We Try: The Dyson V11 Outsize cordless vacuum, the latest, most powerful model
The V11 Outsize promises the most powerful suction of any cordless vacuum - so we put it to the test.
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You know you’ve reached a certain point in your life when you begin to covet a state of the art vacuum cleaner over a designer handbag.
Alas, I recently found myself cursing my run-of-the-mill vacuum cleaner, its defiant clunkiness and cumbersome cord which saw me stopping and starting as I made my way around the home. Enough was enough. I decided to ditch my lacklustre vac and head straight to the top, the Rolls Royce of vacuum cleaners: the Dyson V11 Outsize cordless vacuum.
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Like all Dyson gadgets, the V11 Outsize doesn’t come cheap, ringing in at $1,299 - but also like all Dyson gadgets, the high price tag comes with a promise of unbeatable quality that I was keen to put to the test.
Released in March 2020, the Dyson V11 Outsize is the esteemed brand’s latest – and most powerful – addition to its growing range of popular cordless vacuums. Not only does it feature the chic red, purple and grey exterior that’s come to be synonymous with a quality cordless vacuum, this iteration has a 25 per cent bigger head than its predecessor, plus a 150 per cent bigger bin size. Its click-in battery system ensures you can clean for up to 120 uninterrupted minutes and it boasts a powerful Dyson Hyperdymium motor and 18 Dyson cyclones.
If that means precisely nothing to you, let me enlighten you, this baby picks up 99.97 per cent of particles – think dust, pollen and bacteria – so no errant dog hair will be left un-sucked. Stats aside, how does the Dyson V11 Outsize actually perform when put through its paces in a grubby home? I put it to the ultimate test.
OUR REVIEW OF THE DYSON V11 OUTSIZE CORDLESS VACUUM
At the end of last year, for the first time in my life, I was actually excited to vacuum my hallway carpet covered in debris. As I pushed in the trigger to turn the Dyson V11 Outsize on, I swear the heavens parted and golden light streamed down upon me. Seriously though, compared to the deafening roar of my other disappointing vacuum cleaner, this was positively dainty. After a quick vacuum of the hallway, I couldn’t believe how much dust and detritus was inside the clear bin from such a small space – evidence my battler of a previous vacuum cleaner had long since given up doing its job as I’d only vacuumed a couple of days earlier.
Now, after a few months using this model, I consider myself a Dyson vacuum convert. There’s the convenience of the cleaning head that swivels to get in under chair legs and weaves easily into tight spots. There are the the different attachments are brilliant for cleaning tight spots and even for giving the car a quick once-over (hello, sandy seats).
Plus, this intuitive vacuum uses sensor technology to know when you’re on a soft surface (carpet) or hard surface (in my case, floor boards) and adjusts accordingly – so you don’t need to flick any fiddly switches, or change vacuum heads, as you clean. Speaking of vacuum heads, because this one is a quarter bigger than other Dyson vacuums, it’s estimated Australians can save around 11 minutes of cleaning time with it – and I’m not about to argue with that. You can also be rest assured this bad boy is sturdy, Dyson tests all its vacuums across 1,000s of kilometres of flooring to ensure it’ll last the distance, so while it’s a big expense, you know it’s not an item that’s going to fail on you in the next few months – or years, for that matter.
Previously I’d look at remnants of my daughter’s craft or breakfast on the floor with dismay, knowing I’d have to heave out my ancient vacuum cleaner, but now I relish any opportunity to whisk the Dyson out. Without pesky cords to slow me down, I can quickly vacuum up the debris with zero fuss. I’ve even had to tell my husband – who’s on bathroom cleaning duty – to back off and leave the vacuuming to me. Yes, vacuuming is now, dare I say it, not fun but certainly no longer a “chore” (younger readers, I beg that you wait until you’re firmly in your thirties before you judge this horrifying admission, please).
While this vacuum cleaner isn’t cheap, it’s worlds apart from your regular, stock standard option and the lack of a cord makes cleaning the house a good degree easier.
OTHER GREAT CORDLESS VACUUMS
Need something a little easier on the budget? There are plenty of great cordless options on the market to choose from.
THE BUDGET OPTION
INSE Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Stick, Amazon Australia, $198.99
With its multi-cyclonic filtration system, this powerful cordless vacuum picks up any debris in its path. Featuring two manoeuverable motorised brush heads – one for carpets and one for hard floors, it can cover your whole house with ease. Thanks to its detachable battery, it’ll give you 45 minutes of uninterrupted vacuum time. One happy reviewer wrote: “It is so easy to use, lightweight and efficient and means we can use it on a daily basis without having to worry about electric cords.”
THE ROBOTIC OPTION
Xiaomi Viomi V2 Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner, Amazon Australia, $399.99
A vacuum cleaner that’s programmed to both vacuum and mop your home while you lie on the couch with your feet up? Yes, please. This Xiaomi Viomi V2 Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner is an Amazon bestseller with one five-star reviewer commenting: “This has genuinely exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and the amount of dust and pet hair it picks up … The mop feature also works really well.” With two hours of battery life and the ability to traverse even stairs (of up to 20mm) this is one robotic vacuum cleaner to try.
WHY ARE DYSON’S CORDLESS VACUUMS SO POPULAR?
Considered the pinnacle of stick vacuums, Dyson’s range is coveted and for good reason. In fact, founder and engineer James Dyson, made the brand famous for inventing the cordless vacuum cleaner around 10 years ago. Kitted out with powerful motors, unparalleled suction, long-lasting batteries and handy features – like an easy-to-remove bin and manoeuverable vacuum heads – Dysons are known as top-quality cordless vacuum cleaners.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF VACUUMS?
Firstly, it’s important to consider how big the space you’ll be vacuuming is, and also, what your vacuum storage options are. Short on storage space? Robot vacuums are a great option that can be easily stowed away. However, they’re traditionally best used on hardwood floors, though recent models have improved their suction on carpets. Excellent for time-poor households, they can be programmed to clean by themselves (more time for you to put your feet up). Barrel and upright vacuums feature large dustbins and strong suction so are your best bet for covering large areas and can adapt to all different types of floor coverings. Both stick and handheld vacuums are excellent for spot cleaning; whether inside the home or your car.
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