Black & Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Hand Vacuum

I've had the opportunity to put the Black & Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Hand Vacuum (model HHVK415B01) through its paces, and there's a lot to unpack with this versatile handheld vacuum. This review will cover its performance, features, pros, and cons to give a comprehensive understanding of what this tool can offer.

Design and Build Quality

First impressions matter, and the dustbuster AdvancedClean+ makes a positive one with its sleek, modern design. The vacuum is lightweight at just under four pounds, making it easy to maneuver and use for extended periods without causing arm fatigue. Its compact size (16.1 inches in length, 6.7 inches in height, and 8.1 inches in width) ensures it can be stored conveniently, even in smaller spaces.

The vacuum's build quality feels robust and durable, characteristics that are synonymous with the Black & Decker brand. The materials used seem sturdy, and the overall construction suggests that this tool is built to last.

Performance

One of the standout features of this handheld vacuum is its suction power. Black & Decker claims that the dustbuster AdvancedClean+ offers 4X more suction power than leading hand vacuums, and my experience confirms that this is not just marketing fluff. The vacuum easily picked up dirt, pet hair, and even small pebbles during testing. The POWERBOOST mode, activated with a simple press of a button, provides an extra burst of suction for more challenging tasks, making it particularly effective for deep-cleaning carpets and car interiors.

The extendable crevice tool is another feature that deserves mention. It's built into the vacuum, which means you don't have to worry about losing attachments. This tool extends to reach tight spots that a regular vacuum nozzle wouldn't be able to access, like between car seats or along baseboards.

Battery Life and Charging

The dustbuster AdvancedClean+ is powered by a 16V MAX Lithium-Ion battery, a reliable choice that offers decent runtime. In my experience, a full charge took approximately four hours, which is reasonable but not exceptional. Once charged, the vacuum provided about 20-30 minutes of runtime on standard mode, which was generally sufficient for most small to medium cleaning tasks around the house and car.

One area where the vacuum could improve is the battery life when using the POWERBOOST mode, which drains the battery more quickly. However, for those quick, intense bursts of cleaning, the trade-off seems acceptable.

Usability and Maintenance

Using the dustbuster AdvancedClean+ is straightforward. The vacuum features a battery indicator that shows remaining battery life, so you're not caught off guard mid-clean. The dust bin has a generous 750 mL capacity, reducing the frequency of emptying, which is a definite plus.

Emptying the dust bin is simple, thanks to the easy-empty design. However, I found that the filter tends to clog quickly, especially when dealing with pet hair and fine dust. Regular cleaning of the filter is necessary to maintain optimal performance. The filter and pre-filter are washable, which is convenient and cost-effective in the long run.

One downside is the absence of a wall mount charging stand, which would have added a layer of convenience for storage and charging. The vacuum comes with a charging base, which works well but takes up more space.

Areas for Improvement

While the dustbuster AdvancedClean+ excels in many areas, there are a few aspects that could be improved. The lack of a brush attachment is a notable omission. A brush would have been helpful for more delicate surfaces and tasks, such as cleaning upholstery or car interiors. Additionally, the extendable crevice tool, while useful, doesn't lock into place as securely as I would like, sometimes retracting when pressure is applied.

Another point of contention is the proprietary charging tip. While this doesn't affect the vacuum's performance, it does mean that if you lose or damage the charger, replacing it might be more cumbersome and expensive than a standard USB charger.

Overall Impression

The Black & Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Hand Vacuum is a powerful, well-built tool that excels in many aspects. Its strong suction power, ease of use, and thoughtful design features make it a valuable addition to any household cleaning arsenal. The battery life is sufficient for most tasks, and the POWERBOOST mode provides that extra kick when needed.

Despite a few minor drawbacks, such as the lack of a brush attachment and the quick-clogging filter, the overall performance and convenience of this vacuum make it a strong contender in the handheld vacuum category.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the dustbuster AdvancedClean+? Absolutely. Its powerful suction, ease of use, and handy features like the extendable crevice tool make it a versatile and effective cleaning tool. While it has a few areas that could be improved, these are relatively minor compared to the vacuum's overall performance and utility. If you're looking for a reliable handheld vacuum that can tackle a variety of cleaning tasks with ease, the dustbuster AdvancedClean+ is a solid choice.