40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Get one!!!!, January 21, 2008
This review is from: Dyson DC17 Asthma & Allergy Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Kitchen)
Just purchased the DC 17 allergy and asthma today. Have done a lot of research over the last week and read many reviews. I really wanted a good vacuum I can depend on; I have 6 kids and vacuum daily! Best I can tell each model has the same amount of suction, they just have different options in color, filter placement/type and attachments. I was set on the DC14 model but this was on sale for a great price and had a few more attachments I felt I would really use. So far I am pleased. It appears to pick up as expected, I'm pretty impressed with the amount of junk in the canister and my carpets feel cleaner. This is very easy to maneuver; I see no need for the more expensive ball model, unless you will use all the fancy attachments. All the full size Dyson's felt heavy to me in the store, so I was concerned with getting it up and down the stairs, but in comparison to Hoover etc. they all seem to be about the same weight and hey we could all use a good workout. I find no issues with pushing it around, it moves with great ease and transitions surfaces flawlessly. Turning the beater off to move from carpet to solid floors is a breeze and the feature works wonderfully, just a touch of an easy to reach button. The attachments fit on firmly and do not fall off. The wand will take some getting use to as it is solid for about 18+" and I am use to the hose being flexible at the base. I don't have to bend as much using it though so my back is happy! The hose is very easy to remove for use, just cannot use it for quick pick-ups until you unwind the entire plug, so one minor downfall. It states there is a 5 year warranty, I did not read what all that covers, I will just be relieved to have a vacuum last more than a year with the beating I give them. It is important as with ALL canister vacuums that you tap or wipe out the excess dust from the chamber weekly. I have had many canister vacuums and learned early on to do this often to keep the fine dust from building up or you will loose suction. The filter is easy to remove and clean by running under tap water, so will save on replacement filters in the future! Overall I am happy; we will see how I feel at the 6 mo. And 1 yr. mark. But no regrets today. The only negative I can agree with that I have seen over the last week is the not being able to remove the wand without unwinding the entire cord.
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27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dyson Customers For Life, April 5, 2008
This review is from: Dyson DC17 Asthma & Allergy Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Kitchen)
I just bought my Dyson. I agonized over spending $500.00 on a vacuum - I literally cried before I could bring myself to spend the money. Now that I've used it, I can't believe I even debated with myself!
As a mother, pet owner, and year-round allergy sufferer, I had to vacuum every day. Consequently, we went through 2 vacuums in 4 years. We kept up the belts, filters, and maintenance, but after 2 years, both the Bissell and the Hoover just couldn't keep up with 1500 square feet or carpet, half of which was vacuumed every day, and the other half probably twice a week (bedrooms where the cat was prohibited and shoes were never worn). This was our 3rd vacuum in 4 years and I wanted something that was not only low-maintenance, but durable and up to the challenge. The Dyson was recommended by several friends, but again, the price made me balk.
We have brand new carpet in all but the kitchen and mud room. It's about 1400 square feet of carpet that was put down. After running the old vacuum through twice, it died. The fluff from the new carpet, and the added strain of fur from the new puppy just overloaded our poor Bissell. After 3 days of coughing and sneezing, I caved and shopped for Dysons. One trip through the house, and I am hooked! The canister empties from the bottom, which was nice. At the touch of a bottom, it literally dumps into your trash. No flipping it over and spewing dust, pet dander, and dried leaves into your face! Plus, it's still closed as you walk to the trash, so no loose ends there, either. It's remarkably easy to push - it almost feels like a self-propelled vacuum, so it was very easy on my back. When the company says it cleans to the edge of the brush, they mean it. As I vacuumed along the walls, I thought to myself, "I don't have to get on my hands and knees with the crevice tool any more!" I was truly amazed. The cord was super long, too. I could clean our living room, formal dining room, and hallway all from one outlet. When I started poking over the whole thing, I fell more in love. No screws to unscrew if there is a clog. No weird foot pedals. No pieces you have to replace if you strip a screw (which we did with the Bissell from frequent belt changes!). No screws to lose, either!
The thing I think I loved most about the Dyson was that even though I could feel the "exhaust" blowing on me, the air SMELLED GOOD. It smelled CLEAN. It wasn't dusty. I didn't have the 15 minute sneezing fit that typically ensued after vacuuming - my eyes weren't itchy, my nose wasn't runny and my face didn't feel puffy with congestion. We're in the middle of heavy pollen, so any relief is appreciated and not having to go through 15 minutes of torture after vacuuming was greatly appreciated! I can't wait to run this baby through my vehicles and over the mattresses!
One thing I will mention - maybe I missed a page in the instructions, but all the wicked cool attachments aren't connected to the vacuum. For me it's not a big deal - I keep them with the steam cleaner in an extra baggie, but I thought it was worth mentioning. I found the places where several tools attach, but not all.
I love my Dyson!
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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
WOW!, May 30, 2008
This review is from: Dyson DC17 Asthma & Allergy Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Kitchen)
Even though I rated this vacuum 5 stars, I do have a couple of cons I want to write in:
Con #1. The Dyson ball vacuums were much easier to use but weren't as powerful as this DC 17. I opted for power. I wish it were easier to maneuver under furniture and in tight spots. Hopefully, the folks as Dyson will work on this engineering issue.
Con #2. It is heavy. The weight (and the clunkiness) reminds me of my mom's old upright Kirby she had from the mid-1960s.
Okay, on to the reasons I rated this vacuum 5-stars:
Pro #1. My son has been suffering from allergies. I am one step away from having him tested--sigh. The strange part about his allergy attacks is that they seem to be caused by something at home. It dawned on me that he is most likely allergic to dust/dust mites. And, we have a rug. Yesterday, I lost it as he was gagging so, I ran out and bought this vacuum. If I could wait, I would have purchased it through Amazon (price is low) but I couldn't. I came home. I quickly put the vacuum together and started using it. I was amazed! Not only did I just vacuum the night before, the carpeting was professionally cleaned just two weeks ago. You should have seen what my DC 17 pulled up from what looked like a very clean rug! The canister was filled in a blink of an eye--maybe 250-300 sq ft of carpeting was vacuumed--far from finished! I have had to clean out the canister three times in two days! (By the way, my son is doing much better)
Pro #2. When I use this vacuum, I smell CLEAN AIR. I don't smell a cloud of dust.
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