Black & Decker CHV1400 14.4-Volt Cyclonic DustBuster Review

I've long had a love/hate relationship with Black & Decker DustBusters.  I loved their portability, but always found them underpowered and nasty to to clean.

So, when we were looking to replace our ancient and failing DustBuster DB200, I was inclined to look at several different brands.  For one reason or another, portable vacuums by Euro-Pro, Bissell and Dirt Devil didn't appeal to me.

Then I spotted the Black & Decker CHV1400 14.4-Volt Cyclonic DustBuster.  It had a substantial look to it.  I was impressed immediately to learn that it was powered by a 14.4V battery.

More Power, More Run-Time

By the time we were replacing our older unit, its run-time was no more than 5 - 6 minutes.  This new DustBuster claimed that fully charged it would provide 15 minutes of continuous run-time.  That seemed more than adequate to me for routine use around the house.

But what really got my attention was its relative suction power.  Measured in air watts, the new model was rated at 25, while our old DB200 was rated at a meager 3.2.  While I still don't know exactly what an air watt represents, I can tell you that the Black & Decker CHV1400 14.4-Volt Cyclonic DustBuster has considerably more suction power than the unit it was replacing.

Cleaner

Opening and emptying our old Dust Buster had always been a messy affair.  Our new Black & Decker CHV1400 14.4-Volt Cyclonic DustBuster with its dual filtration (filter within a filter) feature improves the experience.  The unit has a cleaning wheel on its exterior.  By spinning it, it frees most of the debris from the filters and makes it considerably less messy to empty.  No, it's not perfect, but it is a vast improvement.

Accessory Storage

The Black & Decker CHV1400 14.4-Volt Cyclonic DustBuster comes with 2 additional accessories.  It includes both a crevice tool and a brush attachment.  Both fit into recesses of the vacuum so there's less likelihood of misplacing them.

Mounting and Charging

Like almost all hand-held battery powered vacuums, there is a mounting/charging plate that can be wall mounted.  It has an attached power cord that needs to be plugged into a 110V outlet.  When the vacuum is not in use, it sits comfortably and securely in the charging plate.  It is recommended that prior to its first use it be allowed to charge for 16 hours.

My Viewpoint

We've now had this vacuum for about two years.  I'm pretty sure it cost about $35.  No, it's not perfect, but what hand-held vac is?  It fits comfortably in your hand, has plenty of power and seems always at the ready.  What's not to like?

Rudi