We have the "Animal", I think it's the DC28(purple). We absolutely love it!

We bought it over 2 years ago, and the thing is still running like a champ. We use it just about every day for at least 15 minutes(2 dogs, and lots of carpet). When we first bought it, I thought it felt very cheap(it only weighs 11 lbs.), and very plasticy. But it has held up great.

 

I've used both in the past. The kirby is built like a tank, but I think it's less maneuverable compared to the dyson.
Switching between attachments would be a lot quicker on the dyson too.

 

Dyson’s feel flimsy to me (especially for the $$).

About a year ago we got a refurbished Electrolux Versatility upright from Overstock for $99 (Electrolux also sells their refurbished product). Amazing machine! A little heavy, but our home is one story, so no biggie.

 

Have had a Dyson for over 7 years and love it. I believe the Kirby vacuums are slightly superior, but I don't think anyone needs that kind of power at home unless they have severe allergies or germophobia.

 

My mom has had an Oreck for some time now and she loves it.

 

I have a Dyson DC28 animal (with the ball) and have 2 Dobermans...the Dyson is awesome. My parents have a Kirby and it's okay but drastically over-priced. The Dyson is light weight...very well built and you won't be disappointed if you buy one. I find it difficult to believe that anyone that has spent any time using a Dyson thinks they're flimsy unless they're use to some sort of stainless steel vacuum...the engineering and craftsmanship of the Dyson is impressive.

 

I really am not looking at anything crazy, Dyson is the absolute top of my price range. The real question is wether it is that much better than a 150 buck Hoover or something like that.

Thanks for all the opinions, keep em coming

 

woot frequently has refurbed dysons for like $200-250.

 

I dig the Dyson, but when you examine against Electrolux it falls short on features. For example, on Dyson's canister model (separate unit trails behind the vacuum head) the rotating brush is powered by the suction alone. On Electrolux, the rotating brush is powered, it has better LED illumination, and is less expensive. We'll be sticking with Electrolux.

 

WTF has become of the Off Topic?