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Black & Decker BV2500 Review
Black & Decker BV2500
Summary:
Many users seem to like the Black & Decker BV2500, but it mulches at a lower ratio than other, more powerful mulching blowers and has a plastic impeller, which can be easily damaged. The real Achilles' heel of this model, though, is its lack of durability.

The power of this electric blower vac impresses consumers posting Black & Decker BV2500 (starting at $50, Amazon) reviews at Ace Hardware, especially given the low price and eight-pound weight. The machine moves 320 cubic feet of air per minute at speeds up to 200 mph. That makes it more than adequate for homeowners seeking an entry-level blower vac. It is powerful enough to suck up acorns and pinecones, according to Black & Decker BV2500 reviews, which is a blessing but also a curse. A user who posted a Black & Decker BV2500 review on Amazon notes that the plastic impeller gets chewed up every time a stray object such as a pebble or an acorn gets sucked into the tube. Others say that the machine is perfect for grass and leaves but not so good if you are dealing with other debris.

The mulching ratio is listed as 10:1, although one consumer who posted a Black & Decker BV2500 review on Amazon complains that leaves sucked into the bag don't appear to have been chopped up at all. The vacuum bag works well for some, but others complain that the bag rips or the zipper breaks, and some people find that the bag detaches from the machine, strewing leaves and other debris. The claimed noise level is 65 decibels on blow and 69 decibels on vacuum, which is fairly quiet, and there are hardly any complaints of excessive noise.

Durability seems to be the downfall of the Black & Decker BV2500. There are so many reports of consistent jamming and clogging and so many mentions of the machine burning out after a year, a season, or even a few months that we have to suggest passing on this model. However, when it works it seems to work very well, and there are people who have had this blower vac for years. If you're willing to take a chance that you'll have the same luck, you can get a good bit of power for a very low price.

By Cheapism editorsSeptember 23, 2011
Black & Decker BV2500 Deals
 

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