The Dyson V8 is another model in Dyson’s line of cordless stick vacuums. While it’s an older model compared to the Dyson V10, it still offers a lot of excellent features:
- Powerful Suction: The Dyson V8 uses a digital motor that spins at up to 110,000 rpm, generating good suction power for a cordless vacuum. While not as powerful as the V10, it can still handle most household cleaning tasks efficiently.
- Cord-free Convenience: Like the V10, the V8 offers the convenience of cord-free operation. It’s lightweight and versatile, making cleaning from floor to ceiling easy.
- Up to 40 Minutes of Runtime: The V8 offers up to 40 minutes of runtime on the lowest power setting. This is less than the V10’s maximum of 60 minutes, but still enough time for many cleaning tasks.
- Direct Drive Cleaner Head: The V8 has a direct drive cleaner head that’s great for cleaning carpets. It drives bristles deep into the carpet to remove ground-in dirt.
- Whole-machine Filtration: The V8 captures allergens and expels cleaner air, thanks to its whole-machine filtration system.
- Transforms to a Handheld: Like the V10, the V8 can quickly transform into a handheld vacuum for cleaning upholstery, cars, and other hard-to-reach places.
- Hygienic Dirt Ejector: The V8 is equipped with a hygienic dirt ejector to drive out trapped dust and debris in a single action, so you don’t need to touch it.
- Two Power Modes: The V8 has two power modes – Powerful suction mode for longer cleaning and Max mode for more difficult tasks.
The Dyson V8 might be a good fit for you if you’re looking for a slightly more affordable cordless vacuum and are okay with a bit less power and battery life compared to the V10. It’s still very capable and can handle a wide range of cleaning tasks.
Dyson V8 In-Depth Review
First, there are three different Dyson V8 Models you can buy. The core technology (which we cover next) doesn’t change, but what does change are the accessories you get with your model.
Here are three Dyson V8 models.
- Dyson V8 Absolute: This model is the top-of-the-line V8 and comes with the most accessories, including both the Direct Drive Cleaner Head and the Soft Roller Cleaner Head, which is specifically designed for hard floors. It also includes the Mini Motorized Tool, Combination Tool, Crevice Tool, and Soft Dusting Brush.
- Dyson V8 Animal: This model is very similar to the V8 Absolute, but it usually does not include the Soft Roller Cleaner Head. The V8 Animal is designed with pet owners in mind and includes tools that help remove pet hair and ground-in dirt.
- Dyson V8 Motorhead: This is the most basic model of the V8. It usually includes fewer accessories and typically comes with only the Direct Drive Cleaner Head, not the Soft Roller Cleaner Head.
Each of these models features the same core technology, including the digital motor, two-tier radial cyclones for improved airflow, and the ability to convert into a handheld vacuum. The main differences lie in the color and the number and type of accessories included.
However, models and their available accessories can change over time, and special editions may also be available. It’s always a good idea to check the specifics with Dyson or the retailer you are purchasing from for the most accurate and current information.
How to Use the V8’s Two Power Modes
The Dyson V8 has two power modes that you can switch between, depending on the cleaning task at hand:
- Powerful Suction Mode: This mode provides strong suction for longer periods, making it ideal for regular cleaning tasks. On this setting, the V8 offers up to 40 minutes of runtime without a motorized tool attached or about 25 minutes with a motorized tool like the Direct Drive cleaner head. These figures can vary slightly based on factors like the age of the battery and the specific tool being used.
- Max Power Mode: This mode provides more intense suction for tackling difficult cleaning tasks, such as deep-cleaning carpets or removing stubborn dirt. When in Max mode, the battery life is significantly reduced, providing up to 7 minutes of high-intensity cleaning.
It’s important to note that battery life is always a trade-off with power in cordless vacuums. The stronger the suction (as in Max Power Mode), the faster the battery will drain. Conversely, less powerful suction (as in Powerful Suction Mode) allows the battery to last longer.
Therefore, the best practice is to use Powerful Suction Mode for most cleaning tasks and only switch to Max Power Mode for particularly challenging areas. This way, you can make the most of the battery life while still having the power to handle tougher jobs when needed.
Dyson V8 Accessories (and How to Use Them)
The accessories that come with the Dyson V8 can vary depending on the specific model (such as the V8 Absolute, V8 Animal, or V8 Motorhead). However, some of the most common accessories include:
- Direct Drive Cleaner Head: This motorized tool is excellent for cleaning carpets, as it drives bristles deep into the carpet to remove ground-in dirt.
- Soft Roller Cleaner Head (typically comes with V8 Absolute): This tool is designed for hard floors. It has soft woven nylon and anti-static carbon fiber filaments that pick up both large debris and fine dust.
- Mini Motorized Tool: This smaller motorized tool is great for tough tasks in tight spaces. It’s particularly useful for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and the car.
- Combination Tool: This versatile tool is designed for surface cleaning and dusting. The brush is great for dusting delicate surfaces and electronics, while the crevice tool is useful for cleaning in tight gaps and narrow spaces.
- Crevice Tool: This tool is great for precise cleaning in narrow gaps and corners, such as between furniture and in tight spaces in the car.
- Soft Dusting Brush: This brush is designed with soft bristles to gently dust delicate surfaces.
- Docking Station: The docking station is used for storing and charging the vacuum. It can be mounted on a wall for convenient storage and easy access.
Using these tools effectively largely depends on the task at hand. For general floor cleaning, you’ll likely use the Direct Drive Cleaner Head or Soft Roller Cleaner Head most of the time. For spot cleaning or above-floor cleaning, you might find the Mini Motorized Tool, Combination Tool, or Crevice Tool most useful. The Soft Dusting Brush can be great for more delicate surfaces that might be scratched by the harder plastic tools.
Remember, the right tool can make your cleaning tasks easier and more efficient, so it’s worth taking the time to familiarize yourself with what each one does.
Dyson V8 Pricing (for each model)
The price for each model of the Dyson V8 typically ranged from around $300 to $450 USD for new units. However, prices can vary significantly depending on where you buy the vacuum, any sales or discounts that might be available, and the specific package of accessories included. Here are the general price ranges for each model:
- Dyson V8 Absolute: This top-tier model typically costs around $400 to $450, although prices can sometimes be higher or lower.
- Dyson V8 Animal: This model is generally a bit less expensive than the Absolute, often priced around $350 to $400.
- Dyson V8 Motorhead: This is the most basic model and is typically the least expensive, usually costing around $300 to $350.
Dyson V8 Alternatives (for different price points)
There are several alternatives to the Dyson V8 across various price points that you might want to consider:
1. Higher Price Point:
- Dyson V10 or V11: These are the successors to the V8, with longer battery life, stronger suction, and additional features. The V11, for example, has an LCD screen and automatic surface detection that adjusts suction power.
- Tineco PURE ONE S12: This is a high-end cordless vacuum with features such as smart suction optimization through a mobile app, a LED display, and up to 100 minutes of runtime.
2. Similar Price Point:
- Shark ION F80 MultiFlex: Comparable in price to the V8, this Shark model offers up to 80 minutes of total runtime with two batteries, a flexible wand for reaching under furniture, and DuoClean technology for cleaning both carpets and hard floors.
3. Lower Price Point:
- Tineco A10 Hero: This vacuum has a similar design to the Dyson stick vacuums but comes at a lower price point. It offers decent suction power, up to 25 minutes of runtime, and comes with several attachments.
- JASHEN V16 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: This is a budget-friendly option with impressive features like a brushless motor, LED panel for power display, and a built-in filter sensor.
- MOOSOO Cordless Vacuum 4 in 1: This is an even more affordable option. While not as powerful as the Dyson V8, it’s lightweight and versatile with a decent battery life for quick clean-ups.
Remember that each of these alternatives has its own strengths and weaknesses, so your choice should depend on your specific needs and budget. Also, the prices and models might have changed since my last update in September 2021, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest models and prices in your region.
