Looking for a very good cordless vacuum? Try a cordless vacuum from Shark! 🍒

Big, Bigger: The Dyson V11 Outsize - Our Detailed Review (UK)

Last updated: 07.07.2023 Reading time: 14 Min.

You want to go with the trend and get a cordless vacuum, but the small dust container and the suction power of older devices turn you off? ?

The Dyson V11 Outsize brings an end to this. Dyson UK thought big and thus, made the V11 big. ? You could call it the elephant among the battery vacuums because it’s got the most extensive footprints.

The Dyson V11 Outsize has a much larger dirt container, a wider floor nozzle and even more powerful suction than its predecessors.

Dyson tries to combine the advantages of conventional corded vacuums with the benefits of cordless and bagless vacuums with this new device.

But did Dyson succeed in this? We’ll get to the bottom of that in our detailed review ??

Advantages:

  • Best suction power
  • Click-in battery
  • Size of the dirt container
  • Size of the cleaning nozzle
  • Long runtime (60 minutes x2)

Disadvantages:

  • Expensive
  • Size and weight?!

Find out more about our favorites now

Our favourite
Shark
Stratos Flexology Powerfins Plus
Price from   £ 489.99 £ (499.99 )

Shark Stratos Flexology Powerfins Plus

This cordless vacuum performed exceptionally well in our tests and impressed us across the board.

Powerful suction, top cleaning performance, high quality design - just a few words that perfectly describe this Shark cordless vacuum.

A favourite among fans of cordless vacuums in the UK, Shark now ups its game with the Stratos range. Read on to find out what makes these models so special! 👇 

Outstanding cleaning performance

Whether corners, edges, carpets or hard floors...

The Shark Stratos left our floors spotless in our test! 💪

Cleaning performance on hard floors.
Cleaning performance on hard floors.

Not many vacuums can achieve this, which makes the Shark Stratos a real hot tip. 🔐

DuoClean Anti Hair Wrap Plus floorhead - perfect for all floor types

A real highlight of the Stratos cordless vacuums is the dual floorhead - two motorised brush rolls working together to tackle both hard floors and carpets.

The Anti-Hair Wrap Plus roll at the back draws out embedded dirt in carpets and deals with hair pick-up, while the front roll gets to work on hard floor dirt.

Anti-Hair Wrap Plus brush roll of the Shark Stratos.

This really works flawlessly. And the highlight:

This means you don’t have to change the brush! 💃 

Anti-Odour Technology

The Stratos range features anti-odour technology to deal with any nasty odours produced by pet dander and other dirt and dust. Just pop a cartridge into the dust bin and any unwanted smells are masked with a clean, fresh scent. 

Perfect for those of us with more sensitive noses! 👃

Automatic suction level adjustment - Clean Sense IQ

Yes, you heard right:

The Stratos automatically adjusts its suction power according to the dirt and the floor type.

This saves battery and increases cleanliness. 💪 

Speaking of saving battery power:

Despite very good runtimes, the Stratos IZ420UKT model also features an extra removable battery pack and thanks to a clever charger, you can charge two batteries at the same time.

Conclusion: Should you buy it?

So do we recommend buying a Shark Stratos cordless vacuum cleaner?

Yes, definitely! 

In addition to the advantages mentioned above, Shark offers many other clever solutions.

The device will be a real help in your everyday work.

Check Amazon*

Advantages

Powerful cleaning performance

Strong suction power

High quality

Smart, unique floorhead (DuoClean)

Practical storage function

Long battery life

Stick and handheld vacuum in one

Disadvantages

Not the quietest

Expensive

No HEPA filter

Heavier weight

The Dyson V11 Outsize in our Cleaning Test

First things first: How well does the Dyson V11 Outsize clean?

We spread different kinds of dirt on various floor types (short-pile carpet, long-pile carpet, laminate) and let the vacuum do its magic.

We also checked how the device performs in everyday life over a few weeks.

Cleaning on Hard Floors

We tried two variants at once on hard floors because Dyson supplies an extra attachment for that: the "Fluffy Head" (soft roller).

The V11 Outsize removed all the dirt without any problems with both attachments! However, the "Fluffy Head" was a bit faster.

Before/after the cleaning test on a hard floor

Cleaning on a low-pile carpet

We had to slow down the Outsize on the low carpet because its suction power in Boost mode was so strong that it sucked too hard on the carpet.

It came out with flying colours and didn’t leave a single grain behind in auto mode.

Cleaning on a low-pile carpet

Cleaning on a High-Pile Carpet

Our high carpet has never been that clean before!

The Dyson V11 Outsize removed the dirt from even the deepest parts and left nothing behind.

Cleaning on a high carpet

Cleaning in Everyday Life and Conclusion

Our test during everyday cleaning proved that dirt couldn’t stand a chance against the Dyson Outsize.

It did an outstanding job and hardly reached its limits in everyday life, even though we have children and pets at home.

Cleaning in everyday life

We could even vacuum the house three times before we had to empty the dirt container.

The Dyson V11 Outsize is just getting started where other cordless vacuums fail already.

The device ensures real deep cleaning, thanks to its super-powerful suction.

The Dyson V11 Outsize’s Design

What's new?

The Outsize is - as the name suggests - much bigger!

The dirt container holds a whopping 1.2 litres, and the engine is also larger...

...You can see that at first sight.

The Dyson V11 Outsize next to the old V7

You’ll be impressed once you hold the cordless vacuum in your hands for the first time.

How Big is the Outsize?

We measured 127 cm (50 inches) from the brush to the display. That’s still quite comfortable when vacuuming. It didn’t change much here.

The power unit has become considerably larger, though, and has a size of about 45 cm (17.7 inches).

Measuring the Dyson V11 Outsize

It's incredible that it still feels comfortable to hold!

The standard floor nozzle is also 25% larger. You can vacuum much faster with this.

The size at a glance

Category Size in cm
Size in total 127 cm (50 inches)
Power unit size 45 cm (17.7 inches)
Height power unit 27 cm (10.6 inches)
Width floor nozzle 32 cm (12.6 inches)
Height floor nozzle 6.5 cm (2.1 inches)
Width Fluffy Head 25 cm (9.8 inches)

How Heavy is the Dyson V11 Outsize?

The power unit weighs around 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs). That's quite heavy.

Weighing the Dyson V11 Outsize

You can add another 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs) for the suction tube and floor nozzle if you weigh it as a floor vacuum. However, that’s not a big deal because the vacuum cleaner rests on the floor and distributes the weight well.

The weight didn’t bother us in everyday life.

Nevertheless, the device might be too heavy for some people.

If the device is too heavy for you, but you still want the Dyson devices’ outstanding performance, check out our Dyson V11 Absolute Review.

The weight at a glance

Category Weight in kg
Total weight 3.6 kg (7.9 lbs)
Weight power unit 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)
Weight suction tube 0.25 kg (0.6 lbs)
Weight floor brush 0.86 kg (1.9 lbs)

Appearance and Quality

The Outsize looks exactly like its predecessor.

It still has that futuristic look, and the metallic colours make it look like an astronaut's tool. It’s so cool!

The motor unit and the dirt container are vertical and lead into the suction pipe.

The Dysons has a sophisticated, allergy-friendly emptying function, thanks to this design.

It’s of very high quality: everything stays in place, and the plug connections function perfectly.

The Display

The LCD display is also impressive - It’s pretty simple so that the individual colours stand out. That gives it a chic touch.

The LCD of the Dyson V11 Outsize

But it’s not just there for the looks. It also adds excellent value:

The manufacturer states that the Dyson Outsize is monitored 8000 times per second, and the display shows the data in real-time.

The display shows:

  • Remaining runtime
  • Cleaning mode
  • Error messages
  • Valuable tips (e.g. on maintenance)

Thus, the display helps monitor the cleaning process to react in time, which protects your device and lasts longer.

Accessories: Lots of Useful Things

The price for cordless vacuum cleaners depends significantly on the accessories.

The rule of thumb is, “The more accessories, the more expensive the device.”

Overview of all accessories

You might ask yourself: Do I need all this?

We’ll present some of the valuable accessories of the Outsize to answer this question:

The Suction Pipe

The suction tube is robust and has a chic metallic look. It contributes to the unique appearance of Dyson cordless vacuums.

The suction tube

The XL Torque Drive Floor Nozzle

The electric standard brush from above
XL torque drive from above
The electric standard brush from below
XL torque drive from below

This cleaner head works great on both hard floors and carpets.

They made the Outsize’s floor nozzle 25% larger so you can vacuum large areas quickly with it.

A great feature: It automatically adjusts the suction power to the surface.

The Fluffy Attachment (soft roller)

The Fluffy attachment (soft roller)
The Fluffy attachment

The Fluffy attachment (soft roller) from below
Fluffy attachment from below

This floor nozzle has soft rollers and is therefore perfect for cleaning all types of sensitive hard floors.

The dirt presses into the soft roller, picking it up more efficiently and transports it into the suction pipe.

Ensure that the Fluffy attachment is included in the delivery scope if you have mostly hard floors in your home.

The Crevice Tool

The crevice nozzle

The attached crevice nozzle
The attached crevice nozzle

The popular crevice nozzle comes in very handy when vacuuming between the upholstery or between the car seat and the dashboard.

In other words: You can reach everywhere with it, especially in crevices where dirt tends to collect. Conventional tools wouldn’t be of much help here.

The Combi Tool

The combi tool

The combination tool

The combi tool is also super practical.

You can vacuum delicate objects or edges with its soft bristles. The hard end works excellent for removing coarse dirt.

The Mini Electric Brush

Whether on a sofa, the car seats or even a mattress: The small, practical mini electric brush rotates automatically and achieves excellent cleaning results.

The Mini Electric Brush

The Mini electric brush for vacuuming upholstery
Vacuuming upholstery

See for yourself: That’s what it sucked out of our mattress.

Vacuuming the mattress

The dirt from the mattress

The Joint Attachment

You can vacuum around the corner with this attachment. That’s very practical if you want to dust off the top of the cupboards, for example.

The Joint Attachment

This makes cleaning more effortless, especially for older people, because you don't have to climb on chairs or something like that.

The Practical Wall Mount

The practical wall mount

You can easily store the V11 Outsize upright on the wall in a space-saving way, thanks to the wall mount.

The device also charges at the same time.

Wide Upholstery Brush

Wide upholstery brush

The name says it all: This cleaner head is for cleaning upholstery.

If you have the mini electric brush that we mentioned above, you can do without it.

The "wide upholstery nozzle" is just a little gentler with sensitive surfaces.

The Flexible Hose

The flexible hose

The flexible hose in use

The Outsize’s flexible hose is handy. You can’t get everywhere due to the size of the motor unit. The device is too bulky for cleaning the legroom in the car, for example.

The solution is quickly at hand: The flex hose. You can put the device next to the car and vacuum with the hose (plus another attachment).

The Extra Soft Brush

The Extra Soft Brush

This brush has very soft bristles so that you can use it to dust pictures or the like.

The Extra Hard Brush

The extra hard brush

The hard brush works excellent when removing coarse dirt on robust surfaces. It’s very suitable for the floor mat in the car, for example.

Attention: This brush causes scratches on sensitive surfaces!

Accessory clip for the suction tube

That’s a holder for accessories...

...It’s so convenient!

Simply attach it to the suction tube, and you’ll always have the right accessories at hand.

Accessory clip for the suction tube

Cleaning Features

It’s not just the suction power that determines how well your Dyson cleans. There are many other features and characteristics that matter, too.

The Electronic Floor Brushes

You can choose between the Fluffy attachment and the XL Torque Drive here.

Fluffy vs Torque from above

Fluffy vs Torque from below

Fluffy Attachment

The Fluffy attachment works excellent when cleaning hard floors like laminate, thanks to its soft floor roller and glides.

This gentle cleaning is perfect for removing dirt from sensitive floors like parquet flooring, for example.

You don’t have to worry about scratches, and the cleaning performance is excellent!

The Fluffy Attachment

XL Torque Drive

The XL Torque Drive is the standard brush.

You can use them on all floor types.

It’ll do a great job if there’s a constant change between carpets and hard floors in your home.

This cleaning head has a width of 32 cm. You can quickly vacuum the entire flat with it.

The vacuum also adapts the suction power to the surface, thanks to the XL torque drive. That’s how the device saves energy and extends the runtime.

You can enlarge the openings at the front of the brush if there’s a lot of dirt to remove. Then the floor nozzle won’t push the dirt in front of it.

We used that in our cleaning test with the oat flakes on a hard floor.

The standard floor brush

How Many Suction Levels does the Dyson V11 Outsize have?

You can choose between 3 different suction levels with the new Dyson :

  • Eco
  • Car
  • Boost

Eco mode is suitable for lighter soiling.

The boost mode is super powerful...

...you can vacuum everything with it.

The Auto mode will choose the perfect cleaning mode for you. The vacuum uses sensors to decide what cleaning mode to use, depending on the surface.

More Cyclone, More Suction Power...

...better cleaning performance!

Dyson has given its "oversize model" 18 cyclones (more on Dyson's cyclone technology; radial root cyclone technology).

The Dyson cyclone technology
Source: www.dyson.de

These cyclones circulate the "dirty air" and catapult the dirt particles into the dust container. This process generates forces of 79 000 g.

The engine has a speed of over 125 000 revolutions/minute.

All this contributes to the Dyson V11 Outsize’s maximum power of 220 airwatts.

Long story short: That’s the most powerful suction of any cordless vacuum known to date.

You’ll notice that when cleaning - it leads to outstanding cleaning results, especially on carpets.

The Conversion to a Cordless Hand Vacuum

Even though the Dyson V11 Outsize is so huge and rather heavy, you can still convert it into a cordless handheld vacuum.

The 2-in-1 function

There is a plug connection on each attachment, with which you can remove or attach attachments at the push of a button.

The connections work smoothly, and the system is self-explanatory.

You can turn the floor vacuum into a practical hand vacuum in no time.

Dyson V11 Outsize as a handheld vacuum cleaner

You can easily vacuum the couch or even your car with this hand-held vacuum (we also reviewed the best car vacuums with rechargeable batteries).

You won’t have any problems cleaning the corners or the ceiling, either.

Vacuuming the ceiling

But one thing’s for sure: The weight is noticeable here ?.

It brings a whopping 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) to the scale as a handheld vacuum - that’s a new record and might be too heavy for some people in the long run.

However, we found that the strong suction power made up for the weight during our test of the hand-held vacuum. It’s a matter of taste.

The Outsize is too bulky for some application areas, but then the flexible hose comes in handy.

Handling in the review

When it comes to handling, it is worth taking a closer look in our dyson v11 outsize review.

Installation

It's also the little things that make Dyson UK a famous brand.

You immediately notice once you open the packaging: Dyson has an eye for detail.

The manufacturer is dedicated to package and ship the new devices sustainably and without any plastic.

That earns a bonus point for sustainability!

Installing the Dyson V11 Outsize

You can find practical instructions for installation on the inside of the lid.

You just have to scan the barcode and open a handy overview.

You’re ready to go after charging the battery.

Attach the individual parts to the motor unit, and off you go...

...what a piece of cake.

I also received an email from Dyson support with tips and tricks for cleaning with a Dyson cordless vacuum after a short time.

Power Button

This question comes up with every new Dyson device: Does the new Dyson have a lockable power button?

Once again, the answer is no.

Dyson kept it that way because then, you only activate the vacuum cleaner when you are vacuuming. That’s why the devices achieve much better operating times.

We think you’ll get used to it very quickly, so it’s not a big deal. Of course, that’s a matter of taste.

Manoeuvrability

The manoeuvrability of the cordless vacuum is excellent. There are two main reasons for this:

The very flexible joints of the floor nozzles play an important role here. The Outsize moves smoothly, even the tightest curves, thanks to these joints.

The XL Torque Drive joint

The small rollers on the underside of the brushes are the other reason. They ensure that you can easily glide over the floor with the vacuum cleaner.

The small rollers and glides on the floor nozzles

Does the Dyson Outsize also get Under the Furniture?

It may seem like a simple question, but the answer is a bit more complicated. ?

Whether you can get under the furniture with the cordless vacuum cleaner depends on the furniture’s height.

The XL Torque Drive floor nozzle has a height of approx. 7 cm (2.7 inches).

The Outsize flat on the ground

Your advantage: The good thing about the Dyson is that you can bend the joint almost 180 degrees down. That’s how you can reach far back under the furniture.

How Loud is the Dyson V11 Outsize in the Test?

One thing’s for sure: The Outsize isn’t the quietest vacuum we had in the test.

Volume scale of the Dyson V11 Outsize

It roars through the house at 75 dB in boost mode. That’s almost as loud as a washing machine.

As we all know, you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs.

You’ll probably vacuum primarily in Auto mode and here the device is surprisingly quiet at just under 70 dB.

The volume in Auto mode

The volume of the Dyson V11 Outsize at a glance

Cleaning mode Volume in dB
Eco Approx. 65 dB
Auto Approx. 70 dB
Boost Approx. 75 dB

How Long can the V11 Outsize Vacuum last?

The Battery Life of the Dyson V11 Outsize

The runtime of your cordless vacuum cleaner depends on various factors: The attachment, the surface that you’re cleaning, and above all, which cleaning mode you’re using.

We got just over 62 minutes of maximum runtime in the eco mode in our test.

However, the automatic mode with approx. 45 minutes is more decisive here. That’s the mode you’ll usually use in everyday life. The ratio of runtime to cleaning power is perfect.

The vacuum lasts for a bit more than 11 minutes in boost mode, but you’ll only need it for very stubborn dirt.

The Dyson V11 Outsize’s runtimes at a glance

Power mode Runtime in minutes
Eco Approx. 60
Auto Approx. 45
Boost Approx. 11

Can I Replace the Battery?

The Dyson V11 Outsize comes with Dyson's convenient click-in system. That means you can remove and replace the battery at the touch of a button.

The Click-In Battery System from Dyson

That’s very practical if you have to vacuum for a long time at a stretch...

...You just have to replace the battery and keep going: You’ve just doubled the runtime at the touch of a button, top!

It’s also much more sustainable if you can replace the battery if its performance drops.

How Long is the Charging Time of the Dyson V11?

It takes 4.5 hours to charge the Dyson V11 Outsize’s battery fully.

The Maintenance of the Dyson V11 Outsize

Maintaining the Dyson V11 Outsize was straightforward and user-friendly in our test. That’s the way it’s supposed to be since you want to save time with your new device!

Maintenance consists of these three tasks:

  • Cleaning the brush
  • Emptying and cleaning the dirt container
  • Cleaning the HEPA filter

Cleaning the Brush

Sometimes longer hairs and threads wrap themselves around the floor nozzle’s brush. That can affect the suction power.

Therefore, it’s essential to check the floor nozzle at regular intervals and remove the dirt.

There’s a flap on the XL Torque Drive’s side for this purpose. You just have to open it to take out the roller.

The idea with the flap is good, but the implementation didn’t go that smoothly. The roller is relatively tight, so you have to put in a little more effort.

The flap of the floor nozzle

Taking out the roller.

Tip: Press the flap at a slight angle after opening it. This tilts it a little so that you can pull the roller out more quickly.

It’s a minor drawback for the Outsize, but not the end of the world.

Then you can quickly free the roller from hair and threads with a small knife or by hand.

Removing the hair from the roller

Emptying the Dust Container

We also checked how well the dust container’s emptying process works in our test.

It’s very well-thought-out and works excellent on the Dyson Outsize.

Just hold the motor unit vertically over the dustbin and move the red slider on the bottom side. Then the dirt falls into the dustbin with pinpoint accuracy.

Advantage: The dust can’t get back into the flat because nothing falls next to the dustbin. That’s great for allergy sufferers.

Emptying the Dyson V11 Outsize

The empty Dyson V11 Outsize

Our recommendation: Empty the battery-powered vacuum cleaner outside over the dustbin. Only then you can make 100% sure that dust won’t get back into the flat.

Cleaning the Dust Container

You should also clean the dust container from time to time.

There’s a small red button on the bottom of the dust container. You can easily remove the container when you press this button.

The dust container

Then you can clean it under running water or wash it out with a cloth.

How do I Clean the Dyson HEPA Filter?

The HEPA filter (high-efficiency particulate air filter) is at the back of the motor unit. You can easily remove it.

Your advantage: These are so-called long-life filters. This means they are long-lasting, so you usually won’t have to replace them.

If a filter should break, you can buy a replacement.

Changing the HEPA filter

You should check this regularly because clogged filters reduce the cleaning performance.

You can simply tap it out carefully for quick cleaning. You can also rinse some filters with cold water for a more thorough cleaning.

But be careful: The filter has to dry for 24 hours before you can use it again.

More about the HEPA filter

Dyson advertises that the HEPA filters have 6 layers and filter 99.97% of particles from the air. The HEPA filters can also catch particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is equivalent to class 13 or 14 HEPA filter performance.

How much does the Dyson V11 Outsize cost?

The battery vacuum cleaner is cheaper in the long run
The cordless vacuum cleaner is more affordable in the long run

The purchase price of the Dyson V11 Outsize is relatively high at 700 RRP, also compared to other Dyson devices. (More Dyson cordless vacuums reviews...)

But the follow-up costs are relatively low.

There are three reasons for this:

  • You have no follow-up costs for filters because Dyson uses long-life filters.
  • You don't need dust bags like with conventional vacuums because Dyson uses bagless dirt containers.
  • You get a high-quality device so that the device will last for a long time. It's a long-term investment.

A decent cordless vacuum will also save a lot of time and effort (Learn more about the advantages of cordless vacuums).

Contact Dyson UK

Customer Service: To contact Dyson UK directly, please call their helpline 0800 298 0298 or visit their live chat. The Customer helpline is available Monday to Friday (8 am - 8 pm) and Saturday and Sunday (8 am - 6 pm)

Registered office: Dyson United Kingdom - Tetbury Hill, Malmesbury SN16 0RP.

Review Conclusion: Is it worth buying the Dyson V11 Outsize?

We reviewed an exceptional cordless vacuum here.

It’s the largest and most powerful of its kind - the elephant among cordless vacuums.

The weight is a slight drawback. It might be too heavy for some people.

But: The Dyson V11 Outsize came out with flying colours in the cleaning test.

It’s also very user-friendly in handling and maintenance and has a chic design.

Dyson also offers a good solution for every "cleaning situation", thanks to the excellent accessories.

All in all, we can say that the Dyson V11 Outsize is an excellent investment!

We recommend it, especially for larger flats and houses. Those who have less space to clean can save a few pounds and buy the Dyson V11 Absolute.

Joe

I have always been excited about smart home products. User-friendliness is one of the most important criteria for new products for me and my reviews should also be user-friendly. This way, you can find the product that suits you best and I hope that our test reports offer you real added value in this way.

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