As a long-time owner of two Golden Retrievers, I’ve come to accept that a fine layer of golden fur is simply part of our home’s decor. It weaves itself into carpets, congregates in corners like fluffy tumbleweeds, and stubbornly clings to every piece of upholstery. For years, my cleaning closet was a graveyard of vacuums that promised the world but ultimately surrendered to the sheer, relentless volume of pet hair. They would clog, lose suction, or worse, require a tedious, hands-on detangling of the brush bar after every single use. It was a frustrating, never-ending cycle. This constant battle isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about hygiene, allergens, and the simple desire to live in a home that feels truly clean. Finding a vacuum that doesn’t just cope but actually conquers this challenge is paramount for any pet owner who values their sanity and their time. The search for such a machine led me directly to the door of what is arguably one of the most engineered cleaning devices on the market: the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean Vacuum.
- Includes de-tangling technology that automatically clears wrapped hair from the brush bar as you clean
- Easy to maneuver with cleaning modes for deep carpet, low pile and hard floors
What to Demand from an Upright Vacuum Before You Buy
An Upright Vacuum Cleaner, especially one designed for pet-filled homes, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. It’s an investment in air quality and deep cleanliness, designed to extract the embedded dirt, dander, and allergens that standard vacuums leave behind. The primary benefit is raw power, which translates to a more profound clean on carpets and a more effective pickup of stubborn debris on hard surfaces. These machines are the heavy-duty workhorses of the vacuum world, built for performance and endurance.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a significant cleaning challenge: large homes with a mix of flooring types, multiple shedding pets, or family members with allergies. If your current vacuum requires multiple passes to clean a single spot or chokes on pet hair, an upright like this is for you. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who live in small apartments with limited storage and primarily hard floors, as its size and power could be considered overkill. Likewise, individuals who have difficulty lifting heavier objects might find a lighter stick vacuum or a canister model to be a more practical choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Upright vacuums are not small. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean Vacuum stands over a meter tall and weighs a substantial 24.47 pounds. You need to consider where you’ll store it. This isn’t a machine you can tuck away in a tiny kitchen cupboard; it requires a dedicated spot in a utility closet or garage.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance is about more than just suction. Consider the bin capacity—a larger bin means less frequent emptying during a whole-home clean. Look for multi-mode functionality, like the three cleaning modes on this Dyson, which allow you to tailor the suction and brush bar speed for everything from deep-pile carpets to delicate hard floors. Advanced filtration is also non-negotiable for allergy sufferers.
- Materials & Durability: A vacuum is a mechanical device that endures a lot of stress. Dyson is known for its robust polycarbonate and ABS plastic construction, which is the same material used in riot shields and crash helmets. A long warranty, like the 5-year coverage offered with this model, is a strong indicator from the manufacturer that the product is built to last.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: How easy is the machine to push, steer, and carry? Features like Dyson’s Ball technology are designed to improve maneuverability. For maintenance, look for features like washable filters and easy-to-empty dustbins, which reduce long-term ownership costs and hassle compared to models requiring disposable bags and filters.
While the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean Vacuum is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Easily clean around furniture and other obstacles with Swivel Steering
- Upgraded Cyclone System: The Eureka PowerSpeed is now upgraded with new cyclone technology to handle larger debris, smaller dirt, and even microscopic dust.Specific uses:hard floor,carpet,dual action
- Light as It Is Capable: At just 7.7 lb, this canister-style upright glides across hard floors and low-pile carpets without strain, ideal for multi-level homes or small-space living.
Unboxing the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean: First Impressions and What’s in the Box
From the moment the courier dropped off the box, it was clear this was a serious piece of equipment. The packaging is classic Dyson: dense, logically organized, with each component securely nested. Assembly was incredibly intuitive, with major parts clicking together with a satisfying and solid “thunk.” There were no screws, no confusing diagrams—just a few simple steps and the machine was ready to go. Holding it for the first time, the 24.47-pound weight is immediately noticeable, but it feels balanced and substantial, not cheap or flimsy. The Copper/Silver finish gives it a premium, almost futuristic look that stands out from the sea of primary-colored vacuums on the market. What truly impressed me, however, was the sheer number of included accessories. The “Total Clean” moniker is no exaggeration; inside the box, we found a Combi Tool, a Stair Tool, a Tool holder, a convenient Tool bag, and three specialized powerhouses: the Carbon Fibre Soft Dusting Brush, the Reach Under Tool, and the Tangle Free Turbine Tool. It’s a comprehensive arsenal that promises true floor-to-ceiling cleaning, and you can see the full list of included tools online before you buy.
What We Like
- Absolutely phenomenal suction power that deep cleans carpets
- Game-changing de-tangling technology in the cleaner head
- Exceptional maneuverability thanks to the Ball technology
- A comprehensive suite of highly effective cleaning tools included
- Advanced whole-machine filtration captures allergens and pet dander
What We Dislike
- Substantial weight (24.47 lbs) can make carrying it upstairs a chore
- Premium price point puts it at the higher end of the market
In-Depth Performance Analysis: Putting the Dyson to the Test
A vacuum can look great and come with a mountain of tools, but none of that matters if it can’t perform where it counts: on the floor. To truly understand its capabilities, we put the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean Vacuum through a series of grueling tests in a real-world, multi-pet home. We targeted high-traffic areas, furniture laden with pet hair, dusty corners, and a variety of floor types to see if its performance lived up to its formidable reputation and price tag.
Unrivaled Suction Power and Deep Cleaning Mastery
The first thing you notice when you power on this machine is the sheer force. On its highest setting for deep-pile carpet, the suction is so strong that you can feel it gripping the floor, pulling out deeply embedded dirt and hair. We ran it over a large area rug that had been cleaned just two days prior with a lesser vacuum. The results were both horrifying and deeply satisfying. The clear bin quickly filled with a shocking amount of fine dust and dog fur that the other machine had completely missed. It was visible proof of a deeper clean; the vacuum not only cleaned the surface but also seemed to restore the carpet’s pile, making it look fluffier and newer.
Switching between the three power levels is simple via a push button. On low-pile rugs and runners, the middle setting provided ample power without trying to eat the carpet. Transitioning to hardwood was seamless. The cleaner head automatically adjusts its height to maintain a tight seal with the floor, preventing the “scatter” effect that plagues many powerful vacuums. Instead of pushing cereal bits or cat litter across the room, it captured everything on the first pass. This raw, adaptable power is the foundation of the vacuum’s performance, making it a formidable opponent for any kind of mess on any surface. The feeling of seeing a carpet visibly change color as years of compacted dust are pulled from its depths is something you have to experience to believe, and it’s a core reason to check the latest price and availability of this model.
The De-Tangling Cleaner Head: A Revolution for Pet Owners
For me, and I suspect for many pet owners, the single most frustrating aspect of any vacuum is hair wrap. The task of flipping the machine over, grabbing scissors, and cutting away a dense mat of tangled hair from the brush bar is unpleasant and time-consuming. This is where the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean Vacuum truly enters a class of its own. Its Motorbar cleaner head features polycarbonate vanes that automatically clear wrapped hair as you clean. It isn’t a gimmick; it’s a revolutionary piece of engineering that fundamentally changes the user experience.
To test this, we focused on the areas where our dogs love to sleep, where the hair is most concentrated. We vacuumed the entire house—covering over 1,500 square feet of mixed flooring—without stopping to check the brush. In the past, this would have guaranteed a completely immobilized roller. After we were done, we anxiously flipped the cleaner head over for inspection. It was astonishing. The brush bar was almost perfectly clean. A few stray strands were present, but the dense, choking wrap of hair I had come to expect was completely gone. The vanes had successfully combed the hair off the bristles and directed it straight into the bin. This single feature eliminates the most common and frustrating maintenance task for pet owners. It saves time, it’s more hygienic, and it ensures the vacuum is always operating at peak performance. This advanced de-tangling technology is, without a doubt, the vacuum’s killer feature.
The Ball Technology: Agility Meets Power
An upright vacuum’s power is useless if you can’t get it where it needs to go. Traditional uprights with fixed wheels can be clumsy, requiring a three-point turn just to navigate a table leg. The Ball technology is Dyson’s elegant solution to this problem. By housing the motor and key components inside a sphere, the vacuum has a low center of gravity and can pivot on the spot with a simple twist of the wrist. During our tests, steering the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean Vacuum around dining chairs, under coffee tables, and along baseboards felt fluid and intuitive. It corners tightly and responds instantly to changes in direction, which makes cleaning feel faster and less like a wrestling match.
However, it is crucial to address the machine’s weight. At 24.47 pounds, this is not a lightweight vacuum. While the Ball makes it surprisingly nimble and easy to push across a floor, lifting it is another matter. Carrying it up and down a flight of stairs is a workout, and it’s a factor that potential buyers, particularly those with multi-story homes or physical limitations, must seriously consider. The weight is the direct trade-off for its powerful motor, large bin, and durable construction. It’s agile, but it is not portable in the way a stick vacuum is.
A Complete Arsenal: Tools and Whole-Home Versatility
The “Total Clean” package lives up to its name by providing a tool for virtually every cleaning scenario imaginable. The instant-release wand and long-reach hose are brilliantly designed, allowing you to switch from floor cleaning to detail work seamlessly. We were particularly impressed with the Tangle-Free Turbine Tool. It’s a miniature, air-powered version of the main cleaner head, and it was absolutely devastating on our fabric sofa and the dogs’ beds, pulling up hair we didn’t even see. It has counter-rotating heads that prevent hair from tangling, just like its bigger counterpart.
The Reach Under Tool was another standout. Its thin, flexible profile allowed us to clean far underneath our low-profile bed and heavy sideboards—areas that had been neglected for far too long. For delicate tasks, the Carbon Fibre Soft Dusting Brush was perfect for cleaning our television screen, bookshelves, and keyboard without fear of scratching. This comprehensive toolkit transforms the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean Vacuum from a simple floor cleaner into a complete home detailing system. The ability to clean everything from ceiling cobwebs to the dust under your refrigerator with one machine provides incredible value and justifies its position as a premium home appliance.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our hands-on experience was overwhelmingly positive, but we always like to cross-reference our findings with broader public sentiment. The general consensus among users is one of profound satisfaction with the vacuum’s core performance. The incredible suction power and the effectiveness of the de-tangling brush bar are mentioned repeatedly in glowing terms, with many pet owners echoing our sentiment that it is a “game-changer.”
That said, no product is perfect. While our test unit arrived pristine and factory-sealed, we did notice a user report concerning a unit that appeared to be used upon arrival. This is a rare but important issue that can occur with online purchases and highlights the importance of verifying you are buying a “new” item directly from an authorized and reputable seller. This is not a flaw in the product itself, but a crucial reminder for consumers to be diligent when making a high-value purchase online to ensure they receive the quality and condition they expect.
How Does the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean Compare to the Competition?
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean Vacuum operates in a competitive market, and while it sits at the premium end, there are several compelling alternatives that might be a better fit depending on your specific needs and budget.
1. Bissell PowerGlide Pet Slim Corded Vacuum 3070
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- LIGHTWEIGHT WITH POWERFUL SUCTION. Weighs less than 10 pounds, and picks up pet hair with strength and agility.
The Bissell PowerGlide Pet Slim is an excellent choice for those who want strong pet hair performance in a lighter, more compact package. Its main advantage is its lower weight and slimmer profile, making it easier to store and carry than the Dyson. While it features a “Tangle-Free Brush Roll,” it’s a different design and, in our experience, not quite as flawlessly effective as Dyson’s de-tangling vane system. It offers fantastic value and is a great performer for smaller homes or apartments, but it lacks the sheer, deep-cleaning power and the comprehensive, specialized toolkit of the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean.
2. Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Vacuum
- Never loses suction or power
- Cleans carpets and bare floors
The Shark Rocket represents a different form factor entirely. As an “ultra-light” stick vacuum, its primary appeal is its incredibly low weight and versatility, easily converting to a handheld vac. This makes it a champion of convenience for quick cleanups, stairs, and cars. However, this convenience comes at the cost of power and capacity. It cannot match the deep-cleaning suction of a full-size upright like the Dyson on thick carpets, and its dust cup is significantly smaller, requiring frequent emptying. It’s a superb secondary vacuum but may not be sufficient as the sole cleaner for a large, pet-filled home.
3. Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Vacuum
- Buy Bissell, save pets Bissell donates up to 10 dollars to the Bissell pet foundation for every pet product purchase, upon activation
- Triple action brush roll plus scatter free technology maximize pet hair pickup – even if it’s embedded
This Bissell is perhaps the most direct competitor in terms of being a full-sized, pet-focused upright. It offers excellent features for its price point, including swivel steering for maneuverability and a highly convenient automatic cord rewind—a feature notably absent on the Dyson. Its pet hair pickup is very strong, and it comes with specialized pet tools. Where the Dyson pulls ahead is in its raw, unfiltered suction power, its more advanced filtration system, and its truly revolutionary, maintenance-free de-tangling head. The Bissell is a fantastic budget-friendly workhorse, while the Dyson is a premium, high-performance machine.
Final Verdict: Is the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean Vacuum Worth the Investment?
After weeks of intensive testing, we can say with confidence that the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean Vacuum is an engineering marvel and an absolute beast when it comes to home cleaning. It is heavy, and it carries a premium price tag, so it is certainly not the right choice for everyone. However, for its target audience—those of us in larger homes with pets, carpets, and a desperate need for a real solution to dirt and allergens—it is nothing short of exceptional. The suction is in a league of its own, the full suite of tools provides unmatched versatility, and the de-tangling cleaner head single-handedly eliminates the biggest headache of owning a vacuum.
This isn’t just a vacuum cleaner; it’s an investment in a cleaner, healthier home and in reclaiming the time you used to spend fighting a losing battle against pet hair. If you are ready to end the war on dirt and fur for good and your budget allows, we believe the investment is absolutely justified. It’s a top-tier machine that delivers top-tier results. If you feel this is the right solution for your home, you can purchase the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Total Clean here.
Last update on 2025-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API