Black & Decker POWERSERIES+ Cordless Stick Vacuum

When I first got my hands on the Black & Decker POWERSERIES+ Cordless Stick Vacuum (model BHFEA520J), I was intrigued by its promise of versatility and convenience. As someone who juggles daily household chores with a busy lifestyle, the idea of a lightweight, cordless vacuum that automatically adjusts its suction power seemed like a dream come true. After putting it through its paces, here are my detailed thoughts on this vacuum and whether it lives up to its claims.

Design and Build Quality

Straight out of the box, the first thing I noticed was how lightweight and easy to assemble the vacuum is. Weighing in at 8.6 lbs, it’s incredibly easy to maneuver, making it a suitable choice for quick cleanups and reaching those tight spots under furniture. The design is sleek, and the vacuum stands upright on its own, which is a feature I didn’t realize I needed until I had it. This self-standing capability means I can easily pause and restart my cleaning without having to find a place to prop it up.

However, the build quality left me with mixed feelings. While it is lightweight and easy to handle, certain parts feel somewhat flimsy. The plastic components, especially around the dust canister, don’t inspire the confidence I’d expect from a tool designed for daily use. That said, it hasn’t shown any signs of breaking down yet, so maybe my concerns are just first impressions.

Performance and Suction Power

The vacuum boasts AUTOSENSE technology, which automatically adjusts the suction power based on the type of floor being cleaned. This feature works impressively well. As I transitioned from hardwood to carpet, I could hear the motor ramping up, and the difference in suction was noticeable. On low-pile carpet and hardwood floors, the vacuum excels, picking up dust, pet hair, and small debris with ease.

However, on thicker carpets, the battery drains quicker than I’d like. I managed to get around 30-35 minutes of runtime, which is sufficient for quick cleaning sessions but not enough for a deep clean of a larger home. The cyclonic filtration system does a good job of maintaining suction power even as the dust canister fills up, although it requires regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance.

Usability and Convenience

One of the standout features for me is the LED floorhead lights. These lights illuminate the cleaning path, revealing hidden dirt and debris that I might have otherwise missed. It’s a small feature, but it makes a significant difference in ensuring a thorough clean.

The vacuum also converts to a handheld mode, which comes in handy for cleaning tight spots and upholstery. The crevice tool attachment is useful for reaching into corners and between couch cushions. However, I did miss having a brush/upholstery attachment, which would have made the handheld mode even more versatile.

Emptying the dust canister is straightforward but not as convenient as some other models I’ve used. You have to detach the canister, remove the filter, and then empty it. It’s a bit of a hassle compared to one-handed, click-to-empty systems. Additionally, the canister is relatively small, so if you’re doing a lot of cleaning, you’ll find yourself emptying it frequently.

Battery Life and Charging

The vacuum is powered by a 20V MAX Lithium-Ion battery with a capacity of 2 Ah. Fully charging the battery takes about 5 hours, which is on the longer side. Given the vacuum’s runtime of approximately 30-44 minutes, depending on the floor type and suction power, this charging time feels a bit cumbersome.

Another notable issue is the placement of the charging port. It’s located near the handle, and I found that my hand would occasionally cover it during use, leading to minor electric shocks. This is a design flaw that could potentially be a safety concern.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- AUTOSENSE technology effectively adjusts suction power
- LED floorhead lights for better visibility
- Converts to a handheld vacuum
- Self-standing for convenient storage

Cons:
- Build quality feels somewhat flimsy
- Battery drains quickly on high suction settings
- Long charging time
- Charging port placement can cause electric shocks
- Small dust canister requires frequent emptying

Final Thoughts

The Black & Decker POWERSERIES+ Cordless Stick Vacuum offers a lot of conveniences, especially for those with smaller living spaces or those looking for a supplementary vacuum for quick cleanups. The AUTOSENSE technology and LED lights are standout features that enhance its usability. However, it’s not without its flaws. The build quality and battery life could be improved, and the charging port placement is a significant oversight.

Would I recommend this vacuum? It depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a lightweight, versatile vacuum for a smaller home or apartment, it’s a solid choice. The convenience of cordless operation and the ability to switch to handheld mode make it quite handy. However, if you have a larger home with a lot of carpeting, you might find the battery life and dust canister size limiting.

Overall, the POWERSERIES+ is a good vacuum for its price range, but it’s not without its compromises. For quick, everyday cleaning tasks, it performs admirably, but for more intensive cleaning, you might need something more robust.