a BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuum?
A. BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums are usually meant for touch-up cleaning around your house rather than intensive deep-cleaning jobs. As such, a handheld vacuum is best used as a supplement to your regular vacuum.
Q. What features should I look for in a BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuum if I have pets?
A. If you have pets, choose a BLACK+DECKER model with accessories that make it easier to clean pet hair from the surfaces in your home. These accessories include an extendable hose, rubberized brush attachments, and a crevice tool. It also helps to choose a handheld vacuum with a three-stage filtration system to make sure all of the pet hair and dander is captured.
Q. What type of warranty protection does BLACK+DECKER offer for its handheld vacuums?
A. Most BLACK+DECKER handheld vacuums include a two-year warranty. The warranty covers issues that result from any defects in the materials or workmanship, so if you damage your handheld vac through misuse or an accident, the warranty doesn’t apply.
