Do a year long placement in Japan or finish uni? Tough choice, experience or a degree?? But no tim...
Do a year long placement in Japan or finish uni? Tough choice, experience or a degree?? But no time to think, got a deadline to meet every week fraid time for Ciao is getting less and less :o( Try my best to pop in when I can.
Member since:10.10.2001
Reviews:52
Members who trust:22
Introduction
The time had come for the filter on my vacuum to be replaced yet again, so I decided it no longer made the cut. It had to go. With a little browsing on the internet and some advice from friends, I decided to go for a bag-less one, most likely a Dyson due to the praise it received.
When I got to the store, I compared all the prices of the bag-less vacuum cleaners and had a close look over the Dyson’s because of their rather unique design. I had to change the filters on my old vacuum too frequently for my liking and it wasn’t a particularly cheap thing to do either so I took this into consideration when choosing my new vacuum.
After much consideration, I decided to go for the Dyson Animal as I was advised it would cope with animal hairs and just about anything else with no bother at all – and the filters didn’t need to be replaced, which was all good.
The basics
The design of the Dyson is rather “different”. I wouldn’t go as far as to say it is ugly but it sure does stand out around the house with its futuristic design unless you keep it in a closet.
The Dyson uses something called “Root Cyclone Technology. Going by what the website says:
“Root Cyclone gives higher suction power. Spinning air creates centrifugal force. By making the air stream spin, dirt and debris are subjected to centrifugal force. The dirt and debris are thrown out of the air. Because the airflow is unobstructed there's nothing to clog, so suction power remains constant”
Going by the manual, the cord is 35’, the hose 17’,
and max reach is around 53’ if the Animal remains where it is situated, which it won’t if you pull this far. The motor is 12 Amperes, which creates a suction power of 270 airwatts – whatever that means. Seeing as the Animal has a tremendous sucking power, I’m going to say the large “airwatt” number is correct. Even when using the extensions there is no compromise in suction.
It weighs a little over 19 pounds or a little over 8.6 kilograms, whichever you prefer. There is a handle on the machine, which I am a little uneasy when using it to support the entire weight, as it is part of the container that holds the dust and does come off when it has to be emptied. Its never come off before but still rather safe than sorry. It can be a touch on the heavy side when it comes cleaning the stairs or hauling it up and down them.
This particular model comes with a two-year warranty. This model comes in a different colour from the other Dyson’s and also has extra attachments. Apart from the colour and the attachments, they are pretty much the exact same vacuum cleaner.
Accessories
The included accessories with the Animal are stair, brush, and crevice attachments and a floor and Animal turbo tool.
The stair tool is just a head that attaches to the hose and has velour strips on it. It is fairly effective although the hose can be slightly troublesome to use as it twists and shrinks due to the suction when used.
The brush tool is just a brush that twists and is also attached attached to the hose. The crevice tool does what the name says. It is used for getting into the crevices and edges and you’ve guessed it, it too attaches to the end of the hose.
The Animal turbo tool is basically a power brushbar with is handy for picking up allsorts and is somewhat effective on hair. The floor tool is used for under furniture.
Also included in the package is a carpet cleaning kit, which consists of a powder that is worked into the carped and vacuumed up. The powder is supposed to be used for dirt and odour removal although I am still waiting for a time when it needs to be used. There is a tool included for you to work the powder into the floor. Also in the kit is a spot stain remover spray, which works well on most stains.
The brush, stair, and crevice attachments attach to the vacuum’s body and do not get in your way. The rest do not, so they have to be kept in a safe location.
Ease of use
The Animal is very easy to use. The height adjusts comfortably for different users and it does not put any strain on your back or arms, which suits me fine as I have a bad back. Very little force is required to push and pull the Animal, even on long haired carpets.
The power button is fairly large and easily accessible so there will be no problems it something is accidentally sucked into the vacuum. To engage the vacuum and not the hose, there is a footplate to which pressure is applied and the handle is pulled back towards you.
There is a bare floor setting – for things like tiles, floorboards, laminate flooring, etc – and a carpet setting. On the bare floor setting the brushbar does not rotate, and on the carpet setting the brushbar does not rotate in the upright position, it only starts to rotate when engaged.
For attachments, the process gets ever so slightly complicated. There is a large button on the neck of the handle. When pressed in, the handle comes off and reveals the hose, which has a metal tube inside it. A bit of force is required to pull the metal tube out of the hose and then the other end of the metal tube – the handle basically – can be clipped onto the hose.
By reversing the metal tube, it becomes much easier to use and requires less bending so is much more comfortable. The process may sound a little complicated but it’s a little difficult to explain, you will understand once you see it.
Emptying container
Knowing when to empty the container is a simple task. There is a clear mark on the transparent body of the container for it to be emptied when the dirt reaches that level.
There is a sort of switch to be pushed in so that the container comes off the body of the vacuum. There is a trigger that you pull and the bottom opens allowing the dust to fall out. The bottom of the container can be put into a bag on empting to reduce the amount of dust that floats its way back out.
It’s a simple task and I have not noticed any problems with it as of yet.
Noise level
The Animal is fairly loud although I wouldn’t say it is much louder than any other vacuum cleaner. The noise is to be expected and I’d say it is bearable and acceptable.
Filters
The filter that comes with the Animal is a permanent washable HEPA filter. Water can be used to clean it so there are no expensive solutions or replacement filters needed.
There is also a handy little sticker for you to use so that you can remind yourself which month you last cleaned it and is it time to wash it again. They are a lifetime filter and should be washed every six months.
There is a filter just before the motor, which is the only one, that requires to be cleaned and there is a filter just after the motor, which does not need washing. It says there is a “Bactisafe” screen that is supposed to trap and kill any bacteria, moulds, and allergens on contact
Conclusion
When I though my old one was cleaning fairly well, the Animal put it to shame, I could not only feel but clearly SEE the difference in power between the Animal and my old vacuum. You could see the amount of dust the Animal was picking up even when I thought it was clean and once I was finished, the colours of the carpet actually looked more vibrant.
I have an older sister and I’m fairly sure she sheds as much hair as my dog does and when she feels the need to brush it in the main room, she makes a rather annoying mess. The Dyson picks it up with next to no bother at all but the main problem is that long hair can sometimes tangle round the brushbar and cause it to stop rotating.
This can be effortlessly solved by taking the cover off the bottom, which is a really easy task to do. There are three large screws holding it on, which can be undone with a round coin, like a 2 pence or 10 pence. Once that is done, the hair can just be pulled out or cut.
Other than the possible minor problems such as the weight, sturdiness of the handle, and the fairly vague user's manual, there is nothing wrong with it at all. One thing is that it makes a really horrible noise when the tassels on my rug are sucked in, which is more of a gripe than a problem.
Overall, I would say that this is a very impressive vacuum cleaner working well on carpet and wood, and coping with hair with very little problem at all. I would happily advise my friends and family to purchase this vacuum as it sure does leave a very clean carpet.
Pictures of Dyson DC07
A picture I got off the internet of it. Sorry I couldn't take my own photos of my one. My digicam is broken but mine is excatly the same as the one in the photo.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Excellent review....however, I have had 2 Dysons and neither of them were any use. So I now steer clear of that brand. Numatic Henry is the best all round vacuum in my opinion! Mike :)
sophiefour 01.08.2005 21:28
You've just convinced me! You should get commission on sales with a review like that! ;-)
1200 watts. 3.5 litre dust capacity. Dustbin full indicator. 5-stage washable ... more
filtration. Cord storage. Includes on-board stair tool, crevice tool and brush tool. Also includes stubborn dirt brush and Dyzolv Spot Remover. Stretch hose for...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: cleans deep down, going beyond the surface dirt, restores life to old carpets Disadvantages: suction so strong you can get pulled over when using the wand, jet engine sound
Shroud 26.09.2007 (26.09.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Dyson DC07
Advantages: Excellent Suction, perfect for busy households, customer service nearly excellent! Disadvantages: Expected the machine to last longer than four years, given the high purchase price!
May 12th, 2004
exceptional by (19%):
very helpful by (77%):
helpful by (4%):
