Bissell is a name any homeowner or renter knows.
Their value and reliability have spanned decades and it is no wonder they are among the top sellers in the world.
Along with a host of product lines, Bissell is probably best known for their floor cleaners.
When it comes to vacuums, Bissell has a lot of variations, options and styles to choose from.
From handheld pet hair cleaning vacuums to powerful upright models, Bissell has a vacuum for everyone. Read through the article to find yours.
Bissell Vacuums at the Top of the Industry
While Bissell has more than three dozen various models and styles to browse through, these are the best of the best.
- Bissell Cleanview Swivel Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
- Bissell ICONpet Cordless Lightweight 2-in-1 Vacuum
- Bissell Cleanview Swivel Rewind Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum
- Bissell Zing Bagless Canister Vacuum
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus Upright Vacuum
- Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro All in One Wet Dry Vacuum
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Why Choose the Bissell Brand
Bissell has been cleaning carpets and homes since 1876. With a 140-year history, you know quality and reliability are at the top of the priority list.
Attention to detail and listening to the concerns of their customers, Bissell has innovated floor cleaning products for years.
Starting with the first floor sweeper, which gained recognition through the use in Queen Victoria’s palace, the US and Europe were soon joined in floor cleaning ease.
Things never slowed down, either, constantly creating new and updated floor cleaners, shampooers, and vacuums, Bissell has been at the forefront of the industry since it began.
Better than any warranty or guarantee on a piece of paper, the Bissell name on the product stands alone.
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Bissell for Your Needs
Deciding which Bissell vacuum to buy can be difficult. However, knowing your needs and the consideration factors below will help you narrow your choices.
Vacuum Type
One of the most important things to figure out is which type of vacuum you need. Small, handheld models are good for quick messes or keeping in the car or office.
Upright models tend to have the most power, but don’t do much else than clean floors.
Stick vacuums, canister models and even backpack vacuums all have their place. If you want to minimize the number of vacuums and cleaning equipment you need, look for more versatile options that clean more than just floors.
Power Source
Power cords provide lasting power to the vacuum, but may be too short or too cumbersome. Changing outlets twice or more per room can become a chore in itself, especially if you need to move furniture to access them.
Battery powered vacuums can go to more places without the need for outlets. However, batteries wear down and need to be recharged. Larger spaces would do better with corded models, while smaller homes or rooms can get by best with battery powered vacuums.
Filtration
Homes with pets, small children and persons who suffer allergies may require HEPA filtration to keep things like mold, pollen and pet dander to a minimum.
While Bissell does try to offer the best, sometimes that means leaving the higher filtration behind.
Accessories
Accessories may make the outfit, but they certainly make chores easier. Some models don’t come with any accessories (which may not be needed). Other models will come with a bag full.
You should read through the available accessories (powered cleaning heads, extension wands, specialty brushes, etc.) to find out what you may require and which you can live without. Knowing this bit of information greatly narrows your vacuum cleaner options.
Pets and Children
Our smallest family members tend to make the biggest messes (unless dad is working in the garage today).
Bissell makes vacuums specifically for these messes, including pet cleaners designed to better clean pet hair, and scrubbing brushes made for tough, stuck-on messes.
Floor Types
You also need to know the floor types in your home and what is required to clean them. Some surfaces may not hold up well with stiff bristles from a brush roller.
Other floors may need high RPM rollers for a deep clean.
Price and Warranty
The price is always going to be a consideration factor. However, the value and cost go hand in hand. You may pay a little more up front, but the value and longevity of the machine will outweigh that cost.
Still, you should shop within your budget. Make sure you get the features you need and the style that suits you best while staying within your budget and you will get the most from your Bissell vacuum.
Warranties across the Bissell vacuum line aren’t the same. Some are 1 or 2-years while others can reach 5 or even 10-years in length.
With an average of 2-years, though, it is still important to know what you are getting and how long coverage will actually last.
10 Best Bissell Vacuums Reviewed
Each model is reviewed and compared for your convenience. Scroll through to find the ideal type and style to match your needs.
1. Bissell Cleanview Swivel Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
The Cleanview series is a remarkable step up in technology for uprights and Bissell as a whole., It starts with the triple-action cleaning head and goes all the way through to the accessories.
Easily one of the best overall Bissell vacuums, it can clean just about anything.
The swivel steering cleaning head is simple to operate and with just a turn of your wrist you can change directions.
Unlike other brands that take a lot of effort to move or swivel, the Bissell Cleanview seems to know exactly where you want it to go.
The 3-part brush roll combines various bristle types including nylon and polyamide to take on all floor types at once. Carpet gets agitated and deep cleaned, hard flooring is swept and dusted and it never leaves a scratch.
With the included accessories like the put brush and air-assisted turbo brush you can clean stairs, upholstery, even the seats in your car. Pet hair disappears without a lot of effort at all.
You also get a 6-foot flex hose with an additional 3-feet of extension wand to clean overhead, into corners or behind the couch. And all tools will fit on the extension wand for added reach and cleaning ability.
With HEPA filtration, bottom emptying 2-liter canister and more power than previous uprights there is only one bad thing to say about this machine.
It comes with so many tools there isn’t enough room onboard for the rubber upholstery tool.
Vacuum Type | Bagless Upright |
Filtration | HEPA |
Accessories Included | Crevice tool, air-driven power head, upholstery tool, pet hair brush, brush tool, extension wand |
Warranty | 2-years |
Price | See Current Price on Amazon |
2. Bissell ICONpet Cordless Lightweight 2-in-1 Vacuum
The ICON series is Bissell’s premium stick vacuum series and is relatively new to the market. There are currently three versions, including the ICONpet, ICONedge and ICONpetPro.
Each one is basically the same vacuum with different attachments and colors.
The ICONPet is the middle version and an excellent mix between the three, combining enough tools for whole-home cleaning and enough savings to keep your wallet happy.
The handheld vacuums uses the combination LED crevice and brush tool to clean in hard to reach areas or your upholstery. The motorized mini brush is powerful enough to get all the pet hair from your chairs, couches and cars without slowing down, too.
With the extension wand and tangle-free brush roller you can clean any floor type including hard flooring and medium pile carpeting.
Overhead cleaning is accomplished by removing the cleaning head and this powerful motor and battery combination will keep you cleaning for about an hour.
The ICONpetPro comes with 2 extra tools and a slightly stronger battery pack. However, for the added cost the extra 5 minutes or so of cleaning time isn’t really worth it (in our opinion).
With any of the three models, though, you can’t go wrong.
Vacuum Type | Handheld Stick |
Filtration | HEPA |
Accessories Included | Motorized Turbo Brush Tool, LED Crevice & Brush Tool, Tangle Free Brush Roll |
Warranty | 2-years |
Price | See Current Price on Amazon |
3. Bissell Cleanview Swivel Rewind Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum
Another of the Cleanview series is the Rewind Pet. This model is almost identical to the Swivel Pet in that it uses the same cleaning head, accessories and swivel steering.
The main difference is the cord length and storage. With the Swivel Rewind Pet you get a 27-foot power cord instead of 25-feet and it automatically stores in the vacuum body with the press of a button.
You will still get the pet care specific tools and attachments along with the powerful 3-brush cleaning head. There is one tool difference here, though.
While both models give you the air-driven turbo tool, with this model you get the corner pet tool instead of the pet hair brush.
The corner tool is designed to grab and collect pet hair from tough to reach areas along baseboards and in corners where the edge to edge cleaner may miss.
Aside from that and the color of the machine, the rest is the same. For the money, the Swivel Pet is a better value compared to the Swivel Rewind Pet, though the extra cord length and storage is worth it to some.
Vacuum Type | Bagless Upright |
Filtration | HEPA |
Accessories Included | Crevice tool, air-driven power head, upholstery tool, pet hair corner tool, brush tool, extension wand |
Warranty | 2-years |
Price | See Current Price on Amazon |
4. Bissell Featherweight Bagless Stick Vacuum
The least expensive Bissell is the Featherweight. This handheld convertible stick vacuum is ideal for daily cleaning around the home.
Designed for light duty work on hard floors, stair and carpet surface cleaning, it is a versatile tool to have in your closet.
For those daily messes that come up between regular cleaning days, this model will stand in and take care of them all. The handheld model is great for cleaning counters, edges and quick messes.
You can attach the extension handle and add the cleaning head for a more standard stick vacuum. There aren’t any brush rollers here so it won’t scratch your hard flooring surfaces.
With a generous intake you can collect dust and fine debris as well as larger pieces like cereal.
The crevice tool can be used in handheld mode or with the handle to clean between cushions, along baseboards, or even overhead. Replace that with the cleaning head for a handheld stair cleaner or vacuum your mattress.
There are near endless cleaning opportunities for this vacuum. While it won’t replace your more powerful upright for deep cleaning, it will keep your home presentable without the hassle of getting the big guy out every day.
Vacuum Type | Handheld Stick |
Filtration | Standard |
Accessories Included | Crevice Tool |
Warranty | 1-year |
Price | See Current Price on Amazon |
5. Bissell Zing Bagless Canister Vacuum
The Zing is a canister vacuum that pulls behind you so you only have to really handle the hose and cleaning head. Space saving and powerful, this mighty cleaner will take on all floor types with ease.
There is a downside and that is the 15-foot power cord. While it does retract and store inside the vacuum body, it is still difficult to clean an entire moderate sized room without having to change outlets.
The cleaning head is great, though. The brush roll can be stopped with the use of the foot pedal on the cleaning head, allowing you to clean your scratch-prone hard flooring without fear.
When you return to the carpeted areas, lift the foot pedal and the brush roll will agitate the carpet getting deeper into the fibers.
The included crevice tool and dusting brush allow you to clean above your head and furniture or shelving, too. The long flex hose bends to get where you need the cleaning head to go, but is stiff enough to maintain position overhead without much effort.
The 1-year warranty on the canister vacuums should be a little longer, like the power cords, but with Bissell, the need to make a claim is rare as it is.
Vacuum Type | Bagless Canister |
Filtration | HEPA |
Accessories Included | Crevice Tool, Dust Brush |
Warranty | 1-year |
Price | See Current Price on Amazon |
6. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus Upright Vacuum
The Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is a lot to say, but it is a cleaning machine that has few rivals. When it comes to pet hair, carpet and bare floors, there isn’t much that stops this powerful suction upright.
One of the best features is that this model offers one of Bissell’s longest cords. At 30-feet you can clean almost an entire home from a single outlet.
The machine itself is a similar model to the Swivel Pet and Rewind Pet, but has a slightly different make-up.
Here the handle is the wand and hose. It slides and locks into place from the top, which makes it more awkward to use than the newer models. However, it reaches great without tugging the machine so you can reach overhead without having the vacuum crash into your ankles.
The tools and accessories are similar as well, not much in the way of change or improvement there. Most of the differences are in the suction and motor. This model allows you to turn the brush roller off.
Since it doesn’t have the 3-brush roller style, the single brushes may scratch hard flooring.
A switch near the handle allows you to turn the brush roll off while you are cleaning hard flooring or using the tools.
Instead of a cleaning head release, when you are ready to vacuum you just pop the handle backwards to release it from the upright position.
When you want to store it or use the tools you can pop it back in place. Many users worry that over time this locking feature may wear out, but as of yet, no complaints have come from it.
While it may not be as versatile as the other Pet specific uprights on this list, it is efficient and gets all floor types. Overhead cleaning and cleaning pet hair off of your furniture work and work well, which is really all you need, right?
Vacuum Type | Bagless Upright |
Filtration | HEPA |
Accessories Included | LED Crevice Tool, Pet Turbo Eraser Tool, 2-in-1 Pet Dusting Brush |
Warranty | 2-years |
Price | See Current Price on Amazon |
7. Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro All in One Wet Dry Vacuum
Have you ever wanted to vacuum and mop at the same time and just get the entire project done? That is the idea behind the Crosswave Pet Pro.
With a nylon and microfiber brush roll, dual tanks and improved suction, this upright vacuum mop does just that.
While it isn’t able to be used on carpeting, or as a stand alone vacuum, it will sweep, vacuum and mop your hard floors or small area rugs with ease. Usually a single pass over an area is all you need.
The 28 ounce clean water tank also holds Bissell’s cleaning solution (or one of your own) and you can add fragrance solutions, too. The debris and dirty water are collected in the 14.5 ounce dirt tank so the two never have to mix.
The dirt tank is also topped with a strainer so larger debris, hair and fibers are collected for better removal and easier cleaning.
The 25-foot power cord is decent enough for most hard flooring areas and medium sized rooms. While the brush rolls do get dirty and wet, there are two of them so you can always have one ready to go while the other is being washed.
When you are done using the machine the docking tray holds the unit and keeps everything organized. The 3-year warranty is among Bissell’s best, which says something about the quality of this dual-purpose vacuum.
Vacuum Type | Upright Vacuum Mop |
Filtration | Standard |
Accessories Included | Two Tangle-Free Brush Rolls, two 8 oz. PET Multi-Surface with Febreze Formulas, Docking Tray |
Warranty | 3-years |
Price | See Current Price on Amazon |
8. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Handheld Vacuum
When it comes to handheld vacuums, they have an important job; be ready to go and clean where it is needed. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a model that is always ready to go and will tackle any mess in almost any location.
With a 14-volt lithium-ion battery pack, you can expect about 35 to 40 minutes of continuous runtime and about a 3-hour recharge cycle. While this model will collect large and small debris alike, the real power is in its namesake, or collecting pet hair.
The crevice tool is great at getting in hard to reach areas where hairs like to hide while the upholstery tool smooths couches and chairs while gathering pet hair like a magnet.
The star of the show, though, is the motorized brush tool that gets down into the furniture fibers to loosen and remove those embedded hairs and clumps that seem to come from nowhere.
With HEPA filtration this handheld also gets the pet dander that rests with the hair on your furniture and surfaces. You can even take it out to the car for a detailed cleaning of the seats and floorboards.
Vacuum Type | Handheld |
Filtration | HEPA rated |
Accessories Included | Motorized brush tool, upholstery tool, crevice tool |
Warranty | 1-year |
Price | See Current Price on Amazon |
9. Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum
If you need a powerful upright vacuum, don’t have pets and don’t want to break the bank, the Cleanview Bagless is the model for you. It doesn’t feature all the extras that pet owners need from the Pet models, but has enough features to keep your home clean.
The tools are anything but standard, including the turbo brush tool to clean upholstery, furniture and even stairs, it gets anything that isn’t glued down.
The dusting brush and crevice tools help you get above your head or along the baseboards without stooping. The extension wand adds three extra feet to your reach, helping you get to areas most other vacuums can’t go.
The scatter resistant cleaning head works on all floor types and won’t scratch flooring like laminate or hardwood. However, care should still be taken when leaving the unit on while using tools as the brush roll cannot be turned off.
The HEPA filters and Febreze scented washable pre filters fit this model though only standard multi-level filtration is included with your initial purchase.
The 25-foot cord isn’t too shabby, either, giving you plenty of room to clean without searching for extra outlets.
Vacuum Type | Bagless Upright |
Filtration | Multi-level standard |
Accessories Included | Turbo Brush Tool, Dusting Brush, Crevice Tool, Extension Wand |
Warranty | 2-year |
Price | See Current Price on Amazon |
10. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Corded Handheld Vacuum
The corded Pet Hair Eraser is a slightly different design than the battery powered model mentioned earlier. This little guy is a true handheld model with a single purpose; to remove pet hair from your home.
There are two nozzles that are included, but one must be attached for use. The crevice tool cleans up dry messes, and gets to areas like a normal handheld would reach. It isn’t very long, so don’t expect to get into hard to reach areas.
The rubber nozzle, though, is what makes this entire vacuum worth owning. The nibs on the outside gather and loosen pet hair from all surface types, including carpeted stairs, furniture, upholstery and hard surfaces.
The generous 0.78 liter collection tank will hold a lot of hair and debris, too. The only really bad thing is the power cord. It is 16-feet long, which is pretty generous as far as handheld models go, but for cleaning stairs, or even your car, it can be difficult to get an outlet close enough to finish the job.
All other areas, though, including your couches, chairs and even shelves, curtains and around the food bowls, there are few models that perform as well, as efficiently or as quickly.
Vacuum Type | Handheld |
Filtration | HEPA rated |
Accessories Included | Rubber nozzle, crevice tool |
Warranty | 1-year |
Price | See Current Price on Amazon |
Bissell Versus Other Brands
How does Bissell stand up against some of the other big names in the business? We compare the big names here.
Bissell Vs. Dyson
Dyson has a wide selection and a decent history. They are credited with inventing the cyclonic suction and the Dyson Ball. However, they aren’t designed for every home.
Most Dyson vacuums have a starting price well above the mid and top-tier vacuums from Bissell.
While Dyson does stand behind their machines and the durability and reliability is well established, they have a smaller stable, less overall options and fewer styles than Bissell.
For those that can afford them, the approval rating is quite high.
Bissell performs as well in most categories and even exceeds Dyson when it comes to cleaning pet hair. For the price, Bissell is a clear favorite.
Bissell Vs. Hoover
Bissell and Hoover could argue over who has been around longer or who has been more innovative.
The truth of the matter is though, that Hoover has a better reputation in Europe and Bissell is better received in the US.
Similar line ups, features and price points, keep these two companies in a constant battle with one another.
When it comes to performance, the Hoover uprights tend to be more well rounded. However, in whole-home cleaning and pet clean up, Bissell is a bit more advanced.
Bissell Vs. Eureka
Eureka is another name with a storied and rich history. However, they have begun to focus more on other aspects of their brand and less on the products that made a name for themselves.
Their vacuums are still worth buying, and they clean as good as any major brand on the market. However, unlike Bissell, Eureka seems to be complacent with their current trends and expectations.
Where Bissell shines here is in their innovation, creating new products for a new generation. Eureka makes great vacuums that can clean any flooring type, but their styles and technologies show a more “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality.
What I Like About Bissell
- One of the best brands for cleaning up after pets.
- Affordable vacuums, with styles and features available for all price ranges.
- Innovative designs and accessories.
- User-friendly, ergonomic machines.
What I Dislike About Bissell
- Not all models use HEPA filtration.
- Power cords tend to be too short.
- Warranties should be more uniform.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bissell Brand
Below we answer some of the most popular questions about Bissell and vacuums in general. Do you have another question not answered here? Use the comment section below.
Q. How do you clean a Bissell vacuum?
- Cleaning a Bissell vacuum is pretty much like cleaning any other brand. You need to wipe the machine down, clean out the exhaust vents, change the filter on a regular basis and check for clogs, damage, tangles or other issues in all of the major parts (wheels, cleaning heads, hoses, etc.).
Q. Is Bissell better than Dyson?
- Bissell is definitely more affordable to more budgets and price ranges, but to say they are better is debatable. Dyson makes quality vacuums with innovative designs and features. Bissell does have the edge in pet clean up, but Dyson creates more power and better airflow.
Q. How long do vacuums last?
- On average a vacuum should last about 8 years. Based on normal use and proper care, the average of 8 years covers most brands and models. There are exceptions, of course, and your vacuum may last longer, based on how often it is used, the conditions where it operates and the type of debris it collects.
Q. Can I use odor blockers with a Bissell Vacuum?
- Baking soda, carpet powders and even scented additions are all common odor eliminators. Bissell has several models that have special accessories designed to hold or use these types of products. From infused filters to carpet deodorizers, you can use your own or purchase the Bissell Specific items.
Conclusion
Finding the right vacuum for your specific needs can be challenging. When it comes to the best Bissell vacuum, you can choose any model, be it an upright, stick, cordless or handheld model.
Knowing what type of floors you need cleaned, what size space you have and what exactly you need the vacuum to do will go a long way to choosing the best style and type.
The overall favorite and most popular model is the Bissell Cleanview Swivel Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum.
With performance, power, specialized pet-tools and the ability to clean more than just your floor, this upright model checks all the right boxes and is priced for all budgets.