Features
The Dyson DC14 Animal is a popular choice for pet owners, thanks to its specialized features designed for tackling pet hair. The ball technology allows for easy maneuvering and steering, making it effortless to navigate tight spaces and corners. The Animal Tool Kit includes specialized tools like the turbine head, crevice tool, and combination tool, which effectively remove pet hair from various surfaces.
The DC14 Animal boasts powerful suction, effectively removing dirt, dust, and pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. Its HEPA filtration system captures up to 99.97% of allergens and dust mites, improving air quality in the home. The lightweight and compact design makes it easy to store and transport, making it convenient for cleaning various areas of the home. Finally, the adjustable suction control allows users to tailor the suction power to different surfaces and cleaning tasks.
Performance
The Dyson DC14 Animal excels at removing pet hair. Its powerful suction and specialized tools, like the turbine head, effectively tackle hair on carpets and upholstery.
The vacuum cleaner also performs well on carpets, lifting dirt and debris. However, it may struggle with deeply embedded dirt.
For hard floors, the DC14 performs well but may leave streaks if not used properly. Its included tools, such as the dusting brush and crevice tool, are helpful for cleaning edges and hard-to-reach areas.
The DC14 Animal's specialized upholstery tool is effective at removing pet hair and embedded dirt from furniture.
The vacuum cleaner is relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. Its bagless technology makes it easy to empty the dustbin and eliminates the need for expensive replacement bags.
The DC14 Animal's noise level is moderate, not overly loud. Its 20-foot cord is adequate for most rooms but may require frequent plugging and unplugging for larger areas.
What We Like
Customers praise the Dyson DC14 Animal for its impressive suction power. This powerful vacuum effectively removes dirt, pet hair, and debris from various surfaces, leaving floors and furniture spotless. Its lightweight and maneuverable design makes it easy to handle and navigate around furniture and tight spaces, enhancing the cleaning experience.
The DC14 Animal is particularly effective at tackling pet hair thanks to its powerful suction and specialized tools, such as the turbine head. This vacuum effortlessly removes pet hair from carpets and upholstery, making it a favorite among pet owners. The vacuum comes equipped with multiple cleaning tools, including a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool, catering to diverse cleaning needs and making it a versatile cleaning solution.
Dyson products are renowned for their durability and long-lasting performance, and the DC14 Animal lives up to this reputation. Its robust construction and reliable operation ensure a long lifespan, making it a worthwhile investment for any household.
What We Don't Like
The Dyson DC14 Animal, while praised for its cleaning power, has some drawbacks according to customer reviews. One common complaint is its weight and maneuverability. The vacuum, particularly when using the extension wand, is considered heavy, making it challenging to clean stairs or reach high areas.
Another frequent criticism is its noise level. While this is a common concern with Dyson models, the DC14 Animal is known to be particularly loud.
Filter maintenance is another area where users have expressed dissatisfaction. The filters on the DC14 Animal require regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance, which some find to be a chore.
Furthermore, some customers find the included attachments to be lacking or not as effective as they would like.
The DC14 Animal also comes with a premium price tag, which some users find to be a barrier to purchase despite its features and performance.
Finally, the DC14 Animal is an older model, which can make it difficult to find in stores or online, frustrating users looking for a specific model. Additionally, the warranty on the DC14 Animal may not cover all parts or issues, which is a concern for some customers.
Cleaning Tasks
The Dyson DC14 Animal excels at removing pet hair from carpets and upholstery due to its dedicated "Tangle-free Turbine Tool." This tool, combined with the vacuum's powerful suction, effectively removes even the most stubborn fur.
For general carpet cleaning, the DC14 Animal is suitable, offering strong suction and a range of brush heads to remove dirt and debris. While newer Dyson models may offer more advanced features for deep carpet cleaning, the DC14 Animal still holds its own in this area.
The DC14 Animal also performs well on upholstery, thanks to the included upholstery tool. This tool allows for thorough cleaning of sofas, chairs, and other fabric surfaces, removing dust, crumbs, and pet hair.
Hardwood floor cleaning is another task the DC14 Animal handles well. The combination of powerful suction and a crevice tool makes it effective for picking up dust, crumbs, and other debris. However, a dedicated hardwood floor brush might be more efficient for this purpose.
Dusting with the DC14 Animal is also a breeze. Its lightweight design and variety of attachments, including the crevice tool and combination tool, make it suitable for dusting shelves, furniture, and other hard-to-reach areas.
The DC14 Animal's crevice tool and extension wand make it ideal for removing cobwebs, especially from high ceilings.
Cleaning stairs is made easier with the DC14 Animal's lightweight design and combination tool.
Finally, the DC14 Animal's combination of a crevice tool and extension wand makes it effective for cleaning car interiors, including tight spaces.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Dyson DC14 Animal | Dyson Ball Animal 2 | Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe | Hoover WindTunnel T-Series | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$300 (used) | ~$400 | ~$250 | ~$150 | Hoover WindTunnel T-Series |
| Type | Upright | Ball-type Upright | Upright with detachable canister | Upright | |
| Suction Power | 220AW | 150AW | 120AW | 110AW | Dyson DC14 Animal |
| Weight | 17 lbs | 16.5 lbs | 15.5 lbs | 14 lbs | Hoover WindTunnel T-Series |
| Cord Length | 30 ft | 35 ft | 30 ft | 30 ft | Dyson Ball Animal 2 |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.75 gallons | 0.75 gallons | 0.75 gallons | 1.0 gallons | Hoover WindTunnel T-Series |
| Hepa Filtration | No | Yes | No | No | Dyson Ball Animal 2 |
| Special Features | Tangle-free turbine tool, combination tool | Anti-tangle brush bar, reach-under tools, Ball technology | Lift-away canister for versatility, anti-allergen seal, pet power brush | WindTunnel technology, EdgeSweep™ brush roll, multi-surface cleaning | Dyson DC14 Animal |
| Pros | Strong suction, durable build, effective for pet hair | Strong suction, maneuverable, HEPA filtration | Versatile design, decent suction | Lightweight, large dustbin, affordable | |
| Cons | No HEPA filtration, heavy | Noisy, expensive | Can be difficult to maneuver | No HEPA filtration |
The Dyson DC14 Animal is a powerful upright vacuum cleaner that excels in suction, boasting 220AW of power, making it the most powerful on this list. Despite its impressive suction, it lacks HEPA filtration and weighs in at a hefty 17 lbs.
The Dyson Ball Animal 2, another strong contender, boasts 150AW of suction and a lighter weight of 16.5 lbs. Its notable features include HEPA filtration and the maneuverable Ball technology, but it comes with a higher price tag and can be quite noisy.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe offers versatility with its detachable canister, allowing for both upright and handheld cleaning. However, it falls behind in suction power with 120AW and lacks HEPA filtration.
The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series, the most affordable option, prioritizes ease of use with its lightweight design at 14 lbs and a spacious 1.0-gallon dustbin. Its suction power clocks in at 110AW and lacks HEPA filtration.
Maintenance
To empty the dustbin, press the red button and pull.
To clean the pre-motor filter, remove the dustbin.
To clean the post-motor filter, remove the dustbin.
To clean the brush bar, turn off the vacuum and disconnect it from the power source.
To clean the hose and attachments, remove them from the vacuum.
To lubricate the wheels, apply a few drops of light oil to them.
Troubleshooting
No Power To troubleshoot no power, check the power cord connection to the vacuum and the power outlet. Make sure the power switch is turned on and check the fuse in the power cord, if applicable.
Weak Suction Weak suction can be due to a blocked dust bin. Empty the bin and clean the filter. Check the hose and attachments for blockages and remove any debris. Inspect the brush bar for hair or debris entanglement and clean it. Finally, check the filter and clean or replace it according to the user manual.
Vacuum Won't Turn On If your vacuum won't turn on, check the power cord connection to the vacuum and the power outlet. Ensure the power switch is turned on and check the fuse in the power cord, if applicable.
Loud Noise Loud noises can be caused by a brush bar entangled with hair or debris. Clean the brush bar. Inspect the hose and attachments for blockages and remove any debris. Lastly, check the motor for unusual noises.
Vacuum Doesn't Move If the vacuum doesn't move, check the wheels for obstructions. Clean or remove any debris and ensure the vacuum isn't tilted at an angle.
Brush Bar Doesn't Rotate If the brush bar isn't rotating, check the brush bar belt for damage or wear and replace it if necessary. Inspect the brush bar for hair or debris entanglement and clean it. Check the power switch for the brush bar.
Light Doesn't Work If the light doesn't work, check the light bulb and replace it if necessary. Check the bulb holder for damage or corrosion and clean it if necessary.
Vacuum Overheats To troubleshoot an overheating vacuum, check the filters and clean or replace them according to the user manual. Allow the vacuum to cool down before restarting.
Vacuum Leaks Leaks can be caused by seals around the dust bin and hose attachments. Replace them if necessary. Inspect the hose and attachments for cracks or tears and replace if necessary.
Conclusion
The Dyson DC14 Animal is a powerful vacuum cleaner that excels at removing pet hair and offers strong suction for general cleaning. Its specialized tools and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver, although some users find it heavy. While its performance is impressive, it lacks HEPA filtration, has a moderate noise level, and requires regular filter maintenance. The DC14 Animal is a good option for pet owners who prioritize powerful suction and ease of use, but newer models with more advanced features might be a better choice for those seeking the latest technology or HEPA filtration. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual needs and budget, but the DC14 Animal remains a reliable and capable cleaning tool.
