Black & Decker dustbuster furbuster AdvanceClean Cordless Pet Handheld Vacuum

Having had the opportunity to use the Black & Decker dustbuster furbuster AdvanceClean Cordless Pet Handheld Vacuum, I feel compelled to share my experience and insights into this popular handheld vacuum. This compact and portable vacuum promises to tackle small messes, especially those related to pet hair, with ease. With features like a motorized pet head attachment, anti-tangle rubber bristles, and a crevice tool, it seems well-equipped for the job. However, my time with the vacuum revealed both strengths and weaknesses worth considering.

Design and Build Quality

Straight out of the box, the vacuum impresses with its lightweight design, weighing in at just 3.7 lbs. This makes it easy to handle and maneuver, especially for quick clean-ups around the house or in the car. The dimensions, 15.7 x 5.8 x 7.5 inches, are compact enough to store conveniently without taking up too much space.

However, the build quality leaves something to be desired. The plastic feels somewhat flimsy, and the attachments, particularly the motorized pet head, don't lock in as securely as I would like. This has raised concerns about the long-term durability of the vacuum, especially with frequent use.

Performance and Suction Power

One of the standout features of this vacuum is its motorized pet head with anti-tangle rubber bristles. Designed specifically for pet hair, this attachment is effective in picking up fur from various surfaces such as carpets, upholstery, and car seats. In my tests, the suction power was impressive, easily lifting pet hair, crumbs, and other small debris. The vacuum also includes a crevice tool, which is handy for reaching tight spaces.

However, the vacuum is extremely loud. While powerful, the noise level can be quite disruptive, especially if you're using it in a confined space like a car. Additionally, the vacuum tends to get hot after about 10 minutes of continuous use, which may be uncomfortable for extended cleaning sessions.

Battery Life and Charging

The vacuum is powered by a 10.8V Lithium-Ion battery, which promises cordless convenience. Initial charging takes around 16 hours, and subsequent charges can be quicker. In my experience, the battery life was decent, allowing for multiple short cleaning sessions before needing a recharge.

However, the charging system could use improvement. The vacuum uses a unique charging cord that is not compatible with other Black & Decker products, which can be frustrating if you own multiple devices from the brand. Additionally, there's no charging indicator to show how much battery life is left, which means you have to guess when it needs recharging.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

One of the strengths of this vacuum is its ease of use. It's lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it suitable for quick clean-ups. The easy-to-empty dustbin is another convenient feature; you can empty it without having to touch the debris. However, cleaning the filter is more tedious. The reusable plastic filter system requires washing to get it clean, and it's not as simple as just shaking off the dirt.

Another downside is that fur and debris tend to get caught in an area that's difficult to reach and remove. The recommended solution is to wash it in warm soapy water, but this requires waiting for it to air dry completely before using it again, which can be inconvenient.

Practical Applications

This vacuum excels in specific scenarios. If you have pets, particularly those that shed a lot, the motorized pet head is a game-changer. It effectively picks up fur from furniture, pet beds, and even your own bed. For car owners, this vacuum is a handy tool for maintaining a clean interior, especially if your pets travel with you.

It's also useful for small, everyday messes around the house. Crumbs on the kitchen floor, dirt on rugs, and even minor spills can be quickly cleaned up without having to lug out a full-sized vacuum. The extendable crevice tool is particularly helpful for reaching into tight corners and around furniture.

Final Thoughts

The Black & Decker dustbuster furbuster AdvanceClean Cordless Pet Handheld Vacuum is a mixed bag. It has several strengths, including powerful suction, a lightweight design, and effective pet hair removal capabilities. However, it also has notable drawbacks such as build quality concerns, noise levels, and a less-than-ideal charging system.

Would I recommend this vacuum? It depends on your needs. If you have pets and are looking for a quick and effective solution for managing pet hair, this vacuum is a solid choice. Its compact size and strong suction make it particularly useful for this purpose.

However, if you're looking for a more general-purpose handheld vacuum or are sensitive to noise, you might want to consider other options. The build quality and charging issues could be deal-breakers for some users.

In summary, the Black & Decker dustbuster furbuster is a valuable tool for pet owners and those needing a lightweight, portable vacuum for small messes. It has its flaws, but its strengths make it worth considering, especially if pet hair is a significant concern in your household.