Bissell isn’t just a logo on a vacuum; it’s a household legacy that has been around for nearly 150 years. While you might know them for their deep-cleaning machines, there is much more to this brand than meets the eye.
From a rich history of female leadership to a massive commitment to saving homeless pets, Bissell has built a reputation that goes beyond just clean floors. We dug into the brand’s history and tested their lineup to find the best machines for your home.
If you are ready to upgrade your cleaning gear, here are the top five Bissell vacuums that combine performance, durability, and value.
- Powerful brush roll
- Cleans close to edges
- Washable filter and extendable hose
History of Bissell
The story begins in a small crockery shop in Michigan in 1876. Melville R. Bissell, tired of constantly sweeping sawdust off his shop floors, invented a unique carpet sweeper to make the job easier.
It worked so well that customers started asking to buy the sweeper rather than the crockery. When Melville passed away in 1889, his wife Anna stepped in to lead the company. She became the first female CEO in America, a groundbreaking achievement for the time.
Anna was a powerhouse marketer. She expanded the business globally, even securing a royal fan; Queen Victoria insisted that her palace be cleaned weekly with Bissell sweepers (1).
Bissell continued to innovate over the decades:
- 1956: They launched the manual carpet shampooer, saving people from scrubbing floors on their hands and knees.
- 1979: The first carpet deep cleaning machine hit the market, designed to extract dirt from deep within fibers.
- Late 1980s: Bissell introduced the first deep cleaner that didn’t need a hookup to a water source, making it much easier for homeowners to use.
In the modern era, the company shifted focus toward a specific, messy problem: pets. Since the early 2000s, they have specialized in tools designed to erase pet hair, stains, and odors.
A Charitable Agreement
Bissell doesn’t just market to pet owners; they actively support animal welfare. In 2011, Cathy Bissell founded the BISSELL Pet Foundation to assist abandoned and neglected animals.
The foundation funds adoption fees, spaying/neutering, microchipping, and foster care. To date, they have impacted hundreds of thousands of animal lives. The best part is that every purchase of a Bissell product triggers a donation to this cause.
Sustainability Efforts
The company is also serious about reducing its environmental impact. Their “ForEverGreen” team works to integrate sustainability into product design and logistics.
One major win is their packaging. Partnering with YFY Jupiter Packaging, Bissell utilizes Npulp, a renewable material made from straw waste (a byproduct of wheat and rice crops). This eliminates the need for plastic or wood-based packaging in many of their products.
About the Brand
Bissell has cemented itself as a go-to for pet parents and eco-conscious shoppers. Here is what you need to know about buying and owning one.
Where to Buy Bissell
You can find their full catalog directly at Bissell.com. However, major retailers like Amazon often carry a wider variety of models, including older favorites and refurbished units that might be out of stock on the manufacturer’s site.
Customer Service and Reviews
If you run into trouble, support is accessible. Bissell offers a dedicated “Contact Us” page with email options, live chat, and a phone line (1-833-470-1876) for direct assistance (2).
User feedback is generally very positive. The brand maintains a high average rating across major e-commerce platforms, often exceeding 4 stars. Customers appreciate that replacement parts (like filters and belts) are easy to find and affordable, extending the life of the machine.
Why Choose Bissell?
While other brands branch out into kitchen appliances or hair dryers, Bissell stays in its lane: floor care. This singular focus allows them to perfect their technology.
They offer a machine for every scenario, from specific cleaning solutions to heavy-duty carpet washers. If you have a house full of shedding animals, their specialized rubberized tools are arguably the best in the industry for removing fur from upholstery.
Product Reviews
We analyzed the lineup to find the best machines for every type of home. Here are our top five picks.
Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum
Best Bissell Vacuum for Multiple Surfaces
If you have furry friends, you know the struggle of keeping hair off the furniture and carpets. This bagless upright is a pet-hair linebacker designed to tackle stubborn shedding season messes.
It features a Triple Action Brush Roll that digs deep to loosen embedded dirt. Combined with swivel steering, it maneuvers easily around furniture legs, making it a solid daily driver for busy homes.
What We Like
Powerful Brush Roll
The brush roll utilizes specialized bristles to lift fine dust and hair that other vacuums might mat down. It is aggressive enough for carpets but still manages to clean hard floors without scattering debris everywhere.
Note that while it works on hard floors, the spinning bristles are always engaged, so be cautious with delicate hardwood.
Cleans Close to Edges
Bulkier vacuums usually struggle near baseboards. This model is designed with edge-to-edge suction, meaning the cleaning path extends the full width of the foot. You won’t have to go back over the edges with a hose attachment.
Washable Components
Maintenance is cheap and easy. The multi-cyclonic system keeps dirt in the tank and away from the motor, while the filter can be rinsed in the sink. This saves you money on frequent replacements.
Great Reach
The stretch hose and extension wand make ceiling corners accessible. It also comes with a Pet TurboEraser tool, which uses a spinning air-driven brush to rip hair off stairs and upholstery.
What We Don't Like
Dust Bin Design
While easy to empty, the bin shape can sometimes trap clumps of hair near the top, requiring you to reach in to pull them out.
Product Specs
| Power Source | Corded |
| Swivel Steering | Yes |
| Pet Tools | Pet hair corner tool, pet tool |
| Cord Length | 27 feet |
| Weight | 17.8 pounds |
Our Ratings
Bissell Featherweight Stick Vacuum
Best Stick Bissell Vacuum
Dragging a heavy canister up and down stairs is a recipe for back pain. This ultra-light stick vacuum solves that problem by packing decent suction into a feather-light frame.
It is a convertible unit, transforming from a floor stick vac to a hand vac in seconds. This makes it a perfect choice for dorm rooms, studio apartments, or as a secondary vacuum for quick kitchen sweeps.
What We Like
Three-in-One Versatility
You get three modes in one cheap package: a stick vacuum for floors, a handheld for counters, and a stair vacuum (by attaching the floor nozzle directly to the hand unit).
Extremely Lightweight
Weighing under four pounds, anyone can use this machine comfortably. It is compact enough to store in a broom closet or even behind a door.
Simple Maintenance
The bagless design means no recurring costs. The dirt cup (0.67 liters) is easy to pop off and dump. The filter is rinseable, though you must let it air dry completely for 24 hours before using it again.
What We Don't Like
Short Power Cord
The 15-foot cord is limiting for large rooms. You will likely need to swap outlets if you are cleaning an open-concept living area.
Product Specs
| Power Source | Corded |
| Swivel Steering | No |
| Pet Tools | None |
| Cord Length | 15 feet |
| Weight | 3 pounds |
Our Ratings
Bissell AeroSlim Cordless Handheld
Best Handheld Bissell Vacuum
For small spills, car interiors, or crumbs on the keyboard, you don’t need a full-sized machine. The AeroSlim is a sleek, cordless handheld unit that looks modern enough to leave out on a shelf.
Powered by a 7.2V lithium-ion battery, it offers grab-and-go convenience. It comes with a 2-in-1 crevice tool and dusting brush, making it ideal for detailing cars or cleaning between sofa cushions.
What We Like
USB Charging
Unlike old dustbusters with bulky wall mounts, this charges via USB. You can charge it in your car, plugged into your laptop, or with a standard phone block.
Compact and Stylish
It is about the size of a wine bottle, meaning it fits easily in a glove box or desk drawer. The aesthetics are a step up from typical utility vacuums.
Effective for Quick Pickups
You get about 12 minutes of runtime. While that sounds short, it is plenty of time to vacuum spills on the kitchen counter or clean the floor mats in your car.
What We Don't Like
Small Dirt Capacity
This is strictly for small messes. The bin fills up quickly, and the filter needs frequent brushing off to maintain suction power.
Product Specs
| Power Source | Battery |
| Swivel Steering | No |
| Pet Tools | None |
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Weight | 1.37 pounds |
Our Ratings
Bissell EV675 Robot Vacuum
Best Robot Bissell Vacuum
If you hate vacuuming, let a robot do it for you. This entry-level robot vacuum handles daily maintenance so you can focus on other things.
It features a Triple-Action cleaning system with dual edge brushes and a rotating brush roll. While it doesn’t have the laser mapping of $800 units, it navigates effectively enough to keep your floors crumb-free between deep cleans.
What We Like
Automatic Recharging
When the battery runs low (after about 100 minutes of runtime), the robot automatically finds its way back to the dock to recharge. You don’t have to hunt for a dead robot under the bed.
Safety Sensors
It comes equipped with cliff detection sensors, preventing it from taking a tumble down the stairs. It also detects obstacles to avoid damaging your furniture.
Quiet Operation
Compared to a standard upright, this unit is very quiet. You can run it while watching TV or working without it becoming a distraction. It transitions easily from hard floors to low-pile rugs.
What We Don't Like
Random Navigation
It lacks smart mapping memory, meaning it cleans in a random pattern. It might miss a spot occasionally or take longer to clean a room than a more advanced, expensive robot.
Product Specs
| Power Source | Battery |
| Swivel Steering | N/A |
| Pet Tools | None |
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Weight | 11 pounds |
Our Ratings
Bissell Hard Floor Expert Corded Bagless Canister Vacuum
Best Bissell Vacuum for Hard Floors
Hard floors require a gentle touch; stiff bristles can leave scratches, and high-speed brush rolls often just fling debris across the room. This canister vacuum is engineered specifically for tile, laminate, and wood.
It uses a specialized air-driven turbine foot that captures fine dust while being soft on delicate surfaces. The lightweight canister body follows you easily as you move through the house.
What We Like
Gentle Yet Effective
The main floor head is designed to suction up dirt without the abrasion of a heavy carpet beater bar. It keeps your expensive hardwood finish safe.
No Suction Fade
The multi-cyclonic technology ensures consistent power even as the bin fills up. It handles pet hair, kitty litter, and cereal spills with ease.
Retractable Cord & Telescoping Wand
Convenience features like the auto-rewind cord and the adjustable metal wand make it user-friendly. You can adjust the height to save your back and retract the cord with the push of a button.
What We Don't Like
Struggles on High-Pile Carpet
This is a “Hard Floor Expert” for a reason. While it can clean flat rugs, it lacks a motorized brush roll necessary for deep cleaning thick, plush carpets.
Product Specs
| Power Source | Corded |
| Swivel Steering | No |
| Pet Tools | None |
| Cord Length | 18 feet |
| Weight | 13 pounds |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Power Source | Swivel Steering | Pet Tools | Cord Length | Weight |
| CleanView Swivel Pet Vacuum | For Multiple Surfaces | Corded | Yes | Pet hair corner tool, pet tool | 27 feet | 17.8 lbs |
| Featherweight Stick Vacuum | Stick | Corded | No | None | 15 feet | 3 lbs |
| Cordless Hand Vacuum | Handheld | Battery | No | None | N/A | 1.37 lbs |
| Robot Vacuum | Robot | Battery | N/A | None | N/A | 11 lbs |
| Hard Floor Expert | For Hard Floors | Corded | No | None | 18 feet | 13 lbs |
FAQs
Are Bissell Vacuums Made In the USA?
Bissell vacuum cleaners are not manufactured in the USA. They are designed and engineered at their headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but the manufacturing takes place in China.
Which Bissell Vacuum is the Most Powerful?
The Bissell CleanView Upright is widely considered one of their most powerful options for residential use. Its multi-cyclonic system and Triple Action Brush Roll provide high airflow for deep carpet cleaning.
How Long Should a Bissell Vacuum Last?
With proper maintenance, a Bissell vacuum typically lasts between 5 to 8 years. Regular filter cleaning and belt replacements are key to longevity. Corded uprights generally outlast battery-powered stick vacuums.
What is Bissell HeatWave Technology?
HeatWave Technology is a feature found in Bissell’s carpet cleaners (not dry vacuums). It uses motor heat to maintain the water temperature in the tank, ensuring the water stays warm throughout the cleaning process to better break down stains.
Can I Wash My Bissell Vacuum Filter?
Yes, most foam and felt filters in Bissell vacuums are washable. Rinse them with warm water and mild detergent, but ensure they are completely dry (usually 24 hours) before reinserting them to prevent mold and motor damage. Pleated paper filters are generally not washable and should be replaced.
Do Bissell Vacuums Have a Warranty?
Yes, Bissell offers limited warranties on their products, typically ranging from 1 to 5 years depending on the model. You usually need to register your product on their website and retain your proof of purchase to make a claim.
Keep It Rolling with Bissell
Bissell has thrived for over 140 years by sticking to its values: family, pets, and clean homes. Whether you need a heavy-duty upright for shedding season or a robot to handle the daily sweep, there is a model in their lineup for you.
When choosing, focus on your floor type. If you have mostly hardwood, grab the canister or stick vac. If you have wall-to-wall carpet and a Golden Retriever, trust the CleanView to get the job done.
