Black+Decker Flex Vac BDH2020FL review (2023)

For theAustin PalmereDavid Wise⋅ January 11, 2022

In our search forbest portable vacuum cleaner everwe compare the specifications of various products on the market and then buy the most promising competitors to compete against each other. We evaluate and score six separate test metrics that together summarize a product's overall performance. In the end is theBlack+Decker Flex Vac BDH2020FLit had admirable results, and we discuss them below.

performance comparison

dust and dirt

Our first test metric looked at the most commonly encountered type of contaminants: dust and dirt. We rate each vacuum based on how long it takes to properly remove fine particles from a static plastic photo screen and mud and dirt that build up on a hard surface. We also evaluated how well each competitor dusted a small area and corner. This oneflex boxhas done reasonably well in all these challenges.

It isflex boxit performed well in our dust test, cleaning a sheet of flour in about 21 seconds with its medium-bristle brush attachment.

Unfortunately, this vacuum didn't do as well with trapped dirt and mud, taking about 20 seconds to clean everything in our test, one of the longest times compared to the bunch, though not by much.

However, theflex boxIt has fully proven itself in other areas and with its bristle brush it easily cleans the top of a baseboard and window sill and even gets into tight corners.

hard fair

Our next metric looked at how well each of these products removed tougher soils from more demanding surfaces like carpeting or upholstery.

Our first challenge for this group was to test how well each vacuum removes flour from a section of low automotive-style carpet. For this test, we used the nozzle from the nozzle-brush combination with whichflex boxabout average performance. It left a decent amount of flour, but we ended up getting pretty clean with several passes.

We then grind the oatmeal and spread it over a padded pillow and the same section of car carpet. With the same tool asflex boxit did a little better on the pillow, took the vast majority of the oats and left only a little dust. However, she occasionally suckled on the cloth and threw some oats over the side. He didn't throw any oats aside on the carpet section, but there were still a lot of oat fragments lodged in the carpet fibers that the Flex Vac couldn't fully extract.

It isflex boxfinished the last cleaning test of this metric with a strong performance, sucking up every mini-wheat grain we put in front of it without clogging it up.

Finally, we measure the velocity of each void created with an anemometer. The Flex Vac performed above average in this test, with the anemometer reading 1427 feet per minute (fpm) of airflow in our test unit. This reading was not the highest of our group (HelloBlack+Decker HHVI315JO42at 1889 fpm!), but it's above average.

Hard to reach areas

We then looked at how effective each of these products was at deep cleaning cracks, crevices, and other hard-to-reach areas like the back of your car. B. below, iskitchen utensils. It isflex boxdid a phenomenal job on that metric.

It isflex boxWe got off to a great start on our first test run, easily clearing the small gap in a window track. We filled that space with oatmeal, and that vacuum sucked them all in with its cracking tool without a hint of effort. The flex continued its excellent performance in our clearance tests, easily hitting 36 inches in a 3-inch gap and effectively cleaning all the way through. If you can get your hand in the gap, you can essentially build that vacuum.

It isflex boxwe ended this test metric with strong performance when we reduced the gap size to 1.25 inches. It could only get about 7.5 inches using the splitting tool, but this is the widest of any product we've tested.

battery life

Unfortunately, theflex boxPerformance declined in our battery life metric. The overall runtime of this vacuum is pretty mediocre, especially compared to theBissell Pet Hair Eraser, which has a slightly longer term. Still, the Flex Vac is better than some of its competitors.

This vacuum only has a single cleaning mode and you can expect it to last around 15 minutes on a full charge. It takes about 4 hours to fully charge, making it difficult to clean larger areas with this product. Hence abest vacuum cleanerit may be a more suitable device if you regularly vacuum larger rooms.

Convenience

Our convenience metrics include how easy it is to empty the bin, store the different accessories, the weight of each vacuum and how loud they are.

It isflex boxweighs 3 pounds without tools and is far from the lightest handheld vacuum in our range, as theBissell AeroSlim, which weighs 1.2 kilograms. That said, all of the tools are relatively light and don't add a lot of weight from there.

It isflex boxit also lost some points for being one of the noisiest handheld vacuums we've tested. It's too loud to talk about and would likely disturb someone working on a computer or watching TV in the same room. However, we appreciate that emptying the collection reservoir is super easy and the reservoir is a good sized 0.5 liters.

It isflex boxit contains three tools, but it doesn't offer a convenient way to store them in the main unit, but it does have a place for them in the charging station. The main unit has a charging station to set the vacuum cleaner to charge, which is more convenient than plugging it in all the time.

animal fur

We lovefurry friends, but let's face it, hair can quickly build up on surfaces. Therefore, our remaining test metric assessed how well each vacuum cleaned pet hair. Using animal hair donated from a localpet care ClinicSalon, we spread the lint on rugs and pillows to see how much each vacuum was able to collect, and then we evaluated its performance. Compared to others it is theflex boxdid very well.

This vacuum does not have an electric bristle brush attachment, but it does have a dedicated pet hair tool with stiff rubber bristles. Although we were a little skeptical at first, this tool has proven itself withflex boxCollect almost 95% of the hair from both test surfaces without too much hassle.

Should you buy the Black+Decker Flex Vac BDH2020FL?

In short, yes. The Flex Vac is an award-winning option that offers the best balance of performance. It's not the most expensive option in our lineup, but it does require some cash. If you are looking for a handheld vacuum cleaner to complement yourFloor and surface cleaning requirements, we recommend it to anyone who doesn't want to sacrifice too much performance.

What other handheld vacuums should you consider?

It isBlack+Decker HHVI320JR02it's an attractive option if you're on a tight budget. While its overall performance is lower than the Flex Vac, it's a decent, budget-friendly option that can handle tough messes, but not pet hair. So, if you regularly clean your furry friends, we recommend that you do this.Bissell Pet Hair Eraser🇧🇷 It's less money than the Flex Vac and is designed to fight pet dander, giving them a slight edge.