Features
The Bissell PowerForce Helix Upright Vacuum is a popular choice for many homeowners thanks to its powerful suction. This feature effectively picks up dirt, dust, and debris from carpets and hard floors, ensuring a thorough cleaning. The Helix Technology, with its rotating brush roll, enhances the cleaning process by providing deep cleaning power.
Adding to its user-friendliness is the lightweight design, making it effortless to maneuver around furniture and stairs. The multi-surface brush roll adapts well to both carpets and hard floors, eliminating the need for separate tools. Emptying the dirt tank is a breeze due to its easy-empty design, promoting a clean and hygienic experience.
For added versatility, the vacuum comes with on-board tools like a crevice tool and upholstery tool, allowing you to tackle hard-to-reach areas with ease. Conveniently, the cord rewind feature automatically retracts the power cord, simplifying storage. The adjustable height settings cater to different floor surfaces, ensuring optimal cleaning performance.
With HEPA filtration, the Bissell PowerForce Helix effectively traps allergens and dust mites, making it an ideal choice for allergy sufferers. Furthermore, its pet hair removal tool efficiently tackles pet hair, making it a practical solution for pet owners.
Performance
The Bissell Powerforce Helix Upright Vacuum performs well on carpets, effectively removing dirt, dust, and pet hair. The Helix technology further enhances its cleaning power by removing embedded dirt and debris.
This vacuum also works well on hardwood floors, as the brushroll can be turned off. However, some users have reported that the brushroll might leave behind some debris on bare floors.
When it comes to pet hair, the vacuum excels. Its powerful suction and Helix technology efficiently pick up pet hair from carpets and upholstery.
For upholstery cleaning, the included upholstery tool proves useful. The vacuum's lightweight design and maneuverability make it easy to move around furniture and obstacles.
The included crevice tool and dusting brush allow for effective cleaning of hard-to-reach areas, making it suitable for dusting and cobweb removal.
The vacuum's noise level is average, not overly loud compared to other models. The dustbin capacity is standard, requiring frequent emptying for larger cleaning jobs.
The Bissell Powerforce Helix features a multi-stage filtration system to capture dust and allergens. Assembling, using, and maintaining the vacuum is simple, as the dustbin and filters are relatively easy to clean.
What We Don't Like
The Bissell Powerforce Helix Upright Vacuum consistently earns praise for its lightweight and maneuverable design. Customers appreciate its ease of pushing and lifting, especially when tackling stairs. The swivel steering adds to its agility, allowing for effortless navigation around tight spaces and corners.
Reviewers are impressed by the vacuum's powerful suction. It effectively removes dirt, debris, and pet hair from various surfaces, leaving floors thoroughly clean.
The large, easy-to-empty dustbin is another feature that users enjoy. Its convenience and minimal mess during disposal add to the vacuum's overall appeal.
Many customers find the Bissell Powerforce Helix Upright Vacuum to be a good value for the price. They value its powerful suction and user-friendliness, making it a worthwhile investment.
The vacuum's versatility is further enhanced by its included attachments. The crevice tool and upholstery tool allow users to clean a variety of surfaces and hard-to-reach areas.
Reviewers also highlight the vacuum's durability and reliability. Its sturdy construction and long-lasting performance make it a trustworthy cleaning companion.
The vacuum's assembly and operation are straightforward, making it user-friendly for both beginners and experienced cleaners.
What We Don't Like
One common complaint about the Bissell Powerforce Helix Upright Vacuum is its limited reach. The power cord is short, making it difficult to reach far corners or across large rooms without constantly unplugging and replugging.
Another frequent criticism is the vacuum's noise level. It can be quite loud, especially on higher settings, which can be annoying for users with sensitive hearing or those living in apartments.
Maneuverability also presents a challenge. The vacuum can feel bulky and cumbersome to maneuver, particularly around furniture or in tight spaces.
The dustbin capacity is also a point of contention. It is relatively small, requiring frequent emptying, which can be inconvenient.
While the vacuum performs well on general dirt and debris, some users find it struggles to effectively pick up pet hair.
Filter maintenance can also be a hassle. The filters require regular cleaning and replacement, which some users find inconvenient.
The hose length is another drawback. It's not very long, limiting its reach for cleaning furniture and other areas.
Some users report a loud and annoying noise coming from the brush roll, especially when cleaning carpets.
Finally, the vacuum's exhaust can be loud, causing disruptions.
Cleaning Tasks
The Bissell Powerforce Helix Upright Vacuum is a powerful and versatile vacuum cleaner suitable for a wide range of cleaning tasks. It excels in general everyday cleaning of hard floors like tile, wood, and laminate, effectively removing dirt, dust, and debris thanks to its powerful suction and wide cleaning path.
The vacuum is also highly effective on carpets and rugs, utilizing its powerful suction and rotating brush roll to remove embedded dirt and pet hair. Its strong suction and rotating brush roll make it particularly adept at capturing and removing pet hair from carpets and furniture.
The Bissell Powerforce Helix Upright Vacuum proves useful for cleaning up spills and messes due to its powerful suction and easy-to-use controls. It allows for quick and efficient cleaning of spills and messes.
The vacuum includes a crevice tool and upholstery tool, making it suitable for cleaning upholstery and furniture. Its lightweight design and maneuverability allow for easy cleaning of stairs and hard-to-reach areas.
The Bissell Powerforce Helix Upright Vacuum is well-suited for cleaning large areas due to its large dustbin capacity and long cord length, eliminating the need for frequent emptying or outlet changes.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Bissell Powerforce Helix | Shark Navigator Lift-Away | Hoover WindTunnel T-Series | Dyson Ball Animal 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 - $200 | $200 - $250 | $150 - $200 | $400 - $450 | Bissell Powerforce Helix |
| Weight | 16 lbs | 15 lbs | 17 lbs | 16 lbs | Shark Navigator Lift-Away |
| Suction Power | 12 amps | 12 amps | 12 amps | 350 air watts | Dyson Ball Animal 2 |
| Cleaning Path | 13.5 inches | 12 inches | 12 inches | 14 inches | Bissell Powerforce Helix |
| Features | Hepa filtration, Multi-level filtration, Pet hair tool, Crevice tool | Lift-away pod for handheld use, Hepa filtration, Pet hair tool, Crevice tool | WindTunnel technology for powerful suction, Hepa filtration, Pet hair tool, Crevice tool | Ball technology for maneuverability, Powerful suction, Hepa filtration, Variety of tools | Dyson Ball Animal 2 |
| Pros | Affordable, Lightweight, Good suction for general cleaning, Easy to use | Versatile with lift-away function, Good suction, Easy to maneuver | Powerful suction, Good for carpets, Easy to empty | Excellent suction power, Maneuverable, Durable, Great for pet hair | |
| Cons | Not as powerful as other models, Can be bulky | Lift-away pod can be heavy, Not as durable as Dyson | Can be noisy, Not as good on bare floors | Expensive, Can be difficult to clean |
When it comes to upright vacuums, the Bissell Powerforce Helix stands out as the most affordable option, priced between $150 and $200. It's also relatively lightweight at 16 lbs, making it easy to maneuver. The Helix boasts good suction power for general cleaning, thanks to its 12 amps of power, and features a wide cleaning path of 13.5 inches. While the Helix provides good value for its price, it's not as powerful as some of its competitors.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away comes in at a slightly higher price point, ranging from $200 to $250. It weighs in at 15 lbs, making it even lighter than the Bissell Powerforce Helix. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away offers versatile cleaning with its detachable lift-away pod for handheld use. It also boasts 12 amps of suction power and a 12-inch cleaning path, making it a good all-around option. However, the lift-away pod can be a bit heavy, and the overall durability of the Shark Navigator Lift-Away may not match the longevity of higher-end models.
The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series is priced similarly to the Bissell Powerforce Helix, ranging from $150 to $200. It's slightly heavier than the Bissell, weighing in at 17 lbs. The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series leverages WindTunnel technology for powerful suction and features a 12-inch cleaning path. It's known for its excellent performance on carpets. While the WindTunnel T-Series offers strong suction, it can be quite noisy and doesn't perform as well on bare floors as some other models.
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is the most expensive option, costing between $400 and $450. Despite its high price, it weighs a manageable 16 lbs. The Dyson Ball Animal 2 packs a powerful 350 air watts of suction, making it incredibly efficient at picking up dirt and debris. It features a wide 14-inch cleaning path and benefits from ball technology for easy maneuverability. The Dyson Ball Animal 2's powerful suction, maneuverability, and durability make it a top choice for pet owners, but its high cost may be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.
Maintenance
To keep your Bissell Powerforce Helix Upright Vacuum running smoothly, follow these maintenance tips. After each use, empty the dustbin into a trash can, avoiding overfilling to maintain optimal suction power. Regularly clean the dustbin by wiping it out with a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives. Replace the HEPA filter every 6-12 months or sooner if it appears dirty. Replace the pre-motor filter as needed, depending on usage. Consult your user manual for specific instructions.
Regularly inspect the brushroll and remove any hair or debris. Use scissors to trim any tangled hair. You can also use a brush or a small tool for cleaning. Wipe the hose and attachments with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Ensure the hose is free from any kinks or blockages.
Remove the floor nozzle and clean it with a brush or a small tool. Pay particular attention to the bristles, ensuring they are free of debris. Store the vacuum in a dry, cool place, ideally standing upright to prevent dust from settling on the motor.
Finally, regularly check for any loose or broken parts. Replace any worn-out or damaged parts as needed. Refer to your user manual for any specific maintenance requirements.
Troubleshooting
If your Bissell Powerforce Helix upright vacuum won't turn on, first check if the power cord is plugged in and the power switch is on. Ensure the circuit breaker hasn't tripped or the fuse hasn't blown. If the power button isn't working, try pressing and holding it for 10 seconds to reset.
If your vacuum isn't picking up dirt, start by checking if the brush roll is spinning. You can remove the brush roll cover to inspect and clean the brush roll. Next, check if the suction is blocked by inspecting the hose, nozzle, and dustbin for clogs. Regularly emptying the dustbin is crucial. Additionally, make sure the dirt level indicator isn't full and empty the dustbin, checking for any blockages. Lastly, if the brush roll is worn out, replace it.
If your vacuum is making a loud noise, check if the brush roll is spinning freely. You can remove the brush roll cover to inspect and clean the brush roll. Also, inspect the hose, nozzle, and dustbin for clogs and empty the dustbin regularly. If the belt is worn out, replace it. The vacuum might make more noise on hard surfaces.
If your vacuum won't swivel or steer easily, clean the wheels and remove any debris that might be obstructing them. Check if the swivel mechanism is loose or broken and tighten any loose screws or replace the mechanism if needed. Finally, make sure the hose isn't kinked and straighten it if necessary.
If your vacuum won't release the dirtbin, ensure the release latch is properly engaged by pushing it down firmly. Check if the dustbin is full and empty it if necessary. Make sure the dustbin isn't jammed and remove any obstructions.
If your vacuum is losing suction, check if the dustbin is full and empty it regularly. Inspect the hose, nozzle, and dustbin for blockages and clear them. Additionally, clean or replace the filter if it's dirty. If the belt is worn out, replace it.
If your vacuum has a bad smell, clean the dustbin regularly. Check if the filters need cleaning or replacement. Clean the brush roll and hose. Consider using a vacuum cleaner deodorizer.
If your vacuum is leaking, check for a leak in the dustbin and replace the dustbin seal if needed. Inspect the water tank for leaks and replace it if necessary. Check if the hose is leaking and replace it if needed. Finally, if the vacuum is damaged, you'll need to repair or replace it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bissell PowerForce Helix Upright Vacuum offers a compelling blend of powerful suction, lightweight maneuverability, and user-friendly features at an affordable price point. Its strong performance on carpets and hard floors, along with its effectiveness in tackling pet hair, makes it a suitable choice for many households. While it lacks the exceptional suction power and advanced features of higher-end models, its overall value and ease of use make it a solid contender in the mid-range vacuum market. If you're looking for a reliable and convenient upright vacuum for everyday cleaning, the Bissell PowerForce Helix is a worthwhile option to consider. However, if you prioritize powerful suction, superior maneuverability, or advanced features, higher-end models like the Dyson Ball Animal 2 might be a better fit for your needs. Remember to perform regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Bissell PowerForce Helix vacuum.
