Dyson DC43 Animal Upright Vacuum

Dyson, you caught my attention with your striking ads and clever taglines.

Then, I had the chance to review the DC 25 Multi Floor {Nov ’09}, the Air Multiplier Bladeless Fan {June ’11, and a real necessity for summer!}, and the Hot bladeless fan heater {Oct ’11}. During this time, my curiosity to the commercials and claims on Dyson products turned into nodding of the head and telling friends and family, ‘It’s true!”

Dyson does stand out from the rest, and for great reason. Dyson products are uniquely designed, in that brilliant sort of way. So when offered the chance to have another Dyson vacuum model for my home, the Dyson DC43 Animal Upright Vacuum - I was game. In fact, when it arrived I looked at the floors in my house and said, “game on”.

Though I use my DC25 daily and even sometimes 3x a day {kids=mess}, it is a few years old now. Don’t get me wrong, the DC25 hasn’t disappointed and is still going as strong as that first day I took it out of the box, yet I was excited to test the features and the ‘animal’ line of vacummns from Dyson.

But, What makes the Dyson DC43 an animal?

“Dyson DC43 Animal is a Dyson Ball upright vacuum with the latest Radial Root Cyclone technology. It generates the strongest suction power at the cleaner head, to powerfully remove dust, dirt and pet hair from the home. Includes a Mini turbine head to clean pet hair and stubborn dirt from upholstery, stairs and the car.”

Pros when compared to the DC25 Multi Floor:
It has a kick-ass new RADIAL cyclone technology, and more watts for even better suckage {they really do suck, don’t ya know}. And the average person can notice the extra power between the two. When vacuuming my kitchen mats with the DC43, I can see the mat being pulled in toward the vacuum. While the mat looks just as clean with both models, you can definitely see the DC43 Animal sucking in with more force. So, those extra 15aw’s of power is a huge difference after all.

The DC43 also has a larger bin, longer cord, as well as a longer scope to reach farther. The longer scope allows me to clean the top stair while the DC43 Animal sits at the bottom of the stairs.

Plus, the DC43 comes with more tools and accessories to clean your home. Not only can you vacuum your carpet, stairs and hard floors. There is also the option to use the bristle to do upholstered chairs and it has a grooming tool for your pets.

Recall the days when you dreaded getting pet hair stuck in all the parts of a vaccumn? I remember my Mom cleaning dog hair out of our old vacuum a couple times a week. As I recall, the arrival of summer was the worst – he’d lose so much hair all over the place. So, why not save a step and just vacuum the dog instead of the entire house!

I have tried and tried to use this attachement on the dog, yet he’s just too scared of it still. He’s never been fond of the vacuum to begin with, and isn’t really cooperative in helping me test it out on him enough to snag a photo. I was able to use the grooming tool on him just once, and with one swipe I was astonished by all the hair that was picked up.

I will continue to try and use the attachment on him when I am able {just on it’s own, and not attached to the vacuum}. My hope is that he gets used to it but for now he hides under the table – shedding away on the floors.

The DC43 Animal has many of the same great features that I adore in the DC25:
Easy push-button canister release right into the garbage {hooray for no more vacuum bags!}, how it ‘drives’, deep and thorough clean, no changing of filters, and the lightweight and smart design. Yet the DC43 Animal does take a step farther with the great attachments that you’ll actually use. Even if you don’t have a pet, we all know kids come in at a close second. I swear each time they breathe, my carpets get dirty. Especially this time of year when there’s so much dead grass, fresh grass, sand and dirt.

Suggestions on improvement?:
I have to be honest, there are features that I love in the DC25 Multi Floors, which aren’t included in the DC43 Aminal. For instance, there aren’t any designated places on the DC43 Animal, to hook and hold the attachments. So, the many accessories have to be placed in a bag and separately stored. It’s something to get used to and I must admit, a bit of an inconvenience at first. Yet at the same time, how often do you need the pet grooming tool? So it’s a toss up whether I’d want to always carry around the many attachments, which would in turn make the vacuum heavier {hmmm}. Another difference: The way the scope attaches onto the vaccum isn’t like the DC25. Habits die hard and initally I’m thinking I like the old style better. Who knows though, it might grow on me enough to be a preferred version someday. Yet that’s my comparison – those new to the Dyson family won’t even realize the difference.

BOTTOM LINE: Dyson reinvented the wheel when they developed their ball technology. I fully admit to occasionally vaccuuming around the toys laying around the floor when I’m doing spot cleans. Think of how many times the usual vacuum would go back and forth {and back and forth} to cover the areas. Dyson vacuums including the DC43 Animal, corners like a dream {AKA, you get the job done faster, who can argue to that?}. So, I appreciate the effortless maneuverability of a Dyson along with the extra power to get that dirty job done.

Dyson has such a great assortment of models to fit any want, for any household. Decide on your own space and needs for cleaning, and there’s a Dyson {or three} for you!

Speaking of a Dyson for you … how about a giveaway?!

One very lucky Canadian reader is going to get their own Dyson DC43 Animal
{retails for $699.00 at dysoncanada.ca}