Cleaning carpets is a vacuum cleaner's toughest job. That's why it's also Consumer Reports' most demanding test for upright and canister vacuums. In fact, the ability to remove embedded talc and sand in our carpet-cleaning test helped separate the strongest from the weakest performers in our March 2009 report on vacuums (available to subscribers).
Dyson's new DC28 Animal upright vacuum with "Airmuscle" technology, $600, includes an automatic adjustment system aimed squarely at the kind of performance needed to deep-clean carpeting. And as if Airmuscle and Animal don't sound macho enough, the DC28 includes hardware that seems more suited to muscle cars.
A pneumatic actuator "pulls the cleaner head deeper into the carpet" while a high-torque clutch adds "more power to the brush bar, enabling the stiff bristles to open carpet pile and dislodge dirt," says Dyson. There's even a "powered cam" designed for better bare-floor suction. You half expect to find 0-to-60-mph acceleration time and horsepower specs for this vacuum.
The promise behind all that technology is better cleaning, since the system separately adjusts the vacuum head and brush to the cleaning surface. Dyson also says the automated process makes the vacuum easier to push.
This latest Dyson earned a very good in our carpet-cleaning test and did better than most of its brand mates, getting a very good instead of Dyson’s usual good. It also scored well in our pet-hair test and in airflow for tools—a plus when you need to get spilled cereal and other messes out of the nooks and crannies of a couch. Four friendly push-button height settings are another plus, since you can still do some adjusting on your own.
But as our handling test revealed, the DC28's added pulling power made this 21-pound vacuum relatively hard to push and pull. And while Dyson has been among the most reliable brands of upright vacuum in our repair surveys, some recommended models and CR Best Buys from similarly reliable brands cost hundreds less. The D17 Absolute Animal, $550, also scored a very good in our carpet tests.—Bob Markovich | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook
Essential information: Check our ratings of upright and canister vacuums (available to subscribers) for top values from other reliable brands. Before you shop, use our free buyer's guide to vacuums.
I just bought this exact model, and I must say that it is an excellent vacuum cleaner, especially in comparison to the older Dyson(s) that I've used in the past. However, I don't agree with the comment about the DC28 being hard to push. When you have the brush roll set at the lowest possible setting (without damaging your carpet), it is very easy to push, and can often make the machine feel self propelled. You also get great deep cleaning by setting the brush roll to the lowest setting as well. It only gets difficult when you have the brush roll set too high. For instance, on my plush deep pile carpet, having the brush roll too high will allow the floor nozzle to concentrate too much suction against the floor, making it hard to push and pull the machine. Having the brush dig deep into the carpet somewhat breaks the suction seal against the floor, with the brush acting as a powered wheel for the machine.
This blog entry also mentions the DC17 received a "very good" rating for carpet cleaning. However, it failed to mention that it does this by using a very aggressive brush roll that is damaging to many delicate high pile carpets and rugs; many DC17 owners and reviewers can attest to this fact.
I'm disappointed with the review: there's no mention of longer term suction and pickup performance. Dyson makes a major point that their technology prevents slippage over time in performance on those two counts, compared to other makers' technology. From experience I know that a Hoover Windtunnel at age two is nowhere near as good as when it first came out of the box.
I just purchased the Dyson Animal DC28 yesterday and I can proudly say that it is one of the best buys I have ever made. I have a 94 pound labradoodle (not supposed to shed... Ha! Ha!)and have tons of his hair embedded in my carpet thanks to a very expensive Oreck XL2. After taking apart the Oreck to clean it, the performance was still extremely poor. I knew I had a winner with the Animal when I had to empty the tank 3 times in my bedroom alone the first time I used this vacuum. After doing the whole house for the first time, I was able to fill up a 13 gallon kitchen garbage bag with dog hair and dirt. Simply unbelievable! The Animal also comes with 2 HEPA filters that you simply wash under the kitchen faucet every 3 months rather than trying to find pricey replacement filters. The only thing I don't like about the Animal is that it is hard to lug around when using the hose attachment as the handle of the vacuum is actually part of the hose. All in all this vacuum is the answer to my environmental allergies.
In your Summer 2009 Inside Newsletter you support federal legislation aimed at enhancing the safety of the food supply. No argument with the concept. However, let's be sure we separate conventional, corporate and chemical based foods and industrialized processed foods from organic, locally grown and locally produced foods.
These two entirely different groups cannot be legislated with one standard. The paper work and fees alone would devastate local small-scale growers who sell off their farm or at the farmers market or in small Ma and Pa shops.
I'd urge you to check out Weston A. Price Foundation and numerous other whole food related groups which are supporting small growers. Legislation designed for corporate food growers and manufacturers would devastate local growers who are by and large the real protectors of safe foods.
Food problem and food recalls are inherent with corporate growers and manufacturers, not family owned, small scale producers.
More complex control systems using valves requiring automatic control based on an external input require an actuator. An actuator will stroke the valve depending on its input and set-up, allowing the valve to be positioned accurately, and allowing control over a variety of requirements.
I bought an expensive Hoover when I should have bought a Dyson DC28 long ago. The suction power is very impressive. I don't even like vacuuming and I vacuum all the time now because I can actually see all the dirt and dog hair that the Dyson picks up. ONE AMAZING VACUUM CLEANER !!!
I do not recommend. I purchased my DC 28 Animal in mid-August and it took 5 weeks to arrive in late-September. I used the vacuum 3 times and on the the 3rd use all lights came on with the beater brush failing to function. Early November I called and made arrangements for repair and 4 weeks later I finally got the DC28 back. Then I used the vacuum 2 more times and on the 5th (total) usage the vacuum failed to have enough suction through the hose/wand to even pick up a string. Now it is early December and I have to take it back for repair again.
I am not happy with the quality control of this product and would not recommend it. Thank goodness my 1984 Kirby still works or I'd be living in filth waiting for all this repair stuff.
Can anyone tell me if this will suck up Cheerios on bare floor with brush bar off? I have the yellow Ball (not animal) and it merely pushes the cheerios around. Highly disappointed! I'm considering getting the DC28 now. Thanks.
I work great at first and then.... It has been to the repair shop and never worked well again the filter cloggs often and the motor has burned out-- Do not believe the hype...Good Marketing bad product
I have (had) the Dyson DC 28. It has been at the shop now for a month. The parts still are not in. It isn't even 6 months old yet. All the lights came on. They say it is probably the clutch. But the parts are Over Seas they say. I had to retrieve my old Hoover from the Basement. What hype they have set us up for on these!
I did much research prior to purchasing this vacuum and am extremely disappointed. After ONE use, straight out of the box, it became stuck in the upright position. I contacted the store where I purchased it and they immediately sent out a new one. I set it up, vacuumed 2 rooms, and AGAIN this one is stuck in the upright position! When it works, it works great and pulls up more dust, dirt, and pet fur than any other machine. However, for $500+, it's not worth it, especially with these sorts of problems.
HELP, I just got my Dyson DC 28 today and can't make it move one way or another. I can't vacuum a thing yet. It's as though it's glued to the floor no matter what setting I put it on. There isn't a thing in the little two page manual about this either. Anyone know what I can do?
Six years ago I purchased an Oreck XL for $700.00. It was advertised not only to be light weight, but to have excellent suction in regards to picking up dog hair. What I couldn't understand was after vacuuming I still had an abundance of dog hair. I decided to purchase the Dyson dc28 and "OH MY GOODNESS" this vaccum is incredible! There was so much dog hair embedded in the carpets that the Oreck did not remove! The dyson has phenomenal suction and it is extremely easy to change the settings (floor to carpet). The only downside is the weight. I have a back issue so it is difficult for me. It is, however, soooo worth the extra effort. Now when I vacuum..I know for certain my carpets and floors are clean. I highly recommend this vacuum for anyone who has pets and/or allergies.
I love my DC28. I've had it for a year now and use it in my house cleaning business. It gets a lot of use at work and at home (two young children, three Jack Russell Terriers). It still sucks everything up like it did the first time out of the box. I will never buy another brand of vacuum again. Sure $600 is a lot to swallow but boy is it worth it!
I have had my dyson ball for five months. It was in the repair shop for six weeks because of a problem with the axle. It would not stay in the upright position. twice the customer service has "helped" us fix that problem. Now the attachment hose is stuck and I cannot use the the attachments. Customer service kindly offered to show me how to fix it, since it's a common problem with the vacuum she said. It involves the heat from the motor somehow. I hate the vacuum, Also know that Dyson will NOT refund your money. The customer service lady was very nice though, because she had the same problem with her Dyson. GOSH..doesn't sound right to me.
I've had the Dyson DC28 Animal for almost a year and LOVE it. I have two large dogs (boxer and GSD mixes) and they shed constantly. The suction power on these vacuums are definitely NOT a gimmick. It has the power to tackle the worst cases of pet hair with ease. Read my full review here: http://www.mw2mltech.com/blog/2010/09/dyson-dc28-animal-vacuum-review.html











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