Dyson V12 Detect Slim Review: We Love This Sleek Cordless Vacuum for Tight Spaces
Updated: Jun. 26, 2024
Our Product Testing Team put the Dyson V12 Detect Slim vacuum to the test. Here's how Dyson's lightest cordless vacuum performed.
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It’s no surprise that the best cordless vacuums on the market are investments. After all, these powerful machines keep every inch of the home spotless, making them valuable tools in your home cleaning arsenal.
In a quest to identify the top performers worthy of your hard-earned money, our Product Testing Team put both Shark and Dyson cordless vacuums to the test.
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim emerged as a clear winner, earning its place as the best option for small homes and apartments thanks to its sleek, lightweight frame and ease of maneuvering in tight spaces. While this model’s smaller footprint will appeal to those tight on storage space, its improved technology and impressive features—many of which are shared by the more expensive models—will still wow those looking for high suctioning power and vacuum performance.
After rigorously testing the V12 alongside other models, our team reached the unanimous conclusion that bigger isn’t always better.
What is the Dyson V12 Detect Slim?
Weighing just 5.25 pounds, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is the lightest and slimmest of all the Dyson cordless vacuums, making it the perfect pick for smaller homeowners or apartment dwellers. Thanks to its compact size, small bin and ability to transform into a handheld vacuum, it’s also an ideal option for anyone who struggles with lugging a heavier machine around, as it’s conveniently easy to carry from room to room.
This latest model offers improved illumination for revealing invisible dust and smart suctioning power that adjusts based on detected dust volume. It features three modes—Eco, Auto and Boost—providing up to 60 minutes of cordless vacuuming, and comes equipped with an arsenal of handy attachments:
- Motorbar cleaner head: This head utilizes Dyson’s latest hair detangling technology and features hair removal vanes to automatically clear hair as it cleans.
- Fluffy Optic cleaner head: Illuminates microscopic dust on hard floors and captures particles with its soft nylon and anti-static carbon fiber filaments (adjusting suctioning power based on dust volume detection).
- Hair screw tool: A conical brush that quickly removes hair from stairs, car seats and pet beds.
- Crevice tool: Reach every nook and corner of your house with this narrow, precision-cleaning attachment.
- Combination tool: A two-in-one, wide nozzle and brush dusts and cleans around your home or car.
While the V12’s impressive motor is enough to speak to the machine’s performance and deep-cleaning capabilities, you can also refer to the smart LCD screen, which displays real-time scientific proof of what’s been sucked up as you clean.
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We Tried It
Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Dyson’s lightest intelligent cordless vacuum is perfect for tight spaces.
How We Tested the Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Our team put the Dyson V12 Detect Slim to the test in our Product Testing Lab alongside other popular Shark and Dyson vacuums, including the Dyson V8. A total of 15 tests were performed, and various types of debris—cornflakes, glitter and hair—were sucked off various surfaces, including tile, low- and high-pile carpet. We also collected data points on battery runtime, maneuverability and clearance around and under furniture.
While performance was a top priority, we also took the following important factors into consideration:
- Packaging and setup
- Specs and features
- Accessories
- Cleaning and emptying
- Value
Apart from the inclusion of the standard crevice tool and combination and hair screw tools, we appreciated that the “Fluffy Optic” head (which we loved from one of the pricier Dyson machines) also comes with this model.
While the Dyson V12 Detect Slim has three settings, our testers found that it performed efficiently on just Auto/Standard mode when used on medium- and high-pile carpets. We even witnessed the “reactive suck power” in action when it was triggered by heavier messes (we could hear the power/level of suction increase).
During out testing, the hair screw tool performed exceptionally well—hair didn’t get tangled or wrapped, it was sucked right into the chamber. Similar to hair, the machine did a fantastic job tackling glitter and cornflakes. While it admittedly kicked a very small amount of cereal bits around, it devoured everything for the most part. While a smaller bin means more frequent emptying, the ease of doing so made this task a breeze: Simply “point and shoot” the contents into a trash can, and you’re ready to go.
Overall, we absolutely loved the Dyson V12 Detect Slim’s compact design; grabbing it for quick cleans never felt so convenient and effortless.
Long-Term Testing
After our initial tests in the office, Associate Product Tester Dylan Fischer took the Dyson home for additional research. He has been testing the Dyson V12 Detect Slim in his own home for the past three months and says it’s been nothing short of a game-changer.
“It’s incredibly maneuverable and can get under/around all my furniture. It has excellent edge cleaning, as it easily picks up any dust resting against my baseboards,” Dylan says. “It’s got some nice accessories and different heads, but it’s still lightweight and very easy to take apart and store.”
Dylan adds, “The battery life can be a bit brief (I believe it’s a little over 20 minutes on standard suction mode), but it works perfectly for me in my one-bedroom apartment.”
Pros:
- Small head performs well in tight spaces
- Compact and lightweight frame
- Strong suction on carpets
- Illuminates dust on hardwood floors
- Adapts suction based on debris volume
- Smart LCD screen
- Converts to a handheld
- Dust cup easy to wipe down
Cons:
- Small waste bin
- Suction too aggressive for area rugs
Why You Should Trust Us
Our Product Testing Team knows a thing or two about cleaning products. After all, we have homes to keep tidy, too. And when a product impresses us, we evaluate it further by making it a part of our regular cleaning routine.
Our Product Testing Team has three years of combined experience testing and evaluating products for use in and out of the home. We also compare top brands, covering everything from Shark vs. Dyson vacuums to Weber vs. Napoleon grills. For each test, our experts spend over 40 hours conducting firsthand research in our Testing Lab. We only recommend the best products using honest and fair testing practices.
Where to Buy the Dyson V12 Detect Slim
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We Tried It
Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Dyson’s lightest intelligent cordless vacuum is perfect for tight spaces.
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is available at many retailers, including Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair. You can also buy it directly from Dyson. It’s our top pick if you’re tight on space but still want cordless, intelligent suctioning power.
Originally Published: June 25, 2024
