The Ball Animal 3 is an upright vacuum that utilizes a ball-joint steering mechanism for navigation. The chassis is built from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polycarbonate, with glass-reinforced polypropylene in the ball assembly to handle impacts. This model is specifically engineered to manage hair with a "Motorbar" cleaner head that features 56 integrated vanes designed to automatically clear hair from the brush roll as you work.
Specifications indicate high-CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) performance, making it one of the more powerful options for deep-cleaning carpets. A suction slider on the cleaner head allows for adjustment; for thick or plush carpets, setting this to the open position prevents the vacuum from creating a seal so tight that it becomes difficult to move. The unit also features a whole-machine HEPA filtration system to help manage indoor air quality.
At 17.3 pounds, this is a substantial machine that provides a stable base for floor cleaning but may require more effort to move between floors. The wand release mechanism is designed for quick transition to above-floor tasks, though the high center of gravity means the unit should be placed on a level surface when using the hose to avoid tipping.
For those who find a 17-pound vacuum too heavy for frequent use, a canister model like the Miele Classic C1 offers similar motor quality in a more portable, ground-trailing format.
You can find a variety of high-performance models for different home layouts in the upright and canister vacuums collection.
