skip to main content

New Dyson Small Ball upright vacuum review

8 years ago

So I finished lab testing the Dyson Small Ball, and I wasn't really impressed. Considering it costs $400, the dirt pick up was lackluster. On the plus side, it did turn on a dime and it only weighs 12.15 pounds. My gut reaction is that anyone who wants a lighter upright should either get a cordless or wait until the price goes down. Questions? Comments?

http://vacuums.reviewed.com/content/dyson-small-ball-vacuum-cleaner-review

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

geoffrey_b
8 years ago
My wife swears by it. You can't believe how much dirt it can pickup. Also it doesn't need a bag.
PRO
User
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
For sure, I've tested Dysons like the Cinetic Big Ball Animal that had pretty good pickup.
Related Discussions
Which kind DYSON vacuum to buy? Thank you!
Q
Comments (16)
I just bought the yellow DC14 three days ago. It was out of the box assembled and running in about 15 minutes! I had used this model at a house that I clean so I knew what I was getting. My previous vacuum is a Hoover Windtunnel Self-Propelled. I had numerous problems with the belt stretching out and the vacuum becoming very hard to push. Anyhow, I called my DH and said, "can I please buy the Dyson???" I'll tell you what I like and the minuses that I know of: -- extremely easy to push and maneuver on MY carpet (medium plush) -- SIL reports it is harder to push on her frieze. -- sucks up pet hair VERY well -- EASY EASY to empty the cannister (you'll never want a bag again) -- hose attachment has STRONG suction (almost too strong!) -- not at all overly-noisy (quiet compared to my Hoover) -- "normal" as far as heavy (it is not as heavy as my Hoover, but that was self-propelled and they are known for being heavy) Minuses: -- because of their design they do not fit well under the edge of beds and toe-kicks -- you'll have to pull out the hose to get under there -- some people find the using the attachments to be unwieldy -- using the hose takes getting used to Overall, I think it is a great vacuum. I personally am not a fan of cannister vacs. I hate dragging them behind me and they are always bumping into to walls and things.
...See More
Upright or canister vacuum?
Q
Comments (18)
I had two Electrolux canisters. One was an old one given by a relative, and the other I bought new,with a "power head" that allowed it to be used like an upright. I especially like the second. It sucked great and lasted about ten years, with heavy duty use. I had a dog and three cats at the time and I vacuumed daily. It got worn out eventually, as I said about 10 years. The hose was constantly getting plugged. I took it in for an overhaul ,which was expensive, like $200, and didn't solve the problem. I have had three uprights since, a Hoover Windtunnel bagless(which I absolutely hated), an upright Eureka and a Bissel. My current vacuum, The Bissell upright is so-so. The attachments are all onboard and the dirt cup is easy to remove and clean. But none of them worked as well as my Electrolux. I paid about $500 for it twenty years ago, I would go back if I had the money.
...See More
Looking for new upright, lightweight vacuum
Q
Comments (4)
So many Sharks. I have the lift-away pet hair. Best vacuum I've ever had. I use the pet hair feature on upholstery and stairs. Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum, Bordeaux (NV752) Is it the lightest? Hmmm....no. maybe not. But it's very easy to push and maneuver. On hard floors I lift off the canister and use the hard floor attachment. Canister in one hand, pole in the other. That seems to work better than trying to push it like an upright due to the microfiber pad. The cord. What to say? It's a cord and so... But the thing I hate about cordless is either there's no power or it runs for a few minutes and dies. Lots of attachments. I have guests in 2 weeks and I was just doing baseboards and window sills in the 2 guest rooms. Easy. Anyway, good luck!
...See More
Taste test, Shark vs Dyson Upright vacuum
Q
Comments (23)
Nicole, you need a stronger shop vac for better suction. Maire, I empty my Shark the same way if it's raining or snowing. What I do with all vacuum dust is stand on the edge of the front porch and either the north or south wind blows it far far away. No neighbors to complain. :) I think DH & I got bamboozled on a canister back in the mid-90's. Some of you may remember this vacuum, it was a good one but the price wasn't, still we fell for it. One evening a vac saleman showed up out here in the country of all places. The boys were out so it was just me and DH. We let him bring the display vac inside and I was so young & naive I was in awe of all the powerful things the vac could do! Of course it made the carpet look great, but when he took a seat cushion off the sofa, put it in a plastic bag, put the hose inside it made my cushion flat as a pancake I was in awe. The salesman then took the hose off the vac, sprinkled a few drops of scented oil inside the canister, and took it to the back of the house, turned it on, and within minutes our house smelled heavenly. Little did I know all vacuums can do that. DH said "let's buy one!" and I hesited because it was expensive. We bought it, the guy left, our boys came home and we showed them what we bought. DS1 asked how much it cost and we said, $1500.00. DS, who never cursed in front of us, said, "Why the he!! did you do that?" We all laughed, and I told him we were bored. :) Good vac but he!! to drag around. I'm pretty sure this is the one we had. Eco Fairfax Fax O Matic Canister Vacuum
...See More
jakkom
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
This points up something we know but often forget: just because a mfg makes a few good models, doesn't mean everything they offer across the board is going to work for you.

I hated my old Hoover corded upright. It was heavy, clunky, and jammed every single time I used it - and what a pain to take it apart and clear the jam! I swore I'd never get another one. Replaced it with a Sebo and was much happier.

But eventually the Sebo started to malfunction, and two different shops have been unable to fix it. I did some homework and ended up with another (gasp!) Hoover, this time the new cordless upright.

WHAT a difference - it's lightweight (9.9 lbs., Amazon only lists shppg weight but this is the actual appliance wt.), very maneuverable, and has more than adequate suction.

It's not perfect; no. Weak on corner/wall edges, and no battery-powered engine is strong enough to suction through multiple extension hoses, which I need upstairs for 18' cathedral ceilings.

But for everyday cleaning - I am a convert to the Hoover cordless. And yes, I'm still somewhat shocked by that [smile]!

I bought mine from Amazon:

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IT5L49E?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
PRO
User
Original Author
8 years ago
That's a very good point that every model needs to be evaluated on its own merits. I did a cordless vacuum roundup not too long ago and had a preconceived notion that the Electrolux would win. However, the Hoover Air 2-in-1 came out on top. Something that sold it for me was the fact that the battery was removable (also means its replaceable) and swappable between various Hoover cordless vacuums.

http://vacuums.reviewed.com/features/the-best-cordless-stick-vacuums-of-2015

Related Stories

MOST POPULAR 8 Ways to Get a Handle on the Junk Drawer

By Laura Gaskill

Don’t sweat the small stuff — give it a few drawers of its own, sorted by type or task

SMALL SPACES Could You Live in a Tiny House?

By Laura Gaskill

Here are 10 things to consider if you’re thinking of downsizing — way down

HEALTHY HOME What You Need to Know About Dust and How to Fight It

By Mitchell Parker

Breathe easier with these 10 tips for busting mites, dander and other microscopic undesirables

ACCESSORIES Everyday Home Must-Haves Beg for a Makeover

By Vanessa Brunner

The Nest's much-improved take on the thermostat has us pondering reinventions of other necessities around the house

LIFE 21 Things Only People Living With Kids Will Understand

By Mitchell Parker

Strange smells, crowded beds, ruined furniture — here’s what cohabiting with little monsters really feels like

HOLIDAYS Christmas Tree Decorating the Painless Way

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Holidays are for carols, not cussing. Make tree trimming less work and more fun with this guide at your side

BATHROOM DESIGN The Case for a Curbless Shower

A Streamlined, Open Look is a First Thing to Explore When Renovating a Bath

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: A Tidy Roundup of Cleaning Supplies

By Jennifer Young

Practical and pretty cleansers and cleaning accessories to make housecleaning chores a pleasure

CURB APPEAL 7 Finishing Touches for a Thoughtful Front Yard

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Make a great first impression with artful house numbers, water features, garden art and more

HOME TECH Home Tech: Where Is My Robot Housekeeper?

We haven't mastered the all-purpose humanoid house cleaner, but these gadgets make quick work of chores

Sponsored

More Discussions

Good quality countertop microwave ovens?

8

Bosch SHE58C05UC dishwasher noise, not working

2

LP conversion kit for Heartland stove

2

freestanding wine fridge or built in?

6

Vent-a-Hood or Zephyr?

0