nonedude's Full Review: Black & Decker CHV1568 Bagless Handheld Cyclonic V...
Note to reader: Epinions lists “Air Watt” rating of “ 27 ” under “view details” tab above and so does Black&Decker product specific webpage, Hmmmm, the product box has something different….. Air watt rating is “ 25 ” for this exact model as perfectly visible in the video I created - referenced at bottom of review.
Air Watt definition:
The air-watt rating of a particular system is determined by multiplying air flow by suction power, and then dividing the product by 8.5.
Obtained from: http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/hcp_377-Air_watt
APPEARANCE / NOISE
This particular Dust Buster has a very nice high tech look and feel in comparison to all other cordless vacuums I have used or seen. Shell is primarily black colored and provides a brilliant shine. Hard plastic construction used makes it difficult to scratch or mar surfaces.
Buttons, top portion of handle, and AccuREACH nozzle are all gray in color. Removable canister is black on the top and opaque underneath, allowing for enough visibility to determine if canister needs emptying.
Grip is comfortable while using and vac seems light (about 3-4 pounds), I could not locate an exact weight on internet or in manual.
Noise is on par with what I would expect any cordless vac to be. Considering the powerful suction created from the 15.6v NiCd battery, I’m surprised it’s not louder. In fact, noise is very consistent which I consider to be a good sign of craftsmanship.
Air exhausts from bottom of unit towards back at an approximate negative 45 degree angle.
COST / BACKGROUND
I paid $39.99 (normally $44.99) at Wal-Mart over two months ago for this cordless Dust Buster.
It replaced my (4 year old) 9.6V Dust Buster, which I considered to be a pathetic instrument of cleaning since day one, yet it hung around the house far too long.
Having one bad experience did not deter me from purchasing a newer higher voltage Dust Buster. I chalk Black&Decker’s victory over my wallet up to the marketing scheme used on the packaging in conjunction with a limited manufacturer diversity offered at Wal-Mart regarding these types of vacuums.
PACKAGING / SPECIFICATIONS
Product box contains: The Vacuum, Crevice tool and Upholstery Brush, Wall Mount Charger & attached Adapter, 2 mounting screws, The Instruction Manual, and Styrofoam packing.
Product marketing features listed on box:
15.6 Volts -- AccuREACH Nozzle -- Cyclonic Action -- EZ Clean Dial – 2 Year Warranty -- #1 Preferred Hand Vac Brand -- 3 Stage Filtration – 1 Step Empty – Includes Crevice Tool & Upholstery Brush.
25 Air Watts -- 19oz capacity -- Wall Mount Charger (120V AC Charger) -- Replacement Filter “VF08”.
Packaging and instructions are also printed in Spanish.
DETAILED PRODUCT EXPLANATIONS -- Wall Mount: --
Wall mount is white in color.
Wall mount is roughly 4 3/8 inches wide by 7 5/8 inches long. Outline shape of mount (irregular, roughly speaking) is a cross between a square and oval.
Wall mount can be installed vertically or horizontally using the 2 supplied screws.
4 small anti-skid rubber feet are located on bottom of mount.
Mount has a deep recessed fitting for vacuum hook to latch into base very securely. No potential exists for vacuum to fall to ground when installed properly on mount in vertical position.
Vacuum has a bright red LED which lights up (easily visible) while recharging on wall mount.
-- Power Supply: --
Power adapter and attached cord are white in color.
Power adapter comes with a white twist tie to neatly wrap unnecessary excess wire.
Wiring extends 5ft 8in from adapter to mount.
Adapter should only be directly connected to a an electrical outlet, a power strip is not recommended. Truth be told, I have only ever used a powerstrip for the adapter and never had a problem recharging or using vacuum.
Power Adapter is a class 2 power supply.
C-UL US Listing Mark appears on adapter: Meets compliance with both Canadian and U.S. requirements of the Underwriters Laboratories.
P/N 90500908
Input: 120V AC ~ 60HZ 12W
Output 18V AC ~ 300mA
Made in China
-- Power Button: --
Power switch slides toward nozzle to turn unit on and backward to power off. Switch has recessed thumb grip with ridges for easy grip/use. Handle contour is semi circular with smooth edging (made of hard plastic) for comfortable grip whether using right or left handed. I have never experienced discomfort.
-- 15.6 Volt / NiCd battery: --
Higher voltage provides more power.
Per Manual:
Full charge, clean filter
7.2v = 7-9 minutes average effective use time
9.6v = 9-11 minutes average effective use time
14.0v & higher = 12-15 average effective use time
I have never timed how long a full charge lasts, but guesstimate 10 solid minutes of vacuum use is sustainable on a full charge. A debris loaded canister (and/or dirty filter) will decrease battery life because the vacuum must work harder. Upon reaching full battery drain, suction tends to suddenly drop drastically to the point of vacuum becoming useless until charged again.
The Dust Buster is very economical to charge. While it is charging it uses less electricity then a typical night light bulb. End quote from Manual
There is no mention of NiCd rechargeable battery memory effect, and I thoroughly checked. Manual only instructs to charge unit at least 16 hours prior to first using. Instructions inform to always return unit (vac) to recharge base immediately after use, whether used for 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes to ensure full charge for next use.
Out of curiosity, I turned the vac on after opening the box and it worked (surprised me! definitely did not look like a store return). I immediately turned it off and charged the battery for 16 hours. Everything worked/works fine.
-- AccuREACH Nozzle: --
A built-in nozzle at end of vac (gray in color), extends about 4.25 inches to reach in tight spaces. Retracts back into vacuum when not in use. Easy to grab and manipulate thanks to tab located on top of nozzle. I always use this nozzle whether the job calls for it or not. I find it’s easier/quicker to target job at hand with nozzle extended.
-- Cyclonic Action: --
Increases suction power per product packaging. Debris will spin like a mini-tornado inside canister.
-- EZ Clean Dial: --
Filter cleaning slider located on vacuum side.
This slider is a gray colored button which moves vertically (up/down) approx 2.75 inches from top to bottom. Downward stroke activates cleaning action on filter, upward stroke resets mechanism to be used again. Manual suggests 2 full cycles to obtain more use between filter cleanings. I slide it about 10 times and then empty canister, about once a month.
-- 2 Year Warranty: --
Upon purchase, please register this product at: http://www.blackanddecker.com/newowner
Full 2 year warranty home use warranty
Covers defects in material or workmanship, replaced or repaired at no cost to owner.
-- 3 Stage Filtration (for cleaner air exhaust): --
I wish I could fully explain this to you the reader, but cannot locate an explanation in manual, on package, or on Black & Decker website, so I will have to (cringe) take manufacturers word on this one. Sure sounds good!?!
-- 1 Step Empty / Canister: --
Gee, how impressive? Sorry for the sarcasm but this is nothing new to the world of cordless handheld vacuums. Gray push button located about 1 inch from power button depresses to release canister for emptying purposes.
After depressing release button, push downward on end of canister and pull outward to fully release. Now empty canister debris into trash. Re-inserting of canister is exact opposite of releasing, except button is not used. Canister locks into vac unit and can be heard via a clicking noise. A very tight seal is formed.
Canister removal/re-insertion is somewhat pesky and my chief complaint with this product. It’s somewhat harder to achieve than one might think it to be.
-- Crevice Tool & Upholstery Brush: --
Both devices attach to AccuREACH Nozzle, whether nozzle is extended or retracted.
Both devices have a built-in compartment to retain when not in use, located under cordless vac.
Crevice tool provides about 2 additional inches to end of vac and has a 30 degree (approx) slant at end.
Upholstery brush device has semi-soft bristles about 2.25 inches in width and only extends about 0.75 inches from end of vac.
Upholstery brush fits over crevice tool while residing in vacuum storage compartment. It can be somewhat awkward/time consuming to fit back into compartment. Devices will only properly fit back into compartment one way.
MANUAL
Poster sized and folds in/out like a pamphlet. Black & white print.
Contains illustrations on how to empty and clean the Dust Buster.
Battery removal and disposal procedures are provided.
Dust Buster replacement battery pack: Call toll free 1-800-544-6986
-- Filter cleaning/re-use: -- paraphrased and edited for much easier reading
Remove canister
Twist outer plastic filter in clockwise direction and pull it off.
Remove inner cloth based filter from detached plastic outer filter, simply pulls out because friction holds it in place.
Wash both plastic and cloth filter with warm soapy water, rinse, and air dry (completely).
Recommended replacement of cloth filter, every 6-9 months.
Dust Buster replacement filter (#VF08): Call toll free 1-888-678-7278.
EXPERIENCE
I find the upholstery brush works very nicely when removing dust from hard surfaces or removing any debris which has a static cling type adhesion to surface, this includes pet hair.
Crevice tool is a nice afterthought if you have a use for it. AccuREACH Nozzle already extends over 4 inches from base of vac, I have not once found a use for the crevice tool yet.
1) I sweep the kitchen and basement hard flooring, and then use this Dust Buster instead of a dustpan.
2) I have fully removed cat litter from carpet.
3) I have vacuumed my car seats and floor matting (not usable for deep crevices between console and seats).
4) I have removed sawdust from my band saw & chop saw.
5) I clean the carpeted stepping pads on my stairs.
6) Cobwebs and spiders instantly kaput under the suction power of this cordless vac.
7) Man Secret: I use it to remove dust, attaching the upholstery brush does a very nice job of removing dust. (shhh!, don’t inform the Mrs. Please, she would want me to use cleaning solution and a rag).
Removing scoopable cat litter from carpeted areas truly makes me happy. The suction power from the Dust Buster is comparable to my 12amp corded vacuum hose attachment. I realize this is a bold statement but no worries, I back it up with video (see below).
Additional experiences are located in the “Product Explanations” section above.
CONS
Canister removal/re-attachment is somewhat more difficult than I expected.
Upholstery and crevice tool only fit one way into compartment located on vacuum bottom, may take you one or two successful attempts to get used to, semi-awkward.
ULTIMATE OPINION
I am happy with this product and would purchase again. Very good suction power from vac! Ultra low power consumption in recharge state. Visual appeal and warranty also please me.
AMATEUR VIDEO by me, on YouTube
Running time – 2m 42s
Planning, creation, edit, upload, etc. is very time consuming. Unfortunately I could not create something better, but if you are seriously considering a purchase, it just may be useful to view this video.
Video shows product box, vacuum, plug, and charging unit mounted vertically. You can also get an idea of how loud this vacuum is. I spread some kitty litter on the carpet and put the Dust Buster to work. It works very nicely; see for yourself by pasting this hyperlink into your browser:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSYyoc0cYWQ
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