10 years ago when I first moved into our current apartment, as a new homeowner I had to make a lot of decisions I’d never had to make before. One of the many involved the choice of vacuum cleaner. At the time Dyson were revolutionising the market with their futuristic cyclone technology. As a techie type I was naturally drawn to their products a despite their relatively high cost at the time. The model I bought back was still in service 8 years later with only a filter or two replaced along the way. Surely a testament to Dyson reliability and durability?
I was keen to see how Dyson had changed in nearly a decade and was happy to agree to review their new small ball animal model. For starters, in common with a lot of other manufacturers, Dyson has pared back on anything unnecessary meaning that the model looks rather naked in comparison to my previous model. Now, I wanted to find out what effect, if any, it had on the ease of use and performance.
As with all models now, the cleaner came in a box and required a little self-assembling. The first thing I noticed was that it seems Dyson have not compromised on the quality of their products. Yes, the cleaner is made of metal and plastic just like the others but it just feels sturdier and the components have a satisfying and reassuring click when they join together. The assembled cleaner is actually very small in comparison to the models we’ve previously reviewed. Ideal when storage space is at a premium like at our place where we’re bursting to capacity with cat paraphernalia. It’s also very light – almost half that of my previous Dyson model. This is helped by the fact that the tools are not stored on board giving extra weight and bulk (although I realised there is a place to put a couple of the tools if you want to keep them to hand). The handle, while not height adjustable does move down , again, to reduce the storage space.
My first test of any cleaner is to see how it copes with the fur laden aftermath of a quarrel between Oliver and Nubia.
The Dyson powered over the carpet easily picking up every single hair. In fact the suction was just a little but too strong for the carpets but I was able to lower this with a little slider on the front of the head. The large ball on the front makes the cleaner swerve around objects like a dancer. It was also easy to get under the coffee table with the handle being able to lean almost all the way back. I’m glad the Dyson have not cut back on cord length in an attempt to reduce weight. I was able to reach all our apartment from just the one plug socket.
Next, I wanted to see how easy it is to connect up the hose and use the various tools including a very unusual looking tangle-free turbine head. To connect the hose you have to take off the handle and turn it upside down. It feels a bit counterintuitive at first but it’s so that the handle switches from being used in a upright to hose position. A usual with Dyson technology ease of usage is at the forefront of their collective mind. All tools can be directly connected with a simple pull on and off action. Along with a standard crevice tool (given a new deployable brush feature) and standard fan head, there’s the aforementioned turbine head.
In common with other manufacturers, Dyson have brushes powered by the movement of air through the hose. The brushes work horizontally like a 4 toothbrushes tracing a pair of circles. As with all Dyson technology this isn’t difference just for the sake of it. The way that the brushes spin means that long hairs don’t get tangled up around a central spindle. Though we don’t have that problem with cat hairs, when we had a lodger with long golden locks we often had to take the scissors to our cleaner. In addition there are another couple of smart features which I liked about this tangle-free turbine tool. To control the amount of contact with the brushes there is a spring loaded base, gentle pressure on the head allows the brushes to contact the surface you’re cleaning. Release the pressure and they just skim the surface but with the suction going.
The third feature is the fact that you can actually see the brushes turning via a covered wheel on the top of the head (presumably part of the turning mechanism) which you can see spinning. I’m not sure if that the idea of it but a little spiral on there would make it even easier.
So overall, the Dyson Small ball Animal shows that Dyson is not prepared to compromise on quality and performance when it comes to reduction in size and weight. The pared down model performs as would a full sized version with all the useful design features you’d expect of Dyson.
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Thanks,
Iain
But even more important: How much energy does it use, how much does it cost and how did your cats react to it (i.e. how loud was it)?
The cats were fine the new vacuum cleaner. Unlike some of our previous ones. As for the amount of power used, will have to check that once we are back home. ;o
Wow, that was an amazing review, it has made we want to go and buy one now! My Dyson, if you are reading this, send me one to review? My only experiences of Dysons have not been favourable. I have only used other people’s, in their holiday home, rental apartment etc, and as I didn’t have the instructions or knew how they went together, I had s dreadful time with them and swore I’d never have one in my house. It was almost impossible to empty the cylinder, took ages to figure it out, with different coloured buttons etc. I had no idea how the attachments worked or fitted together. I also thought they were a bit plasticy and things might snap off or crack. But it’s good to hear that you thought it an excellent product and if I had the money and needed a vacuum, I would maybe buy one.
Glad you found this useful. 🙂
Amazing! Your cats are apply to be in the same room as the ‘Noisy-Thing!’ Jamima bolts for the couch, to hide under & inside it, the moment the career who cleans for me arrived…….and she stays there all day!
That’s because this one is quiet. 😀
Yes, I sent a little note to my love, I want this one!!!!! Thank you, Love, nia
🙂
That was very interesting. I have been a Dyson fan for a few years and have two. The bigger one and the one that hangs on the recharger for quick jobs in between. The model you have introduced is interesting and I am sure it serves the purpose well. However, I now only have one feline, the other 2 going to their 10th lives through the years and I also have no fitted carpet. Polished wood or tiles, with just one carpet in the dining part. However, Dyson is good, perfect, and does the job well. Mr. Swiss complains about having to empty it constantly, but you cannot have everything. I like the Dyson system and would want no other.
I have the DC 37 Animal Turbine Dyson (1300 W – Energy Class A+). It’s extraordinary: no fur no dust bunnies 😀
I’ve paid it on Amazon UK about € 450 all inclusive a couple of years ago. This vacuum is worth its price 😛
Happy Easter!
Ciao
Sid
Happy Easter Sid. 🙂
Interesting review. All vacuum cleaners basically suck. What I want to know is how does it handle pennies, paperclip and plastic grocery bags? Will it eat my draperies from across the room? Can I empty it with out breaking any fingernails? If I accidentally suck up a diamond ring, will it cough it up? Does it drown out a football game on TV next door? Can I run it without sneezing my head off?Um, sorry about this stuff, but inquiring minds want to know.
Haha that’s no problem at all! I’m not sure about stuff like pennies and paper clips! We don’t tend to have small objects like that around as Oliver has the tendency of eating those things… There are various tools you can attach to clean things like blinds : curtains and other objects! Emptying is super easy. Remove, press button, empty, re attach so shouldn’t end up breaking any finger nails. As it’s quiet it shouldn’t down out a football game 😉
It’s way ahead of the vacuums I’ve had to deal with then. My machine is called vaczilla.
😮 our old Hoover used to scare our black cat away.
Great review! I love dyson & have been coveting one of their vacuums for years they are so pricey but yes worth every penny from people I know love them.
Thanks! And yes you are right they are definitely worth having. 🙂
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