In-Depth Review of the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson has long been synonymous with high-quality vacuum cleaners that promise powerful suction and innovative features. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum Cleaner is no exception. Engineered specifically for pet owners and larger homes, this vacuum boasts a plethora of features designed to make cleaning more efficient and effective. In this review, we will delve into various aspects of the Dyson Ball Animal 3, evaluating its performance, design, and user experience.
Performance
Suction Power
One of the standout features of the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is its impressive suction power. With a motor horsepower of 1.81 and a wattage of 1350 watts, this vacuum can tackle even the most stubborn dirt and pet hair. Users have noted its effectiveness on various surfaces, including thick carpets and hard floors. The pioneering Radial Root Cyclone technology enhances suction, ensuring that dirt and particles are easily removed from your home.
Rating: 5/5
Cleaning Modes
The vacuum comes equipped with three cleaning modes tailored for different surfaces, allowing users to optimize their cleaning tasks. Whether it’s a delicate rug or a heavy-duty carpet, the Animal 3 provides the flexibility needed to adapt to various cleaning challenges.
Rating: 4.5/5
Design and Usability
Ease of Use
The Dyson Ball technology allows for easy navigation around obstacles with a simple turn of the wrist. Many users have praised how agile the vacuum is, making it easy to maneuver around furniture and tight spaces. However, some have reported that it can feel heavier than anticipated, especially for those used to lighter models.
Rating: 4/5
Corded Convenience
Unlike many modern vacuums that come in cordless versions, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is corded. This means you do not have to worry about battery life, but it may limit your range if you have a large home. The 15-foot hose length allows for decent reach, but users may find themselves moving the vacuum more than they would with a cordless model.
Rating: 3.5/5
Features
De-tangling Motorbar™ Cleaner Head
The de-tangling technology is a game-changer for pet owners. It automatically clears wrapped hair from the brush bar as you clean, eliminating the hassle of manually removing hair after each use. This feature has received high praise, particularly from those with pets that shed frequently.
Rating: 4.5/5
Whole-Machine Filtration
Dyson’s advanced whole-machine filtration system ensures that particles are trapped inside the vacuum, rather than expelled back into your home. Users have reported improved air quality, which is an essential aspect for households with allergies or respiratory issues.
Rating: 4.5/5
Washable Filter
The washable filter is a cost-effective feature that allows users to maintain their vacuum without the need for frequent replacements. This aspect has been well-received, but some users have mentioned that the collection bin feels a bit loose when locked in place.
Rating: 4/5
Accessories
Included Tools
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 comes with a combination tool, stair tool, and tool holder, providing versatility for various cleaning tasks. Users have found these tools effective for tackling stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas.
Rating: 4/5
Noise Level
At a noise level of 78 dB, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is on the louder side compared to some competitors. While some users are not bothered by the noise, those with sensitive ears may find it a drawback.
Rating: 3.5/5
Overall Experience
Customer Support
Dyson offers a 5-year warranty and lifetime customer support, which many users have found reassuring. The longevity of Dyson products is often cited, with some customers reporting a decade of use from previous models.
Rating: 4.5/5
Final Thoughts
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a robust machine built for pet owners and individuals looking for a powerful cleaning solution. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as its weight and noise level, its exceptional cleaning power, innovative features, and customer support make it a worthwhile investment.
Overall Rating: 4.2/5
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is a strong contender in the vacuum cleaner market, especially for those with pets. Its combination of powerful suction, innovative technologies, and practical accessories make it a great choice for tackling dirt and pet hair in larger homes. If you’re in the market for a high-performance vacuum that can handle the challenges of pet ownership, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is certainly worth considering.
Ann Rafferty –
I absolutely adore my Dyson vacuum! My dog sheds constantly throughout the year, and this vacuum collects so much hair that I’m left in awe. It’s truly fantastic!
Sharon –
I am absolutely delighted with my Dyson vacuum! With three pets, managing their fur can be quite a challenge, especially in those tricky spots. Thanks to the various attachments and impressive suction power, cleaning up is a breeze! I’m so pleased to finally own a Dyson and have no regrets about investing a little more for a vacuum that truly delivers and is built to last.
Irene Shepard –
I absolutely love this vacuum! As a pet owner with a furry dog, I know how tough it can be to keep carpets and cars free from hair. After just one use, I collected enough fur to create a second dog! We only have carpet in the bedroom and a large rug in the living and dining areas. While we also have a Roomba for daily cleaning (which does a great job on our hardwood floors and manages to cover the rugs), I was amazed at how much hair this vacuum extracted from those three rugs—enough to give my pup a “buddy”!
This vacuum is very maneuverable and easily navigates around furniture and dog beds. I originally purchased it for my Tahoe, and it worked wonderfully! There are two minor drawbacks: first, it’s a bit heavy to lift, but I like to think I’m building arm strength; second, it can be somewhat loud, so those with sensitive hearing might want to turn up the music or use earplugs. Personally, I don’t mind the noise, but it’s worth mentioning for others.
In my Tahoe, I simply folded down the back seats and set the vacuum inside. Thanks to its design and flexibility, I was able to clean the back area with ease. It was a bit tricky getting under the seats and into the corners where dog hair tends to hide, but the attachments did a good job. I removed the floor liners and vacuumed them separately, leaving them completely free of dog hair. With a little patience and effort, I managed to eliminate about 95% of the fur in my Tahoe, which is quite impressive for anyone with a shedding dog. I haven’t tried the pet attachment yet, but given how well this vacuum performed in my car, I’m confident it will work wonders—assuming I can get my dog near it!
George Blanchard –
After my two vacuums of twenty years broke down, I decided to buy a Dyson and a Shark. The Dyson definitely has a bit more power and performs slightly better in terms of cleaning, but both vacuums do an excellent job overall. I appreciate the front light on the Shark and the ease of removing the dust bin, which makes cleaning stairs much simpler. The Shark is also lighter and more stable to maneuver. The detangling feature on both models is impressive. For the price, I prefer the Shark, but both vacuums are outstanding and provide excellent cleaning results.
Sam –
This vacuum boasts impressive suction power, although it can be a bit challenging to maneuver at times. Fortunately, there are adjustable brush settings that help make it easier to push. While it does have a somewhat cheap and flimsy feel—similar to my previous Dyson—the components connect in a way that feels less secure. However, despite this lightweight sensation, nothing has broken on me yet. My last Dyson served me well for nearly a decade before I donated it, with only the hose needing replacement due to wear. It is heavier than many other vacuums, but not as cumbersome as some reviews suggest. My main issue with this vacuum is the collection bin; it doesn’t feel securely locked in place. It tends to feel loose, and while it won’t actually fall off, I would appreciate a more secure fit given the price.
Carlos –
Quick shipping and simple assembly. The suction power is amazing! This is my second Dyson; my first one is a decade old and still works perfectly—my husband even uses it in the garage.
Coronary –
This vacuum has impressive suction power and handles dog hair exceptionally well. With six dogs, including a shedding Great Pyrenees, it really gets the job done! My only issue is that it struggles with my washable rugs (Ruggable) because the suction is so strong it tends to pull them up. However, it works wonderfully on all my bare floors.
Diane –
This vacuum has truly transformed my battle against the daily fur explosion caused by my cat and dog duo. It excels on carpets, effortlessly lifting pet hair, which is such a relief. However, maneuvering it on the stairs feels like wrestling a stubborn snake because of that stiff hose. On the plus side, the sleek design is impressive, and I love how the attachments fit neatly on the side. Plus, it’s much lighter than my old Kenmore vacuum, making it easy to lift. Fingers crossed that the hose becomes more flexible soon, or I might have to start doing vacuum yoga!
MK –
I was hesitant to spend $400 on a vacuum for just one carpet, but I’m so glad I did. This vacuum exceeds my expectations! We used to be loyal to Electrolux for years because of their strong suction, but I always disliked the hassle of cleaning up water. This vacuum has even better suction! It handled all the pet fur in our carpet effortlessly, and I had to vacuum three times just to get all the dirt out. While it’s on the expensive side, it’s absolutely worth it. If you want a truly clean home, this vacuum is the one for you—even if you don’t have pets!
Leah H –
I spent a lot of time researching various Dyson models before finally choosing the Animal 3, and I was a bit concerned about the negative reviews I encountered. I hope sharing my thoughts here helps others in their decision-making process. I compared reviews for the Animal 2, Animal 3, and Animal 3 Extra models, and I’m really glad I went with the Animal 3.
First off, I almost hesitated to buy this vacuum due to some negative feedback claiming it struggles with thick carpets. Even Dyson’s own website has numerous bad reviews on this issue! However, I can confidently say that I have had no problems with my shaggy, thick carpets. When set to either carpet mode, it glides through effortlessly. Just adjust the settings and you’re good to go.
Having owned a ball Dyson before, I was apprehensive because I didn’t love that model. The swivel/ball mechanism on my previous vacuum felt too loose, causing it to veer off course when I tried to push it straight. The Animal 3 has a tighter swivel that allows it to stay straight while still being easy to maneuver when needed.
Another issue with my old Dyson was that it would tip over whenever I pulled on the hose. The Animal 3, likely due to its slightly heavier build, remains stable even when the hose is fully extended and being moved around.
PROS: The suction is excellent, and it maneuvers well. I appreciate how it reaches all the way to the edge when vacuuming along baseboards, not leaving any annoying gaps like my last vacuum. The rotating brush is fantastic at picking up hair—I’ve vacuumed my entire house multiple times without any hair getting tangled around the beater bar, which has been a significant hassle with previous vacuums.
To my surprise, I adore the stair tool! Vacuuming carpeted stairs has always been a challenge for me, but this tool, which looks more suited for hard floors, effectively picks up dirt while fluffing the carpet beautifully. It even reaches the carpeted edges and the vertical parts under each step effortlessly, thanks to the swiveling wand. I’m no longer straining my back lifting a heavy vacuum to tidy up the stairs!
Overall, I’m very satisfied with the Animal 3, especially after my previous disappointment with Dyson. If anything changes, I will update this review.
CONS: It is somewhat heavy, but comparable to my last vacuum (a Hoover WindTunnel) and my previous Dyson, so weight isn’t a significant issue for me.
I’m also disappointed with the seemingly fragile plastic parts in a vacuum at this price point. The cord hooks appear susceptible to breaking, and the delicate mechanism that opens the lower flap for emptying could be a potential hassle if it fails. I was aware of this concern before purchasing, which is why I rate it just below five stars.
When putting the hose wand back in, it can be a bit sticky at the final part of sliding it into place. Occasionally, it requires a bit of force, though some times it slides in smoothly. I’m not sure if this is specific to my unit or a common issue across Animal 3 models.
I also dislike that there’s no release mechanism for tilting the vacuum; you have to force it down to start vacuuming. Fortunately, with the Animal 3, this is easier to do and less jarring than with my previous Dyson.
In summary, I was very skeptical about purchasing this vacuum, but I’m thrilled with its performance and ease of use. Vacuuming my stairs has become a game changer!
Carlos –
Arrived two days earlier than expected and it sucks up dust incredibly well; you can see in the photo how it picked up even the tiniest particles from my mattress. This brand is amazing!