Features
The Dyson Big Ball Animal boasts a unique ball design that makes steering and maneuverability a breeze, allowing you to navigate around furniture and tight spaces without needing to tilt the vacuum. This feature is particularly appreciated for its effortless control and convenience during cleaning.
The vacuum comes equipped with specialized tools designed specifically for pet owners. The turbine tool effectively removes embedded pet hair from upholstery, while the mini motorized tool tackles hard-to-reach areas with ease. This attention to pet-specific needs helps minimize allergens and keep your home clean.
The Dyson Big Ball Animal packs powerful suction thanks to its 2 Tier Radial cyclone system. This system generates strong suction power, enabling efficient removal of dirt, dust, and debris from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors.
The vacuum incorporates a HEPA filtration system, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust mites and pollen. This feature significantly improves air quality and benefits individuals with allergies.
Emptied with ease, the Dyson Big Ball Animal features a hygienic bin with a large capacity, minimizing contact with dust and allergens during the emptying process.
The self-adjusting cleaning head automatically adjusts its height to different floor types, ensuring optimal cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors.
Despite its powerful features, the vacuum is relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry and use, minimizing strain and fatigue during cleaning sessions.
Performance
The Dyson Big Ball Animal excels in carpet cleaning. Its powerful suction and tangle-free turbine head effortlessly remove dirt, dust, and pet hair from carpets. The ball design also allows for easy maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces.
The Dyson Big Ball Animal performs well on hard floors, removing dust and debris. However, the suction can be a bit strong for delicate surfaces, requiring a slight adjustment of the suction power.
The Dyson Big Ball Animal is specifically designed for pet hair removal. Its turbine head efficiently picks up pet hair from carpets and upholstery, even deeply embedded fur.
The Dyson Big Ball Animal excels at dust removal. Its powerful suction reaches into nooks and crannies, effectively capturing dust and allergens from furniture and hard-to-reach areas.
The Dyson Big Ball Animal includes a HEPA filter, which effectively traps allergens, pollen, and dust mites. While not specifically marketed as an allergy-focused model, it provides decent allergy relief.
The Dyson Big Ball Animal is easy to maneuver and use. The ball design allows for smooth turning, and the lightweight design makes it easy to move around. The controls are intuitive and accessible.
The Dyson Big Ball Animal is relatively easy to maintain. The dustbin is easy to empty, and the filters are washable. However, some users may find the brush bar cleaning process a bit cumbersome.
The Dyson Big Ball Animal is a bit louder than some other vacuum cleaners, but it is not excessively noisy. The noise level is generally acceptable during use.
What We Like
Customers rave about the Dyson Big Ball Animal's powerful suction, which effectively picks up pet hair, dust, and debris from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. The ball design allows for smooth, easy steering, making it easy to navigate around furniture and corners.
The Big Ball Animal comes with specialized tools for pet hair removal, such as the turbine tool and mini-motorized head, making it a popular choice for pet owners. The simple controls, a large dustbin, and a hygienic bin emptying system make cleaning a breeze.
The HEPA filtration system captures allergens and dust mites, improving air quality in the home. The Big Ball Animal is known for its long lifespan and sturdy build. Its sleek and modern design complements any home.
The vacuum cleaner comes with a variety of tools for different cleaning tasks. It is pre-assembled and relatively easy to clean and maintain.
What We Don't Like
While the Dyson Big Ball Animal is lauded for its powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities, it's not without its drawbacks. Some users find the vacuum heavy and cumbersome, especially when navigating stairs or tight spaces. Its premium price tag can also be a deterrent for budget-conscious consumers.
Noise levels can be a concern for some users, as the vacuum operates at a relatively loud volume. The limited cord length necessitates frequent plugging and unplugging, adding an extra step to the cleaning process.
Durability of the ball mechanism has also been called into question, with some users experiencing cracking or reduced maneuverability over time. Filter maintenance can be time-consuming and tedious, as it requires regular cleaning and replacement.
While marketed for allergy sufferers, some users have reported that the vacuum doesn't effectively remove all allergens, particularly pet hair embedded in carpet fibers. Additionally, the brush bar can be quite noisy when cleaning hard floors, which might be off-putting for some.
Lastly, emptying the dustbin can be a challenging task, requiring some force and effort for a clean removal.
Cleaning Tasks
The Dyson Big Ball Animal excels at pet hair removal thanks to its specialized Tangle-free Turbine Tool, designed to prevent hair from wrapping around the brush bar. It also performs exceptionally well on carpets, with powerful suction and a brush bar that effectively removes dirt and debris.
While suitable for hard floors, the Big Ball Animal might not be the most efficient option due to the potential for the brush bar to scratch delicate surfaces and the lack of dedicated hard floor cleaning attachments.
The included crevice tool makes the Big Ball Animal suitable for upholstery cleaning, although its effectiveness on heavily soiled surfaces might be limited without dedicated upholstery tools. Its extension wand and crevice tool are effective for removing cobwebs from high areas.
The Big Ball Animal's lightweight design and self-righting feature make it suitable for cleaning stairs. Its HEPA filtration system effectively captures allergens, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. The compact size and maneuverability make it suitable for cleaning small spaces, while the powerful suction and large dustbin capacity allow for efficient cleaning of large areas.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Dyson Big Ball Animal | Shark Apex DuoClean | Hoover WindTunnel 3D Extreme | Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 | $349.99 | $199.99 | $169.99 | Hoover WindTunnel 3D Extreme |
| Type | Upright | Upright | Upright | Upright | |
| Suction Power | Strong | Strong | Strong | Medium | Dyson Big Ball Animal |
| Filtration | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA | HEPA | Tie |
| Attachments | Crevice tool, combination tool, upholstery tool | Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool | Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool | Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool | Tie |
| Features | Ball design for easy maneuverability, "Tangle-Free" turbine tool for pet hair, self-adjusting cleaning head | "DuoClean" brushroll for both carpets and hard floors, "Pet Power" brushroll for pet hair, self-cleaning brushroll | "WindTunnel 3D" technology for powerful suction, "Pet Power" brushroll for pet hair, "EdgeSweep" technology for cleaning edges | "Swivel steering" for easy maneuverability, "Pet TurboEraser" brushroll for pet hair, "Easy Empty" dirt cup | Dyson Big Ball Animal |
| Pros | Powerful suction, effective on pet hair, maneuverable, HEPA filtration | Powerful suction, effective on pet hair, multi-surface cleaning, self-cleaning brushroll | Powerful suction, effective on pet hair, good value, edge cleaning | Manueverable, effective on pet hair, affordable, easy to empty | |
| Cons | Expensive, some users find the ball design difficult to maneuver | Can be bulky and heavy, some users report issues with the self-cleaning brushroll | Can be loud, not as maneuverable as some competitors | Less powerful than higher-priced models, not as durable |
When it comes to price, the Hoover WindTunnel 3D Extreme reigns supreme, offering the most budget-friendly option at $199.99. While the Dyson Big Ball Animal boasts strong suction power, it comes at a premium price of $449.99. The Shark Apex DuoClean and Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet fall somewhere in between, priced at $349.99 and $169.99 respectively.
All four vacuums are upright models, offering traditional cleaning functionality. In terms of suction power, the Dyson Big Ball Animal stands out with its impressive strength, closely followed by the Shark Apex DuoClean and Hoover WindTunnel 3D Extreme. The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet, while still capable, has a slightly lower suction power compared to its competitors.
All four vacuums feature HEPA filtration, ensuring effective removal of dust and allergens, making them a tie in this category. Each vacuum also includes a set of standard attachments like a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool.
Moving onto specific features, the Dyson Big Ball Animal stands out with its ball design, offering easy maneuverability. It also boasts a "Tangle-Free" turbine tool designed for pet hair and a self-adjusting cleaning head. The Shark Apex DuoClean features a "DuoClean" brushroll for both carpets and hard floors, a "Pet Power" brushroll for pet hair, and a self-cleaning brushroll. The Hoover WindTunnel 3D Extreme utilizes "WindTunnel 3D" technology for powerful suction, a "Pet Power" brushroll for pet hair, and "EdgeSweep" technology for cleaning edges. Lastly, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet offers "Swivel steering" for easy maneuverability, a "Pet TurboEraser" brushroll for pet hair, and an "Easy Empty" dirt cup.
Maintenance
To keep your Dyson Big Ball Animal vacuum cleaner running smoothly, follow these maintenance tips:
Emptying the Dustbin:
- Press the red button on the dustbin to release it.
- Twist the dustbin counterclockwise to detach it.
- Empty the dustbin into a trash can.
- Replace the dustbin and twist clockwise to secure it.
Cleaning the Dustbin:
- Remove the dustbin.
- Wash the dustbin with warm, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely.
- Replace the dustbin.
Cleaning the Pre-Motor Filter:
- Remove the dustbin.
- Remove the pre-motor filter by pushing the release buttons on either side.
- Tap the filter over a trash can to remove loose debris.
- If necessary, wash the filter with warm, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely.
- Replace the pre-motor filter.
Cleaning the Post-Motor Filter:
- Remove the dustbin.
- Locate the post-motor filter (typically a small, cylindrical filter) on the side of the dustbin.
- Remove the filter by pulling on the tab.
- Tap the filter over a trash can to remove loose debris.
- If necessary, wash the filter with warm, soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely.
- Replace the post-motor filter.
Cleaning the Brush Bar:
- Remove the brush bar cover by pressing the release button.
- Use a small brush or a cloth to remove any hair or debris tangled around the brush bar.
- Replace the brush bar cover.
Replacing the HEPA Filter:
- Locate the HEPA filter (usually a rectangular filter on the side of the vacuum).
- Push the release button on the filter to remove it.
- Replace with a new HEPA filter (available from Dyson).
Storing the Vacuum:
- Empty the dustbin and clean the filters as described above.
- Store the vacuum in a dry, cool place.
- Avoid storing the vacuum in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
General Tips:
- Regularly check for any blockages in the hose or attachments.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean the vacuum.
- Follow the instructions in the Dyson user manual for detailed information on cleaning and maintenance.
Troubleshooting
No Power: If your Dyson Big Ball Animal vacuum isn't turning on, first check the power cord to ensure it's securely plugged into both the wall socket and the vacuum. If the power cord is fine, inspect the fuse inside the vacuum. Finally, try resetting the power switch by unplugging the vacuum, waiting a few seconds, and then plugging it back in.
Weak Suction: If your vacuum has weak suction, start by emptying the dustbin as a full bin can significantly reduce suction power. Next, check the brush bar to ensure it's clean and free of any hair or debris. Examine the hose and all attachments for any blockages. Lastly, inspect the filter; a dirty filter can restrict airflow and reduce suction, so clean or replace it if necessary.
Vacuum Makes Strange Noise: A strange noise coming from your vacuum could indicate a problem with the brush bar. Check if it's jammed with debris. Also, look for any loose or rattling parts. Finally, ensure the hose is securely connected to the vacuum and any attachments.
Vacuum Not Picking Up Debris: If your vacuum isn't picking up debris, ensure the brush bar is spinning freely and is in contact with the carpet. Make sure the nozzle is clean and free of any blockages. Lastly, check the filter, as a dirty filter can reduce suction. Clean or replace it if necessary.
Vacuum Won't Stay Upright: If your vacuum won't stay upright, start by checking the ball to ensure it's clean and free of any debris. Next, inspect the wheels to ensure they are clean and free of any obstructions. Finally, examine the swivel joint for any damage or wear.
Vacuum Doesn't Turn On: If your vacuum doesn't turn on, first check the power switch to ensure it's in the on position. Next, make sure the power cord is plugged in securely and that the outlet is working. If the power cord is fine, check the fuse in the vacuum.
Vacuum Overheats: If your vacuum overheats, start by checking the filter, as a dirty filter can cause the motor to overheat. Clean or replace it if necessary. Next, examine the hose, attachments, and dustbin for any blockages. Finally, allow the vacuum to cool down for a few minutes before using it again.
Vacuum Leaks: If your vacuum is leaking, start by checking the seals around the dustbin and attachments to ensure they are intact. Next, examine the vacuum for any cracks or holes. Lastly, make sure the hose is securely connected to the vacuum and any attachments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Dyson Big Ball Animal is a powerful vacuum cleaner designed specifically for pet owners. Its strong suction, specialized pet hair removal tools, and HEPA filtration system make it an excellent choice for homes with furry friends. While it excels in carpet cleaning, its effectiveness on hard floors might be limited due to its strong suction and lack of dedicated hard floor cleaning attachments. The vacuum's ball design allows for smooth maneuverability, but some users find it heavy and cumbersome. Ultimately, the Dyson Big Ball Animal is a good option for pet owners looking for a powerful and convenient vacuum cleaner. However, budget-conscious consumers may find its price point to be a deterrent.
