Features
The Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum boasts powerful suction, effectively removing even deeply embedded pet hair and dirt from both carpets and hard floors. Its unique ball technology enables 360° maneuverability, making it effortless to navigate around furniture and tight spaces. The included tangle-free turbine tool tackles pet hair on upholstery and stairs without getting tangled, ensuring a smooth and efficient cleaning experience.
Emptied with a hygienic dirt ejector, the dustbin ensures a clean and hygienic disposal process. Featuring whole-machine HEPA filtration, the vacuum traps 99.97% of allergens and dust mites, making it a perfect choice for allergy sufferers. Its lightweight design adds to the ease of carrying and maneuvering, particularly during longer cleaning sessions.
The Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum comes equipped with multiple cleaning tools, catering to different surfaces and areas. These tools include attachments for upholstery, stairs, and crevices, enhancing the vacuum's versatility and effectiveness. Adjustable suction further allows for customized cleaning power based on the specific surface type, ensuring optimal cleaning performance across all areas.
Performance
The Dyson Ball Animal Upright excels at removing pet hair from carpets and upholstery. Its powerful suction, combined with the specialized tangle-free turbine tool, efficiently lifts and removes even the most stubborn pet hair.
The machine effectively removes dirt and debris from carpets, leaving them clean and refreshed. However, some users may find the cleaning head slightly smaller than other models, requiring multiple passes on larger carpets.
The Dyson Ball Animal Upright performs well on hard floors with its combination of powerful suction and a dedicated hard floor tool. However, it might not be the best option for delicate surfaces due to the possibility of scratching.
The machine effectively collects dust and debris from furniture and other surfaces. Its versatile crevice tool helps reach hard-to-reach areas, and the included dusting brush effectively removes dust from delicate surfaces.
The Dyson Ball Animal Upright is incredibly maneuverable thanks to its ball-shaped base. It easily glides over carpets and turns on a dime, making cleaning under furniture and around obstacles a breeze.
The machine is relatively easy to use, with intuitive controls and a lightweight design. However, the large size and weight might pose challenges for some users.
The Dyson Ball Animal Upright operates at a noticeable noise level, especially on the higher suction settings. However, it is comparable to other high-powered vacuums in its class.
Dyson products are generally known for their high quality and durability. The Dyson Ball Animal Upright is no exception, with a sturdy build and reliable performance. However, some users have reported issues with the brush bar and the machine's overall lifespan.
The machine requires regular maintenance, including emptying the dustbin, cleaning the filters, and replacing the brush bar periodically. However, these tasks are relatively straightforward and manageable.
The Dyson Ball Animal Upright is a premium-priced vacuum, making it a significant investment. However, its powerful performance and long lifespan can justify the cost for some users.
What We Like
The Dyson Ball Animal Upright vacuum is a powerhouse when it comes to suction, effortlessly tackling pet hair, dirt, and debris from all surfaces. Pet owners especially rave about the specialized tools designed for removing embedded pet hair, such as the turbine head and crevice tool.
The vacuum's maneuverability is another highlight, with the ball design and swivel steering allowing for smooth navigation around furniture and corners. Its lightweight design and easy-to-empty dustbin make vacuuming a less strenuous task, and the hygienic dustbin ejection system ensures no messy dust spills.
The long cord provides uninterrupted cleaning sessions, while the strong HEPA filtration system effectively traps dust mites, pollen, and other allergens, significantly improving indoor air quality. Dyson vacuums are renowned for their durability and reliability, offering years of dependable cleaning performance.
The vacuum's multiple cleaning modes allow for customized cleaning power depending on the surface being cleaned. To top it off, Dyson provides excellent customer service and a generous warranty, giving users peace of mind.
What We Don't Like
One of the most common complaints about the Dyson Ball Animal Upright is its high price. As a premium vacuum cleaner, it comes with a premium price tag, which might not be affordable for everyone.
Another major drawback is the vacuum's weight. At over 17 lbs, it can be quite heavy to maneuver, especially when cleaning stairs. This can make it tiring to use, especially for those with limited mobility.
The short cord length of 20 feet can also be a limitation. This restricts the cleaning reach and might require you to plug the vacuum into multiple outlets while cleaning a large area.
Many users have also complained about the vacuum's noisy operation, especially on higher suction settings. The noise level might be bothersome, especially in quieter environments.
The brush roll can also be noisy on hard floors, and some users have reported it being difficult to clean. The dustbin can be a little awkward to empty, and some users find it difficult to remove the dirt completely.
The vacuum comes with a limited set of attachments, which can be a drawback for cleaning different surfaces. Additionally, the attachments, especially the upholstery tool, can be quite loud, which can be frustrating for some users.
Despite being designed for pet hair, some users have found it struggles to pick up all types of pet hair, especially on carpets with thick pile.
Cleaning Tasks
The Dyson Ball Animal Upright excels at pet hair removal. Its powerful suction and specialized tools, like the turbine head and tangle-free turbine tool, effectively remove pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors.
This vacuum is also excellent for general carpet cleaning. The powerful suction and rotating brush bar effectively remove dirt, dust, and debris from carpets.
While the Dyson Ball Animal can be used on hard floors, the brush bar may scratch delicate surfaces. The included crevice tool and dusting brush are helpful for cleaning corners and hard-to-reach areas.
The upholstery tool effectively removes dust, dirt, and pet hair from furniture and car interiors. This makes the Dyson Ball Animal a good choice for upholstery cleaning.
The lightweight design and maneuverability make it easier to clean stairs. The specialized tools can reach corners and crevices. This makes the Dyson Ball Animal a good choice for stair cleaning.
The extendable wand allows you to reach high ceilings and cobwebs. This makes the Dyson Ball Animal a good choice for high reach cleaning.
The ball joint design and maneuverability make it easy to reach under furniture and into tight spaces. This makes the Dyson Ball Animal a good choice for cleaning under furniture.
The HEPA filtration traps dust mites, pollen, and other allergens, making the Dyson Ball Animal a good choice for allergen removal.
While the Dyson Ball Animal can dust surfaces with the included dusting brush, it may not be as effective as a dedicated dustbuster or vacuum designed specifically for dusting.
The powerful suction and specialized tools make the Dyson Ball Animal effective for deep cleaning tasks.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Dyson Ball Animal Upright | Shark Vertex UltraLight | Hoover WindTunnel T-Series | Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Approx.) | $449 | $499 | $249 | $199 | Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs | 15.5 lbs | 17.5 lbs | 14.5 lbs | Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet |
| Suction Power | 220 AW | 250 AW | 150 AW | 120 AW | Shark Vertex UltraLight |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.54 L | 0.6 L | 0.67 L | 0.7 L | Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet |
| Cord Length | 35 ft | 30 ft | 35 ft | 27 ft | Dyson Ball Animal Upright |
| Brushroll Type | Tangle-free | Self-cleaning | Rotating brush | Rotating brush | Dyson Ball Animal Upright |
| Pet-Specific Features | Tangle-free turbine tool, crevice tool | Pet Power Brush, upholstery tool | Pet upholstery tool | Pet hair brush, upholstery tool | Dyson Ball Animal Upright |
| Filter Type | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA | All brands |
| Warranty | 2 years | 5 years | 1 year | 1 year | Shark Vertex UltraLight |
| Overall Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 | Shark Vertex UltraLight |
The Dyson Ball Animal Upright is priced at approximately $449, while the Shark Vertex UltraLight is slightly more expensive at $499. The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series and Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet are more budget-friendly options, priced at $249 and $199, respectively.
In terms of weight, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet is the lightest at 14.5 lbs, followed by the Shark Vertex UltraLight at 15.5 lbs. The Dyson Ball Animal Upright weighs 16.5 lbs, and the Hoover WindTunnel T-Series is the heaviest at 17.5 lbs.
When it comes to suction power, the Shark Vertex UltraLight boasts the strongest suction at 250 AW, followed by the Dyson Ball Animal Upright with 220 AW. The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series has 150 AW, while the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet offers the weakest suction at 120 AW.
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet offers the largest dustbin capacity at 0.7 L, followed by the Hoover WindTunnel T-Series with 0.67 L and the Shark Vertex UltraLight with 0.6 L. The Dyson Ball Animal Upright has the smallest dustbin capacity at 0.54 L.
The Dyson Ball Animal Upright has the longest cord length at 35 ft, followed by the Hoover WindTunnel T-Series at 35 ft and the Shark Vertex UltraLight at 30 ft. The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet has the shortest cord length at 27 ft.
The Dyson Ball Animal Upright features a tangle-free brushroll, while the Shark Vertex UltraLight has a self-cleaning brushroll. The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series and Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet both have rotating brushrolls.
All four vacuums offer HEPA filtration. The Shark Vertex UltraLight stands out with a 5-year warranty, while the Dyson Ball Animal Upright has a 2-year warranty. The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series and Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet both offer a 1-year warranty.
In terms of overall rating, the Shark Vertex UltraLight receives the highest score of 4.7/5, followed by the Dyson Ball Animal Upright at 4.5/5. The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series has a rating of 4.2/5, and the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet has a rating of 4.0/5.
Maintenance
To keep your Dyson Ball Animal upright vacuum in top condition, regular maintenance is key. After each use, empty the dustbin by detaching it and emptying it into a trash can. Use the included brush to remove any remaining debris.
For a deeper clean, once a month, remove the dustbin, detach the cyclone and filter, and rinse them under warm running water. Allow them to air dry completely before reassembling.
Check the brush bar regularly for any hair or debris wrapped around it. Use the included brush tool to remove any tangles. You can also use a small pair of scissors to cut any stubborn tangles.
The Dyson Ball Animal has two main filters: a pre-motor filter and a post-motor filter. The pre-motor filter should be washed every 3 months, while the post-motor filter should be replaced every 12 months.
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the wand and hoses. Avoid using any harsh cleaners or solvents. Check the wheels for any dirt or debris build-up. Use a small brush or cloth to clean them.
The belt should be replaced every 12 months or sooner if it shows signs of wear and tear. The Dyson Ball Animal has a rechargeable battery. When the battery is no longer holding a charge, it will need to be replaced.
Store the vacuum in a dry place and make sure the cord is not twisted or kinked.
Troubleshooting
If your Dyson Ball Animal Upright vacuum is not working properly, there are a few things you can check before contacting Dyson Support.
If your vacuum has no power, begin by checking the power cord and plug to make sure they are securely connected. Next, verify that the power switch is in the ON position. If the problem persists, check the fuse and replace it if necessary.
If your vacuum has weak suction, the first step is to empty the dustbin and check for any blockages. Then, inspect the filter for dirt and debris, and clean or replace it as needed. Next, make sure the brush bar is spinning freely and not tangled with debris. Finally, examine the hose, wand, and attachments for any obstructions.
If your vacuum is making a strange noise, check the brush bar to ensure it is spinning freely and not tangled with debris. Also, examine the hose, wand, and attachments for any blockages. Additionally, a clogged filter can cause noise, so clean or replace it as needed.
If your brush bar is not spinning, make sure the power switch is in the ON position. Then, check the brush bar release mechanism to ensure it is properly engaged. Lastly, remove any debris that might be tangled with the brush bar.
If the light on your vacuum is not working, start by checking the power switch to make sure it is in the ON position. If the bulb is burnt out, replace it with a new one.
If your vacuum keeps turning off, check the battery if it is a cordless model, and ensure it is charged. Additionally, the vacuum may have overheated, so allow it to cool down before using it again.
If your vacuum is not steering properly, check the wheels to make sure they are clean and free of debris. Also, make sure the ball joint is not damaged or blocked.
Conclusion
The Dyson Ball Animal Upright Vacuum stands as a powerful and versatile cleaning solution, particularly excelling in pet hair removal and general carpet cleaning. Its powerful suction, specialized tools, and maneuverability make it a top contender for pet owners and those seeking a robust cleaning experience. While its high price tag might be a deterrent for some, its long lifespan and dependable performance can justify the investment for those prioritizing cleaning efficiency and effectiveness. However, its weight, noise level, and limited attachment options might be drawbacks for users seeking a lightweight, quiet, or highly customizable cleaning experience. Ultimately, the Dyson Ball Animal Upright is a solid choice for households with pets or those seeking powerful suction and maneuverability, but it's crucial to weigh its pros and cons against your individual cleaning needs and budget.
