Rarely would a review lead off with a quote, but this quote is pertinent to the whole process of introducing and reviewing the latest cordless vacuum from Dyson: the V8 Absolute.
From Dyson founder James Dyson:
“We’ve spent more than a decade and over $330 million developing our small and powerful digital motors. Our latest generation motor sits at the heart of the Dyson V8 cord-free vacuum. It’s the result of 18 months research and development and 500,000 hours of testing. This motor enables the Dyson V8 cord-free vacuum cleaner to be powerful and versatile, transforming the way people clean their homes.”
As is the case with many of the products designed and manufactured by Dyson, when it drops a major redesign, that redesign is genuinely major. Things are actually both, new and improved. This is exactly the case with the new Dyson V8 Absolute.
Though never disappointed with the performance of any of the Dyson products previously reviewed, this new V8 is really a step above. Battery time has been boosted from 20 minutes to 40. There’s also a new battery runtime indicator to show how much time is remaining on the fade-free nickel-cobalt-aluminum batteries tucked away in the base of the ergonomically-designed handle.
The next thing anyone familiar with Dyson products is going to notice is how incredibly quiet the new V8 is. Bear in mind, previous models are not particularly loud, especially when compared to non-Dyson vacuums, but they do sound like vacuums. Dyson claims that the new V8 is 50% quieter than previous models, and though at the time of testing my hertz meter was on the fritz, it is a little bit unreal how quiet the new V8 actually is.
In order to make it so quiet, Dyson engineers reworked the air flow paths throughout the machine to reduce the noise associated with air moving fast through tight spaces. Dyson engineers also redesigned the post-motor filter so it helps to muffle sound. Lastly, closed cell foam and felt has been used extensively inside the V8 to absorb vibrations, which also helps reduce noise.
Other features worth mentioning:
Dirt ejector & Bin
Dyson has done a great job at improving the design of the dirt bin by adding a hygienic dirt ejector. In addition to making the bin bigger than on previous models, the inclusion of the dirt ejector is a total game-changer. The hygienic dirt ejector is essentially a silicon collar that acts as a scraper to clear the dirt from the 15,000 holes of stainless steel filter shroud. What this means is that you never come into contact with the crud the vacuum sucks up. Thanks Dyson.
New tools & more of them
The new Dyson V8 Absolute comes with more tools than ever before. In addition to the utterly fantastic Direct Drive Cleaner Head, with its stiff nylon bristles and carbon fiber filaments, there is a new Soft Roller Cleaner Head which is sheathed in a soft woven nylon material that grabs the big stuff off of hard surfaces and delivers it to the powerful suction at the back of the head. There’s also a Mini Motorized Tool for upholstery and tight spaces, a crevice and combination tool, and the slick new soft dusting brush which is great for cleaning the air vents on modern electronics. All these tools connect quickly and easily thanks to the improved and super easy to use push button quick release catch.
The Dyson V8 Absolute is a might impressive machine, and it should be for $599.99. It is, however, WORTH EVERY PENNY. What could be improved has been and it’s been improved to the point that it’s almost inconceivable what could be done to top this truly excellent vacuum. To be honest, the only thing that comes to mind is the new Dyson 360 Eye robot vacuum which, with any luck, will be featured here in the near future. For more information about Dyson and its extensive lineup of home technology products, click here.
**Full disclosure: This vacuum was provided at no cost for editorial consideration, to think otherwise would be silly.
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