Features
The Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal is a powerful cordless vacuum cleaner designed specifically for pet owners. It boasts strong suction power, making it highly effective in removing pet hair, dust, and debris from carpets, furniture, and upholstery. Its lightweight and cordless design allows for easy maneuverability, making it ideal for cleaning stairs and hard-to-reach areas.
The vacuum cleaner comes with a variety of cleaning heads, including a crevice tool, dusting brush, and mini-motorhead, which cater to different surfaces and messes. This versatility ensures a comprehensive cleaning experience. The hygienic bin emptying system enables easy and hygienic disposal of dust and debris without direct contact.
The Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal offers up to 60 minutes of run time on a single charge, sufficient for most cleaning tasks. It also includes animal-specific tools like a mini-motorhead designed for pet hair removal, a crevice tool for reaching into tight spaces, and a combination tool for general cleaning.
For convenient storage and charging, the vacuum cleaner comes with a wall mount and charging dock. This dedicated space keeps the vacuum cleaner organized and readily available for use.
Performance
The Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal excels in general dust and debris removal, boasting powerful suction that efficiently cleans carpets, hard floors, and furniture. It shines particularly in pet hair removal, with its specialized brush head and powerful suction effectively tackling pet hair on carpets, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas.
The V10 Animal offers very good allergen control with its HEPA filtration system, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. It demonstrates good performance on rugged surfaces, effectively cleaning rugs and carpets with its strong suction and brush head, although it may struggle with very thick or deep pile.
The V10 Animal excels on hard floors, with its soft roller head gliding smoothly over surfaces, picking up dust and debris without scratching. It provides good cleaning of corners and edges, thanks to its crevice tool and combination tool, though a dedicated corner tool might be preferable for deeper cleaning.
The V10 Animal shines in upholstery cleaning, effectively removing dirt, dust, and pet hair from furniture while its soft bristles prevent damage. It offers good car interior cleaning, with the included tools making it easy to clean various surfaces. However, its larger size may make some areas difficult to reach.
The V10 Animal provides a good runtime, offering up to 60 minutes on the lowest power setting, which is sufficient for most cleaning tasks. Its lightweight, ergonomic design and convenient trigger controls make it easy to maneuver and use. While the V10 Animal is louder than some other cordless vacuums, its noise level is still manageable. Emptying the dustbin is quick and mess-free thanks to the hygienic dirt ejector system.
What We Like
The Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal is praised for its powerful suction, effectively removing pet hair, dirt, and debris from various surfaces. Its cordless design and balanced weight distribution make it easy to maneuver and clean even hard-to-reach areas.
The V10 Animal includes multiple cleaning attachments, such as a mini motorized head, crevice tool, and combination tool, catering to various cleaning needs. Its impressive runtime of up to 60 minutes allows for longer cleaning sessions without interruption.
The dustbin is designed for hygienic emptying, minimizing contact with dust and allergens. The specialized tools and powerful suction effectively remove pet hair from furniture, carpets, and floors. The vacuum is straightforward to assemble and use, even for first-time cordless vacuum users.
Dyson products are known for their durability, and the V10 Animal is no exception, featuring robust construction. It comes with a docking station for charging and storage, keeping it organized and ready for use.
What We Don't Like
One common complaint about the Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal is its battery life. Users often find the advertised 60 minutes of runtime to be insufficient, especially for larger homes or multiple cleaning sessions. The actual runtime can be significantly reduced when using higher suction settings.
Another major concern is the price. The Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal is a premium-priced vacuum, making it a substantial investment. Some users feel the price doesn't justify the performance, particularly considering the limited battery life.
While the included attachments are generally well-received, some users find the crevice tool too narrow and struggle to reach tight spaces effectively.
The weight and ergonomics of the Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal can also be a drawback. Users often describe it as heavy and awkward to maneuver, especially during extended cleaning sessions. This can lead to hand fatigue or discomfort due to the weight and design.
Another negative aspect is the noise level. The cordless vacuum is significantly louder than many corded models, particularly at higher suction settings. The noise can be disruptive and unpleasant for some users, especially in quiet environments.
Although the washable filters are a convenient feature, some users find the cleaning process tedious and time-consuming.
Finally, the lack of a traditional power button is a point of contention for some users. The vacuum relies on a trigger mechanism, which can be inconvenient for users with hand or wrist issues, as continuous pressing is required to operate the device. Additionally, the absence of LED lights on the cleaning head can make it difficult to see dust and debris in darker areas.
Cleaning Tasks
The Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal is highly suitable for pet hair removal. Its specialized tools, such as the mini motorized head and the turbine head, are specifically designed to tackle embedded pet hair on carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. It's also highly suitable for general dusting and debris removal. Its powerful suction and range of attachments allow for quick and efficient cleaning of surfaces like shelves, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas.
The V10 Animal is suitable for carpet cleaning, effectively removing dirt and debris. However, for deep cleaning, a dedicated carpet cleaner might be more appropriate. It's also suitable for cleaning hard floors, removing dirt, dust, and pet hair effectively. The soft roller head prevents scratches on delicate surfaces.
The V10 Animal is suitable for upholstery cleaning. The crevice tool and upholstery brush attachment allow for effective cleaning of sofas, chairs, and other upholstered surfaces. It's also suitable for car interior cleaning. The various attachments, including the crevice tool and extension wand, make it easy to clean the interior of a car, including tight spaces.
The V10 Animal is suitable for high-ceiling cleaning. The long extension wand provides reach for cleaning high ceilings and hard-to-reach areas. It's also suitable for allergen removal. The HEPA filtration system effectively traps dust mites, pollen, and other allergens, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
While powerful, the V10 Animal might not be as suitable for heavy-duty cleaning tasks like removing stubborn stains or cleaning large areas, as it has a limited run time.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Dyson V10 Animal | Shark Vertex UltraLight | Bissell IconPet Cordless | Hoover Linx BH50010 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $599 | $349 | $299 | Hoover Linx |
| Weight (with battery) | 5.6 lbs | 5.9 lbs | 7.7 lbs | 4.9 lbs | Hoover Linx |
| Run time | 60 minutes | 60 minutes | 40 minutes | 40 minutes | Tie: Dyson V10 Animal and Shark Vertex UltraLight |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion | N/A |
| Dustbin capacity | 0.54 liters | 0.47 liters | 0.4 liters | 0.5 liters | Dyson V10 Animal |
| Suction Power | 150 AW | 150 AW | 120 AW | 100 AW | Dyson V10 Animal and Shark Vertex UltraLight |
| Attachments | Mini motorized head, crevice tool, combination tool, dusting brush | Pet Power Brush, crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool | Pet TurboBrush, crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool | Pet Power Brush, crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool | Dyson V10 Animal |
| Features | Hygienic dirt ejector, HEPA filtration, 3 power modes | Zero-M self-cleaning brushroll, anti-allergen complete seal technology, LED lights | Anti-allergen complete seal technology, tangle-free brushroll, LED lights | Anti-allergen complete seal technology, lightweight design, LED lights | Dyson V10 Animal |
| Pet-friendly features | Mini motorized head, powerful suction | Pet Power Brush, zero-M self-cleaning brushroll | Pet TurboBrush, tangle-free brushroll | Pet Power Brush | Shark Vertex UltraLight |
| Overall Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.0/5 | 3.8/5 | Dyson V10 Animal |
The Dyson V10 Animal, Shark Vertex UltraLight, Bissell IconPet Cordless, and Hoover Linx BH50010 are all popular cordless stick vacuums, each offering a range of features and benefits.
In terms of price, the Hoover Linx is the most affordable option, while the Shark Vertex UltraLight is the most expensive. The Dyson V10 Animal and Bissell IconPet Cordless fall somewhere in between.
When it comes to weight, the Hoover Linx is the lightest, followed by the Dyson V10 Animal and Shark Vertex UltraLight. The Bissell IconPet Cordless is the heaviest.
The Dyson V10 Animal and Shark Vertex UltraLight tie for the longest run time at 60 minutes, while the Bissell IconPet Cordless and Hoover Linx both offer 40 minutes of run time.
Regarding dustbin capacity, the Dyson V10 Animal boasts the largest dustbin at 0.54 liters, followed by the Hoover Linx at 0.5 liters. The Shark Vertex UltraLight has a 0.47-liter dustbin, and the Bissell IconPet Cordless has the smallest at 0.4 liters.
The Dyson V10 Animal and Shark Vertex UltraLight both offer the highest suction power at 150 AW, surpassing the Bissell IconPet Cordless at 120 AW and the Hoover Linx at 100 AW.
The Dyson V10 Animal stands out with its comprehensive set of attachments, including a mini motorized head, crevice tool, combination tool, and dusting brush. The other vacuums offer a similar selection of attachments, including a pet power brush, crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool.
The Dyson V10 Animal also features a hygienic dirt ejector, HEPA filtration, and three power modes. The Shark Vertex UltraLight boasts a Zero-M self-cleaning brushroll, anti-allergen complete seal technology, and LED lights. The Bissell IconPet Cordless includes anti-allergen complete seal technology, a tangle-free brushroll, and LED lights. The Hoover Linx features anti-allergen complete seal technology, a lightweight design, and LED lights.
In terms of pet-friendly features, the Shark Vertex UltraLight excels with its Pet Power Brush and Zero-M self-cleaning brushroll. The Bissell IconPet Cordless offers a Pet TurboBrush and a tangle-free brushroll, while the Hoover Linx includes a Pet Power Brush. The Dyson V10 Animal features a mini motorized head and powerful suction for tackling pet hair.
Maintenance
To keep your Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal performing at its best, follow these simple maintenance tips. After each use, empty the dustbin by pressing the release button and dispose of the contents over a trash bin. Clean the dustbin thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove any lingering dust.
For optimal performance, wash the pre-motor filter every 3-6 months or as needed with cold water. Allow it to air dry completely before reinserting it. Keep the brush bar free of hair and debris by using a small tool or brush to remove any entanglement. While the cyclone system is self-cleaning, you can use a small brush to remove any dust build-up around the cyclone.
Periodically check the hose and attachments for any blockages and remove any debris using a small tool. To ensure smooth operation, apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to the brush bar bearings every 3-6 months. Store the vacuum cleaner in a cool, dry place to protect it from damage.
Remember, never immerse the vacuum cleaner or its attachments in water to avoid water damage. Finally, use the appropriate tools for different surfaces to ensure optimal cleaning and prevent damage to your vacuum or the surfaces you are cleaning.
Troubleshooting
If your Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal is not turning on, first check the battery to ensure it's fully charged and properly connected. Make sure the power button is pressed and held down, and check the power adapter to ensure it's plugged into a working outlet and securely connected to the vacuum.
Weak suction can be caused by a dirty or clogged filter. Clean or replace the filter if necessary. Also, inspect the hose, wand, and nozzle for any obstructions like hair, dirt, or debris. Ensure the brush bar is spinning freely and may need cleaning or replacement if damaged or tangled.
If the brush bar isn't rotating, check if it's clogged or tangled. Make sure the brush bar power switch is turned on and inspect the brush bar motor, as it may need to be repaired by Dyson if faulty.
Loud noise could be due to blockages in the hose, wand, or nozzle. Ensure the brush bar is spinning freely and not hitting any obstacles. A dirty or clogged filter can also cause excessive noise, so clean or replace it.
If the battery isn't charging, verify the power adapter is plugged into a working outlet and securely connected to the vacuum. Inspect the charging port for dirt or debris and clean if necessary. A faulty battery may require replacement by Dyson.
Vacuum leaks can occur due to damaged or worn seals around the dustbin, filters, and hose connections. Inspect these areas carefully and ensure the dustbin lid is properly closed.
If the light isn't working, make sure the battery is sufficiently charged and replace the light bulb if it's burned out.
Conclusion
The Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal is a powerful and versatile cordless vacuum cleaner that excels at pet hair removal and general cleaning tasks. Its strong suction, specialized attachments, and hygienic dustbin emptying system make it a popular choice for pet owners. However, its high price, limited battery life, and heavy weight can be drawbacks for some users. Ultimately, whether the Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal is the right choice for you depends on your individual needs, budget, and preferences.
If you are a pet owner looking for a powerful and convenient cordless vacuum cleaner, the Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal is worth considering. However, if you are on a tight budget, have a large home, or are concerned about battery life, other models might be more suitable. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of the Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal before making a purchase.
