Dyson DC07 Animal Vacuum
Solid build quality, and easy-to-replace parts
We’ve had our Dyson DC07 “Animal” since my daughter began crawling, about 11 years ago. With the attachments included (crevice, brush and sweeper head), the Dyson has managed to tackle pretty much anything we’ve thrown at it, including Lego men, marbles and enormous dust bunnies. Over the years, the only piece that has been replaced has been the beater brush, due to wear.
The best thing about the Dyson, besides the solid build quality, is being able to field strip it on the living room floor. It separates into easily cleanable components in about two minutes- invaluable when the Lego man has become wedged in a tube. Parts, even down to esoteric clips, are readily available on Amazon or eBay. All of the filters are easily accessible, washable and/or replaceable. There’s a lifetime HEPA filter as well.
There’s a a satisfaction in watching the Dyson hopper fill up with debris- a knowledge that your vacuuming efforts have not been in vain. Emptying the hopper involves the quick release of two latches.
The only drawback to the Dyson is the sheer size- it’s truly a battleship in the world of household cleaning. Carrying it up the stairs to handle the second floor is a bear and storing it in a small house is problematic.
While perhaps addressed in newer models, the cord wrap-up is manual and tedious. The current run of Dyson products includes a vacuum based on a ball suspension rather that the traditional wheels.
There’s also a smaller handheld model I’ve been eying up, addressing the problem of second floor vacuuming. Overall, the Dyson has been a solid performer- durable and effective. I’d expect to get many more years of service from it.
09/7/16Dyson DC07 Cyclone Animal Upright Vacuum ($240)
