My Animal arrived quickly in a few days w/supersaver free shipping. I thought $350 was alot to pay for a vacuum but I wanted a good one that didnt have extra costs for filters or bags. This is my first Dyson so I was ok with trying a reconditioned unit. It looks and operates like a brand-new machine, but the enclosed warranty is 6 months instead of 2 years. They ought to have made it 2 years for peace of mind. I read the Nov 2003 Consumer Reports (CR) and the Dyson DC07 was ranked 14th.
Rank 1) Hoover WindTunnel Self Propelled Ultra,
Rank 2) Kenmore Progressive with Direct Drive
Rank 3) Eureka Boss Smart Vac Ultra ranked 3rd.
All three choices cost less than the Dyson. If you have time (I didnt), they may be worth investigating. The Dyscon does clean well, but not $350 well, perhaps $250.
Positives:
- The Animal turbo tool is awesome for cleaning in tight areas or vacuuming sofas. I dont have pets but it has found a ton of my wifes long hair.
- The clear canister is a handy & cool way to see how much dirt the vacuum is removing. Its also easy to empty.
- Comes with lots of useful attachments, but no handy place to put all of them so theyll end up in the back of a closet (yes a few attach to the vacuum).
Negatives:
- Doesnt clean along the carpet edges very well. Needs an attachment for that.
- Doesnt have an automatic cord retract, but does have lots & lots of cord.
- No suction control or ability to lightly vacuum over area rugs.
- The unit is tall enough to not go under most things, so the attachments are a must.
- The on/off switch is cheapy and will probably be the first thing to fault.
