The Black+Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean Slim HLVC320J01 seemed promising at first because of its decent suction, but it had an especially slow charge time of 10 hours and an extremely narrow crevice tool. We also had difficulties opening the dustbin during our testing and ended up showered with glitter. To test pet-hair pickup, we spread a handful of fur (from a local groomer) into a rug and then try to pick it up with each vacuum. If a model comes with an attachment that may improve pet-hair pickup, such as rubber nubs, or better yet, a motorized brush, we use it.
You can find powerful cordless models with a runtime of as much as half hour. Just be sure to look at the specs, though, as some cordless models only last bissell handheld vacuum a few minutes on a single charge. Just like regular-sized machines, today’s handheld versions come in a range of styles and offer a variety of features.
We think it’s safe to say you could use it a few rooms away without waking up your family members—however, the puppy, who’s afraid of vacuums, could hear it start up and was instantly on alert. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Vacuum delivers on its promise to clean up pet-specific messes, but it can’t replace your full-size vacuum. This warranty applies to a product used for personal bissell vacuum cleaner purposes, and not commercial or rental service. BISSELL recommends that the original packaging is kept for the duration of the warranty period in case such need arises within the warranty period that the item needs re-packing and transportation. The Bissell vacuum runs on a strong 22V lithium-ion battery that is designed to maintain a steady suction as long as it’s running.
I’ve been cleaning my home with the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser for a year now, and it’s still the tool I reach for on a weekly basis. The battery power remains consistent, and though the motorized brush attachment has accumulated some hair buildup, I haven’t noticed any weakening in the suction power. My cat is almost 10 years old, which means I have been buying pet hair removers for close to a decade.
It measures just under 16 inches long and rests and an angle on a charging station when not in use. You’ll find yourself reaching for this constantly because our testing confirmed that crumbs, hair, dust, and other small messes are no match. It even suctioned up the raisins in its path, a task that proved tricky for some of the other bissell cordless vacuum machines. We also appreciated the roomy dustbin, which was emptied just three times during our testing. There’s also an ejection mechanism, so you don’t have to touch anything to clear out the bin. Even with the spacious compartment, the entire vacuum weighs just a hair over two pounds, so it’s sleek and easy to maneuver, too.
This handheld vacuum is designed to “clean wherever your pet goes,” whether it’s on the sofa, in the bathroom, or even in the car. Bissell’s AeroSlim is marked down to just $30 at Walmart, saving you $26 on the usual list price. We don’t know how long this offer will last, so we recommend making your purchase sooner rather than later. Carolyn Forté has tested and reviewed hundreds of vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, mops and other major (and minor) home appliances as executive director of the Home Care Lab. She oversees all testing done in the Cleaning Lab and recently tested all of the handheld, stick, upright and canister vacuums that were submitted for consideration in the most recent Cleaning and Organizing Awards. She is an active member of the ASTM Committee on vacuum cleaners and chairman of the consumer information sub-committee.
Here’s what we—plus our cat and puppy sidekicks—thought of the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Vacuum. Its filter is washable and reviewers were impressed with its suction, especially given its small size, but many noted that with a three-and-a-half-hour charge time, they wished it could run for longer than just 12 minutes. You likely won’t be able to clean very much on one charge given its short runtime and very small dust cup, but it can be charged on the go from your laptop or in your car thanks to its USB charger. When you’re cleaning your car, you don’t want the vacuum to die on you. So, to test out the battery life of the Bissell 1985 Vacuum, I cleaned my Prius and a friend’s minivan.