Dyson's latest stick vacuum, the V16 Piston Animal, boasts impressive power and new features like an adaptable cleaner head and an optional mopping attachment. However, despite its upgrades, it might not be the best value pick for everyone, with older models and even competitor vacuums offering comparable performance for less.
The V16 Piston Animal steps up Dyson's power game with 315 air-watts (AW) of suction, surpassing the previous top-tier Gen5Detect. A standout feature is the new All Floor Cones Sense cleaner head, designed to automatically adjust to different floor types like carpets and hard surfaces. During testing, this head handled various debris effectively, and the vacuum's Eco, Auto, and Boost modes can be managed via an LCD screen, a feature unique among Dyson's recent stick vacuum releases.
Beyond its core suction, the V16 offers enhanced versatility. It includes specialized tools for pet hair and convenient built-in crevice tools on both the wand and handheld motor. The optional Submarine variant adds a wet cleaning head for mopping, featuring two modes (Basic and Max) that proved effective on hard floors. This mopping head even pulls itself forward, making it easy to maneuver, though it requires a brief pre-dampening and works best after a preliminary vacuum to clear larger debris.
Despite its advancements, the V16's superior suction didn't always translate to a dramatic performance leap over older models. In head-to-head testing, the Gen5Detect often performed comparably, and in some instances, the V16 struggled with finer debris like sand and cat litter, requiring a second pass. Cheaper vacuums from brands like Shark managed similar tasks on the first try, raising questions about the V16's premium price point.
While the V16 Piston Animal excels with its array of attachments and powerful HEPA filtration, potential buyers should weigh the cost against the benefits. The optional docking station is still pending release and will incur an additional charge. For those seeking a high-end Dyson experience with all the bells and whistles, the V16 might be appealing, especially with the mopping attachment. However, for a great Dyson vacuum without the latest add-ons, older models offer better value. For a dedicated mopping solution, a robot vacuum might even be a more convenient and cost-effective alternative.
