BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum

It's mixed. On crumbs, dirt and dust the suction is often strong for a handheld, but plenty of units feel weak, and pickup drops off further as the battery runs down. The AdvancedClean does best on light messes, caught soon after a full charge.

Long enough for a few quick jobs, but it fades. The listed runtime is 11 minutes, while a new unit often manages about 15 to 30 minutes of short bursts. After months or years of use that can fall to about 10 to 15 minutes, and a fast drain is the most common complaint about this dustbuster.

Easily. The clear bowl shows when it's full and empties with a twist, and both the bowl and the filter on the AdvancedClean wash in the sink. Give the filter time to dry before you put it back, and clear fine dust from the bowl vents now and then, since it can clog them.

Only if it's seated just right. The AdvancedClean has to sit exactly in place on the charging base, and if it gets nudged it may not charge at all. Check that it's fully seated each time you put it back, or you can come back to a flat battery.

Loose hair, yes. It picks up pet hair, spilled food and litter well on hard surfaces and furniture. Hair worked deep into carpet is a tougher job, so the dustbuster suits couch cushions, chairs and car seats better than rugs or wall-to-wall carpet.

Mostly. Because the crevice tool and brush are built in, they can't get lost, and the slim nozzle rotates 180 degrees for tight corners. The crevice tool can loosen over time, though, and it picks up best when you hold it flat against the surface.