It also has three airflow modes, adjusted via a slider on the floorhead, allowing you to reduce the suction on carpets and rugs so it’s easier to push. Dyson calls this model a “lightweight” vacuum, although we don’t completely agree with this statement. At 6.9kg, it’s a bit below average for an upright, but certainly not the lightest on the market. On the plus side, it’s lighter than the Dyson Ball Animal 2, which is one of its closest competitors, and the Ball technology greatly improves manoeuvrability compared with many uprights.

While cylinder cleanersare very popular with our customers, many people like the sheer power that comes with an upright model.Like all Dyson uprights, the Small Ball Allergy is built with Radial Root Cyclone technology. This is a technology that captures dust in a way that doesn’t decrease in efficiency as the canister fills up. While this might not seem like the most exciting feature, it’s great that there’s no loss of suction when the dust container is close to full.

The Dyson Ball Animal 2 (not to be confused with the Dyson Small Ball Animal 2 – see below) is a pricier alternative to the Small Ball Allergy. One of the big differences is that it has a pet tool, making it a better choice for people who need to vacuum lots of hair. It also has a wider cleaning radius, due to the longer power cord and hose. There’s no internal collar, however, which means that hair and other debris can sometimes need to be pulled out by hand. We also think that the buttons for removing and emptying the bin are surprisingly stiff, which is a strange oversight from Dyson. Dyson Small Ball Allergy Tools & Accessories The Dyson has a simple hygienic bin emptying system. You just detach the dirt canister, hold it over a bin, and press a button to release the dirt. Unlike some cheaper uprights, which rely on suction power to turn the brush bar, the Dyson has a direct-drive motor in the Epicyclic floorhead. This powers the brush bar and allows it to dig deeper into carpet fibres.Thinking of buying the Dyson Small Ball Allergy? Make sure you read our in-depth review to find out whether it’s the right vacuum for your household! Unfortunately, this model doesn’t come with a motorised pet tool. This makes the vacuum less efficient at removing hair from upholstery, stairs, and car interiors. There’s onboard storage for one or two tools, but you’ll need to store the others separately. Dyson Small Ball Allergy Suction Power & Cleaning Performance We have a range of models, from compact upright vacuum cleaners to vacuums with a little more power, meaning you can choose one that's right for your home.