Dyson Gen5 Detect Review

Pros

• Fantastic debris removal of 98.4%
• Nearly perfect long and pet hair management
• Intuitive built in crevice and dusting brush
• Attachments that aid in cleaning situations

Cons

• Incredibly expensive
• Powerful suction may blow away smaller debris in specific situations

Scoring

In This Review

Debris Test | Long Hair Test | Pet Hair Test | Wind Speed Test | Smoke Sealant Test | Runtime Test | Noise Test | Usability | Accessories | Size | Specs | Summary

Performance Tests

There are two versions of the Gen5 Detect, the standard and absolute. In both cases the vacuums are the same with the only difference being color scheme.

With previous Dyson vacuums the Absolute version came with more accessories than the standard edition. Currently with the Gen5 Detect that isn’t the case, but it is possible Dyson will change that in the future.

We tested the Dyson Gen5 Detect. To do this, we put it in 8 different tests to measure the overall cleaning performance and usability.

These tests include:

• Cleaning test
• Hair test
• Pet hair test
• Wind speed test
• Runtime test
• Smoke sealant test
• Noise test
• Usability test

Cleaning Performance

Across all cleaning categories the Dyson Gen5 Detect showcased fantastic results.

Debris Test

To test the debris removal performance of the Dyson Gen5 Detect , we put it through a series of 12 different cleaning scenarios consisting of 3 different floor types and 4 different debris types.

We measure 0.5 oz. of each debris type, laying it in rows on the floor for the vacuum to clean. Next, we run the Gen5 Detect over the debris on the highest suction power with a singular forward and backward pass. After, we measure how much of the debris remains by weight and compare it to the starting amounts to determine performance.

Here are the overall results for the Dyson Gen5 Detect:

Cleaning performance was incredible for the Dyson. It was notably better than the average cleaning performance across all vacuums we’ve tested to date, which is a 91.6% overall debris removal.

However, a common issue we experienced on all floor types, especially the carpets, was the smaller debris not being completely removed. I suspect this was due to the considerable amount of blowback created by the vacuum as it cleans.

The lighter debris would get blown away from the vacuum as it cleaned, moving it to a different location. While this was an issue in our cleaning test where we perform a singular forward and backward pass over the debris, it wouldn’t be as large of an issue in the home, where you would perform multiple cleaning passes.

Hardwood Floor Cleaning

Performance on hardwood floors was stellar for the Gen5 Detect.

Every single debris type was removed almost completely. In all cases where 99% of the debris was removed, only a small amount of the sugar, kitty litter, or rice remained.

Compared to the average across all vacuums we’ve tested, the Gen5 Detect had significantly better performance. On average we see 87.8% debris removal on hardwood flooring.

For the hardwood floor we used the Fluffy Optic cleaning head, which is designed for hard surfaces. For the other floor types, we equipped the standard Motorbar cleaning head.

Low Pile Carpet Cleaning

Low pile carpet cleaning performance was also excellent for the Dyson Gen5 Detect.

However, carpet is where we start seeing issues with smaller debris and blowback. Both the sugar and kitty litter had small amounts get blown away while cleaning. That said, it is still better than average.

On average we see vacuums remove 94.7% of sugar and 97.8% of kitty litter on low pile carpet. In both cases the Gen5 Detect is better.

Additionally, I needed to utilize the adjustment feature of the cleaning head of the Dyson while on carpet. We will talk about this feature in greater detail later, but for both low and high pile carpet, the suction needed to be changed.

High Pile Carpet Cleaning

It is a similar story on high pile carpet: excellent performance, with minor issues with sugar and kitty litter.

Again, while the blowback issues did slightly hurt the overall score, the performance was still better than average.

On average we see vacuums remove 91.3% of all debris on high pile carpet. The Dyson Gen5 Detect shows significantly better performance on this floor type.

Long Hair Test

To test how well the Dyson Gen5 Detect manages long hair and avoids tangles, we pit it against 1.0 grams of long hair. We lay the strands on hair on hardwood flooring and run the vacuum over it on the maximum suction power with a single forward and backward pass. After cleaning, we check the floor for hair and the brushroll for tangles.

Long hair performance was fantastic for the Dyson Gen5 Detect. The numbers don’t show it, but there were a few strands around the brushroll after testing. That said, the amount of hair was so minimal that our most precise scale couldn’t detect it.

Additionally, the hair was simple to remove, only requiring my fingers to pull the strands of hair out. On average, vacuums have 0.13 grams of hair tangle in the brush roll and oftentimes the hair requires scissors to remove it from the brush roll.

In contrast, the Dyson had much less hair and it was significantly easier to remove.

Pet Hair Test

For our pet hair test, we nestle 1.0 grams of pet hair into high pile carpet fibers. Next, we run the vacuum over the carpet with a single forward and backward pass on the highest suction power. Finally, we measure the amount of remaining pet hair in the carpet and compare it to the starting amounts to determine performance.

Pet hair performance was exceptional for the Dyson Gen5 Detect. As with the long hair test, there remained an incredibly small amount of pet hair on the carpet.

Again, it was so small that our scale couldn’t even detect it.

Wind Speed Test

Vacuums with higher wind speed can create higher suction power. To measure the wind speed of the Dyson Gen5 Detect we utilize an anemometer placed flush against the extension wand of the vacuum. We then measure the amount of inward suction generated by the vacuum on each mode.

Here’s what we found:

Compared to the average across stick vacuums we’ve tested for wind speed, the Dyson Gen5 Detect falls behind in each mode. Here is the average wind speed we’ve measured in each mode:

The lower wind speed was surprising, however, it did not seem to have any significant impact on cleaning performance. According to Dyson’s specs, the Gen5 Detect has 262 AW (air watts) of suction power.

This would make it the highest suction cordless vacuum on the market. In addition, it has higher suction power than many high end corded upright vacuums.

Sealed System Test

For the sealed system test, we want to determine how well the entire vacuum system is sealed. Vacuums that are properly sealed ensure that dust and debris vacuumed stays inside the vacuum. Vacuums that are not properly sealed may spread dust and debris around your home.

To test this, we set up a fog machine and place the tube of the vacuum directly in front of the output nozzle. We then turn the vacuum on and release short streams of smoke into the vacuum, checking how well the device is sealed.

We found the Dyson Gen5 Detect to be completely sealed.

None of the smoke released into the vacuum was able to escape the dustbin. It remained fully contained within the vacuum.. This is fantastic performance and exactly what we are looking for in a high performance vacuum.

Runtime Test

To test the run time of the Dyson Gen5 Detect we fully charge the battery and run the vacuum until it dies in each mode. We record the run time with a stop watch.. Please note, we leave the extension wand and Motorbar cleaning head attached for this test. 

Here are the results from our test:

Dyson’s overall runtime is excellent. Dyson states you will have up to 70 minutes of runtime on Eco mode, and our testing confirms their marketing claims.

While we did test Auto mode, the actual runtime may vary based on floor and debris type. 

Noise Test

Vacuums are loud while in operation. To measure how loud, we run them on high pile carpet on each power mode and measure the noise generated with a sound meter. Before the test, we take a measurement of the ambient noise in the room to use as a baseline comparison to the vacuum. 

The noise levels we recorded for the Dyson Gen5 Detect fall within expected levels for a high performance vacuum. On average, we see vacuums generate noise in the 70-75 dB range. While the Gen5 Detect is louder in most cases, it isn’t by much. 

Common noise levels:

• 20 dB – rustling leaves
• 30 dB – whisper
• 40 dB – quiet library, babbling brook
• 50 dB – refrigerator, moderate rainfall
• 60 dB – normal conversation, dishwashers
• 70 dB – traffic, showers
• 80 dB – alarm clock, telephone dial tone

Usability

Usability is excellent across the board for the Dyson Gen5 Detect. It keeps a lot of the similar design choices made with previous Dyson stick vacuums, but adds a few new features that greatly improve usability.

One of the most notable additions is the ability to switch to handheld mode without needing to attach an accessory. Instead, Dyson has included a new button on all Gen5 stick vacuums that quickly changes the device from full-length vacuum to handheld device.

We find this feature incredibly useful as it reduces the hassle of changing out (and storing) accessories as you clean. Of course there are other accessories that attach more traditionally, but the built in combination tool vastly improves the cleaning experience.

Setup

Included with the Dyson Gen5 Detect are a few accessories that aid in storing the vacuum and cleaning the house.

Here is what is included with the Dyson Gen5 Detect:

• Dyson Gen5 Detect body
• Fluffy Optic cleaner head
• Digital Motorbar cleaner head
• Hair screw tool
• Built-in crevice tool
• Combination tool
• Wall Dok
• Charger
• Battery
• Manuals & documents

Out of the box, the device is essentially ready to clean. However, the battery will most likely not come fully charged upon initial purchase, so it is important to fully charge the battery before first use. Excluding the battery charging time, setup takes a single person less than 5 minutes to complete.

Controls & Display

There are a few different pieces you will commonly interact with when using the Dyson Gen5 Detect. On top of the device lies two buttons that control the functionality of the vacuum as well as a display, which conveys information about the vacuum as you clean.

The first red power button will start/stop the vacuum. The second silver button will switch between the 3 modes available. The middle mode for the Gen5 Detect also functions as an auto mode when certain cleaning attachments are installed.

Auto mode uses internal sensors to measure the amount of incoming debris, as well as detect what floor type you are cleaning on. It then uses this information to automatically adjust the suction power as needed.

The particulate data the vacuum detects is then also displayed to the users on the top display. While cleaning, it will display current particulate intake and after cleaning it will display a report of the cleaning session. In addition, the display will also show the remaining estimated battery life. 

Other controls you will be using are the trigger to open the dust bin and buttons to detach various pieces of the vacuums. As mentioned previously, there are two buttons near the extension wand of the Gen5 Detect. One to remove the extension wand and the other to reveal the built-in crevice tool.

Maintenance

Maintenance is quite simple for the Dyson Gen5 Detect, with the primary task being emptying the dustbin as needed. This is done in Dyson’s classic point-and-shoot style via a lever on the device.

In addition, you will need to maintain the vacuum, removing blockages or tangles, cleaning the accessories, and washing the filter. The vacuum will notify you if the filter needs to be washed. Be sure to let the filter fully dry before reinstalling.

Accessories

There are a few, but incredibly useful accessories included with the Dyson Gen5 Detect. The first being the built-in crevice and dusting tool inside the extension wand of the device. While a combination tool of this sort is fairly standard across all vacuums, the decision to have it built-in, and thereby easier to access, is a great choice.

There is also the Charging Dok, a wall hanging dock for your vacuum that is similar to versions in previous models. In addition, Dyson included another attachment commonly seen with their devices, the combination tool.

For a standard cleaning head, Dyson chose their Digital Motorbar. It has built-in combs that help reduce tangling for hair, in addition to a switch on the front that adjusts the suction level of the vacuum.

With the switch you can raise or lower a gate on the cleaning head, therefore creating more or less suction with the floor. As mentioned previously, this feature aided in our cleaning tests and has been a welcome addition that Dyson has had on a number of models.

To assist with hard surfaces, the Fluffy Optic cleaning head is included. Not only is the soft brush roll perfect for managing hard surfaces, it also has a built-in laser, which illuminates debris as you clean. This green light does a fantastic job at highlighting debris and ensuring you pick up every single piece.

Finally, Dyson also includes the Hair screw tool. This smaller sized cleaning head is designed to manage long hair without tangles. Thanks to the anti-tangle combs the Motorbar does a fantastic job already. However, if back-up is needed, the hair screw tool is more than capable of handling the job.

Size & Dimensions

In terms of size and weight, the Dyson Gen5 Detect is fairly standard. As with most cordless stick vacuums it is incredibly easy to maneuver, has a lightweight design, and can lay down almost completely flat.

Here are the dimensions:

• Width – 9.8″
• Length – 10.9″
• Height – 50.2”
• Weight – 7.7 lbs.

In addition, the Gen5 Detect has a 0.2 gallon dustbin (0.76 liters), which is exactly the same as the Dyson V15. The overall build quality is fantastic, with some minor changes made to material used or the overall feel of the device.

That said, I will note some concern about the new built-in crevice tool. While this is a fantastic feature, it also makes that section of the vacuum flex a little more than previous models. Hopefully, this concern is unwarranted and the increased flex isn’t an issue later on.

Dyson Gen5 Detect vs. Gen5 Detect Absolute vs. Gen5 Outsize vs. Gen5 Outsize Absolute

Currently with the Gen5 series there are effectively 2 different models. The Gen5 Detect and the Gen5 Outsize. Both of these models have Absolute editions, which currently only differ in color scheme from their base model.

However, with previous models Dyson would add extra accessories with the Absolute versions. We suspect Dyson may update these versions in the future with additional tools.

Here are the similarities and differences between these 4 models:

Specs	Gen5 Detect	Gen5 Detect Absolute	Gen5 Outsize	Gen5 Outsize Absolute
Height	50.2"	50.2"	50.0"	50.0"
Width	9.8"	9.8"	12.6"	12.6"
Weight	7.7 lbs.	7.7 lbs.	8.6 lbs.	8.6 lbs.
Dust Bin Capacity	0.2 gal (0.76 liters)	0.2 gal (0.76 liters)	0.5 gal (1.9 liters)	0.5 gal (1.9 liters)
Run time	70 min.	70 min.	70 min.	70 min.
Batteries	Click-in	Click-in	Click-in, 2x	Click-in, 2x
Suction Power	262 AW	262 AW	250 AW	250 AW
Floor Type	All (indoor)	All (indoor)	All (indoor)	All (indoor)
Color Scheme	Purple & Silver	Prussian Blue & Copper	Purple & Silver	Prussian Blue & Copper
Auto Mode	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Built-in Crevice tool	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Motorbar Cleaning Head	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Fluffy Optic Cleaning Head	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hair Screw Tool	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Combination Tool	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Warranty	2 years	2 years	2 years	2 years
Price	Check Price		Check Price

While the majority of accessories and features are the same between the Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize, there are a few notable differences. Mainly, a larger size overall for the Outsize. 

It packs a larger dustbin and larger motorbar cleaning head for larger homes. While the battery is the same across all Gen5 Dyson vacuums, the Gen5 Outsize includes an additional battery and charging cable for extended cleaning sessions. 

Dyson Gen5 Detect Specifications

Specifications
Type	Cordless Stick
Manufacturer	Dyson
Model	Gen5 Detect
Height	50.2″
Width	9.8″
Length	10.9″
Weight	7.7 lbs.
Floor Type	All (indoor)
Filter	HEPA
Dust Bin Capacity	0.2 gal (0.76 liters)
Run time	70 min.
Suction Power	262 AW
Cordless	Yes
Bagless	Yes
Returns	Varies by retailer
Warranty	2 years
Price	Check Price

Should you buy the Dyson Gen5 Detect?

I would recommend the Dyson Gen5 Detect if you are looking for the following features:

• Powerhouse of a vacuum: Across all forms of cleaning the Dyson Gen5 Detect showed it is more than capable for any task. It removed 98.4% of all debris across all floor types, had practically no hair tangle, and nearly all of the pet hair was removed.
• Long runtimes: If you plan to vacuum for a long period of time, you have 70 minutes to work with on eco mode. With the Gen5 Detect there is also auto mode, which automatically adjusts suction based on floor and debris type.
• Latest features and accessories: While a lot of accessories included aren’t strangers to Dyson vacuums, they all have specific functions that enhance cleaning. In addition, the built-in crevice tool is a thoughtful feature that makes switching while cleaning much easier.

For more information or to buy the Dyson Gen5detect, click here.