DC31 Animal

The DC31 Animal is reportedly the most powerful handheld with no loss of suction, and is one of the latest generation of Dyson handhelds. It is essentially the same as the DC31 model but with the addition of a motorised brush bar for powerful pet hair removal. This means that it is superb for furniture and carpets in homes with pets and also for removing pet hairs from the inside of cars and caravans. The DC31′s dual power mode also gives 10 minutes of constant suction for large cleans at the standard setting, or 6 minutes at a 70% higher suction level for removing stubborn dirt.

As is usual with Dyson products, the DC31 Animal has a strong and robust, quality feel to it. Although it weighs 1.5kg, it still feels light due to the balance and it certainlydoes 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.

The DC31 Animal includes the combination accessory tool comprising both a wide debris nozzle for crumbs and larger particles, which converts to a brush tool for dusting delicate surfaces and computer keyboards. It also has a crevice tool which is good for skirting boards, picture rails and harder to get to places.

Dyson DC31 motor

Dyson engineers spent a decade developing Dyson digital motors and as a result came up with a motor so small, the vacuum is lighter and more power-efficient than most others. It spins at up to 104,000 rpm – that’s five times faster than the engine of a Formula 1 racing car.

So what makes the DC31 animal different from the normal DC31? Well it has a motorised brush bar. This features stiff rotating bristles that rotate to effectively remove pet hair from carpets and furniture. It is not just a brush on the end of the attachment, it is motorised and so it rotates and literally pulls the hairs out

Dual power mode
All three Dysons in the range feature dual power modes. Sometimes you need just that little bit of extra power for those tough cleaning jobs. This gives you the option of 10 minutes  constant high suction (38 Airwatts) or 6 minutes of 70% higher suction (65 Airwatts).

Lightweight and ergonomic
The digital motor in the DC31 Animal is so much lighter than that in most similar vacuums, reducing the overall weight of the DC31 Animal to only 1.5kg. As a result of this, it is better positioned for balanced weight distribution, making the DC31 Animal so much easier to handle than other models.

Transparent collection bin -  lets you see when it’s full
The bin on a Dyson vacuum cleaner is transparent meaning that you can see when it needs emptying. As well as this, you can see just how much dust and dirt your new Dyson machine has picked up. To empty it, just press the button to release the dirt.

No additional costs
Many other handheld vacuums are still designed to use replacement filters which adds to the running costs. Not the DC31 Animal, which uses patented Root Cyclone technology, spinning dust and dirt from the air and straight into the bin. And because of the Dyson digital motor, there are no carbon dust emissions. With no filters, no bags, no extra costs.

2 year parts and labour guarantee

All Dyson handheld vacuum cleaners undergo a lengthy and rigorous testing program. That’s why Dyson include a 2 year guarantee covering parts and labour.

Its dual power mode gives 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 DC31Animal is surprisingly quiet for a handheld vacuum cleaner although as might be expected, the higher suction setting is slightly noisier.

There is a light on the vacuum that flashes about a minute before it runs out of power. This is so much better than many cleaners, which simply run out of juice slowly giving less and less suction until they just 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.

Like most handheld vacuums, the body is quite bulky and with a crevice nozzle of around 30cm (1 foot) long, 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 if you have pets.

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.

All Dyson handheld vacuums have:

No ongoing costs

All Dyson handheld vacuums are bagless, so there are no costly bags to replace. They also come with lifetime washable filters.

No loss of suction

Root Cyclone™ technology means Dyson handheld vacuums don’t lose suction power as you clean.

Hygienic one-touch bin emptying

No need to touch the dirt.

2 year guarantee

Parts and labour are covered for 2 years.

These are some of the features to look for when choosing a hand held cleaner.

• Weight
• Warranty
• Rechargeable or corded
• Wet and dry
• Car lighter charger
• Wall mountable
• Washable filters
• Crevice Tool
• Squeegee Tool
• Cordless
• UV technology
• Debris nozzle
• Brush tool(s)
• One touch emptying
• Turbine head for animal fur
• Digital motor (lighter)
• LED low power indicator
• Fast recharge time

Handheld vacuum cleaners make great alternatives to the old dustpan and brush and can be used instead of a conventional vacuum in smaller homes and flats, caravans, campers and boats. They are ideal for student accommodation. Great if you have messy kids around. Also they are perfect for the garage, garden shed or workshop, where cleaning up after diy jobs becomes a breeze.