Buying guide for Best Bissell stick vacuums
A necessary chore, vacuuming is important for ridding your living space of dirt, dust, allergens, and other undesirable particles that can cause discomfort and distress. The right vacuum can make the job much less arduous and potentially even satisfying. For lightweight chores and cleaning up small spaces, a stick vacuum from Bissell is an excellent choice. But which product should you choose?
There are budget vacuum cleaners from Bissell that cost less than $50 and high-end models that cost more than $150. There are corded models that must be plugged in and cordless models that require a battery. Some Bissell vacs are designed expressly for the removal of pet hair. Indeed, the choices are many.
With a staggering 140-year history selling quality cleaning products, Bissell continues to be a leading company when it comes to vacuums, offering a variety of stick options of different sizes and capabilities. In this guide, we detail who could benefit from a Bissell stick vac and how to match your needs to the right model.
Key considerations
Who needs a stick vacuum?
If you live in a small space, have a cozy room that requires a limber cleaning tool, or have a combination of carpet and hard flooring to clean, a stick vacuum cleaner is a great solution. Small, immediate tasks such as slurping up a dry spill in the kitchen or whisking away an accumulation of dirt near the door can be easily accomplished with a stick vac.
Expert Tip
If you have limited space, stick vacuums are easy to store. They fit easily in a hall closet or a pantry.
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Pros and cons
On the plus side, stick vacuums from Bissell are lightweight, slim, and easy to store. Their design allows you to easily access the space under furniture and in other tight spaces. At just 5 to 10 pounds, they are also quite easy to maneuver.
Most Bissell stick vacuums can effectively clean common surfaces such as carpet, rugs, stairs, upholstery, and bare flooring. While a handful of models may be designed for use on a specific type of surface, most are multi-purpose tools.
On the downside, stick vacuums lack the high-end power offered by upright and canister vacuums. They typically are not powerful enough for deep cleaning. While stick vacuums are easy to use and maintain, the smaller design can lead to more clogs, and the small canister may fill up rapidly. Lastly, stick vacuums are less durable than other options; the plastic construction may chip or break if care isn’t taken when using and storing the vac.
Corded vs. cordless
Corded: Corded Bissell stick vacuum cleaners tend to be more powerful and longer-lasting than their cordless counterparts. However, what they add in power, they give up in convenience. These machines must be plugged into an outlet and maneuvered with a cord that typically runs 15 to 30 inches in length. That means for most spaces, you’ll have to pause operation, unplug the cord, and find a new outlet every once in a while during cleaning.
Cordless: If finding an outlet, unraveling a cord, and dealing with cord tangles are among the reasons you may resist vacuuming, a cordless, battery-powered stick vac is a good choice. There are two main specifications to note when looking at cordless cleaners: runtime and charge time. The runtime is the maximum amount of time the vacuum will operate at its basic suction setting on a battery charge. Charge time refers to how long it takes to fully charge the battery. Runtime varies from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the model. Charge time varies as well; some Bissell stick vacuums need about four hours to charge while others take up to nine hours.
Expert Tip
Which type of flooring, like wood, carpet, or tile, you’ll use your vacuum on will determine which model and features will work best for you.
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Features
Pet hair suction
Many Bissell stick vacuums specialize in picking up pet hair. This is great news for dog and cat owners whose furry friends shed throughout the year. With these appliances, you can also clean pet beds and other furniture frequented by your furry friend.
It’s worth noting that while pet hair may be sucked up by these specialty appliances, the same isn’t necessarily true for human hair, particularly longer strands. Although many models boast that the motor won’t become tangled with hair, it’s still a possibility.
Extension wand
Some options, particularly the most lightweight ones, include an extension wand for accessing hard-to-reach places. An extension wand can add several feet of length to your reach, making it easier to get under furniture and up toward the ceiling.
Extra tools
Most Bissell stick vacuums come with extra attachments. You can remove the main head and configure a crevice tool, dusting brush, or specialized pet hair tool. Attaching and reattaching is typically done with the push of a button.
Wall mount
Some Bissell stick vacuums come with a wall mount that allows for easy and convenient storage when not in use. The wall mount is simple to install, requiring just a screwdriver, and can be placed in a closet or nook to keep the vacuum out of the way and prevent it from falling to the ground.
LED lights
Some Bissell sticks vacuums feature LED lights on the brush head to illuminate the areas you're vacuuming. This is particularly useful for spotting pet hair that may blend into the surface, like a similarly colored carpet.
Expert Tip
Keep canisters and filters as clean as possible in order to get them to last the longest.
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Bissell stick vacuum prices
Bissell offers an impressive range of stick vacuums at a variety of price points. No matter which model you choose, Bissell adds value by offering a 30-day satisfaction guarantee that allows you to return the product if you’re not happy. They also provide a two-year limited warranty on their stick vacuum cleaners.
Inexpensive
Bissell offers a couple of lightweight, budget-friendly stick vacuums for under $50. These are corded options.
Mid-range
Most Bissell stick vacuums cost between $50 and $150, with both corded and cordless models available.
Expensive
Bissell’s most powerful stick vacuums cost over $150, with cordless options featuring more potent batteries.
Tips
- Find the right balance between power and size. For those seeking more power, you’ll likely have a heavier, slightly larger stick vacuum. If you want something lightweight, you’ll need to sacrifice power.
- Frequently dump dirt. Your stick vacuum may accumulate dirt and dust quickly, but even if the container isn’t quite full, it may need to be emptied. Particles can accumulate near the entrance to the container, slowing the suction and draining the power.
- Listen for odd noises. One of the easiest ways to tell if you’ve picked up something you shouldn’t have is by the sound of the machine. Any whirring or laboring could indicate something is caught within the vacuum.
- Supplement your vacuuming with other cleaning methods. A stick vacuum is ideal for conducting quick cleaning sessions of your floors and surfaces. However, it’s worth mopping the floor, shampooing your carpets, and dusting in conjunction with regular stick vacuuming.
FAQ
Q. Can I leave my Bissell stick vacuum charging indefinitely?
A. Your Bissell vacuum will be fine if you leave it plugged in to charge. It’s recommended to get into the habit of charging after every use so the machine is ready when you are. Because the battery can take a long time to fully charge, keep it plugged in until you’re ready to use it. Avoid using the battery unless it is fully charged. Be sure to store your battery-powered stick vacuum in a cool, dry place away from moisture, humidity, and sun exposure.
Q. How do I unclog my stick vacuum?
A. If the machine isn’t working to its fullest capacity, turn it off and try to identify where the clog or disruption may be. Remove the brush head and examine the suction opening; most clogs occur there. Use your hand or a small instrument like a pencil or toothpick to remove fine pieces of hair and clumps of dust. Do not remove the brush cover, as this will ruin the vacuum.
If a clog is located near the dirt container, empty the canister, and inspect the nearby opening. Stick vacuums are easy to dismantle and put back together, so while clogs may occur on occasion, they should be simple to deal with.
Q. How long does a stick vacuum last?
A. Corded stick vacuums may last anywhere from three to five years with regular use and proper care. Battery-powered options tend to break down a little sooner than that and may last only a few years. In some cases, you may be able to replace the battery, but as they are typically fairly expensive, especially if buying directly from the retailer, you may be better off replacing the entire vacuum instead.
