The Dyson Stowaway Vacuum – A Review of This Innovative Handheld Vac

The Dyson Stowaway Vacuum – A Review of This Innovative Handheld Vac

What is the Dyson Stowaway?

The Dyson Stowaway is a cordless, bagless vacuum cleaner made by Dyson. It’s designed to be portable and easy to store by folding up when not in use. Here are some key features of the Stowaway:

  • Cordless – Runs on a rechargeable battery so you can vacuum anywhere without cords getting in the way.
  • Bagless – Uses cyclonic technology to separate dirt without need for bags.
  • Foldable – Handle and wand fold up for compact storage.
  • Lightweight – Weighs just under 5 lbs so it’s easy to carry.
  • Charging stand – Standing vertical charger takes up little space.
  • Powerful suction – Digital motor V6 provides strong suction for quick cleaning.
  • HEPA filtration – Traps allergens and expels cleaner air.

How Well Does it Clean?

Despite its small size, the Dyson Stowaway offers powerful suction comparable to larger vacuums. Its digital V6 motor spins at up to 110,000 rpm to create strong centrifugal forces that lift and remove dirt from floors and carpets. The nylon bristles on the motorized floor tool loosen and agitate debris.

Reviewers praise the Stowaway’s ability to thoroughly clean bare floors, rugs, carpets, and upholstery. The suction is strong enough to lift pet hair, dust, debris, and embedded dirt. It’s great for quick cleanups of high traffic areas and works well on stairs too.

Is it Good for Pet Hair?

With its strong suction and motorized brush, the Dyson Stowaway is excellent for removing pet hair from floors, furniture, stairs, and even car seats. The rapidly spinning bristle brush actively sweeps up long hairs and pulls them into the vacuum.

Some owners of shedding pets say the Stowaway has replaced their full-size vacuums because it works so well to clean up pet hair on a daily basis. They love that it’s always ready for a quick cleanup, even in hard to reach spots where their big vacuums won’t fit.

How’s the Battery Life?

The Dyson Stowaway uses a lithium ion battery that provides up to 20 minutes of fade-free power on a full 3.5 hour charge. This gives you about 10-15 minutes of vacuuming time, which is suitable for quick cleanups.

Battery life depends on what power mode you use. You’ll get the full 20 minutes using the low 15W power mode, which works well for hard floors and small areas. The high power mode uses 20W for stronger suction but cuts battery life in half to just 10 minutes.

To maximize battery life, be sure to fully charge it before first use and after each use. Avoid leaving it plugged in after charging is complete. The battery is not removable or replaceable, but should last several years with proper care.

How Easy is it to Store?

The Stowaway gets its name from its great storability. It stands only about 4 feet high when fully assembled, and all parts fold up into a compact package:

  • The wand and floor tool detach and fold over the motor.
  • The handle folds down over the wand/floor tool.
  • The whole unit stands upright on its charging stand, taking up very little floor space.

When folded, the vacuum is just over 1 foot long and 1 foot wide. It fits easily into a coat closet, under a bed or desk, or even stands in a corner. The folding design helps keep all the parts organized too.

How Noisy is it?

The Dyson Stowaway operates at around 78 decibels, which is about the same noise level as a typical upright vacuum cleaner. It does have a high-pitched whirring sound though since the motor spins so rapidly.

Some owners feel the noise is a fair tradeoff for the vacuum’s power, while others wish it were slightly quieter. Using lower suction speeds can reduce the noise level if needed. Ear protection may be a good idea for prolonged use.

How Much Does the Dyson Stowaway Cost?

The Dyson Stowaway normally retails for $399 direct from Dyson. You can sometimes find it on sale from other retailers for $50-100 less. Replacement filters are about $25.

While not cheap, it provides excellent value for the price given its portability, storability, and cleaning performance comparable to full-size vacuums. The 2 year warranty provides peace of mind too.

What Owners are Saying

Here are some common sentiments shared by Dyson Stowaway owners:

  • “This little vacuum is amazing! It picks up just as well as my big one.”
  • “I can grab it and clean up a mess in seconds. So convenient.”
  • “It’s perfect for my apartment. I can stash it in a closet and it’s always charged up and ready to go.”
  • “I use it almost every day for cat hair and it does a great job.”
  • “The suction power is unbelievable for such a compact vacuum.”
  • “I love how quick and easy it is to vacuum the stairs.”

In summary, owners love the portability, convenience, and power of the Dyson Stowaway. It makes daily quick cleanups a breeze. The compact folding design makes it easy to stash yet always have on hand when you need it.