I’ve been living in my home now for 2 years and I still do not have a vacuum that I am happy with. I keep on asking myself: “Should I get the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless vacuum?”, I’m sure you’ve asked yourself that too. Right now, I’m using the over 15 year old Dyson StowAway corded vacuum that my mother-in-law was throwing out because the power plug was damaged. I of course, saw that it was an easy fix and took it off her hands and fixed the power plug by replacing the end plug with a new end plug. It was good as new after that.
My issues with the Dyson StowAway vacuum is that it is extremely clunky and it makes it more of an inconvenience to vacuum. After 2 years, I decided I will look for a cordless vacuum for everyday use and I was looking for a vacuum with the following criteria:
- Battery-powered vacuum (cordless)
- Long battery life with short charging time
- A light/laser attachment to make vacuuming easy
- Lightweight
- Strong suction (on both carpet and hardwood floors)
- Easy turning and swivel
- Cost-effective
Summary of vacuums tested
| Dyson V12 Detect Slim | Dyson StowAway | Trucozie Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | Eureka corded vacuum | |
| Pros | – Very slim and lightweight. – Good suction. – Nice light – Bagless – Easy to empty | – Great suction – Long extension cord – Bagless – Easy to empty | – Good suction – Light – Easy to empty and clean | – Decent cord length – Uninterrupted cleaning (other than unplugging and plugging in back in) – Great suction – Easy to clean – Easy to store – Light weight |
| Cons | – Light is only on one end – Suction is only when you pass the surface | – No light – Clunky/heavy | – Battery does not last as long as I need it – Light is not right enough | – Lack of swivel mobility – Corded – Not good on carpets |
| Accessories | Motorbar Cleaner Head Fluffy Optic Cleaner Head Charger Combi tool Crevice tool Wand clip Hair Screw Tool Wall Dock | It was second hand and I have no idea what it comes with! But I do have the spring cleaning kit that comes with every accessory needed. I have a carpet cleaner and a hardwood floor head. | Battery Pack LED Floor brush Extended tube sofa brush 2-in-1 crevice tool 2 HEPA Filter Metal Filter Wall Hanger Small clean brush Adapter*1 | Crevice tool |
| Settings | 3 different power modes | One setting | 3 different speeds (suction) | One setting |
| Features | – Intelligent suction (adapts speed based on how much dust there is) – Converts to dust buster – Particle counter | – Retractable cord – Accessory storage on vacuum | – Light to see dust – Converts to dust buster | – Self-standing stick – Converts to dust buster |
| Battery life | ~45 mins | N/A (corded) | ~30 mins | N/A (corded) |
| Removable battery | Yes | N/A (corded) | Yes | N/A (corded) |
| Motor filter | Comes with one in the vacuum only | None that I’m aware of or changed | Comes with an extra motor filter | Reusable |
| Price | $699 | $699 | $119 | $30 |
| Where to buy? | Costco | Discontinued | Amazon | Amazon |
| Conclusion | The value is not worth it for a touch up vacuum. This is not valuable as a deep cleaning/intensive vacuum. It has features that are not too important for cleaning. | This is worth it for an intensive cleaning vacuum, however, it is very clunky and is difficult to use everyday. | This is well worth the price for an everyday vacuum cleaner for touch up cleaning. | You can’t beat the price of this vacuum cleaner. If this is all you can afford, this is the best bang for your buck as an everyday vacuum cleaner. |
I bought the Dyson V12 at Costco on sale for that price; however, I now see that it is listed for $849! This is absolutely atrocious, and frankly, it is definitely NOT worth the price, as it does not hold its value over time.
Would I buy it again?
Honestly, before or after taxes, I would not buy any Dyson cordless vacuum. For that price, I would rather buy 10s of corded vacuums and have them in every room. Truly, I don’t think the value is there for the vacuum, for hundreds of dollars less, I can buy a cordless vacuum for less that performs just a tad under. Indeed, I don’t have pets, I believe we’re not too dirty and I don’t need a super performing vacuum for close to $1000 after taxes. Even with a sale, the cost of the vacuum is not justifiable in my current situation (but I don’t think it will ever be justifiable for me).
Ultimately, I will stick with the cheap cordless vacuum and my clunky corded Dyson and easy-to-use Eureka vacuums!
