If you’re dealing with pet hair and everyday messes, having a reliable handheld vacuum can make a significant difference. The Black+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster AdvanceClean+ Pet is a standout in this category, designed specifically to tackle pet hair while also being compact and user-friendly. With a specialized motorized pet brush and solid performance on both carpets and hard floors, it aims to be an essential tool for pet owners and those in need of quick cleanups.
Specifications
- Power: 18V
- Run Time: Up to 30 minutes
- Noise Level: ~78 dB
- Cleaning Path Width: 4.25 inches
- Attachments: Extendable crevice tool and motorized pet brush
- Dimensions: 6.3 L x 3.15 W x 2.56 H inches
- Price: $67.98 (from Amazon)
Unboxing and Setup
Setting up the Dustbuster Furbuster AdvanceClean+ Pet is straightforward. Inside the box, you’ll find the vacuum itself, a motorized pet brush attachment, and a charging station. After a simple attachment of the vacuum to the charging dock, it took just over an hour to fully charge, and I was ready to test its cleaning abilities.
Design and Features
The Dustbuster Furbuster is designed with user convenience in mind. A single button controls its operation: press once to turn on, press again for the power boost mode, and press a third time to turn it off. The power boost mode is particularly impressive, delivering extra suction for stubborn pet hair, especially on thick carpets.
One of the most convenient features is the extendable crevice tool, which adds roughly 8.6 inches to the nozzle, making it perfect for reaching tight spaces. However, the lack of a latch or button to release the nozzle could affect its durability over time, as it relies on manual effort to extend and retract.
The vacuum also features a battery power indicator with three levels, and a spacious dustbin that doubles as a sturdy base, allowing the vacuum to stand on its own when not in use.
Cleaning Performance
I tested the Dustbuster Furbuster in a local pet shelter and my own home to evaluate its cleaning performance under real-world conditions.
At the Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, the vacuum performed remarkably well. The motorized pet brush tackled a rug covered in dog hair that hadn’t been cleaned in weeks. Even without using the power boost mode, the vacuum was able to clean the rug after a few passes, picking up clumps of pet hair that the 12V MAX model failed to manage.
On hard floors, the Dustbuster easily picked up dirt, dust, and pet hair from a 1-2 inch radius. It performed similarly well on countertops, picking up fine particles such as dust and small crumbs. When I used it on a pet-hair-covered chair, the motorized pet brush helped remove stubborn fur, and the tool’s flexibility made it easy to clean from various angles.
At home, the vacuum handled a quarter cup of uncooked rice without issue. The power boost mode was especially effective, matching the performance of higher-end models from Miele and Ultenic, and it easily sucked dust from baseboards and other hard-to-reach places.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Like most handheld vacuums, the Dustbuster Furbuster’s dustbin is easy to empty with the press of a button. The dustbin is surprisingly large, accommodating significant debris collected from both the pet shelter and my home.
However, the filter can become clogged with dust, reducing suction power. Regular maintenance of the filter is necessary to maintain optimal performance. While the vacuum doesn’t use a HEPA filter, the filter is washable and replaceable, which adds convenience and long-term usability.
Comparison to Other Handheld Vacuums
When compared to other models, such as the Black+Decker 12V MAX and the Brigii Cordless Handheld, the Dustbuster Furbuster excels in every category. It is easier to use, has better suction power, and features a motorized pet brush for more effective pet hair removal. While the Brigii model is a solid option for spot cleaning and costs about $40 less, it lacks the motorized pet brush and larger dustbin of the Dustbuster Furbuster.
Additionally, many of the best cordless vacuum cleaners can be transformed into handheld vacuums by removing the wand. While these models offer more suction power and advanced features, the Dustbuster Furbuster stands out for its portability and focused design, making it an excellent choice for quick cleanups and pet hair management.
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