Features
The Dyson Animal 3 boasts a powerful suction system, making it ideal for pet hair removal and deep cleaning. This powerful suction is made possible by the Radial Root Cyclone technology, which helps maintain strong suction power, ensuring consistent performance throughout cleaning.
The Animal 3 features a Tangle-free Turbine Tool, specifically designed for pet hair. This tool effectively removes hair from upholstery, stairs, and other hard-to-reach areas. It also comes equipped with a Mini Motorhead Tool, ideal for cleaning delicate fabrics and furniture. This tool removes embedded dirt and pet hair without damaging surfaces.
For versatile cleaning across different surfaces, the Animal 3 includes a Combination Tool that combines a crevice tool and a dusting brush.
The Animal 3 is designed for easy handling and navigation, making it suitable for both small and large homes. This is due to its lightweight and maneuverable design.
The hygienic bin emptying system prevents dust and debris from escaping and coming into contact with the user. The Dyson Animal 3 is designed for straightforward assembly and intuitive operation, making it user-friendly for all.
Performance
The Dyson Animal 3 excels at pet hair removal. Its powerful suction and tangle-free turbine head easily pick up even the most embedded hair from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors.
When it comes to carpet cleaning, the Animal 3 performs very well. Its strong suction power and dedicated carpet tool effectively remove dirt, dust, and debris from carpets, even deeply embedded ones.
On hard floors, the Animal 3 performs well, thanks to the included hard floor tool that efficiently removes dust and debris. However, its strong suction power might be too much for delicate surfaces like wooden floors.
The Animal 3 excels at cleaning upholstery, removing pet hair, dust mites, and other allergens. The dedicated upholstery tool allows for easy maneuverability and deep cleaning.
The Animal 3 effectively removes dust from all surfaces, including furniture, blinds, and baseboards. Its powerful suction and various attachments make it versatile for different dust removal tasks.
The Animal 3 is generally easy to use, with its lightweight design and intuitive controls. However, its size and weight can be slightly cumbersome for some users, especially when navigating tight spaces.
The Animal 3 is maneuverable on most surfaces thanks to its ball-shaped design and swiveling head. However, it can be slightly less agile on thick carpets.
The Animal 3 is relatively loud, especially when operating at full power. While not excessively noisy, it can be noticeable in quiet environments.
Dyson products are known for their durability, and the Animal 3 is no exception. It is built with high-quality materials and is designed to withstand frequent use.
What We Like
The Dyson Animal 3 excels at powerful suction, effectively picking up pet hair and debris. Its powerful motor and engineered brush head efficiently remove even deeply embedded pet hair from carpets and upholstery.
This vacuum cleaner comes equipped with specialized tools for pet hair removal, such as the turbine tool and mini-motorhead tool. These attachments make it easier to tackle pet hair on various surfaces, including furniture, stairs, and hard-to-reach areas.
The Dyson Animal 3 prioritizes hygiene with its hygienic bin and HEPA filtration system. This sealed system and HEPA filtration ensure clean air and minimize pet dander in the home.
Adding to its appeal, the Dyson Animal 3 is lightweight and maneuverable, making it easy to move around the home and reducing fatigue during cleaning.
Dyson products are renowned for their build quality and long-lasting performance, and the Animal 3 is no exception. Its durability and reliability make it a worthwhile investment.
What We Don't Like
The Dyson Animal 3, while lauded for its powerful suction and pet hair removal capabilities, isn't without its downsides. The price point is a significant hurdle for many, as it's considered a premium vacuum. Its weight can be challenging, particularly for maneuvering on stairs or reaching high areas.
While not the loudest vacuum on the market, some users find it noisier than expected, especially when using the turbo brush head. Regular cleaning and filter replacements are required for optimal performance, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. The cord length is relatively short, demanding frequent plugging and unplugging for larger spaces.
The Animal 3 lacks some of the specialized tools offered with other Dyson models, including the up-top adaptor and crevice tool. There are also reports of durability issues, with the brush head breaking or wearing out prematurely for some users. Furthermore, the lack of HEPA filtration may be a concern for allergy sufferers, as it doesn't provide the highest level of air purification. Finally, the two-year warranty is shorter than what some other vacuum brands offer.
Cleaning Tasks
The Dyson Animal 3 is highly suitable for pet hair removal due to its powerful suction and specialized tools like the turbine tool and mini-motorhead. It's also suitable for general dusting and debris removal, offering strong suction for cleaning dust, dirt, crumbs, and other general debris.
The Dyson Animal 3 effectively removes dirt and debris from carpets, including embedded pet hair, making it suitable for carpet cleaning. Its specialized upholstery tool allows for efficient cleaning of furniture, eliminating pet hair and dirt, making it suitable for upholstery cleaning.
While not as specialized as a dedicated hard floor vacuum, the Dyson Animal 3's suction and brush bar are effective on hard floors. The included crevice tool allows for cleaning difficult-to-reach areas, removing pet hair and dirt, making it suitable for cleaning corners and crevices.
The Dyson Animal 3's powerful suction handles heavy dirt and debris commonly found in high-traffic areas, making it suitable for such spaces. The Dyson Animal 3's HEPA filtration system traps allergens and dust mites, making it suitable for homes with allergy sufferers.
The Dyson Animal 3's lightweight design and reach make cleaning stairs convenient. The crevice tool can be used for removing cobwebs from corners and high ceilings, making it suitable for cobweb removal. The Dyson Animal 3's attachments and lightweight design make it suitable for cleaning car interiors, including seats and carpets.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Dyson Animal 3 | Shark Vertex UltraLight | Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo | Hoover WindTunnel 3D Pet | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $449 | $199 | $149 | Hoover WindTunnel 3D Pet |
| Type | Cordless Stick | Cordless Stick | Upright | Upright | |
| Weight | 5.7 lbs | 6.7 lbs | 18.2 lbs | 15.2 lbs | Dyson Animal 3 |
| Run Time | 60 minutes | 60 minutes | N/A | N/A | Tie |
| Power | 280 air watts | 150 air watts | 12 amps | 11 amps | Dyson Animal 3 |
| Pet Hair Removal | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Dyson Animal 3 |
| Attachments | Crevice Tool, Combination Tool, Mini Motorhead, Up Top Adaptor, Dusting Brush | Crevice Tool, Pet Power Brush, Upholstery Tool, Dusting Brush | Pet TurboEraser Tool, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush | Pet Power Brush, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush | Dyson Animal 3 |
| Features | Hygienic Dirt Ejector, Radial Root Cyclone™ technology, Whole machine HEPA filtration | Zero-M™ self-cleaning brushroll, DuoClean® brushroll, Anti-allergen complete seal | Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, EdgeSweep™ Technology | WindTunnel Technology, HEPA filtration | Dyson Animal 3 |
| Pros | Powerful suction, Lightweight and maneuverable, Long run time, Excellent pet hair removal | Lightweight and maneuverable, Good suction, Long run time | Affordable, Good pet hair removal, Powerful suction | Affordable, Good pet hair removal, Powerful suction | |
| Cons | Expensive, Some attachments can be difficult to use | Less powerful than Dyson, No HEPA filtration | Heavier than cordless options, No HEPA filtration | Heavier than cordless options, No HEPA filtration |
The Dyson Animal 3 is the most expensive vacuum cleaner at $499, followed by the Shark Vertex UltraLight at $449. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo and the Hoover WindTunnel 3D Pet are the most affordable options, priced at $199 and $149 respectively.
In terms of weight, the Dyson Animal 3 is the lightest at 5.7 lbs, making it the most maneuverable option. The Shark Vertex UltraLight follows closely at 6.7 lbs. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo and the Hoover WindTunnel 3D Pet are significantly heavier, weighing in at 18.2 lbs and 15.2 lbs respectively.
All four vacuum cleaners offer a 60-minute run time, making them suitable for larger cleaning tasks. The Dyson Animal 3 boasts the most powerful suction with 280 air watts, followed by the Shark Vertex UltraLight with 150 air watts. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo and the Hoover WindTunnel 3D Pet have 12 amps and 11 amps respectively, offering decent suction.
The Dyson Animal 3 excels in pet hair removal, thanks to its powerful suction and specialized attachments. The Shark Vertex UltraLight also performs well in this category, while the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo and Hoover WindTunnel 3D Pet provide good pet hair removal capabilities.
The Dyson Animal 3 comes with a comprehensive set of attachments including a crevice tool, combination tool, mini motorhead, up top adaptor, and dusting brush. The Shark Vertex UltraLight features a crevice tool, pet power brush, upholstery tool, and dusting brush. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo has a pet turbo eraser tool, crevice tool, and dusting brush. The Hoover WindTunnel 3D Pet offers a pet power brush, crevice tool, and dusting brush.
The Dyson Animal 3 stands out with its hygienic dirt ejector, radial root cyclone™ technology, and whole machine HEPA filtration. The Shark Vertex UltraLight offers a zero-m™ self-cleaning brushroll, duo clean® brushroll, and anti-allergen complete seal. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo features an anti-allergen complete seal and edge sweep™ technology. The Hoover WindTunnel 3D Pet has windtunnel technology and HEPA filtration.
The Dyson Animal 3 is praised for its powerful suction, lightweight design, long run time, and excellent pet hair removal. However, its high price and potentially difficult-to-use attachments are drawbacks. The Shark Vertex UltraLight offers a good balance of features, being lightweight and maneuverable with decent suction and long run time. However, its lack of HEPA filtration and less powerful suction compared to the Dyson Animal 3 are downsides. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo and Hoover WindTunnel 3D Pet are affordable options with good pet hair removal and powerful suction. However, their heavier weight and lack of HEPA filtration are drawbacks.
Maintenance
To keep your Dyson Animal 3 performing at its best, regular maintenance is essential. After each use, empty the dustbin by detaching it and disposing of the contents into a bin. To ensure the dustbin is clean, rinse it with water and let it air dry completely. Avoid using detergents or harsh chemicals.
Every three months, clean the pre-motor filter by washing it in cold water and allowing it to air dry completely before re-inserting it.
Regularly remove hair and debris from the brush bar using the included tool. To clean the roller head, remove it and use a small brush or cloth to remove dust and debris.
Keep the hose and attachments clean by wiping them down with a damp cloth. When storing your Dyson Animal 3, choose a cool, dry place and avoid storing it on its side or upside down.
Replace the pre-motor filter every 12 months for optimal performance. If the brush bar becomes worn or damaged, replace it for continued effective cleaning.
Troubleshooting
If your Dyson Animal 3 isn’t powering on, first check the power cord to ensure it’s securely plugged into the outlet and the vacuum. Also, check the fuse if you’re using a power strip or surge protector. Finally, ensure the battery is charged or replace it if necessary for cordless models.
If you notice weak suction, start by emptying the dustbin. Then, clean or replace the filters as needed. Inspect the hose, wand, and attachments for blockages. Lastly, make sure the brush bar is rotating freely and not tangled with hair or debris.
A noisy Dyson Animal 3 might be due to a tangled brush bar, so ensure it’s rotating freely. You can also check the hose and wand for blockages or damage. Lastly, clean or replace the filters as needed.
If the brush bar isn’t rotating, start by untangling any hair or debris. Then, ensure the brush bar release button is pressed in fully. Finally, check the drive belt to make sure it’s intact and not worn.
If your Dyson Animal 3 is overheating, inspect the hose, wand, and attachments for blockages. Ensure all filters are clean and dry. Finally, allow the machine to cool down completely before using it again.
If your Dyson Animal 3 won’t turn on after charging, check the charger to ensure it’s plugged in securely and the power light is on. If the battery is fully charged, the power light on the vacuum should turn on. Try plugging the charger into a different outlet to ensure it’s working properly.
If your Dyson Animal 3 is leaking or spilling, check the water tank to ensure it’s properly secured and not overfilled (if using a wet/dry vacuum). Inspect the hose, wand, and attachments for leaks. If you can’t find the source of the leak, contact Dyson customer support for assistance.
Conclusion
The Dyson Animal 3 is a powerful and versatile vacuum cleaner that excels at removing pet hair, dust, and debris from various surfaces. Its strong suction, specialized tools, and hygienic design make it a suitable choice for pet owners and anyone looking for a high-performance cleaning solution. However, its high price, weight, and noise level are potential drawbacks to consider. Ultimately, the Dyson Animal 3 is a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize cleaning performance and are willing to pay a premium for it.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Shark Vertex UltraLight or the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo offer decent performance at a lower price point. However, they lack the powerful suction and specialized features of the Dyson Animal 3.
Ultimately, the best vacuum cleaner for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. Carefully consider the pros and cons of each option to make an informed decision. Remember to perform regular maintenance to ensure your chosen vacuum cleaner continues to perform at its best.
