There are a variety of powerful and efficient vacuum cleaners on the market, each capable of tackling the biggest messes. But you don’t always need a large piece of cleaning equipment to take quick action against small spills or clean up the occasional clump of pet hair. To help with small messes around the home or in the car, Black and Decker makes a line of lightweight, handheld vacuums called Dustbusters.
We decided to try out one of the Black and Decker handheld vacuum models, the Dustbuster CHV1410L, to see how it performs. It claims to be lightweight and portable with an ergonomic design and promises to easily tackle messes on any surface. After thorough hands-on testing, here’s what we found.
We’ve used a variety of handheld vacuums over the years, such as the popular and compact Shark UltraCyclone Pro, so we’re pretty familiar with how they work. Our goal during research was to see how well the Black and Decker Dustbuster picks up small messes, how easy or ergonomic it is and how long it can hold a charge. Weight, noise and durability are some of the key factors we considered in our real-world testing.
The CHV1410L portable vacuum doesn’t claim to be the most advanced or absolute highest-performing handheld model on the planet. On the contrary, it’s a relatively budget-friendly option that weighs little and holds up to regular use in short bursts. It doesn’t have any advanced features, but it performs its main function well.
The Black and Decker CHV1410L costs about $50 and is available at Amazon and Home Depot.
Upon first opening the box, there isn’t much to the Black and Decker CHV1410L. It consists of a flared suction attachment, the main body where the electronics, motor and filter live and a charging base that sits on a table or other flat service.
Putting the two main parts together takes seconds and is a breeze. The charging dock is less intuitive but still not difficult to master. Conveniently, the Dustbuster stands mostly upright on the charging base, helping to save space. Using the Black and Decker portable vacuum to clean up a mess is as easy as can be. There’s just a single on/off switch and no complicated controls to master.
The major driving force behind the AdvancedClean Dustbuster is simplicity, so there aren’t a ton of features to note. What it does offer is a straightforward (if tricky at first) system for releasing the reservoir and a large button that lets you freely rotate the nozzle for hard-to-reach messes. It has a pull-out crevice tool and flip-up brush that help you get into the tightest corners and to pull pet hair off furniture more effectively than the bare nozzle. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver.
If you want a reasonably priced portable vacuum cleaner that outperforms other basic handheld models, the Black and Decker CHV1410L is an excellent choice. Its suction, ergonomics and battery life are all excellent features that outweigh minor shortcomings, such as loud operation and a long charging time.
Black and Decker Max Flex Handheld Vacuum
One of the company’s most versatile handheld models, its 20-volt battery is about as powerful as they come and the flexible hose makes it nearly as useful as an upright vacuum in many cases. There’s even a matching stick attachment that makes it simple to use on hard flooring.
Sold by Amazon
Bissell AeroSlim 29869 Cordless Vacuum
If you need quick cleaning power at the ready but don’t want to store an unsightly appliance, consider this simple but dependable handheld vacuum. It takes up a relatively tiny footprint compared to the competition and works great for periodic use.
Sold by Amazon
A slim design and weight of less than 1.5 pounds make this one of the most ergonomically friendly models. It has a sturdy base and a convenient system for emptying its contents, but you’ll need to make a decent investment if you want this premium option.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
This one’s notable because it’s part of Ryobi’s One+ series of portable tools. It uses the same high-powered, long-lasting battery pack that its related power tools use, and they’re considered effective and cost-effective purchases across the board.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Chris Thomas writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
