Dyson DC50 Animal Compact Vacuum: Perfect for Small Spaces

The Coach: I am impressed. Admittedly, I did not realize that this model is the smaller version of the ball vacs. A LOT smaller! When I unpacked it I was immediately filled with doubt, but I could always send it back if I wanted to, so I figured I'd give it a test drive.

This vac is replacing a 10 year old first generation Dyson upright. I can't remember the model number, but it was the yellow one. I liked it, but it felt like I was moving a tank across the floor. And I was never totally satisfied with the performance, as I'd have to go over and over spots to get dirt and pet hair up. I attributed it to the fact that we have 3 cats and 1 dog, a corgi. And folks, corgis are one of the shediest (sic) dogs on the planet!

When I fired up the DC50 I was amazed. Using the description of another reviewer, this thing is an ANIMAL FUR AND DUST ERASER! One swipe back and forth and the carpet is spotless. The small size equals extremely light and easy maneuvering.

The one and only drawback is the dust canister is VERY SMALL and has a very small capacity. Frequent emptying is to be expected. And the debris does not just fall out when the cover is...

United States on Mar 17, 2016

AliKat: UPDATE: Well, it turns out I was wrong. I realized just a few moments ago that the brush comes like that because of parts in the vacuum head... basically, the brush is not worn out, the vacuum is totally fine! I'm changing the title of this review, deleting my pics and cancelling my return... again! ... 5 stars!

ORIGINAL REVIEW:
When this vaccuum arrived I looked at the size of the box and thought instantly, this is way to small. I immediately went to my computer and requested a return/refund. Then I purchased one of the other full size models just minutes after starting the return process. I hadnt even tried this vacuum, but my mind was already made up. Shipping on the other vacuum was going to take 5 days. I stood there looking at my carpet which was covered in dog hair shed from 3 Samoyeds and bits of things my new puppy had chewed up and scattered everywhere.

Even though i had no intention of keeping the shrimpy little Dyson, I really needed to vacuum my apartment. Reluctantly I opened it up and had a little laugh. The size of the canister was tiny, the hose was narrow and short... everything about it just felt wrong.

Then I plugged it...

United States on Oct 10, 2015

Sol: I truly regret having purchased this product. To keep it somewhat simple here is a pro and con list according to my experience:

Pros:
1. Does a fine job of living up to the Dyson reputation for suction power.
2. VERY compact so it's easy to store away.

Cons:
1. Astronomical cost.
2. You will have to spend a lot more to get attachment that should have been included.
3. Will not be able to vacuum under bed unless it is propped by stilts. (The Dyson attachment I had to buy only works semi adequitely.)
4. The hose is absurdly short. You won't be able to reach the ceiling to get cobwebs unless if you are able to hoist the the vacuum over head with one hand while vacuuming with the other hand. The other option is to spend a lot of extra time and effort to undo the hose then attach a clumsily designed extension hose. The hose winds and unwinds so in other words, the attachment spins as it expands. Whichs makes for a very difficult process for what should be simple, specially at this huge price tag (why didn't they make the hose longer to begin with?!?)
5. Vacuum doesn't move in a straight smooth motion. You will need to exert...

United States on May 10, 2014