Dyson Micro 1.5kg Review – The Tiny Dyson Vacuum You’ve Probably Never Seen
What is the Dyson Micro, then? With all the current buzz around Dyson’s new PencilVac (the ultra-slim “Fluffycones” launched in Japan), you might assume ultra-lightweight Dyson stick vacuums are a recent idea. But the truth is, Dyson quietly released this one back in late 2020.
It’s called the Dyson Micro 1.5kg. And yes, it really does weigh just one and a half kilos. It’s one of the smallest cordless vacuum cleaners Dyson has ever made, and hardly anyone in the UK has ever seen one.
We recently had one in for a mini service in our Manchester Dyson repair workshop, so we took the opportunity to have a proper look at it.
What Is the Dyson Micro 1.5kg?
The Dyson Micro 1.5kg looks like a scaled-down Dyson V8. It has the same general shape, a similar fluffy floor head, and even the same type of filter at the back. But everything about it is smaller and lighter.
This vacuum was designed specifically for the Asian market. Think hard floors, no pets, small apartments, and daily light cleaning. In that environment, something this compact and light makes a lot more sense.
Dyson Micro 1.5kg Has No Trigger
One thing that sets the Dyson Micro apart straight away is the control system. Unlike most Dyson cordless vacuums, there’s no trigger to hold down. Instead, you get a button on the top to power it on and off, just like on Dyson’s Supersonic hairdryers.
For many people, especially those with arthritis or grip issues, that alone makes it more user-friendly than the standard Dyson trigger design.
The Bin Is Tiny
You won’t fit much in it. The bin on the Dyson Micro is one of the smallest we’ve seen, a similar size to the little Dyson Omniglide. If you’re used to emptying your Dyson once or twice a week, forget that. You’ll be emptying this after every room.
That said, it’s the same slide-down bin emptying mechanism seen on other Dyson models, so at least it’s quick and easy.
Who Was the Dyson Micro Made For?
Not for the average UK household. If you have pets, carpets, or children, this isn’t the machine for you.
But in small city apartments, especially in places like Japan, South Korea or Singapore, where hard floors and minimal mess are the norm, the Dyson Micro 1.5kg makes perfect sense.
In those markets, people generally don’t wear shoes indoors, they rarely keep large pets, and they often have no carpets at all. A lightweight vacuum like this is ideal for that environment.
Does the Dyson Micro Actually Work?
Yes, and it works better than you’d expect. We bench-tested one and managed 9 minutes of runtime on max power. That’s actually more than some of the larger Dyson cordless models manage.
The fluffy head is just a scaled-down version of what you’ll find on a V10 or V11. The suction is decent for what it is, and on hard floors, it does the job well.
This isn’t made for carpets, and it’s not pretending to be.
Dyson Micro 1.5kg Uses Familiar Components
Open it up and you’ll see a layout that looks very familiar. The filter is the same combination unit you’ll find on many other Dyson cordless models, just smaller. The bin mechanism is the same. The motor layout is similar too. It’s essentially a Dyson V7 or V8 in miniature.
We stock batteries for these as well. They’re tiny but effective, and easy to swap over if needed – just two screws.
Why You’ve Probably Never Seen the Dyson Micro
Dyson doesn’t market this model much in the UK. It was never meant to be a big seller here. You might spot one on Dyson’s UK website marked as “reconditioned” from time to time, but it’s often just new old stock being cleared quietly.
Most retailers in the UK don’t stock it, and it’s rarely seen second-hand. The one we had in for servicing was a rare sight.
Is the Dyson Micro a Glimpse Into Dyson’s Future?
Possibly. Dyson’s headquarters are now in Singapore, and the focus of their innovation seems increasingly aimed at Asian markets.
Machines like the Dyson Micro 1.5kg, the PencilVac, hair dryers, humidifiers, fans and even those wearable air purifiers all point to a shift. Smaller, tech-forward devices made for flats and city living.
The UK and US used to be Dyson’s biggest markets. Especially back in the early days of the DC01. That’s no longer the case. And the Micro is a reminder of how the company is evolving.
Final Thoughts on the Dyson Micro 1.5kg
This isn’t a vacuum that will suit everyone. It’s not a replacement for a full-size machine and it’s definitely not suited to carpets or pet-heavy homes. But in the right setting, it’s surprisingly good.
The Dyson Micro 1.5kg is light, tidy, and far more capable than it looks. It’s also one of those rare machines you’re unlikely to come across unless you know what you’re looking for.
We’ve embedded the video below if you want to see it close up and in action.
Feel free to leave a comment and let us know what you think. Is this clever engineering, or just too small to be useful?