The new Dyson Animal Piston just solved my biggest gripe with Dyson cordless cleaners — 3 things I liked and 1 I didn't

(Image credit: Dyson)

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3 things I liked
1 thing I didn't

When it comes to cleaning our floors, we all need one of the best vacuum cleaners to get the job done well. And since I've tested (and own) my fair share of Dyson cordless vacuum cleaners, I've always been impressed by its unrivalled suction power, advanced filtration, eye-catching design, and of course, innovative features.

But, I’ve always had a major issue with this one design feature, which has often become more of a downside to my cleaning tasks than a help.

That’s why I was so excited to try one of Dyson’s latest offerings. After testing the new Dyson V16 Animal cordless vacuum in my home for a few weeks, this has literally solved my biggest problem. Here are the three things I liked and the one things I didn’t like.

3 things I liked

It has an on/off button

Dyson V16 Piston Animal operating buttons (Image credit: Future)

Perhaps my favourite thing about the Dyson V16 Animal is that it has an on/off button. Yes, finally! Dyson has listened to all our gripes about its trigger operation and how tiresome it can be for some.

Like many, I found holding my finger down on the trigger to vacuum my home was a real pain (literally). This is especially the case after 35 minutes of solid cleaning, or if I wanted to convert my stick into a handheld cleaner. And as much as it was designed to save energy, I found this type of operation to be more of a hindrance than a help.

In fact, my colleague Jeff also flagged the trigger operation as the “worst part” of testing the Dyson V11 cordless stick in his home. So I’m glad it wasn’t just me!

Now, you simply operate the Dyson V16 Animal by pressing the silver button at the top of the handle, to allow you hassle-free cleaning, without feeling the strain. What’s more, this doesn’t scrimp on power either, thanks to its new Dyson Hyperdymium 900w motor, and 315 Air Watts suction. This meant that I was able to deep clean my hard floors and carpets in less time than I would normally do so.

New cleaner head detangles long hair

Dyson V16 Animal detangling cleaner head (Image credit: Future)

Now, I don’t own any pets but I do have long hair that seems to malt all over my floors. For that reason (as well as complaints from my family), I’m constantly vacuuming my floors to keep it spotless and hair-free.

Another thing I like about the Dyson V16 Animal is that it comes with a new cleaner head designed to specifically de-tangle long hair. This is down to its clever cleaning head that has two rotating conical brush bars that instantly de-tangles hair up to 25 inches long, as they spiral. What’s more, these strands never get caught up in the brush bars as they get sucked up straight into the dust canister.

I can imagine how this can be an absolute godsend for dog or cat owners, or for households with multiple pets.

Dust detecting laser light

Dyson V16 Piston Animal laser cleaning head (Image credit: Future)

Since I have the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Vacuum Cleaner, one attachment head I love is the Fluffy Optic head. Essentially, this uses laser technology to reveal hidden dust lurking in your home that we can’t ordinarily see.

The good thing about the new Dyson V16 Animal Piston is that the laser already comes inside the cleaner head. This makes cleaning under my sofa, bed, hidden corners, or tackling dark spots a breeze — plus, it’s a little satisfying to spot all the dust that you’re sucking up. You’ll never miss a spot ever again!

1 thing I didn't like

The dust canister is smaller

Dyson v16 Piston Animal dust canister (Image credit: Future)

Perhaps the only (minor) thing that was disappointing was the size of the dust canister.

Although it is designed to compress the dust down to give you more capacity, I still found myself emptying it out quite a bit. It got full quite quickly, especially after doing a few cleaning sessions in the house in one week.

Needless to say, this isn't a real dealbreaker, as the power, performance and convenient features more than make up for it.

When can you buy the Dyson V16 Piston Animal?

Sadly, those in the U.S. will have to wait a little longer to get their hands on one, as the Dyson V16 Animal won't be available until 2026. However, watch this space for more updates and pricing info as soon as they come in.

Customers in Australia and the U.K. can purchase this exclusively on Dyson's websiteright now.

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As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features.

Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.

With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!

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