When in the market for a new vacuum cleaner, two brand names stand out from the crowd: Orfeld and Dyson. But which of these heavy-hitters will really keep your floors the cleanest?
I’ve taken a deep dive into the specs, features, and real-world performance of the latest models from each company.
Below you’ll find a detailed, unbiased comparison to help you decide if you should splurge on a feature-packed Dyson or if the affordable reliability of Orfeld is a better match for your home cleaning needs.
Key Differences At-a-Glance
| Features | Orfeld Upright | Dyson Ball Animal 2 |
| Weight | 16 lbs | 17.35 lbs |
| Filtration | Washable microfilter | Whole-machine HEPA filtration |
| Bin Size | 1.5 quarts | 0.55 quarts |
| Suction Control | Manual settings | Automatic adjustment |
| Attachments | Basic set | Numerous specialized tools |
| Price | $149.00 | $499.99 |
Key Differences Between Orfeld And Dyson Vacuum Cleaners
Now let’s dig into the nitty gritty details! As a real-world user myself, I’ll be approaching this comparison from a practical perspective: which one actually performs better day-in and day-out when maintaining my home.
- Weight and Maneuverability
When testing vacuum cleaners side-by-side for an extended period, even a seemingly slight weight difference starts to become noticeable.
Lugging around and repeatedly lifting a 17 lb Dyson compared to a 16 lb Orfeld makes the latter feel comparatively lightweight and easier to pivot around furniture.
In addition, the low sitting ball of the Dyson Ball Animal 2 often gets caught on chair and table legs.
The upright design of the Orfeld doesn’t present the same issue as frequently during cleaning sessions.
While not a deal breaker, it’s an annoyance I learned to live with when using the Dyson.
Winner: Orfeld
- Filtration System
Here is one of the major separating factors in this head-to-head match-up.
Dyson engineered its entire machine to utilize a whole-machine HEPA filter system.
That means microscopic particles as small 0.3 microns are captured before the air exhausts the vacuum, resulting in virtually no dust kicked back into the atmosphere.
By contrast, Orfeld implements a basic microfilter that is washable to maintain suction over time.
It captures larger debris just fine, but lots of finer dust and allergens flow right through and billow out the backside of machine as you clean.
For anyone sensitive to airborne particles or who wants truly deep cleaning without kicking up clouds of dust, Dyson’s air filtration is on another level.
Winner: Dyson
- Bin Size
Another hugely important consideration for real-world use is the capacity of built-in dirt bin. Emptying a vacuum’s bin is an unavoidable task, so having to do it less frequently vastly improves the overall user experience.
Here Orfeld again has a major advantage, with a dirt bin over 3 times larger than the Dyson Ball Animal 2. With a whopping 1.5 quart capacity compared to a petty 0.55 quarts on the Dyson, you’ll empty the Dyson 3-4 times as often when cleaning the same area.
Wasting time on repeated trips to dump dirt during longer cleaning sessions gets frustrating quickly.
Winner: Orfeld
- Suction Control
The Orfeld upright features several manual suction settings allowing you to reduce airflow for more delicate tasks or when battery starts running low. Switching between full, medium, and low takes just a flip of a physical switch.
By contrast the Dyson Ball Animal 2 automatically adjusts suction when needed.
Sensors detect when there is risk of overheating from blockages or restricted airflow and reduce power accordingly to protect the motor and battery from damage.
So here’s the trade-off: Orfeld gives manual control at the cost of user oversight, while Dyson optimizes performance automatically without option to override temporary reductions.
Most users will likely prefer set-it-and-forget-it automatic adjustment to avoid needing to monitor conditions while cleaning.
Winner: Dyson
- Attachments & Accessories
Dyson goes all-in trying to cater specialized tools for every imaginable cleaning job around your home. Out of the box, the Ball Animal 2 comes with:
- Stiff Bristle Brush
- Soft Dusting Brush
- Crevice Tool
- Combination Accessory Tool
- Tangle-Free Turbine Tool
- Mattress Tool
Meanwhile the Orfeld arrives with the basics:
- Crevice Tool
- Dusting Brush
Dyson’s wider assortment lets you tailor your approach when transitioning between bare floors, upholstery, stairs and more. So if you’ll make use those extras, Dyson delivers plenty of added value.
However, the meager attachments included with Orfeld are still completely sufficient for effectively cleaning all surfaces. So this category comes down your personal preference for versatility or simplicity.
For most users focusing cleaning efforts primarily on carpets and hard floors, Orfeld’s offerings get the job done just fine. But those needing to regularly tackle pet hair on furnishings and intricate nooks around the home will get more mileage from Dyson’s specialized set.
Winner: Tie (depending on your cleaning accessory needs)
- Price
And now for the bottom line: cost comparison. This typically where prospective buyers wince at Dyson’s premium price tags running 2-4 times higher comparable alternatives like Orfeld.
However, viewed through lens of long term ownership value, Dyson still delivers strongly on your vacuum investment:
- 5 year parts & labor warranty (vs 2 years for Orfeld)
- Advanced filtration system maintains effectiveness over time (Orfeld degrades each use)
- Numerous accessories maximize versatility as cleaning needs evolve
Yet for buyers primarily needing an affordable, capable carpet cleaner, Orfeld fills that role admirably while saving you $350 compared to a Dyson.
So both deliver excellent value depending on your budget and household needs.
Winner: Tie
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still trying to decide between Orfeld and Dyson? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Dyson is very highly regarded in the vacuum industry and is hard to beat on overall performance. That said, Miele is often considered the leading brand by critics. Miele vacuum cleaners are exceptionally engineered for reliability, cleaning performance, and durability. However, they come at a significantly higher price tag than even Dyson models. For a more budget-friendly brand, Orfeld consistently ranks as the best value alternative to expensive Dyson machines.
There is no clear peer rival to Dyson in the full scope of factors: suction power, advanced filtration, extensive warranties, versatile accessories, innovative designs and cutting edge technology. However, when narrowing criteria down to more specific metrics, some models can compete closely with Dyson results:
1. Suction power – Orfeld uprights
2. Filtration – Miele Complete C3 line
3. Versatility – Shark Navigator Lift Away
4. Affordability – Hoover WindTunnel 3
So various brands do offer viable alternatives on individual attributes and price, but no single model clearly rises to Dyson’s caliber across the board. The trade off typically comes down to what features are most important in your purchasing decision.
As profiled in this comparison guide, the Orfeld upright is a leading low cost alternative to Dyson vacuums. Delivering professional-grade cleaning for under $150, it represents incredible value without making big trade-offs on power, performance, or capability.
The Orfeld:
1. Rivals suction power of Dyson
2. Large dust bin requires fewer empty trips
3. Compact for easy storage
4. Carpet cleaning on par for a fraction of the price
For a more splurge-worthy Dyson replacement at the higher end, consider the Miele Classic C1. Miele is renowned for reliability and deluxe performance. And attributes like the innovative swivel neck design and huge operating radius make the compact C1 extremely agile. Expect excellent all-surface cleaning from a true high-end appliance.
Among home users and appliance critics alike, Dyson sits firmly as the definitive industry leader in vacuum technology. Their continuous innovations in suction, filtration, lightweight designs and ease-of-use set them distinctly apart from other manufacturers year after year.
While models from Miele and other premium brands certainly give Dyson fierce competition around specific performance attributes and user scenarios, no other company matches Dyson’s prolific rate of real-world advances improving the overall vacuuming experience inside homes.
Their deep investment pioneering the cordless stick form factor has shaped the future for convenient cleaning unhindered by cables swinging area to area. And relentless progress maximizing run times allows their latest cordless line-up to tackle whole home cleaning on a single battery charge.
In totality looking across the full spectrum – power, versatility, convenience and real user benefits – Dyson vacuums have rightfully earned recognition as today’s definitive industry leader. Their combination of technical capabilities and design innovation places them clearly as the best vacuum option for most homeowners.
Closing Remarks
Based on specs and ownership experiences using both vacuum lines extensively, here is my final verdict to guide your purchase decision:
For Value Shoppers:
- Orfeld Upright Vacuum
- Powerful suction + huge dirt bin minimize hassles
- Extremely capable carpet cleaner for just $149
For Max Performance:
- Dyson Ball Animal 2
- Advanced whole-machine filtration
- Versatile accessories for whole home cleaning
- Premium 5 year warranty protection
You really can’t go wrong either way. Both are impressive appliances that will keep your floors tidy for years to come. So choose whichever best aligns with your budget, cleaning style and home needs!
