Dyson V8 Absolute

For health reasons, if you have allergies, this vac is colossal. With a special turquoise HEPA filter (outperforming Dyson purple filters!) it captures even more particles on a microscopic level -- 99.7% of them (down to 0.1 microns!) This could be allergens such as fine dust, pollen, mites or pet dander. It then puts out HEPA filtered air. The… Read more ·  1

greatest reason, however, is if your home has little or no carpet, the Dyson V8 Absolute is especially for you. The soft fluffy roller head is love at first sight; designed exclusively for capturing more fine dust / larger debris on hard floors (wood, tiles etc) it also better protects them with its nylon roller and glides along floors effortlessly. Be sure to show it some love when cleaning to optimise performance (see the feature review for more info; video coming soon!) Offering all a standard V8 offers (premium power, a doddle to to use and also a handheld), its also great for pets and has an anti tangle comb on the floor head (motorbar), usable on all surfaces. There's lots of attachments, including a mini screw tool for your car etc. You can read more about the standard V8 or Absolute in the full length review below, but in summary, this featherweight vac is an absolute, next level ripper.

See the V8 Absolute in action on hard floors here: https://youtube.com/shorts/OMzFLoQmR_o?si=llXRgol1HvnUwm0U

See the V8 Absolute in Max power mode VS long hair strands here: https://youtube.com/shorts/oyZ76JPPXgA?si=LiV613ZyMSWJlEay

FEATURE REVIEW

So, the Dyson V8 Absolute.

With a new look in recent years, and with a few changes, Dyson are keen to remain king of the compact cordless vacuum world. Let's take another spin on it, however; are these differences noticeable? And if we are critical, is this Dyson really all that? I mean, let's really go there for all you naysayers out there; K Mart are selling cordless vacs for next to nothing, right? So is it really worth the extra dosh?? All these questions and more to come...

Why buy Dyson?

Dyson technology--from the searing cyclonic suction power to the child's play ease of use--is beyond well known, it's world famous. The brand is synonymous with performance and value, listening to its loyal customers and offering a solid 2 year warranty on parts and labour. While it's not good to see chains going out of business, the reluctance of Godfrey's to sell Dyson cordless vacuums tells you something about how customer tastes are shifting. This is also part of the reason why Dyson ceased operations of corded vacuums in 2018.

Are Dyson's worth the price?

Ultimately, we all want the best deal. It's simple, really; the best brands will be pricier. A cleaner might use a K Mart vacuum and do the best job ever; but if you paid for the clean, it won't have HEPA filters to tackle allergens and keep your family and your home healthier. Also, the cleaner will have many more tangles to sort out if you have pets. On the other hand, the V8 has a top grade HEPA filter and the motorbar and anti screw tool untangle hair for you; its not just a vacuum. It's a Dyson. Crucially, the key is to judge price from a value perspective. Dyson V8s are big sellers, and you have some security with the 2 year parts and labour warranty. So the smarter choice is to buy the best value product rather than the cheapest; anything else is a false economy. For health reasons, we would also suggest the V8 Absolute is a good investment; more on that later.

Do Dyson's stand the test of time?

Regarding longevity, the V8 digital motor is built to last, with over 188,800 hours of development, a total of 500,000 testing hours and 290 miles pushed during testing. Tested to breaking point, the confidence both Dyson and the returning customer have in this machine (plus the continued improvements) leave no doubt about the full scope of what's on offer here. Dyson take care of your machine via free servicing, which is recommended every 3-6 months at service centres or via freepost. So, when it comes to the question of whether you should choose a V8 or a dirt cheap alternative, best to let K Mart do birthdays, and Dyson do vacuums.

"But I don't want a big, clunky vacuum."

Well, forgiving the shameless One Direction plug, the V8 is perfect- perfect for you. At just 2.5kg and with a 0.54litre bin, it's extremely light footed on floors and supremely light handed in handheld mode. The rotating wheels make the head really easy to move and swivel, whether in corners, on carpets or hard floors. Switch to the fluffy roller head on hard floors for a smoother ride and better performance.

So why is the V8 popular?

Flexibility - The V8 Absolute exclusively offers 2 specialized floor heads for carpets and hard floors, one of which can be used on all surfaces. All V8's can be used in handheld mode with different attachments (such as the mini anti screw tool, main floor heads for stairs or multiple attachments, depending on what model you buy). Everything is super easy to detach and reattach, including the cyclone, filters and bin. Dyson have red tabs which you press and they quickly release. Weight - Lightweight and very manoeuverable on floors and surfaces. Power - With power comes performance, and with up to 115 AW of suction, it's compact yet powerful, with 40 mins battery in high suction mode and up to 6 mins in max power mode.

"I don't need a colour change; I'm happy with the old V8 thank you very much!"

News flash; the V8 hasn't just changed colours; it has made things better. That star shaped filter you see is now flat, and easier to clean (as the top separates from the filter, and the previous plastic skeleton has been sacked). When we say flat, this helps big time when emptying your bin, as giving it a tap helps empty the cyclone of fine dust and prevent build up. Before, you were tapping a curved area which was a little awkward. Do it outside though and away from your body if you plan on doing this.

"But I have dogs, cats and a long haired family. Can this vacuum deal with all this?"

Absolutely: pet owners and hair dressers get in line, as Dyson have significantly improved their motorbar cleaner head, adding anti tangle vanes. Effectively, it's a comb that detangles pet and human hair. You also get a similar effect on the new anti screw tool, improving performance. From pillows to pet stations, you'll see the difference; its amazing what this vacuum will pick up! Finally, the HEPA filters (this type is exclusive to the V8 Absolute) isn't just there to look pretty; they serve a greater purpose, protecting your health and your home against nasty allergens. The photos show what was picked up in the way of debris and human hair with the general motorbar on hard floors; there is some minor tangle on the head, but when you see the amount hair tangled in the bin (plus the debris and fine dust) it's clear the V8 has done a stellar job.

What sets this V8 apart?

The HEPA filter. Sporting a turquoise like green, this lean and green vacuum cleaning machine filters 99.7% of particles down to 0.1 microns. If your family suffer from allergies, a HEPA filter on your vacuum is a must. It not only captures the likes of pollen, fine dust, mould, mites and pet dander, it then churns out HEPA filtered air. I don't know about you, but we reckon that's kinda big. It also outdoes the other V8s, which capture 99.7% of particles down to 0.3 microns. Good luck finding that on your K Mart vacuum cleaner...

The soft fluffy roller head. If you have hard floors and you want a specific head to get up more debris and fine dust and add an extra layer of protection, Dyson have the answer. The soft nylon brush and a fluffy strip offer the extra security you need and the pick up power is extremely impressive; making the Absolute the clear choice if you have predominantly hard floors. TOP TIPS: + Don't forget to gently remove any hair on the axles of the fluffy roller or the wheels with a penknife or scissors; heavy build up will make it harder to steer. + If you are vacuuming long strands of hair, make sure you clear your roller from it after each clean to avoid damaging the material. You can also tap the floor head gently over a bin and spin the roller to remove any caught up debris. Use gloves. + Switching to MAX power in such instances where there is a heavy build up of long hair strands will reduce tangling on your fluffy roller and protect it from getting damaged.

"What about all these supposed issues with Dyson's that people raise, like the battery and the machine cutting out?"

It's seriously loaded, this question, as people also raise how well Dyson's perform.

Regarding the machine cutting out... A high powered machine that is ingesting all sorts of nasty stuff is going to need a little TLC. The good news is that it's not a big deal; --Your machine pulsating is often caused by a blockage or a dirty filter, which blocks the airflow of the machine. So, in real terms, it just needs unblocking. Dyson added this as a safety feature on the machine to alert you to the issue. --Check your wand, the mouth of your floor head and the bin entry inlet for any blockages. --Use tweezers to remove any curled up fluff on the floor head axles. --Don't overfill your bin past the max line. --Tap your cyclone top when emptying the bin outside to loosen the fine dust. --Wash your filter regularly and never put on wet to avoid damage to the machine's motor. --Clear debris caught in the anti tangle comb with a narrow tool such as a flathead screwdriver. Once you are aware of these things, issues such as pulsating can be easily resolved.

Regarding the battery... --High suction mode should be more than enough for everyday vacuuming, particularly if your machine is clean and blockage free and you are using the best floor head. --Max power is your super side kick for spot cleaning - think 30 seconds--1 min max for really stubborn dirt. It's not designed for permanent use, but against Dyson's advice, people often use this mode permanently. The result of this may be early battery degradation. --Keep it out extreme sunlight --Let it run down once a month. --The trigger saves you power from using only when you need.

"What about all those tools, isn't this just a gimmick to get you to pay more?"

Absolutely not. James Dyson is firmly against gimmicks; for example, the slim fluffy head (that is used from the V12 upwards) doesn't have a light like cheaper vacuum heads that reveals very little. Rather, it has a laser, that literally illuminates fine dust, so you can see and eliminate it. So it goes here; every tool is fit for purpose. -The anti-screw tool is great for pet stations, cars, couches, pillows and more, improving on its excellent predecessor with its untangling technology for hair. -As for storage, the wall dock allows you to charge and safely store your machine. However, we do think it's high time Dyson launched a stand for the V8. -There's more tools, including a combi brush and crevice tool, which get forgotten by some. -But when you start to utilize the V8 in handheld mode, with good power, you will find you can dust, remove crumbs, dust fan blades, ledges and all sorts. -One of my favourite uses when cleaning is doing inside cupboards with the crevice tool to rid of hairs, creepy crawlies, debris and dust.

"But there are much cheaper vacuums and money is tight."

There are cheaper vacuums, but current sales of $549 (usually $999) aside, ask yourself...

-What is the battery power like? -Does it have a HEPA filter? -How easy is it to clean? -What sort of warranty is offered? -What is the build quality like? - How effective is the floor head on all floors?

Cheaper can end up costing more in the long run. Fix your eyes on the value of the product, what warranty is offered etc and how that stacks up to Dyson. There are payment options available as well such as Afterpay, Zip pay etc.

"Will this thing scare off the pets?" All pets are different, so while this can't be answered specifically, the Dyson V8 has been designed with acoustic dampening. As a result, in high suction mode the levels are very controlled so it is unlikely. On Max power mode, it is noisy, but this mode is for limited use only and is therefore to be expected; your pets in this instance are more than likely to do a runner!

Conclusion

Long live the king; for all the reasons we have mentioned, we feel the V8 Absolute is a slam dunk vacuum. In particular, if you want powerful performance and maximum versatility wrapped up in a quiet, compact bundle. Get it on sale, and you'll be even happier. But even at the regular price, first things first, you get a vacuum with an incredibly powerful HEPA filter that better protects your families health against nasty allergens; if you are someone like me who is passionate about good health, for this reason alone, you won't regret it.

Great Well priced upgrade from the V6 – I got the Dyson V8 three months back, and man, it's been awesome. Way better than my old V6. I spent days determining whether I should opt for a later model, but I'm so glad that I purchased the V8. My floors are largely tiles with carpet in the bedrooms. And It sucks up everything - dust, dirt, pet hair. Lasts for 40 minutes, so you can cover a… Read more ·  1

lot. Now if you're like me and upgraded from the V6 , this battery feels like an infinity.

It's not noisy, does the job without waking up the whole house and is substantially quieter than my old one.

The biggest upgrade was the waste removal. Absolute Doddle to empty now.

Transforms into a handheld, great for tricky spots and car cleaning. Emptying is easy too - no touching the yucky stuff.

Hangs on the wall, always ready to go. Saves space too

Overall I'm stoked with performance for the price. Sure I could of spent a grand more, but I can only see a marginal return on investment.

Perfect machine ever – Bought the dyson v8 best purchase ever & bonus its great for people with pets Show details

Useful and convenient – This vaccum is great for cleaning around the house- lasts about 45 minutes for me. The rubbish section empties super easily with a simple click. Vacuuming forwards is smooth and picks up everything however if you drag it backwards it doesn’t pickup well just sweeps the debris until you push it forward again. It’s lightweight for me though my mother who is older says it’s heavy for her Show details

Is Dyson really worth the price? – I am 70 so I have had many vacuums in my life. We have two, one with a cord that rolls behind you and one cordless, and I was not happy with either. The corded was too much hassle for a quick clean and the other was bottom heavy and not, not, well, just not right! I made an impulse purchase and got a Dyson. Crap, $1400. Sigh. A bit nervous about… Read more ·  3

the price, I unpacked it at home and was surprised by something I had not considered. There was not one shred of plastic packaging! All right, no biggy, but it impressed me to no end, thinking of starving dolphins with plastic lining their bellies.

Good range of attachments, all proprietary so I cannot use the many attachments we have from 50 years of vacuum cleaning. But everything we may need seemed included, including a head with a green light. OH-MY-BUDDAH! The green light at the bottom really showed us how dusty our timber floor is. 'Criky!'

Wall mounts are not very practical for all the included attachments (to close together for comfort) so I purchased a separate attachment holder. Nice, neat, sitting on a wall, behind a door, I have not used either of our other vacuum cleaners since. It is so easy to take it off the wall, clean and hang it up. Go figure. It is so easy, that I like vacuum cleaning now.

The Dyson is not without its flaws though. 1 - The units to hand the attachment are too close together so it takes a bit of ranging to swap heads. 2 - Removing the dust collector is also a little dicey. I would prefer it if it were easier. At seventy, my hand strength is deteriorating, and the mechanism is sticky. So much so, that I damaged the removal mechanism trying to get it open. 3 - The Dyson cannot handle fluff from chew-toys. For those of you who have puppies, dogs, that like tearing apart dog toys full of fluff, I need to collect it manually as the Dyson clogs. 4 - The battery-vacuum wall hanger, once on the wall, is almost impossible to access the screws if you need to reposition it.

I called Dyson about this, but the 'customer-help' did not really know what I meant but they understood my issue and sent me a new one. The same with the dust collector that I damaged. No problem, registered owner, they sent a replacement quick-smart. Overall, though, I love using my Dyson and will probably be a Dyson fan for the rest of my life.

Why so exuberant you may ask?

So many companies that were rock solid (in my day) going cheap and nasty like Mercedes, Quantas, TDK, and many others. I appreciate a product that goes the other way. It is a pleasure to find a product that exceeds expectation and has a quick and easy customer care team. In 55 years of life in my own home/flat/apartment, I learned to appreciate those products that deliver what they promise.

So, why do I say overpriced? Once I registered my product, a few days later, Dyson informed me that they were selling the same Dyson for $400 less. Crap.

Still, I give Dyson 5 Stars despite the 'imperfections.' Now, let me see how long the Dyson and batterie lasts. I will update this review in a few years.