
Cut the Cord: A Guide to Picking the Perfect Dyson Cordless Vacuum
Vacuuming is up there with laundry and dishes as one of those mundane household chores that just never goes away. But lugging a heavy corded vacuum around is a literal drag. Wouldn’t it be nice to cut the cord and go wireless?
Enter Dyson cordless vacuums. These innovative appliances are freeing people from the confines of cords and outlets and making vacuuming almost fun. Well, as fun as hoovering up dirt can be anyway.
Dyson pioneered cordless vacuum technology and remains the market leader. Their vacuums provide powerful suction combined with lightweight designs and versatility. No more tripping over cables or straining your arm as you vacuum.
But with so many models now available from Dyson, how do you choose the right one for your needs?
This guide will cover:
- Key factors to consider when selecting a Dyson cordless vacuum
- A detailed overview of Dyson’s top 4 cordless vacuums
- Answers to common questions about Dyson cordless performance and features
Follow along and you’ll discover everything you need to find your perfect match in a cordless Dyson.
What to Look for in a Dyson Cordless Vacuum
Dyson makes a range of excellent cordless vacuums to suit different budgets and needs. Here are some key considerations to help narrow your search:
Cordless Vacuum Budget
Dyson cordless vacuums range in price from $350 to $700. Like most things, you get what you pay for. Costlier models have longer battery life, more powerful suction and come bundled with extra tools and accessories. Cheaper models still pack strong performance but may lack some convenience features.
Set your budget upfront so you can target the models in your price range. Plan to spend $400 or more if you want maximum power and battery runtime.
Home Size
Larger homes need longer runtimes and bigger dust bins that won’t need emptying as often. Check the product details for battery life and bin capacity. Mid to high-end Dyson cordless vacuums run from 40 to 60 minutes before fading.
Also consider your number of floors. Multi-level homes benefit from lighter vacuums that won’t wear you out lugging them up and down stairs.
Flooring Type
Carpets or hard floors? Certain Dyson cordless models are tailored for each.
Vacuums optimized for carpets have motorized cleaner heads that beat deep into carpet fiber. Hard floors do better with soft roller heads that won’t scatter debris.
Some Dysons can adapt to both floor types with adjustable suction and interchangeable heads.
Special Features
Beyond basic vacuuming, which extras do you need?
- A LED screendisplaying runtime and alerts?
- Lots of attachmentsfor vacuuming curtains, upholstery and more?
- A whole machine filtration systemto trap allergens?
Factor desired features into your buying decision.
Weight and Maneuverability
Cordless vacuums must be lightweight and easy to steer. After all, extra pounds and unwieldy designs defeat the purpose of cordless convenience.
Compare weights (5 to 7 pounds for Dysons) and handling. Long or repeated cleaning sessions need a vacuum you can carry and manuever with ease.
Now for an overview of the top Dyson cordless vacuum models and how they stack up across these factors.
Dyson’s Best Cordless Vacuums Compared
Dyson V11 Torque Drive
The Dyson V11 Torque Drive is one of Dyson’s newest cordless models and arguably their most powerful. It’s a star performer across all floor types.
Key Specs:
- Up to 60 minutesof fade-free runtime
- LCD screenshows runtime and alerts
- Fully sealed filtration system
Best for:
- Carpets: Adaptive suction automatically adjusts power between carpets and hard floors. The stiff nylon bristles on the torque drive cleaner head dig down into carpets to remove ground-in dirt.
- Large homes: With a 60 minute max runtime and large 0.2 gallon dust bin, the V11 can cover big areas without slowing down or needing frequent emptying.
- Allergens: The whole machine filtration system traps 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Great for allergy sufferers.
Downsides
- It’s one of Dyson’s more expensivecordless models at around $700. You pay for performance.
For powerful, adaptable cleaning across large homes, it’s hard to beat the Dyson V11 Torque Drive.
Dyson V8 Absolute
The Dyson V8 Absolute is a lightweight cordless that excels on hard floors. It’s a great lower budget option.
Key Specs:
- Up to 40 minutesof fade-free runtime
- Instant release triggerhelps conserve battery
- Weighs only 5 lbs
Best for:
- Hard floors: The soft roller cleaner head gently vacuums bare floors without scattering debris around.
- Smaller homes: With a 40 minute runtime and 0.14 gallon bin, it’s tailored for quick cleans in apartments or other compact spaces.
- Portability: At only 5 lbs, it’s easy to carry up stairs or maneuver under furniture. Attaches to Dyson’s wall-mounted docking station for grabbing and going.
Downsides:
- The 0.14 gallon bin requires more frequent emptying than larger models.
- Runetime caps at 40 minutes, less than premium Dysons.
For light and nimble cleaning, especially on bare floors, the Dyson V8 Absolute hits the sweet spot between price and cordless performance.
Dyson V10 Cyclone
The Dyson V10 Cyclone ramps up suction power and runtime for a versatile clean across floors.
Key Specs:
- Up to 60 minutesof fade-free power
- Whole-machine filtrationcaptures microscopic particles
Best for:
- Carpets and hard floors: An adaptable cleaner head automatically changes suction power between carpets and hard floors. The torque drive cleaner head is great for really digging into carpets.
- Pet hair removal: The V10 has extra suction in “Boost mode” for really ground in dirt and pet hair.
- Large dust bin: Its 0.2 gallon bin avoids the need to stop and empty as often.
Downsides:
- At 5.9 lbs, it’s somewhat bulkier than lighter models like the V8.
- Lacks the digital display that shows remaining runtime on Dyson’s V11 cordless vacuums.
With excellent suction and a large dust bin, the Dyson V10 is primed to tackle whole home cleaning on both floors and carpets.
Dyson Omni-Glide
Dyson’s Omni-Glide is a slim cordless vacuum tailored specifically for hard floors.
Key Specs:
- Up to 20 minutes continuous runtime
- Omnidirectional Fluffy cleaner headfor hard floors
- Flat profilelays nearly flush to the floor
Best for:
- Hard floors: The fluffy roller head creates suction to remove debris from wood, tile, laminate and more without scratching.
- Under furniture: It glides and swivels to reach way under couches, beds and other furniture.
- Storage: A horizontal design takes up less closet space for storage.
Downsides:
- Shorter battery lifeat just 20 minutes continuous runtime. Not ideal for large homes.
- The soft roller head lacks the agitation needed to deep clean carpets.
With its 180 degree swivel steering and slim profile, the Dyson Omni-Glide is primed to get under and around obstacles while gently cleaning bare floors.
Your Dyson Cordless Vacuum Questions, Answered
Still trying to decide which Dyson cordless vacuum is right for you? Here are answers to some common questions to help you buy with confidence.
How long do Dyson cordless batteries last?
It depends on the model. Dyson’s top-end V11 and V10 advertise fade-free power for 60 minutes on a full battery charge. Mid-range models like the V8 run for 30-40 minutes before fading.
In any case,Runtime eventually decreases as batteries wear out. But you should get consistent performance for a few years at least.
How often do the filters need replacing?
Again, it varies by exact model. As a general rule, Dyson recommends washing the larger bin filters monthly and replacing them annually. The pricier HEPA filters may only need swapping every 2-3 years. Check your owner’s manual.
Are Dyson cordless good for pet hair?
Definitely! Dyson cordless vacuums are equipped to pull up stubborn pet hair. Their brush bars dislodge embedded hair from carpets and upholstery.
Models like the Dyson V11 even have a extra suction mode designed specially for ground-in dirt and pet hair. The fluffy roller heads on some models also excel at removing hair from hard floors.
Can you use a Dyson cordless on hard floors?
Yes, Dyson cordless vacuums work excellently on bare floors. Most models include a hard floor tool with soft woven nylon bristles to gently clean without scratching floors.
Some cordless Dysons like the Omni-Glide even feature a Fluffy hard floor cleaner head specifically engineered for vinyl, tile and other delicate surfaces.
How long do Dyson cordless vacuums take to charge?
From dead empty, charging times range from:
- 5 hoursfor the Dyson V8
- 4 hoursfor the Cyclone V10
- 5 hoursfor the V11 Torque Drive
Naturally, models with larger batteries and runtimes take a bit longer to charge to full.
Can the batteries be replaced in Dyson cordless vacuums?
Unfortunately, the batteries are integrated and can’t easily be replaced. If your battery performance drops after years of use, you’ll need to contact Dyson support about potential battery or machine replacement options.
Are Dyson cordless vacuums heavy to carry?
Dyson cordless vacuums are relatively lightweight compared to other full-size cordless models. Weights range from:
- 5 lbsfor the V8 Absolute
- 9 lbsfor the V10 Cyclone
- 7 lbsfor the V11 Torque Drive
The tradeoff for longer battery life is increased weight. But Dyson cordless vacuums avoid the huge 8+ pound models some brands sell.
How long is the warranty?
Dyson provides a 2-year parts and labor warranty that covers any original defects in materials or workmanship. You’ll need to show proof of purchase if filing a claim.
Batteries and wear parts like filters aren’t covered under the warranty, only defects.
Free Yourself From Cords With a Dyson Cordless
Dyson cordless vacuums represent a significant investment upfront. But that investment pays off every time you vacuum without fighting cords or dragging a heavy corded vacuum behind you.
Convenience is the hallmark of Dyson’s cordless vacuums. Choose wisely based on your budget, needs and home layout, and a Dyson cordless vacuum will likely become your favorite cleaning tool. No more excuses for putting off vacuuming!
To recap, focus on the following when picking your perfect Dyson cordless:
- Your budget – Cost varies widely for different models
- Home size and number of floors – Big homes need longer runtimes
- Primary flooring type – Carpets vs. hardwood vs. both equally
- Must-have features – Do you need an LCD screen, lots of tools/accessories or advanced filtration?
- Weight and maneuverability – Lighter is better for frequent carrying
Keep these factors in mind while shopping. Before long, you’ll be cleaning your floors and furnishings with cordless freedom thanks to your new Dyson!