Are Dyson Vacuums Really Best?
GREG HOLCH, House & Home senior editor
Dyson is the big player among bagless vacuums, which have a removable dustbin instead of a bag. Although Dyson vacuums are twice as expensive as some competing vacuum cleaners, they routinely get high ratings in reviews and from owners. Experts say overall durability and ease of use is improving with the latest models.
Two professional reviewers tested Dyson's claims to have the best suction, and another reviewer tests Dyson vacuums' ability to pick up pet hair from carpet. None found that Dyson held a big performance advantage over other brands. However, hundreds of owner-written reviews highly rate most Dyson vacuums. Although the positive reviews are sprinkled with complaints about heavy weight, awkward controls, hard-to-find replacement parts and breakdowns, most owners say the extra cost is worth it. The bottom line? You can still get a good vacuum for less, but owner satisfaction for Dyson vacuums is through the roof.
Our Reviews
Advantages
- Best for bare floors and low-shag rugs
- Portable
- Best for upholstery, drapes, cars
Disadvantages
- More expensive than upright vacs
- Not the best for lots of carpet
Advantages
- Best for carpet
- Low emissions
- Some are self-propelled
- Cheaper than canister vacs
Disadvantages
- Not as good for bare floors
- Canisters are better for stairs, upholstery
- Some are heavy
Advantages
- Best for routine deep cleaning
- Most have removable tanks for easier filling
Disadvantages
- Learning curve
- Not all models include tuners
- Content protection can interfere with recordings
Advantages
- Good for quick pickups
- Handy for use in the car
- Lightweight
Disadvantages
- Short runtime for cordless vacs
- Not as powerful as a canister vacuum
- No brushroll