The catch
BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX
Its advertised maximum is the shorter one, and its battery is integrated.
Side by side
BLACK+DECKER BHFEA420J vs BHFEA520J: Neither is part of the removable-battery Extreme system
Quick verdict
The BHFEA420J is the pick if its price is better and you just want a self-standing cleaner for short floor rounds. The BHFEA520J is worth it if you care about the longer stated maximum runtime, though a 40 versus 44-minute claim is a modest difference. Neither gets you into the removable-battery POWERSERIES Extreme system.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A higher voltage number leaves the overall routine as it was
The nominal bin volume is the same, and both can stand during a pause. On a quick kitchen-and-rug pass, those shared conveniences may count for more than four additional advertised minutes. Pick the current offer based on how long your short jobs take.
Where this comes from
BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX BHFEA420J: 40-minute maximum, 0.6-liter cup and self-standing body. BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ BHFEA520J: 44-minute maximum, 0.6-liter cup and self-standing body.
The catch
BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+
No extra bin capacity comes with the modest increase in the runtime claim.
BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX
- Why pick it
- Short rounds are all you need, and the 16V model comes with the better offer.
- AUTOSENSE and a self-standing body are both part of it.
- The catch
- Its advertised maximum is the shorter one, and its battery is integrated.
BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+
- Why pick it
- The longer published maximum in this pair is what you are after.
- The 16V specification is four minutes short of its up-to-44-minute claim.
- The catch
- No extra bin capacity comes with the modest increase in the runtime claim.
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What this page compares
BLACK+DECKER BHFEA420J vs BHFEA520J: the 16V and 20V POWERSERIES+ models compared, with neither mistaken for the removable-pack Extreme.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Brief rounds that are paused often
Self-standing and automatic floor response come with both.
- BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX
- Similar
- BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+
- Similar
Deciding on the advertised maximum runtime
Four more minutes are claimed by the BHFEA520J.
- BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX
- Good
- BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+
- Better fit
Looking for a removable pack from a tool system
POWERSERIES+ and Extreme should not be mixed up.
- BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX
- Caution
- BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+
- Caution
In a room heavy with fur, a full bin stops you
Each holds 0.6 liter. Cup capacity does not go up with the higher-voltage model.
- BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX
- Similar
- BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+
- Similar
In practice
Differences you will notice
A higher voltage number leaves the overall routine as it was
The nominal bin volume is the same, and both can stand during a pause. On a quick kitchen-and-rug pass, those shared conveniences may count for more than four additional advertised minutes. Pick the current offer based on how long your short jobs take.
How we worked this out
BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX BHFEA420J: 40-minute maximum, 0.6-liter cup and self-standing body. BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ BHFEA520J: 44-minute maximum, 0.6-liter cup and self-standing body.
Upgrading brings no larger cup for a shedding pet
Either machine stops when its 600-milliliter cup is full. The runtime claim on the 20V model does not get around that limit. If capacity is what you complain about, compare a model with a larger bin rather than choosing between these two on voltage alone.
How we worked this out
BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX BHFEA420J: 600-milliliter capacity. BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ BHFEA520J: 600-milliliter capacity.
Owning the brand does not mean the battery fits
Do not assume that a BLACK+DECKER tool battery you already own will fit either POWERSERIES+. The Extreme BSV2020P is a different removable-pack product. Check the exact model and battery connection before you count any value from your existing tool collection.
How we worked this out
BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX BHFEA420J: BHFEA420J integrated battery confirmed by manufacturer support. BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ BHFEA520J: BHFEA520J POWERSERIES+ model is separate from BSV2020P Extreme.
Option A
BLACK+DECKER, BHFEA420J
POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX
This dry stick stands up by itself and offers automatic floor response, a 0.6-liter bin and an integrated battery.
- Best for
- Short rounds are all you need, and the 16V model comes with the better offer.
Facts we checked
- Exact model: BHFEA420J, 16V MAX
- Maximum runtime claim: 40 minutes
- Bin volume: 0.6 liter
- Core convenience: AUTOSENSE and self-standing
Option B
BLACK+DECKER, BHFEA520J
POWERSERIES+
A 20V stick that stands on its own, adjusts suction to the floor type, resists hair wrap and lies flat to get under furniture.
- Best for
- The longer published maximum in this pair is what you are after.
Facts we checked
- Exact model: BHFEA520J, 20V MAX
- Maximum runtime claim: 44 minutes
- Bin volume: 0.6 liter
- Core convenience: AUTOSENSE and self-standing
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX | BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exact model | BHFEA420J, 16V MAX | BHFEA520J, 20V MAX | Carpet pickup cannot be measured from the voltage label alone. |
| Maximum runtime claim | 40 minutes | 44 minutes | The advertised gain is 10%, and no matched room-coverage promise comes with it. |
| Bin volume | 0.6 liter | 0.6 liter | More space for fur is not what the 20V label means. |
| Core convenience | AUTOSENSE and self-standing | AUTOSENSE and self-standing | Automatic floor response and parking are already covered by both. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX
- The crevice tool in the box is not a powered sofa brush.
With BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+
- Nothing documents the battery as a quick-swap part.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Short rounds are all you need, and the 16V model comes with the better offer.
Go with BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX. AUTOSENSE and a self-standing body are both part of it.
The longer published maximum in this pair is what you are after.
Go with BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+. The 16V specification is four minutes short of its up-to-44-minute claim.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the cordless vacuums we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX |
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| BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
BLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+ 16V MAX
Short rounds are all you need, and the 16V model comes with the better offer.
See price & reviews on AmazonBLACK+DECKER POWERSERIES+
The longer published maximum in this pair is what you are after.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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