Compare Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean vs DeWalt DCV517B 20V Max Cordless Portable Vacuum

Accessories focus on everyday reach: an integrated crevice tool is repeatedly praised, and several reviews mention a small brush plus wet/dry pieces like a squeegee, along with a wall-mount charging base.

The built-in nozzle and integrated hose are widely seen as practical, and one roundup highlights a wide accessory selection. However, multiple reviewers note the bare tool ships without extra tips/brushes, and some users may need third-party kits or an adapter for standard attachments.

Setup is quick, with reviewers describing it as essentially click-together and ready to use in about a minute, plus easy mounting of the charging base if desired.

Setup is minimal: install a charged battery, confirm the tank and filter are seated, and start cleaning. Reviewers frame it as ready-to-use with little fuss.

Charging is handled via a wall-mount base that reviewers find convenient, but recharge times can be long (hours). It works best as an always-on-the-dock grab-and-go tool.

Battery performance is described as ample for typical cleanup sessions, with one test completing two vehicle interiors on a 4.0Ah pack with charge remaining. Compatibility with different DeWalt pack sizes is highlighted, but bare-tool buyers must supply their own battery/charger.

The bin is small and transparent for visibility, which helps for quick pickups but means more frequent emptying during bigger cleanups.

The 1/2-gallon tank and latch system are described as easy to remove, empty, and reattach, with sealing elements that help keep debris contained. Capacity is inherently small, so bigger messes may require more frequent emptying.

Build quality feedback is mostly positive, citing sturdy latches, gaskets, and a durable hose that holds up to jobsite-style cleanup. Long-term impressions (including a one-year update) remain favorable.

On low-pile carpet and mats, performance ranges from adequate to struggling depending on the debris and how clean the filter is. Some testers report difficulty on fuzzy car carpeting and entry mats.

Clogging is not a frequent theme, but some testers report larger bits can wedge in the intake and that dirty filters quickly reduce airflow, which can feel like a clog.

A tank flap/seal design is mentioned as helping keep debris from escaping if the vacuum tips over. No widespread clogging complaints appear, but the 1-1/4 inch intake naturally limits very large debris.

Compared with larger corded or higher-capacity cordless vacs, it trades raw suction and capacity for portability and convenience. Several reviewers prefer it specifically because it reduces friction for small cleanup tasks.

Controls are simple but polarizing: multiple reviews note the trigger-style operation requires holding the button the entire time rather than using a constant-on switch.

Controls are simple, with a large on/off switch that is easy to hit while holding the handle. There are no complex modes or screens to manage.

Cordless convenience is a major upside: reviewers like being able to grab it quickly for crumbs and small messes without dealing with cords.

Cordless, grab-and-go cleanup is one of the most praised benefits, especially for cars, small shop messes, and remote spaces without outlets. Users like avoiding cords and dragging out full-size vacs.

Crevice work is helped by the integrated crevice tool. It can pull grit from tight seams, but reach and sealing in very tight spaces varies by tester and body shape can limit depth under low clearance.

Crevice reach is a strength when using the pull-out hose, enabling cleaning between seats, corners, and grooves that the main nozzle cannot comfortably access.

Ease of use is generally good for quick jobs thanks to its light weight and simple design, but frequent filter cleaning and short runtime can interrupt longer tasks.

Day-to-day usability is praised for quick cleanups and one-handed operation, especially in cars and shops. A minority find the wide-nozzle grip awkward and prefer using the hose for better control.

An angled head and hose-based approach are praised for guiding along baseboards and edges, helping clean fine debris that collects against walls.

Emptying can be messy in practice: some debris sticks near the intake and several reviews describe having to remove the filter by hand. A comparative test also suggests it can hold onto collected sand well when powered off.

Filtration is basic but washable. Reviewers say performance depends on keeping the filter and inserts clean; when they get gummed up, suction drops quickly.

Several reviews emphasize a washable HEPA wet/dry filter and strong dust containment for fine particles. Maintenance is framed as simple rinsing/tapping clean, though one reviewer cautions about managing the filter correctly for wet pickup.

Thin liquid pickup is a strong point when using the wet/dry accessory, quickly removing puddles and many mixed spills. Very viscous messes like ketchup or honey may smear and need follow-up wiping.

For small liquid spills, reviewers describe it as a convenient, fast solution compared with towels or larger vacs. There is limited evidence on large-volume liquid pickup, and users caution against expecting flood-level capability.

Fine dust pickup is reported as strong on hard surfaces in hands-on testing (for example flour and dust), though some budget-focused tests still note a lingering film that takes extra passes.

Large debris pickup is generally good for a handheld, with reviewers successfully grabbing crumbs, cereal, and small yard debris, though very bulky pieces can get awkward at the nozzle.

The integrated hose is generally seen as long enough for car detailing and tight spots, with one review describing extension up to several feet. Some users may still prefer a longer hose for more reach without moving the unit.

Maintenance is regular and hands-on: expect frequent rinsing of the bin area and washing the filter/foam components, especially after wet pickups or fine dust.

Maintenance is framed as easy: empty the tank, twist off the filter, and rinse or tap it clean. The washable filter reduces consumable waste and keeps upkeep simple.

Handling is generally described as light and well balanced, but some users find the main nozzle grip awkward and note the unit can feel heavier than smaller car vacs. Using the hose improves reach and control in tight areas.

Noise is a common complaint. Testers describe it as loud for a handheld, with measured readings in the mid-70 dB range in one review and around 90 dB in a comparative test.

Noise is a recurring complaint, with at least one reviewer calling it loud compared with other vacs. A minority describe it as only moderately quiet, so overall expect a louder handheld experience.

Onboard storage of the hose and having a built-in nozzle reduce loose parts and make it easy to grab quickly. Multiple reviewers still wish DeWalt bundled additional tips (brush/crevice tools) in the box.

Ongoing costs are modest for users with existing DeWalt batteries, but the bare-tool package can raise the effective price if you need to buy a battery and charger. Replacement filters are noted as readily available.

Overall sentiment skews strongly positive, with multiple reviewers recommending it for quick cleanup and one reporting continued satisfaction after a year. A more critical review still acknowledges it performs on typical shop debris, just with limitations.

Pet readiness is mixed: it can lift loose clumps of hair and some strands, but without a roller brush it is not a specialist tool for embedded pet hair on upholstery.

Value is viewed positively because it is often priced in the budget range and still useful for frequent quick cleanups. The biggest value caveat is the short runtime and the need for frequent cleaning.

Value is strongest for owners already invested in DeWalt 20V batteries, especially when the bare tool is priced under typical kit bundles. Some buyers question the cost once you factor in a separate battery/charger and add-on accessories.

Runtime is short, commonly reported around 10–11 minutes, with some testers noticing reduced power near the end of the cycle.

Storage is a standout. The unit is compact, can live on its wall-mount dock, and is easy to stash in small homes, closets, or vehicles.

Reviewers repeatedly call the unit compact and easy to store, including keeping it in a toolbox or car. Its small footprint supports grab-and-go use in tight workspaces.

Suction is a strength for quick debris and spot cleaning, but lab-style comparisons show lower lift than pricier tool-battery handhelds and performance can drop when filters clog. It tends to handle small debris well, while bigger items may require repositioning.

Most reviews describe strong pickup for small debris (dust, chips, car carpets), with some calling it surprisingly powerful. A consistent caveat is that it cannot match a larger shop vac’s suction and can struggle with bigger chunks unless you get very close.

It performs best as a powerful mini for targeted messes, not as a primary shop vac or whole-jobsite solution. Reviews repeatedly position it as a supplement for quick, localized cleanup.

Its compact body and hose access make it well suited to cars, cabins, and tight shop corners where larger vacuums are annoying to deploy.

Switching between the front nozzle and pull-out hose is generally quick and intuitive. One review notes the hose can be tricky to pull free if it is pushed in too tightly.

Above-floor cleaning is solid for crumbs and general spot cleaning on seats and cushions. Embedded hair or deep upholstery work is less convincing without a motorized brush.

Car seats and in-between upholstery areas are a common use case, and the hose makes above-floor pickup more practical than relying on the wide front nozzle alone.

The wet/dry design plus dual pickup modes makes it useful for car detailing, edge cleanup, and small spills. Reviews still warn it is not intended for big jobsite cleanups or major water events.

Most reviewers emphasize how light it feels in hand, making short cleanups easy and reducing fatigue compared with heavier battery-platform handhelds.

Several reviews call it super light for a wet/dry handheld, while one roundup notes it can feel heavier than some competing car vacs. Most still consider the weight manageable given the convenience and power.