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Dyson DC14 Animal Vacuum

Powerful Vacuum For Sucking up Cat Hair

About.com Rating four out of Five

By Franny Syufy, About.com

The DC14 Animal is Attractive, Powerful,

The DC14 Animal is Attractive, Powerful, and Versatile

Dyson, Inc.
The Dyson's strongest feature - it's inimitable Dyson Root8Cyclone suction - contributed to its most annoying downside, during my testing of this product. When using the wand tool, the suction is so strong that the hose wants to snap back unless it is in exactly the right position. I found myself tugging on the hose repeatedly, and was worn out after vacuuming a short flight of (7) carpeted stairs. In upright position, the vacuum worked remarkably well on carpets and hard-surfaced floors.

Features

  • Variable Height Adjustment Positions
  • Bagless Capture System with easily removable one gallon cup
  • HEPA Filtration System
  • Edge Cleaning
  • Brush Control to Disengage Brushbar
  • Cord Reach: 35 feet
  • Hose Length: 17 feet
  • 12 Amp Motor
  • 270 Air Watts Suction

Included Accessories

  • Mini Turbine Head
    Powerful turbine action for deep-cleaning of pet hair from stairs, upholstery, even the car. (Used with wand.)
  • Low Reach Floor Tool
    Attaches to wand for easier cleaning under sofas or beds.
  • Carpet Care Kit
    Contains:
    1. Zorb powder (unique moisturized "flakes" that really soak up the dirt and leave a fresh, clean scent).
    2. Zorb Groomer
      Wand tool with long bristles for working in the Zorb powder deep into carpeting.
    3. Dysolv Spot Cleaner
      For removing stubborn spots and spills.
  • Brush Tool
  • Stair Tool
  • Crevice Tool

I found the accessory tools easy to use, with the added bonus of special holding sections for each of the latter three tools molded right into the upright base - no more searching for a misplaced tool. The stair tool was particularly versatile for use on upholstery, and the brush tool was excellent for cleaning blinds.

Overall Impressions

Overall, this is an excellent vacuum which lives up to its advertising. It was a bit heavier than my Oreck, but the low handle made it easier to carry, when necessary. The long cord, coupled with the 17-foot wand/hose meant that the vacuum could be used for large areas without having to disconnect and plug into a new receptacle (an annoyance with the Oreck).

In fairness, the problems I had with the "collapsing hose" were largely caused by an ongoing bursitis/tendonitis problem. My adult son had no problems.

I was initially very excited by the advertised "17 ft. telescopic reach, because we have a high vaulted ceiling with large windows covering one wall which are magnets for spiderwebs. When I realized that the 17 feet included a flexible hose, I was disappointed. However, by placing the Dyson on a table and standing on a ladder, my son was able to free those windows of cobwebs very quickly.

As an asthma patient, I particularly appreciated both the HEPA filter and the fact that the plastic tank was so easy to remove and empty.

At around $500, the price of the Dawson is daunting. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one at a sale price, or with a 20%-off coupon, which is sometimes available through certain retailers.

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