Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum

Not sure if this really qualifies as a smart product but it is definitely high tech and the time it saves me makes it smart for me.   I have owned a Dyson DC14 corded vacuum for the past 10 years and I love it.  Cleans great and is easy to maintain.  But with a large, almost 5,000 square foot house the cord is really a hassle not to mention lugging the heavy DC14 up and down the stairs.  So we decided to treat ourselves this past holiday to a new Dyson cordless vacuum.

Dyson has been making the cordless vacuum for quite a few years now and really seem to have figured the technology out.   They recently announced that they will no longer be making the corded vacuums as the cordless models produce the same suction power.  Models offered range from the original V6 to the latest model, the V10.   Each progressive model offers better suction and battery life but obviously get more expensive.  At this time the V6 can be purchased for around $160 and the top of the line V10 will set you back about $550 on sale. Within each model line they over sub lines with different attachments.  The basic sub line is the motorhead the has just one motorized cleaning head.   The next line up is the Animal which has a more powerful torque drive cleaning head for removing pet hair from carpets and furniture.   The top of the line Absolute model line includes a motorized cleaning head for carpets as well as a fluffy head for cleaning hard wood floors.  It also includes a mini cleaning head and various other attachments for crevices, curtains and pretty much anything you need to clean.

Having a home that is all hardwood and a few area rugs I knew I needed the Absolute model so my only decision was V6, V7, V8 or V10.  With a larger house longer battery life is important so I know I needed a later model so my decision was ultimately between the V8 and V10.  A read lots of reviews and both models were reviewed well so ultimately it came down to price and functionality.  One thing I didn't like about the V10 is you have to remove the extension tube in order to empty the dust bin and the V8 was about $150 cheaper so V8 it was.  I have been using the product for over a month now and and am pretty satisfied with my V8 Absolute.

Battery Life

One thing I was a bit concerned about was battery life and would I be able to clean the whole house on a charge.   I am happy to report that I can clean the whole house with charge to spare.  I use the low power mode which seems plenty powerful.  The full power mode is only needed when there is a really dirty spot.  It has been really useful getting the Christmas tree needles out of the carpet.

Usability

The cordless vacuum has made cleaning so much easier, I am finding myself cleaning more often as it is so easy to just grab the V8, pop on the proper head and clean the mess.  Vacuuming stairs is so much easier than my old DC14, I don't have to worry about the extension tube damaging walls.  The fluffy floor motorized cleaner is great for my hardwoods.  Every once in a while a small rock would get stuck under the wheels of my old Dyson and would cause scratches in my floor.   This has not happened with my V8.  Anther great benefit of my V8 is the ease of vacuuming under furniture and beds.  I don't think I had cleaned under my bed since I moved into my house three years ago.

Cleaning

It goes without saying that the fluffy head does a great job on hardwood floors which I have throughout my home.  The few area rugs I have seem to get at least as clean as my old corded Dyson and that is on the low setting.  I have not used all of the attachments yet but cleaning stairs is so much easier and I am saving a lot of time.  The V8  really makes vacuuming fun.

Setup

Once concern I had about a cordless vacuum was where to store it.   My wife wanted it somewhere out of the way where it could not be seen.  So the dining room and family room were out,  Our closets don't have any outlets so I was left with the mudroom.   Perfect place for a vacuum.  We have it out of the way in a corner near the washer and dryer.   Installing it was simple.  Dyson  provides all the hardware, just install the drywall anchors, screw it in, let it charge for a couple hours and you are off to the races.

My complaints

I don't have a whole lot to complain about the V8.  The dustbin is way smaller than my corded Dyson so that means emptying the bin a lot more frequently.  Usually a couple times if I am cleaning the whole house.  My only other complaint is the V8 does not seem as solid as my old corded Dyson.  Not that it seems cheap but there just seems to be a bit of play after connecting the parts together,  I think it is by design but was not something I was expecting.

Overall

Overall I am very happy with my Dyson V8 Absolute.   It is saving me lots of time and getting my house cleaner than it ever was.  No more worrying about the cord not reaching places or having to carry a heavy vacuum up and down the stairs.   Can't really beat the Dyson V8 Absolute for the price and functionality.