Features
The Dyson DC44 Animal boasts several features that make it a popular choice for pet owners. Its Ball Technology enables effortless maneuverability, allowing for easy navigation around furniture and tight spaces. The Animal Turbine Tool, specifically designed for pet hair removal, features a powerful brush head that effectively lifts embedded pet hair from carpets and upholstery. This tool helps address a common concern for pet owners - keeping their homes free of pet hair and dander.
The DC44 Animal also includes a Hygienic Dirt Ejector, simplifying dustbin emptying with just one press. This eliminates the need to touch dirt and allergens, promoting a more hygienic cleaning experience. Powerful Cyclone Technology generates strong centrifugal force, separating dirt and dust from the air, ensuring consistent cleaning power across all surfaces.
Adding to its appeal, the Dyson DC44 Animal is lightweight, weighing under 5kg, making it easy to carry and use for extended periods. This reduces fatigue during cleaning sessions, allowing users to tackle larger areas without strain. The vacuum cleaner comes equipped with multiple cleaning tools, including a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool, providing versatile cleaning solutions for different needs.
A HEPA Filtration System further enhances the DC44 Animal's appeal by capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, ensuring clean air is released back into the room. This feature makes it ideal for allergy sufferers and those with sensitive respiratory systems.
Performance
The Dyson DC44 Animal excels at pet hair removal. Its specialized turbine tool effectively lifts embedded hair from upholstery and carpets, leaving surfaces clean. The vacuum also performs well on carpets, with its powerful suction removing dirt, dust, and debris. While the DC44 can be used to clean hard floors, a dedicated hard floor tool might be more effective.
For dusting, the DC44 comes equipped with a crevice tool and a dusting brush, allowing for cleaning in hard-to-reach places and on delicate surfaces. Its HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it suitable for allergy sufferers.
The DC44 Animal is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it simple to navigate around furniture and obstacles. Its assembly and operation are straightforward, thanks to intuitive controls. While not the quietest cordless vacuum, the DC44 is still relatively quiet compared to other models. Its run time of approximately 20 minutes may not be sufficient for cleaning large areas.
What We Like
The Dyson DC44 Animal boasts impressive suction power, thanks to Dyson's patented cyclone technology. Users consistently praise its ability to pick up even deeply embedded pet hair. The lightweight design and ball joint steering make it incredibly maneuverable, easily navigating around furniture and under low-clearance areas.
The DC44 Animal is specifically designed for pet owners, with specialized tools like a turbine head and a crevice tool that effectively tackle pet hair on carpets, furniture, and upholstery. Emptying the dustbin is a hygienic process with a "click and empty" mechanism, allowing for easy disposal without touching dirt.
The vacuum comes equipped with various attachments, including a dusting brush, combination nozzle, and upholstery tool, offering versatility for diverse cleaning tasks. Its long cord length, compared to other cordless models, eliminates the need to frequently change outlets when cleaning larger spaces.
What We Don't Like
The Dyson DC44 Animal, while a powerful cordless vacuum, has its share of drawbacks. A common complaint is its hefty price tag, making it less appealing compared to other cordless models on the market.
Another significant concern is the relatively short battery life, especially on higher power settings. This can be frustrating for larger homes or those with heavy pet hair, requiring frequent recharging.
The dustbin capacity is also a point of contention, as it's quite small, necessitating frequent emptying, particularly for pet owners who deal with a lot of fur.
While not the heaviest cordless vacuum, its weight can still be a challenge for some users, especially during extended cleaning sessions.
The DC44 Animal is also known for its noisy operation, particularly on higher power settings, making it a potential issue for noise-sensitive individuals or those with easily startled pets.
Some customers express dissatisfaction with the included attachments, finding them lacking in versatility compared to their preferences. Additionally, the DC44 Animal offers fewer cleaning modes than some newer models, limiting its adaptability.
Finally, the lack of certain features found in newer models, such as automatic power adjustment and self-emptying functions, can be seen as a disadvantage.
Cleaning Tasks
The Dyson DC44 Animal is highly suitable for pet hair removal. Its specialized "Tangle-free Turbine Tool" effectively removes pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. It's also suitable for general dusting, using the combination tool to effectively remove dust from furniture, shelves, and other surfaces.
The DC44 Animal can handle carpet cleaning with its powerful suction and rotating brush bar, effectively removing dirt and debris. However, it might not be the best option for heavily soiled carpets. Similarly, the DC44 Animal is suitable for hard floor cleaning, but specialized hard floor vacuum cleaners might offer more powerful cleaning.
The lightweight design and various attachments, like the upholstery tool, make the DC44 Animal suitable for cleaning stairs and upholstery. The extension wand allows for easy cleaning of high ceilings and cobwebs. Its lightweight design and versatile attachments, like the crevice tool, make the DC44 Animal a great option for cleaning car interiors.
The DC44 Animal is a dry vacuum cleaner and not designed for cleaning spills.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Dyson DC44 Animal | Shark Ninja UltraLight | Bissell IconPet | Eureka RapidClean | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (approx.) | $399 | $299 | $249 | $199 | Eureka |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs | 6.1 lbs | 8.2 lbs | 6.5 lbs | Dyson |
| Runtime | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 40 minutes | 45 minutes | Eureka |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion | Nickel-Cadmium | Dyson/Shark/Bissell |
| Power (Watts) | 250 | 120 | 150 | 100 | Dyson |
| Suction Power | Strong | Good | Moderate | Good | Dyson |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.4L | 0.6L | 0.5L | 0.4L | Shark |
| Attachments | Crevice tool, upholstery tool, combination tool | Crevice tool, upholstery tool, dusting brush | Crevice tool, upholstery tool, dusting brush | Crevice tool, dusting brush | Shark/Bissell |
| Pet Hair Removal | Excellent | Good | Fair | Good | Dyson |
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Good | Average | Average | Dyson |
| Overall | High-powered, lightweight, but short runtime | Versatile, good runtime, but less powerful | Affordable, good runtime, but heavy | Budget-friendly, long runtime, but less powerful | Dyson (for power & features), Eureka (for price & runtime) |
The Dyson DC44 Animal, priced around $399, is a lightweight vacuum at 5.3 lbs with a powerful 250-watt motor. However, it boasts a shorter runtime of 20 minutes compared to its competitors.
The Shark Ninja UltraLight, priced at $299, is slightly heavier at 6.1 lbs but offers a longer runtime of 30 minutes. It has a good suction power, although it's not as strong as the Dyson.
The Bissell IconPet, priced at $249, is the heaviest at 8.2 lbs and has a moderate suction power, despite its 40-minute runtime.
The Eureka RapidClean, priced at $199, is the most budget-friendly option, weighing 6.5 lbs with a 45-minute runtime. While it has a good suction power, it's not as powerful as the Dyson.
All four vacuums feature lithium-ion batteries, except for the Eureka, which uses a nickel-cadmium battery.
When it comes to dustbin capacity, the Shark wins with 0.6L, while the Dyson and Eureka have 0.4L and the Bissell has 0.5L.
Both the Shark and Bissell offer more attachments than the Dyson and Eureka, including a crevice tool, upholstery tool, and dusting brush.
For pet hair removal, the Dyson excels due to its strong suction, while the Shark and Eureka are good, and the Bissell falls short.
In terms of ease of use, the Dyson is considered the most user-friendly, followed by the Shark. The Bissell and Eureka are considered average in ease of use.
Maintenance
To maintain your Dyson DC44 Animal, follow these simple steps.
Emptying the Dustbin: Press the release button on the dustbin to detach it. Empty the contents over a bin or trash can. Replace the dustbin and ensure it clicks into place.
Cleaning the Dustbin: Remove the dustbin and rinse it with water. Allow it to air dry completely. Avoid using detergents or harsh chemicals.
Cleaning the Pre-Motor Filter: Remove the dustbin and pre-motor filter. Gently tap the filter against a bin to remove loose debris. Wash the filter under cold running water until the water runs clear. Allow the filter to air dry completely before re-installing.
Cleaning the Post-Motor Filter: Remove the pre-motor filter. The post-motor filter is located inside the main body of the vacuum. Remove the filter and tap it gently to remove loose debris. Do not wash the post-motor filter. Allow it to air dry for 24 hours before re-installing.
Cleaning the Brush Bar: Use a small brush or screwdriver to remove any hair or debris that has become tangled in the brush bar. Ensure the brush bar spins freely.
Cleaning the Nozzles & Attachments: Remove any hair or debris from the nozzles and attachments using a small brush or screwdriver. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the nozzles and attachments.
Replacing the Filters: Dyson recommends replacing the pre-motor filter every 12 months and the post-motor filter every 18 months. Replacement filters can be purchased from the Dyson website or authorized retailers.
Storing the Vacuum: Empty the dustbin and clean the filters before storing. Store the vacuum in a cool, dry place.
Troubleshooting: If your vacuum is not working properly, consult the user manual for troubleshooting tips. You can also contact Dyson customer service for assistance.
Troubleshooting
If your Dyson DC44 Animal is not turning on, check the power switch to ensure it's in the ON position. Also, check the battery and make sure it's fully charged. The charger should be properly connected to the machine and the power outlet. Finally, inspect for any obstructions blocking the charging port or interfering with the connection.
If your Dyson DC44 Animal has no suction, start by emptying the dustbin, as a full dustbin reduces suction. Clean or replace the filters, as dirty filters restrict airflow. Remove any hair or debris clogging the brush bar. Check for blockages in the hose, especially at the telescopic tube. Ensure the nozzle is securely attached and free from any blockages.
If your Dyson DC44 Animal has weak suction, first check the filters, as dirty filters restrict airflow. Clean or remove any hair or debris clogging the brush bar. Check for blockages in the hose, especially at the telescopic tube. Make sure the nozzle is securely attached and free from any blockages. Lastly, charge the battery fully, as a low battery level can affect suction.
If your Dyson DC44 Animal's brush bar is not spinning, make sure it's not jammed or obstructed by debris. Check the brush bar release and ensure it's in the correct position and the brush bar is properly engaged. Also, charge the battery fully, as a low battery level can affect the brush bar function.
If your Dyson DC44 Animal is making a loud noise, check the brush bar for wear or damage, as a worn or damaged brush bar can cause a loud noise. Replace it if necessary. Make sure the hose, nozzle, or brush bar are not blocked by debris. Ensure all components are properly secured and not rattling.
If your Dyson DC44 Animal's battery is not charging, ensure the charger is properly connected to the machine and the power outlet. Check if the charger is faulty and try using a different charger if available. Make sure the charging port is clean and free from any debris. If the battery is faulty, it might not be able to charge. Contact Dyson support for battery replacement.
If your Dyson DC44 Animal is overheating, start by cleaning or replacing the filters, as dirty filters restrict airflow, causing the machine to overheat. Check for any debris clogging the brush bar. Make sure the hose, nozzle, or brush bar are not blocked by debris. Charge the battery fully, as a low battery level can affect performance and cause overheating. Finally, turn off the machine and allow it to cool down before using it again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Dyson DC44 Animal is a powerful and versatile cordless vacuum cleaner specifically designed for pet owners. It excels at pet hair removal thanks to its specialized Turbine Tool and strong suction power. While it is lightweight and easy to maneuver, its short battery life and relatively high price tag are drawbacks. The DC44 Animal is suitable for general cleaning tasks, but dedicated hard floor cleaners and those seeking a longer runtime might consider other options. Ultimately, the decision comes down to individual needs and priorities, with the Dyson DC44 Animal offering a powerful solution for those seeking a lightweight, efficient, and pet-friendly cleaning experience.
