Dyson DC31 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Comparison to previous model, November 7, 2009

By 

C. G. King (Horse Country, VA USA) –

  

  

  

The biggest problem with the previous model was the poor battery life. That has been greatly improved in two ways. This model has doubled the battery life and it has a better charger. I loved my first Dyson handheld model in spite of the short battery life and used it often for short jobs. Like this one, it was so easy to grab and use, I was able to keep corners clean, crumbs out of the grout lines in my tile table, computer keyboards clean, drawers clear of all that little stuff that seems to get in them–in short my house was just cleaner in multiple ways that are normally challenging. I loved the trigger on/off action that made its short battery life tolerable and the dependable strong Dyson power, plus the easily dumpable canister. SO, when the battery life began to get shorter and shorter over time, in spite of being fully charged, I anguished. Should I spend $75 for a new battery that might only repeat the fading performance of the first or invest that money in this new model?

I finally chose the latter and am so glad I did. I hated spending so much, but the value of being able to get things clean FAST means a lot to me and that often means a quick burst here and a burst there when I notice something that needs attention. This new model is somewhat smaller, lighter weight and quieter, plus has a dual power setting. The normal power setting is fine for most things, in fact I haven’t needed the strong setting at all except to get dog hair out of the crevices of my stair treads. The 10 minute run time is longer than it seems because the trigger action means the unit is on only when you’re squeezing the trigger to actually vacuum something, not when moving to another location or shifting position. That’s not only easier on the ears, it makes the work go more smoothly. You can vacuum an area, then set the unit down (because it sits upright it has a relatively small footprint) and move stuff, clean out the next drawer, sort the papers you gathered, whatever, and then vacuum the next bit without any pressure to get all the vacuuming done in one shot, or perpetually turning the thing on and off.

I’ve been able to clean out and vacuum my entire car including the ‘way back’, a process that certainly took longer than 10 minutes, but because the vacuum is not on continually I had no problem, in fact it shows no indication it’s near the end of the charge. I can clean out all my kitchen drawers or the entire linen closet or all the nooks and crannies in a room on a charge with no problem, but I rarely do that. I do one drawer, one shelf, one bookcase. I do small projects quickly because I hate cleaning and this unit suits my style to a tee.

This model doesn’t have a bulky charger like the old one. It has a plug-in cord like a laptop and apparently some technology in the wall plug part that somehow knows to shut itself off after 3.5 hours so it’s not ‘tiring’ the fully charged battery. I’m expecting this battery to last far longer than the earlier model. This vacuum also has a quicker on/off time and generally seems handier.

The directions are minimal and almost entirely pictures. They are well done and self-explanatory. So far I’m delighted with this hand vacuum. It is better than its predecessor, the Root 6. It comes with a normal length crevice tool, in addition to a two-position brush tool. I also purchased the longer flexible crevice tool, but have found it heavy and awkward so I almost never use that. I love this little hand vacuum so much more than the other choices available (several of which I’ve tried in the past) and highly recommend it even given the high price.

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 Comments (4)

A joy to use., October 1, 2009

The DC31 is a joy to use — so much so that I find myself looking for dust to capture around the house (and since I’ve run out, now taking it around to my workplace and to other people’s homes). Cordless is key, making it convenient to grab and use rather than going into the storage closet to pull out a vacuum, uncoiling the cord, etc.

GOOD FOR DUSTING
Certain parts of my home were overdue for a dusting, which was the perfect environment for the DC31. It’s good for cleaning dust from hardwood floors, flooring trim, vent covers, and any smooth surface. I use the combination tool with brush (included accessory) to dislodge the slightly stuck-on dust and then capturing it, which is more convenient than getting a damp towel to wipe a dusty surface. Also, there are no left-over dust streaks with this method versus the damp towel. It might seem like overkill to spend this much for dusting, but the joy of using this tool makes it worthwhile. On carpets (short pile, car mats), the brush does a satisfactory job dislodging lint, foreign matter, etc, which then disappear into the clear bin.

The crevice (included) and flexible crevice tools (with brush; not included) provide an extended reach into corners to capture dusty cobwebs. Sometimes no attachments are used so that hair can be sucked-up without getting caught in the brush bristles.

Powder is difficult to separate within the bin and makes it through to the protective filter upstream from the motor. (This filter is easily washable.) In the operating instructions it warns against using on too much flour or other fine powders.

Weight distribution is well-balanced for comfortable usage around the house, and the weight (3 pounds) and size are portable enough.

BATTERY & CHARGER
The battery lasts for the advertised duration (10 minutes on 38 airwatts, 6 minutes on 65 airwatts), which is plenty long for those who are cleaning for the fun of it; any longer would make it a chore in my mind. The lower power drain setting is sufficient for most of the jobs around my home. Using higher power is needed for heavier objects like those found on car floors (clusters of pine needles/pebbles/etc).

The charger charges for 3.5 hours and then turns itself off, as indicated by a green LED on the wall unit, to prevent overcharging the lithium-ion battery, hopefully extending its service life. I believe it’s based only on time and not the state-of-charge of the battery. The vacuum unit can not be used when the charger is plugged in. But the battery can be removed from the vacuum unit (like a power tool) and charged separately — maybe for those who end up getting a spare battery if/when they become available as a purchasable accessory.

CONCLUSION
Overall, it is an effective tool (toy?) that might help get certain household members off the sidelines and make previously boring chores a joy to do.

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