After releasing the Dyson V11 cordless vacuums, innovation has not stopped. Enter Dyson V12 Detect Slim series. Today, we look at this new edition of Dyson cordless vacuums in detail. Our Dyson V12 Detect Slim Review seeks to answer all your questions.
Also, we are going to do a comparison of the features – Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Extra vs Total Clean vs Fluffy.
While Dyson has retained most of the core technologies in the V12 Detect Slim versions, you can be sure that there is something extra. Something that will justify its price and why you should go for it regardless of what the competition has to offer.
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Dyson V12 Detect Slim Comparison: Absolute Extra vs Total Clean vs Fluffy
Before we discuss the features in detail, we have summarized all their features and specs in a table. So, you can quickly see the little differences and make up your mind better and quicker.
| V12 Detect Slim Absolute Extra | V12 Detect Slim Total Clean | V12 Detect Slim Fluffy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4.5 lbs. | 4.5 lbs. | 4.5 lbs. |
| Auto suction control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Motor | Dyson Hyperdymium | Dyson Hyperdymium | Dyson Hyperdymium |
| RPMs | 125,000 | 125,000 | 125,000 |
| Cyclone technology | 11 cyclones | 11 cyclones | 11 cyclones |
| Suction force | 100,000g | 100,000g | 100,000g |
| Suction power | 150AW | 150AW | 150AW |
| Charge duration | 4 hours | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Max run time | 60 minutes | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Cleaner heads | Laser Slim Fluffy, Direct Drive | Laser Slim Fluffy, Direct Drive | Laser Slim Fluffy |
| Carbon fiber on brush | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Piezo dust sensor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Filtration | Whole-machine | Whole-machine | Whole-machine |
| Display | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Dirt capacity | 0.35 liters | 0.35 liters | 0.35 liters |
| Hygienic emptying | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Single button control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cleaning modes | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Converts to hand vacuum | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Attachments | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Floor dock (stand) | Yes | No | No |
| Additional battery | Yes | No | No |
| Multi-surface cleaning | Yes | Yes | Hard floors |
| Good for pets? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions (LxWxH inches) | 48.58 x 9.84 x 9.92 | 48.58 x 9.84 x 9.92 | 48.58 x 9.84 x 9.92 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years |
As you can tell from the table, there is little difference among the three. However, Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Extra stands out. Not only is it gold in color, but it also has the most attachments and accessories… more about that later.
Below, we take a look at what sets these vacuums apart from the rest. How do they perform? Do they remove pet hair and dander from different flooring installations? Are they easy to maneuver along the floor?
Let’s find out…
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Review: Main Features
In this section, we explore the main features of the Dyson V12 Detect Slim. If there’s any difference among the 3 options under a specific feature, we’ll point it out. So, what should you expect from these vacuums?
Take a look below:
Suction power
Powered by Dyson Hyperdymium motors, all three variations of Dyson V12 Detect Slim produce very strong suction. So, you can be sure that no dirt, dust, hair, or any other particle will be left on the floor. The same is expected when you’re vacuuming above-floor surfaces such as furniture and walls.
Automatic suction adjustment (piezo sensor)
Another feature that you will love is an automatic suction adjustment. As you vacuum, the piezo sensor detects the size of dust particles and even counts how many they are. Once this data is locked in, suction increases or decreases accordingly.
Therefore, you can get the most out of your vacuum and ensure that the battery lasts as long as possible. So, you can use Auto mode to get the best performance from the vacuum. However, you can use boost mode on high-traffic areas or when dealing with tough dirt.
Cleaner heads
There are two types of cleaner heads (floor nozzles) that are available – Direct Drive and Laser Slim Fluffy. The Direct Drive cleaner head is ideal for deep-cleaning carpets. It also does a fabulous job on bare floors. However, it doesn’t have headlights to help you spot uncollected dust and dirt.
And that’s where the Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head comes in. The brush is very soft making it ideal for all types of bare floors. Besides, it has a green laser that illuminates any pending dust and dirt – even better than LED headlights.
The Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head is also narrow, meaning that it is perfect for those narrow areas in the house. Also, it becomes easy to vacuum a room that has furniture placed close to each other without having to move them.
Both Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Extra and Total Clean have two cleaner heads. Unfortunately, Dyson V12 Detect Slim Fluffy only comes with the Laser Slim Fluffy floor head. However, this is not a big deal if you only have bare floors such as tile, hardwood, linoleum, or luxury vinyl plank flooring.
Forget the age-old Dyson trigger
While the trigger in older Dyson models was aimed at extending battery life, most people would find it tiring especially when vacuuming for extended periods. The fact that you have to continuously press the trigger as you vacuum also limits your flexibility.
It seems Dyson has heard our cries – in comes the regular on/off button. You no longer have to worry about your finger getting tired. Simply switch on the vacuum in a snap, pick up the dirt, and then switch it off once you’re done or when you want to take a break.
You can also swap hands more easily as you navigate along the floor. Also, this feature is present in all three options, and I think it’s going to be the new tradition going forward.
Filtration system
Dysons have a reputation for making vacuums that have a superb filtration system. So, expect the same from the V12 series. While the vacuum lacks the traditional HEPA filter, Dyson’s fully-sealed whole-machine filtration is equally efficient.
Up to 99.99 percent of particles such as dust, dirt, debris, pollen, and the like are trapped inside the vacuum. So, it’s a good option for allergy and asthma sufferers.
Battery
The most important part of any cordless vacuum is the battery because without it you just have an extra piece for your décor. As usual, Dyson uses powerful click-in batteries to ensure that you can vacuum as long as possible.
However, it’s important to note that you are likely to maximize the runtime on Eco mode. On Boost mode, expect the runtime to be drastically reduced. On Eco mode, you can vacuum for up to 60 minutes.
If you go for Dyson V12 Detect Slim Total Clean or Fluffy, you may need to buy an extra battery to enjoy long vacuuming for longer. However, Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Extra comes with an extra battery. Based on this fact alone, you can guess which one I’d go for.
Charging time is roughly 4 hours, so it’s advisable to leave the vacuum on the wall mount so that it fills up for the next task.
Attachments and accessories
A vacuum without attachments can be a total turn-off. Luckily, Dyson has been aware of this for eons. We like Dysons because they usually come equipped with tools to help you get rid of dirt all over the house.
So, the floor, walls, ceilings, drapes, furniture, cushion, shelves, baseboards, window sills, and other above-floor surfaces are well taken care of.
Again, Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Extra wins this battle. It comes with up to 13 items in the box, six of which are attachments. Dyson V12 Detect Slim Total Clean has 11 items (including five attachments too) while Dyson V12 Detect Slim Fluffy only has 9.
The four attachments you get with Absolute Extra and Total Clean include a hair screw tool with a cone-shaped brush and a combination tool. You also get a mini soft dusting brush, and a stubborn dirt brush, a light pipe, and a reach-under tool.
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Fluffy comes with all the attachments bar the stubborn dirt brush. While this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, I’d rather have it and not need it than not have it and need it.
Apart from having the extra battery and the regular wall-mounted charging dock, another accessory that makes us choose Absolute Extra is the ‘Dok’. This is a stylish standing dock where you can place the vacuum after cleaning.
Lastly, you can convert the vacuum into a handheld vacuum easily. Then, attach the attachment of your choice and pick up small messes on the go.
Multi-floor vacuuming
It doesn’t come as a surprise that Dyson V12 Detect Slim is a multi-floor vacuum. However the Fluffy version is specifically for hard floors. If you have carpet or a mixed floor, please look in the direction of Absolute Extra and Total Clean.
The reason is simple – they both come with the Direct Drive cleaner head that digs deep into carpets for any hidden dirt. Also, it is equally effective and gentle on bare floors.
Pet hair
Pet hair can be a menace, whether it’s on the floor, or your precious seats. The hair screw tool is perfect for hair removal especially on fabric and on above-ground surfaces. Direct Drive cleaner heads are also great at removing pet hair from the floor compared to Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner heads.
So, if you have pets that shed a lot, we advise that you go for either Absolute Extra or Total Clean.
Dirt disposal
The dirt cup is pretty small – 0.35 liters in size. But this should not be an issue if you vacuum regularly. Besides, emptying the dirt cup is very easy and hygienic. Simply point to the trash can and ‘shoot’ the dirt and dust inside.
Watch this YouTube video by Dyson to find out how:
Warranty
All three vacuums come with a standard 2-year warranty. Also, you get a 14-day money-back guarantee in case the vacuum fails to meet your expectations.
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Stick Vacuum Review: General Features & Specs Summary
We leave no stone unturned so that you don’t have to look anywhere else for technical details of the products we review. The same goes for Dyson V12 Detect Slim. Below are all the specifications that you need to know:
- Type: stick, bagless
- Cordless
- Weight: 4.5 lbs.
- Click-in battery
- Charging time: 4 hours
- Maximum runtime: 60 minutes
- Dyson Hyperdymium motor
- Radial Root Cyclone technology: 11 cyclones
- Motor: 125,000 rpm
- Automatic suction control
- Maximum suction: 150AW
- Dust cup capacity: 0.35 liters
- Filtration: whole-machine
- Attachments available
- 3 cleaning modes
- In-line configuration
- LCD screen
- Single-button control
- Green laser on the bare floor nozzle
- Piezo dust sensor
- Multi-floor vacuuming
- Pet-hair vacuums
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 48.58 x 9.84 x 9.92 inches
Pros & Cons of Dyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum
There’s plenty to like about Dyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum. However, there are a few drawbacks. Let’s find out…
What we Love about Dyson V12 Detect Slim
- Powerful suction that adjusts automatically
- Sleek design
- Fantastic filtration system
- Lightweight and compact design
- Ideal for pet and human hair
- Eye-safe green laser technology illuminates all dust let on the floor
- Ideal for both carpet and hard floors
- Relatively long run time especially on Eco mode
- Numerous attachments and accessories
- High-quality build
- Easy to empty and clean
- It’s very easy to assemble and use
- Swivel steering makes vacuuming fun
- Reliable warranty and customer support
What we don’t like about Dyson V12 Detect Slim
- The dirt cup is relatively small
- Pricey – especially the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Extra
Verdict: Which Dyson V12 Detect Slim Stick Vacuum Should You Buy?
First of all, all three options have satisfied us in terms of performance. However, if we are to pick just one, we recommend the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Extra. While it’s more expensive than the other two, it is more wholesome.
You get the two cleaner heads, an extra battery, six accessories, and the convenient new Dok – a reliable and convenient standing docking station. At the same time, you also get the regular wall-mounted docking station.
Combine all this with the sheer power and ease of use, and the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Extra stands out from the rest. If you have only bare floors and would like to save a coin, however, go for the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Fluffy and you won’t regret it.
Lastly, if you don’t need the extra battery and the Dok, you can choose the Total Clean version and save some precious money.
Thanks for sticking with us to the end of this in-depth review. Feel free to contact us with questions, comments, or any other feedback. Happy shopping!