When it comes to carpet cleaning, Bissell stands out as a trusted brand offering a range of models designed for different needs. The ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus is the best overall choice for its deep cleaning power and pet-specific features. For those with limited space or occasional messes, the Little Green Mini Portable offers a compact, budget-friendly option. Meanwhile, the TurboClean Upright balances performance and ease of use for everyday cleaning. The main tradeoffs involve balancing power, portability, and price, which can make choosing the right model confusing. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of each option to find your best fit.
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Key Takeaways
- The top models excel either in deep cleaning power or portability, highlighting different priorities for buyers.
- Pet-specific features are a significant factor, with certain models designed to handle pet hair and stains more effectively.
- Compact and lightweight models offer convenience but may sacrifice some cleaning strength compared to full-sized uprights.
- Price varies widely, with the best value options balancing performance and affordability, while premium picks focus on advanced features.
- All models require regular maintenance; understanding ease of cleaning and durability is key to long-term satisfaction.
| BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus Carpet Cleaner, 3588F |  | Best Overall for Pet Owners and Deep Cleaning | Model: 3588F | Cleaning Modes: MAX Clean, Express Clean | Tools Included: 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool, 3” Tough Stain Tool, 8ft Hose | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner, 4075 |  | Best for Small Spaces and On-the-Go Cleanups | Model Number: 4075 | Unit Count: 1 | Included Components: Portable Carpet Cleaner | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BISSELL Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner |  | Best for Pet Stains and Quick Deep Cleaning | Power: Superior suction, 30% more powerful than competitors | Tank Technology: Two-tank system for clean and dirty water separation | Included Tools: Self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool, Pet Hair Removal Tool | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BISSELL TurboClean Upright Carpet Cleaner, OXY Formula, 3952 |  | Best for High-Traffic Areas and Easy Stain Removal | Model: 3952 | Features: 4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush, lightweight, compact design | Compatible with: Pro Max Clean + Protect formula | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Portable Carpet Cleaner, 3618 |  | Best for Deep Cleaning with Steam Power | Tank Capacity: 64 oz | Cleaning Modes: 3 | Tools Included: 5” Tough Stain Tool, Multi-Surface Tool | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner |  | Best for Spot Cleaning and Light Tasks | Brand: BISSELL | Model: 1400B | Capacity: 48 oz | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner 3746 |  | Best for Large Areas and Pet Stains | Brand: Bissell | Model Number: 3746 | Unit Count: 1 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus Carpet Cleaner, 3588F
This model stands out for its ability to tackle stubborn pet stains and odors with dual DirtLifter powerbrushes and the efficient CleanShot Pretreater. Compared to the Little Green Max Pet, it offers more cleaning modes and a larger water capacity, making it better suited for extensive cleaning sessions. However, this power comes with increased weight and complexity, which can make maneuvering more challenging. It’s ideal for pet owners who need a versatile, heavy-duty machine that can handle both deep and quick cleanings, but less so for users seeking a lightweight, simple option. The antimicrobial Dirt Tank helps maintain freshness, but the higher price and bulk may be drawbacks for casual users.
Pros:- Effective at removing tough pet stains and odors
- Versatile tools for furniture, stairs, and pet beds
- Multiple cleaning modes for deep or quick cleaning
- Antimicrobial Dirt Tank maintains freshness
Cons:- Heavy and bulky, challenging to maneuver
- Complex setup with multiple components
- Higher price compared to basic models
Best for: Pet owners who need a powerful, versatile carpet cleaner capable of handling tough stains and odors in large areas.
Not ideal for: Users seeking a lightweight, easy-to-store machine for occasional, light cleaning tasks.
- Model:3588F
- Cleaning Modes:MAX Clean, Express Clean
- Tools Included:2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool, 3” Tough Stain Tool, 8ft Hose
- Formulas Included:BISSELL PRO MAX Clean + Protect, BISSELL Pet Pro Oxy Urine Eliminator
- Removable Brush Cover:Yes
- Hose Length:8 ft
Our verdict“This pick is best for pet owners who need a heavy-duty machine that can handle frequent, demanding cleanings with ease.”
BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner, 4075
This compact, lightweight cleaner makes quick work of small stains and pet messes, especially on upholstery and car interiors. Compared with the larger ProHeat model, it excels in portability, fitting easily into tight spaces, but sacrifices capacity and deep cleaning power. Its effectiveness on small spots makes it ideal for quick touch-ups, but it’s less suitable for larger or heavily soiled areas. This cleaner is perfect for busy households that need a convenient, portable tool for occasional use, but not for heavy-duty or frequent deep cleans. Supporting a charitable cause adds an extra incentive, though the small tank means frequent refills for larger jobs.
Pros:- Compact and lightweight for easy handling
- Effective at removing stains, pet messes, and allergens
- Includes useful tools for upholstery and car interiors
- Supports charitable donations with each purchase
Cons:- Limited cleaning capacity due to small size
- Requires frequent refilling of cleaning solution
- Not suitable for large or deep cleaning jobs
Best for: Busy individuals or pet owners who need a portable, easy-to-store solution for quick stain removal and upholstery cleaning.
Not ideal for: People with large areas or deep stains requiring frequent, extensive cleaning sessions.
- Model Number:4075
- Unit Count:1
- Included Components:Portable Carpet Cleaner
- Best Sellers Rank:#24 in Home & Kitchen, #1 in Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Machines
- UPC:011120278712
Our verdict“This portable cleaner is ideal for quick, light cleaning tasks on small surfaces or in tight spaces, especially for pet owners on the go.”
BISSELL Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
The Little Green Max Pet improves on basic portability with a more powerful suction system—30% more than many competitors—and a self-cleaning tool for easier maintenance. Compared to the smaller Little Green Mini, it offers superior stain removal power and a larger water tank, making it better suited for tackling tougher pet stains on soft surfaces. While its power and features are impressive, it remains limited to soft surfaces and upholstery, and requires specific formulas for optimal results. This model makes the most sense for pet owners who deal with frequent, stubborn stains but aren’t looking for a large, full-sized machine.
Pros:- Superior suction for tough stain removal
- Self-cleaning tool simplifies maintenance
- Lightweight and portable for easy use
- Effective for pet stains and odors
Cons:- Limited to soft surfaces and upholstery
- Requires specific cleaning formulas for best results
- Power may be insufficient for very large or heavily soiled areas
Best for: Pet owners needing a portable, deep-cleaning tool to handle stubborn stains and odors on upholstery and soft surfaces.
Not ideal for: Users who need a machine for large-scale or deep carpet cleaning, or for heavy-duty, frequent use on large areas.
- Power:Superior suction, 30% more powerful than competitors
- Tank Technology:Two-tank system for clean and dirty water separation
- Included Tools:Self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool, Pet Hair Removal Tool
- Size:Lightweight and portable
Our verdict“This cleaner is best for pet owners seeking a portable, powerful tool for targeted stain removal on soft surfaces.”
BISSELL TurboClean Upright Carpet Cleaner, OXY Formula, 3952
This upright model offers a straightforward solution for cleaning high-traffic areas with ground-in stains, thanks to its 4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush and powerful suction. Unlike the portable models, it’s designed for larger, more frequent cleaning sessions on carpets and area rugs, especially in busy households. Its lightweight and compact design make it easier to handle than bulkier upright cleaners, but it still requires the use of specific formulas like the Pro Max Clean + Protect to achieve its best results. It’s less suited for small, quick cleanups or delicate surfaces, but excels in demanding, high-traffic environments needing regular stain removal.
Pros:- Effective at removing ground-in and pet stains
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Compact design for storage convenience
- Compatible with stain-protecting formulas
Cons:- Requires specific cleaning formulas for optimal performance
- Not suitable for very large or deep cleaning jobs
Best for: Homeowners seeking an easy-to-store upright cleaner for frequent use in high-traffic or heavily soiled areas.
Not ideal for: Individuals who prefer lightweight, portable options for occasional spot cleaning or have limited space for upright models.
- Model:3952
- Features:4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush, lightweight, compact design
- Compatible with:Pro Max Clean + Protect formula
Our verdict“This upright cleaner works best for homeowners who need a reliable, easy-to-store machine for frequent high-traffic stain removal.”
BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Portable Carpet Cleaner, 3618
The Little Green HydroSteam stands out for its hydrosteam technology, offering up to 50% better cleaning than non-steam models. Compared to the Max Pet version, it provides a chemical-free cleaning option for those who want a more natural approach or need to sanitize surfaces. Its multiple modes cater to different cleaning needs, and it dries upholstery in roughly 30 minutes, making it a convenient choice for quick turnaround jobs. The modest 64 oz tank and manual operation mean it’s better suited for small areas or detailed cleaning rather than large-scale projects. This model is ideal for users prioritizing deep, chemical-free cleaning and fast drying, but less so for extensive or continuous cleaning tasks.
Pros:- Effective hydrosteam technology for deep cleaning
- Multi-surface versatility for carpets, upholstery, stairs
- Fast drying time around 30 minutes
- Includes powerful stain removal tools
Cons:- Small tank capacity requires frequent refilling
- Manual setup and operation may be cumbersome
- Limited to portable use, not for large areas
Best for: Homeowners or pet owners who want a portable, deep-cleaning machine with steam technology for small areas and quick results.
Not ideal for: People needing a large capacity machine for frequent, large-area cleaning or heavy-duty deep cleaning on big carpets.
- Tank Capacity:64 oz
- Cleaning Modes:3
- Tools Included:5” Tough Stain Tool, Multi-Surface Tool
- Warranty:3 years
Our verdict“This steam-powered cleaner is best for those seeking a chemical-free, deep clean in small spaces with quick drying times.”
BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner
The BISSELL Little Green excels at tackling small stains and odors on carpets and upholstery, making it ideal for quick, targeted cleanups. Unlike larger models like the BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL, which are designed for whole-room cleaning, this portable unit focuses on convenience and precision. Its 48 oz water tank allows for multiple passes without constant refilling, but its compact size means it’s best suited for light cleaning rather than heavy-duty jobs. While effective at removing stains and odors, it can struggle with tougher spots that require more power or larger capacity. This makes it a perfect choice for pet owners dealing with occasional messes or families who want a dedicated spot cleaner, but less ideal for extensive cleaning routines or larger households.
Pros:- Effective at removing stains and odors with minimal effort
- Large 48 oz water tank supports extended cleaning sessions
- Simple spray, scrub, and suction operation for ease of use
Cons:- Limited to small or light cleaning tasks; not suitable for deep or extensive cleaning
- May require multiple passes for stubborn stains, reducing efficiency
Best for: Pet owners and homeowners needing quick, effective stain removal from upholstery and carpets on a small scale
Not ideal for: Large households or heavy-duty cleaning needs, as it requires multiple passes and has limited capacity
- Brand:BISSELL
- Model:1400B
- Capacity:48 oz
- Type:Portable Carpet Cleaner
Our verdict“This pick is ideal for pet owners or individuals who need a portable, easy-to-use spot cleaner for occasional use.”
BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner 3746
The BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL stands out for covering large areas efficiently thanks to its 10-inch wide cleaning path, making it quicker than smaller, handheld models like the BISSELL Little Green. Its 1-gallon tank reduces frequent refills, supporting longer cleaning sessions, especially beneficial for homes with pets that generate persistent messes. The included attachments make it versatile for above-floor cleaning, such as upholstery and stairs. However, its size and weight can pose storage challenges, and maneuvering it around furniture or tight spaces might be cumbersome. Additionally, it requires use of specific cleaning formulas for optimal results, which could add to ongoing costs. Overall, this model suits pet owners and large households needing deep, efficient cleaning, but less so for those with limited storage or light cleaning demands.
Pros:- Wide 10-inch cleaning path saves time on large areas
- Includes attachments for above-floor cleaning like stairs and upholstery
- Large 1-gallon tank reduces refilling frequency
- Effective at removing pet stains and allergens
Cons:- Bulky to store and potentially difficult to maneuver in tight spaces
- Heavy weight can make handling tiring during extended use
- Requires specific cleaning formulas for best performance
Best for: Families with pets or large areas needing regular deep cleaning of carpets and upholstery
Not ideal for: Small apartments or users with limited storage space, due to its bulk and weight
- Brand:Bissell
- Model Number:3746
- Unit Count:1
- Included Components:Crevice Tool
- UPC:011120272710
- Best Sellers Rank:#2,517 in Home & Kitchen
Our verdict“This upright cleaner is best suited for pet owners or large households needing efficient, deep cleaning with minimal downtime.”
How We Picked
I evaluated these Bissell models based on key criteria that matter most to users: cleaning performance, usability, build quality, maintenance ease, and value for money. I also considered versatility, whether the model is suitable for pets or upholstery, and how well each product balances power with portability. The ranking reflects a combination of expert features and real-world user needs, with an emphasis on models that excel in specific roles. Tradeoffs like size versus cleaning strength guided the order, ensuring each pick serves a distinct purpose for different buyers.Factors to Consider When Choosing Bissell
Choosing the right Bissell depends on your specific cleaning needs and living situation. While performance is critical, other factors like size, ease of use, and maintenance can significantly influence satisfaction. Understanding these considerations will help you avoid common pitfalls like overpaying for features you won’t use or selecting a model that’s too bulky for your space.Cleaning Power and Suitability
Assess your typical messes and the surfaces you need to clean. Deep cleaning models like the ProHeat 2X are ideal for heavily soiled carpets and pet stains, but they may be bulkier. For light, occasional cleaning, a compact model like the Little Green Mini provides convenience without sacrificing too much performance. Match the power of the machine to your cleaning frequency and severity for the best results.
Portability and Size
Some Bissell models are designed to be lightweight and portable, perfect for small spaces or quick cleanups. Larger upright models offer more cleaning capacity but can be cumbersome to maneuver. Consider your storage options and whether you’ll need to carry the machine frequently. A portable model might be ideal for apartments or cars, while full-sized uprights suit bigger homes.
Pet Features and Stain Removal
If you have pets, look for models specifically designed to handle pet hair, stains, and odors. Features like specialized brushes, odor eliminators, and stronger suction can make a significant difference. However, these models tend to be more expensive and heavier, so weigh the importance of pet-specific features against your comfort with handling a larger unit.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Ease of setup, operation, and cleaning are vital for maintaining consistent performance. Some models have simpler tanks, fewer parts, or quick-release mechanisms that make maintenance easier. Consider how often you’ll need to replace filters or clean brushes, and whether the design minimizes hassle. A machine that’s difficult to maintain can quickly become frustrating despite its cleaning power.
Price and Value
Prices for Bissell models vary considerably, so define your budget early. While a higher price generally offers more features and durability, some mid-range models provide excellent value for average cleaning needs. Beware of models with unnecessary extras or those that are overbuilt for your actual usage. Balancing cost with features ensures you get the best long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Bissell carpet cleaners on upholstery?
Many Bissell models, especially portable and multi-purpose units, are suitable for cleaning upholstery, but it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Using the right attachments and cleaning solutions designed for upholstery will prevent damage and improve results. If upholstery cleaning is a priority, select a model with dedicated upholstery tools and adjustable settings for gentle cleaning.
How often should I deep clean my carpets with a Bissell?
The frequency depends on your household activity and whether you have pets or children. For high-traffic areas or homes with pets, once every 3-6 months is advisable to maintain cleanliness and prolong carpet life. Less trafficked areas can be cleaned less often. Regular maintenance with spot cleaners can reduce the need for frequent deep cleans.
Are Bissell carpet cleaners suitable for hardwood floors?
While Bissell primarily designs products for carpets and upholstery, some models with adjustable settings or attachments can be used on sealed hardwood floors for spot cleaning. However, using a dedicated hardwood floor cleaner or a dry mop is often preferable for regular maintenance. Always check the product instructions to avoid damage or excess moisture that could harm wood surfaces.
What features should I prioritize for pet owners?
Pet owners should look for models with strong suction, specialized pet stain tools, and odor elimination features. A model with a rotating brush or turbo brush can help lift pet hair and dander more effectively. Additionally, a larger water tank and easy-to-clean filters are valuable for frequent use, making the cleaning process smoother and more effective.
Is it worth paying more for a Bissell model with extra features?
Investing in a higher-priced Bissell can be worthwhile if you need specific features like enhanced pet stain removal, larger capacity, or advanced attachments. However, if your cleaning needs are minimal or occasional, a mid-range or budget model may offer excellent value without the added expense. Consider your actual usage patterns to avoid paying for features you won’t utilize.
Conclusion
For most households, the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus remains the best overall choice, combining deep cleaning with pet-friendly features. Budget-conscious buyers or those with smaller spaces will find the Little Green Mini Portable offers great value and convenience. If ease of use and quick results are priorities, the TurboClean Upright is a solid pick. For pet owners or heavy users, models with specialized pet features deliver the best performance, while premium buyers seeking advanced technology may prefer higher-end options with extra capabilities. Tailor your choice to your cleaning frequency, space, and specific needs for the best results.
