What type of Dyson vacuum cleaner should I buy?
Dyson produces several models of vacuum cleaner:
Cordless stick: The upright stick designs have a motorised head and dust container attached to a long, rigid tube. Powered by a rechargeable battery, these models are light and easy to handle. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that they have a relative lack of capacity compared to traditional upright vacuum cleaners which Dyson no longer produces.
Cordless handheld: Also powered by rechargeable battery, these smaller handheld models are ideal for spot cleaning and cleaning your car as they’re both portable and light. They’re also useful for cleaning upholstery. However if you have a cordless stick vacuum which comes with various attachments, you may decide that you don’t need a handheld too. Limited battery life and relative lack of suction power compared to larger models means that they are not ideal as a main vacuum cleaner, functioning best as a standby to tackle smaller vacuuming jobs.
Cordless robot: These are small automatic units which can be programmed to make their way around your home unaccompanied, cleaning as they go. Useful as a time-saver, you can get them to work when you’re out of the house. However, they can’t tackle stairs and also require a clear floor area so that they don’t get stuck. While robots may cut down on the time you’ll need to vacuum manually, you may well still need to do the bits they can’t reach. These designs also tend to be more expensive than standard models.
How to choose the best Dyson vacuum cleaner
To choose the best Dyson cleaner for you, consider:
Power: What air wattage does each vacuum cleaner offer? Cordless vacuums range between 20 - 250AW and all the vacuum cleaners in our edit are within that range. Anything over 100AW will give you a powerful and efficient clean. Bear in mind that robot cleaners tend to be much less powerful but their skill lies in cleaning small specks of dirt and dust unaided.
Bin capacity: A larger bin capacity means that you can clean for longer but it may be heavier
Weight: Larger models may have more power and capacity than smaller ones but may be harder to lug around
Charge time: A longer charge time usually means a longer run time, for instance the Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner takes 4 hours 30 minutes to charge but will run interrupted for up to an hour.
Run time: If you have a larger house or clean more frequently, you may prefer a longer run time, such as the Dyson V11 Outsize Vacuum Cleaner which can run for up to 2 hours.
Price: The latest, top-of-the-range Dysons will usually cost more but you may find that a mid- or lower range model will suit your needs and still outperform other branded vacuum cleaners in the same or lower price category
How to clean a Dyson vacuum
Follow this step-by-step guide to successfully clean your Dyson:
Remove the filter
Remove excess dust and debris by tapping lightly on the side of your kitchen sink or bin
Rinse the filter and give it a firm shake to remove any excess water
Leave it to air dry for 24+ hours
Which Dyson vacuum has the strongest suction?
At 230AW, the Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner has the strongest suction in comparison to the other cordless vacuum cleaners in our roundup.
What's the best Dyson vacuum cleaner to buy?
The best Dyson to buy is the Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner which outperformed all other cordless vacuum cleaners we tested during our last testing round. Powerful, efficient and versatile, it moves seamlessly between all floor types and is a great all-rounder for most families.
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About the author
Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy, baby care and general parenting-related content. As a parent of three primary school-aged children, Jenny is passionate about making Mumsetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in reviews, features buyers' guides. She frequently tests and reviews items for Mumsnet, including a number of vacuum cleaners.