Craftsman Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit

Vacuuming is one of those household chores that can either be a breeze or a burden, depending largely on the tool you're using. Recently, I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with the Craftsman CMCVS001D1 Cordless Stick Vacuum, and I have quite a bit to share about its performance, features, and overall value.

First Impressions and Build Quality

Straight out of the box, the Craftsman Cordless Stick Vacuum impressed me with its solid build quality. The red and black color scheme is classic Craftsman, and the materials used feel durable and well-made. The vacuum is relatively lightweight, coming in at 10.1 pounds, which makes it easy to maneuver around the house. However, I did notice that it feels a bit top-heavy, especially with the larger 4 Ah battery installed.

The vacuum’s self-standing design is a thoughtful touch, making it easy to store without having to lean it against a wall or furniture. However, it can be a bit wobbly, so I found myself double-checking to ensure it wouldn't tip over.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of this vacuum is its use of the 20V MAX Lithium-Ion battery, which is compatible with other Craftsman tools. This is particularly useful if you already own other Craftsman products, as you can interchange batteries. The vacuum comes with a 2 Ah battery, which provides around 30 minutes of runtime on a full charge. While this is sufficient for quick clean-ups, I found it barely adequate for more extensive cleaning sessions. For those with larger homes or more significant messes, investing in additional or higher capacity batteries is essential.

Charging the 2 Ah battery took several hours using the included standard/slow charger. This can be a bit of a limitation if you plan to do extended cleaning sessions. Faster charging options would certainly enhance the overall usability of this vacuum.

Performance and Versatility

The vacuum offers robust suction power of up to 45 CFM, and in my experience, it performed admirably on a variety of surfaces. Whether I was tackling hardwood floors, medium-pile carpets, or area rugs, the vacuum managed to pick up dust, dirt, and pet hair effectively. The anti-tangle brush head is a notable feature, especially for homes with pets, as it significantly reduces the frequency of clogs.

The vacuum head swivels smoothly, making it easy to navigate around furniture and into tight corners. However, on medium-pile carpets, the suction sometimes made it challenging to push and pull the vacuum, even on lower power settings.

Usability and Features

One of my favorite features is the LED headlight on the vacuum head. This small addition makes a big difference, illuminating hidden dirt and debris that would otherwise go unnoticed. It's particularly useful for vacuuming under furniture and in dimly lit areas.

The vacuum offers three power settings, which can be easily adjusted with a thumb switch. I found the lowest setting sufficient for most tasks, but it's nice to have the option to increase suction for more stubborn messes. The brush on/off button is another handy feature, allowing you to switch between hard floors and carpets seamlessly.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Emptying the dirt cup is straightforward but not without its quirks. Static electricity causes dust to cling to the plastic cup and internals, making it look dirty even after emptying. Additionally, some dust tends to stick around the upper o-ring and inside the head, requiring a bit of extra effort to clean thoroughly. This doesn't affect performance but can be a bit of an eyesore.

The vacuum's filter is easy to access and clean, which is crucial for maintaining suction power. Craftsman recommends replacing the filter every 6-9 months, but I found that regular cleaning extends its life significantly.

Pet Hair and Other Challenges

As a pet owner, I was particularly interested in how well the vacuum would handle pet hair. I'm pleased to report that it performed admirably, picking up a significant amount of hair with each pass. The anti-tangle brush truly lives up to its name, reducing the frequency of jams and clogs.

However, the vacuum does have its limitations. Long human hair tends to wrap around the brush roll, requiring frequent cleaning. The vacuum head also gets stuck in the upright position occasionally, needing a gentle nudge to get it back down.

Overall Value and Recommendation

In the end, the Craftsman Cordless Stick Vacuum offers a lot of value for its price. It’s well-built, versatile, and has several features that make day-to-day cleaning tasks easier. The battery life and charging time could use some improvement, particularly if you have a larger home or more demanding cleaning needs.

Would I recommend this vacuum? Yes, but with some caveats. If you already own Craftsman tools and batteries, this vacuum integrates seamlessly into your existing collection, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice. It's also an excellent option for smaller homes or quick clean-ups. However, if you need a vacuum for more extensive or prolonged cleaning sessions, be prepared to invest in additional batteries or a faster charger.

Overall, the Craftsman Cordless Stick Vacuum is a solid performer that offers good value for its price, but it may not be the perfect fit for everyone.