Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

http://www.littlewoods.com/rf/s.do?Np=1&Ns=&Ntk=littlewoods_search&Ntt=dyson&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&Nu=this_product&pageSize=12&Nao=0&cmEvent=page_navigation

They have 2 Models on their website 'Animal' and 'All Floors', first look suggests an update version of the US DC17 but for the UK\Europe markets.  This will be the replacement for the popular DC14.  I thought a separate motor for the brush bar like the DC17 would have been standard, but looks like it uses the DC04\DC07\DC14 clutch setup!   Not sure as the website doesn't say if it just has a slim root cyclone technology or the core is included!   It does look like it has more small cyclones than the current DC14 and DC15 and DC25 models.  See picture of DC27 All Floors model below!  DC18

Hi again - thanks for the welcome, CarmineD and DIB!

I'm interested in the disparity between the US Consumer Reports rating, and the EU equivalent, Which? Magazine's ratings of Dyson machines. When the Dyson DC01 and DC02  first came out, Which? were very positive about them, until the brand's poor reliability began to become apparent in consumer surveys. For years after that, while Dyson machines performed consistantly well in testing, Which? refused bestow them with their 'Best Buy' recommendation. However, once Dyson introduced the standard 5-year guarantee, Which? announced they no longer had a problem recommending Dyson.

As you can see from this April 2007 report, out of the 5 'Best Buy' uprights, 4 of them are Dyson models. Only the Sebo Felix ranks alongside them for cleaning ability. To quote their results for the DC14 '...our results showed top-notch scores all round.' An overview of high-scoring models on the previous page states of the DC14 All Floors, 'This Dyson is the carpet king, combining excellent dust pick-up with top-notch filtration.'

I can't understand why Consumer Report rates them so poorly, and Which? rates them so highly. Unfortunately, not being a subscriber to Which? I haven't seen any test results for Dyson upright or canister models later than these ones, so I couldn't comment on their opinion of the DC24, DC25 etc. I have a DC24, which does a respectable job for such a compact, lightweight cleaner.

Coincidentally, in this test, the Oreck XL7, the most expensive machine tested (retailing at £449 - £170 more than the most expensive Dyson) achieved an overall score of just 51%.

My opinion on consumer magazine rankings and ratings:  You're only as good as your latest ranking and score.  And even then, it's a subjective guide.

Carmine D.

Since the test was conducted, the DC15 and DC18 have been discontinued in favour of the DC24 and DC25. I'll try and find out how they scored, and get back to you.

The DC14 Origin and All Floors have come down in price, and gained an extra 20aw of power. If anything, they're now better sales prospects than when they were tested!

Oddly, you didn't mention the fact that it's a 'subjective guide' earlier, when you said:

'While comments here say dyson's DC24 [3rd generation in steering/manueverabity considering DC18] is a step in the right direction, Consumer Reports [October 2008] rates lower than the worse ever rated dyson DC15 ball.  Getting a Poor in tool suction and Fair in pet hair pick up.  And CR's initial comments on the DC25, not yet reviewed and rated, are not very promising.'

So is a Consumer Report score 'admissible evidence' or not?

Hi DIB,

the Which? Magazine slogan is: 'No advertising. No bias. No hidden agenda.'  According to them, 'We do not accept advertising or rely on freebies. Everything bought for testing is paid for at full price.' It is funded entirely by subscribers to its magazine and website.

With regards to the bagged vs. bagless debate, the same issue from which the excerpt I posted above was sourced states:

'Our tests have found no link between the presence and absence of a bag, and cleaning ability.' It does, however, mention that the bags for the 'Best Buy' brands are often expensive.

Then why dont you tell us about the dyson filtration and its benefits over a bagged machine that uses filtrette bags and carbon activated after filters.I know that these machines are priced the same,For every spinned reason you throw out there i can give you reasons and answers [OH and by the way it never looses suction remember that line, why dont you tell us about that LIE and advertising deception again.

This is getting VERY OLD , why dont you promote a vacuum that  gives the public its moneys worth.................

MOLE

Thank you for giving me the opprtunity to clarify my above post comment.  The point I made in the above post was that despite the favorable comments here about new dyson ball models, Consumer Reports is not as kind/impressed with a DC24 [MSRP $399] in its October 2008 tests.  Nor does a new DC25 [MSRP $499] look promising to CR.  BTW, both ball models tho new are being heavily discounted by all retailers along with assorted buyer incentives.  Recall when dyson introed the DC15 it was $599.  But within several months of launch dyson at the urging of several retailers, dropped the price by $100 to $499 and still.  I was told by the BEST BUY store with the reputation for selling the most dysons on the east coast that dyson's DC15 ball was its worse selling model.  Recall my friend DIB bought a DC15 for $300 a few years ago.  Since 2004 with a DC15 ball, CR has been very critical and negative about the benefits/advantages of dyson ball technology.  In fact, CR has been critical of all dysons generally for the last 6 years save a DC17 which is the only dyson model in the USA to manage a top 10 rank by CR. 

WRT Consumer Reports since you asked, IMHO is an excellent reference source for new vacuum buyers.  It should be used as a reference guide to acquaint new vacuum buyers with most of the available brands, models, features and prices for comparative shopping purposes.  In the final analysis, it is a guide, and subjective at that, not the gospel.  I always recommend that serious and conscientious vacuum buyers should, whenever in doubt, refer/defer to the industry experts and professionals for the best advice. 

FWIW, the HOOVER Fusion bagless upright [MSRP $109] was consistently rated a DO NOT BUY by CR for faulty emissions.  However, Wal*mart stores, which had the exclusive sales FUSION rights for 2 years, claim it to be one of the best selling vacuums in their sales history.  In fact, stores complained that they couldn't keep the FUSION-s stocked on the shelves because they sold so quickly.  Customers who bought and used FUSION-s were impressed with their performance and capabilites.  The buying vacuum public spoke with their pocketbooks and CR be darned. 

Carmine D.

Out of interest, then, which brands/models do Consumer Report generally favour as being the best on the US market? With Which? Magazine, Miele canisters generally top everything for performance, and have been consistant 'Best Buy' canister models for years.