Review Of Bissell Vacuum Cleaners

Bissell is one of the oldest American companies.

Started in 1876 by Melville and Anna Bissell in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the idea for a ‘carpet sweeper’ was Anna’s. She was tired of it taking so long to clean up the tiny bits of sawdust from packing crates that always got embedded in the couple’s crockery shop carpets.

Melville designed and patented the first carpet sweeper, and the rest is history.

Today, the Bissell Company makes many products for cleaning homes and businesses. Among the top sellers is their line of vacuum cleaners.

Bissell has a very good reputation as a company, and their vacuum cleaners are no exception.

According to a leading consumer testing organization, Bissell upright vacuum cleaners rank near the top in reviews in terms of needing the least repairs and suffering the least major malfunctions.

Only Kirby and Eureka/Electrolux vacuums scored higher (by a small margin).

When all the important factors are considered, there is one Bissell vacuum cleaner that just may be the best overall value in vacuum cleaner history: the bagless, upright Bissell CleanView II.

Bissell Features and Specifications

Here are the specifications and features of the CleanView II Vacuum Cleaner:

• 12-amp motor
• Bagless Easy Empty™ dirt container with full-bin alerting system
• HEPA filtration system
• 7 height adjustment settings
• 13 1/2-inch wide cleaning path
• Powerful headlamp with wide beam
• 17 lbs.
• 27-foot electrical cord
• On-board tools for cleaning crevices, drapes, stairs, and upholstery
• Price: $80-$95

Good Value For The Price

The first thing that jumps out at you is that this is a lot of vacuum cleaner for such a low price! To put it in proper comparison context, a leading independent testing agency that compares vacuum cleaners on several measures gives this Bissell vacuum cleaner an overall rating that is as high or higher than vacuums costing $500-$1000. There really is no better bargain out there.

The power alone is worth the price. A 12-amp motor is usually found in bigger, more expensive vacuums. This vacuum will suck up just about anything you throw at it (within reason, of course). Even if you don’t envision tough jobs for your vacuum cleaner, having lots of suction means fewer passes over the carpet. Who wouldn’t want to vacuum faster?

Bagless Container

The bagless container is pretty much standard these days, with one exception – the automatic alert when the container is full. It’s not a big deal in the big scheme of things, but again, this is not a feature usually found in vacuums costing under $100. It’s just one of the little details that make this Bissell vacuum cleaner such a great buy.

HEPA Filtration

HEPA filters are, just like bagless canisters, becoming more and more the norm in all vacuum cleaners. But, again, you’ll find lots of higher priced bagless vacuums that don’t feature these great filters.

Adjustable Height Setting

One of the most incredible features on this Bissell vacuum cleaner is that you can so accurately adjust the height setting for any kind of carpet or bare floor. Seven settings are more than can be found on some of the most expensive vacuums, and here it is on one of the least expensive.

Yet another unexpected and highly useful feature on the Bissell CleanView II is the 13 1/2-inch cleaning width. Most lower priced vacuum cleaners only provide 12 inches. Granted, it’s not a big difference, but over a medium-sized or large room, you’ll save a few passes, and that’s always a good thing.

Still another great feature that you usually see on just the expensive vacuums is the wide-beam headlamp. Anyone who has vacuumed more than a few times in his or her life will attest to how frustrating it is when a vacuum cleaner has no forward-facing light, or one that provides inadequate lighting.

Weight

At 17 lbs., this Bissell vacuum cleaner is not heavy. Frankly, it could be heavier and this vacuum would still be among the best on the market. Nevertheless, its moderate weight just adds to the appeal.

And finally, the on-board tools are smartly positioned to be both handy and out of your way when not in use. You get all the standard tools that make for a versatile vacuum cleaner that can handle the floors, drapes, stairs, and upholstery.

There Isn’t Much to Dislike About This Vacuum Cleaner

If there’s anything at all to complain about on the Bissell CleanView II, it’s that the power cord is too short. Twenty-seven feet just doesn’t cut it these days. People have come to expect cords closer to 40 and even 50 feet, and for good reason. Still, at least this is a potential problem that is easily fixed with an inexpensive indoor extension cord. You’ll have more than enough to spend on one after saving so much on this seriously under priced beauty of a vacuum cleaner!

It should also be noted that a respected consumer advocacy and product testing institution reviews lists two other drawbacks on their rating of the Bissell CleanView II. There is no suction control, and no independent switch for rotating the cleaning brush. They bear mentioning, but for most people these will not be major issues.

Bissell Vacuum Recommendations

Clearly, the Bissell CleanView II is a great vacuum cleaner. It has features that are normally found only on the more expensive vacuums, and Bissell has an excellent track record on repairs and malfunctions. If money is at all an issue for you when shopping for your next vacuum, don’t even bother looking at any other models. At $80-$95, this is the best one, hands down.