Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #62414 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: Dyson Limited
• Model: DC20 Stowaway Allergy
• Released on: 2007-03-26

Customer Reviews

Packs away small, good suction but bulky.
We bought this to replace an ageing DC05 which after many years use had
reached the stage of disintegrating. As the previous reviewer noted the first
thing you notice is that the DC20 is generally much larger than the older models
(and presumably has much more suction). The larger size is compensated for as
regards storage by the clever design of the wand which telescopes into 3
sections to allow storage in a small space. This does have the disadvantage
that the wand is pretty thick and heavy when telescoped which is a nuisance when
used for dusting etc. Having said that with the handle at the top the wand is
very nice to use for cleaning when extended.
I have some reservations about the design of the cleaning head. When I first
tried the cleaner on carpet the head just glued itself down with the suction and
was completely impossible to move. Only after I opened some holes by moving some
red tabs did it become useable. As far as I can see this is completely undocumented.
I also have some worries about the longevity of the head - it contains rectangular
concertinaed plastic pipe which I can just see splitting in a few years time...
Needless to say (but sadly in these supposedly environmentally aware times) the
heads and attachements from my old Dyson (including a turbo brush which is no longer
included with the cleaner) were not compatible with the new one.
Having said all that, it so far seems a good cleaner so I would recommend it but
be aware of the points above.

Review by comparison
If you want a cleaner with suction that will lift your carpet this is the one for you. If however, like me, your previous cleaner was a Dyson DC02 I offer the following comparison. This cleaner does not sit on stairs without assistance and does not compensate by stretching to clean a normal set of stairs. The head is not adjustable in height so it is fully out or fully in. Other non attributes are; the head assembly is alike to handling a bazooka and the hose, well, this has a mind of its own. If you are twisting/turning about objects the hose kinks and continually seems to want to curl up like a snake. For me, I made a mistake in "upgrading".

Shiny New Cleaner
Just bought the DC20 after having to replace my old DC08. On initial comparison is heavier than my old one but the plastic parts are much more rigid than the old one, this cleaner was also cheaper than my previous cleaner and offers the same tools etc. One of the previous comments about the hose wanting to curl and twist itself I can see getting on my nerves after a while but I guess the hose has to be flexible to allow it to wrap around the cleaner which is so much handier than the DC08. A problem I had with the old one was the clip that holds the telescopic wand and the turbine head snapped twice (as the whole thing was standing in a plastic clip as part of the lid), so Im very glad to see a sturdier clip on the DC20 that isnt moulded inside the machine.
Well done dyson youve done it again, another brilliant vacum cleaner, I wont ever buy a different brand again.