Home Vacuum suggestions? (aka Is a Dyson really worth it?)

[newbie124]

I feel so "domestic" asking this, but does anyone have an experience using a Dyson vacuum and, if so, what did/do you think? Is it really worth shelling out $400 for one?

We had registered for the DC25, but no one purchased it. We did get a lot of cash gifts, though, but now that the money is in the bank, I''m having a hard time actually spending it

We really, really, REALLY need a good vacuum cleaner (especially having 2 cats). I''ve read a lot of reviews and for the most part they''re all pretty positive. However, I admit that I don''t really know much about the competing brands. I''ve also never owned a "real" vacuum cleaner so don''t have a good point of comparison myself.

Would love to hear some feedback or suggestions!

 

[neatfreak]

There are maaaaany Dyson threads if you run a search. Plenty of reading on the subject.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I have one. It''s the Dyson Slim and I used a BB&B coupon and saved about $100! I works very well. It''s the best vacuum I''ve ever used. So expensive, though. . .but, if you can afford it, it may be worth it to you. (we have two cats and the slim works nicely. . .I do not think the Animal is necessary, especially since it costs more than the Slim)

 

[E B]

We also have the Dyson Slim and are very, very happy with it. I did a little research before buying and found it on clearance at KMart for something like $230. It retails for over $400, I think, so see if you can find a deal.

 

[April20]

I have one. I can''t remember which one it is, but it''s purple. Love it. And I''m picky about vaccuums. I''ve had it about 3 years and have never had any issues at all with it. Completely worth the investment IMO.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Love Dyson - I have the regular one and the slim one - wouldn''t have any other kind!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

I''ve got the Animal and two cats and one dog and I love it!!! It''s the only vacuum that gets the fur from my chow chow out of the persian carpet!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

My MIL is buying her 3rd Dyson. The previous 2 work in perfect condition but she decided she had to have the "ball" one

It just shows her LOVE for all things Dyson. She also has the mini, dust buster type thing. I love our animal. Hate how the wand works but it seems to be that way with all high end sweepers. My mom also loves her animal Dyson. I think it is worth it.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

yea we hate our wand thing too and the Animal isn''t good for stairs, but it SO makes up for it elsewhere.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Hudson, glad I am not the only one! It is a PITA!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 5/19/2009 9:23:31 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
yea we hate our wand thing too and the Animal isn''t good for stairs, but it SO makes up for it elsewhere.

yeah, otherwise a great vacuum. bought ours at Costco about 2 yrs ago.

 

[April20]

Date: 5/19/2009 9:35:05 PM
Author: Dancing Fire

Date: 5/19/2009 9:23:31 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
yea we hate our wand thing too and the Animal isn''t good for stairs, but it SO makes up for it elsewhere.

yeah, otherwise a great vacuum. bought ours at Costco about 2 yrs ago.

I kind of forgot that while I love my Dyson, I HATE the wand as well. I think it''s a pain in the neck to get the wand ready to use and then put it back, but it does work really well, so I''m willing to put up with it as well.

 

[Magenta]

I got one handed down to me from my mother. I''m not sure of the model. One of the ones with the weight and motor and everything on wheels on the floor, and a light head, so you''re not dragging it around all the time. They''re much easier to handle than the upright version. The beater heads are nice, too (the ones where the inside spins around).

My mother managed to blow up the motor twice. I''m not sure how. She cleaned out the filters every 6 months or so, but used it a heck of a lot.

I find it works brilliantly. We''ve used it to clean out the boyfriend''s house (which was utterly filthy. don''t ask!), and gotten lots of dirt and dust out of it. Once you empty out the dust compartment, it happily keeps cleaning.

So, just be careful. I await to see whether mine, or anyone else''s, motor blows up. The manufacturer, or the place where she bought it, could never tell us what happened.

 

[MonkeyPants]

Date: 5/19/2009 5:55:31 PM
Author: April20
I have one. I can''t remember which one it is, but it''s purple. Love it. And I''m picky about vaccuums. I''ve had it about 3 years and have never had any issues at all with it. Completely worth the investment IMO.

I have the purple one too! It''s the "Animal" designed for homes with pets. I love mine. It''s my best friend and I use it all the time because i have two hairy dogs and I hate hate hate animal hair anywhere that''s not on the animal itself.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I have the Dyson Animal and it is wonderful--the results are fantastic. I actually only paid $25.00 (cost of the cab ride from the man to deliver it to me)...so, it was a no brainer!

Best vaccum ever---or so says my cleaning lady!

 

[newbie124]

Thanks for all the responses!

Out of curiosity, what exactly makes the wand a pain?

 

[newbie124]

Italia! I just read your previous post mentioning that you got yours from a friend of your husband''s who''s a Chicagoland rep. Any chance he''s got access to more demo (or just discounted) models?

 

[Matata]

I gave my Dyson Animal away when I changed to low pile carpeting and wood floors. It just didn''t perform well on those surfaces. I''ve got a Miele now and it is superb on all surfaces.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Date: 5/20/2009 5:18:21 PM
Author: newbie124
Italia! I just read your previous post mentioning that you got yours from a friend of your husband''s who''s a Chicagoland rep. Any chance he''s got access to more demo (or just discounted) models?

LOL...we did get a lucky break, huh?

 

[vespergirl]

I love my Dyson - it''s the best vacuum I''ve ever owned, but it is very heavy. I guess it''s OK because I usually skip the gym the day I clean the house, so it''s like getting in a workout

 

[newbie124]

Date: 5/20/2009 6:20:07 PM
Author: Matata
I gave my Dyson Animal away when I changed to low pile carpeting and wood floors. It just didn''t perform well on those surfaces. I''ve got a Miele now and it is superb on all surfaces.

Matata - Can you tell me which model of the Miele you have? I''m now rethinking the Dyson b/c now I''ve read a few people''s comments about it not working as well on hardwood floors, which is what we have throughout our condo.

 

[brightlight]

Does anyone have the new one with the germ killing laser on it? I''m so tempted to buy one. I''ve also considered just buying one of those laser wands and taping it to my current vacuum.