Black & Decker UprightSeries Multi-Surface Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filtration and Pet Brush

Why I picked up the UprightSeries

I wanted a no-fuss upright that could cover a mix of hardwood, area rugs, and a couple of rooms of mid-pile carpet without filling its dust bin every 10 minutes. The UprightSeries checked the right boxes on paper: a 900 W motor with a motorized brush roll, HEPA filtration, a generous 4-liter dust cup, and a 30 ft cord. After a month of using it as my primary house vacuum, I have a clear sense of where it shines and where it’s simply serviceable.

Design and build

The UprightSeries is pleasantly light for an upright at 7 lb, which makes it easy to carry up stairs and maneuver around furniture. The footprint is fairly standard—about 14 inches wide—with a broad brush head that helps cover ground quickly in larger rooms. Most of the construction is plastic; it doesn’t feel fragile, but it’s not a premium tank either. The cord wraps around the back hooks (no auto-rewind), and the hose, wand, and tools clip on securely without rattling.

The control layout is basic and logical. Height adjustment is manual with five positions. It’s an old-school knob, but it works—and it matters for performance. On my carpets, setting it too high reduced pickup; dropping it one notch made a noticeable difference.

Setup and usability

Assembly took me a few minutes: click the handle in, attach the hose and the on-board tools, and you’re set. The detachable stretch hose connects to an extension wand that lives on the side. Swapping from floor to above-floor cleaning is quick; you pull the hose and it automatically diverts suction.

Steering is straightforward. It doesn’t glide like some premium swivel-head designs, but the light weight keeps it from feeling clumsy. The head is a bit tall for sliding under very low furniture; I ended up using the crevice tool or wand for under-couch dust bunnies.

Hard floor performance

On hardwood and tile, the UprightSeries does well with typical household debris: dust, pet hair tumbleweeds, crumbs, and grit tracked in from outside. Two tips improved results for me:

• Use the correct height setting. Too low and the head “snowplows” larger crumbs; too high and you’ll leave fine dust behind.
• Slow your passes slightly. The brush roll helps move debris to the intake, but rushing can scatter lighter particles.

Edge cleaning is decent, especially along baseboards where the brush roll fluffs debris outward. For stubborn corners, the crevice tool quickly finishes the job.

Carpet performance

On low- to mid-pile carpet, the 900 W motor and brush roll provide solid daily-clean power. It lifted sand from a door mat and pulled hair out of area rugs without bogging. For deeper pile carpet, it still cleans, but you won’t get the same “groomed” look or deep-extraction feel that you’d expect from higher-wattage, premium uprights. Again, height setting is critical; one notch lower than you’d think often delivers the best agitation without making the vacuum hard to push.

One small caution: if you’re encountering a lot of long hair or threads, take a minute every couple of weeks to snip what wraps around the brush roll. It’s easy to access and prevents drag or reduced pickup.

Pet hair and above-floor cleaning

The included pet power brush is the standout accessory. On fabric sofas, stairs, and car seats, it pulls embedded fur efficiently without bogging down. It’s compact enough to get into tight spots, and it doesn’t feel flimsy. The crevice tool is helpful for baseboard lines and between cushions, while the dusting brush is fine for shelves and lamp shades.

The hose has enough stretch to tackle a standard flight of stairs with a mid-landing, but you’ll likely reposition the base once. Balance is stable enough that the vacuum doesn’t tip easily when you pull on the hose—something lighter uprights sometimes struggle with.

Filtration and dust management

HEPA filtration is a meaningful step up from basic foam or mesh filters for allergy-prone households. After multiple weeks, I didn’t notice fine dust escaping from the exhaust, and the air coming out felt neutral. As with any HEPA system, overall performance depends on keeping the filter and seals in good shape. I got the best results by:

• Emptying the 4 L dust cup before it reaches the max line. The large capacity encourages fewer trips to the trash, but suction is most consistent under the line.
• Tapping out the pre-filter regularly and replacing the HEPA filter per the manual’s interval or sooner if you vacuum a lot of fine dust.

The dust cup removes easily and empties without drama. Expect some airborne dust if you dump it from a height; releasing it low inside the trash can minimizes plumes.

Noise and comfort

Noise is typical for a corded upright: a medium-high pitch with a steady motor tone. It’s not whisper-quiet, but I didn’t find it harsh or fatiguing. The handle shape is comfortable for longer sessions, and the vacuum’s weight keeps wrist strain down. The wide head helps you finish rooms faster, which also reduces time spent listening to it.

Maintenance, durability, and warranty

Routine care is simple: empty the bin, check the brush roll, wash or replace filters as directed, and inspect the hose for clogs if suction drops. I had no clogs during normal use; the 4 L bin helps prevent overfilling that can lead to blockages.

Build-wise, the UprightSeries feels aligned with its class. The plastic housing flexes slightly if you squeeze it, but the joints and tool clips have held up well. The 1-year limited warranty is standard at this price point. Given the common wear points (belt, filter, brush roll), the user-serviceable design is a plus.

What could be better

• No auto cord rewind. It’s not a dealbreaker, but a 30 ft cord takes a moment to wrap.
• Not the best choice for very thick carpet. It cleans, but it won’t pack the same deep-down extraction as heavier, higher-wattage uprights.
• Head height under furniture is limited. Plan to use the wand for truly low-clearance areas.
• Plastic build is practical but not premium. It keeps weight down, but those wanting a “heirloom” feel won’t find it here.

Who it’s for

If you want a light, straightforward upright that can handle mixed flooring, frequent pet hair, and larger cleaning sessions thanks to a big dust cup, the UprightSeries fits nicely. The combination of a 30 ft cord, effective pet tool, and HEPA filtration makes it a solid everyday machine for apartments and mid-size homes. Households with mostly deep, plush carpet or those who prioritize ultra-quiet operation may want to look at heavier-duty or specialized models.

Pros

• Light and easy to carry at 7 lb
• Big 4 L dust cup reduces trips to the trash
• HEPA filtration for finer dust capture
• Pet power brush is genuinely effective on upholstery and stairs
• 30 ft cord gives good room-to-room reach
• Simple, reliable 5-position height adjustment

Cons

• Lacks auto cord rewind
• Only average deep-cleaning on thick carpet
• Head can’t reach under very low furniture
• Plastic-heavy build feels utilitarian

Final recommendation

I recommend the UprightSeries for buyers who want a light, capable upright with strong everyday performance, especially for mixed floors and homes with pets. It’s easy to live with: big bin, long cord, useful tools, and HEPA filtration that keeps fine dust in check. It’s not a deep-clean specialist for plush carpets and it doesn’t have premium frills, but as a practical, no-nonsense daily vacuum, it does its job well and with minimal fuss.