The BEST vacuum (and the cheapest!)

November 08, 2017

I'm back today with a very quick post -- I just had to share this with you after using it for a couple of months. I am obsessed with this vacuum and when I find good stuff I have to let you know. And no, this is not a sponsored post! 

Back when we were in the hotel for two months we couldn't allow the cleaning service in because we had our cats (they would try to escape) and our dog (who is a little over protective). One of the benefits of living in a hotel should be "free" cleaning, right? We have two Dyson vacuums and both of them have had issues (one we've had for probably eight years so I can't complain much about that). We loved that first one so much we got the second a few years back, but for the past year or so neither one works well. 

One we can use as a vacuum but not from the hose, the other only sucks from the hose. And I can never remember which one does what so of course I brought the latter to the hotel and it wasn't much help. (And yes, I've tried ALL the things they suggest to get them working right again.) I was so bummed because I didn't even want to drop $100 a new one because at the time it felt like we were dropping money everywhere -- we just had a lot of weird/random stuff happen resulting in extra expenses at the time. Lots of vet visits, a rental car ding, various building expenses that would pop up to name a few. 

SO. I didn't want to spend much. I started looking online and I think I may have even searched "good, cheap vacuum" and this one popped up: 
The best, cheap vacuum

It's the Black and Decker lightweight vacuum (affiliate) and get this...it's only $40!! I read the reviews and they were mostly glowing. One person even mentioned it feels and looks like a toy but it works SO well. I had to laugh at that when I opened the box because it's so true. 

I didn't know it was possible to love a vacuum so much. But I do. This thing is CRAZY lightweight. I mean, it's no problem at all to just carry it around with you while using the hose attachment. The canister is easy to take off and to empty: 
Black and Decker lightweight vacuum review

The reviews mentioned it works best on shorter carpets, not shag. The carpet in the hotel was really short and ours is here too. I've used it on our rugs and it does great. 

There is one that it definitely is harder to push on though, and that's our family room rug
Vintage abstract rug

I can't figure out what it is! It's not any higher than our carpet or other rugs, that's for sure. Maybe just that it's a thicker weave, more plush? Anyway, on this one it's harder for sure. But everywhere else it's AWESOME. 

By the way, I use in on tile and hardwoods too. It works great. Another bonus? It's PERFECT for stairs -- so easy to maneuver. It seems like the suction is comparable to the Dyson, but I don't know how that's possible. Maybe I'll do a test sometime and see how they compare. I've always been a die-hard Dyson girl so that's saying a lot. ;) 

Pros: 
  • ONLY $40!
  • Super lightweight
  • Easy to clean out
  • Suction is fantastic
  • Easy to hook up the hose attachment
Cons:
  • The hose attachment is a little short -- would be perfect if it was another six inches (but I'm tall, so it may not be a problem for many of you).
  • Cord isn't as long as our other vacuums but that doesn't bother me. 
  • Not as great for longer or really plush carpets
Have any of you tried this vacuum? I freaking LOVE it. The only place I've found it is Target. There are other Black and Decker lightweight vacuums but they are a "stick" handle version and cost more. I love to share something that works well, especially when it's a great deal! 


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Comments

  1. Have you tried vacuuming your family room rug from a different direction? Some carpets have a lot of resistance if you push against the grain.

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    1. No but that's a great point, I will try it!!

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    2. I was going to suggest the exact same thing. I changed direction on one of my rugs, and my vacuum worked great!

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  2. I have the Hoover version of this. You can snag it on Amazon for 35$ sometimes. I believe they're identical except in name and color. While it is a decent vacuum, I found this is one place I wish I just forked up money to invest in since it's a tool I use quite a bit. The tank of these is tiny too, you might have to empty after every room depending on the amount of carpet/rug you vacuum. I ended up going with the Shark NV755 Lift Away XL from Costco. Think I was able to get it for 250$ at the time with their discounts/coupon. Never regretted it, and the amount of stuff it sucked up compared to the Hoover/Black & Decker was ridiculous that it almost made me feel dirty for using the Hoover for so long.

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    1. I'm thinking yours might be different! I can do multiple rooms and it doesn't come close to filling (that's with construction dust still hanging around!). And the suction on this one is pretty dang good! :)

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  3. Ooh, eyeing this hard. We're about to move to a house with lots of hardwood and I'm paranoid about keeping them clean and scratch-free since I am not super consistent with floor sweeping/vaccuuming at our current house. I know better tools will make it easier for cleaning happen. Our current vacuum is good on carpet and terrible on hard floors, blowing dust around as much as it sucks up. I have to know- does this one do that the way consumer reports say most cheap vacuums do?

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    1. Check out the Fly Lady - she has some good cleaning tools. The chenille cloths are good and you can use them dry or wet and it picks up lots dust, hair, dirt. I like that she has a basic handle and different attachments.

      I just got the carpet sweeper - it is low tech and reminds me of the sweepers you see at restaurants, easy sweep without the noise and cord. It's good for a quick cleanup.

      http://shop.flylady.net/p/_All_Tools

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    2. I just put in about 3000 sq ft of engineered hardwood floors. While I love my usual dyson it would NOT get the fine dust on these floors. I treated myself to two new vacuums...and while it was a bit pricey...I've had the same dyson for 8 years so I was overdue to spend money on a vacuum. First I got the i-robot from Costco...I turn it on when things are feeling dusty and it's amazing how much dust and dirt and hair it picks up! I have to empty the canister every time we use it and I switch the filters nearly every time (comes with two I just swap and rinse)...but its really simple. It is random in it's cleaning pattern and not always fool proof in picking EVERYTHING up...but every time I open the trash bin...even after only 20 minutes there is so much new stuff so I KNOW it works. It's so nice to have it vacuum while i'm working and the kids are at school. I just do a quick pick up first...and sometimes I put up the "virtual walls" so it stays in one area before moving. Best part is costco will take it back if you end up hating it.

      I also got the dyson v8 absolute. I went to a dyson store with hardwoods and tried all their vacs and this is the ONLY one with a head made for hardwood floors. The other ones would push cheerios I poured on the sales floor away...this sucked them right up. It's SOOO lightweight and great to do cars/blinds/fans/couches...like super light and good suction. I use this vac and a microfiber broom/mop to keep up on full cleanings of the floors...otherwise robot does in between pick ups.

      Hope this helps.

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    3. Thank you to both of you, very helpful! I currently have a swiffer stick and a few microfiber cloths to pop on it which will get me started dusting for now but I'm bookmarking flylady's shop, and I am going look at the Costco robot for Christmas.

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  4. Please tell me where you got that rug! It’s beautiful 😍

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  5. Perfect! Was just saying I needed a new vacuum! Just ordered it :) thank you for the recommendation!

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  6. I have one like that but it's a slightly older model. I absolutely loved it at first but it lasted for about a year then died on me. I bought another one on black friday for $25 and it lasted about a year also. Decided to try it one more time last year and it only lasted about 8 months. So while it's cheap, it's also not made to last very long. At $40 it's still not a bad deal but it makes me feel bad throwing all that plastic away. Hopefully they have improved the design and it will last longer!

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  7. I have Miele...which is German made and pricey but has a wonderful HEPA filter for keeping down things that cause allergies and asthma. It is a canister with attachments for rugs and hardwoods. Love it!! I imagine this will last until I’m underground. Of course I am 65! Lol

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  8. Hi Sarah!

    Vacuums use air to suck up the dirt. Is there an air adjustment on your vacuum that you can open to allow more air into the vacuum when you vacuum that rug? The vacuum may be sucking more of the rug than the dirt. I have a similar problem with a rug in my house and I have to open the air vent to allow more air into the vacuum. I hope this makes sense.

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  9. I am wondering if there's a switch that you turn on and off when you move from carpet to hardwood floors? Does the beater bar on the vacuum continue to circulate around when you are doing the hardwoods? I heard th it can beat up the hardwoods.

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  10. Sarah, you mentioned you have cats, does this vacuum do a good job on the tracked kitty litter? I have all wood floors and my three cats track litter all over, so I have to vacuum at least once a day, sometimes more!

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  11. I have to say I'm a die hard Dyson girl, but mine are younger than yours. I think one is about 3 or 4 years old, and the other two (stick versions - one for upstairs, one for down) are probably 1 and 2 years old. I love them ALL so much! I'm eyeing this for my daughter's place, though!

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  12. I'm glad you posted this. I have a Dyson (DC33 Upright bagless) and absolutely hate it. It is my biggest regret of a purchase ever. I get angry using it and 9 times out of 10 I go to my dustbuster. I'm glad to know there are better & cost-effective options out there!

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  13. In the past when I had a vacuum cleaner with a short cord I just kept an extension cord permanently plugged into it and rolled it up with the regular cord. That way I wasn't always having to switch outlets!

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  14. I had to buy a new vacuum recently and got the Shark based on price and reviews. It's amazing on all carpet types, but harder to push on thick ones. It does great for all the sand we have (living in the south = lots of sand.) I recently got a Roomba to help in between vacuums and it's amazing, too! I got the 880. Highly recommend them both!

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  15. When we couldn't figure out our Dyson's issue we took it in to a store and they were able to help us figure it out in about 3 minutes. If you have a store around, it is worth trying.

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  16. I have a Black & Decker iron that was probably $10. I've sewn for years (and years)and have spent big bucks on fancy irons. I love this cheapo iron. B&D is the best

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  17. I live in Canada, so maybe the company is different here. But one of the reasons I got a Dyson was that they have an awesome warranty! I would assume you've checked into it though with your old machines.

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  18. I just bought this vacuum on your recommendation and I am impressed! The hose could be longer, but for the price, it performs well. I love that it's lightweight and easy to carry up and down the stairs.

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  19. I just purchased this vacuum after my old one stopped working right after I took my Christmas tree down. I know, great timing right. Needles all over and of course the vacuum dies. This new vacuum is amazing! I'm Loving It! It is crazy how light weight it is and the suction is great! Loving the hose with the handle attachment as well. I have hardwood floors and area rugs in my house and it performs great. 👍

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  20. After reading about this vacuum when you you first bought it I went and got one. My house is carpeted and I have dogs (I also foster for a local dog rescue, I'm on foster #38 now). Omg, I love this thing! I even went and bought a second one in case the first one went belly up. This has never clogged on me like some other more expensive vacuums. I think I paid around $25 for mine at the time. Best purchase ever! Thanks

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