Dyson DC31 Handheld Vacuum Description:
Dyson DC31 is a handheld vacuum with dual power mode that gives longer run-time for large jobs or extra suction for stubborn dirt. Powered by the new Dyson digital motor - three times faster, the most power efficient. Suction power - 10 minutes of 38 air watts or 6 minutes of 65 air watts (constant) Standard filtration - for the cleanest expelled air Clear bin - 0.09 gal. (capacity) In the box - Battery AC/DC power adapter and battery charger Product manual Quick start guide Warranty information Product registration card Unit Dimensions - 12.7 H x 4.5 W x 98.0 D, Weight - 2.9 lbs. Manufacturer’s 2-year parts & labor warranty
- Amazon Sales Rank: #3214 in Kitchen & Housewares
- Color: SATIN YELLOW
- Brand: Dyson
- Model: 18398-01
- Released on: 2010-01-25
- Dimensions: 12.68″ h x 4.41″ w x 8.03″ l, 1.87 pounds
Features
- Dual power mode - 10 minutes of high constant suction or 6 minutes with 70% higher suction
- Dyson digital motor - smaller, lighter and more powerful than conventional motors; no carbon brushes, no carbon dust
- Lightweight and ergonomic - only 2.9 lbs with balanced weight distribution for easy handling
- Hygienic and quick to empty - minimizes risk of contact with dirt
- Root cyclone technology - for no loss of suction
Customer Reviews:
Comparison to previous model
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.
A joy to use.
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.
Excellent in every way except operation time
As other reviewers have said, this vacuum is lightweight, sturdy, easy to maintain, and has great suction power. Unfortunately it also has a short operation time of up to 10 minutes, with a 3 hour battery charge time. If you can deal with that, and the cost, this vacuum is highly recommended.
What boggles my mind is that Dyson didn’t design the vacuum to work with a power cord. Either allow the vacuum to be operated while the battery charger is plugged into the battery and the battery is plugged into the vacuum (a “pass through” mode that would send the DC power directly to the vacuum instead of the battery), or provide a separate AC-to-DC adapter with a (longer) cord, that would plug into the existing battery port. This is a no-brainer. If you Google reviews on this vacuum, you see over and over again that the main (if not only) complaint is the short operation time. Dyson could make a new AC-to-DC adapter NOW that would plug into the existing battery port. My only guess as to why they don’t do this is that they want people to buy one of their larger vacuums for corded operation.
I’d give this item five stars if it wasn’t for this obvious oversight. Three hours of charge time for ten minutes of operation is difficult to deal with.
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