Have you always wanted a Dyson vacuum but don’t think you need such a monster, or have you owned one but it’s just way more vacuum than you need? Well, here’s the Dyson DC50. It encompasses all the power and features of the big dogs in a smaller more compact model that is perfectly suited to smaller homes and spaces.
The Dyson DC50 Animal Review
Last update on 2024-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How easy is it to use? What will it do for me?
There are so many unique features to the DC50 that you won’t find in other vacuums. First, you’ve probably heard about the ball technology. This is more than just lingo – the ball is everything that makes the Dyson line so special. All the working parts, including the motor, are housed at the ball located on the base of the machine, so there aren’t a bunch of things hanging off the vacuum that will get in your way.
The Dyson ball also contributes to the ease in using the Dyson DC 50. Having all the components at the bottom gives this hearty machine a nice low center of gravity so you don’t feel like you have to push and pull it. In fact, it turns on a dime and is really easy to maneuver into tight spaces and around corners. You can feel the stability when steering, unlike some larger vacuums that feel like they’re going to tip over.
Although it’s very stable, it’s also really lightweight and durable. At only 11.6 pounds, it’s much lighter than most uprights. Since it’s made of really sturdy plastic-based components, it’s not only durable but easy to carry up the stairs as well if you need to.
For performance, you can turn the brush roll on and off with a button on the handle for carpet and hardwood floors, and even better, it has an articulating base plate that hugs the floor as close as possible without you needing to change any settings manually when doing multi-floor surfaces.
If you have pets, you’ll really appreciate this vac, as it’s specially designed to pick up pet hair without tangling. More than one review we’ve read commented that it’s not only great for animal hair but human hair as well. It’s said even long hair doesn’t get tangled around the brush roll. If you’ve ever had to stop vacuuming and use a scissor to cut
As for the ick factor, the dirt container is clear so you can see how much dirt and debris you’ve sucked up and when it needs to be emptied. It opens over the trash with just one button, shake it and everything falls out, so you shouldn’t have to dig into it to remove anything.
But how well does it perform?
Here are all the particulars on the mechanics of the Dyson DC50 Animal, if you’re interested in the specifics of why it does what it does.
This newest model has upgraded technology when compared with the older Dyson models. While they worked great, this new compact version as well as the mid-sized DC40 and full size DC65 work even better, as one thing’s for sure – Dyson listens to their customers and are always innovating.
These latest upgrades include 19 cyclones that work together across two tiers to catch even more particles of dirt, dust, pollen, bacteria and mold while maintaining the strongest suction. This ensures all these particles end up in the dust container instead of back in the air you’re breathing.
The brush has also been reconfigured and is now a combination of carbon fiber and stiff bristles made of nylon. The nylon bristles dig into to carpeting to get out dirt that’s been
The base plate of the cleaner head also self-adjusts up and down depending on the surface you’re vacuuming. You don’t have to do any manual adjusting to make this happen. This new feature means the vacuum really hugs the floor, no matter what type and does a better job of picking up dirt.
One of the best new features according to DC50 reviews is that there are no rug strips on the cleaner head, so there is more suction all the way across the brush bar, and you can get really close to the wall. With most uprights, there is a strip between the cleaner head and the wall that never gets vacuumed. Not the case here.
Having no rug strips means you also won’t get those grooming stripes across your carpet when you vacuum. Who needs those to know it’s clean anyway?
As for durability, some review comments question how long the plastic parts will last. Well, not only are all the parts rigorously tested, but they are made of the same materials used to make crash helmets and riot shields – a powerful combination of polycarbonate and ABS, so this machine is really meant to last.
Accessories & Tools Included
- Tangle-free turbine tool for pet hair (and human hair): This tool has counter-rotating heads with brushes moving in the opposite direction, so there’s no brush bar for hair to get tangled up in.
- Combination tool with nozzle and brush
- Stair tool to get into corners and vertical surfaces
- Quick release long reach wand that releases and retracts with a single motion. The handle also collapses back into the hose after use so it doesn’t get in the way.
Warranty
Like all machines from this manufacturer, the Dyson DC50 comes with a full Excellent parts and labor warranty when purchased from an authorized reseller.
Specs
- Dimensions: 30.1” x 11” x 13.9”
- Cleaning path width: 11”
- Dirt container capacity: .21 gallons
- Cord length: 24.9”
- Power: 128 air watts
- Filters: Washable lifetime HEPA filters
- Weight: 11.6 pounds
- Maximum reach: 28.5’
- Hose length: 8.5’
- Read the User Manual here
Comparison with Other Dyson Animal Models
As far as upright Dyson Animal vacuums, the latest models are the DC41 Animal and the DC41 Animal Complete and of course, the DC50 (the latest). The big difference between this newer model and the previous two is the cyclone technology. While the previous incarnations of this vacuum had great suction, the new technology of the DC50 is definitely a step up.
All are engineered specifically for pet hair pickup and do a great job at that and other regular tasks. The other major differences are the hose length (8.5 feet vs 15.4 feet on the DC41s), The cord length on this newer model is also a bit shorter at 24.9 feet vs. 35 feet. The dust bin capacity is also a bit smaller at .21 gallons versus .55 gallons.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to move and carry
- Fantastic suction all the way across the brush bar and tools
- Do not have to struggle to get pet hair off upholstery
- Gets right up to baseboards and edges
Cons
In reviews, the only major complaint is the size of the dirt canister. Granted, it is much smaller vs. that of other models. If you need a larger dirt container, consider the Dyson DC40 (mid-sized model) or the DC 65 (full-sized model). Both are essentially the same vacuum, just bigger.
The Dyson DC50 Animal Compact Ball Upright Vacuum Cleaner is Great for:
– People with mostly carpet in their home
– Families with pets and kids
– Those who live in smaller homes or apartments
Consumer Ratings
In review after review, buyers are really impressed and give this model 4 out of 5 stars, a great report.
Price
This compact vac retails for around $500, but you can get the best price by shopping online. It’s hard to find a better deal than this, and you don’t have to carry it home!
If price is really a factor, you can always consider getting one of the previous model refurbished Dysons that are sold at a big discountto make room for new models.
The Bottom Line
The Dyson DC50 Animal is great for people with pets or those who have multi floor surfaces to clean. It’s truly a monster in a compact package and is a fantastic upright. If you have a smaller home or apartment, this may be the best vacuum cleaner for you. However, if you have a big home with a lot of square feet to clean, the DC 40 Origin or DC65 Animal Complete, Animal or Multi Floor may be a better option for you. They are larger, but they also hold more dirt so you won’t have to empty the canister as often.