Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Review: 7 Data-Driven Tests

In This Review
Cleaning Performance | Build Quality | Run Time | Noise Test | Usability | Maintenance | Size | Specs | Product Evolution | Comparison | FAQs

Performance Summary

At Modern Castle we test 7 different factors that impact the performance, build quality, and usability of the wet dry vacuum. Below is a complete list of our testing categories and their performance.

Test Type	Test Data
Dry Debris Test	70.1%
Wet Clean Test	Excellent
Stain Test	Excellent
Crevice Test	69.1%
Run Time Test	202:20
Build Quality Test	Excellent
Noise Test	67.7 dB

Before we jump into the data, it’s important to note that the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine is essentially 2 vacuums in one. It is effectively the body of a normal Dyson V15 Detect. As such, it’s compatible with all of the standard V15 attachments, including the full size vacuum head and the soft roller brush.

However, because it is the V15 “s” series, it also is compatible with and includes the wet dry mopping attachment. Notably, the wet dry mopping attachment is not compatible with the regular Dyson V15. According to Dyson’s chat, there are no plans to sell the wet dry mopping attachment separately.

Video Review

The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine has outstanding performance for its vacuum capabilities, but unfortunately, it has mediocre performance with its new Dyson Submarine wet-dry mopping attachment

Keep in mind these results specifically apply to the Submarine cleaning head. For reference, here is a summary of the performance of the Dyson V15 Detect:

Dyson V15 Detect	Test Data
Overall Cleaning	99.4%
Hardwood Cleaning	100%
Low Pile Cleaning	99.3%
High Pile Cleaning	98.8%
Long Hair Tangle Avoidance	97.0%
Pet Hair Removed	100%
Edge Debris Removed	100%
Debris Removed from Deep Crevice	100%
Machine Sealing	Completely Sealed
Run Time (Eco Mode)	68:30
Noise Test (Boost Mode)	77.4 dB
Estimated Annual Maintenance Costs	$30.00

To test the debris removal performance of the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine, we put it against 4 different debris types on hardwood flooring. We measure 0.5 oz. of each debris type, laying it in rows on the floor for the mop to clean.

Next, we run the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine over the debris on the highest cleaning setting with a single forward and backward pass. After, we measure how much of the debris remains by weight and compare it to the starting amounts to determine cleaning performance.

Here are the results:

In our hardwood tests, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine was able to remove 70.1% of debris by weight. This is 11.0% less debris than the average of 81.1%, based on all of our debris tests to date.

The biggest issue we saw during testing was capturing the larger debris in the test area. It struggled to collect the cereal, rice, and kitty litter, instead pushing it around the testing area.
That said, it is still a Dyson V15. In the majority of dry debris cases, I would recommend switching to the standard cleaning head for better cleaning performance.

To test how well the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine mops on a broad scale, we perform a full clean of our office and studio space (~1,000 sq. ft.). After cleaning, we emptied the dirty water tank and observed how much dirt and debris was removed.

In our mop test, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine showcased excellent performance. On average, based on all the wet dry vacuums we’ve tested to date, we find they have excellent performance. The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine meets the average of all other wet dry mops we have tested to date.

One observation we made while testing was the cleaning difference between standalone liquid versus liquid with small debris. The Dyson Submarine attachment performed exceptionally in collecting the standalone liquid, however it struggled to collect the liquid with small debris. In our opinion, this attachment is an excellent solution for standalone liquid mopping.

For our stain test, we test to see how the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine is able to remove a dried-on stain. For this test, we stain a piece of tile flooring with grape juice, allowing it to dry. We then run the wet-dry vacuum over the stain on the highest moisture and suction mode available.

The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine was able to remove our testing stain. It took several passes (18 to be exact) in order to completely remove the stain. In the V15s Submarine’s defense, this stain was left for multiple days, was completely dry, and needed to absorb water before the cleaning head could remove it.

For our edge cleaning test, we test to see how close the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine is able to clean walls, baseboards, and the perimeter of the room. To test this, we place 0.5 oz. of debris (sugar, kitty litter, and rice) directly along the edge of the wall, extending out 4.0″ from the wall.

We then run the wet dry vacuum over the debris, as close to the edge of the wall as possible, with a single forward and backward pass. Next, we measured, in inches, how close the wet dry vacuum could clean into the wall and how much of the debris remained by weight.

In our edge cleaning tests, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine was able to remove 88.9% of debris by weight. The remaining debris was pushed up against the wall trim.

The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine has an exposed roller at the front of the cleaning head, if you push the roller up against the wall, the roller will stop spinning from the wall contact. Unfortunately, this causes the Submarine to miss additional debris that normally would be suctioned by a vacuum.

To test the crevice cleaning capability of the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine we use a specially built cleaning lane that has 3 distinct crevices of varying depths. We fill the crevices with 0.075 oz. (shallow) / 0.10 oz. (medium) / 0.150 oz. (deep) of sugar, run the vacuum over each crevice on the highest suction power with a single forward and backward pass. Finally, we measure the amount of debris remaining by weight.

In our crevice tests, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine was able to remove 54.7% of debris by weight from the deepest crevice.

Since the V15s Detect Submarine does not have a suction feature, it struggled to collect debris in our deepest crevice. Additionally, we observed the sugar clump up and begin to dissolve into the crevice. This made it even more difficult for the mopping head to collect the debris.

Our build quality test is a subjective test where we examine and assess the major material and design components of the vacuum. Specifically, we are looking for build and design issues that are more likely to break and/or be difficult to use.

Overall, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine has exceptional build quality. Since this model is effectively identical to the Dyson V15 Detect, it carries the same quality we see in all Dyson Vacuums. The plastic is thick, with all attachments fitting properly. The wheels on the roller attachments were smooth and allowed the vacuum to glide over the floor.

Part	Build Quality
Overall	Excellent
Body	Exceptional
Water Tanks	Very Good
Display / Controls	Excellent
Cleaning Head	Exceptional
Accessories	Exceptional
Docking Station	Poor

When looking specifically at the Dyson Submarine attachment, its lightweight and sturdy plastic show a promise for repeated use and durability over several years. Although, one major design flaw we have with this attachment is the unsealed dirty water tank. After cleaning, if you tilt the attachment at even the slightest degree, the dirty water will spill out on the floor.

For our run time test of the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine, we check to see how long a single full charge lasts in each mode. We do this by cleaning with the wet dry vacuum until the battery dies. We keep track of the run time using a stopwatch.

In our runtime tests, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine had a run time of 202.33 minutes on the mop power mode. This is 64.36 minutes more battery life than the average of 137.97 minutes, based on all of our runtime tests to date.

According to Dyson’s website, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine has a run time of 60 minutes.

Wet dry vacuums can be fairly loud while in operation. To measure how loud, we run them on hardwood flooring 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 wet dry vacuums. 

Power Level	Noise Level
Ambient	41.1 dB
Mop	67.7 dB

In our noise tests, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine generated a max noise of 67.7 dB on the mopping mode. This is 0.3 dB quieter than the average of 68.2 dB, based on all of our noise tests to date.

Since the Wet Dry roller doesn’t have any suction with this attachment, it comes in significantly lower in decibels measured. However, with the vacuum attachment, it produces the same decibel levels as the standard Dyson V15s Detect with the loudest mode measured at 77.4 dB.

The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine has all the great features and accessories of the V15s Detect. However, you cannot use the submarine mopping head on other Dyson models. Even though the base vacuum is the V15 Detect, this model will not recognize the mop roller if attached and cause an error in the vacuum.

Setup took no more than 5 minutes to remove from the box and organize the attachments. The vacuum did come at 45% battery, so we recommend charging the battery before its first cleaning.

The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine includes 6 accessories / attachments.

For our maneuverability tests, we check to see how easy to maneuver the Dyson V15s Submarine while cleaning. We focus on 3 key factors: can it lay down flat, how well can it turn, and how much does it weigh?

In our maneuverability tests, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine was able to fully lay flat and had exceptional turning ability. Most cordless stick vacuums we test can lay fully flat and have excellent turning ability.

The control display is on the back of the V15s Detect Submarine vacuum. It’s simple and easy to read with only 3 vacuum modes and 1 mopping mode. The display will also inform the user of how much charge is left in the battery.

In addition, it offers the same functionality the display of the V15 offers while used as a vacuum. Which includes estimated battery life, particulate sensor, and other device information.

In The Box

• Dyson V15s Detect Submarine
• Submarine Wet Roller Head
• Fluffy Optic Cleaning Head
• Digital Motorbar Cleaner Head
• Combination Tool
• Crevice Tool
• Hair Screw Tool
• Charger
• Wand Clip
• Docking Station
• Drip Tray

The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine has an estimated yearly maintenance cost of $30. The following are the major maintenance tasks for the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine.

Task	Description	Est. Annual Cost
Clean Water Tank	Fill and add cleaning solution if desired	$0
Dirty Water Tank	Empty as necessary	$0
Roller Brush	Periodically clean and replace as needed	$0
Debris Filter	Wash and empty as needed	$0
Docking Station	Wash as needed	$0
Battery	Replace as needed or every 5 years	$150

Size & Dimensions

Like any handheld cordless stick, weight matters. The Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Is the lightest wet dry mop cleaning device we have tested to date. Its compact size makes the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine extremely maneuverable, giving users of all sizes excellent handling.

Attribute	Measurement (metric)
Clean Water Tank Capacity	0.07 gal. (0.3 L)
Dirty Water Tank Capacity	0.09 gal. (0.36 L)
Height	49″ (124 cm)
Depth	11″ (27 cm)
Width	10″ (25 cm)
Weight	9 lbs. (4 kg)

Specifications

The following table details the product specifications according to the manufacturer.

Manufacturer Specifications
Type	Wet Dry Mop
Manufacturer	Dyson
Model	V15s Detect Submarine
Height	49″ (124 cm)
Depth	11″ (27 cm)
Width	10″ (25 cm)
Weight	9 lbs. (4 kg)
Floor Type	Hardfloors
Filter	n/a
Clean Water Tank Capacity	0.07 gal. (0.3 L)
Dirty Water Tank Capacity	0.09 gal. (0.36 L)
Run Time	202:20
Cordless	Yes
Warranty	2 years
Price	Check Price

Product Evolution

Dyson has a long history of manufacturing high quality devices and this is their first wet dry mop cleaning device. However, the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine isn’t a stand-alone wet dry mop but a V15 Detect with a specific wet dry mop attachment.

The attachment only works on this specific V15s model and no other Dyson models. All other models are vacuum-specific with no other wet dry cleaning attachment or capabilities.

How does Dyson V15s Detect Submarine compare?

Below is a complete list of our wet dry vacuums tests and critical product data compared side by side to the average based on all of our wet dry vacuums tests to date.

Test Type	Test Data	Avg. Data
Dry Debris Test	70.1%	81.1%
Wet Clean Test	Excellent	Excellent
Stain Test	Excellent
Edge Test	91.9%
Crevice Test	69.1%
Run Time Test	202:20	137:58
Build Quality Test	Excellent	Excellent
Noise Test	67.7dB	68.2 dB
Clean Water Tank	0.07 gal. (0.3 L)	0.2 gal. (0.7 L)
Dirty Water Tank	0.09 gal. (0.36 L)	0.1 gal. (0.6 L)
Weight	9 lbs. (4 kg)	10 lbs. (5 kg)

What sets the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine apart from other wet dry mops is its versatility in cleaning options. While the cleaning performance wasn’t the best, the V15s Detect Submarine makes up for it with its long runtime, exceptional build quality, low noise output, and high usability with multiple attachments.

Other Wet Dry Vacuums to Consider

FAQs