Product test

The "Dyson V11 Absolute": I'm bringing out the heavy artillery

Simon Balissat
15.1.2020
Translation: machine translated
Cutter: Armin Tobler

Dyson has become virtually synonymous with hoovers. For several years now, the British company has been working on the development of cordless vacuum cleaners. In terms of suction power, the V11 Absolute should finally be able to compete with corded hoovers. But is it really?

As usual, its design is futuristic and its accessories, of which there are ten, are very varied. There's something else to note too: the V11 is heavy. Really heavy. Given that the battery and motor are in the handle (as is usually the case with upright vacuums), it takes a lot of strength to hold it. I just about managed to finish cleaning my three-bedroom, but with my arms all flabby, I wouldn't have managed to get any further without taking a break.

A benchmark with a few flaws

The V11 has a display, which is remarkable, but it remains a gimmick. On it you can see how powerful the motor is (eco, auto or boost mode) and how much longer you can still vacuum. I mainly used the automatic mode. This adapts the suction power dynamically. I didn't need boost mode: it's far too noisy, the battery discharges far too quickly and automatic mode already gets rid of a lot of the dirt.

In terms of suction power, the V11 knows how to command respect: previous generations paled in comparison to their corded counterparts. They could certainly suck up dust, but not the biggest particles. Not so with the V11: it can do absolutely everything a normal hoover can do. The previous model already stood out in our comparison test, and Dyson has clearly gone all out since then. Unfortunately, the V11 won't be able to squeeze under your bed or sofa: its head is too big.

  • Guide

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Between the V11 and me a relationship of love and hate has developed that still leans rather towards love. The freedom offered by the lack of cables is great, the suction power suits me and the battery is more than enough for my flat. The hoover is also very easy to empty. On the other hand, it's incredibly heavy, rather noisy and difficult to handle. The V11 is one of the best in its class and could replace my old hoover. If you need to vacuum an area of more than 100 square metres, however, I'd recommend a conventional hoover or a lighter cordless hoover instead.

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When I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast. 


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