Which Vacuum Cleaner?!

[shivvy]

I need to buy a new vacuum cleaner.
I have done quite a bit of research online so I don’t need any of the good people on here to do a google search.
What I am after are peoples personal experience/opinions on vacuums that might suit my criteria ie:
Cordless.
Powerful (first time moving to a cordless and concerned that it might be a compromise on power).
Able to lift moderate dog hair.
Lightweight for overhead cleaning.

Thanks.

[MargoTester]

Dyson V6 Animal. My friend has a Golden Labrador and it *** all it's hair easily. They have carpets and wood floors and it does both. I have the non animal version and I love it- best but I made in a long time.

[Gizmonster]

Does it def need to be cordless??
If not, then you might want to take a look at the "Shark Lift Away".
There are a few models and I'm not too sure which one we've got, but we both love it.
It's quite light and doing the stairs is a breeze, as the main compartment "lifts away" and there's a strap so you can hang it over your shoulder, making the stairs and high-to-reach places quite easy.
We've also noticed that the cord is considerably longer than our previous Electrolux - no need to keep unplugging, etc.
It also cleans hard floors with one press of a button .....

Highly recommended ...... assuming you're okay with a corded vacuum cleaner :)

[HansUrbancka]

You'll be lucky if you can find a cordless vacuum cleaner that is as good as a corded one. Also you will Not now find as good a corded one as you would have a few years ago, because the EU restricted their motors to a maximum of 1,600watts.

I have an upright 2,100watt Hoover, which, fortunately, I bought just before the EU Regulation was applied and I think it's good.

In my opinion, Dysons are far too expensive for what they are. I am now going to have a look at the 'Shark' which sounds good and has been suggested above ^^ by Gizmonster.

Hans.

[gingejbee]

We have a Dyson V6 too (along with a Dyson corded model) and it's brilliant. Also converts to a handheld for cars, smaller jobs etc. Very light and nearly as powerful as the corded one....it is also the Which Best Buy cordless vacuum.

[gingejbee]

....and people make the mistake in thinking that the more power that a vacuum uses, the better it's performance...something Which? has disproved on several occasions. It's more to do with better design and engineering than power consumption.

[shivvy]

Thank you all for your answers. However it is a cordless that I am after Gizmonster and Hans.
Margo and gingejbee - my concerns about the Dyson V6 Animal were that the capacity is very small at 0.4 and the battery power. Some reviews say that it is best used for little and often cleaning rather than a full house clean.

I should also say that it is for an all carpetted house and I don't have to consider stairs.

[gingejbee]

Yes, the capacity is somewhat small but it's easy and quick to empty. The battery lasts about 20 minutes and it retains full power right to the end and a full recharge takes 3.5 hours, but it's best to keep it "on charge" so it's always ready to do it's 20 minutes. The brush-head is powered so does a good job on carpets.
We are very pleased all round and can recommend it (a relative has one as sole vacuum as is also delighted with it.)

[Kathyan]

My daughter bought the V6 and sent it back. £336 for 20 mins on a full charge and it didn't pick up that well. I've got a Gtech airram and it's brilliant. Lightweight and I can do the whole house twice on one charge! It cost me £200 and I've had it about 5 years. It's the best thing I've ever bought. I wouldn't have a Dyson if you paid me!

[CleeMan]

Miele Cat and Dog. None better

[Islay]

I have a dyson cordless and love it - I have 2 dogs and 4 cats and it pics up after them no problem (its the newer cordless one with the boost button)

[shivvy]

Cleeman - I don't think that vacuum is cordless.

Thanks Islay - do you know if yours is the V6 Animal model?

[Sycamore3House]

I have a Dyson V6 ( not the animal) which I think is brill. It is easy to empty. Easy to use when doing stairs, cars etc. Charge lasts for approx 20 mins which is enough hoovering for one session Imo. Cordless is definitely the way to go.

[Islay]

Yes it is - it comes with several different heads, I tend to use the shorter head which gets rid of animal hair even on carpets.

Like has been said battery life is great - but I use it several times a day - I run round with it in the morning - put it on charge and then run around again in the afternoon.

Its brill not heavy I can get rid of all the dust bunnies and even use it to clean the ash up of the tv unit from the wood burner.

[ethandron]

I have a dyson cordless too, worth every penny. I rarely use my big dyson now, this cordless is so light and easy, and the suction is really good, as good as the proper big one I reckon.
Every time I've used it, I empty it and recharge it so it's ready to go next time I need it. Get one. Now. :)

[masma]

I have the Vax U85 duo Air cordless, it's brilliant!

[shivvy]

Wow - that's a lot of good feedback for the dyson. Thanks.

I'll have a look at the Vax now masma.

[gingejbee]

Sorry...but in the Which? tests, all the Vax cordless were decidedly "mediocre"....losing lots of suction as the battery ran down and not cleaning very well at the best of times. Worth a look if you want impartial advice/test results ...Which? November 2015.


http://www.which.co.uk/reviews/cordless-vacuum-cleaners/article/top-five-best-cordless-vacuums


(You have to be a member to see the brands....but I can tell you that the top three are Dyson V6 and the next two are Bosch Athlet)

[shivvy]

By way of an update - I got the Dyson V8 and it is fantastic!

Brilliant suction, picks up right into the edges and corners, lightweight, lots of great attachments, boost button (which I rarely need because the suction is so good), no problem with dog hair, etc etc.
Yes it has a small dustbin but it is so easy to empty that it is no bother at all.
Yes, the battery only lasts for approx 20 minutes but the machine is so good, I can have most of my vacuuming done in 20 mins.
I kept my old upright, corded vacuum as my 'main' one - but haven't used it once!