DC15 The Ball Animal Review

What the reviewers like:
Most experts and owners say the Dyson Animal DC15 bagless vacuum does a good job overall, and most say its unique "ball" hinge makes it easier to maneuver. Some say this makes it a good choice for those with limited mobility.

What the reviewers don't like:
Reviews are mixed on whether the Dyson DC15 Animal vacuum cleaner justifies its high price. Some say it isn't as effective as other Dyson vacuums in picking up pet hair from carpeting and offers only an adequate amount of suction.

DC15 The Ball Animal review highlights

Reviewers are mixed overall about the Dyson DC15 Animal. Reviewers do like its unique ball-shaped hinge, which helps it maneuver around corners and obstacles. However, some reviews say its suction isn't particularly impressive, especially not considering its high price tag. While owners like the included powered hand tool for getting pet hair from upholstery, others say that the vacuum doesn't do the best job picking up pet hair from carpeting. Overall, vacuums like the Eureka SmartVac 4870 (*est. $150) do a similar job for much less.

We found the best reviews of the Dyson Animal DC15 at Consumer Reports, which tests more vacuum cleaners than any other review publication. We also found an excellent review of this model at Which.co.uk, a British magazine that's roughly the equivalent of Consumer Reports. The Dyson DC15 bagless upright vacuum differs from other vacuums in that it hinges on a volleyball-sized sphere. We also found credible user reviews at Amazon.com.

Also see full report: Vacuum Cleaners

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
>> Details/Subscribe
Vacuums: Top Picks for Pet Hair
Editors of Consumer Reports
Mar. 2007

Consumer Reports puts the focus on pet hair for its latest update. Vacuums are tested on carpeting and hard floors, plus each receives a score on how well it picks up pet hair from carpeting. The Dyson DC15 is included in the ratings chart.

2. Which.co.uk
>> Details/Subscribe
Vacuum Cleaners
Editors of Which.co.uk
Feb. 2007

Which.co.uk is a British consumer magazine that's roughly the equivalent of Consumer Reports. Editors test both canister and upright vacuums for this report, which includes the Dyson DC15 The Ball. Editors say that Dyson vacuums have had a poor reputation in the past for reliability, but that the company has made big strides towards improving that record.

3. Amazon.com
Dyson DC15 Animal Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

About 100 owners post comments here about the Dyson DC15 Animal. The individual reviews range from short and non-critical to highly detailed product reports, so the quality of the reviews varies considerably. Still, the reviews cumulatively give an excellent idea of overall owner satisfaction.

4. Epinions
Dyson Animal DC15 Reviews
Contributors to Epinions.com

Only about a dozen owners post their experiences with the Dyson DC15 Animal, far less than for other Dyson vacuums on this site.

Also see full report: Vacuum Cleaners

DC15 The Ball Animal Review