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The Dirt Devil brand is almost synonymous with cordless vacuums to some people. At the same time, however, that’s not because they’re known for high tech innovations or expensive parts. Their BD20040RED Extreme Power 14.4 Volt Stick Vacuum is a prime example of what the brand offers, though: enough quality to be well known at an affordable price. Let’s look at what makes that work.
Power
While 14.4 volts admittedly isn’t the “extreme power” that Dirt Devil is advertising, it’s certainly more than enough to be respectable for any cordless stick vacuum. And as they say, it’s not how much you have, it’s how you use it.
Performance
This vacuum really shines on bare floors, and especially in one-room regions of the house like kitchens, attics or basements, where it can be dedicated to really cleaning that one area well. It doesn’t do too well on carpet…but it’s not designed for that! Remember, stick vacuums are for quick cleaning, so save that more challenging surface for corded vacuums.
Ease of Use
Even for its more affordable price the Extreme Power includes a few features that make it a pleasure to use. There is a switch to turn the brushroll on and off, which many vacuums oddly don’t have – it’s a real help, especially when cleaning hair. Also, the vacuum’s head swivels for greater agility, and the handle folds down for more convenient storage.
Battery Life and Charging Time
Dirt Devil includes a NiCad battery with this vacuum. It’s a well proven type of battery, and while it has a longer charging time of twenty-four hours, it’ll be a good many small messes cleaned before it needs to be charged, and it’s very easy to replace.
Weight
The Extreme Power weighs about six pounds. With a stick vacuum, that’s a nice balance of relatively light but also solid enough to be effective at its job – if you’ve ever used a vacuum that’s too light, you’ll know what I mean.
Filter
The filter for this vacuum is a simple cloth cup – it’s classic, easy to use, and easy to clean.
Dust Bin
The Extreme Power’s long, transparent dust bin can hold a surprising amount of dust, hair and dirt, and it’s easy to pop off and let it all slide out into the trash.
Included Accessories
This vacuum, like most cordless sticks, does not come with any accessories. Replacement filters are available however, and it has the advantage of very easily replaced batteries…unlike some more expensive vacuums that have their battery integrated into themselves.
Reliability
As I mentioned with the vacuum’s weight, this is a pretty solid cleaning tool. It’ll get the job done for a good while, especially if you’re using it in the way it’s designed for and not attempting to clean your whole house with it.
Warranty
Dirt Devil includes a one year limited warranty, which is right about standard for this price level of vacuum. And like I said above, if you use the vacuum how it’s intended, you won’t even end up needing it.
Price
This is a vacuum that’s easy to buy – in fact, you might find it hard to get, even on Amazon, because they go off the shelves so quickly! It’s still worth looking on Amazon, however, I should point out – they have the best sale price on an already affordable vacuum.
Pros
- solid power that’s great on bare floors
- affordable price
- simple, easy to maintain design
- fold-down handle for convenient storage
- easy to replace battery and filters
Cons
- long charging time
- not great on carpet
Conclusion
Dirt Devil’s Extreme Power is a great vacuum – just make sure you use it in the right way! Even if you’re not paying too much in the first place, you’ll resent it if you think you’re buying some miraculous cordless vacuum that will clean your whole house. Instead, get this affordable vacuum, dedicate it to one or two rooms like the basement or kitchen that you hate getting your big, awkward corded vacuum out for, and go to town on those bare floors.