This is our first foray into the world of Dyson vacuum cleaners, so we’re producing this feature as first-time users, taking this beautiful new V11 Outsize for a test-drive around our suite all week to learn what makes Dyson such a well-loved household brand when it comes to quality build and cleaning power.
Though we don’t live in a big home, this model has been engineered for larger living spaces, with its Hyperdymium motor and 18 cyclones that generate forces of over 79,000g to fling microscopic particles – such as pollen, dust and bacteria – into the bin.
[L to R: Dyson V11 Absolute vs V11 Outsize]
This translates to 20% more powerful suction than the V11 Outsize’s predecessor, the V11 Absolute. The cleaner head is also 25% wider to cover more surface area with each pass. Lastly, the bin is 150% larger than the Absolute so you won’t have to empty it as often.
[The Mini motorized tool attached to the V11 Outsize]
The Dyson V11 Outsize’s fully-sealed, six-layer filtration system captures 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, expelling cleaner air.
On the High Torque cleaner head, the vacuum intelligently detects floor types via Dynamic Load Sensor technology and automatically adjusts suction power. This means carpets are deep cleaned and runtime is extended on hard floors.
Admittedly, the big box comes packed with attachments and various paperwork, which seemed daunting at first, but once I laid out all the parts on the floor and started charging up the batteries (yes, there’s two included along with two chargers), things made sense pretty quickly.
The simple fold-out brochure shows the V11 Outsize’s run modes and a few key operating features along with a scannable barcode to take you to Dyson’s site, where you’ll find an downloadable PDF manual, warranty registration, customer support, extra accessories for purchase and a FAQ.
As for fitting the components together, the red button area on each part clicks nice and solidly into one another, while the grey button area is for expanding a tool’s reach. This is one of my favourite design elements of the Dyson V11.
[Quick-release flexi crevice tool, fully expanded with clip-on brush]
While our batteries were both charging (it takes four and a half hours for a complete charge for an operating time of 120 minutes), we mounted the wall docking station, which holds two additional tools. A see-through, clip-on sleeve included in the box will fit a couple more attachments onboard the vacuum’s wand.
Once you select and confirm what language you’d like to see the information in, the LCD screen shows remaining battery power according to which of the three main modes (Eco, Auto and Boost) you’re using.
It also shows current performance, a message for when the filter needs cleaning, and any blockages (and how to clear them).
If you’d like to take advantage of the auto flooring detection feature, just set the vacuum to Auto (this is the middle option in terms of battery usage). As well, this feature helps to extend run time even as it senses and adapts to changes in floor type.
Boost will deplete the battery quicker but provide a stronger suction for dirtier surfaces and is mostly used when you’ve connected the Mini motorized tool, ideal for cars, stairs and ground-in dirt. The motor, bin and cyclone are aligned, so air is drawn into the cyclones in a straight line, helping to create powerful Dyson suction.
No more cords — or vacuum cleaner bags! The machine has a point-and-shoot bin ejector that you simply point to the dust bin and out comes your dust and dirt. Additionally, both High Torque XL cleaner head and filter are washable with cold water (air dry overnight).
Dyson recommends swapping out the batteries regularly to maintain even performance over time. Installing and removing a battery is done with a simple press of the release button, then sliding it off the handle (and back in again once it’s charged).
Dimensions
Height: 29.8 cm (11.73”)
Length: 127.6 cm (50.23”)
Width: 32 cm (12.6”)
Bin volume: 1.9L
Weight: 3.2 kg (7.85 lbs.)
Interestingly, the battery and monitoring system work in tandem to learn how your vacuum works over time, with an algorithm that increases in accuracy with regular usage. Eventually, the machine will be able to more accurately gauge how much power remains.
Note that the V11 won’t operate in ambient temperatures lower than 10C (50F). This safety feature helps protect both motor and battery.
Conclusion
The biggest change for our household was going from a lighter (corded canister) vacuum to a cordless, somewhat heavier machine. We tested the various tools and brushes on carpet, tiled floors, car and couch upholstery, and the machine delivers excellent suction, though I think the transition from carpet to tiled floor is a bit more trying for the Dyson as compared to perhaps moving from carpet to wood floor. The freedom from the cord is a blessing; the trade-off is worth the extra weight of the V11.
This latest addition to the Dyson cordless lineup is sold in a deep red/purple colour combo and retails for $1,099.99 at DysonCanada.ca and at Dyson Demo stores (Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto and Pacific Centre, Vancouver).