Image of Black & Decker PD1200AV-XJ  12V Flexi Car Vacuum Cleaner Dustbuster

Unleashing the Power of Black & Decker's 12V Flexi Car Dustbuster: An In-Depth Review.

"A little noisy and seems low power at first, but with the various attachments and a bit of perseverance this does a good job!"

Hello there, folks. I am Rebecca Wills, your friendly neighbourhood digital nomad. When you live your life on wheels as I do, with my trusted van in the UK and my cozy mobile home in the US, you really start to appreciate the beauty of compact, functional tech. Especially when it comes to keeping your travel spaces neat and tidy. So, naturally, I was thrilled to get my hands on the Black & Decker PD1200AV-XJ 12V Flexi Car Vacuum Cleaner Dustbuster. After all, whether sweeping up cookie crumbs or tackling the grit from my latest off-road adventure, maintaining a clean living environment is key. Over the next few paragraphs, I'll share my experiences and you'll understand why this might just become your new favourite cleaning mate. So buckle up, and let's dive straight into it.

Features

The Black & Decker PD1200AV-XJ 12V Flexi Car Vacuum Cleaner Dustbuster features a 12V connection, appropriate for any 12V outlets in vehicles. This connection is facilitated by a 5 metre cable, enabling the user to access all areas of the vehicle, including the trunk. The device possesses a transparent dirt trap for visible and easy removal of dirt, improving hygiene standards. Its suction strength is 12.5 air watts. A Cyclonic Action filtration system is installed, comprising of a three-tier filtration system, designed for high dirt absorption and suction. Integrated is a unique, 1.2 metre long flexible suction hose for vacuuming in hard-to-reach places. Provided in the package are 2 in 1 crevice tool featuring a fold-out upholstery brush, a extra long crevice tool, and a storage net. It should be noted this a 12V car vacuum cleaner thus for larger particles a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner or handle vacuum cleaner is recommended. Regular cleaning of the filter and dust bowl are frequently recommended.

Power Output12.5 watts
Weight1.49 kgs
Dimensions5.91 x 10.63 x 11.81 cm

Highlights

As an experienced campervan owner who frequently journeys across the UK and Europe, the Black & Decker PD1200AV-XJ 12V Flexi Car Vacuum Cleaner Dustbuster has proven to be a fantastic addition in maintaining the cleanliness and comfort of my mobile holiday home. Its ability to plug into a standard 12V socket makes the vacuum incredibly convenient to utilize - a feature heightened by the 5 metre cable length that ensures all nooks and crannies of my campervan are easily reachable, like the areas within the trunk. The Dirt Trap makes emptying out accumulated waste a simple and hygienic process; no mess or fuss involved in keeping your vehicle spick and span.

The vacuum cleaner's Cyclonic Action Filtration System, boasting a 3-stage filtration process, also deserves mention here as it has been highly effective at picking up dirt and increasing suction power, resulting in an impressively clean van that we take pride in. One specific attribute that has been particularly useful for getting into those difficult corners and crevices in the campervan is the unique 1.2m flexible suction hose. This integrated tool has proven useful in navigating the varied interiors of a mobile home - quite a stand out feature.

Finally, the array of add-ons included, such as the two-in-one crevice tool and fold-out upholstery brush as well as an extra long crevice tool and storage net makes this an absolute essential product for any campervan owner. Our family has owned an older model of this brand before, but this latest offering from Black & Decker is noticeably more robust and efficient, with a more substantial power cord design. Although it would be appreciated if it was a bit more powerful for coarser dirt, overall, the vacuum does an excellent job in delivering as promised, ensuring our beloved motorhome remains spotless throughout our holiday adventures.

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Concerns

While the Black & Decker PD1200AV-XJ 12V Flexi Car Vacuum Cleaner Dustbuster is compact and lightweight, it seems to lack the power needed for a thorough clean. Despite its 12.5 air watts suction force, it struggles to pick up coarser dirt and debris, which can be frustrating when trying to clean the car. The long cable is a plus, but the vacuum's performance doesn't quite live up to expectations, especially when compared to a standard 230V hoover.

The vacuum's unique flexible suction hose is a nice feature, but it doesn't compensate for the lack of power. The attachments are useful for reaching tight places, but the brush head isn't suitable for carpets, limiting its versatility. While it's a decent tool for light cleaning tasks, it might not be the best choice if you're looking for a vacuum that can handle more challenging cleaning tasks in your car.

Should You Buy?Image of Black & Decker PD1200AV-XJ  12V Flexi Car Vacuum Cleaner Dustbuster

Drawing upon my extensive experience touring the UK and Europe in my campervan, I can conclude Black & Decker’s PD1200AV-XJ 12V Flexi Car Vacuum Cleaner Dustbuster is a handy companion for any motorhome enthusiast. Its 12V power source, combined with a lengthy 5-metre cable, enables one to carry out comprehensive cleaning tasks with considerable ease. Its unique flexible suction hose surmounts the challenges of reaching difficult areas, turning routine cleaning into a walk in the park. Emptying the unit is mess-free thanks to the Dirt Trap, and despite needing a little more effort on coarser dirt, the tool's Cyclonic Action Filtration System manages to deliver a satisfactory cleaning result. Meanwhile, the accessories included are thoughtfully designed, augmenting the usability of the vacuum.

However, it’s worth noting that the vacuum comes across as slightly underpowered, especially when dealing with larger debris, and falters in comparison to a standard home vacuum cleaner. Additionally, the brush attachment is not ideal for carpets, which limits the vacuum's utility to some extent.

Despite a few minor quirks, when measured against the overall convenience and array of features it provides, the Black & Decker PD1200AV-XJ 12V Flexi Car Vacuum Cleaner emerges as a solid investment. So, for those who value cleanliness in their mobile homes, this appliance's benefits surpass its minor shortcomings. Therefore, I recommend it as a worthwhile purchase.

(Price When Reviewed: £50.00)

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Rebecca Wills
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Self-professed vanlifer, digital nomad, blogger and freelance web developer. My van in the UK and my mobile home in the US aren't just places I live, they're my roving offices allowing me to work whilst giving me access to spaces that inspire me and feed my sense of adventure.

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