With a $500 price tag, the Dyson DC21 Motorhead Stowaway Canister Vacuum has a lot to prove -- right out of the box.

The first thing we noted is the DC21's compact design. Unlike many canister vacuums that have an unwieldy wand that takes up storage space, the DC21's hose and wand compress and can be wrapped around the canister body. As we began to use the vacuum, we realized the controls to operate the brush are located at foot level -- no more stooping. The telescoping wand works as smooth and efficient as any we've encountered, and the onboard tools are easily accessible.

One of the DC21's most notable features is the steering. It is remarkably simple to steer because of a ball joint near the nozzle. This makes it very easy to reach under cabinets and into corners with just a quick adjustment. The Dyson DC21 has a motorized brush bar, but does not have a belt that can break or slip and require replacement. The nozzle has a 12.5-inch cleaning path, which is as wide as some uprights we've tested. It also comes with an attachment to clean bare floors.

The performance of the Dyson DC21 is impressive. It pulled more dirt, debris and pet hair from carpets than we expected -- and its suction never lagged. In fact, even after vacuuming the carpet with a competitor, the Dyson DC21 still picked up debris the competitor missed. It left carpets looking bright, and fluffed and refreshed. Although many canisters can't seem to perform with the same powerful efficiency as a heavy-duty upright vacuum, the Dyson DC21 Motorhead Stowaway Canister Vacuum is an exception. In fact, we'd argue that it outperforms many of the uprights -- and canisters -- we've evaluated.

The Dyson DC21 has a 16-foot power cord, which is not as long as we'd like. However, the power cord does retract automatically, which is a handy feature. The DC21 has a clear collection chamber, which can be removed with the push of a button. The bottom of the chamber flips open to purge the contents into a waste bin. The debris empties with more ease than other brands we've tested, but it's still a good idea to empty it into a tall waste bin (which helps contain any dust). The Dyson DC21 is equipped with a lifetime HEPA filter; the vacuum's exhaust has up to 150 times less bacteria and mold than the air we breathe, claims the company.

The DC21 has a higher price tag than some of its competitors, but it also has a 5-year warranty and the power we look for in a vacuum. The Dyson DC21 Motorhead Stowaway Canister Vacuum isn't perfect, but it's close.


Pros: 5-year warranty, HEPA filter, powerful suction, ball joint steering
Cons: Price, short power cord

Warranty
5 years