The 6 Best Bissell Vacuum Cleaners of 2023
Updated: Feb. 08, 2024
Carpet, hardwoods, upright, cordless and wet-dry—we recommend the best Bissell vacuum cleaners for all of your needs.
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Since 1876, Bissell has been a renowned brand associated with dependable vacuum cleaners. It all started when Melville R. Bissell and his wife Anna created a patented sweeper to clean sawdust from the floor of their modest crockery shop.
The brand is also known for making vacuums and carpet cleaners that clean up pet hair. Moreover, Bissell routinely releases new and improved products, and sometimes, it can be almost overwhelming to decide which model is best for each individual’s needs.
For example, we love Bissell’s Little Green because it’s convenient to use, easy to transport and does an effective job of removing stains. However, for those trying to select the best Bissell vacuum, we also researched and tested dozens to help you choose the best cleaner for your needs.
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Best overall
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus
We consider the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus the overall best Bissell vacuum because it does so many things well. Upright vacuums tend to have stronger suction power than cordless stick vacs, but they also tend to be bulkier. However, this one weighs 14.2 pounds, making it lighter than some of the other Bissell upright models with similar functions that weigh up to 18 pounds (and trust us, those 4 pounds make a difference when vacuuming up and down stairs).
The dependable vacuum cleaner is corded, but the generous 30-foot cord covers a long distance. The brush roll resists tangling hair, and turns on or off, depending on the flooring, like tile floors. With the quick-release extension wand, it’s easy to also clean vertically (ceiling fans and AC vents, along with those pesky cobwebs on the ceiling).
Also, the vacuum comes with accessories to make it easier to clean the home (and even the vehicle): a pet turbo eraser tool, a 2-in-1 pet dusting brush and an LED crevice tool. The suction control adjusts with the touch of a button, and the smart seal allergen system keeps dust and debris securely in the vacuum.
Pros
- Tangle-free brush roll
- Extended quick-release wand
- Lightweight upright vacuum
- Over 9,600 Amazon ratings and a 4.4-star average
Cons
- Cord may be cumbersome to unwind and rewind
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Best cordless stick
Bissell IconPet Turbo Cordless Stick
We chose the Bissell IconPet Turbo Cordless Stick as the best Bissell cordless vacuum and also the best Bissell stick vacuum. (Note: not all stick vacuums are cordless, and not all cordless vacuums are stick vacuums). It only weighs 7 pounds, making it easy to transport, and has a 50-minute run time when in low mode.
But there’s also a high mode and even a turbo boost mode for more suction power. The tangle-free brush roll and LED lights in the front eliminate having to stop to unwind hair and allow for easy vacuuming in the dark or seeing in corners and underneath furniture.
It’s actually a 3-in-1 vacuum cleaner since the brush roll is easy to remove. Use the wand and crevice tool to clean up high or tight spaces. The brush tool also cleans upholstery and is convenient for cleaning stairs. The vacuum isn’t technically self-standing (in a charging dock like other self-standing models), but it has a parking brake to ensure it doesn’t tip over when leaned against the wall.
Pros
- 3-in-1 vacuum cleaner
- LED lights
- Three cleaning modes
- Over 3,700 five-star Amazon ratings
Cons
- Manual empty dust cup
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Best robot
Bissell SpinWave R5 Robotic Mop &Vacuum
Because many of Bissell’s vacuums do so many things well, this is one of those dual “best” categories. The Bissell SpinWave R5 Robotic Mop & Vacuum is our choice for the best Bissell robot vacuum, but also our choice for the best Bissell vacuum for hardwood floors. It vacuums and mops at the same time, using an edge brush to pick up debris against baseboards. Also, the machine-washable mop pads provide a powerful, yet gentle cleaning on hardwood floors.
After creating a map of the home using the Bissell Connect App and 360-degree LiDAR technology, the robot vacuum maneuvers floors without bumping into obstacles and provides the ability to specify where and to clean. In addition, it recognizes carpet and will avoid it when in mopping mode. Weighing only 6.83 pounds, the robot has an 80-minute run time while mopping and a 140-minute run time when vacuuming.
Pros
- Vacuums and mops
- Avoid carpets when mopping
- Controlled via a smartphone
- Excellent for hardwood floors
Cons
- Not self-cleaning like some robot vacuums
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Best wet/dry
Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Wet/Dry Vacuum
A robot vacuum/mop is quite convenient. However, for people who would prefer to vacuum and mop their own floors—but without the elbow grease—consider the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Wet Dry Vacuum. I’m in that category, and attest that this is one of the few wet-dry vacuums that steams at the same time. The steam feature takes cleaning to another level since it removes up to 99.9% of bacteria.
The vacuum has two water tanks: one clean and the other dirty, and the wet/dry features work not only on hard floors but also on area rugs. The LED headlights in front ensure that dirt and messes can’t hide, and the tangle-free brush roll eliminates stopping to unwind and remove pet hair. And since no one wants to clean all the messy stuff (especially when it’s wet), there’s also a self-cleaning cycle. In addition, the vacuum comes with a sanitizing formula for hard floors.
Pros
- Vacuums and mops
- Steam feature
- Self-standing in tray
- Separate clean and dirty water tanks
Cons
- Still have to clean the vacuum to a certain degree
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Best handheld
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Hand Vacuum
Sometimes, you don’t want to drag out an upright or cordless stick vacuum. For these times, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a handheld cordless vacuum that’s quick and easy to grab to clean small spills on the floor, pet hair on furniture or use inside vehicles.
The lightweight vacuum has a run time of 17 minutes, which should be enough for most small messes. And although the vacuum is small, it has a generous dust bin, so there’s no need to keep stopping to empty it. Convenient accessories for this handheld vacuum include a motorized brush tool, upholstery tool and crevice tool.
Pros
- Easy to get into tight spaces
- Attachments included
- Use on various fabric types
- Over 30,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.6-star average
Cons
- Takes 8 hours to charge
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Best upright
Bissell MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Vacuum
When it comes to vacuums with canisters the Bissell MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Pet is the best for several reasons. The vacuum, which weighs 15.7 pounds, has a 30-foot cord and a swivel head, making it easy to navigate around furniture legs and other places you should be vacuuming. Also, the lift-off detachable pod and hose clean stairs and pet hair from furniture when using the combination crevice tool, dusting brush or the pet turbo eraser tool.
The brush roll, which turns on for cleaning carpets and turns off when vacuuming hard floors, resists tangling. In addition, the dirt tank empties with one touch. The vacuum cleaner also has a HEPA-sealed allergen system to keep pet dander and other irritants inside.
Pros
- Removable canister
- Brush roll turns on or off
- Long cord and hose
- HEPA-sealed allergen system
Cons
- Navigating the quick-release hose takes practice
FAQ
How long do Bissell vacuums last?
We reached out to Bissell to determine the lifespan of the vacuums. The average replacement cycle for an upright vacuum is about six years and it’s similar to the other types of vacuums as well. However, Bissell said that maintenance was the key to getting the most out of the machine. Keep the filter clean and change it when necessary to increase the lifecycle and ensure the vacuum runs smoothly.
What is Bissell’s return policy?
Bissell’s return policy states that only products purchased directly from Bissell.com, Bissell television commercials or through the Bissell 1-800 number are returnable. Consumers have 30 days from the delivery date of their original purchase to make a return.
Why you should trust us
When it comes to cleaning products, our editors aren’t just testers—they’re users, too! We all have homes to keep tidy, and when a product impresses us, we bring it home and make it a part of our regular cleaning routine. In addition to cleaning products, we’ve had our hands on every type of vacuum you can think of, from upright vacuums to vac-mops to car and robot vacuums. We’ve tested the best vacuums and vac-mops on a variety of different surfaces, like hardwood, tile, carpet and stairs, and to clean up after pets as well. We also routinely reach out to industry experts to get the inside scoop on cleaning products and find out which machines go the distance when put to the professional test. With more than 20 rounds of testing under our belts, we’re more than familiar with the best vacuum brands.
Source:
- Pam Clyde, house cleaning expert and owner of BritLin Cleaning
Originally Published: June 12, 2023
