 Slim delivers on the promise of ease |
| Review Date: April 9, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Kathryn Weber, Cuero,Texas |
Vacuums often disappoint. They're either unwieldy in size, take too much work to change out longer hoses or put on attachments, etc., need costly bags, or they're heavy or take up too much storage space. And, lastly, they frequently don't live up to performance standards. Well, the Dyson Slim delivers in all but one small category.
As the Cleaning Editor for BellaOnline, I look at cleaning equipment with a serious eye. The first thing I noticed about my Dyson Slim is that performance-wise, it delivers, pulling up cup-full after cup-full of hair, dust, and everything else you find in carpets -- even the ones I had just vacuumed with my regular vacuum (I had to perform a quick "quality assurance" test).
The Dyson Slim also delivers in several other categories, such as storage (it takes 1/3 less space than a regular vacuum), and ease of use. It has the "flick of the wrist" action of the Dyson Ball without the massive weight of the Dyson Ball. This is important to me because I broke my wrist last year and had neck surgery in February. I need a vacuum that I don't have to muscle around the house and that torques my wrist and lower back.
Another spot where it delivers is the size of the vacuum head. It's not as wide as regular vacuums and I was reluctant to buy it because a wider head means more coverage; or so I thought. Actually, the shorter vacuum head, combined with the low profile, means the vacuum gets into very small spaces and underneath sofa skirts, etc., easily and more proficiently than a standard-sized vacuum, helping you to vacuum more quickly and with greater agility.
Where didn't it perform? The attachment heads were a disappointment. There's not a good-sized brush or wide head attachment. The attachments seemed a little cheap and overlooked -- with one exception. The crevice tool/brush combination it comes with is absolutely perfect for vacuuming baseboards (Halleluiah!). But, I also find that I need a nice-sized brush for areas like wood shutters and a wide head attachment to do places such as stairs and tiled areas. However, you can always buy the Dyson wide attachment ($50) and brush separately. Or, I just bought the Kenmore brand attachments that fit the Dyson perfectly. The wide head was only $9.99 -- and it fits in the slot for the Dyson attachments on the vacuum body.
For a vacuum that's easy to maneuver, easy to clean and maintain, takes up less space and gives all the power of a regular-sized Dyson vacuum, the Dyson Slim is a hands-down winner. The only drawback in my mind (better attachments) was no problem because I found an inexpensive work-around. Besides, I'd rather have an easy-to-use vacuum that works well and has chintzy attachments than great attachments on a so-so vacuum. I'd recommend this vacuum to anyone, especially if you want all the power at half the size.
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Suction doesn't suck. ;-)
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| Review Date: April 17, 2007 |
| Reviewer: DND, NY |
My previous vacuum was a Kenmore canister, which was good for its time, but it was starting to show its age and being a 'bag dependent' vacuum was no help either.
The Dyson Slim first caught my eye a couple months ago, but unfortunately it was only available in the UK and Europe at the time. When it hit Amazon I snatched it up quickly. I was at first a bit unimpressed by the all plastic design, thinking that it will break easily. However this was an after thought when I started using it. The first thing you'll notice when using the Slim is its weight. For an upright it was very surprising. If you currently have a canister vacuum, yes this will feel a bit heavier, but keep in mind you won't have keep tugging like you would with a canister vac.
Now in terms of suction this is where the Dyson shines. I have tile floors with some area rugs. When I first turned it on it was something like this: I had the Dyson on my rug, turned it on, it was immediately picking up dust and I didn't even move the vacuum yet! I couldn't believe how much it was picking up. The vacuum picks up dirt and dust so fine you can't see. I have a chinchilla, whose fur is very fine, almost like spider web, and he takes baths in dust or ash. While I try to keep his dust baths contained to his cage the dust travels. Also when he's out of the cage doesn't help either. This vacuum gets both his fur and dust with not problems at all. As for maneuverability, its smooth and the 'ball' is a nice feature.
The only thing that disappoints IMO is the attachments. While the two attachments that come with it are good, I feel at this price point and considering the Slim is smaller than other Dyson's, Dyson should include the low reach floor tool, for example.
Overall I like this vacuum a lot. It cleans very well and the HEPA filtration is very good. The place seems to smell cleaner, but that could just be me. The cord length isn't much of an issue for me, or the canister size. Longevity of the Dyson remains to be seen, but right now this is a very good vacuum. |
fantastic
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| Review Date: April 9, 2007 |
| Reviewer: mellyTPB, Texas |
| We got this vacuum soon after our wedding, and not long after we got a cat. I vacuumed the floor with our old vacuum cleaner, and then used this Dyson. It picked up SO MUCH hair and dirt! I was amazed. I like the way the vacuum can turn and swivel, and do both our carpeted and hard floors. Also, I was having some allergies to the cat, and this Dyson has helped that considerably. I highly recommend it. |
2nd Dyson & still in Love
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| Review Date: September 23, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Heidi J. Heidt, Erie, PA United States |
| I first purchased the Dyson Animal shortly after it first came out years ago. I had 5 cats & 2 Ferrets so you can image the mess I was dealing with. I moved a little over a year ago & could not believe the mess behind my furniture & down in our family room & this animal worked just like that - an animal. For the past year & a half, it still has peformed like when I first purchased it, even after all the abuse of animals. My oldest son informed me that his vacuum quit working, since he took 2 of the original 5 cats, I decided to give him my animal, I wasn't too sad because I decided I wanted the Dyson Slim. I live in an apartment now, with only a Bird & thought this was the smart choice for my next vacuum. I bought it a retail store nearby & got a $100 gift card for buying, so I also purchased the car acccessory kit & the soft dust brush. I wasn't worried about the attachments or the plastic design of this machine because as I said, I had already owned a Dyson & new that it was sturdier than any other vacuum I had ever owned, & believe me, I have owned about 5 others, from a Kirby to Filter Queen & the most expensie Hoover & none has ever been able to live up to this Dyson. It cleans like a dream, & very easy to disassemble to clean the moving parts or any clog you may get. I only clogged it once & that was when I was cleaning right before my move, I don't blame the vacuum, but after I cleaned it, it worked just like the first day I bought it. I was pleasantly suprised, that they have made several improvements on their original vacuums, I love the slim design, it's lightweight & manuevers very easily & picks up the same as my animal. It is much easier to use & takes up less space & I have found it to be quieter than the Animal. I have never left any opinions on anything before, but I had to leave one on the Dyson name. This is more than a vacuum, it will be your best friend & will never let you down! If you are hesitating because of the price, DO NOT! It is worth every penny & will never have to purchase another vacuum, believe Andrew Dyson, this is the best machine out there for the price. |
i like
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| Review Date: June 20, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Jaw, California |
i've always been a canister person. i started out in life with cheap and used canisters which were hard to use because of not enough suction--exercises in futility that made me hate vacuuming--then, about 10 years ago, after a bad experience with a reconditioned vacuum cleaner that was so loud, ear covers should've been used, i was looking, once again, for a used vacuum, in the Recycler, and i got very lucky, i found a woman selling a Miele canister for $100. It was only a year old, it came with the store receipt, she'd paid about $550 for it, and it was the first vacuum i ever had that had powerful suction and was enjoyable to use. It was quiet, and i loved the retractable cord. It had a real quality feel about it. It worked perfectly for about 10 years. Then, several months ago, it lost suction. I took it to a repair place and was told the problem was caused by pet hair. In fact, early last year, i got a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, they have very long hair. Previously i'd just had a small short haired cat. Still the Miele worked well, but then this year, i also took in my daughter's Cavalier King Charles, so i had two. So, apparently, sadly, that really impaired the much loved Miele. I had it repaired, but it still doesn't seem to be as good as before, and, it is much louder since the repair. Bummer. So, i began looking for a good "pet hair" vacuum. A couple of days ago, i read the reviews for this one. I was attracted by the look of it--i always hated uprights (I've owned a couple, both of which were given to me) because of their bulkiness, the space and footprint factor, and also, just maneuverability, too hard for me to deal with. But the reviews of the 'Slim' Dyson and the look of it had me thinking it might be different from other uprights. I went to a vacuum store and tried one out. I loved how it felt, how easy to turn and to have it go where i wanted it to go. It was actually fun. I fell in love. Powerful suction and easy to maneuver, that's all i ask. I got one at Circuit City online because i could go pick it up in the store and if it turns out that i'm not satisfied for any reason, i can return it within 30 days. I can also do that on Amazon, but i would rather not have to deal with shipping a vacuum cleaner. but i don't think i'm ever going to return this vacuum cleaner. I vacuumed as soon as i got it home. wow, it got so much dirt, dust and hair. Wonderful feeling to see what a deep cleaning it did, while being easy to push around and quick and fast to finish the job. Problem: I got finished too soon, ending the fun. Me? Loving vacuuming? i never would've believed it. I vacuumed several more times, carpets, floors, furniture, over the next few hours, even though it was redundant.
The things i don't like as much about it include:
i was frustrated with the instructions, they are minimal at most, not even--there are very few words that don't tell you anything, and then there are drawings that for the most part have no detail and i spent a fair amount of time trying to figure out the mystery of what they meant. But once i figured everything out, i could see that it's straightforward, very well designed, just simple buttons in convenient places.
I find the wand/hose to be stiff and unwieldly, hard to use--but i am used to a canister so compared to that, it's definitely not as useful. Still, i've gotten a lot of use out of the wand on the upholstery, maybe i'll get more used to it, and it does accomplish the purpose. I figured i could still use the Miele for certain things, but the Dyson is my powerhouse work horse for the pet hair that accumulates daily. Very clean vacuum. Very happy with the freedom from filthy vacuum cleaner bags.
Those are the only things that i had a hard time with, everything else was easy and quite enjoyable--to feel so empowered over dirt. I love this vacuum cleaner. I ordered the soft dust brush attachment on Amazon. I'm hesitating on ordering the low floor tool because I may not want to use the hose/wand that much, i'm not sure yet, but if i do get used to it (and when i spend this much money on something, i am motivated to try to like everything about it) then i'll get a low floor tool and the mattress tool. I just wish i already had the soft brush tonight because i would LOVE to dust right now.
I am a housework hater. I pay someone else to clean my place. So it's a tribute to the Dyson Slim that i would rather vacuum than do anything else tonight, and sadly have done all the vacuuming that needs to be done, and then some.
I miss the retractable cord that my Miele has. I know some uprights have them, but perhaps not having it helps to keep the vacuum small and easy to maneuver--for me, that's an acceptable trade off.
Edit: A few days later, i want to add that i did get used to the hose and i like how it works. It felt so tight and stiff at first that i was afraid to stretch it out, i didn't want to break it, but now i see that it's strong and doesn't seem fragile, it's made to be stretched out and to bend. I have an upstairs with a carpeted staircase. I couldn't believe that the hose would stretch the whole way to the top, but it does, barely. The last step is hard to reach, but i can bring the vacuum upstairs and do the top stairs. All but the top step were easy to reach with the hose though. Before i got used to it, i was afraid if i stretched it too far, i'd pull the vacuum over, it would fall, but not so. It stays upright no matter how much i pull, as it was designed to do. So i give using the hose a high rating. I like using this upright much better than using a canister. I have changed.
Edit: a few weeks later. more in love than ever. Love to vacuum. makes me happy.
I got almost all possible accessories for it. Most of them work, some wouldn't fit, even with adapters. The two that didnt' fit were the flexible crevice tool and the stiff brush. These came with the car kit. The mini car turbo attachment does fit, no adapter needed. i use all the attachments when i vacuum around the house, all well made and extend the potential of this way cool vacuum cleaner. It has good suction with all the attachments. I have really enjoyed using the soft dusting brush and the mattress tool with it in particular. The two attachments that come with the vacuum cleaner get a lot of use too. Excellent, versatile.
I have had the occasion to take apart the bin and the beater to clean them. Very easy and straightforward. This is an extremely user friendly vacuum cleaner.
One problem i've had with this vacuum cleaner is that I'm not used to needing to empty the dirt so often, my previous vacuum cleaners didn't need emptying very often, they could be used several times without getting full. The Slim needs to be emptied sometimes several times when i vacuum. I don't mind this at all, it's fun to empty it because it's so cool and easy, i empty it outside, no dust in the house. But, the problem is that i have tended to forget that it needs to be emptied and this has resulted a couple of times to filling it with dirt way higher than the fill line, and this is supposed to be very bad for the vacuum cleaner. The last time, it was so bad that i had to take the bin apart to clean it, feeling horrified that i may have permanently damaged it. I felt so bad, i think i'm now cured of forgetting, i've gotten into the habit of checking it from time to time, and emptying it even when it doesn't need it. Why not? It's so easy.
Despite my regretable neglect, it continues to work very very well, and i find myself saying, "This is the best $500 i ever spent." |
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