Monday, May 2, 2016

Dyson DC65 Animal Vacuum Takes on Hardwood and Pet Hair

Dyson has a long history of reliable products and positive customer reviews. It’s hard to go wrong buying one of their vacuum cleaners, but you might need a little help picking the perfect model for your home.

We’ve compiled everything you need to know about the Dyson DC65 Animal — a well-liked upright — to decide if it’s the right vacuum for you.

3_dyson_dc65_animal_lowThe vacuum

The Dyson DC65 Animal is a corded upright vacuum cleaner that’s built for use on all floor types.

It’s equipped with dirt-removing features such as Radial Root Cyclone technology — a fancy name for its powerful suction system — and a brush bar. It also comes with a variety of attachments, including a stair tool, a combination accessory tool and a tangle-free turbine tool.

As its name suggests, the DC65 is also intended for use in homes with pets.

The DC65 is an older model, but shoppers can still purchase it on Amazon. It retails for $599.99, but it’s often discounted.

» MORE: The best upright vacuums

The reviews

We analyzed reviews of some of the most popular vacuums on the market to come up with a definitive buyer’s guide. We looked at expert opinions from review sites, such as The Sweethome, CNET and Good Housekeeping. Next, we analyzed user reviews to see what shoppers were saying about the various attributes of each vacuum.

To develop the vacuums’ scores, which run from a low of 1 to a high of 10, we considered what users reported about the vacuums’ performance overall and in a variety of settings, such as on stairs or hardwood floors. We also factored in reviewers’ observations on characteristics such as noise level and durability for a well-rounded look at each model.

After the analysis was complete, the Dyson DC65 Animal earned a spot on our lists of the best vacuums, the best vacuums for hardwood floors, the best Dyson vacuums, the best bagless vacuums and the best upright vacuums.

It came away with a 9.2 overall score, a 9.4 in how well it cleans and an 8.7 in ease of use. Let’s see what else users had to say.

» MORE: The best vacuums

The pros

The Dyson DC65 Animal’s list of pros is lengthy, to say the least. Reviewers love its durable structure, easy-to-maneuver design and consistently strong suction across floor types.

Dog and cat owners appreciate the vacuum’s attachments, which easily tackle hair. And when the DC65’s work is done, upkeep is a breeze. Owners said that the canister was easy to access and its push-button emptying system also worked well.

» MORE: The best vacuums for hardwood floors

The cons

But the DC65 isn’t without its drawbacks.

Some of the vacuum’s lowest scores were regarding weight (7.4) and noise (8.5). Users described it as bulky and relatively heavy, especially when being carried up stairs. And some felt that it was loud, especially when the turbine tool was engaged.

» MORE: The best Dyson vacuums

Is the Dyson DC65 Animal right for you?

When the dust clears, the Dyson DC65 Animal remains standing. It’s a robust performer and all-around good fit for most cleaning needs. You’ll especially benefit from this model if you’re a pet owner or have a large home with a combination of floor types.

If you do decide to buy this Dyson, maximize your savings with cash back credit card rewards. Some cards even offer price protection, which refunds you the difference if you find the item at a lower price after you buy.

If the DC65’s price point is a concern for you, check out our roundup of the best cheap vacuums under $200 and $100.

And if you’re looking for a lightweight, streamlined model that’s easier to transport up and down stairs than this Dyson, take a look at the 9-pound Oreck Insight.

Courtney Jespersen is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: courtney@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @courtneynerd.

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