There’s a moment every pet owner knows well. You’ve just finished cleaning. The floors are gleaming, the carpets look fresh, and for a fleeting instant, your home feels pristine. Then, you catch a glimpse of a dust bunny skittering under the sofa, a fresh tumbleweed of fur gathering in a corner, or a fine layer of dander settling on your dark furniture. It’s a relentless cycle, a domestic battle waged daily against the fluff and fur our beloved four-legged family members leave behind. For years, we relied on vacuums that promised the world but delivered mediocrity, leaving behind ingrained hairs woven into the carpet fibres and struggling to lift stubborn debris from hardwood floors. This constant, frustrating effort is what sent us on a quest for a definitive solution—a machine engineered not just to clean, but to dominate the specific challenges of a pet-filled home.
- Engineered for homes with pets
- Powerful suction
What to Consider Before Buying an Upright Vacuum Cleaner
An upright vacuum cleaner is more than just an appliance; it’s a key solution for maintaining a truly clean and healthy home environment, especially in larger spaces. Unlike their smaller, often cordless counterparts, corded uprights are built for power and endurance. They excel at deep-cleaning carpets, pulling out embedded dirt, allergens, and pet dander from the very base of the pile. Their wider cleaning heads cover more ground in less time, making them ideal for homes with expansive floor plans. The primary benefit is uncompromising, consistent suction that doesn’t fade mid-clean, ensuring a thorough result every single time you use it.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a significant cleaning challenge. This includes households with multiple pets, homes with extensive carpeting, or families with allergy sufferers who need a machine that can effectively capture and contain microscopic particles. If you’re tired of vacuums that just skim the surface, a powerful upright is your answer. However, it might not be suitable for those living in small flats with limited storage space, or for individuals who have difficulty lifting heavier objects. In those cases, a lightweight stick vacuum or a compact canister model might be a more practical alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Upright vacuums have a larger physical footprint than stick vacuums. The Dyson Ball Animal UP32 Vacuum Cleaner stands at just over a meter tall and weighs a substantial 9.66 kilograms. You need to consider where you’ll store it and if you’re comfortable maneuvering a machine of this size and weight, particularly if you need to carry it between floors.
- Capacity/Performance: This is where uprights shine. The Dyson UP32 boasts a massive 1.2-litre bin, meaning far fewer interruptions to empty it during a big clean. Its performance is driven by a powerful 3 Horsepower motor, delivering the kind of suction needed for stubborn pet hair. Also, consider the total reach—this model’s 50-foot range (cord plus hose) is exceptional and dramatically reduces the need to constantly switch power sockets.
- Materials & Durability: Most modern vacuums, including this one, are constructed from high-grade plastics like polycarbonate ABS to house complex internal mechanisms like the Ball and cyclonic technology while keeping the weight manageable. While some users express concern about plastic parts, Dyson has a long history of engineering durable machines. However, as some feedback suggests, connections and joints are areas to treat with care to ensure longevity.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A bagless design is standard now, but the execution matters. The UP32 features a simple push-button system for hygienic bin emptying. Crucially, it also uses a washable cloth filter, which eliminates the ongoing cost and hassle of buying replacements. Regular filter washing is key to maintaining peak suction performance over the machine’s lifespan.
Making the right choice involves balancing raw power against practicality for your specific living situation.
While the Dyson Ball Animal UP32 Vacuum Cleaner is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- HIGH PERFORMANCE, PORTABLE CORDED UPRIGHT VACUUM CLEANER - Multi-cyclonic performance with lightweight design to easily clean around the home
- 【600W/60Kpa Powerful Suction】This corded vacuum cleaner features a 600W motor, delivering strong suction power up to 60Kpa. It effectively removes dust, dirt, and debris from various surfaces,...
- Lightweight & Compact Design: Designed for effortless maneuverability, this upright vacuum cleaner makes cleaning stairs and navigating tight or large spaces a breeze. Its compact, upright build...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Dyson Ball Animal UP32
The arrival of the Dyson Ball Animal UP32 Vacuum Cleaner was an event in itself. The packaging is a masterclass in engineering, with all components nestled securely in recyclable cardboard—a thoughtful touch we appreciated. Assembly was refreshingly straightforward and entirely tool-free; components click together with a satisfying, solid sound that inspires confidence. A simple instruction sheet and a QR code linking to a video guide are provided, but we found the process intuitive enough to complete in under five minutes.
Once assembled, the machine has an impressive, almost sculptural presence. The nickel and silver finish gives it a professional, high-tech look. The iconic Ball is the immediate focal point, promising a different kind of movement. Our initial thought was about its weight. At nearly 10kg, it feels substantial and robust, not flimsy. A feature we immediately loved was the on-board tool storage. The combination tool, stair tool, and Tangle-free turbine tool all have dedicated holsters on the machine, a simple but brilliant design choice that prevents them from being lost in a cupboard. It feels like a complete, self-contained cleaning system from the moment you put it together.
What We Like
- Phenomenal suction power that deep-cleans carpets like no other
- Exceptional manoeuvrability thanks to the innovative Ball technology
- Engineered specifically for pet hair with an effective anti-tangle cleaner head
- Extra-large dustbin and very long power cord for extended cleaning sessions
Drawbacks
- Significant weight (9.66 kg) makes it heavy to push and carry
- Can be awkward and cumbersome to use on staircases
In-Depth Performance Analysis: Putting the Dyson to the Test
A vacuum can look impressive, but the only thing that truly matters is its performance when the rubber (or rather, the brush bar) meets the road. We put the Dyson Ball Animal UP32 Vacuum Cleaner through a series of rigorous tests in a real-world family home, complete with two long-haired dogs, a cat, and a mix of deep-pile carpets, area rugs, and hardwood floors. This is where the machine’s engineering prowess truly comes to light.
The Heart of the Beast: Unrivalled Suction Power
The first word that came to mind upon powering up the UP32 was “relentless.” The 3 Horsepower motor generates a level of suction that is immediately palpable. On our deep-pile living room carpet, the cleaner head almost felt like it was gripping the floor, pulling itself forward as it dug deep into the fibres. The result was genuinely shocking. We had vacuumed the day before with our old, seemingly capable machine, yet the Dyson’s clear 1.2-litre bin was a quarter full after cleaning just one room. It was filled with an astonishing amount of fine dust and deeply embedded dog hair that our previous vacuum had clearly missed for months. This experience was echoed by numerous users, one of whom noted, “I was shocked by how much was missed by the old machine!”
This isn’t just brute force; it’s controlled power. The active base plate on the Motorbar™ cleaner head automatically adjusts to seal in suction across different floor types. Transitioning from carpet to our hardwood kitchen floor, the machine lifted everything from fine flour dust to larger crumbs without scattering them. It cleans right up to the skirting boards, leaving no dusty margins behind. While there’s only one main power level, some users noted that there are different modes or height settings on the cleaner head, which allow for tackling everything from delicate rugs to ground-in dirt. For raw deep-cleaning capability, this machine’s power is truly in a class of its own.
Navigating the Home: The Iconic Ball Technology
The most distinctive design feature of the Dyson Ball Animal UP32 Vacuum Cleaner is, of course, the Ball. Instead of riding on rigid wheels, the vacuum’s main body rests on a large ball, which houses the motor and other key components. This lowers the centre of gravity and is designed to make steering effortless. In practice, it takes a few minutes to get used to. Instead of the familiar push-pull, straight-line motion of a traditional vacuum, you steer the Dyson with a simple turn of the wrist.
Once we adapted, the benefit was clear. The machine pivots on a dime, allowing it to navigate around furniture legs and glide into tight spaces with a fluidity that conventional vacuums can’t match. As one user aptly put it, “It effortlessly changes direction in tight spaces.” This agility makes cleaning feel less like a chore and more dynamic. While the machine’s overall weight is noticeable when you’re pushing it, the Ball technology makes directing that weight surprisingly easy. It transforms what could be a cumbersome beast into a nimble cleaning tool, allowing you to trace the contours of a room without the awkward multi-point turns required by older designs.
Engineered for Pet Owners: The Motorbar™ Cleaner Head and Tools
This is where the “Animal” in the product’s name earns its keep. For homes with pets, hair is the primary enemy, and the UP32 is armed to the teeth for this fight. The main Motorbar™ cleaner head features hair removal vanes that automatically de-tangle long hair and pet fur as you clean, directing it straight into the bin. We tested this with masses of Golden Retriever fur and long human hair, and it worked remarkably well. We didn’t have to spend any time afterward flipping the head over and cutting away a tangled mess with scissors—a dreaded task with past vacuums.
The included accessories are equally specialized. The Tangle-free turbine tool is a game-changer for upholstery and pet beds. Its counter-rotating heads with brushes effectively pull hair from fabric without wrapping it around a central bar. We used it on the dog’s favourite armchair and were stunned to see it restore the fabric’s original colour, which we hadn’t realized was dulled by a fine layer of fur. The standard stair tool and combination crevice tool are also robust and effective. The only significant downside in this area is cleaning stairs. While the tools are perfect, the vacuum’s 9.66kg body is heavy and wide, making it difficult to balance on a step. As one user correctly pointed out, “the flexible hose doesn’t reach to the top of mine and the vac is wide and heavy to hold and balance on the stairs.” This is the primary trade-off for its immense power and capacity.
Living with the Machine: Capacity, Reach, and Maintenance
Beyond the core performance, a vacuum’s daily usability is defined by its practical features. The Dyson Ball Animal UP32 Vacuum Cleaner excels here. The 1.2-litre bin is 60% larger than its predecessor, a huge quality-of-life improvement. In our large home, it meant we could vacuum the entire ground floor without needing to stop and empty it. When it is full, the emptying process is hygienic and simple. A single push of a button releases the canister from the body, and another press opens the base, dropping the contents directly into the bin without you ever having to touch the dust and debris.
The 50-foot total reach is another standout feature. The power cord is exceptionally long, allowing us to clean multiple rooms from a single, centrally located socket. This eliminates the frustration of the cord being pulled taut or needing to constantly unplug and replug the machine. Finally, maintenance is minimal. The cloth filter can be easily removed, rinsed under cold water, and left to air dry for 24 hours. Doing this once a month, as recommended, keeps the machine running at peak performance and saves a significant amount of money on disposable filters over the vacuum’s lifespan. These thoughtful design elements make the powerful machine surprisingly easy to live with.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback for the Dyson Ball Animal UP32 Vacuum Cleaner is overwhelmingly positive, centering on its sheer power. One user, who grew up with premium Miele vacuums, was so impressed they were “compelled to write” their first-ever review, calling the Dyson the “best vacuum used to date.” Another who lives with four cats called it an “absolute powerhouse” that “consumes cat hair like it was designed specifically for my household.” This sentiment of astonishment at what the machine picks up from seemingly clean carpets is a recurring theme.
However, the praise is balanced with consistent critiques. The most common complaint is the weight. Many users describe it as “heavy but powerful,” acknowledging the trade-off. This weight becomes a more significant issue when cleaning stairs, a task many find “awkward” and difficult. A few users also reported issues with the cleaner head disconnecting from the main body, suggesting a potential weak point in the plastic joint for some units. As one user noted after theirs broke, “Our cheaper Hoovers and Sharks have lasted longer!!” While this doesn’t appear to be a widespread issue, it’s a point of concern regarding long-term durability for a machine at this price point.
How Does the Dyson Ball Animal UP32 Compare to the Competition?
The upright vacuum market is fiercely competitive, with Shark being Dyson’s primary rival. While the Dyson focuses on raw cyclonic suction and unique manoeuvrability, Shark models often pack in a different set of innovative features. Here’s how the Dyson Ball Animal UP32 Vacuum Cleaner stacks up against three popular alternatives.
1. Shark Stratos Corded Upright Vacuum Pet Pro
- SHARK’S BEST EVER HAIR PICK-UP WITH ANTI HAIR WRAP PLUS: Removes hair from the brush-roll as you clean, so you don't have to. Perfect for long, short & pet hair.
- ANTI-ODOUR TECHNOLOGY: Guards against bad odours inside the vacuum cleaner for a fresher-smelling home. Cartridge system protects against dust cup odours commonly caused by pet hair, dust and dander.
The Shark Stratos is a formidable competitor that tackles the pet hair problem from multiple angles. Its key features include Anti-Odour Technology, designed to prevent bad smells from building up inside the vacuum, and Shark’s signature DuoClean floorhead, which uses two brush-rolls to tackle both fine dust and large debris on all floor types. Most importantly, its Powered Lift-Away feature allows you to detach the main canister from the wand, transforming it into a portable vacuum. This makes it significantly easier and safer to clean stairs, cars, and high places—a direct solution to one of the Dyson’s biggest weaknesses. For users who value versatility and find stair cleaning a major pain point, the Shark Stratos may be the more practical choice.
2. Shark NV620UKTSB Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Cleaner
![Shark Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Cleaner [NV620UKTSB] Amazon Exclusive, Car Detail Kit, Pet...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31AiGWArrkL.jpg)
- Model Includes Car Detail Kit, Pet Tool, Multi-Surface Tool Crevice Tool
- Powered Lift-Away Go portable to clean stairs, up high and under furniture with continuously powered brush-rolls
This exclusive model is another strong contender built around the Powered Lift-Away technology. Like the Stratos, it offers enhanced portability for above-floor cleaning, making it far more adept at handling a full flight of stairs than the Dyson. It also includes a comprehensive car detail kit, adding extra value for those who want to keep their vehicle as clean as their home. While it may not have the same raw, floor-gripping suction as the Dyson, its flexibility is a huge selling point. This model is an excellent choice for those who need a powerful upright but are unwilling to compromise on the ability to easily clean areas beyond the floor.
3. Shark NZ801UKT Corded Upright Vacuum Anti Hair Wrap DuoClean
- ANTI HAIR WRAP TECHNOLOGY: Removes hair from the brush-roll as you clean. Perfect for long, short & pet hair.
- FOR ALL FLOORS: DuoClean floorhead glides from carpets to hard floors, with 2 motorised brush-rolls in 1 floorhead. LED headlights illuminate hidden dust & pet hair.
The Shark NZ801UKT combines many of the brand’s best technologies. It features both the Powered Lift-Away design for portability and the DuoClean floorhead for all-surface cleaning. Crucially, it also boasts Shark’s Anti Hair Wrap technology, which actively removes hair from the brush-roll as you clean—a direct answer to Dyson’s de-tangling Motorbar™. With the addition of LED headlights to illuminate hidden dust, this model presents a very compelling, feature-rich package. It’s an all-rounder that directly challenges the Dyson on pet hair performance while offering superior flexibility for whole-home cleaning, especially on stairs.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Dyson Ball Animal UP32 the Right Choice for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Dyson Ball Animal UP32 Vacuum Cleaner is an unapologetic, specialized cleaning powerhouse. Its suction is nothing short of phenomenal, capable of revitalizing carpets and removing pet hair and dander that other vacuums simply leave behind. For large homes with pets and significant carpeted areas, its deep-cleaning ability is almost without equal. The Ball technology provides surprisingly agile steering, and the thoughtful design of the bin, cord, and on-board tools makes it a joy to use for floor cleaning.
However, this power comes at a cost—namely, weight and bulk. It is not a lightweight, nimble machine for quick clean-ups, and it is undeniably awkward on stairs. If your home has multiple levels or if you have difficulty with heavy appliances, the compromises may be too great. In that scenario, a more versatile competitor like a Shark with Lift-Away technology would be a wiser investment. But if your absolute top priority is obliterating pet hair and achieving the deepest possible clean on your floors, and you can handle its heft, the Dyson Ball Animal UP32 is an exceptional machine that delivers on its promises with breathtaking force. If you’re ready to see what’s really hiding in your carpets, we wholeheartedly recommend you check the latest price and see its full feature set.
Last update on 2025-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API