This SUCKER really SUCKS!!! (in the best possible way) June 15, 2010
By One Tree in the Forest
I apologize for the length of this "review". In the process of deciding which model of hand vac to buy, I ran into a number of confusing issues.
First, before this purchase (of 2 hand vacs), I have never bought any hand held vac that was NOT a Black & Decker DUST BUSTER. I suppose that is because they were the first to have a cordless/rechargeable hand vac, and inertia took over when it came time for me to replace them. By the time the thrill of having that first rechargeable hand held vac wore off, there were other companies making hand held vacs, but I stuck with B&D's DB's. I cussed them out over various things - mostly they just weren't very good. There were few choices of model; the accessories from one generation didn't fit the next generation even when the next generation came on the market with no accessories (dust brush, crevice tools, etc.). This was one of the few times in my life I put up with any serious product dissatisfaction. Shortly after I purchased my last 2 B&D DB's (I always have 2 because of the layout of our house), I decided that I had no idea what brand of hand vac I would purchase next, but it WOULD NOT BE A DUST BUSTER from B&D.
Because of living in a remote area I shop at AMAZON often (because of free shipping and regularly LOW prices too), and because I try to boycott WalMart (the only "discount" retailer I am within 50 miles of). When I started to compare various hand vacs I complained to my husband how confusing all the choices were and he tossed me the most recent issue of Consumer Reports Magazine that rated Vacs. Often CR samples too few choices to end up with my ultimate choice, but I can track the quality reports based on manufacturer, and it looked as though Dirt Devil deserved a long, hard look.
While researching and comparing models and features I learned that DD manufactures some models under their own name but then limits the distribution of those models to certain retailers. I hope this information can save you some time if you also research acquisitions carefully (as I do). This Amazon model is shown (by searching for the model number) at Dirt Devil's website. There is another one shown there that is otherwise identical (BD10040) except its snout is clear, not red. Neither of them can be ordered from Dirt Devil. At first I suspected that they were discontinued models, and since the MSRP was a little different I was also confused as to whether they were exactly the same. After some absolutely defiant stubbornness by me (with the 4th or 5th "overseas" representative) I spoke to, one finally explained the different models to me. This one is available through Amazon (cheapest) and Target only, and the other one is available through WalMart only.
I am absolutely positive that my time was well spent, at least for me (the original "WHY" kid) because I would always have fretted that I'd bought a discontinued model that Amazon had sitting around - which did not make sense since no one had yet written a review of it, and it was listed elsewhere with no reviews there either. Now that I know that the BD10040 and the BD10045 are the same, I suggest that you also look at the reviews elsewhere.
And now about the pros and cons of the Accu-Charge Cordless 15.6-Volt Hand Vac . . . It has very powerful vacuum suction, but I wish the opening was a little wider (like on the Dust Buster's). I also wish the very, very convenient on-board (retractable) crevice tool was flatter (like the Dust Buster's). I wish the pull out (retractable) brush bar was removable or retracted in completely (it is always kinda "there"). Other than those 3 things that are probably just "period of adjustment" issues, I can say, from just a few uses so far, that I am certain I will be happier with these 2 Dirt Devils than I ever really was with the various Dust Busters I owned through the years, model after model. I heartily recommend this hand vacuum. I am also very pleased with the fast recharge (only 6 hours), the fact that there is a light that goes out when the vac is fully charged, and that it has new charging/recharging technology that reduces the charger's output to a "trickle charge" once the unit is charged. This should increase the battery life considerably and cut down on power usage too. (Dirt Devil says it cuts power consumption by 70%). The charging stand can be wall mounted for extra convenience. This vac has a 3-YEAR WARRANTY.
NOTE: Since I mostly use these hand vacs to pick up loose cat litter from a throw rug and carpeting, I finally, brutally, and forcefully, yanked out the dust brush from each of the vacs. I knew from past experience that they were/would be a rarely used feature. The fact that they did not retract totally (even though the bristles were only an issue when the vacs were held at certain angles) tended to slow down my sweeping forward and back movements when working on other than a smooth, hard surface. I don't miss them, and, that was my expectation since the "dust brush" was the "attachment" I used the least (extremely rarely) on previous hand vacs by other manufacturers.
AMAZON introduce for you:
Dirt Devil AccuCharge 15.6 Volt Cordless Hand Vac with ENERGY STAR Battery Charger, BD10045RED
Once again, customer reviews:
Great Little Sucker
by JimBob
We have two lab-mix dogs and a cat and the old "Dust Buster" didn't hold a charge any more. This hand vac is a good one. The flip down crevice tool and brush are handy to have on board and has plenty of suction. We have used it almost every day in the last few weeks with no complaints. Worth every penny.
Dirt Devil AccuCharge 15.6 Volt Cordless Hand Vac with ENERGY STAR Battery Charger, BD10045RED
Dirt Devil has developed a new line of energy efficient cleaning products with ENERGY STAR qualified battery chargers. The Accucharge System protects batteries from degradation, leading to a longer and more efficient battery life. Now charging twice as quickly-- so you won't have to wait as long between uses. Additionally, special AccuCharge Circuitry constantly monitors the battery until fully charged, and then reduces power to a trickle to complete and maintain the charge. This results in a reduction of energy consumption by 70%!
With 15-3/5 volts of suction power and an easy-to-maneuver cordless design, this handheld vacuum cleaner works great for on-the-go pickups and fast cleaning of every day messes and dry spills. The handy tool features AccuCharge technology, which provides a longer battery life and charges twice as fast. Plus, its circuitry constantly monitors the unit until it reaches the charge voltage, then it reduces power to a trickle to complete and maintain the charge, which means 70-percent less energy consumption. The unit's battery charger has earned an ENERGY STAR rating, which means it meets strict energy-efficiency guidelines for battery chargers set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy.
ENERGY STAR qualified battery chargers can help save on energy bills, as well as on greenhouse gas emissions--all of which means a cleaner house without excess costs or impact on the environment. Other thoughtful design details include a comfort-grip handle, a thumb-activated on/off switch, and an onboard flip-down crevice tool for getting into tight spaces like along window sills or between couch cushions. Dirt and debris collect in an oversized bagless cup that pops off for quick emptying. The rechargeable handheld vacuum cleaner measures approximately 14 by 4 by 5 inches.
For more informations, click here.
