Are you in the market for a modern and convenient cordless vacuum cleaner? The Dyson V8 Absolute is an excellent surface cleaner with convenient features and technologies for all your carpet and floor cleaning needs.
Despite newer models, the V8 Absolute holds its ground for its versatility, user-friendly features, and robust suction. It's my go-to gadget for daily clean-ups and quick one-overs to maintain a tidy living space.
In this review, I explain in-depth why the V8 Absolute is a solid investment for your cleaning arsenal. But first, here's a quick overview that covers everything you must know if you're short on time.
Dyson V8 Absolute: Quick Overview
At around 2.5 kg fully assembled, the Dyson V8 Absolute’s lightweight design facilitates effortless cleaning of elevated surfaces. I found it particularly useful for dusting shelves, reaching ceiling corners, and using it as a handheld device. The handheld vacuum on its own weighs around 1.5 kg, making it easy to navigate much tighter spaces and convenient to carry around.
For ease of storage, the V8’s compact size offers a straightforward solution. Alternatively, you can use the wall bracket to mount it on your wall. Its ability to charge while mounted and stored is a very thoughtful addition, ensuring the appliance is always powered up and ready to go.
What about the suction and performance? The standard Motorbar cleaning head did well with different debris sizes on carpets and hard floors. However, use the fluffy cleaner head for larger debris on hard surfaces, as the Motorbar cleaner head is not optimally designed for this.
In addition to the Motorbar and fluffy cleaner heads, the V8 vacuum includes a hair screw tool, combination tool, and crevice tool. Dyson adds a six-cell battery pack that delivers up to 40 minutes of runtime on a standard setting. However, the vacuum battery runs out of juice faster on its maximum setting.
Suction power: 115 AW
Height: 125.6 cm
Length: 22.1 cm
Width: 25 cm
Weight (Fully assembled): 2.5 kg
Weight (Handheld unit): 1.5 kg
Bin volume/capacity: 0.54 L
Charge time: 5 hours
Battery life: 40 minutes (Low mode)
Noise level: 2 dB
Wall-mountable: Yes
Accessories (Included)
A Motorbar cleaner head
Fluffy cleaner head
Hair screw tool
Crevice tool
Combination tool
Docking station
Charger
Got everything you need to make a purchasing decision? Use the button below to find the best prices and deals on the Dyson V8 Absolute cordless vacuum. Otherwise, read on to learn more about the surface-cleaning appliance.
Dyson V8 Absolute: In-Depth Review & Analysis
It took a considerable amount of time to put the Dyson V8 Absolute to the test, but I finally have a complete review. I evaluated the tool’s performance in various settings, from hardwood floors to high-pile carpets, to find its best features and potential drawbacks to watch out for.
Best Bits of the Dyson V8 Absolute
For the best parts and features, here’s how the Dyson V8 Absolute fared. It offered more than most competitors, albeit at a slightly higher price point.
1. The Design
The Dyson V8 Absolute has an aesthetically appealing, well-built design. Although the body is mainly made of plastic, the vacuum is solid and durable. It weighs around 2.5 kg when fully assembled. Thus, you can easily carry and move the assembled unit along with the attachments.
Unlike corded vacuum cleaners, the V8 Absolute model is not tethered to an electric outlet. It offers the freedom to clean every nook and cranny without the hassle of cords. It’s also easier to convert into a handheld cleaner to clean quick spots than corded models.
Dyson’s 0.54-litre dust canister capacity is modest at best compared to other models I've tested. Yet, its transparent design and max fill line indicator are practical touches, ensuring you know precisely when to empty it. You also get a docking station, a convenient storage solution, and a charging dock, keeping the vacuum ready for action.
2. Usability
The Dyson V8 Absolute is easy to use. Its agility and ability to clean most areas of the home set it apart from earlier models. The vacuum head's swivel and turning radius are commendable, allowing for effortless navigation around furniture and tight spaces. Here are some key points about its ergonomics:
- Weight and Balance: The V8 Absolute is lightweight. Its handle and trigger are positioned between the motor housing and battery pack, providing near-perfect balance in your hand.
- Ease of Use: The vacuum is easy to manoeuvre, thanks to its cordless design. It's also versatile and can be wall-mounted for easy storage. For extra convenience, it operates at a noise level of 2 dB.
- Controls: The V8 has a conveniently located slide switch to adjust the power level. This is an improvement over the V6, which had its maximum power switch in the middle of the filter housing.
3. Suction Power and Cleaning Performance
The Dyson V8 Absolute's motor delivers 115 air watts of suction power on the maximum setting, which is quite powerful. The V8's motor has about 150% stronger suction than the V6 model. However, with the release of the Dyson V10 and V11, the V8 no longer holds the title of the most potent motor among Dyson's cord-free vacuums.
In my tests, it performed exceedingly well on carpets with the Motorbar cleaner head, adeptly handling large and fine debris. Swapping to the fluffy cleaner head was necessary for hardwood floors for large debris. I also tested Dyson's claim of hair de-tangling technology with pet hair. The motorbar floorhead's hair removal vanes effectively cleared tangled hair from the brush bar, with slightly different performance depending on the power setting.
The V8 Absolute has dual power modes—low and max. The machine cleans debris from shallow cracks and crevices at low power, whereas at max power, it picks up debris from deep crevices after only a few passes.
4. Battery Performance
Navigating the Dyson V8 Absolute's battery life requires some understanding. According to Dyson, the six-cell energy-dense battery is designed to offer up to 40 minutes of fade-free power. However, my tests revealed that battery performance varies significantly based on usage, which is expected.
In low power mode without a cleaner head, the V8 Absolute indeed approaches the 40-minute mark, aligning with the brand's claims. However, I noticed a slight dip in battery life when using a cleaner head in low-power mode. The most dramatic reduction occurs in max power mode with a cleaner head, where run time can plummet to less than 10 minutes.
It’s also worth noting that the V8 Absolute has a trigger lock. So, you will only be using the battery when pressing the trigger. This design choice helps mitigate power loss during idle moments.
5. High-End Filtration System
The V8 Absolute features Dyson’s whole machine filtration system, which traps allergens and expels clean air. The device has a pre-filter and a HEPA filter, which should be cleaned or replaced regularly to avoid odours and loss of suction.
The cyclones (pre-filter) spin the air to remove dirt, dust, and debris, while the HEPA filter captures small particles of up to 0.3 microns and is particularly beneficial for those suffering from allergies or asthma. Dyson filters are guaranteed for 12 months.
For optimal performance, I advise you to clean both filters monthly. The user guide that comes with the tool provides detailed instructions for this. Additionally, you can download the MyDyson app for expert advice and instructions on using the cleaner heads and attachments.
6. Numerous Attachments
The V8 Absolute Vacuum offers multiple attachment options that are easy to use. In the box, you get seven tools and attachments. I explain their use cases below:
- Motorbar cleaner head that cleans deeply and doesn't get tangled.
- The Fluffy cleaner head is soft and suitable for cleaning hard floors.
- The Combination tool is a brush and nozzle in one, which makes it easy to switch between tasks.
- The Crevice tool helps clean small spaces and corners.
- The Hair screw tool is suitable for picking up hair quickly.
- The Docking station lets you put your vacuum on the wall to charge and store tools.
- The charger is used to power the vacuum.
Removing the wand and attaching vacuum tools is also easy when converting the Dyson V8 Absolute into a portable handheld unit. It uses a quick-release system to switch attachments easily.
7. Bin Emptying
The bin-emptying mechanism has also been improved in the V8 model. The V8 has a top clip that allows the central cyclone to pull up and away from the bin while the base flap simultaneously opens. This ensures that any debris in the bin is immediately ejected out of the base without additional effort.
Drawbacks of the Dyson V8 Absolute
Even the standout Dyson V8 Absolute has limitations, like any product on the market. I’ve pinpointed areas where improvements would enhance user experience.
1. Limited Battery Life
As explained above, the Dyson V8 Absolute battery life can last up to 40 minutes (rated by Dyson) when using non-motorised tools like the crevice tool on the low power setting. However, that run time drops to about 30 minutes when using the fluffy cleaner head and mini-motorised tool.
The run-time drops even further when using the Motorbar cleaner head. On max power mode, the run time drops drastically to less than 10 minutes when using either motorised or non-motorised tools.
Taking the time to be thoughtful about what you’re cleaning and how much power you need will help extend your vacuuming session. Switch on the higher power mode only when you need to, and switch back to the lower setting whenever you don’t.
2. Longer Battery Recharge Time
The V8 Absolute has a large battery, which takes slightly longer to recharge than previous models. The battery can take 4.5 to 5 hours to recharge. So, you will have to wait a little longer to continue with your cleaning chores.
That would not be a problem if the battery were removable. This would allow you to swap the depleted battery with a fully charged one and continue cleaning. It would be more convenient if Dyson were to integrate a changeable battery pack in future releases of the V8 Absolute.
You can use the dock charging feature to ensure your Dyson V8 Absolute vacuum is fully charged and ready whenever needed. This eliminates long waiting times to charge the vacuum when you need it urgently.
3. Small Bin Capacity
The small bin capacity contributes to the machine's compact and slightly lightweight design. However, this requires frequent emptying when cleaning larger places. While not a deal-breaker, it's worth considering for potential buyers with larger homes or those who prefer less frequent maintenance.
4. Dry-Use Only
While it’s not exactly a con, as the Dyson V8 Absolute is designed for dry use only, there are vacuums designed to pick up both dry debris and liquids. These are often referred to as wet/dry vacuums. So, if you intend to use the vacuum outside of picking dust and debris, I recommend researching other products.
The Competition: Dyson V8 Absolute Alternatives
The Dyson V8 Absolute is one of the best stick & cordless vacuum cleaners on the market. However, it is not flawless. If its drawbacks are deal breakers, you can consider the following options.
Black + Decker PowerSeries Extreme MAX 18V
Black + Decker’s PowerSeries Extreme is an affordable stick vacuum designed to access hard-to-reach places by lying flat. It has a convenient self-standing capability for easy storage.
I recommend it as a competitor as its battery can last up to 58 minutes in regular mode compared to Dyson’s 40 minutes. Additionally, the PowerSeries Extreme MAX 18V has a removable battery pack to extend the cleaning time further. The feature allows you to have a spare battery charged and ready to swap in, effectively doubling your cleaning time if needed.
The Removable 18V Power Connect battery is interchangeable with other power tools from Black+Decker. So, if you already have different tools that use the Power Connect battery, you can use them as a backup.
Bosch Series 6 BCS61113AU
Bosch is another reputable vacuum brand with a reliable alternative to the Dyson V8 Absolute. The Bosch Series 6 BCS61113AU makes light work of your cleaning chore and has a compact and lightweight design for easy handling and precise cleaning.
Its advantage over the Dyson V8 Absolute is the removable, power-for-all battery system that allows you to use the same 18V battery pack across different tools in the same product line. This is convenient if you use other Bosch Home & Garden tools with compatible battery packs.
However, the vacuum cleaner has a lower battery runtime of 30 minutes in the regular mode compared to Dyson’s 40 minutes.
Tineco Smart Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner
The Dyson V8 Absolute has two heads for hard floors and another for carpets and pet hair. It has consistent cleaning performance, excellent suction, and versatile tools. It's also easy to use and perfect if you want a cordless vacuuming experience. However, you can’t pick up water or other liquids with the machine.
For a wet/dry vacuum, I recommend the Tineco Floor One S5. This cordless appliance mops and vacuums simultaneously, cutting your floor cleaning chores in half and saving time and effort. It's handy for cleaning up liquid spills and efficient for deeper cleaning. It is loaded with smart technology and can detect dirt and adjust settings for a more thorough cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dyson V8 Absolute.
Is the Dyson V8 Absolute good for the whole house?
The Dyson V8 Absolute is a popular cordless upright vacuum with powerful suction and cleaning performance. However, its ability to clean pet hair and dirt from carpets and hard floors all over the house depends on several factors. These factors can include the size of your home, cleaning preferences, types of flooring and surfaces, and the size of debris.
Does the Dyson V8 Absolute use a lot of electricity?
The Dyson V8 Absolute is not a corded vacuum cleaner. So, it doesn’t consume electricity directly. Instead, it gets its electricity from the charged battery.
The amount of electricity the battery consumes during charging depends on the efficiency of the charging process and the frequency of use. Overall, the Dyson V8 Absolute battery uses an efficient charging system. This makes the machine energy-efficient compared to corded models.
What is the difference between the Dyson V8 models?
The Dyson V8 series includes several models, each with its own set of features and accessories. Here's a brief comparison:
- Dyson V8 Vacuum: This is the base model of the V8 series. It comes with the standard attachments and features of the V8 line.
- Dyson V8 Absolute Vacuum: This model includes two cleaning heads for hard floors and carpets, making it suitable for homes with a mixture of bare floors and carpets.
- Dyson V8 Extra: The V8 Extra includes more tools or features than the base model. You get a crevice tool, a low-reach adaptor, and a hair screw tool.
- Dyson V8 Origin Extra: Compared to the V8 Absolute, you get a Mini Soft Dusting Brush for gently dusting delicate objects and surfaces, but only one cleaner head: Motorbar Cleaner head.
All models in the V8 series have the same motor and battery, so their performance and power are essentially the same. The differences lie in the tools and attachments included.
Laura Kemp
Is the Dyson V8 Absolute Worth It?
Determining whether the Dyson V8 Absolute is worth the investment requires balancing its price against your cleaning requirements and expectations. It’s not just about the specs on paper; the real-world application counts.
In my experience, the V8 Absolute strikes a compelling balance between performance and practicality, making it a worthy contender as a high-quality, versatile cleaning tool with a moderate price.
So, if you prioritise agility, ease of use, and a comprehensive cleaning experience over the absolute highest power or longest battery life, the V8 Absolute is the best pick on the Australian market.
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