Black & Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Hand Vacuum (Slate Blue)

First impressions

I reached for this Black+Decker handheld to handle what it promises best: quick, everyday messes. Out of the box it’s compact and surprisingly light at 2.7 lb, with a simple control layout and no pile of loose attachments to misplace. The clear, bagless bowl makes it obvious when it’s time to empty, and the built-in flip-up brush and pull-out crevice tool cover most light-duty needs without rummaging for accessories. It feels like a classic dustbuster updated just enough to be more usable without getting fussy.

Design and ergonomics

Ergonomically, it’s well judged for one-handed use. The center of mass sits close to the grip, so your wrist doesn’t tire, and the shorter nose makes it easier to maneuver inside drawers, under the lip of baseboards, and around appliance feet. The integrated tools are the right kind of convenience: the crevice extension gains you reach along window tracks and between car seats, while the brush flips down quickly for blinds, vents, and upholstery piping. The nozzle opening is slightly larger than a needle-thin crevice tool, which means it moves more debris per pass but won’t wedge into the absolute tightest cracks.

Build quality is what I expect in this price bracket—sturdy enough for daily use, with latches that engage confidently. The clear bowl snaps off easily for cleaning, and the washable pleated filter sits right up front where you can tap it clean between washings.

Setup and charging

Charging is via a simple jack plug at the front of the tool. There’s a small LED that indicates charging status. The included wall mount is a bracket that holds the vacuum; it’s not a powered dock. You hang the unit, then plug the cord into the front. It’s functional and easy to install with two screws, but the cord routing is never totally hidden, and the forward charging port means the plug is visible. If you like a clean, docked look, that’s a compromise.

From empty, expect several hours to recharge. There’s no fast-charge feature, so overnight top-ups are the practical pattern if you use it daily.

Suction and cleaning performance

For a 10.8 V handheld, the suction is solid. On hard surfaces—kitchen floors, countertops, steps, and car mats—it has no trouble grabbing crumbs, grit, and pet hair. The single-speed motor moves a healthy amount of air, and the short nose helps concentrate that airflow where you need it. On low-pile and flat-woven rugs, it will lift surface debris and hair effectively. Embedded hair in deep upholstery still asks for a motorized brush, which this unit doesn’t have, so set expectations accordingly.

One small note: the exhaust out the back is strong and cool. It keeps your hand from getting warm but can stir lighter debris if you approach a mess from behind. Come at piles from the side or front and you’ll avoid chasing dust bunnies.

Battery life and runtime

This is designed for spot cleaning, and the runtime reflects that. In my use, I see about 9–10 minutes of continuous operation on a full charge. That’s enough for a quick pass around the kitchen after dinner, a car seat cleanup, or a sweep along baseboards and stairs. If you’re hoping to do a whole-home touch-up, you’ll run out of steam. Plan usage in small bursts and put it back on charge between tasks.

The upside of the lithium-ion pack is that it holds charge on the shelf much better than older nickel-based handhelds. I can leave it mounted for days and it’s still ready for a short job without noticeable fade.

Filtration and maintenance

Maintenance is refreshingly straightforward. The bowl release lets you dump debris without getting hands inside the mess, and the washable pleated filter cuts down on consumables. I like to tap the filter inside a trash can after each use and give it a proper wash every few weeks, depending on workload. Let it dry completely (overnight is safe) before reinstalling to maintain suction and avoid odors. If you lean on it heavily, consider a spare filter so you can rotate them while one dries. The bowl itself is washable as well; a quick rinse keeps it clear.

Dust capacity is generous for a handheld at around 500 ml. For typical crumbs-and-hair duty, that’s several sessions before you need to empty.

Noise

It’s not the loudest handheld I’ve used, but the pitch is on the higher side. In a quiet kitchen, it’s noticeable, and pets that are sensitive to higher frequencies may object. I found starting it a few feet away and keeping sessions short helped my dog ignore it. If you’re cleaning near sleeping toddlers or sound-sensitive folks, keep the runtime brief or schedule around naps.

Versatility and reach

The integrated tools cover a lot of ground. The crevice extender gives you the extra inch or two that turns “almost” into “gets it,” and the brush is great for sills, lampshades, and car dashboards without scuffing. Without a motorized mini brush or hose, you won’t deep-clean upholstery or staircase carpet, but that’s outside this vacuum’s lane. This shines in kitchens, entryways, craft rooms, cars, and RVs—places where a quick grab-and-go pickup is the win.

What could be better

• Charging experience: The front-mounted jack plug and non-powered wall mount are serviceable but inelegant. A rear port or a true drop-in dock would tidy up cable management and make charging feel automatic.
• Runtime: The ~10-minute ceiling means you plan your cleaning in sprints. A larger battery or selectable low/high speeds would broaden its use case.
• Noise character: The higher-pitched tone isn’t pleasant, and some pets won’t love it.
• No motorized attachment: Pet owners tackling embedded hair on fabric will want a handheld with a powered brush.

What it gets right

• Lightweight and compact: Easy to grab, easy to steer, and easy to store.
• Strong pickup for its class: Crumbs, grit, and surface hair disappear in a pass or two.
• Integrated, useful tools: The pull-out crevice and flip-up brush are genuinely handy and always there.
• Simple maintenance: Washable filter and bowl keep ongoing costs low and cleanup fast.
• Clear bin, easy-empty: You can see when it’s full and dump it without fuss.
• Warranty: A 2-year limited warranty is a reassuring touch for a frequently used household tool.

Tips for better results

• Approach debris from the front or sides to avoid blowing it around with the exhaust.
• Tap the filter clean frequently; suction drops fast with a clogged pleat.
• Wash the filter and bowl regularly, and let the filter dry fully before reinstalling.
• Treat it like a sprinter, not a marathoner—short, focused tasks with a charge between.
• If wall-mounting, plan cord routing ahead of time so the front plug doesn’t snag.

The bottom line

This Black+Decker handheld nails the “always-ready crumb buster” role. It’s light, powerful for its size, and genuinely convenient thanks to built-in tools and a no-fuss bin. Its limitations are clear: a short, single-speed runtime and an inelegant charging setup. If you want a handheld to run 20–30 minutes or to dock neatly without a visible cord, you’ll need to look upmarket.

Recommendation: I recommend it as a reliable, budget-friendly spot-cleaner for kitchens, cars, stairs, and quick pet-hair pick-ups on hard surfaces. It’s a great second vacuum that simplifies daily maintenance. I wouldn’t recommend it if your priority is long sessions, quiet operation, or deep upholstery cleaning—choose a model with a larger battery, a powered brush, and a docking charger instead.