Others say...

"It can vacuum, but not the best design"
First let me say this vacuum can really pick up the dirt compared to other vacuums I have purchased, but the design, which is supposedly the key to Dyson, is actually not that great.

We have had numerous problems with the brush design that just gets clogged with hair (we have 2 long haired dogs), and eventually (even without hair) there is an unbearable vibration and sound that comes from the vacuum brush. We have replaced the brush and belt twice and taken it to a repair store to try to get fixed, but to no avail. It's a plastic brush roller so I guess you should be aware that won't last that long.

I find it asinine that to get the vacuum from the upright position you have to reach your foot around to the front and hold it down, and then pull the handle down. This is extremely clumsy and unnecessary.

The extension pole while conveniently put away in the handle, it is extremely difficult to use. Also with this vacuum forget about getting under beds or furniture because it has a high profile that prevents this. The upper cyclone has to be cleaned frequently because it does get clogged. It edges horribly, so you can forget about that.

When we took the vacuum to the repair store they recommended a Sanitaire from Electrolux, which is a commercial grade vacuum. While simple, it is just a phenomenal vacuum. Comparing the Sanitaire to the Dyson, the Sanitaire has 2 motors one for the brush and one for the vacuum, A STEEL brush roller, significantly quieter, extremely long cord (which makes a difference), low profile to get under furniture, edges great and vacuums dirt better than the Dyson, the bags are the easiest to put replace compared to any any vacuum we have ever had. The only downside you have to go to a vacuum specialty store to get it.

Compare that list to the Dyson and there is no way I could even recommend a Dyson. Especially when you can get a commercial grade like the Sanitaire at the same price point.


"Dyson Animal DC17"
Purchased this Dyson in addition to my current 3 year old Dyson DC14. What a difference! There is no comparison. The DC17 seems to have a ton more suction and the turbo tool works much better on pet hair than the previous version. I would recommend to anyone with and older to Dyson to sell it and buy a newer one. It is well worth it the upgrade.

"The canister clogs and needs use of hand to empty it."
I have had DC17 for more than an year. The suction is great but the backside of the canister gets clogged very often. When I try to empty the canister, the dust / debris never drops off, the only way to clean it would be to remove the transparent canister, use the hand to remove. The place becomes a mess as the dust falls off in this process. Really annoying, irritating messy chore. I called up the customer service and they asked me to take the vacuum to the service rep.. which I had to drive for 45 mins. The rep did not give a replacement vacuum and he took more than a two weeks to repair it as he had to wait for a replacement spare. I was very much annoyed because of this.
Later I returned the vacuum and got it exchanged hoping that the problem would go away. But the problem has been continuing. I am really disappointed with this vacuum.
Giving 2 stars just for the power of suction...

"Not My Choice: Upright v. Canister"
I really really wanted to like the Dyson. I read and researched extensively everything I could and was impressed by how passionate people were for the Dyson. My intent was to go to Sears to "kick the tires" and see what all the fuss was all about and then come home and order mine via Amazon.

Instead of the Dyson I came home with a Sears canister.

For roughly the same price or a little less, I got something that was better built, easier to use particularly with attachments and had more features (retractable cord, LED light). Normally the retail was $600, but with a $250 sale price I added a five year extended warranty matching the Dyson and still came in lower than the Dyson.

I have had a Kenmore canister for eighteen years and was ready for something new and different. I came home with the new Kenmore Intuition and felt it was far superior and now Consumer Reports agrees.

As much as I wanted to love the Dyson, I thought it was awkward and definitely designed by an engineer which is not necessarily a good thing.

I finally came to the realization that in eighteen years I never once wished I had an upright and felt if I purchased an upright would I feel the same way.

I was ready to jump on the Dyson bandwagon, due mainly to marketing and buzz and in the end I remained a canister guy.

I am only adding this review as to those who have not considered a canister, that there is a whole dimension of floor cleaning beyond the upright and there are much better vehicles to do so than the overpriced and clumsy Dyson.

BTW, the Dyson "canister" is terrible!

Good luck.

"It is not an animal it is a BEAST!"
After using Kirby for years I've decided to try Dyson Animal. We have 3 dogs and a house with carpets. So, I have to tell you, Dyson delivered!!! Oh my Goodness, I didn't know my house was THIS dirty. Thanks to Dyson it is much cleaner now. And not only the floors but the furniture also. If you want your carpets and furniture dust free - get this beast. I have horrible allergies and would alway sneeze when cleaning but not with this vacuum. I can't say enough about it!
It is also so easy to clean, no more silly bags! I think I've already saved $200.00 on bags alone!
Anyway, I am very happy with Dyson and with the price I got through Amazon.