The Dyson DC31 Animal Handheld Vacuum is a good choice for vacuuming hard-to-reach spaces as well as smaller shaggy furniture and carpets. Lightweight (3.37 pounds) and with powerful suction for its size, the DC31 was produced specifically with pet owners in mind.

Praise and criticism

Being a cordless vacuum immediately raises pros and cons, as addressed by vacuum cleaner reviews from various online sources, including Amazon, Epinions, and Home Depot. One of the key areas under consumer scrutiny is battery life. The DC31 battery life of 10 minutes is longer than previous models, but it is still too short a time for some consumers. Also, some consumers highly appreciate the on / off switch, designed to conserve battery power when not vacuuming, but others find it a minor inconvenience. However, the on / off switch, when used correctly, helps extend battery life by much more than 10 minutes.

When buying a cordless handheld vacuum, or any power tool, there is always a trade-off between battery size, battery life, and power. Older model portable cordless vacuums were often characterized by short battery life and poor suction, regardless of brand. As battery technology and motor design have evolved and improved, so has the performance of most handheld vacuums. A well-designed product generally aims for optimal balance, and a 3-pound vacuum with 10 minutes of battery life is probably preferable for most consumers than a 6-pound version with 15 or 20 minutes of battery life. . When shopping for a handheld cordless vacuum, it pays to know what you want and what you are getting. More than a few consumer reviews suggest that people who buy a handheld device sometimes have unrealistic expectations.

Price range

Aside from what some consider a short battery life (and a long recharge time), the only other criticism of this handheld vacuum has to do with the price. For some, a handheld vacuum that retails for between $ 219 and $ 269, such as the Dyson DC31, is quite expensive. It can be argued that in this case what you pay for is power and there is no shortage of power with this machine. It has two power settings, regular and high suction for really tough jobs (with 6 minutes of battery life in the latter case). Dyson products tend towards the expensive side, but most vacuum cleaner reviews clearly indicate that consumers who choose a Dyson product are getting their money’s worth.

A spare battery would be helpful

If there’s a downside that needs to be addressed, it’s probably the fact that the Dyson DC31 doesn’t come with a replacement battery, nor is a replacement available. The 3 1/2 hour battery charge time can be a long time to wait between vacuuming sessions. On the other hand, if used efficiently and loaded ahead of time, the Dyson DC31 is a powerful little machine, great on stairs, car upholstery, furniture, and nooks and crannies, while at the same time excels at picking up hair. of pets. .

Product characteristics

The Dyson DC31 features a dual-power digital motor (no carbon dust or “vacuum smell”) and a 0.09 gallon container capacity with an easy flush feature. It measures 8 inches wide, 4.5 inches deep and 12.7 inches high, and comes with a brush and attachable crevice tool. The DC31 has a 2-year warranty. Most vacuum cleaner reviews give this model high marks.

Availability

The DC31 Portable Animal Device can be found at Amazon.com, as well as at Home Depot, Macy’s, Walmart, and several other online retailers.