Dyson DC26 City Multi Floor Ultra-lightweigh Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner

Although I've only had my Dyson DC26 a few weeks, I hope my comments might be useful to anyone wondering if it's worth the price. I live in a old terrace house with small rooms, and a couple of rooms have narrow spaces between the pieces of furniture. Also, I'm not as strong as I used to be. For these reasons, and because I've used Dyson vacuums for many years, I was attracted to the DC26. I've been pleased with it so far. The suction does seem very good for such a small machine - and its diminutive size allows it to be wheeled easily through narrow gaps. Although the bin is small, I didn't find it seemed to need emptying annoyingly often - and it conveniently flips open from the bottom so you avoid getting your hands dirty. The different tools and parts, such as the hose, clip together and disconnect smoothly and easily - unlike some earlier Dyson designs I've used. The wand has a good grip and useful adjustment options. I found the dual channel floor tool worked well on my quarry tiles, wooden floors and short pile rugs. The floor tool articulates very flexibly on the end of the wand and its thin profile makes it easy to navigate round tight corners. The two other tools supplied have been useful and, although they're stored on the wand, they don't seem to get in the way when not in use (unlike some previous Dyson designs). This machine really is light and, if you live in a house on four levels, you really appreciate the ease of carrying it up and down stairs. It's also the only mains connected vacuum I can easily hold up off the ground to vacuum book shelves, etc. Yes it is pricey, but if small and light are priorities for you I can recommend this little Dyson. Dyson DC26 City Wood + Wool Ultra-lightweight Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner for Smaller Homes

I've never had a Dyson before so I was excited to get one. Overall I would have to say I am disappointed but I can see some advantages for certain groups of consumers.

On the positive side, the machine is tiny. If you live in a small place with limited storage space, as I do, this is a definite plus. It tucks away into a very small space (a deep kitchen drawer would do it) and the parts detach very easily - again, useful for storage. The design is very pleasing, as you might expect, and it will get into very narrow spaces even with the main floor tool attached. It feels very solid and well constructed. I can't see the tube breaking for example - which has happened with most of my previous vacuums.I have a decent size one bed flat and I vacuum most days as I have a cat. I find the drum fine. It needs emptying once a week on average, and the mechanism is very simple and requires no strength or dexterity. It is also very lightweight.

On the negative side, the main problem I have is that it doesn't pick up as well as I would like. Even on wooden floors, I have to go over things twice, and on rugs I have to go over things four or five times and sometimes resort to getting on my knees and using the small tool attachments. This would be a definite disadvantage for my Mum who can't get on her knees any more. The main floor tool is a strange design, with a slot in the centre that causes the machine to miss things. I also find the handle a strange addition - although it is comfortable to hold, it doesn't allow me to exert enough pressure and I often find myself holding the tube instead - it seems extraneous to me.

So all in all - this is a reasonable vacuum. It has some design points that don't suit me, but some features that are very helpful. For the price I think you can do better. I've definitely had more effective machines in the past that weren't much bigger.

Additional note: I've had the dyson for around six months now and I would just add that it's really important to wash out all of the filters regularly - the machine picks up better if you do. I'm really torn by this vacuum and trying to give a fair review - which is why I'm revisiting. I have to say, I do rather like this machine with more use - I think because it is SO light and packs away so small. It is not the best I've had in terms of pick-up, but it has really stood the test of time, daily use and no damage, wear and tear, lessening of effectiveness... which I can't say about previous vacs. So I think in summary - the quality is excellent, it is super compact, the pick-up is ok to good.

I purchased the DC26 after much research and thinking. Ive had a Dyson before no problems but too heavy, dont wont this again. I bought the dc just before Easter wish I had bought one earlier. It is fantastic, light enough to hold in one hand and vacuum with the other. The suction is great and found it can hold alot before emptying is needed. Of course you can get to wash alot of the parts so it isnt smelling of dust. We live in a two bedroom bungalow so it is plug in and go. Only one slight drawback the long flexi plastic tube attached to the cleaner does make storage a slight problem buy it has not put me off and I am still more than delighted with this product.