Features
The Dyson Animal 2 boasts powerful suction, making it a champion at picking up even the most stubborn pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. Its animal-specific tools, like the mini-motorhead and crevice tool, are specifically designed to tackle pet hair in hard-to-reach places.
Hygiene is a top priority with the Animal 2, thanks to its push-button dustbin emptying system. This allows for easy disposal without touching dirt or allergens. Its lightweight and cordless design make it exceptionally easy to maneuver and use, making it ideal for cleaning stairs and furniture.
The Animal 2 provides flexibility with its multiple power modes, allowing users to adjust cleaning power based on surfaces and cleaning needs. It also features HEPA filtration, capturing dust mites, pollen, and pet allergens, making it a great option for allergy sufferers.
Ensuring efficient cleaning, the Animal 2 is equipped with a self-cleaning brush bar, preventing hair from wrapping around the brush bar. The Animal 2 boasts a long battery life, providing up to 60 minutes of run time on a single charge, allowing for comprehensive cleaning without needing to recharge.
Performance
The Dyson Animal 2 excels at removing pet hair from various surfaces, thanks to its powerful suction and specialized tools like the turbine tool and mini-motorhead.
With its strong suction and powerful brush bar, the Animal 2 effectively removes embedded dirt and debris from carpets, leaving them looking cleaner.
While not as specialized for hard floors as some other Dyson models, the Animal 2 performs well on hard floors thanks to its suction power and various attachments.
The Animal 2's specialized tools, like the upholstery tool, make it easy to remove dirt, pet hair, and dust mites from upholstery.
The Animal 2 features a HEPA filter that effectively traps dust mites, pollen, and other allergens, improving indoor air quality.
The Dyson Animal 2 is easy to maneuver, thanks to its lightweight design and ball-joint steering.
The Animal 2 is relatively easy to assemble and use, with simple controls and a straightforward design.
The Animal 2 is a powerful vacuum, so it does produce a noticeable noise level, but it's not excessively loud.
The Animal 2 has a decent dustbin capacity, allowing for longer cleaning sessions before needing to empty it.
The Animal 2 has a long cord, offering a good cleaning range.
What We Like
The Dyson Animal 2 vacuum cleaner is a popular choice among pet owners for its impressive suction power. This powerful motor effectively removes pet hair from various surfaces, including carpets, upholstery, and hard floors.
The Dyson Animal 2 is equipped with specialized tools designed specifically to tackle pet hair. The tangle-free turbine tool and mini motorized head effectively remove stubborn pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces.
The vacuum is lightweight and maneuverable, making it easy to clean around furniture and in tight spaces. Its hygienic emptying system allows for easy removal and emptying of the bin without coming into contact with dirt and debris.
The Dyson Animal 2 boasts a good filtration system that captures allergens and pet dander, making it suitable for homes with pet allergies. Its long cord length provides ample reach for cleaning large areas without frequent outlet changes.
Dyson Animal 2 is known for its high quality and lasting durability. It operates quieter than other vacuums, minimizing disruption to household members and pets.
What We Don't Like
One of the most common complaints about the Dyson Animal 2 is its price. Many users find it expensive, especially compared to other vacuums with similar features.
Another frequent criticism is the vacuum's weight and size. Some find it bulky and heavy, making it difficult to maneuver, especially on stairs or for extended use.
The cord length is also a point of contention. Users find it relatively short, limiting the cleaning area without needing to unplug and reposition the vacuum.
While not the loudest vacuum on the market, some users find the Dyson Animal 2 still quite noisy, especially when using the turbine tool.
The brush roll can be prone to hair and debris build-up, requiring frequent cleaning, which is another common complaint.
Furthermore, the dustbin is relatively small, necessitating more frequent emptying, particularly in larger homes or with pets.
Another user concern is the noise level of the turbine tool. While effective, it can be quite noisy, potentially startling pets.
Compared to some competitors, the Dyson Animal 2 comes with a limited set of attachments, which can be inconvenient for certain cleaning tasks.
The absence of HEPA filtration is also a concern for many users, particularly allergy sufferers or homes with pets.
Finally, some users miss the convenience of a remote control for adjusting settings, a feature found on other Dyson models.
Cleaning Tasks
The Dyson Animal 2 is highly suitable for pet hair removal. Its specialized tools, such as the turbine head and mini-motorhead, are designed to effectively tackle embedded pet hair on carpets, upholstery, and hard floors.
The Dyson Animal 2 is also well-suited for general dusting and debris removal. Its powerful suction and various attachments make it effective for picking up dust, dirt, and crumbs on a variety of surfaces.
The Dyson Animal 2 excels at carpet cleaning. The turbine head effectively removes embedded dirt and pet hair from carpets.
The Dyson Animal 2 is highly suitable for upholstery cleaning. The crevice tool and mini-motorhead are ideal for cleaning upholstery, removing pet hair, and dust mites.
The Dyson Animal 2 can handle hard floor cleaning, although its effectiveness may be limited compared to dedicated hard floor cleaners. It comes with a hard floor tool for this purpose.
The Dyson Animal 2 is suitable for allergen removal. Its HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including allergens and dust mites.
The Dyson Animal 2 is suitable for stair cleaning. Its lightweight design and various tools make it easy to maneuver and clean stairs.
The Dyson Animal 2 can be used for car cleaning. The crevice tool and hose extension allow for cleaning hard-to-reach areas in cars.
The Dyson Animal 2 is suitable for cleaning cobwebs and ceiling fans. The extension wand and dusting brush attachments are effective for reaching high areas and removing dust and cobwebs.
The Dyson Animal 2 is suitable for cleaning blinds and curtains. The crevice tool and dusting brush attachments are useful for cleaning blinds and curtains.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Dyson Animal 2 | Shark Vertex UltraLight | Bissell ICONpet Cordless | Hoover ONEPWR Blade+ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $449 | $299 | $329 | Bissell ICONpet Cordless |
| Weight (without attachments) | 5.6 lbs | 5.7 lbs | 6.2 lbs | 7 lbs | Dyson Animal 2 |
| Run Time | 60 mins (with motorhead) | 40 mins | 50 mins | 45 mins | Dyson Animal 2 |
| Suction Power (AW) | 185 | 150 | 120 | 130 | Dyson Animal 2 |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.5L | 0.6L | 0.6L | 0.6L | Shark Vertex UltraLight |
| Pet Tools Included | Motorized mini-turbine head, crevice tool, combination tool | Pet Power Brush, crevice tool, upholstery tool | Pet TurboBrush, crevice tool, dusting brush | Pet Power Brush, crevice tool, dusting brush | Dyson Animal 2 |
| Unique Features | Laser dust detection, self-emptying dustbin (optional) | Anti-hair wrap brushroll, Zero-M technology | Anti-Allergen seal, triple action filtration | PowerFin Technology, 360° swivel steering | Dyson Animal 2 |
| Pros | Strongest suction, longest run time, unique features | Lightweight, anti-hair wrap brushroll, affordable | Budget-friendly, good suction, pet-specific tools | Powerful, versatile, good battery life | |
| Cons | Expensive, relatively small dustbin | Average run time, not as powerful as Dyson | Not as powerful as other competitors, limited attachments | Heavier than competitors, no laser dust detection |
The Dyson Animal 2 boasts the strongest suction power at 185 AW and the longest run time of 60 minutes with the motorhead, making it the top performer in this category. It also stands out with its unique features like laser dust detection and an optional self-emptying dustbin. However, it comes with a hefty price tag of $499 and has a relatively small dustbin capacity of 0.5L.
The Shark Vertex UltraLight offers a good balance of features and affordability at $449. It features an anti-hair wrap brushroll, Zero-M technology, and a larger dustbin capacity of 0.6L. However, its run time is only 40 minutes and its suction power of 150 AW falls behind the Dyson Animal 2.
The Bissell ICONpet Cordless is the most budget-friendly option at $299, making it an attractive choice for those on a tighter budget. It offers good suction power of 120 AW, a decent 50-minute run time, and includes pet-specific tools like a Pet TurboBrush. However, its suction power isn't as strong as its competitors, and it comes with a limited selection of attachments.
The Hoover ONEPWR Blade+ provides a powerful and versatile cleaning experience with its PowerFin Technology and 360° swivel steering. It's priced at $329 and boasts a 45-minute run time and a suction power of 130 AW. However, it is the heaviest option at 7 lbs and lacks the unique features of the Dyson Animal 2.
Maintenance
To keep your Dyson Animal 2 vacuum cleaner running smoothly, regular maintenance is essential. Begin by emptying the dustbin after each use. Press the release button to open it, empty the contents into a bin, wash it with warm, soapy water, and allow it to air dry completely before reattaching.
Next, clean the filters. Remove the pre-motor filter and rinse it under running water until the water runs clear. Let it air dry completely before reinstalling. Remove the post-motor filter, tap it to remove any loose debris, and then reinstall it. Do not wash the post-motor filter.
The brush bar also requires attention. Turn off the vacuum cleaner and unplug it before using scissors or a small tool to remove any tangled hair or debris. Check for any loose or damaged bristles and replace them if necessary.
The turbine head needs cleaning as well. Turn off and unplug the vacuum cleaner, remove the turbine head, and use a small brush to remove any dust or debris. Check for loose or damaged parts and replace them if needed.
Finally, clean the hose and wand. Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe down the outside, and utilize a vacuum cleaner extension tool to reach inside and remove any dust or debris.
For storage, always unplug the vacuum cleaner before storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Wrap the cord around the vacuum cleaner's cord storage hook.
Troubleshooting
No Power: If your Dyson Animal 2 doesn't turn on, start by checking the basics. Ensure the power cord is securely plugged in and the power switch is turned on. Also, check your fuse box for any tripped breakers.
Weak Suction: A lack of suction can be caused by blockages or dirty filters. Begin by emptying the dustbin, and inspect the brush bar for hair and debris. Check the hose and extension wand for blockages, and don't forget to remove any attachments and inspect the nozzle. Next, clean the filters by removing and rinsing the pre-motor filter under running water. Allow the filter to air dry completely before reinstalling. Finally, if the brush bar isn't spinning, check the brush bar belt for wear or damage.
Brush Bar Not Spinning: If the brush bar isn't spinning, check the brush bar belt to make sure it's properly installed and not worn or damaged. If necessary, replace the belt. Also, check for blockages by removing any debris or hair that may be jamming the brush bar.
Loud Noise: Loud noises can be a sign of blockages, a faulty brush bar, or dirty filters. Start by emptying the dustbin and inspecting the hose and extension wand for blockages. Check the brush bar to ensure it is spinning freely, removing any debris or hair caught in it. Finally, clean the filters by removing and rinsing them under running water, allowing them to air dry completely before reinstalling.
Overheating: If your vacuum is overheating, check the filter and clean it by removing and rinsing the pre-motor filter under running water. Allow the filter to air dry completely before reinstalling. Also, check the brush bar to remove any debris or hair that may be caught in it. Finally, unplug the vacuum and let it cool down for at least 30 minutes.
Leaking Dustbin: If your dustbin is leaking, check the dustbin seal to make sure it is clean and properly seated. If the dustbin seal is damaged or worn, replace it with a new one.
Loss of Suction After Cleaning: If your vacuum loses suction after cleaning, check the brush bar to ensure it is spinning freely and not clogged. Also, check the brush bar belt for wear or damage. Make sure the filters are clean and free of debris. Lastly, inspect the hose, wand, and nozzle for any blockages.
Conclusion
The Dyson Animal 2 is a powerful and versatile vacuum cleaner that excels at removing pet hair and debris from various surfaces. Its strong suction, specialized tools, and hygienic features make it a popular choice among pet owners. While its high price and some minor drawbacks like weight, noise level, and limited attachments may be a concern for some users, its overall performance and effectiveness in tackling pet hair make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a dedicated pet-friendly vacuum cleaner.
However, before making your purchase, consider your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize affordability and don't require the highest level of suction power, other cordless vacuum cleaners like the Shark Vertex UltraLight or Bissell ICONpet Cordless might be more suitable. But if you're willing to invest in a high-performance vacuum cleaner that effectively tackles pet hair and debris, the Dyson Animal 2 remains a compelling option.
