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Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Vacuum Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Reviewed Nov 11, 2020 at 09:12 am
Latest change: Test bench update Dec 14, 2023 at 11:24 am
Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet Picture
7.8
Bare Floor
7.6
Low-Pile Carpet
7.6
High-Pile Carpet
7.3
Pets
9.0
Stairs
8.4
Cars
5.8
Workshop

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet is a cordless handheld vacuum designed with pet owners in mind. It comes with two power settings to help you tackle different kinds of messes, and includes a turbo tool for tackling fabric-based furniture. It also offers outstanding performance on bare floors, although it struggles a bit more with carpet. Unfortunately, it can be hard to detach the built-in combination crevice and extension wand tool. Still, this handheld can be an asset as it can tackle the occasional mess or pet fluff around the home.

Our Verdict

7.8 Bare Floor

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet is great for bare floors. It can pick up most pet hair as well as cereal and rice. However, the vacuum has a bit more trouble picking up finer debris when its dirt compartment is partially-full. While it has an overall decent but plasticky build quality, it requires regular maintenance. A couple of parts also need to be replaced over time.

Pros
  • Picks up most pet hair on all surface types.
  • Clears small and large debris well.
  • Highly portable and lightweight.
Cons
  • Plasticky build quality.
7.6 Low-Pile Carpet

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet is decent for low-pile carpet. It can pick up most pet hair and a lot of large debris like sand. However, it struggles a bit more with smaller debris such as baking soda. Its plasticky build feels a bit flimsy in some places and it requires some regular maintenance to keep it at optimal performance. It also has recurring costs, as its pre-filter and main filter need to be replaced over time.

Pros
  • Picks up most pet hair on all surface types.
  • Highly portable and lightweight.
Cons
  • Struggles to pick up small debris.
  • Plasticky build quality.
7.6 High-Pile Carpet

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet is decent for high-pile carpet. This vacuum can pick up most pet hair and a good amount of large debris like sand. However, it struggles more with small debris such as baking soda. It also has a plasticky build quality and requires regular maintenance. A couple of its parts need to be replaced over time. It can also be a little tricky to pull out its built-in crevice and extension wand.

Pros
  • Picks up most pet hair on all surface types.
  • Highly portable and lightweight.
Cons
  • Struggles to pick up small debris.
  • Plasticky build quality.
7.3 Pets

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet is great for pets. It can pick up most pet hair from bare floors and carpet. However, it has a plasticky build quality, requires some regular maintenance, and has a few parts that need to be replaced over time. On the upside, it has a turbo brush to help dislodge dirt from furniture.

Pros
  • Picks up most pet hair on all surface types.
  • Highly portable and lightweight.
Cons
  • Plasticky build quality.
9.0 Stairs

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet is outstanding for stairs. This lightweight vacuum is easy to use on stairs since it has a virtually unlimited range so long as it has battery life left as well as room in its dirt compartment. Unfortunately, it has a plasticky build and some parts could crack if dropped. It can be somewhat tricky to pull out its built-in crevice and extension wand.

Pros
  • Picks up most pet hair on all surface types.
  • Highly portable and lightweight.
Cons
  • Plasticky build quality.
8.4 Cars

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet is excellent for cars. It's lightweight, portable, and has quite a long range. It comes with a built-in crevice and extension wand so that you can get into hard-to-reach places. It offers decent overall performance on low-pile carpet. However, it has a plasticky build quality and it requires some regular maintenance.

Pros
  • Picks up most pet hair on all surface types.
  • Highly portable and lightweight.
Cons
  • Plasticky build quality.
5.8 Workshop

Pros
  • Picks up most pet hair on all surface types.
  • Highly portable and lightweight.
Cons
  • Plasticky build quality.
  • 7.8 Bare Floor
  • 7.6 Low-Pile Carpet
  • 7.6 High-Pile Carpet
  • 7.3 Pets
  • 9.0 Stairs
  • 8.4 Cars
  • 5.8 Workshop
  1. Updated Dec 14, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update builds on our previous 'Suction' test with a new 'Airflow' test that more accurately measures a vacuum's ability to generate air movement. If you'd like to see an in-depth look at the reasoning and methodology behind this change, you can see our full changelog here..
  2. Updated Nov 03, 2022: This vacuum's suction force has been retested with a more accurate manometer. The test results for the 'Maximum Suction' and 'Normal Suction' fields have been updated. All relevant scores and text have been updated.
  3. Updated Aug 03, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
  4. Updated May 27, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
  5. Updated Nov 11, 2020: Review published.
  6. Updated Nov 05, 2020: Early access published.
  7. Updated Oct 20, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
  8. Updated Oct 14, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  9. Updated Oct 04, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet comes in one variant: gray. You can see its label here. This vacuum also comes in a non-pet variant called the Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+, which comes in black and doesn't include a turbo brush.

If you come across a Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet that's differently equipped than our test model, let us know in the discussions and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Vacuums

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet is a cordless handheld vacuum that's designed for picking up pet hair. It comes with a turbo brush to help clean fabric-covered furniture and it has a built-in combination crevice tool and extension wand. However, it doesn't pick up as much pet hair as the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+, another pet-oriented handheld vacuum. Check out our recommendations for the best handheld vacuums for pet hair, the best cordless vacuums for pet hair, and the best vacuums for pet hair.

Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ [CH951, CH964AMZ]

The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ is a better handheld vacuum for cleaning pet hair than the Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet. The Shark is better built, easier to maintain, and has fewer recurring costs. It comes with an upholstery tool as well as a hard bristle brush, and it has a better overall performance on all surface types. However, the Black+Decker has a better battery performance and a larger dirt compartment.

Black+Decker 16V MAX dustbuster Cordless Hand Vacuum

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet is a better handheld vacuum for most uses than the Black+Decker dustbuster Hand Vacuum. The AdvancedClean+ Pet comes with a turbo brush and has a better battery performance. It also performs better on carpet. However, the Hand Vacuum is better built, with fewer recurring costs. It also performs better on bare floors.

Shark WANDVAC

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet and the Shark WANDVAC are handheld vacuums with different strengths. The Black+Decker has a better battery performance and a larger dirt compartment. It also comes with a turbo brush and offers better overall performance on bare floors and high-pile carpet. However, the Shark is better on low-pile carpet. It feels better built, does a better job of capturing fine allergens, and has virtually no recurring costs.

Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Hand Vacuum

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet and Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Hand Vacuum are evenly-matched vacuums. The Black+Decker is lighter, has a slightly larger dirt compartment, and comes with a built-in crevice cleaner and turbo brush to deal with messes in tight corners or on upholstery. It also cleans better on high-pile carpet. That said, the Hoover has lower recurring costs, a longer battery life, substantially faster battery recharging times, and superior cleaning performance on bare floors and low-pile carpet.

RYOBI 18V One+ 3 Gal. Project Wet/Dry

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet and RYOBI 18V One+ 3 Gal. Project Wet/Dry are for different usage scenarios. The Black+Decker is a much smaller, considerably lighter handheld vacuum designed for household spot-cleaning tasks. It also comes with a turbo brush for dealing with pet hair on upholstered surfaces and has a longer maximum battery life of roughly half an hour. Meanwhile, the RYOBI is a dedicated shop vacuum with a remarkably strong suction force, enabling it to easily clear debris on most surfaces. It's wet-compatible, allowing you to clear liquid messes, and has a dustbin capacity that's almost twenty times that of the Black+Decker.

HoLife HM036E

The HoLife HM036E is a slightly better handheld vacuum than the Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet. The HoLife is better-built. It comes with a liquid nozzle for cleaning spills, and it has a better performance on bare floors. It also has a better battery performance and is easier to maneuver. However, the Black+Decker comes with a turbo brush that can tackle debris on fabric-based furniture. 

iRobot H1

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet and iRobot H1 each have their advantages, and one may suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. The Black+Decker incurs slightly lower recurring costs, is a little less demanding in terms of maintenance, has a larger dirt compartment, and delivers better performance on bare floors. Meanwhile, the iRobot clears more debris on low and high-pile carpet, feels better-built, is easier to maneuver, and takes less time to charge despite offering similar battery life, though that can vary with real-world usage.

Wyze Handheld Vacuum

The Wyze Handheld Vacuum and Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet perform better under different use cases, so one may be a better fit than the other, depending on your needs. The Wyze is smaller, lighter, delivers slightly better performance on low and high-pile carpets, and has an allergen-trapping HEPA filter. Despite taking much less time to recharge, it also has a similar battery life to the Black+Decker, though this can vary in the real world. However, the Black+Decker clears debris more effectively on bare floors, comes with a turbo brush, and has a bigger dirt compartment that doesn't need emptying as often.

+ Show more

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
7.0
Design
Build Quality
Vacuum Type
Handheld

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet has a decent build quality. It's completely made out of plastic, but parts like the dustbin door's hinge feel especially flimsy and could break if dropped. You can also accidentally push the power button while you're removing its filters.

7.0
Design
User Maintenance

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet is decently easy to maintain.

  • Dust bowl: This part can be emptied by pressing its debris release button. However, it isn't removable. It can be wiped clean with a dry cloth when necessary.
  • Plastic pre-filter: You can easily remove this part by pulling on its tabs. It can be washed in warm soapy water. The manufacturer recommends cleaning this part regularly.
  • Filter: This part clicks apart from the pre-filter. You can also wash this part in soapy water. It's recommended to clean this part regularly to keep an optimal suction force.

All parts that can be cleaned with water should be left to dry completely before putting them back in.

8.0
Design
Recurring Cost
Bag Part Number No bag
Filter Part Number N593505
HEPA Filter Part Number No HEPA Filter

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet has a couple of recurring costs. The plastic pre-filter, as well as the filter, should be replaced every six to nine months. You can purchase replacement filters through the manufacturer's website.

7.1
Design
Storing
Height
15.35" (39.0 cm)
Width
6.30" (16.0 cm)
Depth
7.28" (18.5 cm)
Cord Storing
Not Needed
On-Board Tool Storage
No
Vacuum Rack/Station
No

This vacuum is decently easy to store. It doesn't come with on-board storage for its motorized brush but the combination extension wand and crevice tool is built-in. If you want a handheld vacuum that comes with a mountable rack station for easier storing, check out the Dyson Humdinger.

7.1
Design
Dirt Compartment
Bagless
Yes
Volume
0.18 gal (0.70 L)
Full Indicator
No
Bag Included
No Bag Needed

This vacuum has an alright dirt compartment. It's somewhat large and the compartment is see-through so you know when it needs to be emptied. However, due to its size, you may need to empty it more frequently.

Design
In The Box

  • Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet handheld vacuum
  • Filter
  • Pre-filter
  • Motorized brush
  • Jack plug charger
  • Vacuum user guide

10
Design
Range
Cordless
Yes
Cord Length
N/A
Hose Length
N/A
Minimum Wand Length
0.89 ft (0.27 m)
Maximum Wand Length
0.95 ft (0.29 m)
Total Range
N/A

This vacuum has a cordless design, so its range is only limited by its battery life and the room left in its dirt compartment.

8.9
Design
Portability
Total Weight
2.78 lbs (1.26 kg)
Weight In Hand
2.29 lbs (1.04 kg)
Carrying handle
Yes

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet is exceptionally portable. It's lightweight and has a carrying handle so you can bring it with you to different rooms.

6.3
Design
Battery
Minimum Battery Life
13 min
Maximum Battery Life
29 min
Recharge Time
231 min
Recharge Dock
No
Battery Life Indicator
Yes
Removable Batteries
No

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet has an alright battery performance. There are two power settings. The default power mode is the 'On' setting, which provides just under half an hour of continuous runtime. Its more powerful 'Boost Mode' lasts around 13 minutes. Three white LED lights let you know the status of the battery, and it flashes when you have only one minute of runtime left.

Design
Quality Of Life Features
Rotating Head
No
Power Adjustment
Yes
Self-Propelled
No
Headlights
No
Easy On/Off
Yes
Head Surface Type Adjustment
None

This vacuum has an easy-to-reach on/off button that also doubles as a power adjustment button. When you turn the vacuum on, you activate its least powerful 'On' mode. However, double-pressing the same button activates 'Boost Mode', which is its most powerful mode best-suited for tackling stubborn messes.

Design
Tools And Brushes
Brushroll
No
Brushroll On/Off
No
Removable Brushroll
No
Turbo Brush
Yes
Crevice Tool
Yes
Upholstery Tool
No
Soft Bristle Brush
No
Hard Bristle Brush
No
Extension Wand
Yes
Ceiling Fan Tool
No
Pet Grooming Tool
No

This vacuum comes with a couple of tools and brushes. There's a motorized turbo brush that can help you clean fabric-based furniture. There's also a combination extension wand and crevice tool that's built into it and can't be removed.

Design
Alternative Configuration
Blower Mode
No

This vacuum can also be used with its turbo brush to clean furniture.

Performance
9.0
Performance
Bare Floor Performance (Hardwood, Laminate, Tiles)
Setting Used "Boost Mode"
Large Debris at 0 gal (0L) 100%
Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 91%
Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A
Small Debris at 0 gal (0L) 100%
Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 77%
Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet is outstanding for bare floors. It can pick up most pet hair as well as cereal and rice. This vacuum has a bit more trouble picking up rice when its dirt compartment starts to fill up, though. You may want to consider the Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Hand Vacuum if you're looking for a similarly-designed cordless handheld vacuum that clears small debris more effectively.

7.2
Performance
Low-Pile Carpet Performance
Setting Used "Boost Mode"
Large Debris at 0 gal (0L) 79%
Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 78%
Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A
Small Debris at 0 gal (0L) 60%
Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 55%
Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A

This vacuum has decent performance on low-pile carpet. While it can pick up most pet hair, it struggles a bit more to clear large debris like sand. Smaller debris such as baking soda is even more of a challenge to clean up, but it can still pick up over half of this debris, which is alright.

7.4
Performance
High-Pile Carpet Performance
Setting Used "Boost Mode"
Large Debris at 0 gal (0L) 68%
Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 65%
Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A
Small Debris at 0 gal (0L) 48%
Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 43%
Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A

The Black+Decker dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet has a good performance on high-pile carpet. It can pick up a good amount of sand but it struggles a lot more with sand. It also has some trouble clearing pet hair. Consider the iRobot H1 if you're looking for a handheld vacuum with better performance on this surface type.

9.2
Performance
Pet Hair Floor Performance
Bare Floor
98%
Low-Pile Carpet
92%
High-Pile Carpet
84%
8.2
Performance
Suction
Maximum Hose Suction
13.5 inH₂O (3.36 kPa)
Maximum Head Suction
14.5 inH₂O (3.60 kPa)
Normal Head Suction
7.1 inH₂O (1.78 kPa)
Setting Used For Normal "On", no attachments
Hose Diameter
N/A
2.9
Performance
Airflow
Maximum Hose Airflow
14.3 CFM (0.4 m³/min)
8.1
Performance
Noise
Bare Floor
73.3 dBA
Low-Pile Carpet
80.3 dBA
6.5
Performance
Maneuverability

This vacuum has okay maneuverability. It's not designed to clean large amounts of flooring, but it can spot clean and tackle small messes with relative ease. It's lightweight and can get into hard-to-reach places with its crevice extension tool. It also doesn't have a problem cleaning around power cables. However, the extension wand can be hard to pull out of the vacuum and you have to turn off the vacuum to attach the turbo brush. While the turbo brush does an okay job cleaning furniture, there's no bristle tool so you could damage wood surfaces when cleaning.

6.5
Performance
Pet Hair Furniture Performance
Sofa Pickup Post Test
Performance
Air Quality
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
No
6.5
Performance
Cracks
Wood Cracks Post Test
1.0
Performance
Stains
Stain Pickup Post Test
0
Performance
Water
Wet Compatible
No
Water Pickup Post Test
Automation
0
Automation
Physical Automation
Automatic Recharging
No
Automatic Bag Emptying
No
Pathing Algorithm
No Pathing Algorithm
Physical Boundary Markers
No
Scheduled Start Buttons
No
Cycle Control Buttons
No
Navigation Control Buttons
No

This handheld vacuum doesn't have any automation features.

0
Automation
Companion App Automation
App Name
No App
iOS Availability
No
Android Availability
No
Software Boundary Markers (No Go Zones)
No
App Scheduled Start
No
App Cycle Control
No
Navigation Control within App
No