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PD1820LF-XE (18V), PD1420LP (14.4V), PD1820L, etc...Vacuum Cleaners Buying Guide
Our buying guide will explain which type of vacuum cleaner would suit you most, how much you can expect to pay for one, and which features are worth looking out for.
B KohGreater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
- 13 reviews
- 11 likes
- Dustbuster Flexi PD1420LP (14.4V)
- Verified purchase
Beautiful thing. Poor suction
I bought this vacuum from Bunnings after having read good reviews here. The main reason for my purchase is its unique "coiled-up" design and the general appearance which I fancy a lot. But a vacuum is a vacuum and to me, it's considered a failed item if it can't get its fundamental function right.
I probably wouldn't have bought it if I were given an opportunity to test its suction power prior to purchase. Unfortunately, both Bunnings I visited (South Melbourne and Maribyrnong) had samples sitting on their shelves which were not charged up f...Read more
or testing purposes (now I am beginning to wonder if this is deliberate). I have tested Vax Gator (15.6V and 18V), Electrolux Ergorapido (14.4V) and Black & Decker Pivot (18V), and in my opinion, Black & Decker Dustbuster Flexi (14.4V) has the weakest suction among them all. Suction issue aside, its lithium battery is quite lasting. I have used it to vacuum the interior of my small car (seats, console, mats and boot) and its power only became weaker towards the end of the cleaning process. It took about 1 hour to recharge to its max thereafter. In my opinion, it is best to empty the vacuum after each usage. It's too early to tell how frequently I have to clean out the filter. Last but not least... it is very loud.2 comments
First of all, I have to thank Black & Decker for leaving me a comment here. I have eventually gotten in touch with them via email. I have tested the device a few more times since purchase, and It appe... Read more
ars that the poor suction I have mentioned in my original comment was caused by the design of the crevice nozzle only. This particular nozzle has an additional "slit" on one of its side that allows air to be sucked in from the side, thereby reducing the suction power when in use. Other nozzles that come with the package have not caused any such problem. The lithium battery has become more lasting after a few recharge. The noise level is still rather loud though. I was advised by Black & Decker to send my vacuum back to Bunnings as they suspected that it could be faulty, hence producing loud noise. Unfortunately they could not send a representative to my place for inspection. I have decided not to bring it back to Bunnings because the device is in a relatively good working condition, and that I am able to put up with the noise it makes. Looking back in retrospect, I should have given this review a 4 star rating instead.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
b0bblesSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 17 reviews
Disappointing waste of money
Pathetic performance for the price. Bought only to clean debris from window & door tracks. Barely picks up anything & the crevice nozzle is too big for the tracks although it seems quite narrow. So so so disappointed at the cost for a machine that's going to sit in the cupboard collecting dust instead of sucking it up like it should!
1 comment
Phillippa H.Black & Decker
Hi b0bbles, thank you for your review.
We’re sorry to hear that you are disappointed with your Dustbuster. We would recommend returning the unit back to Bunnings for assessment, to ensure there is no fault.... Read more
Please feel free to contact our Service Centre on 1800 654 155 if you would like to speak with us directly. Thanks B+DSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
eyebrellaGreater Melbourne (Metropolitan), VIC
- 23 reviews
- 15 likes
- Dustbuster Flexi PD1820LF-XE (18V)
- Verified purchase
One of my favourite appliances
Excellent suction and wonderful for quick cleans of wood floors in the kitchen/dining room, especially after breakfast. All those crumbs! Compact, fast charging and long handle floor attachment is great. You MUST clean the filters regularly for best results but this is a favourite in my house. I have a second one, different model, in the laundry and would not be without it.
1 comment
Phillippa H.Black & Decker
Hi eyebrella, thank you for your review.
We're so pleased to hear that you are happy with your dustbuster flexi.... Read more
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you require any assistance in the future. Thanks B+DSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Black & Decker Dustbuster Flexi compares to other Handheld Vacuum Cleaners
Know better, choose better.
littlewheelSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 9 reviews
- 8 likes
Super handy !
Bought late last year. Very happy with purchase. Suction is quite strong - far superior to any of the cheaper hand held vacuum cleaners which never lived up to my expectations. Easy to use, light, ergonomically comfortable and looks nice. I use it to vacuum along the skirting boards, windowsills, on my carpeted stairs, the car, small messes anywhere. It is not too noisy but sounds and is powerful. Easy to empty and put back together. It stores easily on a small shelf. Battery charger turns off when battery full - less fear of overheating. The charge seems to last a long time, although I tend to recharge straight after using it for longer times e.g. after doing the stairs. Best thing I bought in ages.
2 comments
Phillippa H.Black & Decker
Hi Littlewheel, thank you for your review.
We’re so pleased to hear that you are happy with your Dustbuster. ... Read more
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require any assistance in the future. Thanks B+DDear B & D,
Unfortunately the dust buster has now developed some problems. The on/off button is very hard to operate AND the inside dust filter cannot be removed for cleaning anymore - it is complete... Read more
ly stuck. I've read the manual and followed instructions but to no avail. Lastly, the little brush at the end of the hose, which I hardly use, is very worn and curly.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
adiwSydney
- 4 reviews
Mixed Bag Result
I've had it for about a year now and this is the summary:
Positives: strong suction for its size though can't be compared with my Wherteim corded one, very compact and the flexible hose is great. Fairly easy to disassemble and clean.
Negatives: extremely noisy, luckily I usually only spent around 5 minutes each time otherwise I don't think it's good for my ears. Hairs could get tangled in the motor. I learnt it the hard way after it suddenly started making loud thud noise every few seconds (as if something was stuck). Then a little bit of b...Read more
urning smell came out, which made me freaked out. I disassembled the compartments and found a string of hair in the motor. After removing, it works great again for a while and it started happening again last week. Looks like a flawed design.4 comments
Phillippa H.Black & Decker
Hi There, we’re sorry to hear you’re having issues with your Dustbuster.
We are quite concerned that your product is faulty, and we strongly recommend that you return the unit back to Godfreys for i... Read more
nspection. If you would like to speak with us directly, please contact our Service Centre on 1800 654 155.Hi, thanks for following up. Much appreciated. I will bring it down to Godfreys asap for inspection.
Update: As suggested by B+D official, I brought my vacuum back to Godfrey's who sent back to B+D for investigation. It was quickly determined that the unit needed to be replaced and the following week... Read more
I got a new unit ready for pickup. The new unit has been working well. No sign of thud noise so far, and in general, the whirring noise is bearable compared to the previous unit. Perhaps I was just unlucky that first time. But I'm very happy now. For that I would be happy to bump up my rating from 2 to 5 (too bad there is no edit button).Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
ForisMelbourne
- 4 reviews
- 6 likes
Better than my Dyson stick
I bought this for a second property - we have a Dyson stick too. The Dyson is very good, but the Flex is better. Both have good suction, but I think the 18v of the Flex gives it an edge. The Flex has much better balance, both with the floor attachment and purely hand held. The Dyson is awkward to hold, particularly with the long stick attachment. We use the Flex most of the time - our big Nilfisk only comes out for a really thorough clean every two or three weeks. The Flex design is very clever, with the detachable hose making it extremely usef...Read more
ul for awkward cleaning jobs such as high windows or cleaning a car. The Dyson is quite overpriced in Australia - but I'm happy to pay that premium if it works better... but now I would choose the Flex even if the two were the same price. Construction quality looks to be pretty much equal too, so I am very satisfied with the Flex.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
RickOMetropolitan Adelaide, SA
- 31 reviews
Got the Flexi this time.
Mum borrowed the first one I bought and keeps forgetting to return it, so I think I won't ever be getting that back. This time it's the PD1820LF-XE: 2 for the price of one small Dyson. Great for getting into tight spots in the car, around the sides of the seats and the centre console and over head jobs around the house but not as good as the previous one for whizzing over the carpet and large areas. Still the same good sucking power and powerful battery but watch how you put it back in the charging cradle, as it doesn't settle down on the charging contacts as well as the other model because the plastic key adjacent the contacts are not very tall. I leave the flexi hose off to the side while charging - works every time now.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Greg LSydney
- 13 reviews
Excellent for a quick clean up.
Great for a quick run around to pick up crumbs, fluff, gravel etc. Quality is good including the floor brush and extension tubes which make it very versatile. Very easy for vacuuming the car. Only negative is the high-pitched noise.
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Joey DMelbourne
Is it perfection?
This little guy is pretty close to perfect. Just seeing it side by side with the Dyson dustbuster had me convinced. Its light weight, far more comfortable to hold, has incredible suction, easy to empty and with the handy 1.5m hose it reaches into everywhere!!
It's not exactly cheap, but it feels very well made so i think it will be a great investment in the long run.
This little guy makes dust busting a breeze. I could not speak more fondly of it...
Powerful, easy to use, compact
Loud
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Black & Decker Dustbuster Flexi compares to other Handheld Vacuum Cleaners
Know better, choose better.
ScottToowoomba
- 6 reviews
- 7 likes
My go to vac
I find i am using my main vac less and less. This small 18 Volt vac is not as powerful as my main cleaner, but the convienience of this little vac with excellent suction for a battery powered device has become my vac of choice. I can highly recommend this to anyone, you will be surprised how often you use it.
Convienience, adequate suction in comparison to main vac,
Needs extension hose and small foot
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A MPerth
- 4 reviews
- 2 likes
Great buy!
Love this little hand held cleaner. Wanted one to vacuum my car as living on the first floor I can't use my normal vacuum cleaner so bought this. Didn't want to spend $200 on this but absolutely worth it. Powerful and handy. Can clean the drivers side, front passenger seat and one of the back passenger sides including floor and ceiling on one battery run.
small, handy, powerfull
battery doesn't last a full sedan car clean
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Rik O'ChetPerth, WA
- 4 reviews
- 6 likes
Best Handheld Vac Ever
I have had plenty of handhelds in the past and one that I was particularly attached to was the Hoover Hotshot. It lasted me four years and was the only hosed model I have owned. In the few years since I have searched for something similar and finally I found a unit that is quite simply the best handheld ever. The suction is incredibly strong, battery life runs at around 25 minutes full usage and the charge is reasonably fast. The small and compact unit sits comfortably in one hand while the other can access hard to reach spots by virtue of ...Read more
the stretchable hose. The on/off button is so well located that you only need to lift one finger from the handle to operate. The capacity of the bin seems to go on forever and the ease of clean is first rate. The rubberised pet hair tool is by far the best hair remover I have ever come across, close to total removal with a couple of swipes. I have to reiterate, the suction on this little beauty is just incredible. Massive suction lasting right through to battery fail. Light, compact and convenient. Excellent pet hair attachment. Long battery life and fast charge time. Dust bin fills with no affect on suction. Slightly noisy. The brush attachment could be sturdier, it swings down from the unit and only brushes in front of the leading edge, very flimsy. This unit is still going strong in April 2022.Purchased in September 2021 at RetraVision for $200.00.
1 comment
Agree that you get full power/suction right until the battery dies. It's almost like it gets unplugged. Most other hand helds slow down as the battery drains.
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Burnt-TwiceAU
- 69 reviews
- 1 like
Great Suction, Very Robust Unit
I got tired of the vacuums at Car Washes not being able to get into crevices in my car, and standard vacuum cleaners not being versatile for small corners in the house.
This is the 18 volt version not the weaker 12V seen elsewhere. It has a handle attached to the dust chamber (which holds quite a bit) and a long 1.5m flexible hose that wraps around it for storage. Crevice tool is great as well.. You can get into very tight, inaccessible spots and the suction is amazing.
Good points (stolen from Choice Magazine)
• Very good for dirt pick ...Read more
1 comment
Follow up: It is like a dyson hand-held only 1/3 of the price and is also awesome in the house around skirting boards. Definitely worth it because most full size vacuums can't get into small spaces
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Corinna_Howle-Quin
- 4 reviews
- 4 likes
Really happy
I was concerned that buying something so small would not be effective but I was pleasantly surprised. I have a toddler and a dog so little messes are frequent. As the vacuum cleaner is kept downstairs this little unit has been wonderfully convenient. Easy to empty. Fits beautifully under our sink cupboard.
The hose packs away neatly around the unit.. Compact.. Dust doesnt fall back out..Flexibe hose for tight spots.
a little noisy
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Questions & Answers
Diana Turneyasked
I Need a new filter Where can I purchase it I bought one it has blue plastic but no handle and does not fit. Many thanks hoping for a quick reply
Peteasked
hi my dust buster will not charge no blue light, but if i turn it on while docked light comes on ?
1 answer
Can't say I have had this problem if it's on warranty return it . If not just check that the contacts are okay and the battery can run the cleaner for 15 minutes .
If the battery is fully charged I noticed the light won't come on so maybe it has something to do with the battery memory reporting that it is full to the charger .....just a thought .
Debroasked
Black & Decker PD1800EL-XE 18V Lithium Flexi
My Flexi Dustbuster won't switch on. The Blue light indicates it is charged. I think maybe just the switch maybe not working. Can this be fixed or what else could it be. Why won't it switch on.
I love the little machine even though it blasts my ear drums.
Appreciate your help thanks.
Deb
2 answers
so its off warranty? Sounds like a faulty switch if its charged and it won't work I would think it is the switch .I have noticed though that if the door on the dust collector is not closed correctly it will not work .Check this first and make sure the door is closing and activating the switch.
Thank you for quick response. Yes the door is closing correctly and the area is clean. The switch does seem to be harder to move i.e. to switch on & off. Can the switch be repaired or replaced, please
Thank You
Deb
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Phillippa H.Black & Decker
Hi B Koh, thank you for your review.
We fear that there may be a fault with your unit. As you mentioned, this model has a lithium battery which means it should not be loosing power towards the end of the cleaning process.... Read more
If you could please send your details to [email protected], we will assist in organizing an assessment of the unit. Thanks B+D