The Dyson V11 Absolute Pro: A Powerful Cord-Free Vacuum Cleaner, But Is It Worth the Price?
While most gadget enthusiasts are immersed in the world of smartphones, audio products, wearables, and computers, I possess an unusual fascination with vacuum cleaners. My journey started with an interest in cleaning robots, but having successfully integrated artificial intelligence into the crucial task of keeping my floors spotless, I sought ways to push the boundaries further. After all, even the most sophisticated robot can only do so much before human intervention and judgment are required.
For hands-on cleaning, there’s no tool more effective than a high-quality vacuum cleaner. Anyone familiar with this segment knows that Dyson is often hailed as the "Apple" of the vacuum cleaner world. Though expensive, there’s a certain appeal and prestige associated with Dyson vacuum cleaners, especially among a particular demographic.
The Dyson product I’m reviewing here is the V11 Absolute Pro, positioned as the most powerful and feature-rich vacuum cleaner in the company’s Indian product range. Priced at Rs. 52,900, the Dyson V11 Absolute Pro operates cord-free and boasts a wealth of accessories and attachments. It promises to deliver a thorough cleaning experience for your entire home, and beyond. But is this technologically advanced yet expensive vacuum cleaner worth its hefty price tag? This review will explore its features and performance to help you decide.
Dyson V11 Absolute Pro: Design and Usage
As the company’s flagship vacuum cleaner in India, the Dyson V11 Absolute Pro is also the largest and most powerful option available. Its specifications are impressive: it generates 185 Air Watts of suction power, fueled by a Hyperdymium vacuum motor spinning at an incredible 125,000 rpm. This robust motor powers 14 "Cyclones" that effectively pull in dirt and debris. While these numbers might seem exaggerated, they ultimately mean that the Dyson V11 Absolute Pro is among the most potent cord-free vacuum cleaners on the market today.
The Dyson V11 Absolute Pro is a striking machine, resembling a futuristic, oversized firearm. Built almost entirely from plastic, it features a large, transparent dustbin. A trigger controls the power, and consequently, the suction, making the device remarkably easy to use. It lacks a conventional power switch; it’s always ready to go, provided the battery pack is attached and sufficiently charged. You simply pull the trigger – hold it down to activate suction, and release it to stop.
Positioned at the rear of the Dyson V11 Absolute Pro is a small circular color screen. A button directly beneath it allows you to cycle through the suction power modes: Eco, Medium, and Boost. I generally used the vacuum in Medium mode, but you can choose others to either extend battery life at the cost of slightly reduced suction power, or unleash the full motor power while significantly shrinking battery duration.
While the V11 Absolute Pro is running, the screen displays an estimated remaining runtime based on the current battery level, naturally counting down as you use it. This runtime is also influenced by the attached fittings, as some have moving parts that draw power from the vacuum cleaner itself.
The suction motor efficiently draws in dust, dirt particles, and larger impurities like food crumbs and paper scraps, ultimately depositing them into the sealed dustbin. This transparent chamber allows you to constantly monitor the dirt accumulation, with an indicator line signaling when it requires emptying.
Cleaning the Dustbin and Filter
Emptying the dustbin is a breeze. Simply hold the Dyson V11 Absolute Pro with the suction intake facing downwards and press the red handle at the bottom. This opens the bin’s lid and pushes the entire bin downward, expelling most of its contents. It’s crucial to perform this operation directly over a disposal container to prevent dirt from falling back onto the freshly cleaned area. To close the bin and prepare the Dyson V11 Absolute Pro for action, simply push the lid closed and slide the bin back until it clicks securely into place. Remember to avoid activating the trigger while the bin is open.
The rear of the Dyson V11 Absolute Pro houses the filter, which removes tiny dirt and dust particles from the sucked-in air before exhausting it out the back through small slits. The filter can be removed and cleaned by rinsing it with water under a tap periodically. Dyson recommends replacing the filter every six months for heavy users.
Dyson V11 Absolute Pro: Fittings and Attachments
One of the key strengths of the Dyson V11 Absolute Pro is the comprehensive range of fittings and accessories included in the box, encompassing multiple vacuum cleaner heads for various surfaces and purposes. The package also includes a detachable metal pipe, aptly named the "Wand" by Dyson. The Wand is used for convenient floor cleaning or reaching high places comfortably. It measures approximately 75cm in length, featuring the same head fitting as the device itself. The box also contains a small wall-mountable hook with a designated charging space, enabling you to dock the V11 Absolute Pro for charging when not in use.
It’s important to note that Dyson accessories are not interchangeable across its product range. This means accessories designed for the V11 Absolute Pro will not work with other Dyson devices, such as the recently launched Omni-Glide, and vice versa. This restriction also applies to the Wand, as it must fit both the main suction port of the V11 Absolute Pro and allow for the attachment of vacuum heads.
Detailed Look at the Fittings
The included fittings are:
- Torque Drive: Powerful and efficient for cleaning carpets and various surfaces.
- Soft Roller Cleaner: Ideal for hard floors, boasting fluffy rollers that effectively pick up dust and debris.
- Crevice Tool: Perfect for reaching tight spaces and crevices, ideal for cleaning between furniture and around corners.
- Combination Tool: A versatile tool that combines a brush for upholstery and a crevice tool for narrow areas.
- Mini Motorised Tool: Designed for detailed cleaning of upholstery, car interiors, and other hard-to-reach spots.
- Mini Soft Dusting Brush: A delicate brush for dusting delicate objects and surfaces without causing damage.
- Mattress Tool: Specially crafted for removing dust mites, allergens, and dirt from mattresses and bedding.
- Top-Up Adapter: Allows you to angle the vacuum head for cleaning tricky areas like cupboard tops and ceiling fans.
- Extension Hose: Provides longer reach for cleaning high ceilings or hard-to-reach spots.
Each vacuum head serves a specific function. I’ve explored their functionalities in more detail in the subsequent section of this review.
Dyson V11 Absolute Pro: Performance and Battery Life
Dyson offers a wide array of cord-free vacuum cleaners, and the V11 Absolute Pro sits at the top of its Indian product lineup. Its cord-free design, hand-held usage style, and sufficient battery life for household use make it a versatile cleaning solution. I found it to be quick, efficient, and convenient to use, and significantly less noisy than traditional drum or dirt-container vacuum cleaners.
The combination of various fittings and powerful suction means the Dyson V11 Absolute Pro is well-suited for cleaning virtually any household surface: hard and carpeted floors, sofas, beds, tabletops, shelves, and more. I even used it to clean my car, and I was consistently impressed with its cleaning capabilities across all tasks.
Evaluating the Fittings
- Soft Roller Cleaner: This proved to be my personal favorite head for cleaning my hard tiled floors. However, the fluffy rollers on this head do require regular cleaning as dust and small particles tend to get trapped in the fabric. The small wheels at the bottom of the Soft Roller and a flexible pipe offer a decent range of movement, enabling quick adjustments to the cleaning angle as needed.
- Torque Drive: This attachment, with its motorized roller and brush, works rapidly to sweep the floor and dislodge dirt particles, proving effective for specific cleaning needs like cleaning up after an accident involving broken glass or reaching between the gaps in car seats.
- Soft Dusting Brush: Very useful for dusting furniture, while the Mattress Tool provides a thorough cleaning for mattresses.
- Top-Up Adapter: A handy tool for angling the vacuum head for hard-to-reach areas.
While the variety of vacuum heads and accessories initially seemed overwhelming, I quickly learned which ones I used most frequently and which ones were best suited for specific tasks. Switching between them to suit the cleaning job at hand proved to be easy.
Battery Life and Noise Level
The battery level depletion rate varied depending on the attached fitting, making it difficult to definitively say which ones consume the most power.
No vacuum cleaner is truly silent, but the Dyson V11 Absolute Pro is notably less noisy than many other consumer-grade devices I’ve used, thanks to the unique way its motor operates. The hum of the suction motor and the whoosh of air being exhausted are not unpleasant sounds and don’t reach unsafe volume levels.
Battery life on the Dyson V11 Absolute Pro is decent, considering its cord-free design and the power of the Hyperdymium motor. It’s rated for 60 minutes of runtime when using Eco mode, and I typically achieved around 40 minutes of runtime while primarily using Medium mode with occasional bursts of Boost mode. Usually, I had the Wand and either the Soft Roller or Crevice Tool attached. Continuous use of Boost mode will drain the battery in approximately 10 minutes and significantly increase the noise level, so it’s best used only when absolutely necessary. Medium mode proves perfectly adequate for everyday cleaning.
Verdict
The Dyson V11 Absolute Pro is a true pleasure to use. It’s powerful, effective, and equipped with accessories that adapt it to most dry household cleaning scenarios. While somewhat heavy, this cord-free vacuum cleaner boasts sufficient battery life to make it incredibly useful around the house – if you have the budget for it.
Priced at Rs. 52,900, the Dyson V11 Absolute Pro is the most expensive cord-free vacuum cleaner that Dyson sells in India. It’s admittedly difficult to justify spending this much on a vacuum cleaner. However, its comprehensive package, user-friendliness, and thorough cleaning capabilities make it an attractive option for anyone seeking an efficient home cleaning solution.
Rating
Overall Rating: 8/10
Pros:
- Powerful suction motor: Delivers exceptional cleaning performance with ease.
- Easy Cleaning and Maintenance: Simple to clean and maintain, requiring minimal effort.
- Abundant Vacuum Heads and Accessories: Offers a wide variety of tools for versatile cleaning needs.
- Convenient Cord-Free Use: Provides hassle-free, untethered cleaning.
- Good Battery Life: Sufficient runtime for most household cleaning tasks.
- Versatile Cleaning Capabilities: Effectively cleans a wide range of surfaces, from floors to upholstery.
Cons:
- Very Expensive: It’s a significant investment for a vacuum cleaner.
- Slightly Heavy: Requires some effort to handle for extended periods.
