Black & Decker dustbuster blast Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Why I reached for this handheld

I needed a small, no-fuss vacuum for the kinds of messes that don’t justify hauling out a full-size machine—kitchen crumbs, coffee grounds on the counter, tracked-in litter, and dirt in car footwells. The Black & Decker handheld checked the right boxes on paper: compact, lightweight, bagless, and designed for quick dry cleanups. After several weeks of using it around the house and in the car, it’s clear where this little unit excels and where it bumps up against its limits.

Design and ergonomics

This is a straightforward, easy-to-grab handheld. At about 2.2 pounds, it balances well in the hand and doesn’t fatigue the wrist during quick jobs. The body is slim and long (around 17 inches), which helps reach into corners without contorting. The translucent dirt bowl makes it obvious when you should empty it, and the 290 ml capacity is sufficient for spot cleaning before it needs a dump.

The power control is a trigger rather than a latching on/off switch. That matters more than it sounds: you only pull power when you actually need suction. It also means you’ll be holding the trigger the entire time, which I didn’t mind for short runs, but those who prefer to “set and forget” may prefer a latching switch.

Build quality is what I expect at this price—sturdy enough plastics, tight-fitting accessories, and a dust bowl that locks positively in place. There’s no wall cradle in the box; it charges via a simple plug-in charger. I parked mine on a shelf near an outlet. A basic wall hook or mount would have been a nice touch.

Suction and everyday performance

Power-wise, it’s an 8V class handheld (nominal 7.2V, 11 Wh), and the suction matches that expectation. It shines on the small stuff: crumbs, cereal, coffee, kitty kibble, and dry litter granules all go straight up. On hard floors and counters, one slow pass typically does it. On low-pile rugs and car mats, it picks up surface debris well; for embedded grit in car carpeting, you’ll want patience and a few overlapping passes.

Fine dust collection is decent, aided by the two-stage filter setup, but keep in mind this is not a HEPA-filtered tool. If you’re sensitive to ultra-fine dust or allergens, this isn’t the right vacuum for you.

One quirk: the side exhaust. Like many handhelds, the motor vents out the side, and that airflow can push very light debris (dust, hair, pepper flakes) if you approach the mess head-on. The simple fix is to angle your approach so the exhaust is directed away, or start slightly “downstream” of the debris and pull back into it.

Battery and charging

Run time in my use averaged about 9 minutes on a full charge, which aligns with the spec. That’s enough for a typical kitchen reset, a few small spills, or a quick pass through the car’s front seats. If you’re looking to deep-clean a whole car in one sitting, the battery will come up short.

Charge time is roughly 4 hours from empty. There’s basic charge management—leave it plugged in and it won’t cook the battery—but I still prefer to top it up after use rather than keep it docked 24/7. For the way this tool is meant to be used—quick cleanups, not marathon sessions—the battery and charge profile are perfectly serviceable.

Filtration and maintenance

Inside, there’s a two-stage washable filter: a pre-filter mesh and the main filter (replacement code HNVDF10, which is also washable). The setup does a good job of catching both larger particles and finer dust without choking airflow immediately. Cleaning is simple:

• Press the bowl release, dump the contents.
• Tap out the filters.
• Rinse both filters and the bowl with water, then let them dry completely before reassembly.

I like that everything is washable, and spare filters are inexpensive. Two notes: never run it wet; moisture will kill suction and can harm the motor. And if you’re vacuuming a lot of fine powder (e.g., flour), be ready to rinse the filter more often to keep suction up.

Attachments and reach

You get two useful tools:

• Push-in crevice tool: A straightforward extension for tight spots—between seat rails, along baseboards, or the toaster’s nooks. It’s a friction fit and stays put during use.
• Flip-up brush: Built into the nozzle so it’s always there. It’s the right tool for vents, lampshades, blinds, and upholstery where you don’t want to scuff the surface.

I wish the crevice tool had onboard storage, but the integrated brush offsets that a bit. Together, they cover most quick-clean scenarios without rummaging through a bag of accessories.

Noise, airflow, and comfort

Noise is typical for a compact handheld—audible but not harsh. The tone is less shrill than some higher-voltage units, and conversation in the same room isn’t impossible. The trigger position is comfortable, and the weight distribution keeps the nozzle light. The only comfort nit is the continuous trigger hold; it’s fine for the intended short tasks.

As mentioned earlier, the side exhaust can nudge debris around. Treat it like you would a leaf blower and plan your approach, and it becomes a non-issue.

Limitations to keep in mind

• Run time: About 9 minutes. Great for spot cleaning; not for whole-house or full-car jobs.
• Filtration: Washable two-stage filter works well but isn’t HEPA. Allergy-focused users should look elsewhere.
• Wall storage: No mount or cradle included; you’ll need to improvise a parking spot.
• Wet messes: Dry debris only. Don’t use it on liquids or damp material.
• Power class: Good pickup for everyday crumbs and grit; not the tool for heavy sand embedded in thick carpets.

None of these are deal-breakers if you buy it for what it is: a simple, grab-and-go crumb killer.

Who it’s for

• Apartment dwellers and families who want quick kitchen and dining area cleanup without dragging out a stick or upright.
• Pet owners who deal with scattered kibble and dry litter.
• Drivers who want to keep cup holders and console areas crumb-free between deeper car cleans.
• Anyone who values a lightweight, simple handheld with easy-to-wash filters.

If you need longer run time, higher suction for deep car detailing, or filtration suitable for allergy management, you’ll want a higher-voltage handheld or a compact corded vac.

Tips for best results

• Keep the filters clean. A quick tap-out after each use maintains suction; a rinsing routine every few uses keeps performance consistent.
• Let filters dry fully—overnight if possible—before reinstalling.
• Approach light debris from the side opposite the exhaust to avoid scatter.
• Use the flip-up brush on fabric and vent surfaces to reduce snagging and improve pickup.
• Empty the bowl before it reaches the max line; airflow is better when the bin isn’t packed.

Recommendation

I recommend this Black & Decker handheld for quick, dry, everyday cleanups. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and effective on the small messes that happen constantly—crumbs, coffee grounds, tracked-in litter, and dust bunnies. The trigger control keeps power use sensible, the two-stage washable filter is low-cost to maintain, and the included crevice tool and flip-up brush cover the basics. The compromises are clear—short run time, no HEPA, and no wall mount—but they’re reasonable for an entry-level handheld whose job is to be ready, simple, and effective for a few minutes at a time. If that matches how you clean, this little Dustbuster earns its keep.