Review: The DC15 Full Kit

First Impressions The name DC15 Full Kit has one of those vacuum titles that may be a little misleading. The Full Kit is not exactly a full kit in the sense that it contains all of the add-on tools available. In fact, the DC15 Full Kit does not even have as many add-on tools as the DC15 Animal or Total Clean. What the Full Kit does have is an extra lifetime filter (the only DC15 with one), a mini turbine head (found on all DC15 models except the All Floors), and a special hard floor tool (only found on the DC15 Full Kit). Unfortunately, these "add-ons" really aren't worthy of a title like Full Kit. Nevertheless, the DC15 Full Kit is sure to have its own special nitch. It's certainly one of the best vacuums when it comes to hard floors. The long bristles of the hard floor tool cleans delicate flooring with ease. Also, the addition of the mini turbine head is sure to please pet owners, as it's the best tool for cleaning pet hair off of upholstery.

Specifications and Features The DC15 Full Kit is probably not the most attractive vacuum of the DC15 series. Overall, the DC15 does have a very nice modern design, and the ball (although fully functional), only adds to the vacuums appeal. However, the color scheme on the Full Kit consists of gray, black, and brown - all fairly dreary colors. When most people think of dyson vacuum cleaners, they think of bright, bold colors. For this reason, many might find the Full Kit a bit dull.

In spite of its looks, the exterior of the vacuum is much more durable than it may at first seem; the plastic is the same material used in the production of crash helmets.

Test Drive

Despite some significant changes in design, the DC15 Full Kit is nearly the same size and weight as the previous DC14 model. Its dimensions are 44.09"H x 13.66"W x 11.41"D. Also, the vacuum weighs 19.95 pounds (a little heavier than the DC14) and is powered by a standard 10 amp motor (2 amps less than the DC14). The telescope reach is about 37 feet long, but can be stretched to reach over 50 feet.

We have decided not to go into great detail here as we have already reviewed several DC15 vacuums, and most of the components you will find on the DC15 Full Kit. However, we did test the bare floor tool, since it is the only one we have not yet come across. The vacuum did indeed to a wonderful job on our hardwood flooring, producing a kind of shine we have seldom seen before. Whether or not it actually cleans better than the regular vacuum head is certainly up for debate. Yet, the gentle brush will certainly have less impact on your floor's protective coating, leaving it in better shape in the years to come.

Final Words

The DC15 Full Kit is fairly good all-around vacuum for people with 1) pets and 2) hard flooring. In terms of overall value, however, we would probably recommend the DC15 Animal over the Full Kit. The only case where the Full Kit is obviously the better choice is if you have very sensitive hard flooring. In this case, it would probably be best to use the Full Kit's hard floor tool, which will help maintain the surface of your flooring better than the the DC15 vacuum alone.