In the vast and competitive world of vacuum cleaners, choosing the right brand can be a daunting task. One brand that has been making waves and catching the attention of consumers is Bissell. But the question remains: is Bissell a good vacuum? To answer this, we need to take a deep – dive into various aspects of the brand, including its history, product range, performance, features, and user reviews.
A Storied History
Bissell has a long and impressive history that dates back to 1876. It was founded by Melville Bissell, who developed a carpet – sweeping machine to clean the crockery shop he and his wife, Anna, owned. The Bissell carpet sweeper, patented in 1876, was an instant success. By the 1890s, the company had a global presence and was churning out 1000 sweepers per day. Over the years, Bissell has evolved significantly, expanding its product line from simple mechanical sweepers to a wide range of vacuum cleaners, carpet shampooers, and other floor – care products. In 2004, it acquired the license for the Woolite trademark for carpet and upholstery cleaning formulas. Today, Bissell is the leading manufacturer of floor – care products in North America, holding a 20% market share. This rich history not only speaks volumes about the brand’s longevity but also its ability to adapt and innovate in the ever – changing world of home cleaning.
Diverse Product Range
Upright Vacuums
Bissell upright vacuums are designed to be workhorses for your floors. They come in both bagged and bagless varieties, catering to different user preferences. Models like the Bissell CleanView® Swivel Pet Vacuum Cleaner – 2252 are extremely popular. These uprights are equipped with multi – surface cleaning capabilities. The adjustable cleaning heads can be set to different heights, making them suitable for both low – pile carpets and hardwood floors. The swivel steering feature is a game – changer, allowing for easy maneuverability around furniture legs, corners, and other tight spaces. For pet owners, the triple – action brush roll and pet turboeraser tools are a godsend. They can dig deep into carpets to remove even the most stubborn pet hair, while being gentle enough not to scratch hard floors.
Stick and Cordless Vacuums
If you’re looking for convenience and quick cleanups, Bissell’s stick and cordless vacuums are worth considering. The Bissell AirRam 1984, for example, is a lightweight cordless vacuum powered by a 22 – volt battery. It offers up to 30 minutes of cleaning time, which is sufficient for most quick cleaning sessions around the house. The on/off powerhead brush can be adjusted according to the floor type, whether it’s a hard floor or a low – pile carpet. Its powerful suction can handle various types of dirt, debris, and even small particles with ease. Cordless vacuums like this are perfect for quickly tidying up between major cleaning sessions or for cleaning small areas without the hassle of dealing with cords.
Robotic Vacuums
Bissell’s foray into the world of robotic vacuums has been met with some success. These automated cleaners are equipped with features like surface recognition and cliff detection. You can set them to clean at specific times, allowing you to come home to a clean floor without lifting a finger. They are great for maintaining a basic level of cleanliness in your home, especially in areas that are frequently used, such as living rooms and hallways. While they may not be able to handle large messes as effectively as some of the larger upright or canister vacuums, they are a convenient addition to any home cleaning arsenal.
Canister Vacuums
Canister vacuums from Bissell are versatile cleaning tools. They are ideal for cleaning hard floors, curtains, upholstery, and even garages. The Garage Pro® canister vacs, for instance, are designed to handle the tough and varied messes that can accumulate in a garage. They usually come with long hoses and a variety of attachments, allowing you to reach high places, clean tight corners, and get into those hard – to – reach areas. The canister design also makes them relatively quiet compared to some upright vacuums, which can be a plus if you’re cleaning in a quiet environment or around sleeping children.
Handheld Vacuums
For those small, targeted cleanups, Bissell’s handheld vacuums are a great option. They are perfect for cleaning pet hair off furniture, crumbs from car seats, or dust from hard – to – reach nooks and crannies. These handheld models are small in size but pack a punch in terms of suction power. They are easy to carry around and can be quickly grabbed whenever a small mess needs to be taken care of.
Impressive Performance
Suction Power
One of the most important aspects of a good vacuum is its suction power, and Bissell does not disappoint in this regard. Models like the Bissell AirRam 1984, despite being a cordless vacuum, have strong suction capabilities. The multi – cyclonic suction systems in many of their upright vacuums, such as the CleanView Swivel Pet, ensure that the suction power remains high throughout the cleaning process. This means that whether you’re cleaning up large debris or fine dust, the vacuum can effectively pick it up. The strong suction also allows for deep cleaning of carpets, pulling out dirt and allergens that may be embedded deep within the fibers.
Cleaning Different Surfaces
Bissell vacuums are engineered to perform well on a variety of surfaces. The adjustable cleaning heads and specialized brushes on their upright vacuums make them suitable for both carpets and hard floors. On carpets, the brushes can agitate the fibers to loosen dirt and debris, while the suction power then picks it up. On hard floors, the same vacuums can be adjusted to a gentler setting to avoid scratching the surface while still effectively cleaning up dirt, dust, and spills. Their stick and cordless vacuums also offer good performance on different surfaces, with the ability to switch between floor types easily.
Pet Hair Removal
If you have pets at home, pet hair can be a constant nuisance. Bissell has recognized this and has designed many of its vacuums with pet owners in mind. The CleanView Swivel Pet, for example, comes with a pet turboeraser tool that is specifically designed to remove pet hair from carpets and upholstery. The triple – action brush roll also does an excellent job of grabbing pet hair and preventing it from getting tangled in the brush. In tests, Bissell vacuums have proven to be highly effective in removing pet hair, even from deep – pile carpets. This makes them a top choice for households with furry friends.
User – Friendly Features
Filtration Systems
Many Bissell vacuum cleaners are equipped with multi – level filtration systems. Some models feature a HEPA – sealed allergen system, which is great for people with allergies. This type of filtration system can trap dust, pollen, and other non – living allergens, preventing them from being released back into the air. However, it’s important to note that not all Bissell models have this anti – allergen treatment. For example, the CleanView Swivel Pet, while a great vacuum for pet hair removal, does not have a HEPA – sealed allergen system, which may be a drawback for some allergy – sufferers.
Maneuverability
Bissell vacuums are designed with maneuverability in mind. The swivel steering feature in many of their upright vacuums, like the CleanView Swivel Pet, allows for easy movement around furniture and in tight spaces. The lightweight design of some models, such as the AirRam 1984 cordless vacuum, also contributes to its excellent maneuverability. This makes the cleaning process more efficient, as you can quickly navigate around your home without having to struggle with a bulky or hard – to – move vacuum.
Accessories and Attachments
Bissell vacuums typically come with a range of accessories and attachments to enhance their cleaning capabilities. The CleanView Swivel Pet, for instance, comes with four specialty tools. These include brushes for dusting, upholstery cleaning, and reaching narrow areas, as well as the aforementioned pet turboeraser tool. The additional attachments allow you to customize the cleaning experience based on your specific needs, whether it’s cleaning high shelves, delicate upholstery, or tight corners.
User Reviews: A Mixed Bag
Looking at user reviews can provide valuable insights into the real – world performance of Bissell vacuums. Many users praise the brand for its powerful suction, effective pet – hair removal, and user – friendly features. Owners of the CleanView Swivel Pet often mention how well it picks up pet hair from their carpets and how easy it is to maneuver around the house. The stick and cordless vacuums are also lauded for their convenience and ability to quickly clean up small messes.
However, like any brand, Bissell is not without its critics. Some users have reported issues with durability, particularly with certain models. There have been complaints about parts breaking or the suction power decreasing over time. Additionally, while the filtration systems in some models are great, the lack of anti – allergen treatment in models like the CleanView Swivel Pet has been a disappointment for some allergy – prone users. The price of some Bissell models has also been a point of contention for some consumers, who feel that they could get a similar – performing vacuum from another brand at a lower cost.
Conclusion
So, is Bissell a good vacuum? The answer is a resounding yes, but with some caveats. Bissell offers a wide range of vacuum cleaners that perform well in terms of suction power, surface cleaning, and pet – hair removal. Their diverse product line means that there is likely a Bissell vacuum to suit every cleaning need and budget. The brand’s long history and reputation for innovation are also strong points in its favor.
However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential drawbacks. Durability issues reported by some users and the lack of certain features, such as anti – allergen treatment in some models, may be deal – breakers for some. Additionally, the price of some Bissell vacuums may be a bit steep for those on a tight budget.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a vacuum cleaner and are looking for a brand with a proven track record, a wide range of products, and good performance, Bissell is definitely a brand worth considering. Just be sure to do your research, read user reviews, and choose the model that best fits your specific cleaning requirements and budget.
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