Dyson V12 Detect Slim Review

Pros

• Lighter than other models, just 5.2 pounds
• Fantastic performance in cleaning tests, removed 98.6% of total debris by weight
• Easily cleaned long hair and pet hair

Cons

• Expensive, especially compared to non-Dyson
• Small dustbin, just 0.1 gallons / 0.38 liters

Scoring

In This Review

Cleaning Test | Long Hair Test | Pet Hair Test | Runtime Test | Noise Test | Usability | Accessories | Size | Specs | Summary

Performance Tests

To test the cleaning performance and usability on the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, we put it through 6 different tests in our office and studio space. 

These tests include:

• Cleaning test
• Hair test
• Pet hair test
• Runtime test
• Noise test
• Usability test

Cleaning Test

For our cleaning test, we use 4 different debris types (sugar, kitty litter, rice, and cereal) on 3 different floor types (hardwood, low pile carpet, and high pile carpet). After placing the debris, we run the vacuum on max power over the debris and measure how much of it was removed by weight. 

The cleaning performance of the V12 Detect Slim was excellent. Across all tests it was able to remove 98.6% of debris.

Despite this excellent performance, it did seem to struggle with the smaller debris types on carpet. 

Hardwood Floor Cleaning

On hardwood floors, the V12 worked fantastically. For this floor type we used the Laser Slim Fluffy, which is designed for hard surface floors (hardwood, tile, vinyl, laminate, etc.) 

The soft brushroll was perfect for this test, handling all debris types with ease. 

Low Pile Carpet Cleaning

Performance on low pile carpet was also good. For this and the high pile carpet tests, we switched to the multi-surface Motorbar cleaning head.

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim handled most of the debris without issue, however, it didn’t capture all of the sugar.

While most of it was gone, there was still some within the carpet after cleaning. 

High Pile Carpet Cleaning

Similarly to low pile carpet, performance was excellent, except with sugar. 

Despite that, most of the debris was removed and I would still consider this fantastic performance overall. 

Long Hair Test

For our hair test, we place strands of hair in the direct cleaning path of the vacuum. We then run the vacuum over it and check to see how much hair was removed, and if any tangled in the brushroll.

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim handled long hair with ease. It was able to remove 100% of the hair we placed on the floor.

In addition, the majority of the long hair did not get tangled around the brushroll. What little hair did tangle was easy to remove by hand.

Pet Hair Test

For our pet hair test, we brought the vacuum over to our Content Manager’s house and vacuumed a rug that had a lot of pet fur embedded within.

His dog sheds often and a lot, and as people move throughout the house, the pet hair gets pressed into the carpet and rugs. 

After using the Dyson V12 Detect Slim on max power the majority of the pet fur was removed. While I noticed a stray hair here or there in the carpet, ~95% of the hair was removed with just two passes of the vacuum. 

The brushroll within the Motobar head was able to agitate the rug successfully and remove the hair. 

Runtime Test

For our runtime test, we fully charge the battery and let the vacuum run on each mode with the Motorbar head attached until the battery runs out of power.

Here are the results from our test:

Our testing showed the Dyson V12 Detect Slim to have a runtime between 7 and 51 minutes. Dyson states the vacuum has a run time of 60 minutes with no motorized accessories attached.

This is about average among other cordless vacuums we have tested. In addition, the battery takes about 4 hours to charge, which is also consistent with other cordless vacuums. 

The battery on the V12 Detect Slim is removable. As a result, if you want an extra long run time you can simply purchase an extra battery.

Noise Test

To test the noise levels of the Dyson V12 Detect Slim we run the vacuum on each suction setting and measure the noise generated with a noise meter from about 3’ away. 

Our testing showed the V12 Detect Slim to have a noise range of 52-59 dB. This level of noise is similar to the hum of a refrigerator or moderate rainfall. This is around 20 dB quieter than a typical corded upright vacuum.

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

When setting up, using, and maintaining the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, I found the usability to be fantastic. The design is similar to the non-slim cordless vacuum Dyson makes, with a few notable changes.

As with other stick vacuums, it’s lightweight, has a click-in battery, is easy to move around, and lays low to the ground. 

Setup

Setting up the V12 Detect Slim is quick and easy. Keep in mind the battery will come partially charged, but Dyson recommends fully charging the battery before first use. After that the device is essentially ready to go. Simply attach the desired cleaning head or attachments.

Here is what comes with the Dyson V12 Detect Slim:

• Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head
• Motorbar cleaner head
• Hair screw tool
• Crevice tool
• Combination tool
• Wand clip
• Charger
• Docking station

Additional setup is required if you wish to use the docking station.

Controls & Display

Power control is the biggest change from the standard Dyson design. In previous models, the power was controlled via a trigger. When the trigger is pressed, vacuum powers, when you’re not holding it, no power.

In the case of the V12 Detect Slim, there is a button located on the body of the vacuum to power the device on and off. No more trigger.

While this change is certainly preferential, personally I like it. Oftentimes when grabbing an older Dyson model, I would accidentally power on the device. This wasn’t a huge issue, but relocating the power button has solved it completely. 

Also, one of the most common complaints we’ve seen on Dyson’s broader cordless lineup is simply that users hate having to hold the trigger down.

On top of the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is an LCD that conveys information about the vacuum. This information includes:

• Current power mode
• Remaining battery life
• Current particle intake
• Maintenance alerts

While it’s nice to know the current particle intake the vacuum is cleaning, it isn’t particularly useful to the user. However, the vacuum uses this information to automatically adjust the suction power of the vacuum when in auto mode. 

Additionally, below the display is a small button that can be pressed to adjust the suction mode or toggle through alerts. 

Maintenance

Taking care of the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is simple. The most common task will be emptying the dustbin. Compared to the other stick vacuums from Dyson, the dustbin is notably smaller, meaning you will need to do this more often. 

Otherwise, you will need to wash the filter in the main unit, as well as the soft brushroll depending on use. 

Accessories

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim comes with a variety of accessories to assist in everyday cleaning.

Key accessories that are included are:

• Motorbar cleaner head
• Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head
• Hair Screw tool
• Crevice tool
• Combination tool

For multi-surface cleaning, Dyson included the Motorbar cleaner head. It can handle all floor types and is the most universal attachment included. In addition, the cleaning head can be adjusted to better fit different floor and debris types. 

The Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head uses a soft brush roll designed for hard floors. On top of that, it uses a built-in laser to illuminate particles on the floor. 

The Hair Screw tool is designed to avoid hair getting tangled around the brushroll. In our long hair tests, the Motorbar cleaning head handled the task very well.

However, if you clean up a lot of long hair or want to use handheld mode for hair / pet hair, this tool is perfect. 

Like many cordless vacuums, a combination tool and crevice tool are both included. These are great for reaching tight spaces or cleaning up dust. 

Size & Dimensions

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim looks and feels like your standard stick vacuum, but smaller. 

• Width – 9.8”
• Length – 49.1”
• Height – 9.9”
• Weight – 5.2 lbs

The base unit is 1.6 lbs. lighter than the Dyson V15.

In addition, the dustbin is smaller at 0.1 g / 0.38 liters and there is slightly less suction power at 150 AW. Otherwise, the V12 Detect Slim moves and feels like any high-performance cordless stick vacuum.

It can take tight corners and lay almost completely flat on the ground. 

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Specifications

Specifications
Type	Stick vacuum
Manufacturer	Dyson
Model	V12 Detect Slim
Height	9.9″
Width	9.8″
Length	49.1″
Floor Type	All
Dust Bin Capacity	0.1 gallons / 0.38 liters
Suction Power	150 AW
Cordless	Yes
Bagless	Yes
Returns	Varies by retailer
Warranty	2-year
Price	Check Price

Dyson V12 Detect Slim vs. Absolute

There are two different versions to choose from with the Dyson V12, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim and Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute. In both the Detect Slim Absolute and base Detect Slim versions, the vacuum is exactly the same. The only difference is the included accessories. 

	V12 Detect Slim	V12 Detect Slim Absolute
Digital motor	V12 Detect Slim	V12 Detect Slim
Runtime	~60 mins	~60 mins
Dust Bin	0.1 gallons / 0.38 liters	0.1 gallons / 0.38 liters
Weight	5.2 lbs	5.2 lbs
Max Suction	150 AW	150 AW
Motorbar	Yes	Yes
Laser Fluffy cleaner head	Yes	Yes
Hair screw tool	Yes	Yes
Crevice tool	Yes	Yes
Combination tool	Yes	Yes
Wand clip	Yes	Yes
Docking station	Yes	Yes
Fabric and mattress tool	No	Yes
Up-top adaptor	No	Yes
Mini soft dusting brush	No	Yes

With the Absolute you get access to the Up-top adaptor. This tool adds extra flexibility to the cleaning wand as it can bend and lock at various angles. 

Furthermore, you get the Fabric and mattress tool, which are designed to effectively remove dirt and allergens from mattresses and upholstery.

The final tool, the Mini soft dusting brush, makes dusting delicate surfaces and fabrics easy to do with the vacuum. 

Both the base Detect Slim and Detect Slim Absolute include the multi-surface Motorbar cleaning head and the Laser Fluffy soft cleaning head.

Should you buy the Dyson V12 Detect Slim?

I would recommend the Dyson V12 Detect Slim if you are looking for the following features:

• A lighter stick vacuum: The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is designed with a smaller body, smaller dustbin, and less suction power. But this doesn’t mean less performance, in fact, performance was excellent across the board.
• Excellent cleaning performance: With a 98.6% debris removal rate in our tests, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is more than capable of handling any mess. Additionally, it comes with accessories that enhance the cleaning experience. Whether cleaning on hard floors or between cushions on a sofa, the Detect Slim has the right performance and tool for the job. 
• Manges pet hair well: In our tests cleaning long hair and pet hair, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim showed excellent performance. It removed the majority of the pet hair from the rug and avoided tangles around the brushroll. If you are especially concerned about long hair, the included Hair Screw tool will manage the job.

For more information or to buy the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, click here.