Dyson's latest cordless vacuum, the V16 Piston Animal, introduces the biggest redesign in years, but it may not be the best choice for most buyers. Priced at £749.99, the V16 features a new combination floor head that replaces the traditional duo of brush bar and fluffy roller heads, aiming to simplify cleaning on both carpets and hard floors.
The new floor head, named 'All Floors Cones Sense', uses two conical brush bars that automatically adjust rotation speed based on the surface. It also includes a green light to illuminate dust on hard floors. However, this innovation comes at a time when older Dyson models are significantly discounted, with the V15 reduced by £150 and the Gen5detect dropping to £549.
In testing, the V16 showed strong suction and battery life, but its performance on flour, cat litter, and pet hair was comparable to previous models. The new attachments, including the Hair Screw Tool 2.0, are useful, but they use new connectors, making them incompatible with older Dyson accessories.
The V16 does offer a larger 1.3-litre bin with a dust compactor, but given the high price and the availability of cheaper, equally capable alternatives, it struggles to justify its cost. For most households, a discounted V15 or Gen5detect may offer better value.
