Dyson V7 Advanced Cordless Stick Vacuum Just $249.99 Shipped on Walmart.com (Reg. $400)

This is the first device from Dyson I’ve ever used, let alone owned, and the hype is real. Anywhere you go in the cleaning space, people talk about Dyson. The ads are everywhere. Surely something this hyped is overblown, right? Wrong. I’ve been blown away by this vacuum. From its ease of use to its surprising power to its exceptional build quality, it’s incredible.

First, its ease of use – being cordless is a game-changer. I can walk from room to room in my apartment without stopping to reposition the cord and it honestly cuts my vacuuming time in half. The battery charge lasts a very long time (I’ve yet to run it fully out of charge), and the top unit disconnects so I can easily plug it in on my countertop to top it up between vacuuming. Its cleaning power is pretty surprising, given how small the motor is. I have a cat with a thick coat and lots of carpet. Each time I finish cleaning and go to empty the vacuum, it’s managed to pull up way more fur than I even thought existed. I never noticed that much in my old traditional vacuum. The build quality is fantastic, too. Each connecting mechanism locks with confidence; nothing is loose or wiggly.

But the most incredible thing about this vacuum? My cat isn’t afraid of it! She has always feared the vacuum, but this one doesn’t phase her at all. Maybe it’s that it’s quieter than a traditional vacuum, maybe that it’s smaller, I’m not sure – all I know is she doesn’t scurry to hide in the closet when this thing comes out. That’s a minor miracle! Bottom line – this vacuum gets the job done, and gets it done well.