Features
The Dyson Ball Animal Vacuum boasts powerful suction, capable of tackling even deeply embedded pet hair and dirt. Its signature ball technology provides effortless maneuverability and control, making it a breeze to navigate around furniture and obstacles.
The tangle-free turbine tool effectively removes pet hair from upholstery and carpets without getting tangled, saving you time and frustration. A mini-motorized head provides the power to clean hard-to-reach areas like stairs and furniture, thanks to its separate motor.
The hygienic dirt ejector empties the dustbin without requiring you to touch the dirt, minimizing mess and reducing bacteria exposure. A HEPA filtration system traps up to 99.97% of dust mites, pollen, and other allergens, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for you and your family.
The Dyson Ball Animal Vacuum comes equipped with a variety of tools for different cleaning tasks, from upholstery to crevices. Its lightweight and ergonomic design ensures comfortable use, even during extended cleaning sessions.
Performance
The Dyson Ball Animal vacuum excels at pet hair removal. Its powerful suction and specialized tools, such as the tangle-free turbine head and mini-motorised head, effectively remove embedded pet hair from carpets, furniture, and upholstery. It also performs very well on carpets, thanks to its powerful suction and rotating brush bar that remove dirt, dust, and debris. While not as specialized for hard floors as some vacuums, the Dyson Ball Animal can still clean them effectively. The "Animal" model doesn't include a dedicated hard floor brush head, but the standard head can be used for this purpose.
The Dyson Ball Animal shines when it comes to upholstery cleaning. Specialized tools like the crevice tool and mini-motorised head make it easy to clean upholstery and remove embedded pet hair. For dust and allergen removal, the Dyson Ball Animal features a HEPA filtration system that captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust mites and allergens.
The vacuum is generally considered easy to maneuver and use, with features like a ball-based steering system and lightweight design. However, some users may find it bulky and heavy. While powerful, the Dyson Ball Animal does have a moderate noise level. Lastly, Dyson products are known for their durability, making the Ball Animal a reliable choice.
What We Like
Dyson Ball Animal vacuums are renowned for their powerful suction, effectively removing pet hair, dirt, and debris from various surfaces. The ball technology grants exceptional maneuverability, allowing for effortless steering and navigating around furniture.
Pet owners particularly appreciate the inclusion of specialized tools like the turbine head and mini-turbine head, designed specifically for tackling pet hair. Despite its impressive power, the vacuum remains lightweight and comfortable to handle.
The hygienic dirt ejector system minimizes contact with dirt and dust, promoting a clean and hygienic cleaning experience. With a long cord length, the vacuum provides ample reach for cleaning larger areas.
Assembly and maintenance are straightforward, making the vacuum user-friendly. Dyson vacuums are known for their robust build quality and longevity, ensuring a long-lasting investment.
The sleek and modern design complements home aesthetics, adding a touch of style to the cleaning experience.
What We Don't Like
One of the biggest drawbacks cited by Dyson Ball Animal vacuum users is its high price. While the brand is known for its quality, some find the cost difficult to justify, especially considering less expensive alternatives available. Another common complaint centers around the vacuum's maneuverability. Its bulky design and weight can make it challenging to navigate around furniture and in tight corners, particularly for those with smaller spaces.
Furthermore, the short cord length is a point of frustration for many. It requires frequent plugging and unplugging, which can be inconvenient, especially when cleaning large homes. The dustbin mechanism, while innovative, has also drawn criticism. Some users find it difficult to operate and prone to dust release during emptying.
The powerful suction, though a desirable feature, comes with the drawback of increased noise. This can be bothersome for some users who prefer a quieter cleaning experience. While the Dyson Ball Animal comes with a crevice tool and a combination tool, some customers find the selection of attachments insufficient for their specific needs. Additionally, there have been reports of parts breaking or malfunctioning, raising concerns about the vacuum's long-term durability. Lastly, the spinning brush head can create a lot of noise when used on hard floors, which some users find annoying.
Cleaning Tasks
The Dyson Ball Animal vacuum is highly suitable for removing pet hair. Its powerful suction and specialized tools effectively tackle pet hair on carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. The strong suction and rotating brush head also make it ideal for deep carpet cleaning, removing embedded dirt, dust, and allergens.
Beyond pet hair and carpets, the Dyson Ball Animal excels at general dusting and debris removal, efficiently picking up dust, crumbs, and other debris from hard floors, furniture, and other surfaces. Its included upholstery tool allows for targeted cleaning of furniture, car interiors, and other upholstered surfaces.
While not specifically designed for tight spaces, the maneuverable ball design and lightweight construction make the Dyson Ball Animal suitable for cleaning small spaces. The extension wand reaches up to high ceilings, making it easier to clean cobwebs and dust from hard-to-reach areas. The crevice tool effectively removes dust and debris from the slats of blinds and the folds of drapes.
The Dyson Ball Animal is designed for frequent use and can handle large areas and heavy dirt loads. Although not as compact as some handheld vacuums, the combination of extension wand, crevice tool, and maneuverable design allows for reaching many hard-to-reach areas.
However, the Dyson Ball Animal is designed for dry cleaning only. It cannot be used on wet surfaces.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Dyson Ball Animal 2 | Shark Vertex UltraLight | Miele Complete C3 | Samsung Jet 90 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $449 | $799 | $749 | Shark |
| Type | Bagless Upright | Bagless Upright | Bagless Canister | Cordless Stick | |
| Suction Power (Watts) | 180 | 150 | 1200 | 500 | Miele |
| Weight (lbs) | 16.5 | 12.6 | 21 | 5.5 | Samsung |
| Cord Length (ft) | 35 | 30 | 39 | N/A | Miele |
| Attachments | Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, combination tool | Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, pet multi-tool | Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, dusting brush | Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, extension wand | |
| Special Features | Ball technology for maneuverability, HEPA filtration | Self-cleaning brushroll, Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology | ElectroBrush for deep cleaning, HEPA filtration | Digital Inverter motor, powerful battery, Multi-layered filtration | |
| Pros | Powerful suction, maneuverable, good for pet hair | Lightweight, easy to use, good for carpets and upholstery | Excellent suction, durable, good for all floor types | Lightweight, powerful, versatile, good for both carpets and hard floors | |
| Cons | Heavy, can be bulky, expensive | Limited reach, less powerful than canister vacuums | Expensive, can be difficult to maneuver | Short battery life, not ideal for large areas | |
| Overall Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.3/5 | Miele |
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is a bagless upright vacuum cleaner with powerful suction (180 watts) and ball technology for maneuverability. It features HEPA filtration and comes with a range of attachments, including a crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, and combination tool. However, it's relatively heavy at 16.5 lbs and can be bulky.
The Shark Vertex UltraLight is a lightweight (12.6 lbs) bagless upright vacuum cleaner with a self-cleaning brushroll and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology. It boasts a powerful 150-watt motor, making it suitable for both carpets and upholstery. However, it has a shorter cord (30 ft) than other models, potentially limiting its reach.
The Miele Complete C3 is a bagless canister vacuum with impressive suction power (1200 watts) and a long cord (39 ft). It features an ElectroBrush for deep cleaning, HEPA filtration, and a range of attachments. However, it's the most expensive option and can be difficult to maneuver due to its weight (21 lbs).
The Samsung Jet 90 is a cordless stick vacuum cleaner with a powerful digital inverter motor and multi-layered filtration. It's incredibly lightweight (5.5 lbs), making it easy to use on both carpets and hard floors. It also comes with a variety of attachments, including a crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, and extension wand. However, it has a relatively short battery life and may not be ideal for large areas.
Maintenance
To keep your Dyson Ball Animal vacuum running smoothly, regular maintenance is key.
Start by emptying the dustbin after each use. Simply press the red release button, pull the dustbin away, empty it into a trash can, and replace it by aligning the tabs and pushing it back into place.
Next, focus on the filters. Remove the dustbin and separate the filters. Rinse the washable pre-motor filter with cool water until clean, then let it air dry completely before reinstalling. Avoid washing the post-motor filter, instead, vacuum it using the crevice tool. Replace the post-motor filter every 12 months.
Keep the brush bar free of hair and debris. Use scissors or a small tool to remove any tangles. If heavily clogged, remove it by pressing the release buttons on both sides and clean it thoroughly with a brush or cloth. Reinstall the brush bar by aligning the tabs and pushing it back into place.
Don't forget the vacuum head. Use a brush or cloth to remove dust or debris, paying special attention to the area around the wheels to prevent clogging.
For the battery, charge it fully when not in use. If the battery life starts to decrease, it may be time to replace it.
Wipe down the telescope wand with a damp cloth, avoiding any water inside the wand.
Finally, store your vacuum in a dry, clean place, wrapping the power cord around the vacuum base.
Regularly maintaining your vacuum ensures optimal performance and longevity. Remember to empty the dustbin after each use, clean the filters at least once a month, check the brush bar for wear and tear, and replace the post-motor filter every 12 months.
Troubleshooting
Vacuum won't turn on Check if the power cord is securely plugged in and the outlet is working. Ensure the power switch is in the ON position. If you are using a cordless model, make sure the battery is charged or replaced. Try resetting the vacuum by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in and turning it on.
Weak suction Empty the dustbin as a full bin can hinder suction. Clean the brush bar of any hair or debris using the provided tools or scissors. Examine the hose and attachments for blockages and remove them. Clean or replace the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions as a dirty filter can reduce suction.
Brush bar not rotating Clear any debris or hair tangled around the brush bar. Check that the brush bar belt is in good condition and not worn or broken. If the brush bar motor is faulty, the brush bar won't spin. Contact Dyson for repair in this case.
Loud noise Check for blockages in the hose, attachments, and brush bar. Replace a worn or damaged brush bar. Clean or replace the filter as a dirty filter can restrict airflow and lead to louder operation.
Vacuum won't move properly Clean the wheels and make sure they are not stuck with debris. Ensure the swivel joint is not obstructed or damaged. Check that the ball is free to move and not jammed.
Battery won't charge (for cordless models) Clean the charging port and ensure it is free from dust or debris. Check if the charging cable is securely plugged into both the vacuum and the power outlet. If using a dock, ensure it is properly connected to the power outlet. Try a different power outlet to rule out issues with the first one.
Other issues Refer to the Dyson user manual for detailed troubleshooting instructions and specific solutions for the issue you are facing. If the issue persists, contact Dyson customer support for assistance. They may be able to offer further troubleshooting steps or suggest a repair.
Conclusion
The Dyson Ball Animal vacuum is a powerful and versatile machine designed to tackle pet hair and other debris, offering effective cleaning across carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. While praised for its strong suction, maneuverability, and hygienic dirt ejector, the Dyson Ball Animal does come with some drawbacks, including its high price, bulky design, and moderate noise level. However, its overall performance, ease of use, and durability make it a compelling choice for pet owners seeking a reliable and efficient cleaning solution.
Ultimately, the Dyson Ball Animal is a worthy investment for those who prioritize powerful suction, pet hair removal, and a user-friendly cleaning experience. However, potential buyers should carefully weigh the pros and cons, considering their budget, cleaning needs, and space constraints before making a decision. Remember to refer to the maintenance and troubleshooting guides included in this article to maximize the lifespan and performance of your Dyson Ball Animal vacuum.
