My New Dyson Ball Vacuum Really Sucks: a Review
78I Love How Much my Dyson Vacuum Sucks
I am a busy woman. I love a clean house. Unfortunately, I have four children, two dogs and a cat. And I work. Game over, right? Not so fast! I am here to tell you that the best present I ever received is my new Dyson Ball DC25 vacuum cleaner.
Perhaps you think its pathetic for me to be swooning over a vacuum, but for years, I tried and discarded model after model. They all sucked. Actually, that's the problem. They stopped effectively cleaning my house after about a year. The list of failures runs like the contents of a Little Black Book: Hoover, Eureka, Oreck. None have been able to hold my attention long enough for a lifetime commitment.
Enter Dyson. I'm sure you have seen the advertisements with James Dyson proclaiming that his invention is the best, because the vacuum never loses suction. The problem is that I just wasn't willing to part with $400-600 for a floor cleaner, no matter how fancy its cyclone technology promised to be.
I will admit now that, if someone had come into my home to show me just how great the Dyson vacuums work, I would have gladly shelled out a few Benjamins for the privilege of keeping one for myself. Oh, if I could only get those dirty years back as clean ones now!
I hate housework, yet each and every day, I pull that cute little lightweight Dyson Ball DC25 from the closet. About 5 minutes later, my floors are free of debris! In fact, we actually tried the very same experiment shown in the following video. We vacuumed our house with the old cleaner, and then went over it again with our new Dyson. Because its bagless, you can see how much dirt is captured in the canister each time you use it. Needless to say, it was close to having to be emptied after vacuuming an already "clean" house!
Dyson vs. Hoover
Dyson Vacuum Cleaners on eBay
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Dyson DC25 Ball All Floors Upright Vacuum Purple
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Dyson DC25 Ball All Floors Upright Vacuum Cleaner Model #000170
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Dyson DC24 Multi Floor Upright Vacuum Cleaner w/ Ball Technology (Purple)
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dyson ball dc25 animal vacuum cleaner
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Dyson DC24 Multi Floor Upright Vacuum Cleaner w/ Ball Technology
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Dyson DC25 The Ball All Floors vacuum Attachmnts, DC 25
Current Bid: $239.00
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James Dyson the Genius
Dyson vacuum cleaners were first conceived in 1978, although it took inventor and industrial designer James Dyson about 15 years and more than 5,000 prototypes to bring the fabulous cleaners to the market. That's right 5,000 failures before he hit success! But even when he finally thought he had a great product, he couldn't find a manufacturer willing to invest. So, Dyson launched Dyson Limited to produce the famous vacuum cleaners, first in the UK and now in Malaysia.
The patented technology is explained as:
"Cyclone technology uses 150,000 g's of centrifugal force in the cyclones to filter dust and remove dirt from the airflow efficiently. Because there is nothing to obstruct the airflow, the Dyson doesn't clog and doesn't lose suction."
At just 62 years of age, Dyson appears to be just getting started. There are a number of Dyson vacuum cleaners on the market, from the Dyson Ball DC25 (which we have and love) to the Dyson Animal, specifically designed for homes with animals. All of his vacuum cleaners work on a number of floor surfaces, which means I never need to sweep again.
And did I mention how much the Dyson cleaners suck? Really! Under an area rug in our kitchen, I discovered that flour had been dropped and was covering the floor in a very thin white film. Our Dyson vacuum cleaned it up better than any broom - instantly. Nothing can escape the suction power!
Dyson Deals on Amazon.com
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More Dyson Products
Full-sized Dyson vacuum cleaners run between $300-600, depending on rebates and other incentives. We bought our model from a store that was offering a $100 gift card when you purchased a Dyson. With other Christmas shopping to do there, we effectively got $100 off the $399 price!
But perhaps you want a smaller model? Check out the new Dyson Baby DC22 in the commercial to the right. You could also get a Root 6 Handheld Dyson Vacuum, shown in the photo below for about $150-200.
The New Dyson Baby DC22
What's Next for Dyson?
Last summer, there was some talk that Dyson would be developing a solar-powered car. Whether or not those rumors are true, we do know that he's invented a much more efficient and hygienic hand-dryer, known as the Dyson AirBlade. It is both energy efficient and quick! Your hands will be dry in 12 seconds. Its not yet on the market, but look for these soon to be showing up in public bathrooms around the world - I would bet!
Dyson's story is one that can inspire anyone who believes that failures prevent their success. To work so hard for many years through thousands of prototypes just goes to show that you should never give up on your dreams. Even if they are as simple as enjoying a clean house!
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CommentsLoading...
Do take a look at the Dysons Bruce! It is the best money I have ever spent on an appliance! Good luck....
Thanks for the informative hub! I've just about bought every vacuum made and am so tired of being disappointed. I've had the Kirbys' etc. too and while they were a step above the frey, they too were a disappointment especially to my pocket book. Think I try looking at the Dysons after reading this.
Jerilee, I was just like you. Going up incrementally in vacuum cleaner costs, but always ending up disappointed in the end. Dyson is the way to go!
We have had several Hoover vacuums break on us, so your suggestion for a vacuum might be something to look into to. Your title is very catchy by the way, it sure tricked me.
Hi Sweetie Pie - thanks! I toyed with the title and couldn't decide if I was going to keep it or not. LOL! Good luck - if you get a Dyson, you won't regret the investment!
and on top of it all the Dyson vacuum looks like a piece of artwork. The design and color are so cool. I think you may have convinced me, Steph. I have to admit I need a vacuum that really sucks LOL because I really HATE to vacuum.
Great hub.Really informative. Big thumbs up!
The Dyson is the sucki-est vacuum I have ever owned. Thank God!! Robie, you go out and buy one now. The best money you will spend for a long time! :) Steph
I've been wondering if the Dyson commercials were legit. Now I know. Thanks!!
100% True. Who knew that there was truth in advertising? Thanks JamaGenee!
I've seen the commercials and figured the Dyson was just another fad, that once the big hype was over, people would be trading them in for the next one. In actuality, it sounds like a great product! Is it as easy to move around as he says in the commercial?
James Dyson is truly an ultra cool and geeky British scientist - innovator, who never stops until he delivers, no matter his personal cost. He is very rich now, but he still works long hours in his Tech Lab every day and he also loves to teach a bunch of "wild kids" in his "like in the Space Shuttle" educational center/school. His machines/products are truly very competitive and they always outperform their competition. I was very glad to hear that Dyson Ball DC-25 vacuum cleaner works so well for your family, Stephanie! That Christmas present has been really well chosen...:)
Hi Shirley - we have the Dyson Ball model, which is so easy to move, I cannot believe it. They say it turns on a dime, and I would agree. Truth in advertising is an amazing thing. My husband pushed me into buying it, and I was reluctant because of the cost. Really, I am so thrilled. Surprisingly, it is all that and more. :) Steph
Ervin, give me a Dyson vacuum any day over jewelry or even a vacation! I am 100% serious! James Dyson is a brilliant, driven man. He is so inspiring to me. But more than anything, I am grateful to enjoy his vacuum cleaner at my home. With pets and dust, I already feel healthier by cleaning our house so easily. I will not be surprised to see more cool inventions coming from Dyson in the years ahead. Steph
I'm interested in the debris-free floor in 5 minutes. If that includes the socks the hubby leaves at the end of his recliner and the army men left by my son, I'm sold!
Serious question: Would there that big of a difference in Dyson and another brand of bagless vacs if I'm using it on a wood floor? I have found every vacuum I've tried to "blow" the stuff away before I get to it.
Hi Proud Mom - while I would not advocate using the Dyson vacuums to clean up socks, I can tell you that in 14 years of marriage, this is by far the best model for using on wood floors. You can press a button so that the brushes stop while on flat surfaces. But honestly, I can leave it on the "carpet" setting and still pull up 95% of the stuff on the floors, without blowing the stuff around. Really, I have not used my broom in 2 weeks.
I'd spend the money just to get rid of the broom!
Thanks for the review!
I hope you love it as much as I do! I have no investment in Dyson at all. I am just thrilled to find something so easy to use, that does a great job! My kitchen floor has never been cleaner! :)
My dream vacuum used to be the Rainbow (which is also bagless but uses water to store the dirt). Years ago a cousin who was selling them lent me her demo unit for the weekend. Like you, first I vacuumed with my own, then did it again with the Rainbow. On the first run, the water quickly turned to thick MUD! Dirt and whatever else my Hoover left behind! Had to vacuum the house three times before the water stayed pretty much clear. You don't want to know what came out of the sofa cushions and mattresses!
Alas, the price of $1200 was (and still is) wayyy too steep for my budget, so a vac with the same (or more) sucking power for 1/3 of that definitely gets my attention! Actually, I'd buy it just for the ball - James Dyson certainly used his noodle on that one!
I think I saw it on TV once but I never believed in what they claimed. Good to hear it from you. At least now I know that someone has tried it. Thx
Your title drew me in, and I got a big kick out of the twist you put on it! I thought I was going to read a hub about how the vacuum didn't work at all. :)
A good vacuum cleaner is so necessary when you have pets. Like you, I have two dogs and a cat, and I have to vacuum every day - sometimes twice a day depending on the time of year. That sucks. I go through vacuum cleaners like crazy. I'll be checking this out! Thanks! :)
Great review! My Bissell Healthy Home recently met with an unfortunate accident, and now the hand tools have no suction. Since we're in the process of buying a new house, I thought that the time would be right to go ahead and buy a new vacuum, too, but the price of the Dyson has been a bit daunting. Glad to hear that it is really worth the price.
Hi JamaGemee - I agree! $1200 is quite steep. At that rate, the Dyson looks like a total bargain! I haven't heard of the Rainbow, but it sounds intriguing. I wonder if it dries everything as it goes? The Dyson ball is really cool, practically effortless. My mom has a "self-propelled" Hoover, but frankly, the Dyson ball is much easier to move around and really gets into tight areas.
Hi Anjalichugh, I was with you there! I have seen the commercials on TV, but still doubted the Dyson's effectiveness. Perhaps he should put some testimonials in?
Hi Pam - thank you! It would be pretty boring to write about a vacuum.... so I knew I needed to talk about how much the Dyson "sucks." LOL! But seriously, if you think about the price you would pay on new vacuum cleaners every other year or so, why not just pay extra for a Dyson that you won't need to replace for a while?
Hi Em - how fun! A new house is the perfect time to get everything the way you want it. Congratulations! And let me know if you end up getting a Dyson. :) Steph
Now I totally want one! My vacuum broke just yesterday (for the tenth time) and I really must replace it! I love to vacuum - it may sound strange, but it's a stress reliever for me. Thanks for a great review - I will definitely look into getting a Dyson this time around! :)
Hi Amy - no, its not strange at all to enjoy vacuuming! I find it calming too. There are some good deals on Dysons if you shop around a bit. I think you'll love how much they suck. ;)
Steph,
Great review of the Dyson products. I have a central vac but the Dyson Baby looks great for a handheld vacuum that can do small jobs! Amazing vacuums!
Hi Diana, Yep! I was even thinking about getting a Dyson Baby for our garage to vacuum out the car. With 4 kids, it gets pretty bad... LOL!
Great information to know. What kind of a job does it do up against baseboards? Does it get closer than most other vacuums?
Hi Peggy - thanks! It does the best job against baseboards of any vacuum I have ever owned! There are also handheld tools you can use with a Dyson, but most of the time, I don't have to put them on. Oh, and my stairs look like they have new carpet! :)
Thanks Steph. Too bad you don't get a commission on these vacuum sales. I think you have convinced a bunch of us to look at Dyson!
LOL - no kidding! I was starting to think of the same thing! :)
Forget the commission. The very photogenic Steph will be appearing soon in our own living rooms in Dyson commercials!
That said, I have to clarify a previous comment about the Rainbow. Instead of a bag, whatever was sucked up collected in a clear-plastic reservoir that you'd filled half-way with water. The first time I vacuumed supposedly "clean" carpets, the water became mud that I dumped in a corner of the backyard. Think "shampooer" you could use every day without having to wait for the carpet to dry. It came with a shampoo attachment that did spray cleaning solution and then suck it up, but I only had the machine for a weekend and there wasn't time to try it out.
LOL - you are too funny! Well, I am kind of looking for new income. Ha, ha, ha!
That is so amazing about re-cleaning already "cleaned" carpets. Really makes you wonder what is escaping even the powerful Dyson and Rainbow vacuums. That sounds very cool about being able to shampoo without waiting for carpets to dry. But again, that steep price tag.
I know when they did a demonstration with a rainbow vacuum in our home, it was a real eye opener - who knew that the clean carpets were so dirty!
But back to the Dyson vacuums, they are really good. At least I believe so based on the extremely low number of returns that we had at the Costco I was working at - I think I only saw one or two over the course of a year.
Hi Marc, that is very interesting about the low number of returns for the Dysons! I used mine again this morning before heading out the door. I just love coming home to clean floors. :)
I have Asthma and, I was interested to read what you had to say about this vacuum. I have heard a couple people talk favorably about it. But, your article, really makes me feel, I need to save up and make sure that is my next vacuum purchase.
Hi Painting, I have asthma too. I really know that my house is getting cleaner as a result of using the Dyson. Plus, they last longer than other vacuums, so you really aren't spending more over time. Best of luck! Steph
I have wanted to buy a dyson for years now but thought it is probably not as good as it says. Now I am going to buy one. Thank you so much for the report.
I have 4 kids also, although the youngest is 15 now.
Hi Jennifer, a Dyson is an incredible investment. Put aside any fears you may have about spending the money. It will more than pay for itself! Good luck,
Steph
Steph,
As long as you're excited about it, I'm excited too! I have just one thing to say; if I ever decide to put white carpet in my house again, somebody please slap me! Next chance I get, room by room, I'm ripping out all of the carpet and doing all hardwood flooring. My allergies will thank me!
Madison
Madison - that cracked me up! My parents have white carpet in their house and my mom spends so much time trying to keep up with it! Hardwood floors are a great alternative. I use my Dyson everyday in our kitchen to clean up crumbs and pet hair on our hardwoods. A clean house makes a happy Steph. ;)
Thanks for the great review. We have had the dyson purple pet vacuum for serveral years now, and I can't wait for it to break. We really want the ball one. It really sucks that they are such good vacuums that I don't think ours is ever going to break. No too long ago I was vacuuming the stairs and the dyson fell all the way down the stairs and landed with a loud thump. The fall didn't even phase it. So it still really sucks!
Hi Chester, I'm sorry your Dyson purple pet vacuum sucks so much. ;-) Best, Steph
I love my Dyson, too. The only complaint I have so far is the clutch went out on it (although it is a few years old, after all), and we had to spend $100 to get it fixed. Who would've thought a vacuum had a clutch?
LOL - a clutch?? Well, I'm not mechanically inclined, but I am quite surprised that a Dyson vacuum has a clutch. ;-)
Seriously? Are you all just kool aid drinkers? I own a professional residential cleaning company and the dyson vacuum`s are a joke! Slap a 500.00 dollar price tag on a average tool and a sucker is born every minute. Do your home work people before you buy a vacuum cleaner. Call your local cleaning company's ask what they use.
Heidi says....4 Weeks Ago..
Quote....
"Seriously? Are you all just kool aid drinkers? I own a professional residential cleaning company and the dyson vacuum`s are a joke! Slap a 500.00 dollar price tag on a average tool and a sucker is born every minute. Do your home work people before you buy a vacuum cleaner. Call your local cleaning company's ask what they use.
End Quote..
Well, that is a good idea Heidi! I did just that a few months ago when I saw the cleaning staff of my health club using Dyson upright vacuums to clean the floor and machinery..
They have two of the uprights - not the "Dyson Ball" model. And they were older model Dyson's. They told me they would not use any other type of vacuum.
So, I guess I will be "sipping the kool - aid" if I bought my first Dyson! I will agree that they are too expensive. Off to Ebay I will go to try and catch a deal..
Also - since you don't like Dyson - and do own a professional cleaning company - you never mentioned which vacuum is less expensive - and performs just as well as a Dyson?
Thanks for your honest opinion..
Robert C - The Trade Show Display Booth Guy
I notice Heidi did not mention what she uses.
For years I used the old 'bag' vacuums and always got frustrated with their inefficiency, fanbelt problems etc.
When the dysons first came out in the UK I bought one, the DC01.
to test it, I vacuumed the lounge with my old bag vacuum and then went over it with the dyson. The amount of dirt in the dyson was staggering.
I haven't used anything else since for an upright cleaner.
My only gripes with teh dysons are the weight, and the size of the head, which means that they don't go under the furniture, so I have to use the attachments, or move the furniture!
I have to disagree with all of you.
First of all, I have a DC15 that I've had for three years. I own a large three floor single family home in which myself, my husband, mother in law, 100lbs long haired dog, and cat.
Let's start with the fact that the vacuum is as heavy as anything. When trying to clean your steps, considering the tube isn't long enough, you have to lug it up the stairs with you.
It refuses to pick up something as simple as kitty litter and dog hair that I continuously go over. The "doesn't lose suction" idea is bull.
I have stuck with this product for three years because of the forkload of money I've put out on it. However, it never ceases to get me angry.
This summer my husband had to take the filter into our backyard and use a lead blower to clean out the debris. This, dyson lovers, is ridiculous.
I like my house clean. I vacuum every other day so it's not like I'm asking the dyson to clean up after a tornado. However, the dyson continues to act in it's pathetic little manner making me feel completely unsatisfied with the job.
I steam clean my carpets for special occasions. In order to do this you must first vacuum to get any stray hairs up. When I go to steam clean, there is still hair and I'm left to pick it up by hand.
My last straw was this past weekend when the dyson fell over and a large piece broke off. This, somehow managed to make the suction worse than it was before. Impossible I know.
Today I got the bissel pet hair eraser. This, is a vacuum. Not a toy vacuum that makes noises and has colored balls spinning in it. Go buy one for a cleaner house.
I give you two more years tops Steph.
Set aside a new vacuum fund.
My advice Cara? Try a newer model. If your Dyson is really behaving the way you describe, it is also likely that it is a product of imatators.
I know how to read, and it was a Dyson. Not an imitator.
Furthermore, I wouldn't spend the money on ANOTHER machine built by that company. Worthless endeavor.
Also, it was so bad that I donated it to Goodwill. That's right, a $500 piece of machinery.
I have to agree with Heidi & Cara.
I'm a motel cleaner and use Dyson Vacs everyday and I have to say they really aren't that good.
There's no doubt they look stunning! But being practical the Dyson's lose suction very quickly, they don't pick up large bits of debris (size of cat litter),don't slide well under furniture and replacement heads are very expensive.
I also use Pullman and Electrolux and they are very good vacs.
If you're not into aesthetics and want excellent suction, I would go with Pullman (not bagless though and a little heavy).
If you want something that is nice looking, go with Electrolux. Nice designs, decent suction, bagless, hepa filter & half the price of a Dyson.
:)
Like most other commentators here, I had a great experience with my DC17. I have plush carpet, and have no evidence that my carpet is found open. Everything I pick up lots and lots of fur from my two cats with fine mud and dirt.
The plants are large, and the mini-turbine is impressive. You need to design, because this tool does not stop turning when I press on the keyboard, or you have changed what I'm clean cloth. De-scaling my furniture and my duvet cover, a nod to the thing.
The guidelines "are ridiculous. I went on the Dyson site to learn what you do with half of my tools. That's about my only complaint. I found the
dyson dc17 to be much quieter and lighter than my previous vacuum.
I returned my third Hoover Wind Tunnel vacuum, and I bought the Dyson. The Dyson takes about three times the amount of things that Hoover and I am very happy with it.
Great article. I love my Dyson vacuum cleaner. Dyson should be paying you to advertise his products because you do such a great job.
Had four dysons and each one has got worse got the ball animal and losing power to suck. For the money I am not impressed never have another one. Only had this one 18 months and it's useless calling dyson for a warranty claim as I'd be better off with a dustpan and brush
Dyson is completely over-rated. Our local sew/vac shop said they get more Dyson Vacuums in their store for repair than any other vacuum. I'm currently looking for a new vacuum because our Dyson has most definitely not lived up to our expectations.
Love love love my dyson! Good hub!
Thanks for the review. I've been wavering towards a Dyson vacuum to replace the ancient Hoover that I have. With 2 dogs and 4 cats I need something strong that is bagless. I'm going to get one tomorrow.
Thanks naturegirl - we love our Dyson (still 2 years later) and will replace it when the time comes with another one. Happy vacuum shopping, Steph
Why do the tools for one machine not fit another I do own 2
I was in the Casino Toilet in Brisbane here in Australia and yes now there is a Dyson Commercial hand dryer that dries your hands so much more efficiently in seconds. Great story on Dyson!
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Thanks, Steph. My old vacuum has seen it's best days, but I've been reluctant to buy a new one. Your hub will at least tempt me to have a look at the Dysons. Much appreciated!