My wife and I have had a Dyson DC05 for nearly 5 years, and I've got to say it's the best reason for men to do the vacuuming ever invented.

The amount of hair 1 dog, 1 daughter and 1 wife can leave around the house is amazing. Even more amazing to see it whizzing around in the transparent cylinder. This is the really fun part of course!!

I have to say at this point this review is based on what I see and hear rather than my actual experience but I'm sure you'll appretiate it anyway.

Unfortunately, I usually get lumbered with emptying the damn cleaner. A job preferably undertaken outside in the rain in order that the dust, of which there will be plenty, is not recycled.

They're not cheap, but I would be sceptical about using the smaller one if you have pets as you would be emptying it constantly.

Another bind is that ocasionally you will have to take apart the turbo head and free up the bearings from dust and hair. A good spray with a dry silicon oil around the bearings will have that brush whirring like crazy and better than new.