Dyson DC24 Review

Dyson have revolutionised vacuum cleaner technology. The Dyson DC24 is one of their upright models and comes as either the DC24 Multi Floor or DC24 Animal. This review is based on the Dyson DC24 Multi Floor vacuum cleaner, but you can read about the Animal version further down the page if you live in a household with pets.

The technical bit (for non-technical people)...

Before you purchase a new vacuum cleaner the first thing you probably want to know is how the technology distinguishes it from other models and brands.

Ball Technology -You may have seen this function demonstrated on adverts for Dyson. The 'ball technology' refers to the big ball that the vacuum cleaner moves around on, instead of using wheels like most products. This makes the DC24 easy to turn and steer. Dyson also cleverly incorporated the motor into the ball, giving the vacuum cleaner a very low point of gravity and contributing to its simple manoeuvrability.

Root Cyclone Technology - Anyone who has used a bagged model probably judged when the bag required changing by how well (or not) the vacuum cleaner picked up dirt. As the bag gets full, the product loses suction. Dyson cleaners use root cyclone technology, which in non-techno speak is the technology which allows the vacuum cleaner to function without bags. This different approach to cleaning negates the problems seen with bagged models, and there should be no noticeable difference in performance even if the dust compartment is near full capacity.

Motorised brush - The stiff bristles rotate rapidly and help to dislodge ground-in dirt as you vacuum, as well as pet hair. This function can be switched off so that the vacuum cleaner can also be used effectively on hard surfaces such as laminate.

HEPA filter - The HEPA filter, to put it in its most basic terms, prevents 'bad particles' that your vacuum cleaner has sucked in from being expelled back out into the air you are breathing. These 'bad' things include pollen, mould spores and dust mite faeces, so a Dyson vacuum cleaner is a good investment for people who suffer from allergies. All Dyson products are approved by the British Allergy Foundation.

The HEPA filter should last for the entire lifetime of your vacuum cleaner, but for optimum performance you should adhere to Dyson's recommendation of rinsing it once a month in cold water and allowing it to dry naturally.

What is the difference between the Multi Floor and Animal model?

The DC24 Animal comes with a mini turbine head tool. This fixes onto the hose and allows access to other places in which pet hair accumulates, such as stairs and sofas, which might otherwise be difficult to clean with a vacuum cleaner. This tool can be purchased separately, for Multi Floor owners who may want to get it at a later date, but it is cheaper to just go for the Animal model at the start if you are ever likely to want this attachment.

What do customers like about the DC24 vacuum cleaner?

The DC24 Multi Floor Dyson's lightest upright vacuum cleaner, weighing only 5.4kg. This makes it good for people who have trouble manoeuvring cumbersome or heavy vacuum cleaners, such as those who have problems with their hands and joints, or who are elderly. The ball technology it incorporates enhances how simple to manoeuvre it is whilst vacuuming. Of course, its lightweight design also gives it appeal to anyone who just wants a vacuum cleaner which is easier to carry around the home, particularly up and down stairs. It is also a very compact product, so is ideal in smaller homes where storage space is limited. The handle is collapsible and the wand can also be collapsed down so that it takes up less space.

Another benefit of the DC24 model is that it is quieter than most upright vacuum cleaners. If you've never really given consideration to how noisy your vacuum cleaner is, you will definitely start noticing the noise other models make after buying this product.

Are there any negatives?

It may be lightweight but that's because it is much smaller than the Dyson's other upright vacuum cleaners, so its light and compact design needs to be weighed up against your household's needs. If you vacuum a lot or live in a larger home then the dust compartment needs to be emptied regularly. This is simple to do so could be a moot point to many potential buyers. But for others, it might be better to look at the Dyson DC25 or Dyson DC33. Those in larger homes may also find the cord a bit on the short side, if you like to be able to vacuum several areas without having to stop to swap plugs.

What customers say about the Dyson DC24...

These extracts are taken from customer reviews, who purchased their Dyson DC24 upright vacuum cleaner through Amazon UK.

"I love my Dyson. It's so light and simple to use. The ball makes it so easy to move and I feel like I'm dancing rather than hoovering!"

"Having trouble with my hands (i.e, in lifting things) this lightweight hoover has proved a blessing. Does exactly what is says on the tin!"

"I have found the DC24 vacuum to be extremely satisfactory product. It is lightweight and easy to handle. Cleaning power most satisfactory. Quality of build very good, and machine noise level is low."