Dyson V11 Outsize Review

Dyson V11 Outsize Review

Dyson has redefined how we view stick vacuums. First, the V11 Torque Drive was one of a handful of cordless vacuums that could deep clean carpet.

Now, it’s the V11 Outsize – basically a jumbo version of the Torque Drive with more size, power, capacity, and run time.

But is it worth the premium cost over the previous V11 version? I’ve put it through our usual series of tests to find out.

Jumbo Sized V11 Torque Drive

Dyson V11 Outsize

Dyson V11 Outsize Review

The V11 Outsize is one of the biggest, heaviest, and more powerful cordless vacuums (in terms of airflow) I’ve tested to date. It blows away the competition with cleaning performance and high airflow at both the wand and nozzle. This power translates to excellent dirt pick up – both surface and embedded and the only one so far with a 100% in all the surface debris tests on hard floor and carpet. However, the biggest issue with the Outsize is the price and weight. The high price tag will give you pause, and the added weight can be tiring to use as a stick or handheld vacuum.

*If you click this link and purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Pros

  • High airflow for a cordless vacuum (up to 59.5 CFM with the head)
  • Excellent at cleaning embedded sand
  • Extra-large dirt capacity (up to 0.5 gallons or 1.89 liters)
  • It runs for up to 85 mins with the cleaning head on eco mode (based on tests)
  • Detachable battery (the red Outsize variant come with two interchangeable batteries)
  • Wide nozzle covers a lot of ground while doing fewer passes
  • Sealed system (did not leak during the fog test)
  • Resists hair tangles well

Cons

  • Heavy handle weight (2.2 kgs or 4.85 pounds)
  • Tiring to use in its handheld configuration
  • Very noisy
  • Quite expensive
  • Nozzle’s lack of padding can scratch hard surfaces

Introduction to the Dyson V11 Outsize

After Dyson introduced the V11 Torque Drive, I was curious how they would top it since it was already one of the better performing cordless vacuums they’ve designed.

Then comes the Outsize, which is a super-sized version of the Torque Drive.

Dyson took the V11 Torque Drive and gave it a size boost. This model has a more powerful motor, improved range, and a larger dustbin.

Update [May 20, 2021]: Recently tested the V15 Detect, Dyson’s latest cordless vacuum. Check this link for the complete review. Spoiler alert: it has more power than the Outsize!

Dyson V11 Outsize full shot

The result is a giant cordless vacuum that can rival an upright with dirt volume. Just look at the V11 Torque Drive and Outsize side by side.

Dyson V11 Torque Drive and Outsize side by side

Unfortunately, the increase in size also means a lot of added weight.

One issue with traditionally designed cordless stick vacuums with the motor and handle on top is the handle weight – the Outsize tips the scales at 4.85 pounds, which wears on your arm during extended use.

Usability and Interface

Dyson V11 Outsize LCD Screen

Dyson retains the interactive LCD screen in all Outsize options.

The Origin (gold) and Outize (red) have the same screen with a single button to toggle between three different power levels – eco, auto, and boost.

Like the Torque Drive, it also has the Dynamic Load Sensor that automatically increases suction when it detects carpet.

It has the same trigger switch as earlier V-series models, but the trigger is curved inward if you look closely, which I didn’t like.

One issue is the potential discomfort if you pull at the wrong spot, either the top or bottom part.

Filtration

As with all Dyson cordless vacuums, the V11 Outsize claims to have a sealed system, which means allergens should not seep through.

I tested this claim using a fog machine, and the Outsize passed the test, and there were no visible leaks.

Here’s a close look at the filter with the pre and post-motor fused as a single piece.

Dyson V11 Outsize filter

The pre-motor part is on the right, with the HEPA portion (where my hand is) on the left.

While Dyson says that its filter will last the vacuum’s lifetime, pay careful attention to this portion at the end of the filter (area with folds).

Dyson V11 Outsize HEPA filter portion

The HEPA part is primarily made from a paper element – it may degrade over time with repeated washing.

If you see this part degrade, immediately buy a replacement for it. Or better yet, buy a few extra filters just in case.

Cleaning nozzle

Dyson V11 Outsize nozzle

The Outsize retain the same cleaning nozzle with the adjustable gates, only bigger – 12.6″ to be exact, which rivals most upright vacuums.

Related: Dyson V10 vs. V11 Comparison

Being wide helps it cover a lot of ground in fewer passes. It retains the same ball design, so the steering feel is the same as the Torque Drive model. Strangely, it possesses smoother steering on hard floors than on carpet.

It’s one of a handful of cordless vacuums that could handle big messes like this without clogging.

giphy

Messes like this would easily clog other vacuums.

giphy

I tried the same mess with the V10 and V11, which clogged the dustbin’s inlet.

This isn’t an issue with the Outsize due to its sheer size.

However, this tool isn’t the best for hard surfaces, not because it can’t clean but because it can scuff the surface.

If you look underneath, it lacks padding, so the risk of scratching is high.

Dyson V11 Outsize nozzle underneath

Currently, the Outsize doesn’t have a soft roller option, but the Fluffy tool of the V10 is forward compatible with it.

Ergonomics

One downside with Outsize’s massive frame is the extra weight incurred, especially on the handle. The handle weight is around 4.85 pounds. So using this vacuum is like carrying around a 5-pound dumbbell while cleaning – it’s a workout!

In handheld mode, it’s more challenging. Not much for cleaning surfaces, but the challenge is cleaning areas above your shoulder or vertical cushions of the couch.

Improvements over the Torque Drive

In this section, I’ll enumerate the list of upgrades Outsize has over the Torque Drive version.

  1. Higher airflow: The Outsize has around 10.45% more airflow than the Torque Drive.
  2. Larger dirt volume: Dyson says the Outsize has 50% more dirt capacity with 0.5 gallons (or 1.89 liters), which is one of the highest of any cordless vacuum I’ve tested so far.
  3. Detachable battery: All Outsize options have a detachable battery.
  4. Extra battery: The red version comes with two detachable batteries and two separate chargers so that you can charge each battery simultaneously.
  5. Wide brush roll: The Outsize’s brush roll is 12.6″ or around 2.85″ wider than the Torque Drive.
  6. Longer run time: Thanks to the larger capacity battery, the Outsize will run further – up to 85 minutes with the cleaning head attached on hard surfaces (eco-mode). Even in boost, it runs past the 12-minute mark.

How much power does the Dyson V11 Outsize have?

I use an anemometer to measure power, which I attach to the wand and nozzle.

Here are the results with the main cleaning head attached.

  • Eco: 29.52 CFM
  • Auto/Mid: 33.4 CFM
  • Boost: 59.5 CFM

And the results at the wand.

  • Eco: 33.3 CFM
  • Auto/Mid: 41.07 CFM
  • Boost: 66.65 CFM

The Outsize tops out at 59.5 CFM at the nozzle and 66.65 CFM at the wand – it’s one of the highest I’ve tested to date.

This high airflow translates positively to how it cleans, which we’ll look into next.

Cleaning performance

I put the Outsize through a gamut of tests to see how well it picks up surface, embedded debris, and spoiler alert; it did very well.

  • Overall: 100%
  • Hard floor (surface): 100%
  • Carpet (surface): 100%
  • Sand on hard floor: 100%
  • Deep cleaning: 100%

It’s the first cordless vacuum I’ve tested with a straight 100% with the tests above. The high airflow and excellent agitation is a huge reason why it had perfect scores.

However, I will further point out potential issues, like the lack of seal behind the brush.

Hard floor results

Dyson V11 Outsize hard floor cleaning test results

  • Quaker oats: 100%
  • Coffee grounds: 100%
  • Quinoa: 100%
  • Pet litter: 100%

The adjustable gates of the Outsize enable it to pick up large quantities of debris. But the downside is the need to move the lever to adjust the clearance.

I used the eco setting for some tests (like coffee grounds and quaker oats) and still picked up 100%.

For heavier debris like pet litter, you’ll need to use the higher setting (mid/auto or boost) to clean. It left a trail (with the pet litter test) after the initial forward pass. But it picked up everything in subsequent passes.

Sand on hard floor result

Next, we’ll look at how well the V11 Outsize deals with sand. I spread 50 grams worth on a test area to see how much it cleans.

Dyson V11 Outsize edge cleaning

It picked up an average of 100% in two tests. I used the middle setting during the first test, and it left a trail after the initial pass. But it picked up everything in the subsequent runs.

Dyson V11 Outsize sand on hard floor after initial pass

There were no trails when I used the boost (or highest) setting.

Regardless, I would not recommend using this vacuum for sand on hard surfaces as it can stick on the wheels and further increase the risk of scuffing.

Edge cleaning

Another strength of the Outsize is its ability to clean debris at the edges thanks to its wide path and high airflow.

Check the before and after photos below.

Dyson V11 Outsize edge cleaning

 

It picked up all the coffee grounds I scattered on this area and every debris that spilled into the quarter-inch crevice.

Hair wrap test

Dyson V11 Outsize Hair wrap test results

The Outsize’s broad and chunky brush bodes well for avoiding hair tangles. I tested it on four different lengths – five, seven, nine, and thirteen-inch strands, and here are the results.

  • 5-inch test: 100% inside the dustbin, 0% on the brush
  • 7-inch test: 99% inside the dustbin, 1% on the brush
  • 9-inch test: 100% inside the dustbin, 0% on the brush
  • 13-inch test: 13% inside the dustbin, 87% on the brush
Dyson V11 Outsize hair wrap test visual test on brush

Here’s how much hair wrapped around the brush after the five, seven, and nine-inch tests.

After the first three tests, I decided to check the Outsize brush’s limits, and it was thirteen inches, which is impressive.

Dyson V11 Outsize results after 11-inch test

Unfortunately, the V11 Outsize didn’t do as well resisting tangles from 13-inch hair strands.

Rarely have I encountered hair strands that long unless my wife forgets to cut her hair.

This much hair tangle resistance means the Outsize will do well at cleaning pet hair.

Carpet results

Now, let’s look at how well the Outsize cleaned surface and embedded dirt on carpet.

Low pile results

Dyson V11 Outsize low pile results

  • Quaker oats: 100%
  • Coffee grounds: 100%
  • Quinoa: 100%
  • Pet litter: 100%

Similar to hard surfaces, the Outsize did exceptionally well at picking up debris on low pile carpet. It’s the first time a cordless vacuum aced all these tests. Please note that most of these experiments are done with the middle or auto setting.

Mid pile results

Dyson V11 Outsize mid pile results

  • Quaker oats: 100%
  • Coffee grounds: 100%
  • Quinoa: 100%
  • Pet litter: 100%

The results on mid pile are similar to low pile. Again, it’s proof of Outsize’s capability of cleaning carpet even in the middle setting. Even with fine debris like coffee grounds, it managed to pick up everything.

Deep cleaning results

Lastly, in this section, we’ll look at the deep cleaning results. I used 100 grams of fine sand on mid-pile carpet to check how much the Outsize would pick up.

I tested it on all three power settings – eco, auto, and boost and the results are listed below.

  • Eco: 90%
  • Mid/Auto: 100%
  • Boost: 100%

Even in the lowest setting, the Outsize picked up an impressive 90%, which means it has sufficient airflow and agitation. However, the best setting, in my opinion, is auto with the gates completely shut if your carpet needs a deep clean.

Using the max setting with the gates shut makes the Outsize hard to push – keep this in mind.

How long will the Dyson V11 Outsize run?

Dyson says the V11 Outsize has a 60-minute run time, extending to 120 minutes if you purchase the red variant (with two batteries).

However, that number is somewhat underrated. I tested the run time by running the vacuum until the battery was empty, and here are the results.

Hard floorCarpet
Low85:24 mins62:26 mins.
MidN/A22:08 mins
HighN/A12: 36 mins

All the results above are with the main nozzle attached.

Even with the cleaning head, it ran up to 85 minutes in eco mode. It has usable power and agitation on carpet, as seen in the cleaning test results.

In boost mode, it still ran further than the Torque Drive at 12 minutes, which equates to 24 minutes if you have the extra battery.

How noisy is the V11 Outsize?

Don’t expect the Outsize to be docile. The powerful motor means it will be noisy. However, the good news is it isn’t the noisiest cordless I’ve tested.

I used a sound meter with the main nozzle attached, and here are the results.

  • Eco: 73.5 dB
  • Auto/Mid: 75 dB
  • Boost: 78.8 dB

It’s still below the 80-decibel level – quieter than the Lupe Pure I’ve tested earlier.

Availability of parts

The good news is for Dyson is the abundance of replacement parts – both OEM and the aftermarket. You can easily purchase components like the filter, battery, and attachments in online stores like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart. If an OEM-spec part is too expensive, you can opt for a cheaper third-party option.

As for attachments, all Dyson cordless vacuums have interchangeable tools from the V7 to the V11. So you can buy any part within the range, and it will fit the Outsize – yes, even the cleaning nozzle.

Tools and Attachments

The Outsize comes with various tools, enabling it to clean above floors. These include the following:

Dyson V11 Outsize Tools

  1. Cleaning head
  2. Mini turbo brush
  3. Crevice tool
  4. Combination tool
  5. Upholstery tool
  6. Soft dusting brush
  7. Wand
  8. Wall mountable dock
  9. Charger

Please note that the tools options will vary depending on what variant you select. So the tools above are from the Outsize origin model that only comes with a single battery. The Outsize red comes with two batteries, so take note before purchasing.

Product Specifications

ModelDyson V11 Outsize
Brush roll on/offNo
Battery25.2-volt 3600 mAh Li-ion battery
Charging time4.5 hrs.
Battery lifeup to 85:24 mins. (from one battery)
Weight7.85 lbs.
Width12.6"
Overall length45.25"
Battery indicatorYes
Filter typeWashable pre-motor and HEPA filter
Dust capacity1.89 li
AirflowUp to 66.65 CFM
CordlessYes
BaglessYes
Warranty2 yrs.
PriceCheck Price

Where can I buy the Dyson V11 Outsize?

You can buy the Outsize from online stores like Amazon. Please check the link below for more information.

Disclaimer: I will earn a commission if you purchase through the link above, but at no extra cost to you, so it’s a win-win for us!

Some FAQs about the Dyson V11 Outsize

I’ll answer some questions about the V11 Outsize in this section.

What’s the difference between the Dyson V11 Outsize and Absolute?

Both variants are similar products with dustbin size and power as each has the same rated power output at 220 air watts and 0.5-gallon dirt volume.

However, there will be variations with the tools you’ll get.

The most significant difference is that the Absolute+ comes with the laser slim fluffy attachment, similar to the V15 Detect that flashes a green light, amplifying dust and debris to make vacuuming more efficient.

I’m guessing the V11 Outsize’s laser slim attachment will only work with this variant. THE GREEN LASER DIDN’T FLASH when I tried using the V15’s attachment in the V10 and V11.

So I think the same will happen if you try using the Outsize Absolute’s laser slim on other variants.

Is the Dyson V11 Outsize worth it?

One thing that may hold you back from purchasing this cordless vacuum is the astronomical cost. The question is, is it worth it?

Whether or not it is will depend on what your expectations are and the need.

I would not recommend the Outsize inside homes with only hard surfaces since the main nozzle isn’t the best option for cleaning such. It lacks padding, which makes it susceptible to scratching the surface.

While the high airflow enables it to clean even tricky stuff like sand, the potential of scuffing is high.

This cordless stick vacuum is best utilized on carpet, where its deep cleaning capabilities will shine.

It will clean embedded dirt even in the middle setting, plus it resists hair tangles – as long as 9 inches, so it’s suitable for pet hair.

4 Reasons to buy the Dyson V11 Outsize

  • Extended run time: In my tests, I lasted for about 85 minutes with the main nozzled attached.
  • Large capacity dustbin: The 1.89-liter capacity means fewer trips to the trash bin and more time cleaning floors.
  • Excellent at cleaning embedded dirt: The high airflow and agitation make this an excellent alternative for cleaning carpet – surface or embedded debris.
  • Detachable battery: There’s no need to remove any bolts to remove the battery. The Outsize has a quick-release lever making it easier to remove the battery.

The Verdict: Outstanding Option for Cleaning Carpet

Despite its bulkiness and weight, the Dyson V11 Outsize is an excellent carpet cleaning vacuum with usable power even in the lower settings.

Ergonomics takes a hit with the extra weight, but with the benefits of having a larger capacity and better range.

The 4.85-pound handle weight makes it tiring to use for long stretches, but it’s one of the best cordless vacuums for cleaning carpets with upright-like deep cleaning properties.

If you’re willing to accept this trade-off, then the V11 Outsize might be the cordless vacuum for you.

Deep Cleaning Cordless Vacuum with Upright Capacity
  • Ergonomics - 92%
    92%
  • Surface Cleaning - 100%
    100%
  • Deep Cleaning - 100%
    100%
  • Quality - 94%
    94%
  • Design - 95%
    95%
  • Value - 92%
    92%
96%

Summary

The Dyson over-delivers with the V11 Outsize. It ran much further than its 60-minute per battery claim (up to 85 minutes), and deep cleans carpet as advertised. This cord-free product is one of few such products that can rival an upright vacuum in terms of cleaning performance and capacity. The issue though is the high cost and the extremely top-heavy design that’s tiring to use for long stretches. If you don’t mind the cost and ergonomic issues, this could be a great carpet cleaning vacuum for you.

About the author: Garrick, the visionary behind Cordless Vacuum Guide, brings over a decade of hands-on expertise in cordless vacuum testing to his insightful reviews showcased on this platform. Beyond his passion for empowering consumers with informed choices, he cherishes precious moments with his family, exploring global cuisines and exploring different horizons with his beloved wife and son. Follow him on Youtube, Tiktok, Facebook, and Instagram.