Black & Decker 18V Pivot Vac PHV1810

1. Amazon.com

The Black & Decker 18V Pivot Vac PHV1810 is a favorite at Amazon.com, where it has accumulated more than 300 owner-written reviews. About half of the reviewers give it a perfect 5 stars. Top-rated features include the pivoting nozzle, integrated tools, good suction relative to other cordless hand vacs and a two-year warranty. A few owners complain that the battery doesn't last long enough.

Review: Black & Decker Pivot Vac 18V Cordless Pivoting Hand Vac, PHV1810, Contributors to Amazon.com

2. ConsumerReports.org

ConsumerReports.org compares 12 hand vacuums, including the Black & Decker PHV1800, which is the older version of the Black & Decker 18V Pivot Vac PHV1810. Editors recommend four models after conducting tests on carpet, hard floors and along baseboards. Individual ratings are also given for ease of use, run time, recharge time, emissions and noise level.

Review: Small Vacuum Ratings and Reliability, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, March 2009

3. Choice magazine

This Australian magazine rates consumer products based on rigorous independent testing. Their 10-vacuum roundup includes the Black & Decker PHV1800, which is the older version of the Black & Decker 18V Pivot Vac PHV1810. Editors evaluate vacuums on their ability to suck up cornflakes and flour from a hard surface as well as potting mix, sand and pet hair from carpet. The Black & Decker 18V earns the top rating, but most of the other models included in this review are not sold in the U.S. or have been discontinued.

Review: Handheld Vacuums Review and Compare, Editors of Choice magazine, Feb. 2009

4. Consumer magazine

This New Zealand publication conducts testing of the Black & Decker PHV1800, which is the older model of the Black & Decker 18V Pivot Vac PHV1810, and six other models of hand vacs at Choice magazine's lab, which may explain the similar model selection as that publication's handheld-vacuum review. The Black & Decker 18V receives the top rating, with excellent results on both carpet and hard flooring. Testers say the pivoting nozzle makes this vacuum easy to use. A few downsides noted are its heavy weight and noisiness. The improved PHV1810 is more than a pound lighter than the PHV1800.

Review: Hand-Held Vacuum Cleaners, Editors of Consumer magazine, March 18, 2009

5. The Wall Street Journal

This older review compares five models of handheld vacuums, which are now discontinued. Testing consists of spreading a "holiday dirt mix" of potato-chip crumbs, wrapping-paper bits and other debris onto carpet, tile and a car interior and then vacuuming it up. Testers say the Black & Decker PHV1800, which is the older model of the Black & Decker 18V Pivot Vac PHV1810, is powerful but heavy. This drawback has been addressed in the improved PHV1810, which is 1.25 pounds lighter.

Review: No Crumbs for Christmas, Charles Passy, Nov. 23, 2007