Dyson vs Kirby (2021): Which Vacuum Is Better?

When it comes to vacuum cleaners, Dyson is arguably one of the most popular manufacturers. The brand’s extensive catalog of vacuums ranges from lightweight and cordless machines to flexible, handheld devices. Suffice to say, there’s a Dyson vacuum that’s bound to be a staple machine for your home.

Kirby, on the other hand, approaches vacuum cleaning differently. Known for its distribution and direct-selling methods, the brand’s latest product — the Avalir 2 — continues the company’s tradition of offering an all-in-one machine. But can Kirby’s complete home cleaning system take the place of Dyson’s wide selection of cleaners?

Dyson vs Kirby Comparison Chart

Vacuum Models and Design

Dyson offers various, sleek vacuum cleaners while Kirby takes pride in its heavy-duty Avalir cleaning system.

Looking at Dyson’s catalog of vacuum cleaners will show a range of machines in unique forms and colorful designs. But the variety of products is not merely an aesthetic consideration. Dyson’s vacuum models vary in terms of their power, performance, and purpose.

For instance, the brand’s canister and upright vacuum models all brandish Dyson’s proprietary Ball technology. Developed to minimize awkward maneuvering, it’s also become emblematic of the vacuum’s design, lending the likes of the Dyson Ball and Dyson Big Ball cleaners a futuristic look.

Meanwhile, Dyson’s cordless and handheld machines, more closely resemble your typical vacuum. From the entry-level Dyson V7 to the top-of-the-line Dyson V11, these cleaners sport a lightweight frame, transparent canisters, and bright splashes of color. Each model also comes in different variants, which largely determine the additional features or tools you get.

Kirby’s approach, on the other hand, is more conventional. The Avalir 2 looks and feels like your traditional vacuum cleaner — from the dust bag to the cleaning head. It even weighs like one. Compared to the Dyson V7, it’s hefty at 23 lbs. Even Dyson’s heavy-duty canister vacuums weigh less than the Avalir 2. However, Kirby’s cleaning machine can be converted to a canister and even a hand-held vacuum.

If you’re particular about appearance, then Dyson’s vacuums are definitely more appealing. The brand’s cordless vacuum cleaners are a fit for any modern home. Kirby Avalir may not be as sleek as Dyson vacuums but it is made of light metal components. This should give it better durability over Dyson models made from plastic frames.

Vacuum Power and Performance

Dyson’s cordless and upright vacuum cleaners offer impressive suction power but are not as powerful as Kirby’s.

But looks aren’t everything. Despite their lightweight frame and vibrant colors, Dyson’s vacuum cleaners are surprisingly powerful. For instance, their best-selling cordless vacuum model, the V11, delivers an impressive 220 AW of suction power. That’s 85% more than what Dyson’s V7 offers. Meanwhile, the Dyson Ball Animal 2 has been rated to have a suction power of 270 AW to 300 AW.

Because of their lightweight frame, Dyson’s cordless vacuums work quite well in hard-to-reach corners. The V11 even comes with a smart sensor so that it automatically adjusts cleaning power depending on the floor type or surface. In their upright models, Dyson’s ball-design hinders the vacuums from reaching underneath furniture.

Kirby’s Avalir may not have intelligent features or flexible components but when it comes to suction, none of the Dyson models will come close. It’s simply an advantage corded vacuums have over their cordless counterparts. The Avalir 2’s 440 AW power delivers some of the strongest airflows in a vacuum of its class. Moreover, the machine’s efficient brush head does a great job loosening debris, even from carpeted floors.

Both Dyson and Kirby make use of HEPA filtration for their vacuum cleaners. This makes them particularly effective for trapping dirt, pollens, and allergen, including those as small as 0.3 microns. Kirby does have an advantage in vacuuming larger areas compared to Dyson thanks to the Avalir 2 having a broader cleaning head.

Accessories and Ease of Use

Dyson offers plenty of cleaning attachments while Kirby’s accessories can turn the vacuum cleaner into a shampooer, mopper, and scrubber.

With Dyson, you have a number of accessories to choose from for both cordless and upright vacuum models. Some of the more popular accessories include the mattress tool that’s perfect for cushions, mattresses, and upholstery. It’s also compatible with the Dyson V7, V8, V10, and V11 models.

Another popular attachment across Dyson cordless vacuums is the crevice tool for hard to reach corners and narrow gaps. There’s also a stubborn dirt brush that’s best for doormats, carpets, and high-traffic areas of your home. A similar tool, called the stiff bristle brush, is available for Dyson’s upright vacuums. And just like its cordless counterparts, Dyson’s heavy-duty cleaners come with their own mattress tool, flexible crevice attachment, and soft dusting brush.

Since the Kirby is an all-in-one cleaning system, the Avalir 2 does boast more accessories compared to Dyson. All of these can convert what seems like a regular vacuum machine into a home shampooer or even a scrubber. Some of the accessories include extension tubes, an upholstery nozzle, as well as a surface cleaning head. There’s a special tool for pet hair, too, and the vacuum’s multiple attachments can turn the Avalir into a mop-and-bucket system as well.

With so many accessories, the Kirby isn’t the simplest of home appliances. It takes a while to familiarize oneself with the attachments. Moreover, the machine’s weight can be cumbersome. Dyson, on the other hand, may not have as many attachments as Kirby’s but they’re fairly easy to install, and the vacuums’ lightweight frame makes them friendlier to use and simpler to store.

Pricing and Warranty

The Kirby Avalir home cleaning system is more expensive than Dyson’s vacuums.

Dyson vacuum cleaners aren’t as expensive as one might think. Its handheld V7 model, for instance, costs $199. The similarly named entry-level cordless cleaner, on the other hand, starts at $299. Meanwhile, the more premium V11 vacuum models range between $699.99 to $799.00. Dyson’s upright vacuum cleaner also falls within the V11’s price range at $699.

The Kirby Avalir 2 is definitely more expensive, given its size, power, and accessories. However, the pricing isn’t as definite as Dyson’s vacuums. Depending on the seller or distributor, as well as the accessories you get, expect to spend between $1,000 to $3,000 for the system.

Kirby currently offers a 3-year limited warranty for registered owners. Warranties are also recognized only if you purchased from authorized distributors. In contrast, Dyson offers a 2-year warranty for its cordless vacuums and a 3-year warranty for corded models. Parts, repair, and replacements are included.

Verdict

Dyson’s vacuum cleaners are great for first-time users or those on a budget. Meanwhile, Kirby’s Avalir 2 is worth considering for its all-in-one cleaning system.

Although fairly new to the market, Dyson vacuum cleaners have enjoyed increased popularity over the years. Part of the brand’s success is in offering a wide selection of vacuum models to meet the varying needs of consumers. If you’re keen on getting your first vacuum, then Dyson is worth a look. Its cordless vacuum cleaners are reasonably priced and pack a lot of power given their design. Moreover, these cleaning machines are lightweight, easy-to-use, and easy to store.

Kirby’s reputation has mostly been drawn from the way its vacuum cleaners have been sold. But beyond the criticism towards its direct-selling approach, Kirby’s vacuum cleaner delivers impressive suction power for its class. Indeed, it’s more expensive than Dyson’s catalog. However, you are getting a complete cleaning system in Avalir 2. The upright cleaner can also turn into a handheld or canister vacuum, and has a plethora of attachments for shampooing, mopping, and scrubbing. If you need an all-in-one machine, then the Kirby Avalir and Avalir 2 is definitely worth considering.

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Last update on 2022-05-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API