Black & Decker 12V MAX dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Cordless Hand Vacuum (Extra Long Crevice Tool)

Why I reached for this dustbuster

Handheld vacuums live or die by convenience. If I have to dig through a closet, clip on two accessories, and find an outlet, I’m more likely to let the crumbs win. This Black+Decker dustbuster gets the convenience part mostly right: it’s light enough to grab with one hand, the crevice tool is built in and extends farther than most, and the bin empties with a single button. It’s designed for quick cleanups, not overhaul-level detailing—and judged on that standard, it’s a capable little cleaner with a few quirks you should know about.

Design and ergonomics

At 3.3 pounds and about 16 inches long, this unit is compact but not toy-like. The handle angle is comfortable, the trigger is a simple on/off switch (no need to keep a finger squeezed), and the weight distribution sits closer to the hand than the nose, so your wrist isn’t doing gymnastics when you aim into corners.

The extra-long crevice tool is the standout design choice. It telescopes from the snout with a thumb slide, giving you that little bit of extra reach that makes the difference for window tracks, car seat rails, and the junction between a stove and countertop. Because it’s built in, you can’t misplace it, and you don’t need to carry a caddy of attachments. The tradeoff is you don’t get a variety of tools in the box—no dusting brush or pet-hair mini motorized head—so what you see is what you get.

Build quality feels solid for the category. Nothing rattles, the extendable nose locks firmly, and the dustbin door hinges snap positively. It’s still a mostly plastic tool, but it doesn’t feel fragile.

Setup and charging

It charges via a simple jack plug charger. There’s a battery level indicator on the top, which is useful before you head out to the car. I prefer a drop-in charging base because it doubles as storage, but the jack plug is compact and easy enough to route to a shelf. The battery is a 12V MAX lithium-ion pack inside the unit; you don’t remove it to charge.

In my use, topping up from low took several hours, so plan to leave it plugged in between jobs rather than expecting a quick boost before tackling a bigger mess. The indicator is accurate enough to keep you from starting a job on a nearly empty pack.

Suction and everyday performance

This model offers two speeds: standard and a PowerBoost mode. On standard, suction is squarely in the “quick tidy” zone—it will pick up crumbs, dust bunnies, and dry spills without drama. On tile and hardwood, it does a fine job corralling grit that collects by baseboards. On car mats and the textured rubber of cargo liners, it’s competent for light debris.

PowerBoost adds a noticeable bump in pull when you hit heavier bits: leaf fragments, dried mud in the hinge recesses of car doors, or grit mashed into seams. It’s not a substitute for a corded shop vac or a high-end stick vac, and it doesn’t transform it into a deep cleaner for dense carpets. But when used as intended—surface debris, edges, crevices, stairs—it performs well.

A quick tip: keep a slow, steady pace and let the crevice tool do the concentrating. Pushing hard or “plowing” with the nose reduces airflow and can make it seem weaker than it is.

The crevice tool advantage

A lot of handhelds include a short crevice attachment. Here, the integrated, extendable version is longer and narrower than average, which matters. I can reach the back corners of window sills without switching hands, and in the car I can get to the tiny void next to the seat buckle where all the sand hides. The tapered opening also keeps contact noise down on plastics and trim.

Because it’s built in, it’s always with you. The slide action is smooth, and it locks out solidly so it doesn’t retract under pressure. If you live in tight spaces or often clean appliances and vehicles, this single feature carries a lot of the value.

Dustbin and filtration

The 750 mL bin is generous for a handheld. If you’re doing a multi-room tidy or cleaning a car, you’re not constantly emptying. The one-touch empty door flips open and drops debris cleanly. For fine dust, I still give it a quick tap inside a trash can to shake the pre-filter clean; that helps keep suction consistent.

Both the filter and pre-filter are washable. Rinse, let them dry fully, and you’re back in business. I found that a quick brush-off between washes keeps performance up—fine dust will clog any handheld filter over time, and this one is no exception. Replacement filters are easy to find if yours gets tired after many cycles.

Run time and noise

Black+Decker lists a run time up to 25 minutes, and that aligns with light-duty use on the standard setting. If I’m edge-cleaning a kitchen and hitting a few stairs, I can finish without anxiety. PowerBoost is the caveat: like most two-speed handhelds, the high setting trims run time significantly. Think shorter, focused bursts for stubborn spots rather than whole-job Boost.

On a few occasions during heavy use, the unit cut out early. In each case, clearing the filter and reseating the pre-filter resolved it—a reminder that airflow matters. Once maintained, it ran normally again.

Noise is typical for a handheld: a brisk whoosh with a higher pitch on Boost. Not whisper-quiet, but not obnoxious.

Maintenance and durability

Maintenance is straightforward: empty the bin, tap the pre-filter, and wash the filter periodically. The bin latch, extendable nose, and battery indicator have held up well so far. With handhelds, durability often comes down to how you treat the filters; letting them fully dry after washing and not running the vac when they’re damp will prolong both suction and the motor’s health.

The two-year limited warranty is a welcome safety net in this category.

Where it fits (and where it doesn’t)

Where it shines:
- Quick daily touch-ups on hard floors, countertops, window sills, and stairs
- Cars, especially tight spaces and under-seat rails
- Small apartments, dorms, or workshops where storage is limited
- Households that value a built-in crevice tool over a bag of attachments

Where it’s less ideal:
- Deep cleaning carpets or lifting embedded pet hair from upholstery
- Long continuous sessions on high power
- Users who prefer a docking stand or fast charging

What I’d change

• Include a small brush tip: The long crevice tool is excellent, but a clip-on brush for vents and baseboards would expand its usefulness without defeating the “always with you” simplicity.
• Faster charging or a dock: The jack plug works, but a drop-in base would encourage always-ready storage and quicker grab-and-go use.
• Clearer guidance on filter care: The vac performs best with a clean pre-filter; emphasizing this in the quick-start materials would help users avoid premature cut-offs.

The bottom line

This dustbuster is a thoughtfully designed handheld built around convenience: an extendable crevice tool that actually reaches, a large bin that empties cleanly, two speeds for flexibility, and simple maintenance with washable filters. Suction is solid for everyday messes, and the ergonomics encourage frequent use. The tradeoffs—average charge time, diminished run time on Boost, and a lack of extra tools—are typical for the class but worth noting.

Recommendation: I recommend this model if you want a dependable, grab-and-go handheld primarily for hard surfaces, edges, and vehicle interiors. The integrated long crevice tool and generous bin make it particularly good for cars and quick household touch-ups. If your priority is deep-cleaning upholstery or running high power for extended sessions, consider a higher-voltage handheld or a stick vac with a motorized mini head. For everyone else, this is a practical, easy-to-live-with cleaner that earns its spot within arm’s reach.