Buying Guide for the Best Bissell Carpet Cleaners
Choosing the right carpet cleaner can make a big difference in how easy and effective your cleaning routine is. When shopping for a carpet cleaner, it's important to think about the size of the areas you'll be cleaning, how often you'll use the machine, and any special needs like pet stains or allergies. Understanding the key features will help you find a model that fits your lifestyle and cleaning habits, making the process smoother and more satisfying.Tank CapacityTank capacity refers to how much water and cleaning solution the carpet cleaner can hold at one time. This is important because a larger tank means you can clean more area before needing to stop and refill, which is helpful for bigger rooms or whole-house cleaning. Smaller tanks are lighter and easier to handle, making them a good choice for spot cleaning or smaller spaces. If you have a large home or plan to clean multiple rooms at once, a bigger tank will save you time. For quick cleanups or apartments, a smaller tank is usually enough.
Cleaning Path WidthThe cleaning path width is the width of the area the cleaner can cover in one pass. A wider cleaning path lets you clean large areas faster, which is great for big rooms or open spaces. Narrower paths are easier to maneuver around furniture and in tight spaces. If you have lots of open carpet, a wider path is more efficient. If your rooms are smaller or have lots of furniture, a narrower path gives you better control.
Weight and PortabilityWeight and portability describe how heavy the machine is and how easy it is to move around. Lighter models are easier to carry up and down stairs and to use for quick cleanups, while heavier models may offer more power but can be harder to move. If you have multiple floors or limited strength, a lighter, more portable cleaner is a better fit. For deep cleaning large areas, a heavier model might be worth the extra effort.
Brush SystemThe brush system is how the cleaner scrubs your carpet. Some have rotating brushes, others have fixed brushes, and some use a combination. Rotating brushes are more aggressive and good for deep cleaning, especially if you have pets or heavy traffic. Fixed brushes are gentler and better for delicate carpets. If you need to tackle tough stains or pet messes, look for a model with strong, rotating brushes. For light cleaning or delicate rugs, a gentler brush system is best.
Drying TimeDrying time is how long it takes for your carpet to dry after cleaning. Some machines have features that help extract more water, leaving carpets drier and reducing wait time. Faster drying is important if you need to use the room soon after cleaning or want to avoid musty smells. If quick drying is a priority, look for models with strong suction or special drying features. If you can leave the room unused for a while, this may be less important.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories are extra tools that come with the cleaner, like hose attachments for stairs, upholstery tools, or special nozzles for pet stains. These add versatility and let you clean more than just carpets, such as furniture, car interiors, or hard-to-reach spots. If you want to clean more than just floors, or have pets and kids, look for a model with a good selection of attachments. If you only need to clean carpets, basic models may be enough.
Ease of Cleaning and MaintenanceEase of cleaning and maintenance refers to how simple it is to empty the tanks, clean the brushes, and keep the machine in good shape. Machines that are easy to take apart and rinse out will save you time and help the cleaner last longer. If you want a hassle-free experience, look for models with removable tanks and easy-access brushes. If you don’t mind a little extra work, this may be less of a concern.
