Features
The Dyson V6 Animal boasts powerful suction, making it ideal for removing deeply embedded pet hair and dirt from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. Its lightweight and cordless design allows for easy maneuverability around furniture and stairs, perfect for quick clean-ups.
The V6 Animal comes equipped with specialized tools for pet hair, including a mini-motorhead tool, crevice tool, and upholstery brush, designed to tackle pet hair in specific areas. Hygienic bin emptying is effortless thanks to the simple push-button mechanism, eliminating the need to touch dirt or debris.
Multiple power modes allow you to select the right power setting for various cleaning tasks, maximizing battery life and cleaning efficiency. The 2 Tier Radial™ cyclone technology generates powerful suction and reduces loss of suction over time.
With up to 20 minutes of run time, the V6 Animal provides ample time for cleaning small to medium-sized areas. The included wall-mounted charging station offers a convenient way to store the vacuum and recharge the battery.
Performance
The Dyson V6 Animal excels at pet hair removal. Its powerful suction and specialized tools effectively tackle embedded pet hair on carpets, furniture, and upholstery. For carpet cleaning, it performs well with light to medium dirt and debris but may struggle with deeply embedded dirt or heavy pet hair. On hard floors, the Dyson V6 Animal effectively picks up dust, crumbs, and light debris.
Upholstery cleaning is another strength, with the crevice tool and mini-motorhead effectively removing dirt, dust mites, and pet hair from furniture. Overall dust removal is good, as it effectively removes dust from surfaces and crevices.
The runtime is average, providing around 20 minutes of cleaning on a single charge. This may not be sufficient for larger cleaning tasks. The Dyson V6 Animal is lightweight and easy to maneuver, even around furniture. It's simple to assemble and use. However, the dustbin capacity is small, meaning frequent emptying is needed for larger cleaning jobs. The noise level is moderate, not as quiet as some newer models, but still relatively quiet.
What We Like
The Dyson V6 Animal receives praise for its powerful suction, effectively removing pet hair, dust, and debris from various surfaces. Its lightweight and maneuverable design makes it easy to handle and use, particularly for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
The versatility of the V6 Animal is further enhanced by its range of tools, including a crevice tool, upholstery brush, and mini-motorhead, catering to different cleaning tasks. Its long battery life, typically around 20 minutes, provides sufficient runtime for most cleaning needs.
The V6 Animal's hygienic dustbin emptying mechanism allows for quick and easy disposal of dirt without messy spills. Its simple assembly and intuitive controls make it user-friendly for all.
The Dyson V6 Animal offers a good balance of features and performance at a competitive price point, making it a valuable investment for pet owners seeking a powerful and versatile cordless vacuum.
What We Don't Like
One common complaint among Dyson V6 Animal users is its short battery life. Compared to newer models, the battery struggles to last through a full cleaning session, especially when using higher power settings. This necessitates frequent recharging, which can be frustrating for some.
While powerful for a cordless vacuum, the V6 Animal's suction power might not be sufficient for all users. Some find it struggles to pick up heavier debris, such as pet hair deeply embedded in carpets or thick rugs.
Another point of contention is the dustbin size. Users find it small and requires frequent emptying, particularly in larger homes or when cleaning significant amounts of pet hair.
The price of the V6 Animal is a significant factor for some. Being a premium product, it comes with a hefty price tag, which can be a deterrent when compared to other cordless vacuums with similar features.
The limited set of attachments included with the V6 Animal is another area of concern. Users often find themselves needing to purchase additional accessories for specific cleaning tasks, further increasing the overall cost.
The noise level of the V6 Animal can also be an issue. It tends to be quite loud, especially on higher power settings, which may be problematic for users who prefer a quieter vacuuming experience.
Finally, the maintenance of the V6 Animal requires regular filter cleaning to maintain optimal performance. Some users find this inconvenience a bit bothersome.
Cleaning Tasks
The Dyson V6 Animal excels at pet hair removal. Its dedicated animal hair tools, like a mini-motorised head and crevice tool, efficiently remove embedded pet hair from carpets, furniture, and upholstery.
The V6 Animal is also suitable for carpet cleaning. Powerful suction and a motorised head with soft nylon bristles effectively remove dirt, dust, and pet hair from carpets.
It's equally adept at hard floor cleaning, thanks to a combination tool for cleaning hard floors and crevices, picking up dust, crumbs, and dirt.
The V6 Animal's crevice tool and mini-motorised head can reach deep into upholstery, effectively removing pet hair, crumbs, and dust mites.
Its lightweight design and various attachments make it ideal for cleaning car interiors, including seats, carpets, and crevices.
The extension wand and crevice tool effectively remove cobwebs from high areas and hard-to-reach corners.
The soft dusting brush attachment gently removes dust and dirt from delicate surfaces like shelves and furniture.
The V6 Animal's lightweight design and extension wand make it easy to maneuver and reach difficult areas like stairs and under furniture.
The soft dusting brush attachment can be used to gently remove dust and dirt from blinds and curtains.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Dyson V6 Animal | Shark IZ163H | Bissell ICONpet 3650 | Hoover ONEPWR Blade+ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $249.99 | $199.99 | $149.99 | Hoover ONEPWR Blade+ |
| Run Time | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 45 minutes | Bissell ICONpet 3650 & Hoover ONEPWR Blade+ |
| Weight (with battery) | 4.6 lbs | 5.6 lbs | 7.2 lbs | 6.7 lbs | Dyson V6 Animal |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.14 gallons | 0.18 gallons | 0.17 gallons | 0.18 gallons | Shark IZ163H |
| Suction Power | 100 AW | 120 AW | 150 AW | 120 AW | Bissell ICONpet 3650 |
| Attachments | 2 | 4 | 5 | 3 | Bissell ICONpet 3650 |
| Pet Hair Removal | Excellent | Good | Very Good | Good | Dyson V6 Animal |
| Overall Rating | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | Bissell ICONpet 3650 |
The Dyson V6 Animal boasts a price of $299.99, while the Shark IZ163H comes in at $249.99. The Bissell ICONpet 3650 is priced at $199.99, and the Hoover ONEPWR Blade+ is the most affordable option at $149.99.
In terms of runtime, both the Bissell ICONpet 3650 and Hoover ONEPWR Blade+ lead with 45 minutes of battery life. The Shark IZ163H offers 30 minutes, while the Dyson V6 Animal falls behind with 20 minutes.
The Dyson V6 Animal is the lightest option at 4.6 lbs, followed by the Shark IZ163H at 5.6 lbs. The Hoover ONEPWR Blade+ weighs 6.7 lbs, and the Bissell ICONpet 3650 is the heaviest at 7.2 lbs.
The Shark IZ163H has the largest dustbin capacity at 0.18 gallons, followed by the Bissell ICONpet 3650 and Hoover ONEPWR Blade+ with 0.17 and 0.18 gallons respectively. The Dyson V6 Animal has the smallest dustbin at 0.14 gallons.
The Bissell ICONpet 3650 boasts the highest suction power at 150 AW, followed by the Shark IZ163H and Hoover ONEPWR Blade+ with 120 AW. The Dyson V6 Animal has the lowest suction power at 100 AW.
The Bissell ICONpet 3650 comes with the most attachments at 5, followed by the Shark IZ163H with 4, and the Hoover ONEPWR Blade+ with 3. The Dyson V6 Animal has the fewest attachments at 2.
When it comes to pet hair removal, the Dyson V6 Animal excels, delivering excellent performance. The Bissell ICONpet 3650 is rated as very good, while the Shark IZ163H and Hoover ONEPWR Blade+ are both considered good for pet hair removal.
Maintenance
To keep your Dyson V6 Animal running smoothly, follow these maintenance tips. After each use, empty the dustbin by pressing the release button. Every 1-2 months, rinse the dustbin and filter with cold water and allow them to air dry completely before reattaching.
For optimal performance, clean the filters regularly. Wash the pre-motor filter with cold water and let it air dry completely before reattaching. This filter should be cleaned every 3 months. The post-motor filter should be replaced every 12 months.
To avoid clogging, clean the brush bar after each use. Use a small tool to remove any hair or debris that has become tangled. Remove the brush bar and gently clean it with a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining hair or debris.
Clean the charging contacts on the vacuum and the charger with a soft, dry cloth. Dirty contacts can hinder charging.
Store the vacuum in a dry, cool place. Ensure the vacuum is stored upright with the charging base plugged in to maintain a fully charged battery.
The battery has a limited lifespan and may eventually require replacement. Contact Dyson customer service to order a new battery.
Troubleshooting
If your Dyson V6 Animal is not powering on, first check the battery to ensure it is fully charged. If not, charge the battery properly. Next, ensure the charger is correctly plugged into the wall outlet and the vacuum. Finally, make sure the power button is pressed and held down to turn the vacuum on. If the cord is damaged or frayed, replace it immediately.
Experiencing weak suction? Begin by cleaning or replacing the filters as per the manufacturer's instructions. Dirty filters can significantly reduce suction. Next, inspect the hose, brush head, and dustbin for any blockages and remove them. Lastly, check the brush head to ensure it is spinning properly. If not, it might need cleaning or repair.
If the brush head is not spinning, start by ensuring it is securely attached to the vacuum. Next, check for any blockages in the brush head and remove them. If the issue persists, the brush head motor might be faulty and require replacement. In this case, contact Dyson for support.
Having trouble emptying the dustbin? Ensure the release button is properly pressed to open it. Also, check the dustbin seal for cleanliness and good condition. Finally, inspect the dustbin and the path leading to it for any blockages and remove them.
If the battery is not charging, first check if the charger is working correctly by testing it with another device. Next, inspect the charging port on the vacuum for any dirt or debris and clean it if necessary. If the issue persists, the battery might be faulty and require replacement. Contact Dyson for support.
If your vacuum is overheating, allow it to cool down for a few minutes before using it again. Next, inspect the hose, brush head, and dustbin for any blockages and remove them. Lastly, clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If you encounter unusual noise during operation, start by inspecting the hose, brush head, and dustbin for any blockages and remove them. Next, ensure the brush head is spinning properly, if not, it may need cleaning or repair. Finally, if the motor is making unusual noises, it might be faulty and require repair. Contact Dyson for support.
For other issues, refer to the user manual for detailed information on troubleshooting various issues. If you are unable to resolve the issue, contact Dyson customer support for further assistance.
Conclusion
The Dyson V6 Animal is a powerful and versatile cordless vacuum that excels at pet hair removal. Its lightweight and maneuverable design, combined with specialized tools, makes it a popular choice for pet owners seeking a convenient cleaning solution. While it offers strong suction and efficient dust removal, it also faces some limitations.
The V6 Animal's short battery life and small dustbin capacity can be frustrating for larger homes or frequent cleaning needs. Its price point, while competitive with other premium cordless vacuums, can be a barrier for budget-conscious consumers.
Ultimately, the Dyson V6 Animal is a solid choice for pet owners looking for a cordless vacuum with excellent pet hair removal capabilities. However, its limitations in runtime, dustbin size, and price point should be carefully considered before making a purchase.
By carefully weighing its strengths and weaknesses, potential buyers can determine if the Dyson V6 Animal is the right fit for their specific cleaning needs and budget.
