If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum rich with performance, convenience and style, the Dyson Slim DC18 is it. The most lightweight vacuum in Dyson's bagless upright lineup, the Slim DC18 takes about one-third the storage space of its traditional competitors, but still offers plenty of suction power, onboard attachments and ease of use.

The Dyson Slim DC18 uses advanced Root Cyclone technology developed by its creator, James Dyson. According to the company, Root Cyclone technology ensures thorough, efficient cleaning without clogging or loss of suction. While we don't often find products that live up to a company's marketing materials, the Dyson Slim DC18 is an exception. This bagless vacuum has a view-through collection canister and picked up an extraordinary amount of pet hair, dust, loose carpet fibers and debris on the first use. We then tested it on another swath of carpeting that had previously been vacuumed by a competitor. The result? They Dyson Slim DC18 sucked up dirt, dust and other debris left behind by the other vacuum -- including things we couldn't even see on the carpet that "looked" clean. The Dyson's main bristles can be turned off, so it can safely be used on bare floors. While bare floor cleaning is often a questionable feature on vacuums, the Dyson Slim DC18 vacuumed a bare floor with ease, picking up both dust and heavier items such as sand. The ability to turn off the bristles on the vacuum's main head has another advantage: The bristles won't needlessly rotate while you're busy using the onboard attachments. This eliminates the risk of creating friction-affected carpet areas.

For those who like the air in their homes to be even cleaner than their carpets, the Dyson Slim DC18 has a clean air exhaust. This means the DC18 is certified "asthma-friendly" by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; air expelled from the vacuum has up to 150 times less bacteria and mold. The DC18 has a lifetime HEPA filter that only needs to be washed every few months (no need for costly replacement filters). The collection canister that is part of the Root Cyclone system is pleasingly easy to use. It is simple to remove and, to empty the contents, one simply releases the bottom panel and it flips open. We don't have to coax the dirty contents out, which is a plus. We like the Dyson's attachments, which includes an admittedly cool telescopic wand recessed into its handle.


Pros: Constant and powerful suction, space-saving design, user friendly
Cons: Price

Warranty
5 years, parts and labor