Black and Decker Pivot (PHV1800) and Dyson Root 6 (DC16) Handheld Vacuum Review - Part 1 of 5: Introduction
Face off: Dyson Root 6 and Black and Decker Pivot Handheld Vacuums
A recently released Popular Mechanics video gives a good real world lab comparison of three handheld vacuums:
(1) Dirt Devil Kone ($40),
(2) Black and Decker Pivot ($60), and
(3) Dyson Root 6 ($150).
PM effectively dismissed the Dirt Devil Kone and focused on comparing the Dyson Root 6 Vacuum with the Black and Decker Pivot
The PM lab test was good, but I wanted a comparison that was more quantitative and had more in-depth analysis. So, I got out my engine vacuum gauge, "bag of air", and stop watch to take measurements. And also did a partial disassemble to compare the innards of the two.
Price: Advantage Black and Decker Pivot Handheld Vacuum
Black and Decker Pivot Handheld Vacuum
List Price: $60 Street Price: $55 (Wal-mart, Fall 2008)
Includes: (1) Non-changeable, permanently-integrated NiCad 18V battery; (2) Brush and Crevice Nozzles; (3) One Permanent Washable Cone Filter and One Disposable Washable Cone Filter
Dyson Root 6 Handheld Vacuum
List Price: $150 Street Price: $121 (ebay, delivered new, Fall 2008)
Includes: (1) Changeable 21.6V Lithium Ion Battery Pack; (2) Brush-Fabric Hybrid Nozzle and Crevice Nozzles; (3) Good-for-life Pre-motor and Post-motor Washable Filters.
Form Factor: Black & Decker Pivot Handheld Vacuum
The Black and Decker Pivot Vacuum's main nozzle cleverly and neatly folds into the underneath of the main housing. As a result, it can be stored or transported in a very space-efficient form without the need for detaching and transporting a clumsy nozzle attachment. (See inset.)
Canister Emptying and Cleaning: Advantage Dyson Root 6
While both the Dyson Root 6 and Black & Decker Pivot handheld vacuums both have laudable, convenient clear canisters to monitor debris collection and have easy-to-open lids for emptying, the Root 6's canister detaches completely for easier thorough cleaning.
The Pivot canister's nook and crannies are harder to deal with when cleaning.
The Black and Decker Pivot's filtration relies primarily on a conventional pleated cone filter that gets dirty very fast and needs regular shaking out (especially when vacuuming very small particulate matter).
In contrast, the Dyson Root 6's filtration system primarily relies on gravity, i.e., 2 cyclonic stages, for debris containment and needs no regular filter cleaning like the Black and Decker Pivot.
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