Features
The Dyson Animal Upright Vacuum boasts powerful suction, making it highly effective at removing deeply embedded pet hair and dirt from carpets and upholstery. Its tangle-free turbine tool is specifically designed to tackle pet hair on upholstery and furniture without clogging.
The vacuum features whole-machine HEPA filtration, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including allergens and pet dander. This feature ensures a cleaner and healthier environment for pet owners.
The Dyson Animal Upright Vacuum is lightweight and maneuverable, making it easier to navigate around furniture and tight spaces. Its hygienic dustbin emptying system minimizes contact with dust and allergens, promoting a cleaner and healthier cleaning experience.
The self-adjusting cleaner head automatically adjusts to different floor types, ensuring optimal cleaning performance across various surfaces. The telescopic wand extension allows for easy reach to high areas and tight spaces. The vacuum comes equipped with multiple cleaning tools, providing versatility for tackling various cleaning tasks.
Performance
The Dyson Animal Upright vacuum excels at pet hair removal. Its powerful suction and specialized brushes effectively remove even deeply embedded pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. The tangle-free turbine tool is also particularly effective on furniture.
The Dyson Animal also delivers excellent performance on carpets. Its powerful motor and strong suction ensure deep cleaning, removing embedded dirt, dust, and allergens.
While the Animal performs well on hard floors, the lack of a dedicated hard floor brush head may result in slightly less efficient cleaning compared to models with a dedicated brush.
The Dyson Animal effectively removes dust and debris from furniture, shelves, and other surfaces due to its strong suction.
Dyson vacuums are known for their excellent allergen removal capabilities, and the Animal is no exception. Its HEPA filtration system captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, effectively removing allergens and dust mites from the air.
The Dyson Animal is relatively easy to maneuver thanks to its ball design and lightweight construction. However, it can be somewhat bulky and challenging to store.
While not the quietest vacuum on the market, the Animal's noise level is still considered acceptable for most users.
Dyson vacuums are known for their durability and long lifespan. The Animal is built with high-quality materials and is backed by a solid warranty.
Maintaining the Dyson Animal is relatively easy. The dustbin is simple to empty, and filter cleaning is straightforward.
What We Like
The Dyson Animal Upright Vacuum consistently receives positive reviews for its powerful suction. Reviewers appreciate its ability to effectively remove pet hair, dirt, and debris from carpets and hard floors.
The Dyson Animal's specialized tools, like the turbine head and tangle-free turbine tool, are specifically designed to tackle pet hair, leaving floors clean and free of clumps.
Despite its powerful suction, the vacuum remains surprisingly lightweight and easy to push and steer around furniture and tight spaces.
The hygienic bin design allows for easy and dust-free emptying, preventing allergens from escaping. Dyson vacuums are known for their durability and longevity, and the Animal model upholds this reputation, with many users reporting years of reliable performance.
The included tools, such as crevice tools and upholstery brushes, make it adaptable to various cleaning tasks around the house. The vacuum is straightforward to assemble and use, even for those with limited experience using vacuums.
The HEPA filtration system efficiently traps allergens and dust mites, making it suitable for homes with allergy sufferers. Dyson is known for its excellent customer service, providing helpful support and assistance when needed.
What We Don't Like
The Dyson Animal Upright Vacuum comes with a hefty price tag, significantly exceeding the cost of many other vacuums on the market. While its powerful suction is impressive, the vacuum's weight and bulkiness can make maneuverability a challenge, especially navigating stairs or tight spaces. Its strong suction also comes with a downside: the noise level can be quite high, especially when using the most powerful settings.
Maintaining the vacuum's HEPA filters is crucial for optimal performance, but it also adds to the overall cost of ownership. Some users find the included attachments to be cumbersome or awkward to use. The vacuum's cord length is relatively short, which can limit the cleaning area without frequent outlet changes. While renowned for its power, the Dyson Animal Upright lacks some features present in other high-end models, such as automated dustbin emptying or app connectivity. Additionally, some users have reported durability concerns, with the vacuum experiencing breakdowns after a few years of use.
Cleaning Tasks
The Dyson Animal Upright Vacuum is highly suitable for pet hair removal due to its powerful suction and specialized tools that effectively remove embedded pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. It is also suitable for general floor cleaning, effectively tackling both carpets and hard floors thanks to its versatile tools and powerful suction.
The vacuum's HEPA filtration effectively traps allergens and dust mites, making it suitable for allergen removal and improving indoor air quality. The included specialized tools, like a crevice tool and dusting brush, make the Dyson Animal Upright Vacuum suitable for cleaning furniture and upholstery.
Its lightweight and maneuverable design allows for easy cleaning of stairs, while the extension wand makes it suitable for reaching high ceilings. The powerful suction and specialized tools enable thorough cleaning of carpets and upholstery, making it suitable for deep cleaning tasks.
The vacuum can be used for both hard floor and carpet cleaning, though some models might have a dedicated hard floor cleaning option for optimal results. Its large dustbin capacity and efficient operation make it suitable for cleaning large areas, and its maneuverability and lightweight design make it suitable for smaller spaces.
The Dyson Animal Upright Vacuum comes with specialized tools like crevice tools and dusting brushes, allowing for easy cleaning of corners and edges. Its low-profile head enables easy access under furniture, making it suitable for cleaning under furniture.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Dyson Animal | Shark Vertex UltraLight | Hoover WindTunnel® T-Series | Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (approx.) | $599 | $499 | $249 | $179 | Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus |
| Weight (lbs) | 16.5 | 15.5 | 17 | 15 | Shark Vertex UltraLight |
| Suction Power (watts) | 350 | 1500 (max) | 1200 | 650 | Dyson Animal |
| Brushroll Type | Anti-tangle | PowerFins | Rotating brushroll | TurboBrush | Dyson Animal (anti-tangle) |
| Dustbin Capacity (quarts) | 0.75 | 1 | 0.8 | 1 | Shark Vertex UltraLight |
| Features | Anti-tangle brushroll, HEPA filtration, "Whole machine HEPA" | Self-cleaning brushroll, anti-allergen seal, "Zero-M" technology | WindTunnel Technology, HEPA filtration, "Pet Hair Pick-Up Tools" | "TurboBrush" for deep cleaning, "Pet Hair Removal Tools", HEPA filtration | Dyson Animal (more powerful suction and anti-tangle technology) |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 1 year | 1 year | Dyson Animal and Shark Vertex UltraLight (5 year warranty) |
| Ease of Use | Slightly difficult due to weight and size | Easy to maneuver | Easy to use and assemble | Easy to use and maneuver | Shark Vertex UltraLight and Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus |
| Overall Rating | **** | *** | ** ** | ** ** | Dyson Animal |
When it comes to price, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus comes out on top with an approximate cost of $179. The Shark Vertex UltraLight is the lightest option at 15.5 pounds, while the Dyson Animal has the most powerful suction at 350 watts. The Dyson Animal also boasts an anti-tangle brushroll, considered a superior feature for pet owners.
Regarding dustbin capacity, the Shark Vertex UltraLight offers the largest capacity at 1 quart. Feature-wise, the Dyson Animal stands out with its anti-tangle brushroll, HEPA filtration, and "Whole machine HEPA" technology. The Shark Vertex UltraLight also shines with its self-cleaning brushroll, anti-allergen seal, and "Zero-M" technology.
Both the Dyson Animal and Shark Vertex UltraLight offer a 5-year warranty, while the Hoover WindTunnel® T-Series and Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus have a 1-year warranty. In terms of ease of use, the Shark Vertex UltraLight and Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus are considered the most user-friendly options due to their maneuverability and assembly.
Maintenance
To keep your Dyson Animal Upright Vacuum running smoothly, follow these maintenance tips:
Emptying the Dustbin:
- Press the release button on the dustbin.
- Lift the dustbin off the vacuum.
- Empty the contents into a trash can.
- Replace the dustbin.
Cleaning the Dustbin:
- Rinse the dustbin with warm water.
- Allow the dustbin to air dry completely before replacing it.
Cleaning the Filter:
- Remove the filter from the vacuum.
- Rinse the filter with warm water.
- Allow the filter to air dry completely before replacing it. Note: Dyson recommends replacing the filter every 12 months.
Cleaning the Brush Bar:
- Remove the brush bar from the vacuum by pressing the release button.
- Use a small brush or a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove any debris or hair from the brush bar.
- Replace the brush bar.
Cleaning the Cyclone:
- Remove the cyclone from the vacuum.
- Gently tap the cyclone on a hard surface to dislodge any dirt or debris.
- Rinse the cyclone with warm water.
- Allow the cyclone to air dry completely before replacing it.
Checking for Blockages:
- Regularly inspect the hose and attachments for any blockages.
- Use a tool or your fingers to remove any blockages.
Replacing the Belt:
- Unplug the vacuum.
- Locate the belt near the brush bar.
- Remove the old belt and replace it with a new one. Note: Consult the user manual for specific instructions on replacing the belt.
Storing the Vacuum:
- Store the vacuum in a dry place.
- Avoid storing the vacuum in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Regular Maintenance Schedule:
- Daily: Empty dustbin
- Weekly: Clean filters and brush bar
- Monthly: Clean cyclone and inspect for blockages
- Annually: Replace filters and belt
Troubleshooting
Vacuum won't turn on: First, check the power cord to ensure it's plugged into a working outlet and securely inserted. Next, make sure the power switch is in the "on" position. If your vacuum has a fuse, check if it's blown and replace it if necessary. For cordless vacuums, verify if the battery is charged or requires replacement.
Weak suction: Start by checking the brush bar for any hair or debris clogging it and clean it with a brush or scissors. Then, examine the hose for any blockage or kinks. Cleaning or replacing the filter as needed is also important. Lastly, ensure the powerhead is unobstructed and properly attached.
Loud noise: Inspect the brush bar to ensure it's not rubbing against the floor or any other surface. Check the hose for any kinks or entrapment. Additionally, make sure all components are securely attached and remove any foreign objects from the vacuum.
Vacuum won't move freely: Start by checking the wheels for any blockage or damage, and clean any debris stuck on them. Ensure the swivel mechanism is not jammed. Finally, check the powerhead to ensure it's not catching on the floor.
Noisy motor: Firstly, check the brush bar for any hair or debris clogging it and clean it with a brush or scissors. Then, clean or replace the filter as needed. Remove any foreign objects from the vacuum. If the noise persists, contact Dyson customer support.
Vacuum won't pick up dust: Check the brush bar for any hair or debris clogging it and clean it with a brush or scissors. Clean or replace the filter as needed. Ensure the hose is not blocked or kinked. Finally, make sure the powerhead is properly attached and not obstructed.
Vacuum smells bad: Empty and clean the dustbin regularly. Clean or replace the filter as needed. If you suspect mold, contact Dyson customer support.
Vacuum won't charge: First, check the power cord to ensure it's plugged into a working outlet and that the plug is securely inserted. Next, make sure the charging port is clean and free of debris. If the battery is damaged, it may need to be replaced. If the issue persists, contact Dyson customer support.
Conclusion
The Dyson Animal Upright Vacuum is a powerful cleaning machine designed specifically for pet owners. Its strong suction, anti-tangle brushroll, and HEPA filtration effectively remove pet hair, dirt, and allergens. While it offers excellent performance, it comes with a hefty price tag and some drawbacks like its weight, bulkiness, and noise level.
Ultimately, the Dyson Animal is a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize powerful cleaning and allergy control, especially if pet hair is a major concern. However, pet owners who are on a budget or prefer a lighter and quieter vacuum might find better alternatives in the market.
Before making a decision, weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering your individual needs and budget. Carefully evaluating your cleaning priorities and comparing the Dyson Animal with other top-rated vacuums will help you find the best fit for your home and lifestyle.
