Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum Review

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Key Features

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is engineered for pet owners, making it a standout among the top vacuum cleaners for pet hair:

• De-Tangling Motorbar™ Cleaner Head: Automatically clears wrapped hair, ideal for pet-heavy homes.
• Whole-Machine Filtration: Captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, ensuring clean air.
• Specialized Pet Tools: Includes Pet Groom Tool for direct pet hair removal, Tangle-Free Turbine Tool, stair tool, and combination tool.
• Ball Technology: Smoothly navigates obstacles with wrist-turn steering for precise cleaning.
• Three Cleaning Modes: Adjustable suction for hard floors, carpets, and heavy messes.
• 50-Foot Reach: 35-foot cord and 15-foot hose extension for whole-home cleaning.
• Hygienic Bin Emptying: 0.45-gallon bin ejects dirt with a button, minimizing contact.

Performance

Tested in a home with two Saint Bernards and a cat, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra delivered exceptional results. On thick carpets, it extracted embedded pet hair and dander, filling the bin after one pass, as Desiree Ellison noted with her shedding dogs. Hard floors were cleared effortlessly with the low-suction mode, and the de-tangling Motorbar prevented hair wrap, a relief for users like Leah H with long human hair. The Pet Groom Tool worked well on medium-haired pets, though less effective for short coats. At 17.3 lbs, it’s heavier than some, and users like Kristy wished for a larger bin for frequent emptying. The 50-foot reach and ball steering made navigation easy, though some found it hard to push on plush carpets initially.
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Pros

• Unmatched suction for pet hair and debris on all surfaces.
• De-tangling technology eliminates brush roll maintenance.
• Whole-machine filtration reduces allergens, ideal for sensitive households.
• Versatile pet tools, including grooming attachment, enhance cleaning.
• Long reach (50 ft) covers large areas without replugging.
• 5-year warranty and lifetime Dyson support add value.

Cons

• Heavy (17.3 lbs), challenging for some users or stairs.
• Small bin (0.45 gallons) requires frequent emptying in pet-heavy homes.
• Hard to push on thick carpets until adjusted, as Mindy Ellis noted.
• Plastic components (e.g., cord hooks) feel less durable, per Leah H.
• Limited spare parts availability, as A. Weltha reported.

Comparison with Similar Products

Compared to the Bissell 2998 MultiClean Allergen, the Dyson offers superior suction and de-tangling technology but is heavier (17.3 lbs vs. 15.5 lbs) and has a smaller bin (0.45 gallons vs. 0.75L). The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A is lighter (10 lbs) and more affordable but lacks HEPA filtration and advanced pet tools. The Shark NV752 Rotator TruePet matches the HEPA filter and includes a powered lift-away, but its bin is smaller (0.88 quarts). The Dyson excels for pet owners prioritizing suction and pet grooming.

Check out our curated comparison of the highest rated vacuum cleaners for pet hair.

User Feedback

With over 3,000 reviews, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is celebrated for its suction and pet hair removal. Kenton Write and Desiree Ellison praise its ability to handle cat and dog hair, with the grooming tool impressing users like The Maj. The ball steering and long reach are highlights, though Kristy and C. Vaughan note the small bin and weight as drawbacks. Some, like A. Weltha, worry about spare parts, but the low return rate reflects strong satisfaction.
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Verdict

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum is a premium choice among the top vacuums for pet hair, offering unmatched suction, de-tangling technology, and specialized pet tools. Ideal for pet owners seeking top-tier performance, it excels on carpets, hard floors, and upholstery, despite a small bin and heavier build. Its advanced features and filtration make it a worthy investment for a fur-free, allergen-reduced home.