Customer Reviews

Black & Decker UV200 2 Gallon 1/2 Horsepower Wet/Dry Vaccuum

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Here is yet another example of a good idea compromised by a manufacturer's dedication to a firm pre-set price point. A few more dollars added to its cost would have turned this "good idea" into a "great product". This "Wet & Dry Utility Vacuum" is lightweight, very convenient, affordable, and has a lot of practical uses around the home, vehicle, boat, and workbench--but it suffers from a few shortcomings:

(1) While the suction is adequate for light dry debris and small liquid spills, it was not very efficient at picking up those small little stones that migrate into your vehicle's floorboard carpet--especially if the paper filter required for "dry" pickup has been installed for more than a few uses. Speaking of that paper filter; the supplied manual offers no replacement part number, or means of reordering thru their parts/customer service...You'll just have to hope the local hardware or home center has one.

(2) This item is advertised as a vacuum AND blower, but this requires removing the relatively-short hose from the unit's intake fixture and moving it to the exhaust port. The instructions make this appear to be a simple task, but it is NOT. Because of the item's hose-routing design (doubling back under the lower waste/housing bucket, then attaching on the opposite side intake port via a solid molded L-shaped inlet tube), removal is difficult and prone to cause damage to the delicate plastic parts (not to mention--your fingers) because the inlet tube tightly terminates into a molded channel INSIDE the unit's base where access is prohibitive. Furthermore, a molded flange on the lower portion of the hose inlet tube complicates the use of direct downward pressure to easily dislodge the tight connection (as the manual suggests for "easy removal"). A very simple change in design would have made this major inconvenience a non-issue.

(3) Two replaceable filters are utilized; a foam filter used alone for "wet" pickup, and a paper "bag filter" which is added over the installed foam for "dry pickup". The paper filter is held in place by a simple rubber band that fits with some difficulty around a circular collar on the power head. This difficulty is caused by the very tight space provided between the filter mount (that must accommodate the foam/bag/band combo) and the edge of the power head.

(4) The top power head attaches to the lower waste/housing bucket by "snapping" over two relatively shallow tabs which are part of the molded lower bucket section. I fear after repeated attachment and wear, the top power head may no longer "grip" the tabs on the lower section--making what may be a perfectly functional unit--unusable. A pair of small latches would be a low-cost yet significant improvement.

While this item cannot be compared to any "grand-daddy" shop vac, it's fine for light duty use and casual cleanup. It could have been significantly improved, and made more user-friendly, with just a small increase in attention to detail.

This vacuum works fine for a 3.5 Amp vac--dust, crumbs, light particles, etc. OK but not great for automobile interiors.

No information comes with the vac on ordering the paper replacement filters, but if you look closely, the part number is on the bag. It is 244111-00 and is unfortunately not available on Amazon, but is available directly from Black & Decker's (aka Dewalt) online parts site: www.dewaltservicenet.com

I bought one for myself after having actually used one, because of its design.

Small easy to carry, wet/dry capability, a hose you don't have to roll up or store taking up extra space, and an oval shape makes it easy to store in its own spot amongst the other tools in the truck.
About the size of a wastepaper basket, you can carry it one handed into a clients home or office without having to fight with a big bulky unit and hose.

With a light weight plastic 2 gallon tank and a 3.5 amp motor,
"It is what it is". . .and a full size "Shop Vac" its not.

It's a "Black & Decker" so the motor is a little loud and whinny, and it could be more powerful.
But its worked better for me then the Dewalt cordless/corded vac, and costs a whole lot less!

Most of my comments have been covered by other reviews. Adding my two cents worth...

A shoulder strap would have been nice but these can be picked up most anywhere. I'd recommend getting one.

Initially, I thought a longer cord should have been used but now have decided that the length provided is good. I do not need another 30 foot cord to get tangles. If you need additional length, an extension cord is easy enough to add.

I've been using this for about 3-4 months. It's not designed to replace a 5 HP vac and it does what it was designed to do very well.

Mark H

Even at $25 it's a piece of garbage. Worthless for anything other than the smallest of tasks. Incredibly stupid 90 degree turn in suction hose virtually guarantees plugs.

Seems to be a great value if you want a small portable vacuum cleaner with blower capabilities. Wish the blower output was a little stronger though.

I was satisfied with the product and it was delivered in record time