Features
The Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 boasts several features that make it a popular choice for pet owners. Its unique ball technology provides exceptional maneuverability and stability, allowing it to effortlessly navigate around furniture and obstacles. This is especially helpful in homes with pets, where furniture can be easily rearranged or there are playful furry friends roaming around.
The Animal-Specific Tools, specifically the turbine head, are designed to tackle the challenge of removing pet hair from carpets and upholstery. This makes the Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 a perfect choice for homes with dogs and cats.
Beyond pet hair, the powerful suction effectively removes dirt, dust, and allergens, ensuring a deep clean for a healthier home environment. The hygienic dust ejector allows for easy and hygienic emptying of the dustbin, minimizing contact with dirt and allergens, ensuring a clean and healthy cleaning process.
The HEPA filtration system is another key feature, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, reducing allergens and improving indoor air quality, making it a great option for those with allergies. The telescopic wand extends to reach high areas, making cleaning ceilings and corners easier. Finally, the lightweight design reduces strain on the user's back and arms during prolonged cleaning sessions, making cleaning less tiring and more comfortable.
Performance
The Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 excels at removing pet hair. Its powerful suction and specialized tools like the turbine head and tangle-free turbine tool make it a champion for tackling even the most stubborn pet hair.
It also performs well on carpets. The powerful suction effectively removes dirt and debris, even deeply embedded particles.
The vacuum is also effective on hard floors. The included combination tool and crevice tool work well, though the turbine head can be a bit too aggressive for delicate surfaces.
The Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 efficiently collects dust and debris, even from hard-to-reach areas.
It's a good choice for allergy sufferers, as the HEPA filtration system effectively traps dust mites and allergens.
The ball design provides smooth and easy maneuverability, while the swivel head allows for better control in tight spaces.
While not the quietest vacuum, the Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 is still relatively quiet compared to other powerful models.
The controls are straightforward, and the vacuum is relatively easy to assemble and maintain.
Dyson products are known for their durability, and the Big Ball Animal 2 is built to last.
The Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 offers strong cleaning performance and a range of features for a price that is competitive with other premium vacuums.
What We Like
The Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 is praised for its powerful suction. Customers rave about its ability to tackle even the most stubborn dirt, dust, and pet hair, leaving their floors spotless. The Big Ball design is also highly appreciated for its maneuverability. The ball design allows for effortless steering, making it easy to navigate around furniture and tight corners.
Pet owners are particularly impressed with the vacuum's pet hair removal capabilities. The dedicated pet hair tools, such as the turbine tool and mini-turbine head, effectively remove pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas. The vacuum's lightweight design is another plus point. Customers find it surprisingly easy to use, even during long cleaning sessions, as it reduces strain on the user.
The hygienic dustbin emptying system is a popular feature among users. It allows for clean and dust-free disposal of dirt and debris, eliminating the hassle of dealing with dust clouds. The long cord length is also a major convenience, allowing for extensive cleaning without constantly needing to unplug and replug.
Customers highlight the durability and reliability of the Dyson Big Ball Animal 2. They appreciate that the vacuum is built to last and provides consistent cleaning performance over time. Dyson's excellent customer service is also a notable advantage. Customers are impressed by the prompt and helpful assistance provided by Dyson, ensuring a positive user experience.
What We Don't Like
The Dyson Big Ball Animal 2, while lauded for its powerful suction and pet hair removal capabilities, comes with a few drawbacks that some customers find frustrating. A significant concern is the price, which many find steep compared to other vacuum cleaners on the market. The vacuum's weight can also be a challenge, especially for those with mobility issues or navigating stairs.
Another common complaint is the noise level, with some finding the vacuum louder than expected, particularly when using the turbo brush head. Maintenance of the brush roll is also a point of contention, as it can become tangled with pet hair requiring frequent cleaning.
The dustbin capacity is relatively small, which can be a nuisance for larger homes or those with pets that shed extensively. The cord length is also deemed short by some, necessitating frequent unplugging and replugging. The bagless system, while popular for its convenience, can lead to messy emptying and difficult cleaning of the dustbin.
Furthermore, the replacement filters can be expensive, adding to the overall cost of ownership. Some users have even reported issues with the vacuum's durability, such as broken parts or malfunctions. The motor can also be noisy, especially when using the turbo brush head.
Cleaning Tasks
The Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 excels at removing pet hair. Its dedicated turbine tool effectively removes embedded pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. This powerful vacuum cleaner is also excellent for general dusting and debris removal. It efficiently removes dust, dirt, and debris from all surfaces.
Furthermore, the Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 is ideal for carpet cleaning due to its powerful suction and specialized brush bar that remove deep-seated dirt and grime. It also includes a specialized floorhead for efficient cleaning on hard floors, making it suitable for cleaning various surfaces.
The vacuum cleaner's versatility extends to upholstery cleaning as well. Its dedicated upholstery tool effectively removes pet hair, dust, and dirt from furniture. The Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 is equally adept at cleaning pet beds thanks to its powerful suction and specialized tools.
Its lightweight and maneuverable design makes it easy to clean stairs. The powerful suction can handle high-traffic areas with ease. While the Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 isn't specifically designed for cobwebs and ceiling fans, the extension wand and crevice tool allow for reaching high areas.
The crevice tool also makes it easy to clean tight spaces like baseboards and corners. Although not its primary function, the brush tool and extension wand can be used to clean blinds and curtains. The vacuum cleaner's lightweight and compact design make it easy to maneuver in a car, making it suitable for cleaning car interiors.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 | Shark Vertex UltraLight | Hoover WindTunnel 3D Extreme | Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $399 | $299 | $199 | Bissell |
| Weight | 17 lbs | 12.2 lbs | 17 lbs | 12.2 lbs | Shark & Bissell |
| Suction Power | 200 AW | 180 AW | 160 AW | 150 AW | Dyson |
| Cleaning Path | 15.5 inches | 12 inches | 14.5 inches | 11 inches | Dyson |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.8 L | 0.5 L | 0.65 L | 0.75 L | Dyson |
| Cord Length | 35 ft | 30 ft | 30 ft | 27 ft | Dyson |
| Features | Ball Technology, HEPA Filtration, Tangle-free Turbine Tool | Self-cleaning Brushroll, Anti-Allergen Seal, LED Lights | WindTunnel Technology, Pet Hair Removal Tool, Multi-Surface Brushroll | Pet Hair Eraser Tool, EdgeSweep Technology, HEPA Filtration | Dyson (overall) |
| Pros | Powerful suction, wide cleaning path, large dustbin, long cord, ball technology | Lightweight, powerful suction, self-cleaning brushroll, LED lights | Good suction, pet hair removal tool, affordable | Lightweight, affordable, effective on pet hair | Dyson (powerful suction, versatile features) |
| Cons | Heavy | Smaller dustbin, shorter cord | Less versatile features | Less powerful suction, shorter cord | Bissell (most affordable) |
The Dyson Big Ball Animal 2, Shark Vertex UltraLight, Hoover WindTunnel 3D Extreme, and Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo are all popular vacuum cleaners designed for pet owners. When comparing price, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo emerges as the most affordable option.
Looking at weight, the Shark Vertex UltraLight and Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo are both lighter than the Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 and Hoover WindTunnel 3D Extreme, making them easier to maneuver.
In terms of suction power, the Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 boasts the highest suction at 200 AW, followed by the Shark Vertex UltraLight with 180 AW. The Dyson also has the widest cleaning path at 15.5 inches, making it efficient for covering larger areas.
As for dustbin capacity, the Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 holds the most at 0.8 L, while the Shark Vertex UltraLight has the smallest at 0.5 L. The Dyson also has the longest cord at 35 ft, providing greater reach and flexibility.
The Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 stands out with features like ball technology, HEPA filtration, and a tangle-free turbine tool, offering a versatile and efficient cleaning experience. The Shark Vertex UltraLight also boasts impressive features such as a self-cleaning brushroll, an anti-allergen seal, and LED lights. The Hoover WindTunnel 3D Extreme features WindTunnel technology, a pet hair removal tool, and a multi-surface brushroll. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo is notable for its pet hair eraser tool, EdgeSweep technology, and HEPA filtration.
Maintenance
To keep your Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 running smoothly, regular maintenance is essential.
Emptying the dustbin: After each use, press the button on the dustbin to release it, empty the contents into a bin, and replace the dustbin, ensuring it clicks into place.
Cleaning the dustbin: Remove the dustbin and separate the inner and outer parts. Rinse the inner parts with water, making sure to not immerse the motor unit. Allow them to dry completely before reassembling.
Cleaning the pre-motor filter: Remove the dustbin, open the filter cover, and gently tap the filter to remove loose debris. Rinse the filter under cold water and allow it to dry completely before replacing.
Cleaning the post-motor filter: Remove the dustbin and locate the red filter behind it. Gently tap it to remove loose debris. Wash the filter with cold water and mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to dry completely before replacing.
Cleaning the brush bar: Remove the brush bar cover and use scissors or a small tool to cut away any hair or debris tangled in the brush bar. Replace the brush bar cover.
Cleaning the turbine head: Use a small brush or a vacuum cleaner attachment to clean the turbine head and surrounding area. Ensure no debris is obstructing the turbine.
Checking and replacing the dustbin seal: Inspect the dustbin seal for any damage or wear and replace it if necessary.
Cleaning the wand: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the wand and ensure all attachments are secure and in good working order.
Storing the vacuum: Store the vacuum in a cool, dry place and make sure the cord is properly coiled.
Regular maintenance schedule: Empty the dustbin after each use, clean the pre-motor filter every 1-2 months, wash the post-motor filter every 6-12 months, clean the brush bar and turbine head as needed, inspect and replace the dustbin seal if needed, and clean the wand and all attachments regularly.
Troubleshooting
If your Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 isn't working, there are a few things you can check. First, make sure the power cord is plugged in and the switch is turned on. If the power cord is plugged in and the switch is on, but the machine still isn't working, check if the fuse in the plug is blown (if applicable) and if the power outlet is working by plugging in another device.
If the machine is working but doesn't have enough suction, check if the dustbin is full and empty it. You should also check if the filter is blocked and clean it. If the suction is still weak, check if the brush bar is blocked by hair or debris and clean it. You can also check if the hose is blocked and clear it.
If your Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 is making a strange noise, check if the brush bar is tangled with hair or debris and clear it. You can also check if the hose is blocked and clear it. Additionally, check if any loose objects have fallen into the machine and remove them. If the noise persists, you should contact Dyson customer service.
If the brush bar isn't rotating, make sure the brush bar is properly attached. If it is properly attached, you can check if the brush bar is blocked by hair or debris and clear it. Finally, check the brush bar belt for wear and tear and replace it if needed.
If your machine isn't picking up dirt, check if the dustbin is full and empty it. You should also check if the filter is blocked and clean it. If the issue continues, check if the brush bar is blocked by hair or debris and clean it. You can also check if the floorhead is positioned correctly.
If your machine is leaking water, check if the water tank is filled correctly and if it is properly installed. You can also check if the drain hose is blocked and clear it.
If your Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 isn't turning on, check if the power cord is plugged in and the switch is turned on. If the power cord is plugged in and the switch is on, but the machine still isn't working, check if the fuse in the plug is blown (if applicable) and if the power outlet is working by plugging in another device.
If your remote control isn't working, check if the batteries are inserted correctly and have enough charge. You should also check if the remote control is within range of the machine. Finally, check if the remote control sensor is blocked by dust or debris and clean it.
If your machine is overheating, check if the filter is blocked and clean it. You can also check if the air vents are blocked by dust or debris and clear them. Allow the machine to cool down before using it again.
Conclusion
The Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 is a powerful vacuum cleaner with a range of features designed to effectively tackle pet hair, dirt, and allergens. Its powerful suction, specialized tools, and HEPA filtration system make it a top choice for pet owners and allergy sufferers alike. While it comes with a hefty price tag and some minor drawbacks like its weight and noise level, the Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 delivers exceptional cleaning performance and a durable design that justifies its premium price point for those seeking a high-quality vacuum cleaner.
However, for those on a tighter budget or seeking a lighter option, competitors like the Shark Vertex UltraLight and Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo offer good performance at a more affordable price. Ultimately, the best vacuum cleaner for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities, but the Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 remains a strong contender in the market for powerful, pet-friendly cleaning solutions.
