What could be better for a little on-the-spot cleanup than a handheld cordless vacuum? What brand name has been used so often that it’s practically a noun for any cordless vacuum? DustBuster! These light but powerful machines are ready to help you neaten up your home and car. Let’s look at them both and see which one is the best choice for you.
Black & Decker CHV1410L Bagless 14.4V Lithium DustBuster Vacuum
Hasn’t just about everyone seen a DustBuster? After all, they’ve been on the market since 1979. It’s the first tool most of us reach for when there are crumbs, dust bunnies, or spilled pet food.
Black & Decker keeps improving the DustBuster design so that each model holds a charge longer and has more suction power. The CHV1410L shown here is the classic cordless vacuum with a new Lithium-Ion battery and convenient additions. (The CHV1510 described below still uses a Ni-Cd battery.)
All the attachments you need are already on-board. Thefabric brush is built into the tip of the nozzle. It flips up into action and down out of the way. The nozzle pulls out into a narrow crevice tool. Nothing gets lost and everything’s right at hand.
The 20.6-ounce dirt collector (aka “dust bowl”) is translucent so you can see when it’s time to empty it. The three-stage filtering system keeps dust output to a minimum, and the filters are all washable. The soft filter is replaceable. Black & Decker recommends replacing it every six to nine months, but that’s not required. The machine will have better suction, of course, if you empty the bowl and wash the filter regularly.
Since the CHV1410L has a Li-ion battery, you can leave the vacuum on the charger with no harm to battery life. If you take it off and put it in storage, it holds a charge for up to 18 months. (But why would you put such a handy thing in storage?) You can mount the vacuum on a wall with the included bracket, or just set it down and plug it in to charge. The LED light glows to show that it is charging. The bottom of the vacuum has a flattened part that allows it to rest in a stable vertical position.
More features of the Black & Decker CHV1410L cordless vacuum
- Measures 14 x 8.1 x 5.4 inches and weighs about 4 pounds
- Has a 2-year limited warranty
- Motor is 14.4V, 24 Watts air power
- Replacement filter VF110
NEW Black & Decker CHV1510 Dustbuster 15.6-Volt Cordless Cyclonic Hand Vacuum
So, besides the color scheme, what is the difference between the CHV1410L and the CHV 1510? They are practically the same vacuum.
First, the CHV1510 is more powerful than the CHV1410 described above. It runs on 15.6 volts for more suction strength, and has 25 Watts of air flow power.
Second, it uses a Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) rechargeable battery, not Lithium-Ion like the CHV1410L. With that said, you’ll need to charge this vacuum overnight before you use it the first time. Repeat: charge the battery for a minimum of 9 hours before you use it. Then run it like crazy the first time you use it—vacuum all the stairs, under the couch cushions, everywhere until the battery is just about dead. Not completely dead, but almost dead. You’ll avoid creating memory effect at the outset. Then this vacuum should handle itself well for you in the future. If you browse user reviews, the main complaint is that the battery dies after only a few uses. That’s probably because those people don’t know how to take care of a Ni-Cd anymore in our new Li-Ion world.
Also take note that Ni-Cd batteries only last for about 500 cycles before they start having problems, and they start self-discharging when left off the charger.
More features of the Black & Decker CHV1510 cordless vacuum
- Measures 14.3 x 8 x 5.5 inches and weighs about 3.25 pounds
- Has a 2-year limited warranty
- Replacement filter VF110
Recommendation
If you want powerful suction, the CHV1510 has the advantage. But in turn you’ll have to deal with a battery that you’ll need to baby to avoid memory effects. Plus, you can’t ever run it completely down without risking permanent damage to it.
If you prefer working with Lithium-Ion batteries which are much more tolerant of short run-times and can be recharged without causing memory effect, get the CHV1410L. It’s still plenty powerful to get all your DustBusting done.
Click here to purchase NEW Black & Decker CHV1510 on Amazon!
Click here to purchase Black & Decker CHV1410L on Amazon!