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Black & Decker 18-Volt Pivoting-Nose Cordless Handheld Vacuum by Black & Decker
Product DetailsManufacturer: Black & Decker Brand: Black & Decker Edition: Kitchen Model: PHV1800 Color: White & Blue Publisher: Black & Decker Studio: Black & Decker Music Label: Black & Decker Product features: - Cordless 2-speed 18-volt hand vac with 10-position pivoting nozzle
- Cyclonic action helps keep the filter clean so suction power lasts longer
- 3-stage filtration; easy-empty system; folds in half for compact storing
- Includes upholstery brush, small crevice tool, and wall-mountable charging base
- Measures 17-4/5 by 6-4/5 by 7-2/7 inches; 2-year warranty
Description of Black & Decker 18-Volt Pivoting-Nose Cordless Handheld VacuumBlack & Decker's New 18 volt Pivoting Hand Vac has the power and versatility to tackle the toughest messes around the home. The patented 10 position pivoting nozzle with an integrated extended crevice tool, gives user access to confined areas. Clean underneath furniture, up high, stairs, in cars, etc. Innovative design folds in half for compact storage and includes easy empty system and filter cleaning wheel.
Tools and Hardware Reviews of Black & Decker 18-Volt Pivoting-Nose Cordless Handheld VacuumCustomer Review: Very Nice Design, Good Suction, Loud Summary: 5 Stars
***This model is discontinued. Check out the redesigned version: Black & Decker Pivot Vac 18V Cordless Pivoting Hand Vac, PHV1810
This hand vac is thoughtfully designed and a real improvement on previous Black & Decker models.
I compare it with the Black & Decker 9.6 volt (V9610) which sucked up dirt fairly well for 2 years while feeling in so many ways like a piece of junk.
The pivot-nozzle WILL rotate flush with the bottom of the vac, enabling very compact stowage & transport. Nice.
Suction (stated on the box as "35 watts air power") feels impressive. Even low speed has good suction. The box claims "30% more suction than [previous] B&D models." The suction area is about 2/3 inch x 1-2/3 inch, similar to previous models.
The vac's high pitched whine is irritating on low speed, and certifiably obnoxious on high speed.
The pivoting nozzle with built-in extension is a really sensible design. You won't want to go back to a wide-snout model if you can help it. The built-in extension fits into spaces .92" or larger and the crevice tip reduces that to 1/2".
The vac alone weighs 4.1 lbs (56% more than the 9.6 volt) but it doesn't seem unreasonably heavy, probably because of the large well-positioned handle.
The charging cradle can be wall mounted or sit on a counter or cabinet floor. It could even work in a 13" high shelf space. It receives and releases the vac effortlessly.
The vac's plastics seem to be of high quality (not brittle or thin). Seems like they could survive a fair amount of abuse.
A clear plastic housing provides a view of the dirt chamber which holds 11.8 volumetric ounces (1.5 cups, 350 ml). Things like this make you wonder what's going on at Black and Decker. They seem to have lost their touch for making mediocre half-baked products.
The "filter cleaning wheel" is easy to use, unlike previous models, and does it's job well.
Takes PVF-100 replacement filter ($7), same as some previous B&D models. Washable in warm water. The manual says to replace it every 6-9 months, but my original is fine after 3 years.
Exhaust air comes out the bottom which could be a hassle when cleaning up fine sawdust, etc. But with the pivot-nozzle you could avoid blowing on the mess.
The on-off switch is much less annoying than on the 9.6 volt model, but still feels cheap.
The transformer-plug stays warm even after the vac is fully charged, adding a few dollars a year to your electric bill. However, if the vac is not in the charging cradle, the transformer-plug is cool (no energy drain).
There are instructions for removing and disposing of the Ni-Cd battery, but no indication that replacements are available.
The "Full 2 Year Warranty" covers defects and says nothing about how long the battery will last.
***Update 12-2-2010: After 4 years, it's held up well and the battery is still good.
***Note: My 5-star rating is based on getting it for around 60 buckss or less.
Pros:
Good suction
Very nice overall design. Ergonomic.
Cons:
High pitched whine is offensive
Expensive
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