Being a pet parent is incredibly rewarding, from their unwavering love, constant companionship and devoted loyalty. But from time to time, owners can find themselves frustrated at the endless cycle of vacuuming that comes with shedding four-legged friends.
But pull your hair out no more, because I've found a cordless vacuum cleaner that makes light work of pet hair on every surface. And there's a good chance it could be reduced in the coming weeks as Dyson officially unveils its 2024 Black Friday sale event with £150 off select vacuums.
The Dyson V8 Absolute vacuum is currently £399.99, but the tech giant usually makes some pretty big price cuts during the Black Friday shopping period, which means the device could see a discount this November. I tested out three cordless pet vacuums from leading brands, and I was seriously impressed.
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The sleek and modern cordless vacuum is easy to assemble and the most lightweight in comparison to similar devices from VAX and Shark. It offers 40 minutes of run time on a single charge and can be converted into a handheld for cleaning the car, too.
It’s certainly the most powerful of the three. I was stunned at how much pet hair and dust came out of our carpets after using it. We have two rescue Staffie crosses, and so while our home isn’t as hairy as say, a husky owner, shedding is something few owners can escape, but the Dyson V8 Absolute keeps on top of it no problem, eliminating hair from every surface, from hard floors and carpets to the dog bed and sofa.
Because of its light weight and high suction power, the Dyson is great for cleaning around the house in its upright form. However, where it falls short is that its ‘on switch’ is a trigger which can be awkward to use as it needs to be constantly engaged when vacuuming. It’s also really easy to knock the trigger when doing things like trying to empty it - which is also slightly more challenging than the other models.
When I rated the Dyson, VAX and Shark on a range of features, there were only two points stopping the Dyson from becoming our Mirror Choice best pet vacuum. One of those was the price point, but the potential of a Black Friday deal could well have us changing our minds.
Revealing my verdict on the top vacuum cleaner, I said: “Each of the vacuums deserve credit as there isn’t a bad one between them, and ultimately what will be the best vacuum in one home may not be suitable for another. The Shark ranked well for things like ease of emptying, charging and storage, while the Dyson was best for power, battery and design, but it was Vax which found itself as the best all-rounder, praised for its battery, car cleaning abilities, thoughtful features and lowest price.”
I’m not the only one who loves it, either, with the stick vacuum having racked up a 4.4-star rating based on almost 9,000 reviews, with one commenting: “The Dyson V8 is an excellent machine, especially where one has a pet in the home. The tools, including one for cleaning wood, stone or other smooth surfaces are excellent. It is well engineered, aesthetically pleasing and its vacuuming capability is excellent."
Another agreed that the trigger is a small inconvenience, adding: “I love it...... but still have a problem picking it up by the handle. When I do I invariably grab the trigger at the same time which starts the kit up. Even so very clever piece of kit. Well done Dyson"
A third added: "Excellent product. I have 2 large long haired German Shepherds and their hair is no problem for this vac. It’s lightweight and easy to manoeuvre both high and low. Tools are great for every kind of cleaning job This is my third Dyson cordless so that says everything."
At £399.99, the Dyson does come in the most expensive, so if you're looking for a more affordable alternative, the VAX currently has 45% off on Amazon, down to £164 from £299.99. Meanwhile the Shark remains full price at £279. Or you can shop the Dyson V8 Absolue for £399.99 here.