Description
BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 20V MAX Cordless Stick Vacuum: An In-Depth Analysis
The BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 20V MAX Cordless Stick Vacuum (Model: BHFEA520J) presents an appealing solution for those looking for a lightweight, versatile, and efficient vacuum cleaner. With its innovative features and sleek design, it stands out in the competitive market of cordless vacuums. Below, we provide a comprehensive buyer’s guide followed by an in-depth review of this product.
Buyer’s Guide for BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 20V MAX Cordless Stick Vacuum
Key Features to Consider
- Cordless Convenience: The cordless design eliminates the hassle of tangled cords and provides the freedom to clean anywhere in your home without being tethered to a power outlet.
- Runtime and Charging: With up to 44 minutes of runtime, the vacuum is suitable for thorough cleaning. However, it requires approximately 44 minutes to charge fully.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing in at just 8.15 pounds, this vacuum is easy to maneuver, making it ideal for users who may struggle with heavier models.
- Multi-Surface Capability: Designed for both carpet and hardwood floors, it optimizes suction power based on the surface type using its Autosense technology.
- Innovative Features: The vacuum includes LED floor lights to illuminate hidden dirt, cyclonic filtration to maintain suction power, and an anti-tangle brush bar to tackle pet hair effectively.
- Ease of Storage: It stands upright on its own, which is particularly convenient for small spaces.
- Attachments Included: The product comes with a crevice tool for detailed cleaning in hard-to-reach areas and a wall mount for easy storage.
Ideal Users
- Pet Owners: Its powerful suction and anti-tangle brush bar make it an excellent choice for households with pets.
- Busy Families: The lightweight and cordless features allow for quick clean-ups between deeper cleaning sessions.
- Individuals with Mobility Issues: The design is suitable for those who may find traditional vacuuming cumbersome.
Detailed Review of BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 20V MAX Cordless Stick Vacuum
The BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ BHFEA520J is engineered to deliver a blend of power, convenience, and user-friendly functionality. Below are detailed insights into its performance and user experience.
Design and Build Quality
The vacuum’s compact form factor (9.84″L x 6.77″W x 43.5″H) and lightweight build make it easy to handle. The design is predominantly plastic, which raises concerns for some users about durability; however, the lightweight nature allows for effortless maneuverability.
Performance
Suction Power
This stick vacuum boasts a motor horsepower of 0.536 and 120 watts, enabling it to deliver impressive suction capabilities. Users report that it effectively picks up debris, dust, and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors, achieving up to 25% more pickup on carpets.
Runtime
The BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ provides up to 44 minutes of runtime, which is quite sufficient for cleaning most spaces in a single charge. However, some users noted that the battery life starts to wane after about a year of use, which is something to consider for long-term reliability.
Features and Usability
- LED Floor Lights: The integrated floor lights are a standout feature, making it easier to spot hidden dirt in dimly lit areas.
- Convenient Dust Bin: The front-facing dustbin allows the vacuum to lay flat, making it easier to clean under furniture. The dustbin is easy to empty and clean, enhancing user satisfaction.
- Crevice Tool: The included crevice tool is particularly useful for cleaning tight spaces, stairs, and furniture.
- Charging Time: It takes about 44 minutes to fully charge, which some users find lengthy, especially if immediate use is needed.
Noise Level
Operating at 78 dB, the vacuum’s noise level is comparable to many other stick vacuums, although some users describe it as slightly louder than expected.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summarized view of the vacuum’s advantages and disadvantages:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and easy to maneuver | Charging time is relatively long |
| Strong suction power for various surfaces | Durability concerns over long-term use |
| LED lights enhance visibility while cleaning | Noise level can be somewhat high |
| Converts into a handheld vacuum | Dustbin capacity could be larger |
| Easy to clean and maintain | Non-removable battery |
Ratings Breakdown
Below is a detailed rating table based on various aspects of the BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ vacuum:
| Feature | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Suction Power | 4.5 |
| Battery Life | 4.0 |
| Build Quality | 3.8 |
| Ease of Use | 4.5 |
| Noise Level | 3.7 |
| Overall Performance | 4.0 |
Overall Rating: 4.1/5
Conclusion
The BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 20V MAX Cordless Stick Vacuum stands out for its combination of powerful suction, lightweight design, and user-friendly features. While it may have some drawbacks in terms of charging time and long-term durability, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a versatile vacuum for everyday cleaning tasks. In summary, it is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient cleaning tool. Its features make it suitable for various cleaning tasks, and its lightweight design enhances usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often should I clean the filter?
A1: It is recommended to clean the filter regularly to maintain optimal suction performance. Depending on usage, cleaning every few months is advisable.
Q2: Can this vacuum handle pet hair effectively?
A2: Yes, the anti-tangle brush bar is specifically designed to pick up pet hair easily, making it suitable for pet owners.
Q3: Is the battery replaceable?
A3: No, the BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ has a built-in lithium-ion battery that is non-removable.
Q4: What surfaces can I use this vacuum on?
A4: This vacuum is designed for use on both carpet and hardwood floors, thanks to its Autosense technology that adjusts suction accordingly.
Q5: Does it come with a warranty?
A5: Yes, BLACK+DECKER typically offers a warranty on their products, but the specific terms may vary. Please check the packaging or the manufacturer’s website for details.
Coast Ranger –
I was on the hunt for a lightweight stick vacuum to use alongside my heavy canister vacuum. With a messy husband and a golden retriever, I know many married folks and dog lovers can relate! After putting everything together, I realized it wasn’t fully charged out of the box, so it didn’t last long initially. Once I fully charged it, here’s what I found: it glides along effortlessly, stands on its own, and is mostly made of plastic, so you need to be cautious about what you run over or bump into. It effectively picks up small debris from both indoor and outdoor mats, but it struggles to pick up scatter rugs while cleaning them. The dust cup is easy to empty and fits quite a bit, and both the dust cup and the foam disc pad on top of the cyclonic unit can be washed. You can charge the unit without replacing the dust cup while it dries. Assembly and disassembly for cleaning are simple, and I managed to clean my entire house on one charge—though I didn’t time it. The front light does a great job illuminating dirt and missed spots. Overall, I’m happy with it so far.
On the downside, the owner’s manual is mostly pictures and warnings, which isn’t very helpful. I plan to check the B&D website for instructions on cleaning the plastic cyclonic unit and how to remove the beater brush. Since it’s plastic, I’ll need to be careful, but since this isn’t my primary vacuum, it won’t see heavy use. If you’re looking for a solid everyday alternative to a broom that can handle a bit more, this might be the right choice for you. It’s reasonably priced, and I snagged mine during a Prime Day sale, which made it even better. After 15 years, I’m on my second B&D Dustbuster, so the brand has earned my trust.
TWO DAYS LATER: I emailed B&D about cleaning the cyclonic unit and received a prompt reply the next day confirming that it can be cleaned. I also found additional foam filters on Amazon at a good price, so I can wash one while using another, keeping everything running smoothly until the battery is done.
Roger M –
This vacuum is incredibly convenient, portable, and lightweight. It’s impressively quiet, making vacuuming enjoyable for me now. I appreciate how it lays flat, allowing me to easily reach under the bed without it popping up. The transition to a handheld vacuum is seamless, and it’s simple to clean. With the fan positioned on top, it effectively collects hair without blowing it away. The two speed settings are perfect for my needs!
Lilia Otero –
It’s somewhat noisy, but it gets the job done. Great value for the price.
Hannah Johnson –
This vacuum is excellent! It effectively cleans both bare floors and carpets with ease. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for cleaning under beds and on stairs. It’s also great for teaching kids how to vacuum their own rooms. The hand vacuum feature is a fantastic addition. I do wish the container was a bit bigger, but it’s easy to empty and clean.
Amazon Customer –
We are really impressed with the power and versatility of this sweeper. After installing new vinyl plank flooring, it has proven to be incredibly effective. It’s lightweight, holds a solid charge, and offers powerful suction. It’s also user-friendly and features an LED light that helps illuminate dust and debris on the floor. We loved it so much that we now own two and have even gifted some to others.
Nick & Cortney Grimes –
It takes a bit of time to charge and can be quite noisy, but it has excellent suction and is lightweight. It collects much more dirt than my canister vacuum, and I don’t have to worry about tripping over a long cord.
margaret –
I’ve owned a Dyson for many years, specifically the animal version, but it never had strong suction and often ejected small items I didn’t want to pick up, like bits of my dog’s kibble. In contrast, this Black & Decker vacuum effortlessly picks up everything. It’s quite lightweight, which is a definite plus for me since I have arthritis in my hands and wrists, making the heavier Dyson less ideal. It efficiently collects debris from both the sides and the center. My cleaning lady was so impressed with it that she recommended it to one of her other clients, who also purchased it from Amazon. Now, she enjoys cleaning in two locations with ease. I highly recommend this vacuum!
Hannah Johnson –
This vacuum cleaner is a game changer if you take good care of it; it might just be the only one you’ll ever need! It’s cordless and lightweight, making it super easy to use. The suction power is impressive, effortlessly tackling even the toughest dirt and pet hair. It also comes with an additional attachment (not shown) that works wonders for cleaning between furniture cushions or even your car! As someone with pets, I appreciate how well it picks up pet hair from both hardwood floors and carpets. The included wall mount is a nice touch, allowing you to store it neatly in a utility closet to save space. The filter requires occasional cleaning or replacement, and the roller at the bottom is removable for easy maintenance. While it does take a bit of time to charge, once it’s fully charged, it lasts for hours. I wholeheartedly recommend this vacuum cleaner; it has proven to be reliable and effective, making it worth every penny!
shawn dodds –
This vacuum performs exceptionally well for the first year. It efficiently picks up tiny grains of sand as well as larger debris (even things that probably shouldn’t be vacuumed up, lol). The light feature is my favorite, making it easy to spot dirt, hair, and dust. It boasts impressive suction power and decent battery life.
However, I can’t give it a full 5 stars because of what happened after the one-year mark. It now shuts off after about 15 minutes of use, suddenly making a loud noise when operating. There’s no replacement battery available, and its suction capability has diminished (though it still works reasonably well).
I maintain my vacuum well by regularly cleaning and changing the filters and emptying the canister, so I know it’s not due to my handling that its performance has declined. On a positive note, Black and Decker’s customer service is quick and easy to work with.
Raphael –
Great value for the price. I previously had a Dyson, and while this isn’t quite as good, it’s very close and at four times the cost, it’s excellent. Easy to use, I like the front light, and it picks up everything with impressive power.
Kindle Customer –
I’ve never owned a Dyson, and honestly, I can’t afford one even when it’s on sale! I have two Black & Decker hand vacuums on different floors of my home so my kids can clean up after themselves. I decided to purchase this vacuum because I’m tired of dealing with the bulky central vacuum system. While it may not compete with a central vacuum in performance, it is lightweight and user-friendly.
Battery life was my top priority, and I’m pleased to report that it lasts a full 40 minutes, which is just enough to finish cleaning every corner of my space. It drains right as I wrap up!
Cleaning the canister and brush head is straightforward. However, I do find the brush head to be quite light. I prefer a bit more weight to help maintain its alignment while I’m pushing it around; it tends to sway side to side when going under furniture.
Overall, the battery life and ease of use make this vacuum a worthwhile purchase.
Update July 2024: The carpet/floor sensor isn’t functioning well, and the battery life has decreased by a few minutes. I’m not particularly fond of the sensor since I usually start in floor mode and then switch to carpet mode, which seems to save power.
Satisfied Customer –
This vacuum is lightweight, quiet, and impressively effective. I was considering similar Dyson models that cost four to five times more. While Dyson vacuums are excellent—offering removable batteries, greater durability, more power, and longer battery life—this one features a built-in, non-replaceable battery. However, when the battery, brushes, or motor eventually wear out, it’s easy to just purchase a new one. Mine ran for about 20 to 30 minutes without issue. The only downside is that it takes a while to charge, requiring a couple of hours for a full charge. Overall, it’s a fantastic, straightforward vacuum.
GAVIN B. –
This is a powerful vacuum cleaner with a battery life of about half an hour or slightly more, depending on the selected strength. It’s easy to use and empty, effectively picking up pet hair and dust. The charging time is around three hours, but I find it excellent. It’s lightweight and made of high-quality materials. I highly recommend it.