BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL and BDH2020FLFH 20V Max Flex Handheld Cordless Vacuums
BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL and BDH2020FLFH 20V Max Flex are two very similar handheld, bagless, cordless vacuums, intended for regular and detailed cleaning around the home, in the car, on the boat, when camping, and similar.
BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL and BDH2020FLFH 20V Max Flex follow the same design philosophy found on earlier Max Flex cordless vacuums, but they also introduce several important improvements.
Published: March 1, 2021.
BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL vs. BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FLFH
BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL and BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FLFH are two very similar vacuum - actually, both models feature the same handheld vacuum cleaner, the same cleaning attachments, except that BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FLFH models come with an additional 'Stick Vac Floor Head', allowing the BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FLFH to be also used as a compact cordless canister vacuum.
Other than that, these two models are practically the same.
'Stick Vac Floor Head' extends the reach of the user, allowing the user to clean surfaces from the floor to the ceiling.
Also, the floor head features a floor selector, allowing the user to vacuum both carpets and bare floors.
However, due to the relative weak suction (compared with large carpet vacuums) and the lack of the spinning brushroll, BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FLFH can be used 'only' for quick, light cleanups of carpeted areas.
BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL/BDH2020FLFH Features and Specifications
BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL/BDH2020FLFH are powered by an onboard power fade-free 1.5 Ah lithium-ion battery. The battery itself is labeled as a 20V battery, but that is the maximum battery voltage during charging. When the battery is in use, its voltage is ~18 volts.
Nonetheless, the battery stores enough energy for the unit to operate up to 20 minutes, generating ~24 Air Watts of suction, which is usually more than enough for quick cleanups and cleaning in emergencies.
When the battery is fully discharged, it takes approximately 4 hours to fully charge it.
Charging is done via a charging station that is also used for storage - both the vacuum and the charging station are compact enough to be kept somewhere where it can be easily and quickly reached.
Note: The battery charger is an intelligent one - the unit can be left on the charging station even when the battery is fully recharged. Although BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL/BDH2020FLFH are rather simple to use and maintain vacuum cleaners, when they arrive, be sure to read the manual thoroughly. Better safe than sorry.
BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL/BDH2020FLFH handheld vacuums are rather compact and lightweight, weighing just 3.2 pounds (~1.45 kg) and since they are used by two hands (or one hand for cleaning, with the unit placed on the floor, stair, furniture, seat...) they are both very easy to use even by elderly people and children (children under supervision by adults, of course).
Dirt cup is transparent, allowing the user to see the amount and type of vacuumed dirt. Dirt cup capacity is 18.9 ounces (~ 550 ml) and it is more than large enough for regular and quick cleanups.
Nonetheless, it is recommended to empty the dirt cup after each use, which can be done quickly and easily, although it can be a little awkward, at least in the beginning, to tilt the whole unit to empty it in the trash can.
Note: BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL/BDH2020FLFH are intended for dry dirt only.
Air filtration system features three stages, including cyclonic dirt-air separation, plastic air pre-filter and the pleated PVF110 air filter.
In order to decrease the maintenance costs, both the air pre-filter and the pleated air filter are washable. Also, it is possible to detach the dirt cup and wash it when required.
Before reassembling the air filters back in the unit, they must be thoroughly air-dried - if the components are wet/moist, moisture can damage the unit, rendering the unit's warranty void.
After some time, it is necessary to replace the air filter with the new one - BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL/BDH2020FLFH do not feature any suction sensor and it is up to the user to 'feel' when it is time to replace the air filter. But, the PVF110 air filters are rather cheap and can be found at many online stores.
BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL/BDH2020FLFH Cleaning Tools and Accessories
As said before, the only difference between these two vacuums is 'Stick Vac Floor Head' which comes with the BDH2020FLFH model - everything else is the same.
BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL/BDH2020FLFH models feature 4 feet (~1.2 meters) long flexible cleaning hose, which increases the cleaning range and allows the user to clean areas that are otherwise inaccessible - under the car seats, edges, corners, gaps, and similar.
All other cleaning tools are attached to the flexible cleaning hose. These cleaning tools include 2-in-1 Nozzle/Flip-up Brush, Crevice Tool, and the Pet Hair Brush.
2-in-1 Nozzle/Flip-up Brush is used for general cleaning. Wide mouth nozzle can easily pick up various types of dirt, while Flip-up Brush is used for dusting and picking up somewhat stubborn dirt off the various types of surfaces.
Crevice Tool is a long and narrow cleaning tool, designed for vacuuming edges, corners, gaps, crevice, between the mattresses or car seats, and similar.
Pet Hair Brush features rubber 'teeth', allowing the tool to pick up stubborn types of dirt from carpeted and upholstered surfaces and is the favorite cleaning tool of many pet owners.
BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL and BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FLFH 20V Max Flex handheld vacuums come with a 2-year limited warranty.
Long Story Short: BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL/BDH2020FLFH are very popular cordless, handheld vacuums that come at a rather acceptable price.
Their suction power can't be compared with the suction power of larger and more expensive cordless units and especially not with the suction power of corded carpet vacuums, but in combination with available cleaning tools, it is more than enough for these units to do their cleaning tasks properly.
For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to follow BLACK+DECKER BDH2020FL/BDH2020FLFH 20V MAX Flex Cordless Vacuum Amazon link (link opens in the new window).