It Really Works, Dyson, The Barebones Model.
Written: Sep 20 '04 (Updated May 29 '05)
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Pros: Suction power, ergonomics, durability, it works.
Cons: Price, the wand can be annoying to set up, this version is missing some accessories.
The Bottom Line: This is for users that do not need the extra accessories that come with other Dyson models.
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| yakkowarner's Full Review: Dyson DC07 steel / yellow Upright Vacuum |
What is the difference between the models
Basically the only difference between the different models is in the accessories. This model is the cheapest and therefore does not have any extra accessories, just the basic tools to use on the hose. If you are not sure which model to get then get this one and buy the accessories you want at a later date. If you are ever confused then head to Dyson.com and click on products at the top of the page.
How it works
It works just like any other vacuum. You turn it on by pressing a button on top of the vacuum body, put your foot on the vacuum pad, tilt the handle back, and begin to vacuum. It has a twisting knob that shuts off the brush for hard floors and turns it on for carpets. The unit also has a hose that you can put accessories on the end of it or you can use the wand attachments to make it act like a canister vacuum (perfect for hard floors or hard to reach places.)
The vacuum also has a permanent canister for dirt. It is easy to dump and you do not need to buy new filters. If you buy the optional HEPA filter then you will not need to replace that one either, you just wash it.
The Suction
The suction is incredible. I was amazed at how much dirt was extracted by this vacuum. I also do not have to go over the carpet more than twice. It is much more effective than any other vacuum I have ever used.
When I used the wand I was very pleased with the amount of dirt it removed from cracks and crevices. And using the right attachments just makes it even better. This machine has a powerful motor that works.
Hard Floor Effectiveness
I am very disappointed with the performance of this machine on hard floors, unless I am using the floor accessory (which is extra on this unit.) If you have hard floors then I recommend you go out and get one of the other models that does have the accessory or spend 40 dollars on the cool floor accessory that Bestbuy offers on their website.
When I do use the hard floor accessory with the hose and wand I am very pleased with the results. It cleans the floors easily and very quickly.
How to dump
- Push a release button to remove the canister.
- Hold canister over a trashcan and pull a separate release button. The bottom opens like a trap door automatically dumping the dirt.
- Close the trapdoor bottom and slide the canister back into position.
The Noise
I have read reviews that said the vacuum was quiet. I have no idea what they were talking about. Maybe they were using that secret Dyson stealth vacuum I keep hearing about on the message boards. When I turn it on I cannot hear the TV even if I am in the same room. I also will not use it when the children are sleeping.
But the noise is also not unbearable. It is slightly quieter than my previous vacuums that I have used, just not by much.
Ergonomics and weight
With it almost weighing 20 pounds, this is not a light tool. It does take a little more effort to use than other vacuums out there. It also does not have a self-propelled feature. But the payoff is a vacuum that works and I am willing to deal with the weight so my carpet is actually clean. And unless you have a medical condition, you will not notice the weight after its initial use.
The feel of the vacuum is nothing remarkable. I do not find it remarkably smooth nor rough. I think Dyson could do some ergonomic improvements but whatever they are will be minor.
The hose
The hose is long. I can use the hose about 10 feet away from the vacuum before I start pulling the vacuum body with me. This makes it so much easier to use and is a necessity. I couldn’t stand the short hose on my old vacuum.
The Accessories
The machine comes with a “stair tool”, a “brush tool”, a “crevice tool”.
The wand is stuck in the air shaft and the hose. In order to use it for the accessories, you need to pull the wand out of the hose, flip it around, and attach the accessories and the hose. With other manufacture models you just need to detach the hose from the side of the vacuum. Now it is bothersome two step process, but when you are concerned about suction then this appears to be the way to do it.
The stair tool, brush tool, and crevice tool are the standard tools you will find on almost all vacuums. They are made of the same nice plastic and there is nothing remarkable about them except that they fit VERY tightly to the hose and require a bit of pressure to put them on. They also attach to the vacuum itself very tightly and the placement of the accessories doesn’t bother me when I’m using the machine.
the “Animal turbo tool, and a cheap “floor tool” are not standard on this model. If you want them you will need to buy them separately or get the full version or get the animal version of the Dyson vacuums.
The animal tool works very well. It is a small vacuum with a brush that spins by air pressure. This accessory spins about as fast as the vacuum brush itself and does a great job. The only problem is that it is fairly big for a portable accessory and you will probably stick with the other smaller accessories, unless you like transporting animals in your car or animals that frequently reside on your couch.
The floor tool is a cheap accessory, but necessary. As I already mentioned, the vacuum doesn’t work well on hard surfaces, but the attachment does. In fact I felt more comfortable using the attachment instead of the vacuum on my hard tile floor. The attachment supposedly does not damage soft floors, but my tile floor is as hard as they come, so I wouldn’t know.
For an additional $40, you can get a higher quality floor tool that has bigger wheels on it. I bought mine at Bestbuy. It appears designed for carpet and hard floors(unlike the basic floor tool that is just designed for hard surfaces). And you can also buy a Zorb cleaning kit for $20 and also attaches to your accessory wand.
Construction
This vacuum is as strong as the vacuums they made 30 years ago. You can probably hit your husband upside the head with it and not harm the vacuum. I personally don’t know since I stay away from my wife when she starts wielding it like a sword.
The plastic is a very strong plastic. It is a similar plastic to the plastic on helmets and some toys. I cannot see anyone breaking the plastic with anything less than a hammer or a brick. Even then it will still take some work.
Cleaning
Cleaning the machine is fairly easy. First there is a round Hepa filter on the bottom of the machine (Hepa Filter is optional on this model.) All you need to do is wash the sponge filter and the plastic casing in cold water and let it dry. The holding tank is the second part. You just separate the clear plastic bin from the inner tube and wash both with a wet sponge to get rid of any dust. And believe me, a lot of small dust particles will accumulate.
Warranty
The warranty is only for 2 years. But from researching this vacuum I have found owners that owned previous versions (I think the 04) for over 5 years. Their vacuums were still working when they bought the new 07 models. So it appears from my research that Dyson has been making quality products for quite some time now and the 2 year warranty shouldn’t even be needed. I am actually surprised it isn’t more.
Summary:
This is truly the most powerful vacuum available to the average consumer. It is a great product and well worth the money. The design is sound, it does not lose suction, and it works. This version of the Dyson 07 family is the barebones version but don’t fret, you can buy any of the accessories at another time.
Other Dyson products
Dyson DC14.
Dyson DC11, The ultimate canister.
Dyson floor tool.
Dyson DC07, The Full Version.
My guide to buying a vacuum cleaner.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 380
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