Black and Decker Pivot Vac
- Details
Avg. rating = 80/100
In this review we look at the Black and Decker Pivot Vacuum 20V Max, model BDH2000PL. This 20 volt version of the popular handheld uses a Lithium-Ion battery (provides fade-free power). Owners are pleased with the suction, the compact size of the unit, and the pivoting nozzle which allows access to areas that would otherwise be difficult to vacuum. Folks also highlight that the BDH2000PL looks rather sleek and sophisticated in its charging cradle. However, the quality of the vacuum seems average at best and owners have found themselves dealing with motor issues, battery issues, and dust canister issues.
| Quick Specs | |
| Type | Handheld |
| Bagged/Bagless | Bagless |
| Best for... | Hard Floors & Carpet |
| Pet Hair Features | No |
| Approx. Weight | 3.0 lbs |
| HEPA Level Filtration | No |
| Power Cord Length | Cordless |
| Motor Driven Brushbar | No |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
Consumer Ratings
This is a very popular vacuum cleaner and we found over 10,000 owner reviews and ratings on a host of online retail outlets. You can see this information in the table provided below. When we applied a weighted average to these results we got a score of 80.3 out of 100 – or about 4 stars out of 5. This is a reasonable rating but not spectacular. You can check out the scores for other handheld we have investigated here: handheld vacuum ratings. You may also want to check out the scores for all the vacuums on our site here: Vacuum Cleaner Reviews.
This is a very popular vacuum cleaner and we found over 10,000 owner reviews and ratings on a host of online retail outlets. You can see this information in the table provided below. When we applied a weighted average to these results we got a score of 80.3 out of 100 – or about 4 stars out of 5. This is a reasonable rating but not spectacular. You can check out the scores for other handheld we have investigated here: handheld vacuum ratings. You may also want to check out the scores for all the vacuums on our site here: Vacuum Cleaner Reviews.
| Source | Consumer Rating | # Ratings |
| Amazon.com | 4.0 stars out of 5 | 7872 |
| Amazon.ca | 4.3 stars out of 5 | 1515 |
| QVC | 2.8 stars out of 5 | 314 |
| Bed Bath & Beyond (US) | 4.3 stars out of 5 | 237 |
| Walmart | 4.2 stars out of 5 | 137 |
| Target | 4.0 stars out of 5 | 114 |
| Bed Bath & Beyond (CAN) | 3.2 stars out of 5 | 30 |
| Rakuten | 3.1 stars out of 5 | 23 |
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Popular Handhelds on Vacuum Cleaner Advisor
Some of the more popular (and highly rated) handheld vacuums on our website can be found in the table below:
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Pros & Cons
A thorough review of owner comments has provided the following Black and Decker Pivot Vac likes and dislikes:
A thorough review of owner comments has provided the following Black and Decker Pivot Vac likes and dislikes:
PROS
- Charging base can sit on counter or be wall mounted
- Easy to empty dust canister
- Strong suction given the vacuum size
- Compact and easy to store
- Pivoting nozzle can be helpful
- Sleek looking, especially when in charging base
- Charging base can sit on counter or be wall mounted
- Easy to empty dust canister
- Strong suction given the vacuum size
- Compact and easy to store
- Pivoting nozzle can be helpful
- Sleek looking, especially when in charging base
CONS
- Quite a few instances of the motor ceasing to run
- Hinges on dust canister door seem fragile
- Filters must be cleaned frequently
- A bit loud
- Instances of battery issues after a year or so
- Debris can sometimes move from the dust canister back out the nozzle
- Quite a few instances of the motor ceasing to run
- Hinges on dust canister door seem fragile
- Filters must be cleaned frequently
- A bit loud
- Instances of battery issues after a year or so
- Debris can sometimes move from the dust canister back out the nozzle
What Are Owners Saying?
This vacuum elicits some great comments and some not-so-great comments. Folks seem to really like their Black and Decker pivot hand vac or they really dislike it. On the positive side most owners say the unit has strong suction especially for a handheld vacuum. Owners also like how the vacuum is very compact and easy to store. In addition, it feels good in the hand. Some handheld vacuums are awkward and heavy. The BDH2000PL is not. It is comfortable to use and the pivoting head makes it easy to access areas that would otherwise strain your hand/wrist/arm.
This vacuum elicits some great comments and some not-so-great comments. Folks seem to really like their Black and Decker pivot hand vac or they really dislike it. On the positive side most owners say the unit has strong suction especially for a handheld vacuum. Owners also like how the vacuum is very compact and easy to store. In addition, it feels good in the hand. Some handheld vacuums are awkward and heavy. The BDH2000PL is not. It is comfortable to use and the pivoting head makes it easy to access areas that would otherwise strain your hand/wrist/arm.
This is also a somewhat sleek looking vacuum and when in its handy charging base the product is something you can put in a prominent place without it detracting too much from your décor. Folks also like that the charging base can not only sit on a counter or shelf, but is also designed to be mounted on a wall.
Owners report run times anywhere from 10 minutes to 25 minutes and some are pleased while others are not. The manufacturer states that you should be getting something like 15 minutes of run time on a full battery charge.
On the down side there are quite a few owner comments highlighting that their vacuum motor simply gave out after anywhere from 6 months to 18 months. Some folks just threw the unit out while others were able to get a replacement from Black and Decker.
Another issue relates to the dust canister door. While it is easy to open there instances in which the hinges have broken and the door no longer stays in place. There are also cases of the door simply popping open while you are vacuuming. It does not seem to have a sturdy latch.
A number of people have had issues with battery longevity and have reported that the battery will no longer hold a charge after several months – we’ve seen figures anywhere from about 10 months to 14 months. Again, in some instances people just junked the vacuum while others were able to get a replacement from Black and Decker. You may want to check out the warranty as it relates to these kinds of issues (see the vacuum cleaner manual section near the bottom of the article – warranty info can be found at the back of the manual).
Unfortunately several people experienced debris falling back out of the vacuum after it had been picked up. It appears that a one way rubber flap between the nozzle and the dust canister does not always seal/close properly and dust and debris can sometime pass back out. Some folks run into this when they store the vacuum in the charging base – debris falls out of the nozzle. It is important to reiterate that this doesn’t always happen but it has been highlighted by a number of vacuum owners so it needs to be pointed out.
There are thousands of consumer reviews for this vacuum cleaner and you can read more owner comments on Amazon if you like.
What's in the Box?
When you buy your Pivot Hand Vacuum you get the vacuum cleaner, the filters (the rinsable filter is model PVF110), the tools are built into the vacuum so they are provided, and the charging base.
When you buy your Pivot Hand Vacuum you get the vacuum cleaner, the filters (the rinsable filter is model PVF110), the tools are built into the vacuum so they are provided, and the charging base.
Fade Free Power
The Black and Decker Pivot Vac (model BDH2000PL) is a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner. It uses a Lithium-Ion battery (20 volts measured without a workload. Nominal voltage is 18 volts). This kind of battery will hold a charge for up to 18 months when unplugged and, even more importantly, it provides “fade-free power”. What is fade-free power? This means that you will get a constant level of power from the battery as you continue to use it – the power does not wane as the battery is drawn down. This results in strong vacuum suction right up to the point that the battery is exhausted – then the vacuum simply stops and you have to recharge the battery.
The Black and Decker Pivot Vac (model BDH2000PL) is a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner. It uses a Lithium-Ion battery (20 volts measured without a workload. Nominal voltage is 18 volts). This kind of battery will hold a charge for up to 18 months when unplugged and, even more importantly, it provides “fade-free power”. What is fade-free power? This means that you will get a constant level of power from the battery as you continue to use it – the power does not wane as the battery is drawn down. This results in strong vacuum suction right up to the point that the battery is exhausted – then the vacuum simply stops and you have to recharge the battery.
Unlike Lithium-Ion batteries, the power generated by batteries like NiCad units will fade as you vacuum, resulting in poor suction as the battery nears the end of its discharge cycle.
Bagless Technology
The BDH2000PL uses cyclonic technology which is a common approach in bagless vacuums today. Cyclonic technology involves sending the air stream through one or more cyclonic cylinders which spin the air very rapidly in a spiral path. As the air spins, the dust and debris are forced out - via centrifugal force - and into the dust canister (Black and Decker call this the “Dust Bowl”). Cyclonic technology helps to keep the filters clean and it provides no loss of suction as the dust canister fills (as opposed to a bagged vacuum where suction can drop as the bag fills).
The BDH2000PL uses cyclonic technology which is a common approach in bagless vacuums today. Cyclonic technology involves sending the air stream through one or more cyclonic cylinders which spin the air very rapidly in a spiral path. As the air spins, the dust and debris are forced out - via centrifugal force - and into the dust canister (Black and Decker call this the “Dust Bowl”). Cyclonic technology helps to keep the filters clean and it provides no loss of suction as the dust canister fills (as opposed to a bagged vacuum where suction can drop as the bag fills).
Filtration
There is a plastic pre-filter and a pleated filter inside the dust canister. To clean them you simply tap off the larger debris then rinse them in water – they are reusable. Even though the pleated filter is reusable we notice that Black and Decker suggests you replace it every 6 to 9 months so there are still some operating costs with this vacuum.
There is a plastic pre-filter and a pleated filter inside the dust canister. To clean them you simply tap off the larger debris then rinse them in water – they are reusable. Even though the pleated filter is reusable we notice that Black and Decker suggests you replace it every 6 to 9 months so there are still some operating costs with this vacuum.
Dust Canister
The dust canister on the vacuum has a capacity of 15 ounces which is a reasonable size for a small handheld vacuum. We have not heard any complaints from owners about the dust canister volume. The canister is also very easy to remove and clean which is handy as it will get quite dirty as you use the vacuum. It can be rinsed in warm soapy water or simply wiped clean with a damp cloth. Make sure the canister is completely dry before reattaching it.
The dust canister on the vacuum has a capacity of 15 ounces which is a reasonable size for a small handheld vacuum. We have not heard any complaints from owners about the dust canister volume. The canister is also very easy to remove and clean which is handy as it will get quite dirty as you use the vacuum. It can be rinsed in warm soapy water or simply wiped clean with a damp cloth. Make sure the canister is completely dry before reattaching it.
To empty the dust canister you press the “Bowl Release Button” located on the nozzle which opens the side door. The dust and debris simply fall out, although sometimes you may have to reach in and pull some material out.
Pivoting Nozzle
This is a reasonably unique feature for a handheld – and we certainly have not seen a nozzle that pivots to this degree. This feature allows you to vacuum in areas or at angles that would otherwise be difficult on your hand/wrist/arm or simply not possible. It is helpful when cleaning the tops of shelves for example, and even under really low furniture. To rotate the nozzle you depress the pivot lock button which is conveniently located under your thumb on the vacuum handle. Depressing this allows you to move the nozzle and releasing it locks the nozzle in place. The nozzle has a 1.6 inch wide cleaning path.
This is a reasonably unique feature for a handheld – and we certainly have not seen a nozzle that pivots to this degree. This feature allows you to vacuum in areas or at angles that would otherwise be difficult on your hand/wrist/arm or simply not possible. It is helpful when cleaning the tops of shelves for example, and even under really low furniture. To rotate the nozzle you depress the pivot lock button which is conveniently located under your thumb on the vacuum handle. Depressing this allows you to move the nozzle and releasing it locks the nozzle in place. The nozzle has a 1.6 inch wide cleaning path.
Tools
The vacuum includes 2, tools however these are not provided as separate units. The tools are built-in to the end of the vacuum nozzle. There is a crevice tool and a brush tool. To use the crevice tool you simple extend it out of the end of the nozzle. This tool is handy for getting into tight corners or cramped spaces.
The vacuum includes 2, tools however these are not provided as separate units. The tools are built-in to the end of the vacuum nozzle. There is a crevice tool and a brush tool. To use the crevice tool you simple extend it out of the end of the nozzle. This tool is handy for getting into tight corners or cramped spaces.
To use the brush tool you flip it up (from underneath the nozzle) and it snaps in place. This tool is useful for cleaning upholstery or dusting many different surfaces.
Suction Power
The suction power of the Black and Decker Pivot Vac BDH2000PL is rated at 35 Air Watts. Many vacuum manufacturers do not use this particular unit to measure suction, however it is popular with Dyson. In the following table we provide a comparison of Air Watts between this Black and Decker handheld vacuum and some popular Dyson handheld vacuums.
The suction power of the Black and Decker Pivot Vac BDH2000PL is rated at 35 Air Watts. Many vacuum manufacturers do not use this particular unit to measure suction, however it is popular with Dyson. In the following table we provide a comparison of Air Watts between this Black and Decker handheld vacuum and some popular Dyson handheld vacuums.
| Vacuum Model | Power Mode 1 (Low) | Power Mode 2 (Max) |
| Black & Decker BDH2000PL | 35 Air Watts | N/A (vacuum only has 1 power mode) |
| Dyson V7 Trigger | 21 Air Watts | 100 Air Watts |
| Dyson V6 Mattress | 28 Air Watts | 100 Air Watts |
Bear in mind that the Dyson handhelds have a very short run time in Max Power Mode because of the high power consumption (something like 6 minutes), and they are also quite a bit more costly than the BDH2000PL. You can read our Dyson V7 Trigger review if you like – we do run time tests. You can also check out our Dyson V6 Mattress review.
Charging and Run Time
The first time you charge the battery, Black and Decker state that you must put in on charge for a full 24 hours. After this initial charge you only need about 4 hours to get a depleted battery up to a full charge. To charge the vacuum you simply put it in the charging base. We must say that the design of the vacuum and how it folds into the charging base is interesting. It looks quite good and is not something you would mind placing prominently on a shelf or counter. The charging base is also designed to sit on a shelf/counter or to be mounted on a wall.
The first time you charge the battery, Black and Decker state that you must put in on charge for a full 24 hours. After this initial charge you only need about 4 hours to get a depleted battery up to a full charge. To charge the vacuum you simply put it in the charging base. We must say that the design of the vacuum and how it folds into the charging base is interesting. It looks quite good and is not something you would mind placing prominently on a shelf or counter. The charging base is also designed to sit on a shelf/counter or to be mounted on a wall.
Run time for the machine varies but most literature puts it at about 15 minutes, although we have read owners comments citing anything from 10 minutes to 25 minutes.
Weight & Warranty
According to the Black and Decker website the BDH2000PL weighs a fairly lightweight 3 lbs. We’ve reviewed a number of handheld vacuums and this weight is about average. The lightest handheld we’ve investigated is the Shark ION W1 which only weighs 1.4 lbs. The Dyson handheld units are usually somewhere between 3.5 and 4 lbs.
According to the Black and Decker website the BDH2000PL weighs a fairly lightweight 3 lbs. We’ve reviewed a number of handheld vacuums and this weight is about average. The lightest handheld we’ve investigated is the Shark ION W1 which only weighs 1.4 lbs. The Dyson handheld units are usually somewhere between 3.5 and 4 lbs.
The BDH2000PL carries a 2-year limited warranty against defects in material and/or workmanship. You can find more information on the warranty in the back portion of the vacuum cleaner manual (available below).
UL Listed
This vacuum is UL listed. UL stands for Underwriters Laboratory which is a group that does product safety testing and provides safety certifications. A listed product has been tested and passed the UL standards. This product is made in China.
This vacuum is UL listed. UL stands for Underwriters Laboratory which is a group that does product safety testing and provides safety certifications. A listed product has been tested and passed the UL standards. This product is made in China.
Vacuum Cleaner Manual
The manual is very short. It covers the basics such as adjusting the nozzle, charging the battery, cleaning the filters, cleaning the dust canister, maintenance, troubleshooting, and details on the 2-year warranty. But there is not much more. The manual is provided in English, French and Spanish and you can view a copy of it here: Black and Decker Pivot Vacuum Manual
The manual is very short. It covers the basics such as adjusting the nozzle, charging the battery, cleaning the filters, cleaning the dust canister, maintenance, troubleshooting, and details on the 2-year warranty. But there is not much more. The manual is provided in English, French and Spanish and you can view a copy of it here: Black and Decker Pivot Vacuum Manual
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