Dyson DC04From real comments

Verdict distilled from 49 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment68%
PROS 68%
CONS 32%

Rank based on 49 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want strong, consistent plug-in suction without battery limits
  • You appreciate distinctive retro Dyson design and colorways
  • You're willing to DIY belt replacement or refurbishment

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need guaranteed parts/belt access without model confusion
  • You can't tolerate brittle aging plastic bodies and handles
  • You want a modern cordless or clutch-free maintenance experience

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Exceptional long-term durabilityRepairable and part-swappable designStrong, reliable suctionDifficult cyclone cone reassemblyScarce replacement motorsCord rewind mechanism issues
Exceptional long-term durability
Repairable and part-swappable design
Strong, reliable suction
Difficult cyclone cone reassembly
Scarce replacement motors
Cord rewind mechanism issues
You are here
2Mid
Dyson DC04
Distinctive design and colorwaysStrong, reliable suctionDurable long-term performerConfusing belt access across variantsBrittle plastic body over timeComponent failures needing replacement
Dyson DC04
Distinctive design and colorways
Strong, reliable suction
Durable long-term performer
Confusing belt access across variants
Brittle plastic body over time
Component failures needing replacement
Best value
3Premium
Exceptional LongevityDIY Repairability & Available PartsStrong Suction and Cleaning PowerClutch and Belt FailuresBrittle, Cracking PlasticFrequent Clogs and Blockages
Exceptional Longevity
DIY Repairability & Available Parts
Strong Suction and Cleaning Power
Clutch and Belt Failures
Brittle, Cracking Plastic
Frequent Clogs and Blockages
4Mid
Carbon fibre brush bar for hard floorsStrong, lasting suctionFive-year warranty reassuranceFlimsy plastic buildFrequent cloggingHose hard to stretch and use
Carbon fibre brush bar for hard floors
Strong, lasting suction
Five-year warranty reassurance
Flimsy plastic build
Frequent clogging
Hose hard to stretch and use
5Premium
Iconic, colorful designLong-term durabilityInnovative cyclone technologyMotor failuresWeak suction over timeRuns hot / overheating
Iconic, colorful design
Long-term durability
Innovative cyclone technology
Motor failures
Weak suction over time
Runs hot / overheating
6Premium
Repairable and refurbishableExceptional longevityStrong suction powerImpeller/turbine fan cracksBrush roller and hair cloggingCostly and hard-to-find replacement parts
Repairable and refurbishable
Exceptional longevity
Strong suction power
Impeller/turbine fan cracks
Brush roller and hair clogging
Costly and hard-to-find replacement parts
7Budget
Exceptional long-term durabilityStrong suction and carpet cleaningHighly serviceable and repairableConfusing, difficult filter removalMechanical wear and reliability issuesBulky and heavy design
Exceptional long-term durability
Strong suction and carpet cleaning
Highly serviceable and repairable
Confusing, difficult filter removal
Mechanical wear and reliability issues
Bulky and heavy design
8Premium
DIY repairable with available guidesExcellent durability/longevityStrong, lasting suctionCyclone and mesh screen hard to cleanFragile plastic parts prone to breakingHigh price point
DIY repairable with available guides
Excellent durability/longevity
Strong, lasting suction
Cyclone and mesh screen hard to clean
Fragile plastic parts prone to breaking
High price point
9Mid
Affordable, easy DIY repairsLong-lasting reliabilityStrong suction powerMotor burnout and electrical faultsSuction loss from filter neglect or blockageBrittle, disintegrating plastic on older units
Affordable, easy DIY repairs
Long-lasting reliability
Strong suction power
Motor burnout and electrical faults
Suction loss from filter neglect or blockage
Brittle, disintegrating plastic on older units
10Budget
Effective dual-cyclone suctionLong-lasting and repairableIconic, nostalgic designInconsistent motor power across variantsNoise and bearing issuesBrittle plastic and cracking parts
Effective dual-cyclone suction
Long-lasting and repairable
Iconic, nostalgic design
Inconsistent motor power across variants
Noise and bearing issues
Brittle plastic and cracking parts

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Owners repeatedly call the DC04 one of Dyson's best vacuums ever made. Multiple long-term users describe it as their favorite or best-performing Dyson, citing strong suction and a satisfying motor sound. Several say it can still serve as a daily driver decades later, with some preferring it to newer cordless models due to unlimited runtime. Nostalgia and distinctive 90s design in colors like lime, purple, and De Stijl add to its appeal among collectors and refurbishers.

Suction problems are usually fixable and traced to hoses or base-plate rollers, not the motor. Several commenters found their suction loss came from a missing elbow piece, a twisted hose spring, or seized base-plate rollers rather than a failing motor. Guided troubleshooting videos helped multiple users restore full suction themselves, saving money versus buying new. However, some reported zero suction even after checking for blockages, suggesting inconsistent fault causes across units.

Belt replacement and plastic durability vary frustratingly across DC04 variants. Owners report confusion over accessing the belt, with some covers stuck fast or concealed differently depending on clutched versus clutchless models. Several note the plastic body, wand handles, and pressure-release parts are brittle and prone to snapping, especially with rough handling, requiring replacement housings. Despite this, many still consider parts plentiful enough to justify full rebuilds.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?