Dyson Absolute vs Animal: Which Vacuum Cleaner is Right for You?
Choosing the right vacuum cleaner can feel like navigating a minefield. With countless models boasting different features and capabilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Two of Dyson’s most popular offerings, the Dyson Absolute and the Dyson Animal, often find themselves head-to-head in the comparison arena. Both promise powerful suction and advanced filtration, but understanding their key differences is crucial to making an informed decision. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the Dyson Absolute and the Dyson Animal, helping you determine which vacuum cleaner best suits your needs. We’ll delve into their features, performance, and overall value to help you make the best choice for your home.
Understanding the Dyson Lineup
Before diving into the specifics of the Dyson Absolute and Dyson Animal, it’s helpful to understand Dyson’s overall vacuum cleaner philosophy. Dyson is known for its bagless technology, powerful suction, and innovative designs. Their vacuums are engineered to effectively capture dust, allergens, and pet hair, making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers and pet owners alike. The ‘Absolute’ and ‘Animal’ designations within the Dyson lineup indicate specific features and targeted uses, designed to cater to diverse cleaning requirements.
Dyson Absolute: The All-Rounder
The Dyson Absolute is often positioned as the premium, all-around option. It’s designed to excel on both hard floors and carpets, making it a versatile choice for homes with mixed flooring. The key features that distinguish the Dyson Absolute include:
- Soft Roller Cleaner Head: This is arguably the defining feature of the Dyson Absolute. The soft roller cleaner head is specifically designed for hard floors. Its soft woven nylon and anti-static carbon fiber filaments gently remove dust and debris without scratching delicate surfaces.
- Direct Drive Cleaner Head: Similar to the Dyson Animal, the Dyson Absolute also includes a direct drive cleaner head for carpets. This head features a powerful motor that drives the brush bar deep into carpet fibers, agitating and lifting stubborn dirt and pet hair.
- Advanced Filtration: Both the Dyson Absolute and Dyson Animal feature whole-machine HEPA filtration, capturing allergens and bacteria and expelling cleaner air. This is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers.
- Variety of Tools: The Dyson Absolute typically comes with a comprehensive set of tools, including a crevice tool, a combination tool, and a mini motorized tool for upholstery and pet hair removal.
Dyson Animal: The Pet Hair Specialist
As the name suggests, the Dyson Animal is specifically designed to tackle pet hair. While it can certainly be used on all floor types, its features are optimized for homes with pets. Key features of the Dyson Animal include:
- Direct Drive Cleaner Head: The Dyson Animal primarily relies on the direct drive cleaner head for both hard floors and carpets. While effective, it may not be as gentle on delicate hard floors as the soft roller cleaner head found on the Dyson Absolute.
- Tangle-Free Turbine Tool: This is a signature tool of the Dyson Animal. It’s designed to remove pet hair from upholstery, stairs, and car interiors without the hair tangling around the brush bar.
- Powerful Suction: The Dyson Animal is known for its strong suction, which is essential for lifting embedded pet hair and dirt from carpets.
- HEPA Filtration: Like the Dyson Absolute, the Dyson Animal features whole-machine HEPA filtration to capture allergens and pet dander.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Dyson Absolute vs Animal
To further clarify the differences, let’s break down the comparison in a table:
| Feature | Dyson Absolute | Dyson Animal |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Homes with mixed flooring (hard floors and carpets) | Homes with pets and carpets |
| Cleaner Head for Hard Floors | Soft Roller Cleaner Head | Direct Drive Cleaner Head |
| Specialized Pet Hair Tool | Mini Motorized Tool | Tangle-Free Turbine Tool |
| Overall Versatility | High | Good |
| Price | Generally Higher | Generally Lower |
Performance on Different Floor Types
The performance of the Dyson Absolute and Dyson Animal varies depending on the floor type:
- Hard Floors: The Dyson Absolute excels on hard floors thanks to its soft roller cleaner head. It gently and effectively removes dust and debris without scratching the surface. The Dyson Animal can still clean hard floors, but the direct drive cleaner head may not be as gentle.
- Carpets: Both the Dyson Absolute and Dyson Animal perform well on carpets. The direct drive cleaner head effectively agitates and lifts dirt and pet hair. However, the Dyson Animal’s stronger suction may give it a slight edge in removing deeply embedded pet hair.
- Upholstery: Both models come with tools for cleaning upholstery. The Dyson Animal’s tangle-free turbine tool is particularly effective at removing pet hair from upholstery without tangling.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Both the Dyson Absolute and Dyson Animal are designed for ease of use and maintenance. They feature bagless designs, making it easy to empty the dustbin. The filters are washable, reducing the need for frequent replacements. However, it’s important to regularly clean the brush bars to remove hair and debris that can accumulate over time. The lightweight design of both models also contributes to their ease of use, making them easy to maneuver around furniture and carry up stairs.
Price and Value
The Dyson Absolute typically comes with a higher price tag than the Dyson Animal. This is due to its additional features, such as the soft roller cleaner head and the comprehensive set of tools. However, the added versatility of the Dyson Absolute may justify the higher price for those with mixed flooring. The Dyson Animal offers excellent value for pet owners who prioritize powerful suction and specialized pet hair removal tools. Consider your specific cleaning needs and budget when making your decision.
Which Vacuum is Right for You?
Choosing between the Dyson Absolute and Dyson Animal ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities. Here’s a quick guide:
- Choose the Dyson Absolute if: You have a mix of hard floors and carpets, you want a versatile vacuum cleaner that excels on all surfaces, and you’re willing to pay a premium for the soft roller cleaner head.
- Choose the Dyson Animal if: You have pets, you primarily have carpets, you want a powerful vacuum cleaner specifically designed for pet hair removal, and you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Beyond the Basics: Other Considerations
Beyond the core features, consider these additional factors when making your decision:
- Corded vs. Cordless: Both the Dyson Absolute and Dyson Animal are available in corded and cordless versions. Cordless models offer greater freedom of movement, while corded models provide continuous power.
- Size and Weight: Consider the size and weight of the vacuum cleaner, especially if you have limited storage space or need to carry it up stairs frequently.
- Noise Level: Vacuum cleaners can be noisy. Check the noise level specifications if you’re sensitive to noise.
- Warranty: Dyson offers a standard warranty on its vacuum cleaners. Be sure to check the warranty terms and conditions before making your purchase.
Final Verdict: A Matter of Priorities
In conclusion, both the Dyson Absolute and the Dyson Animal are excellent vacuum cleaners that offer powerful suction, advanced filtration, and innovative designs. The Dyson Absolute stands out for its versatility and ability to excel on both hard floors and carpets, while the Dyson Animal is the clear choice for pet owners who prioritize powerful pet hair removal. By carefully considering your specific cleaning needs and budget, you can choose the Dyson vacuum cleaner that’s right for you. [See also: Dyson Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide]
