Dyson Animal DC14 Review

What the reviewers like:
As with other Dyson upright vacuums, owners and reviewers have nothing but good things to say about the suction and power of the Dyson DC14 Animal. Some professional reviewers say that reliability and build quality has improved over earlier generation Dyson vacuums.

What the reviewers don't like:
There are mixed notices about the usefulness of Dyson DC14 vacuums on hard floors, and reviewers say the newer Dyson Animal DC17 has more power and is easier to handle. The main complaint about this and all Dyson uprights is the high price and heavy 20-pound weight.

Dyson Animal DC14 review highlights

Overall, owners and experts have positive things to say about the Dyson Animal DC14, but the consensus is that a newer Dyson vacuum, the Dyson Animal DC17 (*est. $550), is more powerful and easier to use. As with other Dyson bagless upright vacuums, there are mixed reports about the Dyson DC14's performance on hard floors, as well as comments about this model's heavy weight and high price.

We found the best review of the Dyson Animal DC14 at Consumer Reports, which thoroughly tests 65 vacuums in its most recent roundup -- including several Dyson bagless upright vacuums. Which.co.uk, a British publication that conducts similar hands-on testing, also tests the Dyson Animal DC14. At About.com, the guide to cats tests the Dyson Animal DC14 specifically from a cat-owner's perspective. This vacuum is also reviewed by Essence Magazine, and as with other Dyson models, owners of the Dyson DC14 Animal post their opinions on Amazon.com and Epinions.

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 is the most comprehensive reviewer of upright vacuums. Editors test a larger number of vacs than any other review source. Vacuums are evaluated in several performance areas, and a ratings chart is included. The Dyson Animal DC17 is one of the several Dyson upright vacuum cleaners included in this most recent report.

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

This British consumer publication is just as thorough as Consumer Reports, but not as many upright vacuums are tested. However, the Dyson DC17 is included in this roundup. Editors report that the newest Dyson vacuums appear to be better built than previous models.

3. Essence Magazine
>> Details/Subscribe
Are These Vacuums Worth the Hype?
Vanessa Bush
Mar. 2005

Vanessa Bush tests and rates three popular vacuums -- the Oreck XL, Dyson DC14 Animal and iRobot Roomba Discovery. Each gets a short evaluation and a list of pros and cons. Bush says she "tried out" the three vacuums, but she isn't forthcoming with other testing methodology.

4. About.com
Review: Dyson DC14 Animal Review
Franny Syufy
Feb. 11, 2005

In this brief review, About.com's guide to cats says the Dyson DC14 Animal's suction is its best and worst feature -- best because it picks up dirt, worst because it makes it difficult to use the wand tool. Unfortunately, this review is only about fifty words in length, with no other performance notes.

5. Amazon.com
Dyson DC14 Cyclone Animal Review
Contributors to Amazon.com

Over 200 owners of the Dyson Animal DC14 post their experiences here. Users love the Dyson's power and suction, but there are some minor complaints about its size and learning curve.

6. Epinions
Dyson DC14 Animal Reviews
Contributors to Epinions

About 150 users post reviews of the Dyson DC14 Animal at Epinions. The individual write-ups range from insightful to pithy.

Also see full report: Vacuum Cleaners

Dyson Animal DC14 Review