Bissell's slogan is "We mean clean," and the manufacturer's OxyPro Carpet & Stain Remover and ProHeat 2X9200 carpet-cleaning machine did a pretty good job in our upcoming report on carpet cleaners, which will be on ConsumerReports.org and newsstands early next week.
But as part of the testing for our continuously updated ratings of canister and upright vacuums (available to subscribers), the Bissell CleanAlong Canister 48K2 (shown), $160, didn't match the overall performance of its brand mates. The CleanAlong received the lowest carpet-cleaning score among canisters, earning only a fair rating for its ability to remove a sand-and-talc mixture from medium-pile carpet. Carpet cleaning is a critical test for vacuums and one of the primary criteria consumers consider when shopping for a vacuum.
—Bob Markovich
Essential information: If you're in the market for a new canister or upright, use our free buyer's guide to vacuums and read our latest report on these appliances. Also check out the coverage in our vacuums category, where in recent months we've reviewed the Garry Ultra Light; Eureka Pet Pal 4716, Miele S 7580 Bolero, and Panasonic MC-UG775; and Electrolux UltraSilencer EL6986.
I bought a Bissell Healthy Home vacuum two weeks ago and while it really sucks up the dirt, I have never owned a heavier, more cumbersome and louder vacuum in my 63 years. My husband and I are fairly strong people but this thing really puts us to the test. I am sorry that we did not make the Sears clerk start it up and let us try it but she was too busy watching a program on one of the TV's. Unless you have major muscles and head phones, do not buy this vacuum.
We purchased a Bissell Pro Heat 2x complete pet carpet cleaner at an area big box store about a week ago. This is by far the best carpet cleaner I've ever used, including the Rug Doctor. It's design to put all the weight right at the floor allows it to really get the deep dirt and water. Also we had cleaned our carpets two weeks before with our old carpet cleaner. So we didn't really need to clean them again but wanted to try it out. After starting in a small area we ended up cleaning the entire house again. The water sucked up by this amazing machine was black as coal. Our carpet is only two years old. Great product!
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