Black+Decker HHVI320JR02 Review

To decide which handheld vacuums are indeed the best out there, we bought the most promising models on the market and tested them head-to-head. We split our review process into six weighted testing metrics, with the HHVI320JR02 performing well in some and just average in others. Although it doesn't compare to some of our favorite cleaning machines, this contender is good for tougher messes, especially at the very approachable price point.

Performance Comparison

Dust & Dirt

Our first testing metric assessed the ability of each vacuum to suck up light dust and caked-on dirt and grime, as well as how easy it was to use the dusting attachment in small cracks and corners. The HHVI320JR02 didn't stand out among our competitive lineup, but it still held its own with an average score.

We placed flour on a plastic sheet to simulate a statically-charged dusting challenge for each vacuum. This model struggled to remove the flour from the plastic sheet, leaving quite a bit of flour behind and marking up the surface. It did a little better at removing dried dirt and mud from the linoleum, but not by much. Unfortunately, the shape of the brush isn't very well suited for cleaning in small corners and edges. You could use it to clean the top of your baseboards or a window sill, but we would be concerned about scuffing the walls.

Tough Messes

Our next series of tests focused on how well the vacuums could pick up tougher messes from carpet and fabric. We also looked at how they handled larger items and the overall power of the vacuum motor. Although other more expensive models scored higher, we were impressed with how well the HHVI320JR02 performed in this test metric, considering the product's price range.

First, we placed flour on a low-pile, automotive-style carpet sample, and the HHVI320JR02 did relatively well at cleaning it up. Though plenty of flour eluded it, this is a common occurrence for handheld vacuums, and multiple passes eventually picked up almost all of the flour.

Next, we placed crushed oats on a cushion and the same type of carpet sample. This vacuum did significantly better, removing almost all of the mess without any issue. It did leave a little bit of dust behind, making it slightly inferior to the models with a powered brush head, but it was the best performer among those without a motorized brush roll attachment.

The HHVI320JR02 also handled large items without any sign of a struggle, sucking up a pile of Mini-Wheats cereal without any clogs. Finally, we measured the airspeed generated by each vacuum in our wind tunnel chamber using an anemometer. This vacuum has a higher score, clocking in at 1564 feet per minute (fpm) of airflow.

Hard-to-Reach Areas

We awarded points for how far each vacuum could clean under furniture and common kitchen appliances, plus tight slots, like a sliding window track.

The crevice tool on the HHVI320JR02 is a little wider, but you can still effectively clean small slots, just not as efficiently as some other products in our lineup, like the Black+Decker Flex Vac BDH2020FL, which has a skinny crevice attachment. Still, the HHVI320JR02 vacuum removed all of the oats we filled a sliding window track with; it just took a bit longer than the top products.

Next, we measured how far the device could effectively clean in a 3" tall and 1.25" tall slot, simulating cleaning under a nightstand or an appliance. The HHVI320JR02 reached 10" into the taller slot and 5.5" into the narrower — slightly further than average for these products.

Battery Life

For our next round of tests, we compared the effective battery life of each vacuum. After fully charging each handheld vacuum, we ran them until their battery died, timing the process. The HHVI320JR02 performed decently, lasting about 15.5 minutes.

Convenience

Our next group of evaluations focused on how much of a hassle it is to use each vacuum daily. We compared each contender's dust bin size and level of effort to empty, overall vacuum weight, noise level, and ease of organizing all of the different tools and accessories. We found the HHVI320JR02 to be slightly above average in terms of convenience.

This vacuum is one of the louder models, with our SPL meter recording noise levels of 83 dBa from about 3 feet away. It's average in weight among the competition, weighing 2.4 pounds on our scale. The moderately sized collection bin is also reasonably easy to empty.

Additionally, we like that all the tools are integrated into the main unit, making it all but impossible to lose them.

You can also rotate the nozzle to make it easier to clean with, something many of these products (especially the budget ones) don't offer.

Pet Hair

Our last metric scored how well each vacuum picked up pet hair. For those who have a furry friend (or multiple pets!) at home, this might be a deal-breaker metric. Unfortunately, the HHVI320JR02 didn't finish with the most outstanding results in this category.

This device eventually vacuumed about 90% of the hair on a carpeted surface and a cushion. Still, it took a long time, and nearly half of the hair became tangled on the brush rather than making it into the dust bin. Therefore, we recommend passing on this vacuum if you're regularly cleaning up pet hair.

Should You Buy the Black+Decker HHVI320JR02?

If your budget is limited, the Black+Decker HHVI320JR02 is one of the cheapest handheld vacuums we have tested. Considering that, it scored rather well, though you do get what you pay for in many respects. If you are only going to use it for the occasional mess, it might be a good choice.

What Other Handheld Vacuums Should You Consider?