Features
The Dyson Ball Animal vacuum cleaner is known for its ball technology, providing effortless maneuverability and 360° steering. This allows for easy navigation around furniture and tight spaces. The powerful suction effectively removes dirt, dust, and pet hair from carpets, hard floors, and upholstery.
Specifically designed for pet owners, the Dyson Ball Animal comes with animal-specific tools, such as the turbine tool and mini-motorised head. These tools are perfect for tackling pet hair, fur, and embedded debris. The hygienic dirt ejector allows for convenient and hygienic disposal of dust and debris without touching the bin.
The HEPA filtration system captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including allergens and pet dander, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. Designed with user comfort in mind, the Dyson Ball Animal is lightweight and easy to use, making it easier to vacuum large areas and stairs.
Multiple power settings provide flexibility for different cleaning needs, from deep cleaning to light dusting. The compact design makes it easy to store and doesn't take up much space. A long power cord provides a wide reach without the need for constant plugging and unplugging. The Dyson Ball Animal comes with multiple attachments for cleaning different surfaces and areas.
Performance
The Dyson Ball Animal vacuum cleaner is a powerful machine specifically designed for pet owners. Its exceptional suction and specialized tools make it excel at removing pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. This vacuum cleaner also performs well on carpets, effectively removing dirt, debris, and embedded dust. While not a dedicated hard floor cleaner, the Dyson Ball Animal performs well on hard surfaces, and its brush bar can be switched off for gentle cleaning.
The Dyson Ball Animal comes equipped with various attachments, including a crevice tool and dusting brush, making it effective for dusting furniture and hard-to-reach areas. Its HEPA filtration system effectively captures dust mites, pollen, and other allergens, making it a suitable choice for allergy sufferers.
The ball technology incorporated into the Dyson Ball Animal allows for easy steering and maneuverability, making it simple to navigate around furniture and tight spaces. While not the quietest vacuum cleaner on the market, the Dyson Ball Animal operates at a reasonable noise level. It features intuitive controls and convenient features like a cord rewind, making it generally easy to use.
Maintaining the Dyson Ball Animal involves regular cleaning of the dustbin, filter, and brush bar to ensure optimal performance.
What We Like
The Dyson Ball Animal vacuum cleaner consistently receives praise for its powerful suction. This feature effectively removes pet hair, dirt, and debris from various surfaces, including carpets, rugs, and hard floors. Users appreciate the vacuum's lightweight and maneuverable design, thanks to its ball design. This makes navigating around furniture and obstacles effortless, reducing strain on the user.
Dyson's inclusion of pet-specific tools, such as the turbine tool and mini motorized head, is a significant advantage. These tools tackle embedded pet hair on furniture and upholstery with remarkable efficiency. The vacuum cleaner is praised for its user-friendliness and ease of maintenance. Assembly, operation, and emptying are straightforward, with features like a hygienic dirt ejector and washable filters adding to the convenience.
The Dyson Ball Animal vacuum cleaner prioritizes hygiene and allergy-friendly features. Its HEPA filtration system and sealed system effectively capture allergens and dust mites, improving indoor air quality. The vacuum's long cord length is another appreciated feature, providing ample reach for cleaning larger areas without requiring frequent outlet changes.
Users recognize the Dyson Ball Animal's durable and reliable construction. This robust design ensures longevity, making it a sound investment for long-term use.
What We Don't Like
The Dyson Ball Animal vacuum cleaner is a powerful and popular model, but it does come with a few drawbacks that some customers find less than ideal. One major concern is the price, which is considered high compared to other vacuums on the market.
Another aspect that can be challenging is the weight and maneuverability. While the Ball technology provides good maneuverability, the vacuum itself is quite heavy, especially when carrying the extended wand and attachments.
Additionally, the Dyson Ball Animal can be quite loud, especially when using the powerful suction settings. This can be a drawback for users who live in apartments or smaller spaces.
Maintaining the filters is another area where some customers face challenges. The filters require regular cleaning and replacement, which can be cumbersome and costly in the long run.
Furthermore, compared to other vacuums in its price range, the Dyson Ball Animal comes with a limited number of attachments, which might not be sufficient for all cleaning tasks. The short cord length can also be frustrating, as it limits the cleaning area without needing to constantly switch outlets.
Some users have reported issues with the vacuum's durability, particularly with the ball mechanism and the wand.
Finally, while the Dyson Ball Animal offers strong suction and excellent cleaning power, it lacks certain features found in newer models, such as automatic cord rewind and smart settings. Additionally, finding spare parts and accessories can be expensive and sometimes difficult, especially for older models.
Cleaning Tasks
The Dyson Ball Animal vacuum cleaner is highly suitable for tackling pet hair removal. Its powerful suction and specialized tools, like the turbine head and mini motorized head, effectively remove deeply embedded pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors.
This vacuum cleaner is also highly suitable for carpet cleaning. Its powerful suction and rotating brush bar effectively remove dirt, dust, and debris from carpets. It is similarly well-suited for upholstery cleaning, featuring a dedicated upholstery tool and strong suction to effectively remove pet hair, dust mites, and dirt from furniture.
The Dyson Ball Animal can clean hard floors with the included crevice tool and combination tool. However, some users find the brush bar too aggressive for delicate floor surfaces. It is suitable for dusting, thanks to its combination tool and crevice tool for reaching tight spots and dusting furniture.
The Dyson Ball Animal features HEPA filtration, trapping 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, including dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, making it suitable for allergen removal. It's also suitable for cleaning corners and tight spaces, coming with a crevice tool for reaching hard-to-reach areas.
Its compact design and lightweight maneuverability make it easy to use on stairs, making it suitable for cleaning stairs. The vacuum cleaner is also suitable for large area cleaning due to its lightweight and maneuverable design. Finally, its powerful suction and brush bar effectively remove deeply embedded dirt and debris from carpets and upholstery, making it suitable for deep cleaning.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Dyson Ball Animal 2 | Shark Vertex UltraLight | Bissell CrossWave X7 | Hoover WindTunnel T-Series | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $499 | $399 | $249 | Hoover WindTunnel T-Series (most affordable) |
| Type | Bagless Upright | Bagless Upright | Multi-Surface Wet/Dry | Bagless Upright | N/A |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs | 14.5 lbs | 14 lbs | 16.9 lbs | Shark Vertex UltraLight (lightest) |
| Power | 180 AW | 160 AW | N/A | 120 AW | Dyson Ball Animal 2 (most powerful) |
| Suction | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Dyson Ball Animal 2 & Shark Vertex UltraLight (tie) |
| Attachments | 4 (crevice tool, dusting brush, combination tool, upholstery tool) | 4 (crevice tool, dusting brush, combination tool, upholstery tool) | 3 (hard floor mop pad, soft floor mop pad, microfiber pad) | 3 (crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool) | Dyson Ball Animal 2 & Shark Vertex UltraLight (tie) |
| Features | Ball technology, HEPA filtration, self-adjusting brush bar | Lightweight design, self-cleaning brushroll, HEPA filtration | Multi-surface cleaning, self-cleaning brushroll, HEPA filtration | WindTunnel technology, HEPA filtration, lightweight design | Shark Vertex UltraLight (multi-surface cleaning) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 5 years | 2 years | 1 year | Shark Vertex UltraLight (longest warranty) |
| Best for | Pet hair removal, powerful suction | Lightweight cleaning, versatility, pet hair removal | Multi-surface cleaning, spills, pet hair removal | Budget-friendly, overall cleaning | N/A |
When comparing the Dyson Ball Animal 2 to its top competitors, the Hoover WindTunnel T-Series emerges as the most affordable option at $249. In terms of weight, the Shark Vertex UltraLight takes the lead at 14.5 lbs, making it the lightest among the contenders.
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 boasts the most powerful suction with 180 AW, closely followed by the Shark Vertex UltraLight with 160 AW. Both the Dyson Ball Animal 2 and the Shark Vertex UltraLight excel in suction power, creating a tie in this category.
In terms of attachments, the Dyson Ball Animal 2 and Shark Vertex UltraLight offer the same set of tools, including a crevice tool, dusting brush, combination tool, and upholstery tool. This makes them equal contenders in terms of versatility.
The Shark Vertex UltraLight stands out with its multi-surface cleaning capability, making it the most versatile option for tackling various floor types. Furthermore, it offers a generous 5-year warranty, surpassing the 2-year warranty provided by the Dyson Ball Animal 2 and Bissell CrossWave X7.
While the Bissell CrossWave X7 offers multi-surface cleaning and a self-cleaning brushroll, it lacks the suction power and versatility of the other contenders. The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series presents a budget-friendly option with its WindTunnel technology and HEPA filtration, although it falls short in terms of power and features compared to the other models.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and priorities. The Dyson Ball Animal 2 excels in suction power and pet hair removal. The Shark Vertex UltraLight provides a balance of power, versatility, and a long warranty. The Bissell CrossWave X7 is ideal for multi-surface cleaning. The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series caters to those seeking a more affordable option for general cleaning tasks.
Maintenance
To keep your Dyson Ball Animal vacuum cleaner running smoothly, follow these maintenance tips:
Emptying the Dustbin: Regularly empty the dustbin by opening the dustbin release lever and lifting the bin off the vacuum. Dispose of the contents in a trash bin. Wash the dustbin with warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and let it air dry completely before reattaching.
Cleaning the Filters: Maintain your vacuum's suction by cleaning the filters. The pre-motor filter should be washed every three months, while the post-motor filter needs cleaning every twelve months. Wash both filters in cool water until the water runs clear. Allow them to air dry completely before re-inserting.
Cleaning the Brush Bar: Keep the brush bar free of hair and debris by using a pair of scissors or a small tool to remove any obstructions. Additionally, use a small brush or cloth to clean any dirt from the brush bar and its housing.
Cleaning the Telescopic Wand: Wipe down the telescopic wand with a damp cloth. Remove and clean any hair or debris from the wand's hose connection.
Replacing the Brush Bar: The Dyson Ball Animal vacuum has a self-adjusting brush bar that typically doesn't need replacement unless it's damaged. If you require a replacement, purchase one from Dyson or authorized retailers.
Cleaning the Tool Attachments: Remove and clean all tool attachments using a damp cloth or brush. Ensure all attachments are dry before storing them.
Storing the Vacuum: Store your vacuum in a cool, dry place. Keep the power cord wrapped around the vacuum's handle.
Regular Checkups: Periodically inspect the vacuum's power cord for any signs of damage. Check the vacuum's wheels for any wear or damage. Make sure all parts are securely attached.
Troubleshooting
If your Dyson Ball Animal vacuum cleaner isn't working as it should, there are a few things you can try before contacting customer service.
No Power: If your vacuum isn't turning on, first check that the power cord is securely plugged into both the vacuum and the wall outlet. If you're using a power strip or extension cord, make sure the fuse isn't blown. You should also check that the power switch is turned on. If these steps don't solve the problem, try resetting the vacuum by pressing the power button for 5 seconds.
Weak Suction: Weak suction could be due to a few things. First, check the filters and clean or replace them as needed. Next, ensure the brush bar is rotating freely and isn't clogged with debris. Inspect the hose for any blockages. You should also check for any tears or holes in the vacuum's body or hose. If you hear a rattling noise, the cyclone may be clogged. Remove and clean the cyclone unit.
Loud Noise: A loud noise could indicate a problem with the brush bar. Make sure it isn't tangled or jammed. If the cyclone is clogged, it can also create a loud noise. Clean the cyclone unit. Inspect the hose for any blockages or kinks. Finally, make sure all attachments and components are properly secured.
Vacuum Won't Turn On: If your vacuum won't turn on, make sure the power cord is securely plugged in. If you're using a power strip or extension cord, check that the fuse isn't blown. You should also check that the power switch is turned on. If you're using a cordless model, ensure the battery is charged or replaced.
Vacuum Won't Charge: If your cordless vacuum won't charge, ensure the charging contacts are clean and free of debris. Check that the power cord is connected securely to the charging dock and the wall outlet. Also, ensure the battery is inserted correctly. Finally, try resetting the vacuum by pressing the power button for 5 seconds.
Vacuum Won't Pick Up Debris: If your vacuum isn't picking up debris, make sure the brush bar is rotating and isn't clogged with debris. Check the filters and clean or replace them as needed. Inspect the hose and attachments for any blockages. Finally, try adjusting the suction power to a higher setting.
Brush Bar Not Rotating: If your brush bar isn't rotating, make sure it isn't tangled or jammed. Inspect the brush bar area for any blockages. Try resetting the vacuum by pressing the power button for 5 seconds.
Vacuum Leaking: If your vacuum is leaking, ensure all seals are intact and properly fitted. Look for any tears or holes in the vacuum's body or hose. If the cyclone is leaking, it may need to be replaced.
Vacuum Overheating: If your vacuum is overheating, ensure the hose and attachments are free of blockages. Check the filters and clean or replace them as needed. Allow the vacuum to cool down before using it again.
Other Issues: If you're experiencing any other issues with your Dyson Ball Animal vacuum cleaner, you can consult the Dyson website or contact their customer service for specific troubleshooting advice. You can also refer to the user manual for detailed information on troubleshooting and maintenance.
Conclusion
The Dyson Ball Animal vacuum cleaner remains a strong contender in the pet-friendly vacuum market. Its powerful suction, specialized tools for pet hair removal, and HEPA filtration system make it a top choice for pet owners seeking to maintain a clean and allergy-free home. While the price tag might be a deterrent for some, the vacuum's performance, reliability, and ease of use justify the investment for many.
However, it's important to acknowledge that the Dyson Ball Animal has its drawbacks. The weight and noise level can be a challenge, and the lack of certain features found in newer models might be disappointing to some. Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Dyson Ball Animal comes down to individual needs and priorities.
For pet owners prioritizing powerful suction and pet hair removal, the Dyson Ball Animal remains a top choice. However, those seeking a lighter, quieter, or more feature-rich vacuum might find other options more appealing.
