Best Dustbuster 2019 – Buyer’s Guide

Homes or cars always become dirty eventually and cleaning large spaces with a lot of dry dust and debris is exhausting and painstaking. Pet hair in carpet or fabric and dirt in the corners of your home can be particularly frustrating. However, rather than dusting and sweeping by hand, why not use a vacuum that’s small enough to be used in one hand or with a hose conveniently designed for small-scale, precise suction cleaning?

Dustbusters are that solution. They’re essentially miniature vacuums that can turn cleaning a dusty or dirty home from an all-day chore into a quick, efficient task. They come in many different sizes and models, and there’s enough variety that figuring out how they all differ can be overwhelming. In today’s saturated market, finding the best dustbuster for your home or cleaning needs can feel like a chore in and of itself.

We’ve done research and testing to bring you the best dustbusters and save you time. We’ll explain everything you need to know about dustbusters and their various features before giving you eleven different excellent choices, some of which are specialized for particular cleaning objectives. Need a dustbuster to help stem the tide against your pet’s constant rain of hair? There’s a dustbuster for that. Need help cleaning your car? There’s a hand-held dustbuster for that, too. No matter what your exact requirements, we can help find you the perfect solution for your cleaning challenges. Let’s dive right in.

First Look Reviews (30 Second Overviews)

Our full product reviews are further down the page, while just below is our 30-second overview on each of our recommended models. If one of these models is of particular interest, you can scroll down and read the detailed review if you wish. We found these models after extensive research and testing.

Dustbuster – Buying Guide

What Is a Dustbuster?

A dustbuster is distinguished from regular vacuums by its handheld size and method of use. However, this does not necessarily mean that they can’t perform heavy vacuuming jobs like larger models; today’s dustbusters are much more powerful and versatile than they were in days past. They come with a myriad of extensions or nozzle heads which allow them to tackle many different cleaning jobs. Before we go through the different types of dustbusters, let’s take a quick look at the different types of vacuum cleaners.

Types of Vacuum Cleaners

Generally speaking, all vacuum cleaners fall into one of five core design categories. The design categories are upright, canister, stick, robotic, and handheld vacuum cleaners. We’re now going to quickly explain each category.

Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Upright vacuum cleaners provide a lot of power. They are often the best option for cleaning carpets and upholstery as their suction power is excellent and they have attachments (tools) for fabrics.

These vacs are on the heavier side of vacuum cleaners. Some of the newer models use cordless technology, but they typically are corded and need to be plugged into a power socket.

In some instances, they will work well on hard surfaces e.g. benchtops or wooden floors but for the most part, they won’t work well on hard surfaces without an appropriate attachment.

Canister Vacuum Cleaners

The canister vacuum cleaners are also powerful machines and are in some ways more powerful than upright vacs. The main difference between them is the attached canister, which helps to give it increased suction. In many cases, they are also able to collect more debris and be emptied less often. Due to their increased power, they often work better on hard surfaces than the upright models. This is one reason why you’ll generally pay a little more for this type of vacuum cleaner.

Like the upright vacs, the canister vacuum cleaners are heavier than other types of vacuum cleaners. However, when it comes to pure suction power, there’s no match for the canister vacuum cleaner.

Stick Vacuum Cleaners

These have their name because they look like a stick, due to their long handle. These vacs are easy to operate because they are often lightweight and the stick is often ergonomic and comfortable to hold in your hand. The stick also allows most people to vacuum floors without bending. They are also ideal for ceilings and vacuuming behind and under furniture, or in the corners of garages.

Their suction power is generally not as strong as the canister or upright vacuum cleaners but there are exceptions, like Dyson’s range of stick vacs. In general, they are suitable for light cleaning of carpets or hard surfaces.

Robotic Vacuum Cleaners

If you want state of the art in the vacuum cleaning industry, it’s hard to beat robotic vacuum cleaners. They do virtually all the work themselves with very little human intervention or effort required. They are typically more expensive than other types of vacuum cleaners but for many people, they are worth every penny. Most of the robotic models are only intended for light cleaning of floors, but some models can climb over rugs and clean carpets too.

Handheld Vacuum Cleaners or Dustbusters

These are the primary type of vacuums that we’ll be examining. As their name suggests, these vacuum cleaners are portable, lightweight, and are held with one hand. In the past, handheld vacs were relatively weak in power and only suitable for lighter jobs like removing crumbs or cereals from the table and things like that. Today, handheld vacs offer much more power and can vacuum much more than crumbs. Of course, they are not as powerful as the canister and upright models as they are designed for lighter, more convenient cleaning. They are usually cordless which makes them very portable and suitable for cleaning your car or boat, as well as your home.

Types of Handheld Dustbusters

When it comes to handheld dustbusters, there are various types for a person to choose from. Each type has a series of pros and cons. We’re now going to explain five variants of handheld dustbusters: corded, cordless, wet/dry, bagged, and bagless.

Corded Handheld Dustbusters

If you’re after a lightweight vac but don’t want to worry about the battery running out of power at the halfway point in your cleaning routine, a corded dustbuster might be perfect for you. You do have the cord to deal with, and you may need to switch between power sockets from time to time, but you can take your time and vacuum for as long as the job takes. It’s not going to die on you before you’ve finished the job, which might be important if you’ve got a large house to clean.

Cordless Handheld Dustbusters

If you love the freedom of grabbing your vac and not having to concern yourself with cords and finding power sockets, a cordless dustbuster is probably for you. You can take them anywhere you wish and so long as they are charged up, you’re ready to go anywhere, anytime. Their primary benefit is their removal from the restrictions of a power cord’s range; you can vacuum anywhere so long as you have the juice to power the motor.

Lithium-ion batteries are typically considered the best kind; this is the type of battery typically found in modern cell phones. They last much, much longer than other types of batteries. Depending on which model you buy, you can expect the battery to give you 10-16 minutes of no-fade vacuuming. You will need a power socket or charging station to recharge them, and most models fully recharge in 3-5 hours.

Wet/dry Handheld Dustbusters

We often spill water in areas such as the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom, and liquid on floors can be a serious safety hazard. A wet/dry handheld dustbuster gives you the best of both worlds as it has two modes: wet and dry. They suck up liquids quickly and easily in wet mode, while in dry mode they work just like any other dustbuster. Some of the larger models can extract and hold quite a lot of liquid. The liquid collects in a canister which you can empty down the drain or toilet when full. They are really handy on boats for areas like chain lockers, bilges, and other areas water may collect.

Bagged Handheld Dustbusters

For people that suffer from allergies and other sensitivities, bagged dustbusters are the best option. All of the dust, dirt, and debris is captured inside the bag, which also acts as a filter. The bag doesn’t allow the dust and tiny particles you’ve sucked up to escape back into the air around you. When the bag is full, simply remove it, empty it in the garbage, and place it back. Some models use HEPA filters that are able to capture up to 99.97% of the allergens that are collected. If you do have allergies, we recommend you buy one with a HEPA filter.

Bagless Handheld Dustbusters

If you want a quick, no-fuss dustbuster that is super easy to clean, you’ll love the bagless dustbusters. They have no bags to maintain, clean or replace. Instead, vacuumed dirt is sucked into a dry reservoir canister or compartment. Simply wash these under a tap when needed and you’re good to go again. The downside is that in some models, the dust that you just vacuumed may escape back into your environment, so be careful which one you choose if this is going to an issue for you.

What Makes a Good Dustbuster?

A few things need to be considered before buying a dustbuster. Different vacs have different features and what may be ideal for one person may be a nightmare for the next person. Some dustbusters are great with pet hair and fabrics but not much else, while others have long battery life and quick charge times, while others are great at removing stains. Don’t let any of this confuse or concern you. We’ve done the hard work for you and, based on our researching and findings, we will give you the details on the pros and cons of each in this guide.

Let’s now take a look at some of the most important things to consider when buying a dustbuster.

Vacuuming Power

First and foremost – if you haven’t got enough power to meet your vacuuming requirements, you’re not going to be pleased with your purchase. Power is measured in a few different ways; one of the most common metrics is air watts, and more air watts means more power and suction. However, the numbers do not always reveal the true strength of the vacuum. Variables like airflow, nozzles and the distance from the motor to the nozzle determine how much suction gets to where you need it most. You also might see power measured in amps or CFM (cubic-feet-per-minute). Again, higher is better with these metrics.

If you plan on vacuuming up heavier materials – nails, small gravel, chunks of dirt – you’ll want to invest in a vacuum that has a lot of air watts. If you’re planning on light, house cleaning, on the other hand, this number can be smaller in favor of other factors.

Add-ons

Additional tools or attachments are a really important consideration. They can make your vac far more versatile and assist you in carrying out a more efficient and thorough clean up. There are add-ons for getting into nooks and crannies, under furniture, sucking up pet hair on fabrics, and more. There is no one attachment for everything, however. If you’re going to be vacuuming a wide variety of materials or over many different surfaces, you’ll probably need a dustbuster with multiple variations of add-ons.

Corded or Cordless?

If you’re getting a dustbuster that’s cordless, we recommend you try to find one with a lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion batteries last longer and they lose their charge much more slowly than batteries made with a different material. They are used in cell phones and many other modern-day products. When it comes to battery life, some vacs have batteries which can hold their power and suction for 15 minutes or more without fading. Anything less than 10 minutes is considered poor.

Corded vacs, on the other hand, keep going so long you’ve got a power socket and power supply. You don’t have to worry about it running out of juice before the job is completed. Some people may view the cord as a nuisance since you need to keep it in mind as you move around the house. If you’re going to buy a corded vac, consider what length cord you want by looking around the areas that you will be using it most frequently. Buying a dustbuster with a longer cord may allow you to vacuum every corner of the room without needing to unplug and re-plug as often as you might otherwise.

Charge Time

Most people tend to use their dustbusters for relatively short periods of time and rarely more than a few times per day. However, there may be occasions that you will need to use it more frequently and this is where charge time (and battery life) come into play. Depending on which model you buy, fully charging your dustbuster generally takes 3-5 hours. The more powerful and more expensive models may require a little longer, but they are the exception and not the rule.

Weight & Ergonomics

A crucial feature in every dustbuster is its weight and ergonomics. This is a more individually-based factor than the others. What may be considered light and comfortable for one person may seem heavy and uncomfortable for the next. We recommend that you choose the most lightweight dustbuster that will do the job you need it to do. Dustbusters are handheld devices that you need to be able to comfortably carry around. Make sure that you can comfortably carry it for at least a few minutes without tiring. Pay attention to the handle, as well, to see if it will be comfortable for you.

Cleaning

Cleaning a dustbuster is simpler with some models and more challenging with others. Disposing of the dust and dirt that you have previously vacuumed can be an unpleasant job without the right preparation. Look for a vac that is easy to open or with a dirt compartment that is simple to clean and wash. If the compartment and filter are washable, it’s usually a good option. If you suffer from allergies, or simply hate dust getting into your nose, considering buying a dustbuster with a HEPA filter, as they are able to capture up to 99.97% of allergens. Always empty your dustbuster outside if possible.

All-purpose or Specialist Dustbusters?

If you’ve already read the earlier section titled “What Makes a Good Dustbuster,” you should already know that there is no dustbuster that can do every single job perfectly. Similar to cars, some are best for city driving and parking, others can go off-road, and others are purposely-built for racing. City cars are compact and easy to steer and park, off-road cars are tough and durable while racing cars are powerful and fast.

The same goes for dustbusters; some are specially designed to clean-up certain debris, some are made to be durable and mobile, while others are more powerful. When you’re buying a new dustbuster, you should know what you intend to use it for. Choosing the best dustbuster for your needs begins with understanding your overall cleaning objectives. Do you need it for hard surfaces only? Are you planning to use it for your car too? Do you hate dragging a cord around the house? Do you need a vacuum with good sucking power?

There are some models, such as the Black&Decker BDH2020FL, that do most jobs pretty well, but they won’t excel in one particular area. For instance, the above Black&Decker can clean up pet hair, but not as well as our choice specifically for that task: the Shark SV780. Essentially, you want to establish whether or not you have a critical cleaning job that you want to focus on and find a model that can do that task as well as you need.

Our generalists or all-rounders, like the BDH2020FL, are good at everything but excellent at nothing. Our specialists have more significant downsides but also more important benefits; it’s a series of trade-offs. For instance, lighter, portable dustbusters will usually be less powerful. Dustbusters that are great at getting up heavy debris will be heavier and bulkier, but will be worth the effort in how efficient they are.

Essentially, there is no ultimate dustbuster that is perfect for all cleaning jobs. It very much depends on your needs, wishes, and what features are most important to you and which areas you are willing to compromise on. Trying to find a model that is great for every imaginable cleaning job is a waste of time but finding a model that is right for you is time well spent.

We’ll help you make the most informed decision possible by explaining what makes each of our top picks worth your time and investment. Here’s our list of the best dustbusters by category for 2019.

The 11 Best Dustbusters of 2019

After long periods of research and consideration, we narrowed down the entire dustbuster market to eleven great choices for all sorts of dustbusting needs. There are general models here as well as vacuums that are great for specific cleaning jobs. No matter what you’re looking for, we’re sure we can help you find it.

1. Black&Decker BDH2020FL – Best Overall (All-rounder) Dustbuster

For our best, all-around dustbuster that can handle just about any cleaning job, we selected the Black and Decker BDH2020FL. While dustbusters are generally good at certain cleaning tasks or surfaces (such as hardwood floors, carpet, pet hair, etc.), this dustbuster can do virtually any vacuuming job reasonably well. It’s a versatile vacuum if you have a home with a lot of different surfaces you need to cover. This means it won’t be as effective at cleaning, say, pet hair as the Shark SV780, our pick for that specific problem, but it will be good enough to clean pet hair well enough to satisfy most users.

Let’s dive right into what makes this dustbuster special. For starters, its power registers at 20 air watts, which is a reasonable number for a dustbuster of this small, compact size. Everything, motor, and hose included, are packed into a moderately-sized kit that’s easy to carry thanks to its balanced handle. The hose and cord both wrap around the dustbuster for easy transportation to and from different rooms.

Since this dustbuster is cordless, you don’t need to worry about cord length while cleaning your home. The charging base can be placed near any standard power outlet and, in between charging, you can place the dustbuster in its port to charge its 20-volt lithium ion battery. The base can charge the dustbuster from empty to full in as little as 4 hours, and a full battery is enough to run continuously for 15 minutes.

This means that the best way to use this dustbuster is for targeted, specific cleaning. You can leave the dustbuster in its charging port when it’s not in use and pick it up for a quick cleaning job whenever you see the need; the light weight means carrying it around isn’t much of a chore.

Speaking of chores, the nozzle of this dustbuster is a 2-in-1 pack; basically, there are two different nozzles to attach to the end of the 4-foot hose: one shorter, one longer. The difference between the nozzle lengths changes how powerful the 20-air watt motor acts. The longer nozzle is great for getting at hard-to-reach dust and debris, while the shorter nozzle will feel a little more powerful and be better for sucking up larger messes, like food or heavy crumbs.

In addition, the nozzle is supplemented by a flip-up brush tool, ideal for dusting and vacuuming at the same time or for getting pet hair out of your carpet, and a crevice tool, which replaces either of the two regular nozzles for a thinner variant that excels at grabbing dirt between cracks in the couch or behind the feet of furniture. All of these possible nozzles mean that this dustbuster can work on hardwood floor as well as carpet; use the standard 2-in-1 nozzle or crevice tool for hardwood and corners and the brush for pet hair and carpet.

A 3-stage filtration system makes sure that dust that’s vacuumed into the dust bowl isn’t thrown into the air or your surrounding environment. The filters should be replaced every few months. When you’re finished cleaning, the washable bowl and filter make maintaining your dustbuster easier than many other commercial models. The bowl isn’t removable but since the vacuum is so light to begin with, bringing it to the sink for cleaning shouldn’t be too much trouble.

All of these features combine to make an exceptional dustbuster that can do a lot of things: hardwood, carpet, pet hair, crevices, and more. Its light weight and cordless design make it great for any size of home. For an all-around dustbuster, you want a machine that doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses or points of poor performance; this dustbuster brings a good level of functionality to every meaningful category. If you need a solid dustbuster for everyday, nonspecific home use, pick up the Black and Decker BDH2020FL.

Pros

• Light weight
• 4 nozzle choices: 2-in-1 nozzle, brush tool, crevice tool
• Quick-charging
• Works for virtually every type of cleaning need: pet hair, food, dust and dirt

Cons

• A little loud

Specs

• Size: 14.9 x 10.7 x 6.5 inches
• Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Cord or Cordless: Cordless
• Charge Time: 4 hours
• Run Time: 15 minutes
• Power: 20 air watts
• Suction: Moderately-heavy debris
• Remove Pet Hair: Yes
• Filter Type: Washable/Replaceable

Black&Decker BDH2020FL – Check Current Prices On Amazon

2. Black&Decker BDH2020FLFH – 2nd Best Overall (All-rounder) Dustbuster

Our next choice is a second variant of the Black and Decker BDH2020FL. The BDH2020FLFH is a little bigger and a little more powerful, bringing 24 air watts to the table instead of 20. However, the biggest change between the two models is the extendable vac head which can be converted from its standard size. This extendable vac head can pivot, making it a great choice for getting around the corners of furniture or into corners.

However, we’ve found that the power offered by the BDH2020FLFH’s motor isn’t enough to make much use of the extendable stick; there’s just not enough power to reliably pick up dirt heavier than small crumbs. This means that the stick is a nice addition but can often enough just be ignored in favor of the regular-size hose and more valuable nozzles.

This dustbuster has all of the same features we discussed above for the first BDH model, in addition to a removable, washable 18.9-ounce dustbowl. This is a great difference since this dustbuster is about twice as heavy as the first, smaller one, so lifting it up to the sink would be more difficult. With this bowl, a quick-release switch allows you to empty the dirt into a trash can, then bring it over to the sink for cleaning. It’s a great example of user-friendly design we really like.

This model is usually a bit more expensive than the first. Since they’re virtually identical (except for the removable bowl, which is a bonus to make up for this vac’s heavier weight), we’d recommend picking whichever you can find in stock or whichever is cheapest at the time, as sales sometimes switch their overall prices back and forth.

Once again, for all-around use, you need a dustbuster that can handle a multitude of different jobs and types: versatility is the targeted quality. The Black and Decker BDH2020FLFH certainly fits those criteria.

Pros

• Good-size dustbowl, 18.9 oz
• Removable dustbowl
• Same nozzle and head attachments as previous: 2-in-1 nozzle, flip-up brush, crevice tool
• Charging station, quick charge time

Cons

• Extendable stick and head aren’t useful
• Heavier than the previous variant

Specs

• Size: 14.4 x 10.7 x 6.5 inches
• Weight: 6.77 pounds
• Cord or Cordless: Cordless
• Charge Time: 4 hours
• Run Time: 15 minutes
• Power: 24 air watts
• Suction: Moderately-heavy debris
• Remove Pet Hair: Yes
• Filter Type: Replaceable/Washable

Black&Decker BDH2020FLFH – Check Current Prices On Amazon

3. Black&Decker CHV1410L – Best Budget-friendly Dustbuster

Next, we’ve got the Black and Decker CHV1410L, a great pick if you’re shopping on a budget but don’t want to waste your limited time and money on something that’s going to disappoint you. At the time of this writing, you can find the Black and Decker CHV1410L under $60; many higher-quality dustbusters will cost significantly more, and as you’ll see, this model doesn’t sacrifice great features or design for a cheaper price.

It’s a budget pick largely because of its small size; it’s handheld with an ergonomic grip and a small motor that can bring 15.2 air watts to bear on all of your cleaning problems. This isn’t a heavy-duty machine for cleaning the whole house in one go. Instead, think of it as a problem-solver for messes or spills that catch your eye and need immediate cleanup. You can grab this dustbuster, suck up the dirt or food, empty it, and return it for charging all within minutes.

The 16-volt battery uses SmartCharge tech to last for longer; each dustbuster use takes about 50% less power than similarly-sized and powered models from competitors. It’ll run for about 20 minutes on a single charge. In addition, this dustbuster’s charging station, which can fill the battery from empty to full in four hours, automatically shuts off when it detects that the battery is full. This prevents harm to your battery over long periods of time, lengthening its effective lifespan. Plus, once the battery is full it can hold a charge for up to 18 months; this gives the CHV1410L some extra use as a vacuum for use in your car or mobile home for over a year or more.

The suction power works in tandem with cyclonic spinning inside the motor to prevent dust from escaping the filter into the air around you as you vacuum. The translucent dirt bowl allows you to see when you need to empty the bowl; this is easy to do thanks to the switch near the back of the dustbuster. To round things out, the CHV1410L comes with a flip-up brush for use on carpet, to collect pet hair, or to assist with dusting hard surfaces, and a crevice tool for getting into narrow areas where debris tends to collect.

Overall, this is a handy, portable little vacuum that’s reasonably priced for all of its features and perks. It has enough power to handle small, focused cleaning jobs and a battery that lasts for quite a long time. While it won’t compete with the larger dustbusters for industrial or family-sized messes, the CHV1410L is more than capable of handling cleaning needs for a small apartment or college dorm. If you’re just starting out in adult life or if you don’t have much cash to spare, this dustbuster is a great vacuum pick.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Ergonomic handle
• Battery holds a long charge
• Auto shut-off on charger station to prevent battery degradation
• Attachable brush and crevice tool
• Excellent price

Cons

• Not very powerful or suitable for heavier dirt
• Small dustbowl

Specs

• Size: 17.2 x 5.5 x 7.8 inches
• Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Cord or Cordless: Cordless
• Charge Time: 4 hours
• Run Time: 20 minutes
• Power: 15.2 air watts
• Suction: Light debris
• Remove Pet Hair: Yes
• Filter Type: Replaceable

lack&Decker CHV1410L – Check Current Prices On Amazon

4. Dirt Devil Quick Flip BD30025B – 2nd Best Budget-friendly Dustbuster

If you’re in need of an even cheaper, but still worthwhile, dustbuster, take a look at the Dirt Devil Quick Flip BD30025B. At the time of this writing, the Dirt Devil sells for under $40. This is an incredible price for a good dustbuster, but it’s our second choice due to its relatively-lesser specs and features when compared to the CHV1410L.

It’s a little lighter and smaller than the Black and Decker CHV, and the exact air wattage that it can summon is unknown. In our testing we found its suction power to be around the same as its main competitor, the CHV1410L, so it’ll be good for the same range of cleaning jobs: small dirt, a few pieces of food, and similar messes. It comes with a quick-flip crevice tool for dirt in small spaces and a powered stair-and-upholstery tool; this special attachment uses power from the main motor to spin its surface rapidly over fabric surfaces, such as couches, pillows, or upholstery. This makes removing pet hair easier than using the regular nozzle.

The filter is replaceable or washable, but as always, we’d recommend replacing the filter after a few months even with consistent cleaning. The dirt cup has an easy-empty switch near the handle.

Where it differs in relation to the CHV is in battery charge time. For starters, its charging station can take the battery from empty to full in 6 hours as opposed to 4, and the vacuum runs continuously for 13 minutes as opposed to 20. This limits its use, somewhat, although with small vacuums like this we don’t recommend that you tackle larger messes with them anyway, so this perceived flaw isn’t going to make a significant difference for most people anyway.

We’d recommend grabbing this dustbuster if you’re really strapped for cash or if you don’t care about the longer life battery specs that the CHV offers. Both the CHV and the Dirt Devil are pretty comparable in most other respects.

Pros

• Cheap price
• Easy-empty dirt cup
• Comes with quick-flip crevice tool and powered upholstery tool
• Lightweight

Cons

• Mediocre charge time and battery length

Specs

• Size: 14.5 x 4 x 6 inches
• Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Corded or Cordless: Cordless
• Charge Time: 6 hours
• Run Time: 13 minutes
• Power: N/A
• Suction: Light debris
• Remove Pet Hair: Yes
• Filter Type: Replaceable

Dirt Devil Quick Flip BD30025B – Check Current Prices On Amazon

5. Bissell 3624 – Best Carpet/upholstery Stain Removal Dustbuster

Our first corded dustbuster is also our pick for carpet and upholstery stain removal jobs. When it comes to stain removal, you need a specialized machine that can really dig into the fibers of carpet and other fabrics; stains are the result of chemicals or fluid seeping deep into fibers, requiring a cleaning solution or soap to remove the compound which can then be sucked up by a dustbuster or vacuum.

Enter the Bissell 3624. This hefty dustbuster is our pick because it tackles stains just like we described above. It uses warm water, which is poured into its tank from your sink and combines it with a cleaning solution or soap that’s mixed into the water before you begin cleaning. There are fill lines clearly marked on the Bissell’s tank to show you how much water to put in depending on the stain size.

Next, you’ll place the tank into the dustbuster’s chassis and press down firmly to make sure that it’s locked in appropriately. Then you turn the dustbuster on, take the flex hose, and use a trigger near the nozzle to cause some of the solution to soak into the flex hose brush’s bristles. These bristles can then be used to scrub away at the stain of your choice; you should see the color of the material changing as the stain is removed.

The water and chemicals are all sucked away over the top of the brush, back into the Bissell’s 0.75-gallon storage tank. Tackling stains in this manner is easy, convenient, and quick. The long, 22-foot cord ensures that you can clean spills virtually anywhere in your home that has access to a standard power outlet, and since it’s corded you won’t need to worry about running out of battery in the middle of a cleaning session. To make moving it around even easier, a carry handle is built into the dustbuster’s top.

The Bissell comes with a few different heads, too; a 6-inch stair tool, which has longer bristles for corners and wide areas, and a 3-inch tough stain tool that’s better for rough scrubbing in small areas. To make things even better, the Bissel’s purchase includes an 8-ounce bottle of their ideal cleaning solution; no need to worry about whether or not your home soap might damage the surface of your couch.

This is our pick for stains due to its great design; everything is compact and carried together and you don’t need to switch between multiple different hoses or tools to remove stains. It’s got the power and length in the cord to give you freedom around the house and it’s got a big enough water tank to handle stains of larger sizes. You really want a dedicated dustbuster for stains, and the Bissel combines all the aspects of stain cleaning – soaking the spot in solution, scrubbing, and drying – into one activity to save you time and energy.

Pros

• Long cord and hose
• Stair tool and tough stain tool
• Powerful suction at 5.7 amps
• Comes with an 8-oz bottle of cleaning fluid
• Combines soaking, scrubbing, and suctioning into one hose and motion
• Carrying handle

Cons

• Heavy
• Cleaning solution required for harder stains

Specs

• Size: 10 x 14 x 14 inches
• Weight: 13 pounds
• Corded or Cordless: Corded
• Power: 5.7 amps
• Suction: Heavy debris
• Remove Pet Hair: No
• Filter Type: Replaceable

Bissell 3624 – Check Current Prices On Amazon

6. Dyson V10 Absolute Lightweight – Best Cordless Handheld Stick Vacuum Cleaner

If price is not an issue and you want the best possible stick-based dustbuster, there’s the Dyson V10. Dyson makes very powerful vacs in general, but this is not only our favorite Dyson model but possibly the best dustbuster on the market, period.

The V10 from Dyson is super powerful, clocking in with an amazing 150 air watts. The strength it provides is beyond anything we’ve looked at so far and is enough to suck up virtually anything you can imagine: dirt, screws, debris, food, liquid, you name it. The motor is made from a ceramic shaft and spins up to 125,000 rpm; this is comparable to the power and speed of a regular, full-size vacuum cleaner. It’s all run by a lithium-ion battery that will give a non-stop, no-fade run time of 60 minutes, and the recharge time is only 5 hours: an impressive time considering how powerful the entire unit is.

One of the best features that the Dyson V10 brings to the table is its collapsible shaft. This allows the Dyson to transform from a stick vacuum into a handheld dustbuster with just the click of its easily-located control, right where the handgrip rests. You can utilize the dual nature of this dustbuster to accomplish any cleaning task you see; vacuum cobwebs or over the tops of banisters and cabinets, then collapse the Dyson V10 and target the couch or a mess right at your hip level. Nothing is out of reach or too close thanks to this outstanding design feature.

It has three different modes. The first is the non-motorized tool mode, which is for lighter vacuuming; the battery can last for up to 60 minutes in this mode. It uses 14 concentric cycles of motion to pick up dirt and filter it before packing the debris into a clear, transparent cylinder at the top so that you can easily see when it’s time to empty the cylinder.

The second mode uses a soft-roller cleaner head which utilizes soft, short bristles to collect larger, lighter debris and fine dust. The battery will run for 40 minutes in this mode. The third mode uses a torque drive cleaner head and draws extra power from the motor to drive very hard nylon bristles into carpet. This is perfect for getting rid of intense dirt or pet hair from carpets, fabrics, and upholstery. You can run this powerful mode for up to 20 minutes before you need to recharge.

The Dyson V10 comes with both the soft roller head and the torque drive cleaner head, as well as a mini soft dusting brush, crevice tool, mini motorized tool. The mini soft dusting brush is great for dusting along fine or hard surfaces: an excellent replacement for regular dusting. The crevice tool allows the Dyson to reach into narrow crevices or crannies to ensure thorough cleaning in hard to reach places. Finally, the mini motorized tool lets you perform quick cleans for general, all-purpose needs.

Cleaning the Dyson V10 is extremely easy and hygienic. There’s a lever by the clear cylindrical canister which, when pulled, lifts the seals on the canister to allow you to easily dump the debris into a trash bin. It’s very quick and efficient.

The V10 has a HEPA filter, which isn’t found in all Dyson models. The HEPA filter captures allergens and microscopic particles that are harmful to everyone, especially people with respiratory problems and allergies. Even with this, it’s always a good idea to empty your dustbuster canister outdoors to prevent allergens being released back into the areas that you’ve cleaned.

The V10 comes with a docking station that is perfect for storing on a wall. We love the design of the docking station. Not only is it futuristic but it’s very practical. The docking station charges the battery while storing the vacuum and the add-ons in one minimalistic space.

Dyson has again gone with the tried, tested and much-loved trigger grip handle that we see on their earlier models. This really does help the user to maintain better control over the main body of the vac, as the heaviest parts of the vac are close to your hand. Cleaning the ceiling is super easy because you actually don’t feel the true weight of the machine due to the ergonomic design. Even without this great shape, this vac isn’t particularly heavy: it’s only 5.88 pounds, light enough for most people to use comfortably.

Overall, the V10 is an extremely powerful, versatile dustbuster that’s well worth the price. It has 3 modes for various cleaning needs and 5 attachments to ensure that you can perform almost every cleaning job imaginable. You won’t beat the Dyson V10 for quality or power; if you want the best and can afford it, we highly recommend you pick the Dyson V10.

Pros

• Collapsible shaft
• 3 modes for various cleaning tasks
• 5 different heads depending on mode or objective
• Wall mount and charger
• Lithium battery

Cons

• Somewhat pricey

Specs

• Size: 9.8 x 10.1 x 49.2 inches
• Weight: 5.88 pounds
• Corded or Cordless: Cordless
• Charge Time: 3.5 hours
• Run Time: 20 minutes to 60 minutes
• Power: 150 air watts
• Suction: Heavy debris
• Remove Pet Hair: Yes
• Filter Type: HEPA

Dyson V10 Absolute Lightweight – Check Current Prices On Amazon

7. Bissell 33A1 – Best Corded Dustbuster

Corded dustbusters are a category of their own because of their perceived design limitation or feature, depending on your point of view. Corded dustbusters are great for whole-house cleaning or dustbusting over longer periods of time; most battery-powered dustbusters can only work continuously for around 15 or so minutes, while corded dustbusters can go for as long as you like, provided there is a power outlet nearby.

With all that said, our favorite corded dustbuster is the Bissell 33A1. It’s extremely lightweight compared to a lot of other corded dustbusters in the market, which can tend to be big and heavy. This makes its primary flaw – that it has to be moved with its cord to accommodate its reliance on outlets – much more palatable, since lifting the Bissell isn’t very hard at all. It’s got an easy grip handle and its on/off switch is right near your fingertip, too. The cord wraps around the dustbuster’s center and the nozzles, which we’ll get into in a moment, are easy to snap on and off. Overall, this dustbuster was designed with ease-of-use as a top priority, and it shows.

The dustbuster has a suction nozzle for dry messes and a rubber nozzle that attracts hair, and which excels at pulling hair out of fibers like those found in most carpets. Like we previously said, switching these nozzles is as easy as pushing a release button near their base, then snapping the next nozzle on; you can change surfaces in just seconds with this design in mind. The 4-amp motor is powerful enough to handle most dirt and debris around the size of food crumbs with ease. This all means that the Bissell 33A1 has the ability to clean all types of surfaces, much like our all-around models at the top of our list.

The filter is multi-layered, designed to remove the chance of dust floating around your face as you vacuum. When you’re done, the 26-ounce cup is easy to remove and empty; since you can just take it out you can keep the cord and the rest of the dustbuster away from water as you’re cleaning the bowl.

It’s not a very large or heavy duty dustbuster, but it can go for a long time; it’s the perfect machine for weekend vacuuming of an apartment or house. Since it’s so light, you can transition from room to room at your leisure, emptying the cup as you go, never straining or struggling to carry the dustbuster around. The cord is very manageable and, when you’re finished cleaning, wraps around the base for easy storage. Altogether, we really like this corded dustbuster because it has none of the headaches commonly-seen with larger, corded vacuums.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Good handle
• Easy snap on/off nozzle heads
• Comes with nozzle for hard surface and nozzle for carpet/pet hair
• Removable, washable cup
• Multi-layer filtration

Cons

• Cup size is not very large
• Motor isn’t as powerful as we’d like

Specs

• Size: 10 x 5 x 8 inches
• Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Corded or Cordless: Corded
• Power: 4 amps
• Suction: Light
• Remove Pet Hair: Yes
• Filter Type: Washable/Replaceable

Bissell 33A1 – Check Current Prices On Amazon

8. iRobot Roomba 650 – Best Robot Dustbuster

So far, all we’ve examined are dustbusters that you have to use manually. What about robotic dustbusters, those clever machines that can take the weight of cleaning off your shoulders and free up your time while maintaining a clean home?

Our pick for a robotic dustbuster is the iRobot Roomba 650, one of the more recent additions to the Roomba line that’s become popular in recent years. Let’s explain how this little robot works its magic.

The Roomba 650 uses iAdept software to navigate the space of your home; a suite of sensors, stationed beneath and around the robot’s frame, tell it where to go and when to stop to avoid it from bumping into walls or furniture. The bottom sensors also perform a critical function in that they are able to analyze the height and texture of the floor that the robot is cleaning; this enables the robot to adjust its cleaning strategy and pattern based on the material it’s sweeping. Furthermore, this sensor prevents it from stumbling over a cliff, such as a stair.

When it comes to the actual cleaning, the Roomba uses a 3-stage cleaning system that works for virtually any surface. First, it agitates the ground with a small brush, then sweeps the dust around to loosen it for suction; this brush works on corners and along the sides of walls, too. Finally, the Roomba sucks up the dust and debris in through its AeroVac filter and into its storage tank. These filters are replaceable and should be changed every few months. The Roomba’s dust bin, meanwhile, only needs to be emptied when you notice that it’s not cleaning as effectively as usual; this just means its bin is full and needs to be cleaned out. This frequency depends on how often you use it. In general, you should try to empty the bin every week.

The Roomba automatically returns to its charging station for recharging; it can refill its battery in two hours, then run continuously for another hour before it has to return once again. This allows it to tackle an entire’ home’s worth of floors in less than a day, all while being quiet and out-of-the-way; its small height really helps to make it forgettable. You can schedule it for a few days a week, once every day, or even program it to begin cleaning whenever you desire by pressing the simple “Clean” button on its top.

One aspect in which it suffers is against targeted or specific cleanups; since it’s not manual, you’ll need a different cleaning implement if you want to take out messes that you see immediately. The Roomba is made for consistent, general cleaning, not fixes to sudden problems. Furthermore, its robotic construction means the Roomba 650 is a bit on the costly side.

However, the Roomba is exceptionally easy to use and its “set-and-forget” nature makes it an excellent addition to any smart homes that utilize automation already. Or, it could be useful if you’ve got a busy lifestyle and want to spend your leisure time relaxing. In this case, the Roomba can do the work you don’t want to. Its automatic charging function is another great way that it removes responsibility from your shoulders.

Robotic dustbusters are definitely gaining a place in many households, and the Roomba 650 is a stellar example of this type of cleaning assistant if you don’t mind the cost.

Pros

• Small size
• Quiet
• Brushes work on all surfaces, including carpet and walls and corners
• Sensors prevent damage or repetitive bumping into walls, as well as tumbles over edges
• Programmable schedule, or instant cleaning
• Automatically returns to charging port to recharge

Cons

• Slower than a traditional dustbuster
• Can’t target specific messes
• Somewhat pricey

Specs

• Size: 13.4 x 3.6 x 13.4
• Weight: 7.9 pounds
• Corded or Cordless: Cordless
• Charge Time: 2 hours
• Run Time: 1 hour
• Power: N/A
• Suction: N/A
• Remove Pet Hair: Yes
• Filter Type: Washable/Replaceable

iRobot Roomba 650 – Check Current Prices On Amazon

9. DeWalt DCV581H – Best Wet & Dry Dustbuster

Wet and dry dustbusters are special in that they can suck up both dry dirt and debris as well as liquids. Our pick for this multi-use type of dustbuster is the DeWalt DCV581H, corded model that works with AC outlets. While corded is its default mode, it can actually be powered by an 18-volt or 20-volt battery if you want to use it as a more portable cleaning solution, although this battery and its requisite charger are sold separately and is considered to be ancillary to the main model.

For starters, the dustbuster uses a HEPA filter, high-quality and rated to keep 99.97% of dust and particles that are sucked up out of the air afterward. This is extra-important with a wet/dry dustbuster since spraying liquid particles everywhere can ruin carpet, fabric, or clothes if you’re not careful. This filter is washable and reusable, although of course it should be replaced every few months. The filter is part of how the dustbuster manages to suck up liquid, actually; it keeps wet materials from reaching the dustbuster’s internal parts and electronic sections.

The tank in which dust and water are collected is 2 gallons: quite sizeable and perfect for most home or garage messes that need quick cleanups. There’s enough space there to handle the water from a pipe that needs unclogging or even a toilet. To empty the tank, all you’ve got to do is open the drain port in the side. The hose is 5 feet long and crush-resistant; stepping on it or accidentally dropping something heavy on it won’t lead to easy kinks or cracks in the material. This makes it doubly-effective for use in the garage or around heavy machinery.

The motor sucks up water or dirt at 31 cubic-feet-per-minute (CFM); in our testing we found this to be powerful enough to get up most average-size dry particles or debris, such as food or leaves, and liquid is vacuumed up in short order, although you may have to go over puddles a few times. The hose and motor are assisted by two different nozzle tools: a crevice tool and a wide tool. The wide tool is great for liquid spills or getting large areas of the garage or home floor at once, while the crevice tool is good for narrow areas or reaching behind workbenches and dressers.

The long cord and large tank make this dustbuster great for sucking up problems that are wet or dry, or both if there’s food involved. If you do find a cord to be annoying or frustrating, you can purchase a separate battery and charger from DeWalt. These batteries, of which you can get 20V or 18V variants, will enable you to continually run the dustbuster for around 12-15 minutes, before requiring 4-5 hours to recharge. It’s a great bit of flexibility that we really like, since you can turn this dustbuster into a portable tool if you add the battery to the purchase.

The HEPA filter is another standout, since it does an excellent job at both keeping what you suck up away from your nose and mouth and away from the innards of the dustbuster itself. This is an ideal tool for bigger, messier spills that would be headaches otherwise; think dinner disasters or paint that spilled in the garage, or gunk that got into the kitchen sink. While the dusbuster’s size and weight make it a little unwieldy, we think that it makes up for this thanks to its ability to tackle heavier messes than a lot of smaller, weaker models.

Pros

• Large tank
• Long hose and cord
• 2 attachments for narrow or wide areas
• Sucks up wet and dry debris effectively
• HEPA filter protects you and the insides of the dustbuster
• Crush-resistant hose
• Can buy battery/charger if you like more portability

Cons

• Tank can’t be removed
• Somewhat heavy and unwieldy

Specs

• Size: 17.2 x 12.3 x 13.1 inches
• Weight: 10.8 pounds
• Corded or Cordless: Corded
• Power: 31 cubic-feet-per-minute
• Suction: Heavy debris
• Remove Pet Hair: Somewhat
• Filter Type: HEPA

DeWalt DCV581H – Check Current Prices On Amazon

10. Shark SV780 – Best Dustbuster for Pet Hair

Pet hair is the bane of many pet owners, especially since it gets anywhere. Most dustbusters are capable of sucking up pet hair to some degree, but we’ve got a model that excels at this task. Check out the Shark SV780, a small, lightweight dustbuster that has a few specific features that make it a great choice for sucking up the omnipresent pet hair that might be in your home or apartment.

As a cordless machine, it isn’t bound by an outlet and is great for taking to the couch or bed covers where pet hair tends to accumulate. It uses an extra-large, detachable motorized brush that’s great for pet hair. This brush uses bristles contained in the head to disturb and sweep up strands of pet hair from fabric or carpet, which they might become tangled in. This head can be swapped out for a direction-changing suction nozzle, which can flex to get into corners or the edges of walls, or a crevice tool for getting into narrower spaces. Finally, the Shark SV780 also has a dusting brush that’s great for running along harder surfaces or items that need a gentler vacuum.

The Shark SV780 is also relatively quiet, too, at 90.0 dB. This is around the level of noise of a classroom or office, rather than the loud scream of larger vacuums. As some pets are disturbed by loud noises, the fact that this dustbuster isn’t so loud is a big plus. The dustbuster uses a detachable and washable filter that should be replaced every few months. The tank, which stores all the dust and hair, has a capacity of 1.2 quarts and is easily emptied with a single button push.

When it’s 8-volt, 10-minute-lasting battery is depleted, it can be stored on its charging stand along with all of its accessories, which have places on the stand as well. The charging stand has LED lights to let you know when the device is ready to go again. Unfortunately, this dustbuster’s battery is made from a nickel metal hydride and needs 16 hours to fully charge. This is the one downside to this model, but we think that its ability to quickly and effectively suck up pet hair makes up for it. Targeted, specific cleaning of particular areas or pet hair hotspots is the best way to use this dustbuster.

This is our pick for pet hair primarily because of its extra-large, motorized brush. The long bristles contained in the head do an exceptional job at scraping up strands of pet hair of all types: cats, dogs, rodents, and more. It’s a great buy for anyone who spends a lot of time finding clumps of hair on their carpet or furniture, rather than someone who needs an all-purpose dustbuster for general cleaning. We found that using it on pet hair that you see is very effective and isn’t affected by the poor battery at all.

Pros

• Relatively quiet
• Lightweight
• Extra-large, motorized brush excels at sucking up hair
• Crevice tool, dusting tool, and direction nozzle included
• Easy-empty cup
• Charging stand has space for all accessories and LED indicator lights

Cons

• Poor battery life and charging time

Specs

• Size: 4.6 x 15.7 x 6.1 inches
• Weight: 4.92 pounds
• Corded or Cordless: Cordless
• Charge Time: 16 hours
• Run Time: 10 minutes
• Power: N/A
• Suction: Light debris
• Remove Pet Hair: Yes
• Filter Type: Washable/Replaceable

Shark SV780 – Check Current Prices On Amazon

11. Black&Decker BDH1200PVAV – Best Dustbuster for Cars

Finally, let’s take a look at a great dustbuster for cars. You might think that most dustbusters will work just fine for vehicular cleaning, but there are a few key features to keep in mind: power source, portability, and head tools. The Black and Decker BDH1200PVAV gives us everything we want for those three problems. Let’s examine how.

Firstly, cleaning in your car can be clumsy or awkward due to space considerations. In addition, running a power cord from an outlet to your car might be difficult, and you might not want to rely on a battery-powered dustbuster. The BDH1200PVAV has a cord and 12-volt DC adaptor that plugs right into your car’s cigarette lighter. This means you don’t need to worry about power at all while cleaning your car.

Next, this dustbuster is quite light and reasonably sized: perfect for use inside a vehicle’s cramped space. Its head tools are ideal for cleaning between seats or under the spaces where people put their feet. It comes with a crevice tool for all those narrow spaces and a large soft brush for cleaning the surfaces of seats or the dashboard. In addition, the dustbuster has a pivoting nose that can be set to 10 different configurations; this makes it ideal for sucking up dirt and debris anywhere in a car no matter how difficult to reach the spot might be, especially when used in conjunction with the crevice tool.

A flexible hose is included with all of those attachments, giving you even more ways to suck up all the dirt you can find. The dustbuster ignores all limitations imposed by small spaces or hard-to-reach areas thanks to all of these aspects, particularly when they work together.

The motor provides 12.5 air watts of power. This is plenty for the kind of crumbs and dirt you’ll commonly find as your car is being cleaned. The dustbowl has a generous capacity despite the overall small size of the dustbuster: 14.9 ounces. When you’re finished, you can wrap the cord around the base of the unit and all of its attachments fit into a small compartment at its bottom. This compact design is perfect for storage in a car or trunk, and since it’s powered by the cigarette lighter, you’ll never need to remove it.

Cleaning in a car can be frustrating or difficult, but it doesn’t need to be if you’ve got a small, functional dustbuster like this one. Folks who like to keep their rides spotless will enjoy how portable the Black and Decker BDH1200PVAV is and how many great attachments it comes with, all of which are designed to allow anyone to clean deep into the recesses and crevices of a car. This dustbuster takes all of the issues inherent in car cleaning – power source, difficult geometry, and size – and solves them.

Pros

• Cigarette-lighter-powered adaptor
• Good-sized dustbowl
• 3 attachments
• Pivoting nose
• Lightweight and compact

Cons

• Not powerful enough to clean larger debris

Specs

• Size: 13.5 x 7 x 6.1 inches
• Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Corded or Cordless: Corded
• Power: 12.5 air watts
• Suction: Moderately-heavy debris
• Remove Pet Hair: No
• Filter Type: Replaceable

Black&Decker BDH1200PVAV – Check Current Prices On Amazon

Where Can I Buy the Best Dustbuster on the Market?

In today’s market and digital age, going to the physical shopping mall or outlet store is no longer the best way to find and purchase the best products, even ones that deal with home maintenance and cleanliness. Nowadays, the online marketplace is your best bet for locating the best dustbusters available for sale.

There are a lot of online retailers who sell home products like dustbusters: WalMart, eBay, and Target, to name a few. However, those places often charge high shipping prices and your product may take some time to arrive. When it comes to online buying, Amazon is a great choice due to its generally-lower prices and its quick shipping times.

Amazon also works so well because it brings products from all of the major dustbuster manufacturers – DeWalt, Black and Decker, Shark, etc. – together into one marketplace for your buying and researching convenience. You can jump in, find user reviews, and get shipping straight to your doorstep, all without having to leave your couch. We definitely recommend using Amazon to find the perfect dustbuster for you.

Common Problems & Solutions Regarding Dustbusters

• Problem: I have a dog and there’s hair all over the place. What is the best way to clean this?
• Solution: You need a pet-hair brush, which usually comes as an add-on with a lot of dustbusters. Some models, such as the Shark SV780, are specially designed to clean your pet’s hair.
• Problem: I don’t have time for cleaning the house. Is there a solution for this?
• Solution: Nowadays, there are smart robotic dustbusters, like the iRobot Roomba 650 we reviewed, available for purchase. If you don’t mind their price, they’re excellent for cleaning up your place while you’re at work or sleeping. They are “set-and-forget” tools, as they do all the cleaning for you, along with returning to their charging port when they’re low on battery. All you need to do is empty their dust bin and occasionally change their filter. These types of dustbusters work around the furniture and the best ones can even climb over small obstacles.
• Problem: My kids very messy and the vacuum cleaner I have can’t clean the stains they make every day. Help?
• Solution: There are vacs, such as the Bissell 3624, specially designed for stain removal that use a combination of warm water, cleaning solution, and scrubbing bristles to remove stains. These dustbusters then suck up all the dirt and water into a storage tank for later disposal.
• Problem: I need something affordable. What should I get?
• Solution: Look for a vac that has over 15 air watts of power and a battery that will work for more than 10 minutes. This is enough time for a thorough clean up. There are a number of models, like the Black and Decker CHV1410L, in the budget section with these features.
• Problem: My car tends to get dirty over time, and I want a good dustbuster that can make cleaning it easy and convenient.
• Solution: For a car clean up, the dustbuster power source and tool heads are most important. The model we reviewed, the Black and Decker BDH1200PVAV, has both a DC adaptor for use with a cigarette lighter and heads like a crevice tool for reaching down between seats where dirt tends to collect.

Quick Comparison Chart

Conclusion

We hope that our guide has been able to inform and educate you in your quest to find the perfect dustbuster for your cleaning needs. We’ve spent many hours of research on a wide selection of different models to find the best in every section. Remember our recommendations and specifications when you’re browsing the market to make sure you don’t purchase a dustbuster that won’t work for your home or vehicle.

Don’t forget that the most expensive dustbuster is not necessarily the best; instead, focus on the features which matter the most to you. Good luck!