hwz1's Full Review: Dyson DC15 Bagless Upright Cyclonic Vacuum
Lets face it, a vacuum cleaner is not usually something to get too excited about. They do the mundane job of cleaning up after us every week or two and that is about it. Not too exciting. However, I recently purchased the Dyson DC15 and I can say that I am almost excited by it.
I have had two vacuums in the past five years. The first one was an older one that basically fried itself. Not a good thing. The second one would have eventually sucked my rugs and carpets bare. Regardless of the setting, you would have to empty it four times in a cleaning and all you would find would be carpet or rug remnants. The DC15 has neither problem.
The DC15 is a bagless cleaner that does have a lot of sucking power, but not in the same manner that my previous had sucking power. This one will get everything up, but not shave your rugs and carpets. The suction really is pretty amazing. You will not find anything (Dirt, bugs, leaves, etc.) that escapes with just a single pass. Again, a huge positive when compared to older models where you may have to make two or three passes in order to get everything off the floor. More on this momentarily.
The DC15 is different right from the start. In terms of looks, I would compare it to a Nissan Murano versus the older model SUV's. What I mean is that older models are boring looking and the DC15 is a sleek, high tech looking vacuum. It has sex appeal.
But even more important than sex appeal is the fact that it is functional. Everything is well thought out. The cord is easily hung on the back of the vacuum and does not take more than a few seconds to hang. Other vacuums you have to fight in a tight space in order to get the cord where it needs to be. Not the case here. The Vacuum has the usual tools, but also has an added bonus; a 17 foot arm that can reach areas where you cannot usually reach. The arm is even sensibly hidden in the machine itself. Again, functional.
However, the most functional aspect of the DC15 is the ball. Yep, rather than having four wheels like every other vacuum on the market, the DC15 has a large ball in the middle of it. What this means is that you are suddenly able to go places you could never go before. You have a heck of a lot more flexibility with this set up. I am able to get under tables and the edges of beds without moving them every single time. The ball does not have any negative effect of the ability to push the DC15. A big plus as I am always amazed at the weight of something so simple as a vacuum. In fact, I would guess that the DC15 weighs a little less than most vacuums on the market.
A final couple of areas of function is the HEPA filter. While it can be debated as to the effectiveness of these filters, I would rather have one than not. My wife and I both suffer from allergies and need every bit if help we can get. In conjunction with the filter is the bagless feature. The "cup" is very easy to empty and holds a decent amount of "stuff". You simply twist it to the side and then empty it into the garbage can. It could not be any easier.
A note on the performance: First of all, the DC15 does a good job on rugs, carpets, and a decent job on hardwood floors. I have yet to experience the massive amounts of carpet fibers being sucked up as with the older machine.
What about the negatives? Well, right off the bat, the cost is quite high for a vacumm. You will spend in the ballpark of $600 for the DC15. Too much for a vacuum? I agree. However, I also know that we needed to seriously upgrade our vacuum and I also figure we will own this for a good decade or longer. In that regard, I find the cost to be much more reasonable. Still, it is a nice chunk of change to drop for a vacuum. Another negative that I am aware of the ability to clean wet carpets. I have yet to experience this, but was told of it by a neighbor. I am not overly concerned with this as I cannot remember when I have ever needed to vacuum a wet or damp carpet. Finally, the DC15 seems a little louder than my old vacuum. I would not say that it is ear splitting loud, but it is not quiet either.
We love the DC15- we better if we are going to spend $600 and have it for a decade- and have been very pleased with it in the few weeks we have had it. I do fully expect that we will have it for a decade and would be surprised if there is anything much better on the market in a decade. I highly recommend the DC15 if you are willing to spend the $600 that it will cost.
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