Features
The Bissell Powerforce Compact boasts a lightweight and compact design, making it easy to maneuver and store, especially in smaller homes. Its powerful suction effectively cleans carpets, upholstery, and hard floors, ensuring a thorough clean. The vacuum's multi-surface cleaning capabilities cater to various floor types with different attachments, enhancing its versatility.
The easy-empty dirt tank allows for convenient and hygienic disposal of dirt and debris, simplifying the cleaning process. Equipped with HEPA filtration, it traps allergens and dust mites, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. Multiple speed settings provide customizable cleaning power based on the surface type, allowing for optimal cleaning results.
The vacuum's onboard storage conveniently holds attachments and accessories, ensuring everything is organized and readily available. The Bissell Powerforce Compact offers excellent value for a powerful and versatile vacuum at an affordable price point.
Performance
The Bissell Powerforce Compact excels at carpet cleaning, effectively removing dirt, pet hair, and debris. While it may struggle with deeply embedded stains, multiple passes can often improve results.
On hardwood floors, the Bissell Powerforce Compact performs well, easily picking up dust, crumbs, and pet hair. However, the rotating brush can be a bit aggressive for delicate wood surfaces, requiring cautious use.
The Powerforce Compact is also effective on upholstery, removing crumbs, hair, and loose dirt. It may not be effective on stubborn stains, though.
When it comes to pet hair removal, the Bissell Powerforce Compact truly shines. The rotating brush effectively removes pet hair from carpets and upholstery, and the lightweight design makes maneuvering around furniture easy.
The compact design and lightweight construction of the Bissell Powerforce Compact make it incredibly easy to move around and store.
While not overly loud, the noise level is moderate and can be noticeable in a quiet room.
The dustbin capacity is average, requiring frequent emptying, especially for larger cleaning jobs. Additionally, the cord length is average, making it necessary to frequently plug in the vacuum when cleaning larger areas.
What We Like
The Bissell Powerforce Compact is a popular choice among customers, primarily due to its lightweight and compact design. This makes it incredibly easy to maneuver around furniture and stairs, making cleaning a breeze.
The Powerforce Compact is also lauded for its powerful suction, which effectively picks up dirt, dust, and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors.
Adding to its user-friendliness is the easy-to-empty dustbin, eliminating messy cleanup. The multiple floor settings allow users to adjust suction power based on the floor type, optimizing cleaning results.
Customers appreciate the value for money, finding the Powerforce Compact to be an affordable option for powerful cleaning.
The included attachments, such as crevice tools and dusting brushes, make it versatile for various cleaning tasks, including upholstery, furniture, and crevices.
Its compact size and lightweight design also contribute to its ease of storage, making it a convenient choice for smaller homes.
Many users emphasize the Powerforce Compact's long-lasting performance, consistently delivering reliable cleaning results.
What We Don't Like
The Bissell Powerforce Compact, while boasting a compact design, has received criticism for its short cord length. At only 16 feet, users find it inconvenient for larger homes, requiring frequent unplugging and replugging, which interrupts the cleaning flow.
Maneuverability also poses a challenge, particularly in tight spaces. Despite its compact size, the vacuum's weight and lack of agility make navigating corners and under furniture difficult.
Furthermore, the limited number of attachments has been a source of complaint, as it restricts the vacuum's versatility for cleaning different surfaces effectively.
Emptying the dustbin can be a messy ordeal, with users reporting difficulty and dirt often getting stuck inside.
Concerns have also been raised about the plastic build quality, with some users finding it flimsy and prone to breakage with heavy use.
The vacuum's noise level has also been a point of contention, with some users finding it uncomfortably loud.
The battery life is reported to be short, making it inadequate for cleaning larger areas without needing to recharge.
Some users have found the suction power on carpets to be insufficient for effectively lifting dirt and debris.
Lastly, the filters require regular cleaning and replacement, which can be time-consuming and costly over time.
Cleaning Tasks
The Bissell Powerforce Compact vacuum is well-suited for general floor cleaning, thanks to its powerful suction and lightweight design. This makes it easy to maneuver for daily cleaning of carpets, rugs, and hard floors.
The Powerforce Compact is also effective at removing pet hair from carpets and upholstery, thanks to its specialized pet hair brush tool. It's also suitable for light dusting, utilizing the crevice tool and dusting brush attachments to clean tight spaces and delicate surfaces.
The compact size and lightweight design make the Powerforce Compact ideal for quick spot cleaning on carpets and upholstery. It's also a good option for cleaning stairs, as the lightweight design and included tools facilitate efficient cleaning.
While powerful, the Powerforce Compact is not designed for deep cleaning carpets or removing heavy dirt build-up. However, it is suitable for cleaning upholstery, using the upholstery tool to clean fabric furniture and other upholstery surfaces.
The compact size and included tools make the Powerforce Compact ideal for cleaning car interiors, including upholstery, carpets, and crevices. Its powerful suction and durable design also make it suitable for frequent cleaning in high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens.
The Powerforce Compact is designed for dry cleaning only, making it unsuitable for wet cleaning tasks.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Bissell Powerforce Compact | Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe | Hoover WindTunnel 2 Whole Home | Eureka PowerSpeed | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$150 | ~$200 | ~$120 | ~$100 | Eureka PowerSpeed |
| Weight (with attachments) | 15 lbs | 15.5 lbs | 16 lbs | 12 lbs | Eureka PowerSpeed |
| Power (watts) | 12 amps | 12 amps | 11 amps | 12 amps | Tie |
| Suction (Airwatts) | N/A | N/A | 120 | N/A | Hoover WindTunnel 2 |
| Dustbin Capacity | 1.5 quarts | 1.2 quarts | 1.2 quarts | 1.0 quarts | Bissell Powerforce Compact |
| Attachments Included | Crevice tool, dusting brush | Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool | Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, extension wand | Crevice tool, dusting brush | Hoover WindTunnel 2 |
| Filter Type | HEPA filter | HEPA filter | HEPA filter | HEPA filter | Tie |
| Features | Multi-level filtration, swivel steering | Lift-away detachable canister, swivel steering | WindTunnel technology for powerful suction, multi-level filtration | Lightweight and compact, swivel steering | Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe |
| Pros | Lightweight, affordable, good suction, large dustbin | Powerful suction, detachable canister for cleaning hard-to-reach areas | Powerful suction, good value, multiple attachments | Lightweight and compact, affordable | - |
| Cons | No detachable canister, less versatile attachments | More expensive, heavier than Bissell | Heavier than Bissell and Eureka | Smaller dustbin capacity | - |
The Bissell Powerforce Compact is a budget-friendly vacuum cleaner priced around $150. It weighs 15 lbs with attachments, offering a decent balance between power and portability. With a 12-amp motor, it provides good suction, though the specific airwatts are not stated. Its dustbin capacity stands at a generous 1.5 quarts. The included attachments consist of a crevice tool and dusting brush, which offer basic cleaning functionalities. It boasts a HEPA filter and multi-level filtration for cleaner air.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe, priced at about $200, is another popular choice. Weighing 15.5 lbs, it is slightly heavier than the Bissell. This vacuum cleaner also boasts a 12-amp motor, but the airwatts are not specified. Its dustbin capacity is smaller, at 1.2 quarts. The set includes a crevice tool, dusting brush, and an upholstery tool, making it slightly more versatile. It also features a lift-away detachable canister, allowing for cleaning hard-to-reach areas with greater ease. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe also has a HEPA filter and swivel steering for maneuverability.
The Hoover WindTunnel 2 Whole Home, priced around $120, offers strong suction with its 11-amp motor, delivering 120 airwatts. This vacuum weighs 16 lbs, similar to the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe. Its dustbin capacity is 1.2 quarts, offering sufficient space for debris. The Hoover WindTunnel 2 includes a crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, and an extension wand, providing a greater range of cleaning options. It utilizes WindTunnel technology for powerful suction and has a HEPA filter for efficient air filtration.
The Eureka PowerSpeed, priced at about $100, is the most affordable option. It is the lightest of the bunch, weighing only 12 lbs with attachments. Its 12-amp motor delivers powerful suction, but the specific airwatts are not available. The dustbin capacity is the smallest at 1.0 quart. The Eureka PowerSpeed features a crevice tool and dusting brush for basic cleaning. Like the others, it also incorporates a HEPA filter and swivel steering for better maneuverability.
Maintenance
To empty the dirt tank, press the release button, lift the tank off the vacuum, empty the contents into a trash bag, and replace the tank, ensuring it clicks into place.
For filter cleaning, remove the filter from the dirt tank, tap it against a trash can to remove loose debris, rinse it under cool water, and allow it to air dry completely before replacing it.
Cleaning the brushroll involves unplugging the vacuum, removing the brushroll cover, using scissors or a small tool to remove any hair or debris wrapped around it, and then replacing the cover.
To clean the hose and wand, detach them from the vacuum, use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior, and use a small brush or a vacuum cleaner attachment to clean the inside.
Replacing the belt requires unplugging the vacuum, turning it over, locating the belt, gently pulling it off the brushroll, installing the new belt, and ensuring it's properly seated on the brushroll and motor shaft.
Finally, to store the vacuum, empty the dirt tank and clean the filter, wrap the cord around the storage clips, and store the vacuum in a cool, dry place.
Troubleshooting
If your Bissell Powerforce Compact is not working, there are a few things you can check. If you're experiencing no power, ensure the power cord is plugged in, the outlet is working, and the power switch is turned on. Check the fuse in the power cord if the problem persists.
If the vacuum is not picking up dirt, make sure the brush roll is clean and not clogged with debris, the dustbin is not full and needs emptying, and the brush roll is not damaged or worn. You should also adjust the height of the brush roll to suit the surface you are cleaning and ensure the filter is clean.
If the brush roll is not spinning, check if it is properly connected to the vacuum, ensure it is not clogged with debris, remove it to inspect for damage or wear, check the brush roll belt for wear or breakage, and make sure the power switch is turned on.
If the vacuum is losing suction, check if the dustbin is full and needs emptying, ensure the filters are clean and not clogged, inspect the hose and attachments for blockages, check if the brush roll is properly connected and spinning, and check the brush roll belt for wear or breakage.
If the vacuum is making unusual noises, check if the brush roll is clogged with debris, inspect the hose and attachments for blockages, check if the brush roll is properly connected and spinning, and check the brush roll belt for wear or breakage.
If the vacuum is leaking water, ensure the water tank is properly installed and secured, check the water tank for leaks or cracks, and ensure the water level in the tank is within the recommended range. Contact Bissell customer service if the issue persists.
For any other issues, refer to the user manual for additional troubleshooting tips or contact Bissell customer service for assistance.
Conclusion
The Bissell Powerforce Compact offers a compelling balance of features and affordability for those seeking a lightweight and compact vacuum cleaner. Its powerful suction effectively cleans carpets, upholstery, and hard floors, while its compact design makes it easy to maneuver and store, especially in smaller homes. While the short cord length and limited attachments might pose challenges for larger homes or specific cleaning tasks, the Powerforce Compact excels in everyday cleaning, particularly for pet hair removal and quick spot cleaning.
Ultimately, the Bissell Powerforce Compact shines as a budget-friendly option for individuals and families looking for a reliable and convenient vacuum cleaner for general household cleaning. Its strengths lie in its compact design, powerful suction, and user-friendly features. However, potential buyers should consider the limitations in cord length, maneuverability, and attachment options before making a decision.
