Features
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 boasts a range of features that make it a popular choice for pet owners. Its Ball Technology allows for exceptional maneuverability, effortlessly gliding around furniture and tight spaces. The Tangle-free Turbine Tool effectively tackles pet hair on upholstery, carpets, and hard floors without getting tangled.
The Carbon Fiber Bristles pick up fine dust and debris, while the nylon bristles grab larger particles, ensuring a thorough clean. The Radial Root Cyclone Technology generates strong suction for deep cleaning and efficient dirt removal.
The Hygienic Dirt Ejector empties the dustbin without releasing dust into the air, maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment. The HEPA Filtration System traps 99.97% of allergens and particles as small as 0.3 microns, improving air quality and reducing allergy triggers.
The lightweight design reduces strain on the user's back and arms, making it easier to maneuver and use for extended periods. The multiple cleaning tools provide versatility for cleaning different surfaces and reaching hard-to-reach areas.
Performance
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 excels at removing pet hair from various surfaces. Its powerful suction and specialized tools efficiently tackle pet hair on carpets, furniture, and hard floors.
The Animal 3 also performs well on carpets, thanks to its strong suction and the combination of ball technology and turbine head. This effectively removes embedded dirt and debris.
On hard floors, the Animal 3's turbine head adapts well, and its powerful suction efficiently removes dirt and debris.
The included combination tool and crevice tool assist in reaching dust in tight spaces, providing good dust removal.
The HEPA filtration system effectively captures allergens, making the Animal 3 a suitable choice for allergy sufferers.
Maneuverability is excellent thanks to the ball technology, allowing for easy steering and navigation, even around furniture and in tight spaces.
The Animal 3 is easy to assemble and use. The controls are intuitive, and the lightweight design makes it manageable for extended cleaning sessions.
While not the quietest vacuum cleaner, the noise level is moderate and not overly disruptive.
The 15-foot cord provides a decent range of movement for cleaning large areas.
What We Like
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 vacuum boasts powerful suction, making it a true cleaning powerhouse that easily tackles pet hair, dust, and debris. Its ball design ensures smooth and effortless maneuverability, allowing you to navigate around furniture and tight spaces with ease.
One of the most notable features is its exceptional pet hair removal capabilities. Specialized tools like the tangle-free turbine head and crevice tool effectively eliminate pet hair from carpets, furniture, and hard floors.
Maintaining a hygienic cleaning environment is made simple with the Dyson Ball Animal 3. The hygienic dirt ejector and washable HEPA filters make emptying the dustbin and cleaning the filters effortless.
Despite its powerful suction, the vacuum is designed to be lightweight and well-balanced, ensuring comfortable use even during extended cleaning sessions. The inclusion of a variety of tools, such as the combination tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool, caters to various cleaning needs, making it incredibly versatile.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is built to last, with a durable construction that reflects Dyson's commitment to quality and longevity.
What We Don't Like
One of the biggest drawbacks for many customers is the high price of the Dyson Ball Animal 3. It is significantly more expensive than other vacuums on the market, making it a difficult purchase for those on a budget.
While not overly heavy, some users find the weight of the vacuum to be cumbersome, particularly for those with limited mobility or who need to maneuver it around furniture.
The noise level is another common complaint. The vacuum can be quite loud, especially when using the beater bar, which may be disruptive for some users, particularly those with noise sensitivities.
Another drawback is the limited selection of attachments included with the vacuum. This may limit its versatility for different cleaning tasks compared to other models that come with a wider range of tools.
The beater bar can also be quite loud when used on hard floors, potentially creating an undesirable level of noise for some.
While the Dyson Ball Animal 3 has a good filtration system, it doesn't feature HEPA filtration, which is a key feature for many allergy sufferers.
The cord length can be limiting in larger spaces, requiring frequent plugging and unplugging, which can be inconvenient for some users.
Some customers have reported that the brushroll can be noisy, particularly on carpets, which can be a concern for those sensitive to noise.
Finally, the limited warranty offered by Dyson on the Ball Animal 3 can be a concern for some customers, as they may prefer a longer warranty period for a product of this price.
Cleaning Tasks
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is highly suitable for pet hair removal due to its powerful suction and specialized tools like the turbine head and mini-motorhead. These tools effectively remove deeply embedded pet hair from carpets, rugs, upholstery, and furniture.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is also suitable for general floor cleaning thanks to its powerful suction and versatile tools, which handle dirt, dust, and debris on all floor types, including hard floors, carpets, and rugs.
The vacuum is suitable for allergen removal as its HEPA filtration system traps 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is also suitable for deep cleaning due to its combination of strong suction, a variety of tools, and a lightweight design, making it effective for reaching tight spaces and removing dirt from corners, crevices, and furniture.
This vacuum is suitable for cleaning stairs thanks to its lightweight design and maneuverability, making it easy to navigate stairs for cleaning.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is also suitable for cleaning cobwebs and dust as its crevice tool effectively reaches high corners and crevices to remove cobwebs and dust.
The vacuum is suitable for cleaning upholstery and furniture due to its mini-motorhead and upholstery tool, designed for cleaning upholstery and furniture effectively.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is also suitable for cleaning car interiors thanks to its lightweight design and versatility, making it suitable for cleaning car interiors, including carpets, seats, and upholstery.
This vacuum is suitable for cleaning small spaces due to its lightweight design and maneuverability, making it easy to maneuver in small spaces like under furniture and in tight corners.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is also suitable for cleaning hard-to-reach areas due to its combination of a flexible hose and a variety of tools, allowing for reaching hard-to-reach areas.
This vacuum is suitable for cleaning large areas due to its large dustbin capacity, allowing for cleaning large areas without frequent emptying.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is suitable for cleaning with pets present due to its powerful suction and specialized tools, effectively removing pet hair without disturbing pets.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is suitable for cleaning with allergies due to its HEPA filtration system, which minimizes the release of allergens back into the air.
This vacuum is also suitable for cleaning multiple surfaces due to the versatility of its tools, allowing for cleaning a variety of surfaces, including carpets, hard floors, upholstery, and furniture.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is not suitable for cleaning wet debris.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Dyson Ball Animal 3 | Shark Vertex UltraLight | Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo | Hoover OnePWR Blade | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $449 | $349 | $299 | Hoover OnePWR Blade |
| Weight | 13.8 lbs | 11.6 lbs | 11.5 lbs | 10.8 lbs | Hoover OnePWR Blade |
| Runtime | 60 min | 60 min | 60 min | 40 min | Dyson Ball Animal 3, Shark Vertex UltraLight, Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo |
| Suction Power | Strong | Strong | Strong | Strong | Tie |
| Attachments | Mini motorized head, crevice tool, combination tool | Mini motorized head, crevice tool, upholstery tool | Mini motorized head, crevice tool, extension wand | Mini motorized head, crevice tool, upholstery tool | Dyson Ball Animal 3 |
| Pet Hair Removal | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Tie |
| Ease of Use | Very good | Very good | Very good | Very good | Tie |
| Overall Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Dyson Ball Animal 3 |
The Dyson Ball Animal 3, Shark Vertex UltraLight, Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo, and Hoover OnePWR Blade are all popular cordless vacuums with strong suction power and excellent pet hair removal capabilities.
In terms of price, the Hoover OnePWR Blade emerges as the winner, costing $299, compared to the $449 price tag of the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and Shark Vertex UltraLight, and the $349 price of the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo.
When it comes to weight, the Hoover OnePWR Blade again takes the lead, weighing in at a lighter 10.8 lbs, compared to 13.8 lbs for the Dyson Ball Animal 3, 11.6 lbs for the Shark Vertex UltraLight, and 11.5 lbs for the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo.
All four vacuums offer a runtime of 60 minutes, except for the Hoover OnePWR Blade, which has a slightly shorter runtime of 40 minutes.
Regarding suction power, all four vacuums perform exceptionally well, resulting in a tie in this category.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 stands out with the most comprehensive set of attachments, including a mini motorized head, crevice tool, and combination tool, compared to the other models.
While all four vacuums excel in pet hair removal, their ease of use is also comparable, making it a tie in this category.
Maintenance
To keep your Dyson Ball Animal 3 vacuum cleaner running smoothly, follow these maintenance tips:
Emptying the Dustbin: After each use, press the button on the dustbin to release it and empty the contents into a bin. Reattach the dustbin by pressing it firmly into place.
Cleaning the Dustbin: Remove the dustbin from the vacuum and wash it with warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before reattaching.
Cleaning the Filter: Pull the filter outwards to remove it. Tap the filter to remove loose debris, then wash it under running water. Allow the filter to dry completely before replacing it.
Cleaning the Brush Bar: Use a small tool to remove any hair or debris wrapped around the brush bar. Check for any damage or wear on the brush bar and replace it if necessary.
Cleaning the Telescopic Wand: Wipe down the telescopic wand with a damp cloth, avoiding harsh cleaners or abrasive materials.
Cleaning the Tools: Wipe down the tools with a damp cloth after each use, ensuring they are dry before storing.
Replacing the Battery: The battery on the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is not user-replaceable. If the battery needs to be replaced, contact Dyson customer service for assistance.
Storing the Vacuum: Store the vacuum in a cool, dry place. Make sure the dustbin and filters are clean and dry before storing.
Regular Maintenance: Empty the dustbin and clean the filters after every use. Clean the brush bar and telescopic wand regularly. Inspect the vacuum for any damage or wear.
Troubleshooting
No Power:
- Check the power cord: Ensure it is securely plugged into both the wall outlet and the vacuum cleaner.
- Check the power switch: Make sure the power switch on the vacuum is turned on.
- Check the fuse: If the power cord seems faulty, inspect the fuse in the plug and replace it if necessary.
- Contact Dyson support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, reach out to Dyson for assistance.
Weak Suction:
- Check the dustbin: Empty the dustbin as a full bin can significantly reduce suction.
- Check the filters: Clean the filters (pre-motor filter, post-motor filter) following the manufacturer's instructions. Clogged filters can severely impact suction.
- Check for blockages: Look for any obstructions in the hose, wand, or attachments.
- Check the brush bar: Ensure the brush bar is spinning freely and not tangled with hair or debris.
- Contact Dyson support: If the issue persists after checking the above, contact Dyson for assistance.
Brush Bar Not Spinning:
- Check the brush bar release: Ensure the brush bar is not locked in the "off" position.
- Check for blockages: Inspect the brush bar for any hair, string, or debris that may be preventing it from rotating.
- Check the brush bar belt: The brush bar belt might be worn or broken. Replace it if needed.
- Contact Dyson support: If the problem persists, contact Dyson for assistance.
Vacuum Not Picking Up Dirt:
- Check the floorhead: Ensure the floorhead is properly attached and the brush bar is spinning.
- Check the nozzle: Make sure the nozzle is clean and free of debris.
- Clean the dustbin: A full dustbin can reduce suction.
- Check the filters: Clogged filters can significantly impact suction. Clean or replace them as needed.
- Contact Dyson support: If the issue persists after checking the above, contact Dyson for assistance.
Loud Noise:
- Check the brush bar: Ensure the brush bar is spinning freely and not tangled with hair or debris.
- Check for blockages: Inspect the hose, wand, and attachments for any blockages.
- Contact Dyson support: If the noise is excessive or unusual, contact Dyson for assistance.
Vacuum Not Turning On/Off:
- Check the power switch: Ensure the power switch is functioning properly.
- Check the trigger: If the vacuum has a trigger switch, ensure it is working correctly.
- Contact Dyson support: If the issue persists, contact Dyson for assistance.
Vacuum Leaking:
- Check the hose: Check the hose for cracks or leaks.
- Check the dustbin: Make sure the dustbin is properly sealed.
- Check the floorhead: Ensure the floorhead is securely attached and not damaged.
- Contact Dyson support: If the leak continues, contact Dyson for assistance.
Other Issues:
- Refer to the Dyson user manual: The user manual provides detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips for various issues.
- Visit the Dyson website: The Dyson website has a comprehensive troubleshooting section with information on common problems.
- Contact Dyson support: For any issues not covered in the user manual or website, contact Dyson customer service for assistance.
Conclusion
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 stands out as a powerful vacuum cleaner designed specifically for pet owners. Its strong suction, specialized tools, and HEPA filtration effectively tackle pet hair, dirt, and allergens, making it a top choice for those who want a clean and healthy home environment. While its price point is a major drawback, the Dyson Ball Animal 3's exceptional performance, maneuverability, and versatility make it a worthy investment for pet owners who prioritize thorough cleaning.
However, potential buyers should be aware of the vacuum's limitations, such as its weight, noise level, and limited warranty period. It's important to consider these factors before making a purchase to ensure the Dyson Ball Animal 3 aligns with your individual needs and preferences.
