Dyson question ...

[Lauren]

I've read the threads on the Dyson vacuum and am ready to buy one. Target has a deal this week with a $100 gift card on the purchase of a Dyson. Since I'm a regular Target shopper, it's like getting $100 off. Which one should I get? We have hard wood and carpeting and a yellow lab who sheds. :eek:

http://akimages.crossmediaservices.com/dyn_rppi/534.0.90.0/target/large/060903_p01ne_22kq6.jpg

[Varaile]

I bought the Dyson Animal (DC14) not 5 months ago and I love it. I have a chocolate lab and an English setter, plus we live out in the country with a big a$$ lawn and a gravel driveway. The dirt and hair that this thing picks up is amazing! It pulls those little sticky burrs and raspberry sticks off the carpeting too.

I don't have hardwood floors, but I do have linoleum in the kitchen and I just roll right from the carpet onto the bare floor. It has a feature where you just twist a knob and it switches from the "carpet" feature to "bare floor" feature - but since my "bare floor" is pretty worn I don't worry about it.

And I love how all the attachments are right! there! I just pull the hose out the top and go after all the pesky furry hair that seems to find it's way into every conceivable corner. I. LOVE. IT! :D

[Gracie]

Lauren, I just showed that circular to DH yesterday! We have black couches and an Oriental-style carpet with a plain black center. All that with a gray cat!!! I don't know what we were thinking since we had the cat before the furniture!

I'm waffling because it is expensive, but we could really use it.

Vacuums sure do look hi-tech these days, don't they? These look like something George Jetson would have had! :)

Loren

[LakeMartinGal]

We bought the Animal DC-14, and love it! We have 2 Goldens, and a lab and Bernese Mt. dog that visit regularly! :D Not to mention that we live on a lake, in the woods, and the dogs are always bringing in leaves, grass, etc! We have carpet and ceramic tile floors, and the Dyson does a great job on it all!

[wintersummer]

I've had the Dyson 07 for about 2 years and up until last week HATED the vacuum! It had great suction on carpet, but absolutely lousy suction on my hardwood floors. Just as an example, my husband spilled some dry oatmeal on floor. Not much, I'd estimate a tablespoon. Vacuum could not pick it up. As I would vacuum throughout the house, the Dyson didn't live up to my expectations. I never thought there could be problem because it did SO good on carpets. About two months ago, I contacted company (day after oatmeal incident...the one that really proved that there was a problem and that it wasn't "in my head"). There are no service places close by so I had to mail it to NY (they paid). It came back in about a week and I re-did the "oatmeal" test. No change at all, although they told me I had a malfunctioning motor and replaced the motor. I sent it back. It came back last week and this is the best vacuum cleaner I've ever used!!! Not only does it pick things up, the head can be approaching something on the floor (say 2-3 inches away) and the suction is already pulling it toward the vacuum. I'm just so sorry that I waited 2 entire years to call the company about my less-than-optimal experience.

[cas]

I have the yellow dyson- it does a great job on the hardwood floors and the carpet. We have a yellow lab too that sheds nonstop!

[misskitty100]

I have a German Shepherd and the DC14. We got ours at Costco.

You might want to check your local Costco to see what the Dyson costs there. We used a Costco Coupon and got a great deal. Even without the coupon I would probably buy something like this at Costco over Target. IMHO, Target has the worlds WORST return policy and if I am going to spend $500 bucks on a vaccum I want the option of returning it if something happens and it doesn't work properly (just my .02 cents ;) )

[Lauren]

I bought the DC14 animal yesterday at BBB and it is amazing! DH and I couldn't believe how much was picked up. The clear container was full and there was so much dog hair, that it looked like a dead animal had been sucked up. :eek:

BBB allows their 20% off coupons to be used, so I saved $110. FYI - The Dyson site has all the info on the various models. For those of you with Costco memeberships, here's the info on the model sold exclusively through Costco.

DC14 Full kit is only available through Costco

Extra cleaning accessories included
Mini turbine head
Cleans pet hair and dirt from confined spaces.
Bare floor tool
Long bristled tool cleans delicate floors
Extra lifetime filter
Brush Control
Brush bar turns off to protect rugs and delicate floors.
Includes the new 5 year warranty.
Click here for more details.

SSP $469.99

http://www.dyson.com/range/DC14-FULLKIT/7.jpg

[dreamer]

I have a German Shepherd and the DC14. We got ours at Costco.

IMHO, Target has the worlds WORST return policy and if I am going to spend $500 bucks on a vaccum I want the option of returning it if something happens and it doesn't work properly (just my .02 cents ;) )

misskitty- What about Target's return policy makes it problematic? I'd just like to be forewarned- I've been shopping there more, recently.

wintersummer- I admire your persistence! Glad you sent it back till it was right!

Lauren enjoy your new vacuum!

And about the Dyson's---
1) One concern I have is how I'd adjust to a bagless vacuum. I always like how dirt collects in a bag, and then you throw it away. How do you empty a bagless vacuum, so as to avoid a cloud of dust/dirt that could get on everything?
2) Also, does the vacuum have a HEPA filter? (And this raises the above question even more. Seems like a HEPA filter wouldn't do much good ultimately if you're then just pouring the debris into your trash?)

Anyway, please enlighten me- will need a new vacuum soon, and don't know squat about all these current options!!
TIA,
dreamer

[imloulou]

And about the Dyson's---
1) One concern I have is how I'd adjust to a bagless vacuum. I always like how dirt collects in a bag, and then you throw it away. How do you empty a bagless vacuum, so as to avoid a cloud of dust/dirt that could get on everything?


Anyway, please enlighten me- will need a new vacuum soon, and don't know squat about all these current options!!
TIA,
dreamer

Dreamer. I have the Dyson DC11 all floors. It is the cannister version. We have all hardwood with few carpets and a small house so we opted for this instead of the upright. I just bring the cannister part to the outside trashcan and shake it out in there. It is easy to remove and easy to empty.

We also got ours at BBB or LNT and used the 20% coupon...cant beat that deal!

[Lauren]

Dreamer - I agree with what Lisa said about emptying the canister. I took it outside and over the garbage can dumped it into a plastic bag. By the touch of one button the bottom opens to dump. I actually found it easier than removing a bag and putting a new bag in.

I asked Target what their return policy is and the vacuume could be returned within 30 days I think.

[LakeMartinGal]

There have evidently been a lot of complaints about Target's return policy...Here (http://www.consumeraffairs.com/retail/target_returns.html) is a link to one of the sites.

[BucknellAlum]

1. I love my Dyson! I agree with the OP who couldn't believe how much stuff it picked up. I used to only need to change the bag in my old vac a couple of times a year - now I know why! The dirt was still in the carpet. I have had my Dyson for a year and it still fills up when I vacuum just one room.

2. I resisted buying the Dyson for a long time because it had no bag. I have a "quick broom" that is bagless and I hate the dust and dirt that spill out when I empty it. Well, the Dyson technology is so much better, I can lower the canister into the trash, push a button and all the dirt is deposited into the trash, no dirt gets out. I wash the filter once or twice a year, and I can take the canister apart and wash it if I need to.

3. Re: Target. I was surprised to hear of people complaining about their return policies. I always thought they had a pretty good policy. I checked out LakeMartinGal's link and a lot of those complaints seemed to involve cash, which I suppose I can understand them tightening up that policy.

I have always used a credit card there, and I love that if you forget your receipt they can scan your credit card and make the return from that! If I ever used cash I would hold tight to that receipt. Moral of the story is use a credit card if it is a pricey purchase.

The receipts from Target all say something to the effect of merchandise will be returned with a receipt for 90 days - they print the date of 90 days from today on the recept. Unless they have changed things since I was there a month ago.

[Robyn1007]

One thing I did learn about Target's ability to find the receipt is that they will only do it twice per year and the year clock starts on the date of the first return, not a calendar year.

[Lauren]

Re: Target. I was surprised to hear of people complaining about their return policies. I always thought they had a pretty good policy. I checked out LakeMartinGal's link and a lot of those complaints seemed to involve cash, which I suppose I can understand them tightening up that policy.

I have always used a credit card there, and I love that if you forget your receipt they can scan your credit card and make the return from that! If I ever used cash I would hold tight to that receipt. Moral of the story is use a credit card if it is a pricey purchase.

I charge everything, as I don't carry cash. It is convenient that they can find the charge by scanning your card, if you don't have your receipt.

Is this what Robyn is referring to or finding a receipt for a cash purchase? One thing I did learn about Target's ability to find the receipt is that they will only do it twice per year and the year clock starts on the date of the first return, not a calendar year.

[Robyn1007]

They will only let you return an item without a receipt twice per year, so if they search by your credit card that counts as one of the times.

[BucknellAlum]

They will only let you return an item without a receipt twice per year, so if they search by your credit card that counts as one of the times.

Is this a new policy? I think I have returned items like this at least 2 or 3 times this year, and no one has mentioned a limit. I usually have the receipt in my bag, but often the sales clerk will say, "just give me your credit card and i don't need the receipt" as she watched me rummage through my purse.

I had better check on my next visit.

[Robyn1007]

It only applies to those purchases without a receipt but I don't know if its new. Of course, the guy yesterday told me AFTER I had completed the return... :rolleyes:

[misskitty100]

My comments regarding Target is that AFTER the 90 days of purchase (or whatever the current rules are) they will NOT deal with you if there is a problem with item you purchased even with a reciept. You must deal with the manufacture directly. My DS had a toy stop working after a short period of time but we had bought it earlier (we shopped ahead for Christmas)...anyway, the toy wasn't working and Target said they WOULDN'T exchange it for the exact same item even though they had them on the shelf in good quantity.

I don't have a problem with a store not returning stuff if you don't have a receipt that is pretty much SOP now a days. But to not exchange something for an identical one when it isn't working bugged me. :mad:

Anyway, I had to call the manufacturer myself, get a "return authorization" and then box up the toy and go to the Post Office to mail it in, then wait a few weeks to get the replacment mailed back to me.

I still shop at Target a few times a month and my intent was to point out Costco has a GREAT return policy and VERY competitive (if not even better) prices.

To me, I wouldn't want to plunk down almost $500 bucks and then find out about Targets policies the hard way. Can you imagine "mailing" a vaccum back to the manufacturer? :eek:

[DebGo]

i return things at target ALL THE TIME without a receipt. there is no limit as far as i know. unless this is a new policy... i never save my target receipts because i know i don't have to. that's one of the reasons i like buying gifts and such at target.

[mbrogier]

I just bought the DC 07 purple animal at Target. It has the 5 year warranty. Costco only had one model, the bare floor one, and it was $459. We have carpeted stairs, so the power upholstery/stair attachments are what we needed.

I'm not worried about Target's return policy. I never return anything to Target. My Target is a SuperTarget, so I buy groceries and housegoods from them. (they have incredibly cheap prices there) The $100 gift certificate is great because I shop there every week for groceries, etc.

[dreamer]

I just want to thank all of you for your posts above regarding the Dyson, and the Target return issues. Very informative and timely for me.

I did read some of those entries on the site Kay (LakeMartinGal) gave re: problems with Target. Kind of horrifying! (speaking as someone who really values good customer service).

One question I had above didn't get answered yet- wondering if anyone knows if the Dyson has a HEPA filter?

TIA,
dreamer

[DebGo]

yes, i believe all models do. i know the dc-14 animal does for sure. go to dyson web site and check. you can compare the models there as well.

[Lauren]

Here's the link.

http://www.dyson.com/homepage.asp

Looks like all models have Hepa filters.

Lifetime HEPA filter

Air expelled from a Dyson has up to 150 times less bacteria and mold than the air you breathe.

[dreamer]

DebGo & Lauren- thanks for your answer re: HEPA filters.
I did use the link and check their site. Never thought I'd consider a bagless vacuum, but between their website and everybody's testimonials, wow. Gonna talk to DH tonight, but I think it's the way we'll go!

-dreamer

[mbrogier]

Dreamer,

We vacuumed in our bedroom last night. The room not only looked fabulous, it smelled so clean! My allergies were so much better. I was amazed.

[stacy7272]

I took advantage of the offer from Target and I got the Dyson DC07 All Floors.

Something I did notice about returning the vacuum with this particular deal is that you can only return it for $100 less than what you paid since you get the $100 gift card. So, even if you return the vacuum - you are into Target for $100. That would not be a problem for some and a big problem for others.

I simply did my dining room and there was about 1/4 cup of pure dirt (I have two kids) in that cylinder!! :eek: After doing the living room there was quite a bit in that darn thing. Who knows - maybe my other vacuum did pick up this much - it is hard to know with a bag.

Something I'm not liking so far is the "quick-draw" wand. It comes out easy enough (although all of the very long cord needs to be taken off) but that poll that sticks inside it makes it very annoying unless you are using it from very far away. I like to use it simply for the edges so the vacuum is right next to me and it was a PITA! I saw something about reversing it but I haven't gotten around to trying that yet.

[Lauren]

I took advantage of the offer from Target and I got the Dyson DC07 All Floors.
I simply did my dining room and there was about 1/4 cup of pure dirt (I have two kids) in that cylinder!! :eek: After doing the living room there was quite a bit in that darn thing. Who knows - maybe my other vacuum did pick up this much - it is hard to know with a bag.

Something I'm not liking so far is the "quick-draw" wand. It comes out easy enough (although all of the very long cord needs to be taken off) but that poll that sticks inside it makes it very annoying unless you are using it from very far away. I like to use it simply for the edges so the vacuum is right next to me and it was a PITA! I saw something about reversing it but I haven't gotten around to trying that yet.

Stacy - I truly feel that my 5 year old Hoover Wind Tunnel wasn't cleaning, even after a visit to the service center. The Dyson suction is so much better.

I'm a little confused with the extended wand, too. but I just put the furniture attachment directly on the hose end and it worked great! We have a blue sectional and a yellow lab (who should not be on the couch) that sheds. The mini turbine head is wider than a normal vaccume attachment and cleaned the seat cushions in no time!

[dreamer]

Dreamer,

We vacuumed in our bedroom last night. The room not only looked fabulous, it smelled so clean! My allergies were so much better. I was amazed.

Micah,
That's so good- Anything that improves health is always welcome!
I've told DH about the Dyson's (he often does vacuuming so I want him to be involved in the purchasing decision) and he's gonna read this thread.
-dreamer

[Lauren]

Dreamer - Here's another thread where people raved about the Dyson. That's the thread that sparked my interest. :D

http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=66834&highlight=dyson

[dreamer]

Dreamer - Here's another thread where people raved about the Dyson. That's the thread that sparked my interest. :D

http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=66834&highlight=dyson
Thanks for the link- I think I remember reading it before, but good to have it in here for DH to read too.

I just have one question. How much are the Dyson people paying us for all this wonderful publicity?! ;) :D

-dreamer

[Lauren]

I just have one question. How much are the Dyson people paying us for all this wonderful publicity?! ;) :D -dreamer

LOL! At the least they could give us a discount on future accessories. :D

[dreamer]

Hi everyone... well I'm bringing the thread up again with a new question.

Was talking to someone yesterday, and she said she had almost just gotten a Dyson, but changed her mind after a friend of hers told her about a problem.

This latter person had bought a Dyson, but found it uncomfortably heavy to push around- so she really disliked it. The woman telling me this said that her friend was very physically fit, always going to the gym, etc., so if she found it to be heavy, my friend figured it must really be a problem.

No one on this thread, that I recall, has mentioned this. What do you all think?

-dreamer

[misskitty100]

I have the DC14 and have never thought of it as heavy. It is much lighter than my previous upright vaccum and that one wasn't really heavy either. Of course, heaviness is probably subjective.

[LakeMartinGal]

I have back problems, and don't actually do any of the vacuuming, but when I try to push it on carpet, I think it's heavy. DH thinks it's great! ;)

[Lauren]

I don't find it heavy. Actually I like the handle placement, which makes it easy to lift and carry. Not that this has much do with choosing vaccumes, but I'm a petite 5'1" woman and wouldn't buy something I couldn't lift.

BTW - What clinched it with my DH was when a friend and neighbor, who cleans houses for her business, told us she uses a Dyson and loves it!

[BucknellAlum]

I had to return a couple things to Target today, so I asked about their return policy. It is never a problem to return items without a receipt (w/i 90 days) if you have the credit card. I actually returned 3 items from 3 different trips with 2 different credit cards today.

The 2 x year policy is for returns without a receipt that were cash purchases. Then they have to take your driver's license and enter you into the system, I guess so that they can catch people who abuse or commit fraud this way.

Regarding the Dyson being heavy, it is on the heavy side. It's no Oreck, but it is not as bad as the Hoover wind tunnel, etc. IMHO. And you carry it by a handle that is centered over the canister, so it is balanced better for carrying upstairs.

[dreamer]

I appreciate getting the opinions above on the question of whether the Dyson is heavy. If there are additional people who want to weigh in on this ( :D ) that would be great! It's a lot of money so I really want to be comfortable with our decision.
TIA,
dreamer

[misskitty100]

According to the Costco website, the DC14 weighs about 18 lbs.

[Tiger]

I've always used an upright vacuum and find the Dyson the same wgt. when carring it around. (i like the hand placement better also) But it is lighter when actually doing the vacuuming compaired to the other models I've used. Love it...........

[Peeps]

Does the Dyson seem to help at all with the flattening that happens to older carpets? I live in an apt. and take very good care of the wall to wall carpet (no shoes allowed!) and do have it professionally cleaned from time to time but there are still areas that are slightly more worn and squished down than the pristine carpet around the floorboards where no one walks. I'm wondering if the Dyson's amazing suckage helps fluff those bits up a bit more than a normal vac?

[Tiger]

[B]
1) One concern I have is how I'd adjust to a bagless vacuum. I always like how dirt collects in a bag, and then you throw it away. How do you empty a bagless vacuum, so as to avoid a cloud of dust/dirt that could get on everything?
[/QUOTE]


I know what you mean. My last vacuum was bagless and emptied from the top. Right before I was planning on getting a shower I would take it out into the backyard to dump it in the trash. The dust would fly everywhere. But the Dyson empties from the bottom. One simple button and all comes out of the bottom. No dust flying anywhere. I do it right in my kitchen. And dont' feel as if I need a shower after. :rolleyes:
I can't imagine using bags. I love seeing the dirt in the vacuum as I'm vacuuming. :D No expense, looking for the right bags ect.

[LakeMartinGal]

Does the Dyson seem to help at all with the flattening that happens to older carpets? I live in an apt. and take very good care of the wall to wall carpet (no shoes allowed!) and do have it professionally cleaned from time to time but there are still areas that are slightly more worn and squished down than the pristine carpet around the floorboards where no one walks. I'm wondering if the Dyson's amazing suckage helps fluff those bits up a bit more than a normal vac?No vacuum I've ever seen can totally re-fluff a worn carpet, but it will make the worn spots less noticeable right after vacuuming. Then, after you walk in the accustomed areas, the nap is pressed down again.

[dreamer]

misskitty and tiger, thanks so much for your info re: weight of the vacuum, and the issue of emptying it.
misskitty it never occurred to me to check a website to find out how much the machine actually weighs-- thanks so much!!
-dreamer

[misskitty100]

I just noticed on my DC14 that it does not have a light on the front like my old vaccum. Thought I would mention this incase this is an important feature to some. I always liked having the light because on dark dreary days (or nights) you could see what you are vaccuming a lot better.