criteeker's Full Review: Dyson DC17 Animal Bagless Upright Cyclonic Vacuum
Imagine using a product that didn't get the job done and getting so frustrated that you were determined to design a new technology and design for a very effective cyclone vacuum. Imagine taking your idea to the major vacuum manufacturers and them turning their collective backs on you. James Dyson is laughing all the way to the bank - while a few vacuum executives probably lost their jobs over their hasty decision.
Okay, enough about the vacuum visionary.
So I was at Target and I remembered that my new wife has a thing for vacuuming. She tells me that it's therapeutic. So I purchased the Hoover Wind Tunnel 2 for just under $300. I got home and her face lit up like a Christmas tree. But the damn thing kept overheating after thirty seconds and just shut down. We had to let it cool down for about four minutes until it would start back up.
So I was back at Target and looking at the wall of vacuums. The Dyson machines are quite well-designed with their sleek futuristic look, but I thought, "Who spends $500 to $550 on a vacuum?" Well, I did.
We have four large dogs so an "animal" model seemed like the logical choice. There are four animal models - the DC07, DC14, DC15 and the DC17 "Absolute." Absolute? I wondered if it came with a bottle of vodka. The animal models are designed (and come with specific accessories) for pet owners and their constant battle with hair and other "gifts." My old Hoover never got all the hair out of anything.
Dyson vacuums never lose suction.
Looking at the box I couldn't decipher what the difference was and why one cost $50 more dollars. I spotted Dyson's 800 number on vacuum display and called them on my cell phone - on a Sunday. The gentleman told me that there are only two main differences: The DC17 (being the newer model) uses two motors instead of one and the DC17 has Level 3 cyclone technology versus the level 2 on the DC14. Basically, the DC17 has three cyclone chambers.
Comparing the models can be a bit tricky since some models are only available at certain retailers. But I'll try to spell it out for you. This info comes from the Dyson website.
All "animal" models come with a carpet care kit, a 5 year warranty, stair cleaning ability, hygienic 1-button canister empty door and HEPA filtration.
The DC07 comes with the older low-reach floor tool, the older mini head tool and a foot control for the rotating brush. The DC14 adds the newer mini turbine head, the newer low reach floor tool, the telescoping wand and hand control for the rotating brush. The DC15 adds a motorized brush bar, larger capacity and air flow tools. The DC17 adds Level 3 Root Cyclone technology. The DC15 is $599 and the DC 17 is actually $550 which makes no sense to me seeing as the DC17 is the newest and is the only one with Level 3 technology. It's also mostly silver in color with a few purple accents versus the other Animal models that are mostly purple. For a better view of the comparisons between models, please visit the Dyson website at www.dyson.com
I thought of my wife's vacuum fetish so I splurged and figured I'd score points with her. When I got home she saw the Dyson box and rushed me like a hungry lioness. She couldn't wait to assemble the thing and use it.
Assembly was fairly simple. Once the wand and its three attachments (crevice tool, stiff brush head and upholstery tool are installed into its nesting place on the machine it's ready to go. At first, we felt stupid because we could not figure out how to unlock the vertical positioning of the vacuum. There's no obvious spot to click or step on. After a quick glance at the instructions, we noticed the two "foot areas" on either side of the housing. Once stepped on, the upper part glides back into the user's hand.
My wife and I found ourselves grabbing the handle to get at the vacuum. We were actually fighting over the vacuum! Soon after, we found ourselves laughing about it. Hey, if a man and a woman fight over who gets to vacuum, it's just gotta be that good.
The only required maintenance is cleaning a small filter (at the base of the cyclone) with water every 6 months. Let dry for 24 hours and it's ready to go again.
A note about emptying: Standing over the exterior trash can, you simply push a button and the bottom lid opens. One on trip, I tapped the canister a little too hard and the lid popped off. For a quick moment I freaked, but soon realized that it pops right back into place.
In The Box:
The 20.79 pound vacuum, the extension wand, a crevice tool, a stiff brush tool, the low-reach floor tool, mini-turbine head, an upholstery tool, a carpet head, a package of "Zorb" carpet maintenance powder and "Dysolv" spot cleaner spray.
The Zorb is like millions of tiny sponges that absorb dirt and makes it easier to vacuum away. Disolv spot cleaner has four agents in its environmentally safe spray. Disolv tackles soil-based and oil-based stains.
A note about the upholstery tool: Unlike most other versions of this tool, Dyson incorporates a small strip of hair-removing material next to the air inlet on the bottom. This really helps remove hair from couches, clothes, etc.
Optional accessories: Mattress tool (which looks like a wider upholstery tool), a flexi crevice tool (that extends and flexes for getting into areas like under a refrigerator) and a soft dusting brush (that looks like a dust brush found in workshops).
Things I love: This machine really works well and it's more quiet than I thought it would be. You get the sense that the carpet is ultra clean when you're done. The air feels fresher and my wife seems to have a stuffed-up nose a lot less often now.
I love not having to find and stock up on bags. I hated emptying bags with my old Hoover. I spent more time sneezing than vacuuming.
I love the Dyson 5-year warranty. It does have a few limitations (such as - do not vacuum liquids and do not use outside) but I feel good knowing I'll have at least five years of drama-free suckin.' A bonus in any relationship.
There's a variety of tools and accessories that make most cleaning jobs a snap.
The incorporated extension wand pulls right out of the long handle. When the vacuum is on and in the upright position, the suction switches to the wand.
I love that the rotating brushes can be turned off for safe suction on delicate wooden floors so nothing gets scratched.
Things I'm on the Fence About: While I think this machine is the best out there, I feel the price is a bit steep - although the new 5-year warranty helps ease that sting. Also, it might have been nice to have one or two LED lights on the front.
DESIGN ISSUE: It might have been nice to use aluminum or some metal in this area. There's a lot of shoes and boots stepping on plastic here. I can imagine the housing cracking in the future - I just hope it's in the 5 year warranty period. Might save on scuff marks as well.
Things I Don't Like: At this price point, they should have designed the cord to be retractable. And since the machine cleans so efficiently, we have to make MANY trips outside to dump it into the trash. In a typical 10 x 12 room we need to make about four trips to empty the canister. I recommend having the trash can just outside the door. Keep in mind, we have four large dogs - so people with fewer and smaller dogs might not have to make as many trips.
I don't like the documentation. While it should be fairly simple to follow directions mostly comprised of pictures, the Dyson folks could have said a few words about the attachments and how they're used.
Packaging Issue: At this price-point, they could have provided a zippered "Dyson" bag to keep all of the extra tools and attachments in one place. At least they could offer one after you register your vac or as an optional accessory.
If you have lots of pet hair, small children or just want the best vacuum on the planet - get the Dyson. Spend the money and be happy. If you think about the value of the 5-year warranty, the vacuum is well worth the money.
If you have any questions, please call Dyson's helpline at (866) 693-9766 or visit them at www.dyson.com
I learned a tip from a fellow Epinionator: Buy the Dyson at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Use the 20% off coupon they send out and save $110 on this vacuum!
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