Dyson’s New V11 Torque Drive Stick Vacuum Has Features That Will Blow You Away
The future is here, because the Dyson V11 Torque Drive stick vacuum is officially on the market. But is it worth the hefty price tag of $699? For starters, the vacuum claims to have more than 20% extra suction power compared to its predecessor, the Dyson Cyclone V10, a model that excelled in all of our lab tests.
It also has a bunch of other new and improved features, including a high-tech "dynamic load sensor" that reads the brush bar's resistance against the surface on which its cleaning and communicates that to the vacuum’s motor and the battery's microprocessors. Translation: The vacuum automatically adjusts its suction according to whatever surface you're vacuuming. So whether you're running it over high-pile carpet or a wood floor, the vacuum will output optimal suction power and get the job done right. You can use the dynamic load sensor in Auto Mode, but there's also a Boost Mode (which delivers the most powerful suction) and Eco Mode (which has the longest run time).
Another creative feature? It’s the only vacuum we’ve seen with an LCD screen. You’re probably asking yourself, why do I need a screen on my vacuum cleaner? Well, the screen tells you how much run-time is left, down to the second, so you'll know exactly when your battery is going to run out. (FYI: The run-time changes depending on the floor type you’re on because high-pile carpet consumes more power than tile, for example.) The screen also reminds you when to clean your filters, and if there are any blockages — using a pressure sensor in the motor — and exactly how to clear said blockages thanks to a quick on-screen video clip. Personally, I found this extremely helpful — as my vacuum is always getting clogged.
Take heed, though: One qualm that many of our consumer testers had with Dyson vacuums is the on/off trigger, specifically how they had to hold it down when vacuuming. One tester noted that "holding down the power button is tedious” while another said it "stinks." Ouch. Dyson does have a reason for this contested feature, however — it keeps the battery from overheating because it's not continuously on.
Thankfully, like the V10, there is a switch on the front of the vacuum head that changes the suction power. So, if you open the vents, the vacuum will pick up larger debris instead of pushing it around, but if you close the vents, suction will increase to snatch up smaller particles.
The bottom line: Consider this model if you want to take your vacuuming experience to the next level. The Dyson V11 vacuum is available in two variants online and in stores. To see more of our top picks for stick vacuums, go here.
When The Good Housekeeping Institute tests vacuums, we look for how well it picks up debris on bare floor and carpets, how well it picks up pet hair on carpet, its weight, how loud it is, and how easy it to use. Read more about our testing process.
You Might Also Like
