Dyson Outsize Absolute+ Review: the ultimate stick vac
Dyson Outsize Absolute+
RRP $899.99
"The Dyson Outsize Absolute+ is one of the most powerful and versatile handheld vacuums on the market."
benefits
-
Powerful
-
Automatically adjustable suction power
-
Large selection of tools and accessories included
-
Larger cleaning head for faster vacuuming
-
Larger dust bin for less frequent emptying
-
Laser sight works wonders
disadvantage
-
Heavier than average stick vacuum, especially when used as a handheld vacuum
-
It takes 4.5 hours to charge the batteries
-
Expensive
There's no denying that Dyson has done more for the modern vacuum cleaner industry than any other manufacturer. It's single-handedly made vacuums stronger, longer-lasting and – if we're being honest – better-looking, and I say that as one person who's had the opportunity to review dozens of vacuums and several Dyson models over the years.
The Dyson Outsize Absolute+ has a 150% larger dust bin, 25% larger cleaning head and swappable batteries for longer cleaning sessions of up to 120 minutes.
Dyson's Outsize Absolute+ is a new cordless stick vacuum designed to bridge the gap between the lightweight, hyper-portable cordless machines it's already known for (like the V10 and V15 models) and larger, more powerful stands. In this case, the Dyson Outsize Absolute+ has been specifically designed for larger and more carpeted North American homes, so it's been outfitted with a bigger bin, a bigger cleaning head, more suction and an extra battery, as well as some new gadgets like a laser. I had the opportunity to try the Dyson V11 Outsize Absolute+ in real life at my home for a few weeks. It was like this.
The Dyson Outsize Absolute+ has a 150% larger dust bin, a 25% larger cleaning head and swappable batteries for longer cleaning sessions of up to 120 minutes runtime compared to the V10 and V15 models.
You get quite a lot in the package; There's the main vacuum handle with an integrated dust bin and filter, plus a small screen on the back that shows battery life and different cleaning modes.
What do you get with Dyson Outsize Absolute+?
There are three main cleaning heads and several accessories.
There are so many accessories that I had a hard time using them all.
XL cleaning head with high torque
You could call this the main cleaning head, and it's the largest brush head option in the pack. It uses Dyson's Dynamic Load Sensor to automatically adjust power to different floor types, allowing you to deep clean between carpet and hard floor without having to switch accessories.
Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head
With its cozy space-age name, this tool must be something special, right? It is. A fluffy brush is primarily designed for hard floors, as these fluffy rollers capture and attract fine dust particles, not scatter them, thanks to anti-static fibers. The laser, which is generated when you turn it on, shines light horizontally across your floors and catches particles so you can see them better.
hair screw tool
The hair screw tool's tapered anti-tangle brush bar captures long hair, fibers and pet hair, but is also designed to prevent hair and fibers from tangling around the roller. This happens with almost every other vacuum cleaner. With its cone shape, the hair should eventually make its way from the brush to the bin.
There are so many accessories that I had a hard time using them all. As for other attachments and accessories, there's a combination tool with a brush, crevice tool, and dusting brush, as well as an extra battery, cable, and some fasteners and clips. All parts (including filters) are washable.
Battery life and charging
One of the selling points of this vacuum cleaner is that it has 120 minutes of battery life. The Dyson V15 or V11, on the other hand, comes to 60 minutes. Is that because Dyson's battery technology has improved? In a word: no.
The Outsize Absolute+ comes with a second battery. This doubles the stated runtime. You'll need to have your second battery charged and ready to really make use of those 120 minutes; otherwise it is about 60 minutes per battery.
Fully charging one of the batteries takes a long 4.5 hours.
Cleaning with Dyson Outsize Absolute+
I figured adding lasers to your vacuum would be about as relevant as adding lasers to sharks. color me wrong
This vacuum cleaner is extremely easy to use and although it's noticeably heavier than the Dyson V15, it's still easy to transport. The tools and cleaning heads simply snap in and out without pulling or binding.
The Dyson Outsize Absolute+ cleaned all the surfaces of my house really well. It drives dirt out of carpets (like dried dog paw prints) and removes pet hair well; It's really amazing to see what ends up in the dustbin. It easily breathes in dog hair, crumbs, dirt and dust on hardwood floors.
When it comes to the two new specialized cleaning heads, I have to say that I was blown away by the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaning head. To be honest, I thought adding lasers to your vacuum was about as relevant as adding lasers to sharks. color me wrong
The laser does a stunning job of making seemingly invisible dirt, dust and particles glow. When I first used it I had already vacuumed the day before and thought there would be nothing to see. Boy was I wrong.
The green laser cuts across the ground surface at an oblique angle just right to illuminate dirt, debris and dust bunnies like small Christmas trees. It made hard-to-see dirt easy to see in both low and bright light conditions.
The Hair Screw Tool worked great. After attacking a dog bed, some upholstery, and then even the carpet, the tapered brush has absolutely no hair wrapped around it; no detangling necessary.
I think I should save some ink for the main cleaner head. To say it works great and cleans a large area quickly seems sort of an afterthought after writing about its siblings.
Emptying the container is easy and clean
One of the nice features of the Outsize Absolute+, which has been carried over from other models, is the point-and-shoot function for emptying the reservoir. After removing the tools, simply press the lever on the side to flip open the bottom of the bin and it will fall straight into the trash. No need to touch dirt or get your hands dirty.
Our opinion
Overall, the Dyson Outsize Absolute+ is by far the best large format stick vacuum on the market today. It cleans great and I can't complain about that. From carpet to hard floors, it's got you covered. It's definitely bigger and covers more area than the other, smaller Dyson models. I will say that it's heavy and especially less maneuverable when trying to use it handheld (e.g. with the mini motorized hair screw tool) but I think that's the price to pay for the performance and the larger trash can is payable. The new laser sight and anti-tangle head are ridiculously versatile additions that work amazingly well.
Is there a better alternative?
Dyson is quite the leader when it comes to vacuum cleaners of all kinds, so is there a better option? Probably not. But if you want to save some money on a similar vacuum, Dyson's other models like the Dyson V10 have similar features and technology at a cheaper price. I also recently tried the Samsung Jet 90 stick vacuum and while it's pretty good, it doesn't have the same power, size advantages, in-line construction or Frikkin laser as the Outsize Absolute+.
How long it will take?
I bought one of the first Dyson corded handheld vacuums about 18 years ago and it still runs great. Likewise, my Dyson V11 Animal model is over three years old and I've never had a single problem with it. I have every reason to expect the Outsize Absolute to have top-notch build quality.
Should I buy it?
Absolutely! If you need a new vacuum cleaner with no trailing cord but the power of an upright and amazing new and useful cleaning head, then this stick vacuum gives you the power to clean your whole home. With powerful suction for carpets, this vacuum cleaner can also pick up dust on hard floors.
Overall this is a great vacuum for my home which has a fully carpeted basement and all hard floors upstairs and I think this could finally give my older corded Dyson a happy retirement.
Editor's Recommendations