Features
The Bissell Powerforce Powerbrush boasts powerful suction, effectively removing dirt, debris, and pet hair from carpets and rugs. Its rotating powerbrush loosens and removes embedded dirt, delivering a deeper clean. The lightweight design and easy maneuverability make it a breeze to use, especially in larger homes or on multiple floors.
The Powerbrush offers multiple cleaning modes, allowing you to adjust the cleaning power for different surfaces and messes. Its large dirt tank minimizes the need for frequent emptying, saving time and effort.
This vacuum features HEPA filtration, trapping dust mites, pollen, and other allergens, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. The Bissell Powerforce Powerbrush is easy to assemble and use thanks to its simple instructions and intuitive design. It provides a powerful cleaning experience at an affordable price point.
The vacuum comes with various attachments, including crevice tools, dusting brushes, and other accessories, making it versatile for tackling a variety of cleaning tasks.
Performance
The Bissell Powerforce Powerbrush excels at carpet cleaning, effectively removing dirt, dust, and pet hair thanks to its powerful suction and rotating brushroll. While it may struggle with deeply embedded dirt or heavily soiled areas, the powerbrush effectively removes embedded pet hair.
The vacuum also performs well on hardwood floors. Its adjustable height settings ensure efficient cleaning without scratching the surface. However, the rotating brushroll might leave some dirt behind in corners or crevices. Overall, it provides good cleaning for daily use.
When it comes to pet hair removal, the Bissell Powerforce Powerbrush truly shines. Its powerful suction and rotating brushroll effectively lift and remove pet hair from carpets and upholstery, minimizing shedding and making it a great choice for homes with pets.
The powerbrush attachment can also be used to clean upholstery, effectively removing dirt and pet hair. However, it may struggle with deeply embedded stains and caution should be exercised when cleaning delicate fabrics.
While the Bissell Powerforce Powerbrush performs well in many areas, it is not ideal for dusting delicate surfaces like shelves or furniture. The brushroll might scratch surfaces. Consider using a separate dusting attachment or a specialized dust cleaner for these tasks.
The vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it convenient to use. The cord length is adequate for most rooms, and the controls are simple and easy to use.
The Bissell Powerforce Powerbrush produces a moderate noise level. It is not excessively loud, but it can be noticeable and may be too loud for sensitive individuals or in quiet environments.
What We Like
The Bissell Powerforce Powerbrush vacuum cleaner is a popular choice among customers due to its powerful suction. Reviewers consistently praise its ability to effectively pick up dirt, pet hair, and debris from carpets and upholstery.
The lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver around furniture and stairs. Simple controls make operation straightforward. Many reviewers highlight the affordability of the Powerforce Powerbrush, especially considering its powerful performance and features.
The rotating brush effectively lifts and removes embedded pet hair, leaving carpets looking cleaner. This makes it an excellent choice for homes with pets.
The included attachments, such as crevice tools and dusting brushes, allow for cleaning a variety of surfaces, including furniture, stairs, and car interiors. This adds to the vacuum's versatility.
The large dustbin can hold a lot of debris and is simple to empty, reducing the need for frequent emptying. Reviewers also appreciate the vacuum's durable construction, noting that it has held up well over time.
What We Don't Like
Many customers find the Bissell Powerforce Powerbrush's cord to be too short, making it difficult to clean larger rooms without constant unplugging and replugging. The vacuum is also noted for being heavier and bulkier than some competitors, which can be a challenge for those with limited strength or mobility.
The brush roll is another area of concern, as users report issues with it becoming tangled with hair or pet fur, requiring frequent cleaning and maintenance. While the vacuum offers decent suction for general cleaning, some users find it struggles with deeply embedded dirt, pet hair, or heavy debris.
The noise level is also a complaint, as the vacuum can be quite loud during operation, making it unsuitable for use in quiet environments or for those with sensitive ears. Some users have also expressed concerns about the vacuum's plastic construction, particularly the handle and attachments, which can feel flimsy and prone to breakage over time.
Furthermore, the lack of HEPA filtration is a drawback for allergy sufferers or those seeking to remove fine particles from the air. The vacuum's limited set of attachments may not be sufficient for all cleaning needs, and some users have reported difficulties contacting customer service or experiencing delays in receiving replacements or repairs.
Cleaning Tasks
The Bissell Powerforce Powerbrush is an effective tool for various cleaning tasks, thanks to its rotating brush roll and powerful suction. It excels at deep cleaning carpets, removing embedded dirt and debris. Its versatility extends to upholstery cleaning, making it suitable for tackling pet hair and dirt on furniture.
The Powerbrush is also a valuable asset for pet owners, efficiently picking up pet hair from carpets and furniture. While not a dedicated hardwood floor cleaner, it can handle light dirt and debris on these surfaces.
Its capabilities encompass rug cleaning, particularly for area rugs with short piles. The lightweight design and handheld functionality make it convenient for cleaning stairs, especially with the included crevice tool.
The Powerforce Powerbrush's versatility further extends to car interior cleaning. Its attachments, like the crevice tool and dusting brush, effectively remove crumbs, dirt, and pet hair from car interiors.
However, the Powerforce Powerbrush is not designed for extremely heavy-duty cleaning tasks, such as deep cleaning embedded stains or removing large debris. It is also not suitable for water-based stains, as using it on these stains can lead to further damage. A dedicated carpet cleaner is recommended for such tasks.
Comparison to Other Brands
| Feature | Bissell Powerforce Powerbrush | Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe | Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Rewind | Dyson Ball Animal 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 - $150 | $200 - $250 | $150 - $200 | $300 - $400 | Bissell |
| Type | Upright | Upright | Upright | Ball | |
| Weight | 17 lbs | 16 lbs | 15 lbs | 16 lbs | Hoover |
| Cord Length | 27 ft | 30 ft | 27 ft | 25 ft | Shark |
| Suction Power | 12 amps | 12 amps | 12 amps | 185 AW | Dyson |
| Brush Roll Type | PowerBrush | PowerBrush | PowerBrush | Self-Cleaning | Dyson |
| Attachments | Crevice tool, upholstery tool | Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool | Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool | Crevice tool, combination tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool | Dyson |
| Features | Hepa Filtration, Swivel steering, Lightweight | Lift-Away technology, Hepa Filtration, Lightweight | WindTunnel technology, Hepa Filtration, Lightweight | Ball technology, Hepa Filtration, Self-Cleaning Brush Roll | Dyson |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 2 Years | 1 Year | 2 Years | Dyson |
| Overall | Budget-friendly, Good performance, Lightweight | Versatile, Good performance, Lightweight | Good performance, Lightweight | High-performance, Innovative features, Self-Cleaning Brush Roll | Dyson |
The Bissell Powerforce Powerbrush is a budget-friendly upright vacuum cleaner that offers good performance and is lightweight. It has a 12 amp motor, a 27-foot cord, and features like HEPA filtration, swivel steering, and a PowerBrush.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is a versatile upright vacuum cleaner with a 12 amp motor, a 30-foot cord, and Lift-Away technology. It features HEPA filtration, a lightweight design, and includes a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool.
The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Rewind is a good-performing upright vacuum cleaner with a 12 amp motor, a 27-foot cord, and WindTunnel technology. It features HEPA filtration, a lightweight design, and includes a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool.
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is a high-performance ball vacuum cleaner with an 185 AW suction power, a 25-foot cord, and ball technology. It features HEPA filtration, a self-cleaning brush roll, and includes a crevice tool, combination tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool.
Maintenance
To empty the dirt tank, unplug the vacuum, press the release button, lift it off, empty the contents into a trash bin, and replace the dirt tank.
To clean the filter, unplug the vacuum, remove the filter, rinse it under running water until the water runs clear, and allow it to air dry completely before reinstalling it.
To clean the brush roll, unplug the vacuum, remove the cover, use scissors or a small tool to cut away any hair or debris wrapped around it, and replace the cover.
To clean the power nozzle, unplug the vacuum, remove the nozzle, use a small brush or damp cloth to clean any dirt or debris, and replace the nozzle.
To replace the belts, unplug the vacuum, remove the brush roll cover, remove the old belt, install the new belt around the brush roll and motor shaft, and replace the cover.
To store the vacuum, unplug it, empty the dirt tank, clean the filter and brush roll, and store it in a cool, dry place.
Troubleshooting
No Power
If your Bissell Powerforce Powerbrush vacuum has no power, start by checking the power cord to ensure it's securely plugged into both the outlet and the vacuum. Next, check the circuit breaker to make sure it hasn't tripped. If the circuit breaker is fine, test the outlet by plugging another appliance into it. Finally, inspect the power switch on the vacuum to verify it's turned on.
Vacuum Won't Pick Up Debris
If your vacuum isn't picking up debris, begin by checking the brushroll to ensure it's spinning freely and not clogged with debris. Clean the brushroll by removing any hair or debris. Also, empty the dirt tank and ensure the filter is clean and in place. Check the suction hose to make sure it's not kinked or clogged. Inspect the nozzle to ensure it's not blocked or damaged. Finally, check the belt, as it may be worn or broken and require replacement.
Brushroll Not Rotating
If the brushroll isn't rotating, start by checking the brushroll belt for wear or breakage and replace it if necessary. Remove any debris that could be jamming the brushroll. If the belt is in good condition and there's no debris, the brushroll motor might be malfunctioning. Consult the user manual or contact Bissell customer support for assistance.
Vacuum Making Strange Noises
Strange noises from your vacuum could be caused by the brushroll hitting the floor or obstacles. Ensure the brushroll is clear of obstructions. Also, check for debris blocking the brushroll or suction path. A worn or damaged belt can also cause unusual noises. Finally, inspect the motor to ensure it isn't malfunctioning. Consult the user manual or contact Bissell customer support for assistance.
Vacuum Leaking
If your vacuum is leaking, start by checking the dirt tank to make sure it's properly sealed and not leaking. Inspect the filter to ensure it's not damaged and is properly installed. Also, check the hose and nozzle to make sure they are securely connected and not leaking. Finally, inspect the vacuum body for any cracks or damage that could be causing leaks.
Vacuum Won't Turn On
If your vacuum won't turn on, start by checking the power cord to ensure it's securely plugged into both the outlet and the vacuum. Next, check the circuit breaker to make sure it hasn't tripped. If the circuit breaker is fine, test the outlet by plugging another appliance into it. Finally, inspect the power switch on the vacuum to verify it's turned on. If the vacuum uses a fuse, check if it's blown and replace it if necessary.
Conclusion
The Bissell Powerforce Powerbrush is a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable vacuum cleaner with powerful suction. It excels at cleaning carpets, removing embedded dirt, debris, and pet hair. Its lightweight design and easy maneuverability make it a user-friendly option for everyday cleaning tasks. However, its short cord, bulky design, and potential brushroll tangling issues are drawbacks to consider. While it's not a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Powerforce Powerbrush offers a good balance of performance and affordability, making it a practical solution for homes with pets and those seeking a dependable tool for general cleaning needs.
