This Family Handyman Approved Cordless Vacuum Is a Must-Have for Parents and Pet Owners
Updated: Nov. 02, 2023
You know how annoying it is to drag out your full-sized vacuum to deal with every little a sprig of pet hair or spilled bowl of cereal? I do, so I gave this Family Handyman Approved handheld vacuum a try.
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Living with children and pets, I’ve become numb to the never-ending messes the most beloved members of my family create.
A few months back, after watching my dear wife drag out the full sized, upright vacuum for what seemed like the 17th time that day, I had had enough. In a senseless and frantic state, I jumped on the internet and ordered the Black+Decker 20v Max Pivot Vac. It showed up in an inconspicuous box a few days later, and I was gung-ho to give it a try.
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What is the Black+Decker 20v Max Pivot Vac?
The Black+Decker 20-volt Max Pivot Vac is a lightweight, battery-powered handheld vacuum. It features an innovative 180 degree pivoting and telescoping nozzle that reaches into tight spaces; a flip-over upholstery brush; and a three-stage air filtration system to prevent clogs.
A strong, 20-volt rechargeable lithium battery powers the vac, which also features an easy-to-empty bagless debris canister.
Lightweight and compact, the black and gray tool vac arrived in a small, discreet box, accompanied by only its charging dock and an instructional manual.
How We Tested It
I’ve had this Black+Decker Pivot Vac for a few months now, aiding with the constant cleaning that comes with having a child and a dog. But I also set up a couple of tests to see how long a fully charged vacuum would run. And here’s a test any parent can relate to — how many Cheerios could it pick up before the debris canister couldn’t accept any more?
Performance Review
Performance
To test the battery life, I charged the vacuum to full and started cleaning. Ten minutes and two seconds later, the battery died, and I had cleaned almost every nook and cranny on my 700+ square-foot lower level. While this doesn’t seem like a long time for a 20-volt lithium battery to run, I can’t imagine a scenario where I’d have to spot clean my residence with a small vacuum for longer than that.
The Cheerios test was a hit. It was amazing to watch this compact vacuum suck up 200 Cheerios without flinching. The suction is the vac’s best trait. It stayed stout and strong even as the vacuum loaded up with cereal. On the other hand, the debris canister filled quickly, jamming the flap and allowing Cheerios to fall out of the nozzle when I shut it off.
The Pivot Vac is handy little vacuum. The narrow pivoting nozzle fits into tight spaces like between the seats of your car, behind a mounted flatscreen TV or the back of your kitchen cabinets. The pivot vac’s debris canister and filters are easy to remove, clean and replace. And it easily plops onto its dock for quick and effortless charging.
Value
Cordless handheld vacuums from reputable brands range from $40 to near $200, which puts the $90 Black+Decker Pivot Vac price on the more affordable end of the spectrum. I think the potent sucking power and easy to use, bagless design easily justify this vacuum’s price.
Reliability and durability
Black+Decker has been a player in this market for a long time. I remember thirty-some-odd years ago when it seemed like every home had a Dustbuster charged up and on the ready. There’s even an original Dustbuster on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.!
Black+Decker is a trusted and reliable vacuum brand. Some Amazon reviewers question this product’s battery’s longevity, though it wasn’t an issue for me.
Ease of use
The Pivot Vac is as user friendly as they come. A single power button and another to adjust the pivoting head are all you’ll need for routine cleaning.
Even the charging is foolproof. Just sit the vacuum on its dock and a blue light will appear to let you it is charging. Once the light goes off, the vacuum is charged and ready for another use.
Why You Should Buy This
I can’t imagine sharing a home with children or pets without having a cordless handheld vacuum. We use our Black+Decker 20-volt Max Pivot Vac all the time for dirt, leaves, food, nearly everything. It’s awesome suction, agile nozzle, simple ease of use and sub-hundred-dollar price are all reasons I love this Pivot Vac, and why you should go pick one up, too.
Pros
- Slim adjustable nozzle;
- Powerful suction;
- Lightweight and compact;
- Easy to clean canister and filters;
- Bagless;
- Affordable.
Cons
- Canister size;
- Battery issues for some users.
Where To Buy
The Black+Decker 20V Max Pivot Vac is available at Amazon, Walmart, and The Home Depot.
