Dyson V12 Detect vs. Outsize Comparison

After comparing the Dyson V12 and V8, let’s move on to this comparison against the Outsize.

The V12 Detect is one of Dyson’s latest releases, a smaller version of the V15 Detect without the Micro’s limitations with carpet cleaning, capacity, and range.

The Outsize is closest to an upright with its wide 12.6″ nozzle and 1.89-liter dustbin, plus a detachable battery, running for over 80 minutes on hard floors.

So which option is better? I’ve put these cordless stick vacuums through rigorous tests to find out. Let’s get into it.

An Overview between the Dyson V12 Detect and Outsize

Introduction to the Dyson V12 Detect and Outsize

Looking at how Dyson progressed with their cordless vacuums, the V12 and Outsize are opposites.

The Dyson V12 fills the need of consumers looking for a lightweight alternative to a full-sized Dyson stick vacuum with a lighter frame and push button switch, while the Outsize is a supersized version of the V11.

Cordless Upright: Dyson Outsize

Pros

• Large capacity dustbin (1.89 liters)
• Lengthy run time (over 80 minutes)
• Wide brush roll makes it efficient per pass
• Best-performing Dyson cordless vacuum with cleaning experiments
• Detachable battery
• Excellent at cleaning embedded sand on carpets
• The Outsize+ comes with the laser slim roller

Cons

• Extremely top-heavy
• Not very usable as a handheld
• Tiring to use for long stretches
• Expensive

The Outsize is Dyson’s most enormous cordless stick vacuum with the broadest nozzle and largest capacity (1.89 liters).

It’s a bigger version than the V11 Torque Drive with similar features, such as the LCD screen, chunky brush roll, and adjustable gates.

This variant was one of the first Dyson options with a detachable battery, and there are options with two batteries and chargers.

Also, newer sub-models like the Outsize+ have the laser slim roller, but at a premium price than versions without it.

Nonetheless, the Outsize is a specialty option as a cord-free stick vacuum with an upright capacity.

The Outsize excels at cleaning carpets, specifically embedded dirt.

However, I wouldn’t recommend it for mixed surface cleaning because of the top-heavy design.

It’s the only cordless stick vacuum that aced all the cleaning tests (100% across the board), so it’s a potent option for mixed surfaces.

However, the massive frame hampers its ergonomics because you can feel every ounce of it, especially on carpets and using it as a handheld.

The excess weight makes it unusable above floors, and I’d only recommend this strictly as a stick vacuum.

Better Ergonomics: Dyson V12 Detect Slim

Pros

• Much lighter than the Outsize
• Better ergonomics and steering around tight areas
• Premium-level surface debris pick up
• It comes with two detachable batteries (over 120-minute run time)
• Better value for money option

Cons

• It can’t deep clean carpet as well as the Outsize
• Small capacity dustbin
• Still an expensive option

One issue with Dyson’s full-sized options (V7, V8, V10, V11, Outsize, and V15) is the top-heavy design and trigger switch.

And the V12 Detect is Dyson’s answer to these shortcomings with the lighter frame and push-button switch.

There will be compromises with the downsized frame, namely a shorter range, less capacity, and power.

Nonetheless, the ergonomic positives far outweigh these compromises, making the V12 Detect an ideal middle-ground option for folks looking for a sub-premium-level cordless stick vacuum.

Another plus for the V12 is its pricing structure, which is below the premium options –  the V15 Detect and Gen5 Detect.

It is only a tad more expensive than the hard-floor-only Omni Glide and Micro, but it possesses the premium features absent in those models.

It also has the latest features, such as the Piezo sensor, laser slim roller, and torque screw tool with two detachable batteries and (two) chargers so consumers can charge both simultaneously.

If you’d buy a V15 with two batteries, it’ll cost a lot more.

Don’t expect this to deep clean carpet like the Outsize or V15 Detect, but it cleans surface debris nearly as well as its more expensive siblings.

Not an issue if your home has mostly hard floor surfaces, but the ergonomic advantages outweigh this deficiency.

Similarities Between the Dyson V12 Detect and Outsize

Next, we’ll look at the similarities between these Dyson cordless stick vacuums, starting with their framework.

1. Framework

Despite the size disparity, both models utilize the same framework with the dustbin, motor, and filter on top.

This design makes the V12 and Outsize versatile options, allowing consumers to use them as a handheld or stick vacuum.

One significant variance is the weight disparity (more than two pounds), giving the V12 a considerable advantage in this category.

2. Hygienic System

All Dyson products, including the V12, Detect, and Outsize, utilize a hygienic system with a trombone-style lever to push debris downward.

While this design is highly efficient at emptying dirt, stuff like hair will stick on the inner walls – a heads-up to potential owners.

3. Detachable Battery

These cordless vacuums have detachable batteries, making it easy to extend the range by purchasing an extra without using tools to remove them.

But one difference is the price of the battery.

Since the Outsize uses a larger capacity battery, purchasing an extra one will cost more than the V12’s smaller battery.

The V12 Detect model has two, and I didn’t have to pay a premium for the additional battery.

4. Filter Design

Another similarity between the Dyson V12 Detect and Outsize is the filter design, albeit in varying sizes.

Like all Dyson products starting with the V10 Absolute, both use the same filter design, combining the pre and post-motor elements.

5. Laser Slim Roller

Select Outsize (variants) come with a laser slim roller, which I think is the same size as the one found in the V15 Detect, but it will cost a hefty premium.

Differences between the Dyson V12 Detect and Outsize

Next, we’ll look at the differences between these cordless stick vacuums, starting with their size variance.

1. Size

One of the most (obvious) differences is the size variance between the V12 Detect and Outsize.

It’s like David and Goliath in terms of heft and weight, representing the target audiences of these products.

The Dyson Outsize is for people looking for a cordless vacuum with an upright-like capacity with above average cleaning performance.

The V12 Detect is much lighter and ergonomic, perfect for folks who prioritize usability over deep cleaning performance.

2. Power Switch

Another variance with these products is the power switch. The Outsize utilizes Dyson’s traditional trigger, while the V12 ditches it and uses a push-button switch, easing the burden on your wrist.

This feature is subjective, as there will be people who prefer the trigger and others who prefer the button switch.

I prefer the latter since it’s less tiring for extended stretches.

3. Dustbin Capacity

The size disparity also translates to a vast capacity variance (1.89 vs. 0.35 liters) or 137.5%, which is significant if you’re cleaning a large home.

Again, this will boil down to preference, whether you prioritize capacity or ergonomics – you can’t have it both ways.

4. Brush Roll

The Outsize and V12 Detect use a different standard nozzle [check photo above], with the Outsize having the broader version with the chunkier brush and adjustable gates.

The V12 Detect reverted to the V8 design with the bladed seal behind the brush.

The Outsize has the widest brush roll at 12.6″ versus the V12’s 9.8″ nozzle.

I’d take this design over the Outsize if it had adjustable gates.

One tweak Dyson made with the V12 is it has more ports underneath.

Ergonomic Comparison

The Dyson V12 wins easily in this category on the weight disparity alone (7.85 vs. 5.2 pounds).

Not only is it lighter, but the ergonomic feel is also night and day between these variants, especially in its handheld configuration.

The Outsize’s sheer size hampers it, even in its stick vacuum mode.

Its bulky frame makes it cumbersome to steer, especially on carpets where folks often use this.

I don’t recommend this (at all) for handheld use since it’s borderline unusable.

Interface Comparison

One variance with the V12 Detect and Outsize interface is the Piezo sensor in the V12 but absent in the Outsize.

The Piezo sensor is (basically) an acoustic sensor for measuring debris size and quantity and is shown on the LCD screen behind the motor.

Unfortunately, even the Outsize+ doesn’t have this feature, so it only shows the run time data and power setting.

The photo above shows the Outsize and V11 Torque Drive side-by-side.

Battery and Run Time Comparison

Next, we’ll look at how the V12 Detect and Outsize batteries differ in capacity and range.

The Outsize uses a 3600 mAh battery -significantly larger than the V12’s 2500 mAh capacity, and the variance is seen in the run time experiments.

There’s a massive variance between the V12 and Outsize, especially in the lowest setting (29% and 41% on hard floors and carpets, respectively).

I didn’t test all the run time on hard floors with the Outsize since it’s designed for carpet use,  but its range will be similar to the V11 Torque Drive.

One thing to note is that the V12 Detect (at least select sub-variants) comes with two batteries and chargers, doubling the run time to 120 minutes and offsetting the variance.

Airflow Comparison

Another aspect consumers should look at between the V12 and Outsize is airflow since the Outsize has more, and it factors specifically with deep cleaning carpets.

The Outsize has more airflow across the different power settings with as much as a 12% variance in the max (or boost) setting.

This disparity isn’t a factor on surface debris since the V12 proved capable of picking up surface dirt, but it is for embedded stuff we’ll look at in the next section.

Cleaning Comparison

The Dyson Outsize is the only cordless stick vacuum I’ve tested (so far) with a 100% pick-up across the board, thanks to its wide brush roll and high airflow.

Please note that the Outsize variant I purchased didn’t have the laser slim roller, so it’s a testament to the standard nozzle’s pick-up on hard floors.

But there are some things to consider before purchasing it outright.

I don’t recommend using the standard nozzle on hard floors because it doesn’t have any padding or a rubber squeegee underneath, so there’s a considerable risk of scuffing the surface.

The Outsize+ (with the laser slim roller) will cost a hefty premium. Are you willing to spend for it or settle with the much cheaper V12 Detect?

Which is better on hard floors?

One barometer I use for hard floor cleaning is how much sand it picks up.

And the Outsize was better, picking up 100% versus the V12’s 99.9%.

Here’s a before and after shot for the Dyson Outsize.

And the V12 Detect Slim.

But there’s some nuance here.

The V12 Detect is (actually) better because the soft roller nozzle is more efficient, picking up nearly everything after one forward pass. In contrast, the Outsize left noticeable trails after the forward pass.

The lack of a seal behind the brush roll is a factor here since the Outsize doesn’t have a rubber squeegee behind the brush roll.

Hair Wrap Comparison [on Hard Floors]

None of these options have an active anti-tangle system, meaning neither has combs for removing tangles.

Nonetheless, the V12 Detect was better on this surface, picking up in the 90s across the board.

• 5-inch strands: 96%
• 7-inch strands: 100%
• 9-inch strands: 92.5%
• 11-inch strands: 98%
• 13-inch strands: 100%

The results were inconsistent because the hair will wrap on the axle, which is a trouble spot for the laser slim roller (also in the V15 Detect).

Despite the higher airflow, the Outsize was slightly worst, at least with longer strands.

• 5-inch strands: 100%
• 7-inch strands: 99%
• 9-inch strands: 100%
• 13-inch strands: 13%

It struggled with 13-inch strands, only picking up 13%, but one positive with the Outsize is that hair didn’t wrap on the axle but on the brush roll itself, which is easier to dislodge.

Edge Cleaning Comparison

The V12 has the edge in this category on hard floors because of the laser slim roller’s sleeker frame and maneuverability around tight quarters.

The Outsize excelled with edge cleaning pick-up thanks to the high airflow and wide brush roll, but the massive nozzle will struggle in cramped zones.

Which is better on carpets?

On carpets, the Outsize’s higher airflow gives it a significant advantage over the V12 in cleaning embedded sand.

It picked up 100% even in the auto (or middle) setting compared to the V12’s 94.1% in the max setting.

Not many blogs or Vlogs talk about the significance of this aspect. Still, it’s hard to neglect because using the max setting exclusively overheats the battery, thus shortening its service life.

Hair Wrap Comparison [on Carpets]

There’s not much variance between the V12 and Outsize regarding picking up five, seven, and nine-inch strands, picking up either 100s or in the high 90s.

• 5-inch strands: 96%
• 7-inch strands: 100%
• 9-inch strands: 92.5%
• 11-inch strands: 30%

The Outsize was also excellent, between five and nine-inch hair.

• 5-inch strands: 100%
• 7-inch strands: 99%
• 9-inch strands: 100%
• 13-inch strands: 13%

However, both struggled to clean strands above seven inches with visible hair wrapping on the brush roll.

One advantage of the V12 is the torque screw tool, which excels at picking up long hair strands on fabric upholstery.

Even with this much hair, nothing wrapped on the brush, which is impressive.

It’s the first-of-its-kind design with a tapered brush, funneling hair towards the inlet, so nothing wraps on the brush.

If you’re considering an Outsize, check if it has this tool before purchasing, as older releases don’t have it.

The Outsize+ (a premium option) will have this tool but at a steep cost.

Noise Comparison

Next, we’ll look at the noise levels of these vacuums using a sound meter.

The Outsize was louder in the lower settings at 73.5 and 75 decibels in the low and auto settings, respectively, but surprisingly less noisy in the max setting (78.8 vs. 80.7 dB).

There isn’t much variance between these options, so it shouldn’t be a deciding factor.

Maintenance Comparison

Upkeep is an essential step in keeping these vacuums functioning efficiently for years. You’ll spend some serious $$$ on these, so keeping them running for years will be ideal.

Here are the different components to clean and the suggested intervals.

1. Primary brush: Cleaning this at least once a week (perhaps more if you have pets) to clean accumulated dust, hair, and grime on the roller and axles.
2. Dustbin: Empty the dust container after every cleaning cycle to prevent dust mites from breeding and to maximize cleaning efficiency.
3. Filter: Dyson recommends cleaning the filter once a month and running it under the faucet. But avoid soaking the pleated component since it uses a paper element. Purchase an extra filter to have something in reserve to prevent any downtime.
4. Battery: Avoid using the max setting for extended stretches as it will overheat the battery and shorten its life.
5. Mini turbo brush: If you purchase the Outsize with the standard mini turbo brush, check it once a week to clean any hair buildup. The torque screw tool doesn’t need much maintenance (aside from cleaning dust accumulation) since hair doesn’t wrap on the brush.

Product Specifications

Where can I purchase the Dyson V12 Detect and Outsize?

These cordless stick vacuums are available in online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.

• Dyson V12 Detect on Amazon
• Dyson V11 Outsize on Amazon

Disclaimer: I’ll earn a commission if you purchase through any of the links above, but at no extra cost, so it’s a win for us!

Which offers the better value?

After testing these products extensively, the V12 Detect offers more for your dollar.

It’s got the latest features without the premium cost, including the Piezo sensor and debris readout on the LCD screen.

The lighter frame, push button switch, and two batteries seal the deal for me, as getting the Outsize+ with the laser slim roller will cost nearly twice more.

One significant advantage of the Outsize is its carpet cleaning performance, plus the enormous dustbin, but a huge ergonomic cost.

5 Reasons to Choose the Dyson V12 Detect

1. Better ergonomics: The two-plus-pound variance is a massive boon for the V12 Detect with ergonomics and handheld usability.
2. Push-button switch: There’s no need to squeeze the trigger continually for power.
3. Excellent surface debris pick-up: Despite the airflow disadvantage, the V12 Detect will pick up surface debris efficiently, nearly at the same rate as the Outsize.
4. Two batteries: The two batteries combine for a 120+ minute run time – an excellent figure for any cordless stick vacuum.
5. Better value-for-money: Consumers will get premium features for below-premium-cost.

4 Reasons to Choose the Dyson Outsize

1. Much better at deep cleaning carpet: The Outsize’s high airflow and chunk brush roll will pick up embedded debris better than the V12 Detect.
2. XXL-sized dustbin: The 1.89-liter capacity will rival any upright vacuum.
3. Deep cleaning even in the middle setting: It picked up 100% of embedded sand on mid-pile carpet in the auto setting – better than the V12’s 94.1% in the max setting.
4. Wide brush roll: The 12.6″ nozzle will pick up more debris per pass.

The Verdict: The V12 Detect Offers Better Value

Despite the Outsize’s airflow and capacity advantages, the V12 Detect is the clear winner in this comparison because it’s cheaper, more ergonomic, and offers the latest features without the hefty premium.

Its lighter frame, push button switch, and two batteries (far) outweigh the deep cleaning and capacity disadvantages versus the Outsize; thus, it’s the option I’d recommend.

The Outsize is a niche-specific option for individuals looking for a cordless upright with high-end deep cleaning performance and a massive dustbin.

Aside from cleaning carpets, I wouldn’t recommend it for anything else.