Expert review of the Dyson V11 Absolute

The Dyson V11 Absolute is no longer available. View our Dyson stick vacuums assortment and find the most suitable stick vacuum for you

This stick vacuum is a real beauty, but its high price also raises my expectations. Once I've unpacked everything and put it on the floor, I see the following:

• The stick
• Motor and dust container
• Floor nozzle
• Soft floor nozzle
• Small mini brush
• Crevice tool
• 2-in-1 accessory
• Upholstery brush
• Soft dusting brush
• Charger
• Wall mount
• Manual

I easily click the components together and immediately take it for a spin in the living room. I notice that the stick vacuum very smoothly glides over the floor. It feels very maneuverable and it's easy to take turns. It's also easy for me to circle chair legs, and I can put the vacuum flat on the floor to reach underneath the couch. There's a clip on the stick that holds the accessories. It allows me to vacuum some cookie crumbs from the couch while I'm at it.

The first thing I notice is the display on the back of the vacuum. I don't recognize it from other Dyson stick vacuums, so I'm curious. There's a booklet stuck to the stick vacuum containing more information, which is very useful. While I'm vacuuming, the display gives me information on the battery life and vacuum setting. The battery life is even indicated down to the second.

I already read something about the automatic Torque floor nozzle in the booklet on the stick vacuum. Supposedly, it means that whenever I put the stick vacuum in 'auto mode', the suction power is automatically adjusted to suit the surface. I move from my laminate flooring to the carpet. I hear the suction power increasing while the battery life decreases. This way, you can vacuum in the right setting to optimally use the battery. Keep in mind, though, that only the V11 Absolute has this function.

Besides the automatic setting, the display shows 2 other vacuum settings. I use the round button to switch between them. I have a basic laminate floor at home, so the lowest setting (eco) is sufficient for me. I change the suction power to 'auto'. I hear the suction power increasing and I instantly see a different battery life. That's useful! The 'boost' setting packs a punch. I think it's useful when you need to remove pet hairs from the rug, but I won't need it at home.