Black & Decker PSV1800 Pivoting Floor Vac Review

Click to see on Amazon

Avg. consumer rating = 75/100 

The Black & Decker PSV1800, sometimes called the Black & Decker Pivot Vac, is a bagless and cordless stick vacuum that is effective on both bare floors and carpets.It lasts a fairly long time on a single charge and comes with a 2-year warranty.  There are some consumer comments that it is awkward emptying the dirt canister however.

Unlike its little cousin (the PHV1800 Handheld), the PSV1800 struggles a bit in the consumer ratings department.  Customer ratings are provided below and when averaged generate a score of 75/100 which, when comapred to many other stick vacs, is not bad but nothing special.

Vacuum Features
The Black & Decker PSV1800 is a stick vacuum.  Stick vacuums are essentially very thin and light upright vacuums that are designed for quick cleanups (probably not a good choice for full house-wide cleaning).  They are typically not as powerful as a full-size upright and the dirt canister is often smaller.   This 18 volt cordless unit produces 20 air watts of power and uses cyclonic action which is touted by Black & Decker as a powerful spinning action that helps keep the filter clean thereby increasing the time between filter cleaning and ensuring better suction for longer periods. The vacuum has a three-stage filtration system that is purported to provide clean exhaust air (how clean we do not know).  The PSV1800 uses a filter model #PVF2000.

Other vacuum features include:
- side-suction vents for edge cleaning along baseboards and walls
- pivoting action for easy reaching and cleaning under furniture (see video)
- a motorized brushbar that can be turned on for carpet cleaning and turned off for cleaning bare floors
- the ability to fold in half creating easier storage and more compact charging

The Black and Decker Pivot Vac is indeed bagless but the dirt canister cannot be removed for emptying.  This has caused some grumbling amongst consumers who find it awkward and sometimes messy to empty.  It should be said though that there are people who feel that emptying the canister is neither difficult nor messy.  There seems to be a split on this particular issue, as well as on the issue of weight.  The PSV1800 weighs in at 9lbs and is considered heavy by some consumers and light by others.  It would appear that it depends on what one is used to or what one expects.

The Black and Decker PSV1800 is also Energy Star rated.  This rating appears on many products these days but what does Energy Star rated mean?  ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy.  The program involves protecting the environment through energy efficient products and practices - so if a product is Energy Star rated then it has met strict energy efficiency guidelines set by both the EPA and US Department of Energy.  In theory this should help reduce energy use and thus energy bills.

The B&D PSV1800 has the following approximate dimensions: 11” x 7” x 52” and comes with a two-year warranty.

A review of consumer comments from across the net indicates the following likes and dislikes related to the Black & Decker PSV1800:
 
PROS
- Powerful
- Reasonably long lasting battery charge
- Cleanable filter
- 2 year warranty
- Comes with brushbar for carpet cleaning
- Flexible - allows access under furniture

CONS
- Awkward to empty dirt canister (it does not come out)
- Battery will drain faster on carpet mode (with brushbar on)
- Switch placement could be better
- Occasional comments about limited suction (although most consumers feel it is fairly powerful)

Vacuum Video
For those that want to see the vacuum in operation you may wish to watch the Black & Decker PSV1800 Stick Vacuum Video.  The video is essentially a commercial but it is does allow for better visualization of the product and features.