Dyson DC31 Reviewed
Dyson DC31 In Use
As is usual with Dyson products, the DC31 has a strong and robust, quality feel to it. Although it weighs 1.3kg, it is lighter than the older Dyson DC16 and it does feel solid. The buttons are firm to press although you do have to hold the button down during use. It is however very comfortable to hold especially when it is angled downwards.
It has a dual power mode giving 10 minutes of constant high suction for larger cleaning jobs or 6 minutes at a 70% higher suction strength for extra stubborn dirt. It will take three and a half hours to completely recharge and a handy light on the charger goes off when it is ready to use again, a really useful feature which many other handheld vacuums seem to overlook.
The DC31 is surprisingly quiet for a handheld cleaner although as you would expect, the higher suction setting is slightly noisier.
There is a handy light on the vacuum that flashes about a minute before it runs out of power. This is much better than so many cleaners, which merely run out of juice slowly giving less and less suction until they die completely. The DC31 won’t slow down but will simply cut out before the suction runs out so that you only use it while it is sucking at full power.
DC31 Empty
To empty the Dyson DC31, simply slide the switch and the bottom of the dust holder drops open meaning that you don’t have to remove any parts to empty the container, as with so many other vacuums. The DC31 also features a washable filter. This is very easy to access and you just wash it and replace it. No messing about and buying costly replacements. Do this once a month and you will have no problems.
DC31 Accessories
As for attachments, the DC31 comes with a crevice tool and a small combination nozzle. These are easy to attach and the soft brush simply slides into place when you need it. The DC31 Animal version features an additional motorised brush attachment driven by the vac’s battery.
Like most handheld vacuum cleaners, the body is fairly bulky and with a crevice nozzle of around 30cm (1 foot) long, it is not particularly easy to use in very tight spaces or for getting under car seats. However, in most situations, it handles admirably and has to be one of the best handheld vacuum cleaners on the market.