N Gauge Forum

Are Dyson vacuum cleaners really as good as they're made out to be ?

I have to replace my ageing Miele.

Thanks in advance.

Best regards,


Joe

We had a dyson, it was OK, but like all our vacuum cleaners it died when hair got into a brush bearing and the bearing heated up and melted the bearing mount. We now have a G-tech which, so far has lasted about the same length of time as the Dyson.

We're on our third, so that probably tells you our opinion of them! Our current one is a rechargeable cordless, a few years old now. Our only complaint is that the charge doesn't last all that long, so we do downstairs one month and upstairs the next...  :D

Cheers,

Chris

A couple of points to note:-
Professional cleaners never use Dysons - most seem to have one of those Henry cleaners;
Whenever I go to the tip/recycling centre the most common type of vacuum cleaners in the electricals skip are Dysons.  :D

Quote from: Papyrus on March 01, 2022, 11:32:12 AM
We're on our third, so that probably tells you our opinion of them! Our current one is a rechargeable cordless, a few years old now. Our only complaint is that the charge doesn't last all that long, so we do downstairs one month and upstairs the next...  :D

Thanks Chris.

I'm looking for a vacuum cleaner that will last at least 20 years, like my old Miele.

@joe cassidy (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=1484) If you want a cleaner to last 20 years these days, buy a dustpan and brush.

Having owned almost as many vacuums as I have locos, the only brand I'd never touch again is Dyson - absolute nightmare.

Currently using a couple of G-Techs which are about four years old, still going strong and we haven't had cause to complain.

However, when I eventually get around to buying a dedicated vac for the layout room, it will definitely be a Henry again.  Best I've ever had and it's notable that most professionals (including visiting tradespersons) seem to use them.  I do miss mine, but it expired after well over ten years of sucking up bits of train set 8)

No experience with Dyson or Henry, but currently use a SEBO Airbelt.  Very effective and easy to get the beater bar out to remove pet hair from the Shelties.

Jon

We've had a Dyson for about 15 years. During that time I've replaced the motor, various bits have broken off, the on/off switch is intermittent (I just switch on/off at the socket), one of the small accessory heads is broken such that it can't be used, etc. I'm not heavy handed, it just seems a bit fragile and also when replacing the motor clearly not designed to be repaired easily. So, no I wouldn't recommend one. My daughter has had Dysons too and now swears by a Shark.

Sebo here too. Recommended.

Quote from: joe cassidy on March 01, 2022, 11:19:46 AM
Are Dyson vacuum cleaners really as good as they're made out to be ?

No. They're heavy and cumbersome and the hose, once off it's perch, is just damned awkward to use. I hate mine and can't wait for it to fail.

I don't know about Dyson except they are expensive!

Gtech? I've not long send our second one back within its first 30 days for a full  refund!! Nothing like our first, the suck was no where near as good.

I've since got a Henry direct from myhenry.com - Oh how I wish I'd got one a long time ago! Don't need two vacs to do everywhere like you do with Gtech. One of my daughters liked it so much that she wanted one, so I bought her a Hettie. ;D

Just a satified customer

We are on our second Dyson (plug in rather than battery powered). The Dyson are heavy but the animal version picks up well. You need to keep on top of the filters and do not believe the "never loses suction" baloney.

We also have a GTech upright and handheld. The handheld is excellent but the upright is a bit cheap and nasty.

The Dyson is definitely overpriced (as are all their products) and tries to be a "brand" like Apple.

Not sure what we will go for next time. My good lady keeps on about Shark? I would be tempted just to get an standard one from Argos and save some dosh.

Kind regards

Paddy

Quote from: Jon898 on March 01, 2022, 01:34:00 PM
..... to remove pet hair from the Shelties.

Jon

I'm sure you didn't mean that as it I read it LOL

Quote from: Paddy on March 01, 2022, 03:54:03 PM
We are on our second Dyson (plug in rather than battery powered). The Dyson are heavy but the animal version picks up well. You need to keep on top of the filters and do not believe the "never loses suction" baloney.

We also have a GTech upright and handheld. The handheld is excellent but the upright is a bit cheap and nasty.

The Dyson is definitely overpriced (as are all their products) and tries to be a "brand" like Apple.

Not sure what we will go for next time. My good lady keeps on about Shark? I would be tempted just to get an standard one from Argos and save some dosh.

Kind regards

Paddy

I've got a 22+ year old Dyson that's had most of its components replaced (including the motor, which took out a filter as well when it dumped all its smoke in one go) which is still pretty ok, but too bulky for my apartment. It was made before Dyson started maximising profits by selling at high prices with the cheapest possible components. As opposed to the handheld Dyson I got about a decade ago that's always been pretty much useless.

I needed a handheld vacuum cleaner for my apartment that could be used on my layout and computer gear without damaging stuff and eventually settled on one that appears to be a knock off of the Shark ones at less than half of the price that I got from Amazon. So far it's been really effective.


[edit]
I definitely second the suggestion of getting a Henry if you need a 'big' vacuum cleaner. I got my brother one a couple of years ago and it's been really impressive.

If you want reliability then Meile are one of the best, they normally come out on top in reviews.
Dyson normally come out near the bottom, they are expensive and work very well, when new... Then all the cheap and nasty plastic starts breaking..

We've got Vax's fairly reliable and a lot cheaper than either Miele or Dyson.

We've had a Dyson for two years or so and we're quite pleased with it - especially as it was FREE.

We bought  it at Currys and after replying to a promotional offer on line where you stood a 1 in 20 chance of getting our money back we were amazed some 6 weeks later to receive a cheque for the full purchase value.

Henry suits me !

Thanks to all for your very helpful advice.

I don't know what brand I'll buy but it won't be Dyson.

Quote from: Malc on March 01, 2022, 11:48:05 AM
If you want a cleaner to last 20 years these days, buy a dustpan and brush.

Or marry one!
My one cleans and makes tea.

She has a 15 year old  upright Dyson that works as well as it ever did, And for her birthday last year I got her a cordless Dyson. Both do the job very well, Not had any issues with either.

My wife wanted a new Dyson BUT They stopped making corded vacuums in 2018 and she cant use a handheld one as she has a weak wrist ,so we have now got a genuine HOOVER and she loves it ,I still use the very old first edition G Tech every day in the house and she does a big clean at the weekend with the New HOOVER the old Dyson is now in my railway shed so now I have no excuse for the floor to be in a mess ,
My wife did come down and did a big vacuum of my shed for me .
Bob Tidbury

Quote from: Bob Tidbury on March 01, 2022, 06:01:50 PM
My wife wanted a new Dyson BUT They stopped making corded vacuums in 2018

We've had a number of Dysons and been very pleased with them. We still have a cylinder type one which is great for many jobs, not least vacuuming up the sawdust mess I make when cutting wood for my layout.   More recently we wanted a lightweight upright but definitely not a cordless one so no Dyson options any more.  We bought a Shark and it is exceptionally good.  Definitely one to recommend.  Even picks up dog hair quite well.

Quote from: honestjudge on March 01, 2022, 06:00:00 PM

Quote from: Malc on March 01, 2022, 11:48:05 AM
If you want a cleaner to last 20 years these days, buy a dustpan and brush.

Or marry one!
My one cleans and makes tea.

She has a 15 year old  upright Dyson that works as well as it ever did, And for her birthday last year I got her a cordless Dyson. Both do the job very well, Not had any issues with either.

There speaks a man who enjoys living life on the edge :worried:

Quote from: OffshoreAlan on March 01, 2022, 04:09:48 PM

Quote from: Jon898 on March 01, 2022, 01:34:00 PM
..... to remove pet hair from the Shelties.

Jon

I'm sure you didn't mean that as it I read it LOL

:laughabovepost: Should have said "pet hair originating from the Shelties" of course.

As it is, every time we groom them we get an equal sized mound of fur alongside each one; shades of "Sheltie" and "Sheltie, some assembly required".  No, we don't use the vacuum, although there is a device to attach to a vacuum hose called a "Furbie" that you're supposed to be able to use on your dog - suspect I'd have PETA knocking on the door at that!

Jon

I think this is one of those "your mileage may vary" topics.

I got a Dyson a couple of years ago, the cordless variety, and I love it. I hang it up to charge and it's ready to rumble when I get it out. I don't have pets and I don't have much carpet - all the downstairs is wood and tile flooring, the railway room is industrial "office" carpet which has no pile to speak of. After years of buying cheap plug-in uprights and tossing them after a couple of years my decision to throw some money at the problem seems to be paying off.

Some nice accessories too, the powered upholstery/stairs brush head is pretty darn handy.

Now I'm sure the motor will melt the next time I use it.  >:(

ive had a dyson for years--pretty well retired now ive got a £50 vytronix rechargable. Brilliant. i can clean the whole house on one charge.

Weve got a Dyson upright and a small handheld, both are great, vastly better than the Henry they replaced, which was pretty underwhelming.

Working from the top down I have a Dyson in the loft as the wife said it was rubbish so she sold gave it to me. Also in the loft I have a handheld VAX and recently purchased a Eufy handheld (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174977239006) which is more powerful than the USB mini hoover I have. So, just 4 hoovers in the loft.
Upstairs she has a Hettie and downstairs another VAX which has a long pole thing which she can attach it to for pushing around the house looking busy.
Then in the garage I have a Karcher and another Karcher for the shed. That's all we have I think. The Karchers and the Hettie are the best I'm told but I do like my little Eufy.

I didn't realise until now we have 8 vacuum cleaners  :goggleeyes: I could push things a little and include my 2 Tomix vacuums to make it a nice round 10 I suppose  :thumbsup:

We've got a Eufy robot vacuum. Very good on hard floors/laminate (for its size), but useless on carpet.

As I seem to be in the fortunate position to win vouchers for various stuff at the local bowling club, I used some to get a cordless vacuum cleaner. I got an upright Bosch thing, and it's certainly handy. It has three speed settings, and is good on wood floors,  but once on carpet you have to put it on high, and it runs out of charge pretty quickly then.

I kept the old corded Miele one, though (drag it around with the hose while you're working). It's a pain having to plug it in at different locations as you go through the house, but does a good job.

So I usually do that once a month or so and use the Bosch for quick clean ups.

I bought our lass a Hoover Aquamaster in 1992 (during the infamous free airline tickets promotion - lol) We've still got it and it works superbly, even after using it during two major house renovations sucking up plaster/brick dust etc etc. I did have to swap the motor about 2004 (I think) coz of the abuse it had got but for a Hoover that's now 30 years old I can't fault it.

Quote from: Trainfish on March 01, 2022, 11:20:00 PM
Working from the top down I have a Dyson in the loft as the wife said it was rubbish so she sold gave it to me. Also in the loft I have a handheld VAX and recently purchased a Eufy handheld (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174977239006) which is more powerful than the USB mini hoover I have. So, just 4 hoovers in the loft.
Upstairs she has a Hettie and downstairs another VAX which has a long pole thing which she can attach it to for pushing around the house looking busy.
Then in the garage I have a Karcher and another Karcher for the shed. That's all we have I think. The Karchers and the Hettie are the best I'm told but I do like my little Eufy.

I didn't realise until now we have 8 vacuum cleaners  :goggleeyes: I could push things a little and include my 2 Tomix vacuums to make it a nice round 10 I suppose  :thumbsup:

I was wrong. You obviously do live in a mansion and so paying £285/month for your power seems quite reasonable, ackshully ;)

No, the wife is just rubbish at carrying things between floors. Or even rooms for that matter.

Quote from: Jon898 on March 01, 2022, 07:36:28 PM

Quote from: OffshoreAlan on March 01, 2022, 04:09:48 PM

Quote from: Jon898 on March 01, 2022, 01:34:00 PM
..... to remove pet hair from the Shelties.

Jon

I'm sure you didn't mean that as it I read it LOL

:laughabovepost: Should have said "pet hair originating from the Shelties" of course.

As it is, every time we groom them we get an equal sized mound of fur alongside each one; shades of "Sheltie" and "Sheltie, some assembly required".  No, we don't use the vacuum, although there is a device to attach to a vacuum hose called a "Furbie" that you're supposed to be able to use on your dog - suspect I'd have PETA knocking on the door at that!

Jon

Try 5 rough Collies and a border as we once had all at the same time....now we're down to one border who seems to moult more than the others put together..
url=https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=120183](https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/120/6067-040322052713.jpeg)[/url

We're currently looking at a battery light weight vacuum for our library aka the living room, as dragging cables and hose to clean shelves / books is a right pain. The trouble with the reviews is every vacuum has a wonderful reviews along with some bitterly complaining of failures.

" The trouble with the reviews is every vacuum has a wonderful reviews along with some bitterly complaining of failures."

Just like model railways!

Just to add my two coins....

Had three Dysons (one quite old pull around plug in, two rechargeable uprights).

Never again.

Setting aside what I think of the man (unprintable here for so many reasons), the only good thing about the handhelds was the relative lightweight and ease of use of stairs.

Battery was rubbish both times, as was suction and dust capacity. And the dust wouldn't come out without touching it. Nasty.

And the swines decided, between just two generations, none of the "add on" bits would be interchangeable, so just more money and waste.

Not long bought a plug in Shark. The thing is a beast compared to the wimpy previous things, and I will gladly put up with extra weight in turn for power and not having to empty the dam thing every 20 mins.

Skyline2uk

We have just bought a genuine HOOVER upright corded one which my wife uses  at the weekends I use one of the original G TECH Battery cleaners down stairs every day and the old Dyson corded one is now down in my railway shed ,The new G Tech which mother in law bought for us as a present  is no where near  as powerful as the old one so we gave that to our daughter and still use the old one with the dust in two little piles .The only problem is we dont know where the spare filters are so I have to wash them out and dry them on the radiator but they dry quickly anyway .
Bob Tidbury

In need of a new vacuum as the current one is starting to be a pain - literally!
It's a Sebo upright and works brilliantly, with self adjusting brush height for transitions from carpet to hard floor. All reviews I read before buying it were of the 'excellent' variety.

But - and it's a big but - when you use its extension hose and it's various tool attachments it has a serious design fault. The fixed hose is stored in and atop of the main body. When deployed the machine/hose junction is therefore about 30 inches above the ground so that when the hose is in use there is a tendency (no, every likelihood) for the machine to be pulled over unless you are working directly in front of it.

I've lost count of the number of times it has crashed over on to the floor, in to various items of furniture, and me and SWMBO!

It's not as though we are being careless - we know it has this problem and try hard to ensure we stick to its operational limitations - but just a moments lack of attention and this monster will decide to release its tenuous hold upon the vertical and smash into whatever item, object or person it chooses to aim at.

Last week cries of pain emanated from SWMBO's 'sewing room' (aka 'study', computer room, spare bedroom, junk room) as aforementioned beast - no, not my good lady - smashed into her hip. Various unladylike expletives filled the air, followed by a John Cleese-like tirade of abuse against the offending devil, though the weapon of choice was not a branch of a tree as one was not to hand at the time. Fortunate really, as no damage was done to the machine so it still works.

However, I took note of her "That thing has to go!", and "Useless piece of  :censored:!" and - most distressing of all - "I'm never using that again. You'll have to do it!". :o

So this thread is most timely, as you can imagine. I shall read and inwardly digest with interest and hopefully reach a conclusion before this evil device can inflict more damage upon body, mind and furniture.


But I ain't paying anywhere near £600.00 plus for a vacuum cleaner, however good the reviews. :no:

Our upright HOOVER 500 plus corded vacuum was only £149 and comes with all attachments on board including a rotary brush head for pet hairs and a long cable and extension hose and tube and Val said she loves it
Its very easy to empty and is nearly as manoeuvrable as the Dyson ball thats now down in my railway shed as it is still useable but now very noisy,Val was useing the HOOVER upstairs and I couldnt hear it from down in the front room
Val cant use a modern handheld rechargeable as she has weak wrists and as she is quite short
the tubes wont reach into the corners IF there are any spiders webs .
Bob Tidbury

We have a couple of Henry's and a George nothing gimmicky  or fancy but they do the job well
Dave

remember the Hover Consolation from the 1960's ? , like a hovercraft floats on a cusion of air , think about it - turbulating the muck/dust before it gets sucked up by the hose  :D  :laugh:

To my knowledge, apart from corded and cordless, there are handhelds, drag along cylinders and uprights. Deciding the type thus becomes a matter of preference then quality. Our household firmly favours uprights as dragging around a cylinder is no fun. I have a Henry type in the workshop, excellent suction and I can see why contractors/builders like them, but I consider it would be a pain to drag it around the house and there is no beater for carpets. Everyones requirements are different but sadly these devices are now made for the throwaway society whichever one chooses.

I've just been reading this thread as I'm looking for a new modelling vacuum that is lightweight that I can hold on the layout without the weight of the unit causing me to let it droop and cause damage.

Years ago I had some battery powered ones - I'm single so have layouts in 2 rooms, but these gave up there ghosts some time ago but ordinary household rechargeable are now too heavy.

I was looking at Squires catalogue and despite vacuum cleaner being listed to 8 pages in there catalogue none show any. A call to them yesterday revealed that they don't have anything so I was wondering if anyone has any alternatives to Dyson, Vax Shark GTech they can recommend.

At the moment I'm guessing that cleaners intended for computer keyboards are the most likely source of something lightweight and effective  but there again it's a case of pay your money and hope.

Can anyone recommend one please. TIA