Black & Decker CHV1400 Bagless Handheld Cyclonic Vacuum

Some of you may have read my review of my Kenmore Progressive 29713 that I wrote back in November of 2000. Well, I still have that vacuum and am very pleased with it. However, as the proud owner of 2 rescue dogs, and 3 rescue kitties with fur up the ying-yang I wanted something for those smaller jobs, when I don't want to hassle with lugging around a large, corded vacuum. I've had a few dustbusters in the past, and was frankly underwhelmed with them. They weren't powerful enough, and the durability was lacking. I searched on epinions for a dustbuster that is strong, seemed durable, fairly high voltage, but wouldn't cost me an arm and/or a leg. I considered the Shark models as well as the Black & Decker, but somehow felt I would be happier with the Black & Deckers as they looked more durable, and reviews online seemed to veer more toward Black & Decker than the various Shark models. One of the more popular websites offered this dustbuster at a great price, and frankly I was impressed! Here are the features that it offers, and that drew me to this dustbuster over others, both more expensive and less. I paid $39.99 but the MSRP is $73.00!

Features touted from manufacturer:

* 14.4-volt (handheld vacuum)

* EZ clean wheel-the filter stays clean!

* Has cyclonic-action filter system

* Dustbin is translucent

* They promise that the filter-cleaning wheel provides 80 percent more suction power

* Dustbuster charging system-just slide on to charge

* Has 14-ounce capacity

* 3-stage filtration for clean air exhaust

* Measures approximately 17-1/2 by 5-1/2 by 7-1/2 inches

* Offers a full 2-year warranty!

* Product weighs approximately 7-10 pounds. Unsure of exact weight as my scale bit the dust (probably from lack of willingness of scale owner to deal with reality and step on it).

Product description:

Appearance wise this handheld vacuum is one of the most attractive I've seen, so even if your company sees it, you can beam with pride, rather than be embarrassed. It is a rich yet subtle green and white (the photo for this review is very accurate, but remember the green is translucent). You can mount it if you wish (forgive me if that sounds suggestive; it is totally innocent) and they include the screws. I didn't choose to mount it on the wall, so merely place it on the kitchen counter for charging. The first time you need to charge it for 16 hours. With the Black and Decker Cyclonic Action Dustbuster, they state that the dirt is circulated in the bowl and all around the filter so that air passes through the machine and this does not cut down the suction power at all, as yucky filters generally do in other dustbusters. I think that is why I have not been successful in the past with dustbusters. Additionally you can see the dirt in the translucent bowl, and you can just turn the EZ clean dial in lieu of touching a dirty filter to clean it out.

Tools included:

~ Crevice tool
~ Upholstery brush
~ Wall mount charging base

Instruction manual:

There is a folded up manual (in English, Spanish and French)included with the product. It contains numerous warnings. The usual/obvious-product contains lead, as well as keep away from water, etc. The pictures weren't real clear to me, and I did have a little difficulty sliding the dustbuster onto the charger the first time. Once I turned it over I could see how it needed to fit on. A normal, half-way tech-oriented person should have no difficulties however. The only assembly is mounting the base should you choose to do that, and it looks easy, even for me!

My experience:

I was very excited when my package arrived. It looked as appealing in person as it did on the website. It is quite large for a dustbuster, and a little heavier than I anticipated. I anxiously got it out and immediately placed it in the charger for the 16 hours it recommends. There is an on-off switch, and it has to be on "Off" while charging. There is a charger indicator light so you can tell it is definitely doing its thing and charging. I did cheat and try it out on some cat fur stuck in my cat tree, and it has excellent suction. Anyway, I replaced it to continue charging. I've used it when I've spilled dry pet food, coffee grinds as well as the cat and dog fur. I've also used it successfully in my car. I take Mika and Lacy with me quite frequently and of course they deliberately shed to annoy me, and create more work. Sometimes I have to go over things a few times to pick it up, but it has great suction, and is very powerful. It is also a piece of cake to clean, and I really appreciate that it has the translucent bowl. Would I used it to vacuum the whole house you ask? Are you crazy? I don't want to kill my back, but this is great for what it is intended. Small jobs, hard-to-reach places.

What I like:

I like just about everything about it, and what I don't like is not that relevant. The charge has lasted me through each of my quick jobs, even the tedious job of sucking up dog furrage (go crazy epinions spell check) in the car, so I can't tell you how long each charge should last.

Okay, so what don't I like:

It is a little heavy for me as I have a mild carpal tunnel syndrome. But, having said that, I don't use it for extended periods of time so not a big deal. It is a little noisy, but it doesn't really bother me, and that is because it is so powerful!

Final thoughts:

If you have a need for a handheld vacuum for small jobs and tricky to reach places I recommend this dustbuster very highly. It is the most attractive, powerful, effective one I have ever owned. I am giving it 4 1/2 stars, and boosting it up to 5 stars! You may be able to find it at brick and mortar stores, but you'll get the best prices online (and not have to get into your car, hassle with traffic, parking, lines). That is how I got mine, and I am so glad I did.

**Black & Decker can be contacted Monday through Friday 8-5 Eastern time, and can accommodate those who speak English (press 1-grrrr), Spanish or French. Why do I have to press anything to listen to English?? Never mind. Anyway, their number is 1-800-544-6986 or 1-800-54-How-To

Note: I have contacted the manufacturer to find out exact weight of the Dustbuster, and how long each charge should last. I'll update when I receive their response.:

http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-review-7C3D-138BA09B-3A0B3266-prod2
Kenmore Progressive 29713

Thanks for reading!

Suzi