Review of the Dyson DC31 Animal Handheld Vacuum

The Dyson DC31 Animal Handled Vacuum is a powerful handheld vacuum that is great for pet hair pickup and everyday cleaning. Look beyond the price, and you will get your money's worth.

Full disclosure: Dyson allowed me to borrow a review unit of this product at no cost.

• Handheld vacuum with ergonomic design
• Specially designed to pick up pet hair
• Debris is collected into clear, easy to empty canister (0.09 Gal. capacity)
• Dual power mode: 10 minutes of high constant suction or 6 minutes with 70% higher suction.
• Unit opens easily to access washable filter
• Dimensions: 12.7 by 4.5 by 8.0 inches (HxWxD)
• Weight: 3.8 lbs
• Removable battery fully recharges within 3.5 hours
• Patented root cyclone technology for no loss of suction
• Comes with 2 year warranty for parts and labor
• Comes with three attachments:
  1. Motorized brushbar for carpets
  2. Debris nozzle that converts to a brush tool
  3. Crevice tool

Getting Started

When I heard about the new Dyson DC31 Animal handheld vacuum, I knew I just had to try it out. Let me start by saying that I hate vacuuming. Fortunately, I do not have carpet, save for a few small area rugs. However, they do need to be vacuumed, and so does the upholstery. Until now, I had never used a Dyson. I have heard they are amazingly powerful, but I knew they were amazingly expensive, too. The Dyson DC31 Animal handheld vacuum is no exception. However, you really do get what you pay for.

When I opened the box, I first noticed the unique, modern design. Illustrated instructions made getting started easy. Some very minor assembly was required, but the vacuum is user-friendly enough that I could have figured it out with no instructions. I was vacuuming in less than five minutes.

The power of the Dyson handheld was surprising. This is not a "dustbuster," but a fully functional vacuum in miniature. Though the handheld is really intended for small jobs, I decided to put it to the test on the rugs. I hate to admit it, but one rug had not been vacuumed in over a month. The Dyson picked up weeks worth of hair and debris just as well as my non-Dyson upright, if not better. Sure, it took longer, and I looked like a fool vacuuming while seated on the floor, but it did the job well.

Next came the real test. I had just bought a light cream colored rug with thick pile. I have a black dog and a black cat, so that means I'm crazy. Within a day or two, fur coated the rug and began to work its way into the threads. However, going over the rug every few days with the Dyson kept it looking brand new.

Though it performed well, this small handheld is not ideal for big jobs. Battery life, according to Dyson, is 6 minutes on high power and 10 on normal. For me, it lasted up to 15 minutes on normal. That was just enough time for me to vacuum one rug and do a bit of spot cleaning. Also, the canister fills up fast with all that pet hair, but emptying it is clean and simple. The bottom pops open with the push of a button, and debris goes straight into the trash with less dust.

I found the accessories very useful, too. The crevice tool made cleaning the unsightly areas between the couch cushions easy. The combo tool is an example of simple genius. Slide a piece down and you have a basic floor nozzle. Slide it up and it's a brush tool. Less parts means less for me to misplace.

Pros:

• Powerful - picks up hair better than some full-size vacuums
• Does not lose suction
• Ergonomic, user-friendly and relatively lightweight
• Cordless with rechargeable battery
• Comes with useful attachments
• Bagless with washable filter

This vacuum has so much to offer that I'll never look at another vacuum the same again. I have never even given much thought to handheld vacuums and their features. Bottom line, Dyson's claim to fame: "it doesn't lose suction" is the truth. This product is as promised (if not better).

Cons:

• Expensive

Like all Dyson vacuums, the Dyson DC31 Animal is rather expensive when compared to other vacuum brands. However, I have come to realize that Dysons are not ordinary vacuums. If you are looking for a highly functional handheld vacuum that will last a long time, then the price is worth it. If you rarely vacuum and do not mind replacing vacuums periodically, then maybe this model is not for you. With a price tag of $269.99, it's something to think about.

I love this little vacuum. It's perfect for small rugs, upholstery, dust, crumbs, cobwebs and those pet hair "tumbleweeds" that we dog owners are all too familiar with. It's not incredibly loud, and it only scared my critters a little bit (they run for the hills when I pull out the upright). Its lightweight, cordless design is extremely convenient - it sure beats lugging the big vacuum up two flights of stairs. The Dyson handheld almost made me enjoy vacuuming, which is shocking. I'm going to miss my sample unit when I (begrudgingly) ship it back. I am seriously planning to buy one of my own eventually.

So, if you are in the market for a small vacuum at this price point, do not hesitate to invest in the Dyson C31 Animal Handheld Vacuum. It makes cleaning so much easier, and it's a real space saver.

For more information about the Dyson C31 Animal Handheld Vacuum, visit the Dyson Website. Happy housecleaning!