Unboxing the Black + Decker Cordless Lithium Hand Vac 10.8 volt (model HLVA320J26): To clean the pyrolysis biogasification stove in the tipi

So people (bourgeois consumers) say to get the more powerful version of this Black + Decker cordless Hand Vac (more volts = more lithium batteries) but then people also say that the more powerful version is not stocked in the stores. The store I went to indeed only had one version and it is still priced at $40. I was gonna pay $60 for the more powerful version but instead of ordering it and waiting, I used the extra cash to buy essential oils at the dirty hippy cooperative (where I am the most dirty hippy that goes there, unless I get my ESSENTIAL oils).

HLVA320J26 hand vacuum is the model.

The youtube reviews basically just reiterate the comment reviews - that the pick up strength is too weak. But here's what I learned - first of all you HAVE to empty the bin even if it is less than half full - to make sure the filter is cleared out.

2nd: You have to SEPARATE the filter plastic screen from the finer filter - as there will be stuff trapped in between. The Vac is advertised as being emptied without using your hands. But if you're picking up any fluffy dust - it will have to be removed from between the filter screen and the paper filter.

  The fine ash will clog the filter and you loose your airflow. You need to stop, empty the thing, pull the filter and wack it good to get the fine ash to fall out of the filter. Then it is good for another job.

 the only things I don't like are that it's harder to empty and the little paper part of the filter clogs up quickly.

When the filter is cleaned, it works great. Anyone that's used older dustbusters will know what to expect. I've seen people complain that it is not as powerful as their regular vacuum but that is an unreal expectation. It works best for quick cleanups like crumbs on the kitchen floor or cat litter. The flap that keeps the dirt from spilling out the spout works well. The previous generation would often get stuck open and allow dirt to fall out. My biggest complaint is the filter clogs quickly. Much quicker than the previous generation. This replaced an older version with a tear dropped shaped body. The older one worked better.

3rd: Despite it not being stated in the instruction manual - the blue light does go OFF when the Vac is done charging. (even the company answer to the Amazon question does not get this correct. Only the customers could answer this!). It is a 2 amp draw on the suction motor with a 12 volt and 24 watt hour. OK so that explains why the suction is weak. I was considering a 12 volt vac that has no lithium battery, but instead is plugged into the car socket - it requires a 10 amp draw from the car battery! that's a HUGE difference than a 2 amp draw.

So 4th - although no reviews state this - that I could find - the "extension" called the "crevice" extension brings it to a 10 to 11 inch (phallic) device. Some of the more powerful models do not have a long enough "crevice" device for what I need, to clean out the wood stove from above. It is considered a definite plus that the attachments are already attached (and therefore can't be lost). The only issue here is that it takes some gumption to force the extension out (pull) and back in (push) past a plastic lip or edge. One complaint is that then this extension accidentally pushes back in or doesn't stay out, while cleaning. This is not too much of an issue if you are careful. Another issue is that the plastic lip or edge is just gonna break off from constant "switching." I suppose one could just tape it at that point.

Overall - this vac is a big improvement from the even less powerful design by B + D - a vac that is more for just dusting - like vacuuming a keyboard or something. So despite it being the less expensive, less powerful model - if you make sure the filter is completely dry after washing it (I used a hair drier) THEN the suction returns. A wet filter causes the suction to not work anymore. So even though the instructions state to reuse the paper filter, it HAS to be completely dry to restore the suction power. (now I realize why one Amazon review states this design causes the vac to get moldy).

Just for "fun" I'll go through the Amazon reviews of this particular model to see if anyone reiterates my above points - and if so I'll then quote from it. I looked at lots of models - I'm surprised at the half a dozen different brands each with different models - priced from $30 to over $100. So for $40 this vac is fairly cheap and yet has enough power to get the job done - as long as the above precautions are taken.

Is it loud? Yes but it doesn't hurt the ears (that much). Still you can't hear the TV over the vacuum. It is pretty much a hegemonic device.