Poorly built - better value elsewhere. (Dyson DC04 Zorb)

Member Name: angelahorn

Product:	Dyson DC04 Zorb
Date:	29/08/05 (1139 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: On-board accessories, no need for bag.

Disadvantages: Not robust enough for heavy use. Accessories break easily.

The Zorbster is basically a DC04 with a special attachment for applying Zorb dry carpet-cleaning powder.

The Zorbster was our second Dyson - bought one when our DC01 was out of action for repairs after 4 years. It was not as effective as the DC01. Here are the problems I experienced:

1. It would often sound as though it wasn't sucking at full power, but tapping on the dust bucket would make it sound all macho again. The Dyson helpline people told me this was a common problem with the Zorbster - there is a little button behind the dustbucket which is supposed to tell the vacuum cleaner whether it is vacuuming normally, or is using its Zorb attachment. The cleaner is supposed to use reduced suction when you are applying Zorb powder. If it switches into Zorb mode when you're trying to vacuum, it is a real pain as it just doesn't suck very well. The solution, according to Dyson, is to sticky tape a piece of card over the button. Very high-tech, for something costing this much money.

2. The hose split quite quickly. I used silver duct tape to repair it, which worked fine. However, I was not impressed that this would happen after about 1 year.

3. The Zorb attachment is unnecessary in my opinion. You can easily apply Zorb powder by hand, and then work it in with a stiff brush. You then vacuum it up using any vacuum cleaner. I just do not see the point of the Zorb attachment. I have tried with and without it,a nd to be honest got better results without.

4. The other attachments are fairly flimsy and are expensive to replace, for what they are. The stair tool and dusting tool have angled heads and I have now had several snap off at the joint.

5. If you don't wash the lifetime filters regularly, the cleaner will suddenly just cut out, and you have to go through the whole wash and dry palaver (which takes at least 12 hours) before you can use it again.

6. Dyson uprights in general are not very good if you have lots of stairs as the hose is not very long compared to some other cleaners, and the cleaner is very heavy. If you have to stand it halfway up the stairs, watch out if it topples on you....

7. If you have asthma or dust problems then you'll need to get somebody else to empty the dustbucket, as clouds of dust will fly everywhere if you're not careful.

8. On-board accessories are great, BUT if you want to use the hose, you have to fully unwind the flex and remove the crevice tool.

As you can tell, I have not been that impressed with this vacuum cleaner. Much though I loved the Dyson concept, after 7 years of persevering with 2 models, I was eventually persuaded by a professional cleaner to buy a Henry instead. Much better, much cheaper, much simpler - no regrets.

Summary: May have suction problems and hose/accessories are flimsy.

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