The search for the best Bissell cleaner often boils down to balancing power, portability, and specialized features. The Bissell TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner stands out as the overall top choice thanks to its deep cleaning ability and pet-specific features. For those prioritizing portability, the BISSELL Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner offers a compact yet effective solution, while the Bissell CleanView Compact Vacuum excels in versatility for everyday use. However, each model involves tradeoffs—more powerful options may be bulkier, while portable models might sacrifice some deep-cleaning strength. Continue reading for a full breakdown of how these models compare across key factors.
Get cleaning gear delivered free — and shop member deals
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Access to Prime Big Deal Days deals on October 6–7
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- The top-ranked models balance cleaning power with ease of use, making them suitable for frequent or deep cleaning tasks.
- Portability is a major consideration; smaller models like the Little Green series excel for quick spot cleaning but may lack the capacity for large areas.
- Pet-specific features like specialized brushes and attachments significantly improve cleaning effectiveness for pet owners.
- Price varies widely, with compact models generally offering better value for light use, while premium models deliver enhanced performance for demanding needs.
- Maintenance and ease of use are often overlooked but crucial—models with straightforward cleaning and minimal upkeep save time and frustration.
| BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner |  | Best for Spot Cleaning and Pet Owners on a Budget | Includes: 4” Tough Stain Tool, HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool, 8oz. BISSELL Little Green Formula | Cleans: Carpets, upholstery, pet beds, car interiors | Storage: Compact for small spaces | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Bissell CleanView Compact Vacuum |  | Best Lightweight Vacuum for Small Spaces | Weight: Less than 8 pounds | Extension Wand: Removable with quick-release | Design: Compact and lightweight | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Portable Carpet Cleaner, 3618 |  | Best Multi-Mode Portable Cleaner with Fast Drying | Tank Capacity: 64 oz | Cleaning Modes: 3 (SteamWash, Steam, Wash) | Included Tools: 5″ Tough Stain Tool, Multi-Surface Tool | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner, 3746 |  | Best for Large Areas and Pet Stains | Brand: Bissell | Model Number: 3746 | Unit Count: 1 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BISSELL TurboClean PET Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 3948 |  | Best Compact Pet Stain & Odor Solution | Model: 3948 | Type: Upright Carpet & Upholstery | Includes: 7 ft Hose, 4″ Self Cleanout Tool, Spraying Crevice Tool | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BISSELL Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner |  | Best for Pet Owners Needing Quick Spot Treatment | Power: 30% more powerful than competitors | Tank Technology: Two-tank system for clean and dirty water separation | Included Tools: Self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool, Pet Hair Removal Tool | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner |  | Best for Versatile, Larger-Scale Spot Cleaning | Capacity: 48 oz | Brand: BISSELL | Model: 1400B | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
BISSELL Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner
This compact cleaner stands out for its ability to target stains, odors, and pet messes in small spaces. Compared with larger models like the TurboClean Pet XL, it excels at quick, targeted cleanups without the bulk. Its small size means it’s perfect for apartments, cars, or occasional use, but also means limited capacity and longer cleaning times. The inclusion of tools like the Tough Stain Tool enhances stain removal, and supporting pet rescue charities with each purchase adds a feel-good factor. However, it requires purchasing cleaning formulas separately, and its small tank means frequent refills are necessary during larger jobs.
bestFor: Pet owners and apartment dwellers needing quick, effective stain removal from carpets, upholstery, and pet beds.
notIdealFor: Heavy-duty cleaning or large areas, as the small capacity slows down larger jobs.
- Effective at removing stains and odors
- Compact and easy to store
- Supports pet rescue charities
- Limited cleaning capacity
- Requires separate purchase of cleaning formulas
Verdict: This mini cleaner is ideal for small-scale, targeted stain removal, especially for pet owners with limited space.
- Includes:4” Tough Stain Tool, HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool, 8oz. BISSELL Little Green Formula
- Cleans:Carpets, upholstery, pet beds, car interiors
- Storage:Compact for small spaces
- Size:Small, portable
- Power:Manual, spot cleaning
- Charity Support:Supports pet rescue initiatives
Our verdict“Best for Spot Cleaning and Pet Owners on a Budget — a strong pick in this lineup.”
Bissell CleanView Compact Vacuum
This vacuum offers a balance of power and portability, making it a strong choice for quick cleanups and small homes. Its under-8-pound weight makes it easy to carry and maneuver, especially compared with bulkier models like the TurboClean Pet XL. The removable extension wand adds above-floor versatility, but its compact size limits its capacity to handle larger or heavily soiled areas. It features powerful suction and scatter-free technology, ideal for hard floors and low-pile carpets, yet it’s not designed for deep cleaning or large-scale messes. Its bagless design simplifies emptying, but the smaller dirt container means more frequent stops when cleaning larger spaces.
bestFor: Small household spaces and quick maintenance tasks for those who prefer lightweight, easy-to-use vacuums.
notIdealFor: Deep cleaning of large areas or homes with thick carpets, where capacity and power could fall short.
- Powerful suction with scatter-free tech
- Lightweight and portable
- Removable extension wand for above-floor cleaning
- Limited capacity suitable for small jobs only
- Not ideal for deep or heavy cleaning
Verdict: This model is best suited for small spaces and quick surface cleans, especially for users prioritizing ease of use and portability.
- Weight:Less than 8 pounds
- Extension Wand:Removable with quick-release
- Design:Compact and lightweight
- Bagless:Yes
- Suction:Powerful with scatter-free technology
- Uses:Hard floors, low-pile carpets
Our verdict“Best Lightweight Vacuum for Small Spaces — a strong pick in this lineup.”
BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam Portable Carpet Cleaner, 3618
This cleaner stands out for its HydroSteam technology, which combines steam and wash modes to effectively loosen and remove stains. Unlike smaller handheld models, the HydroSteam offers multiple cleaning modes, making it versatile for surfaces like carpets, upholstery, and tile. Its 64 oz tank and three cleaning modes provide more capacity and flexibility, but it’s still portable and not meant for deep, large-area cleaning. The inclusion of specialized formulas and tools enhances stain removal, yet these add to ongoing costs and require some setup. Its fast drying time of about 30 minutes makes it convenient for quick turnaround, but the multiple steps for different modes might slow down frequent use.
bestFor: Homeowners needing a portable yet multi-purpose cleaner for various surfaces with quick drying.
notIdealFor: Heavy-duty, large-area cleaning or those seeking a full-sized carpet cleaner for extensive jobs.
- Effective stain and dirt removal with HydroSteam tech
- Versatile for multiple surfaces
- Fast drying of around 30 minutes
- Limited to portable use, not a full-sized cleaner
- Requires multiple steps for different modes
Verdict: This model offers a flexible, multi-surface cleaning solution with quick results for small to medium tasks.
- Tank Capacity:64 oz
- Cleaning Modes:3 (SteamWash, Steam, Wash)
- Included Tools:5″ Tough Stain Tool, Multi-Surface Tool
- Warranty:3 years
- Drying Time:Approximately 30 minutes
- Technology:HydroSteam
Our verdict“Best Multi-Mode Portable Cleaner with Fast Drying — a strong pick in this lineup.”
BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner, 3746
The TurboClean Pet XL excels at covering large areas quickly thanks to its wide 10-inch cleaning path, making it a practical choice for busy households. Its effectiveness on pet stains and odors is boosted by specialized formulas, and the large 1-gallon tank minimizes the need for frequent refilling during extended cleanings. Compared with more portable options, it’s heavier and bulkier, which can be a drawback for maneuverability. Its versatility extends to stairs, upholstery, and pet beds, but some users note that regular maintenance of brushes and tanks is necessary to keep it performing well. It’s a solid choice for deep cleaning large carpets but less suited for small-scale or quick tidying tasks.
bestFor: Homes with pets needing to clean large carpets or upholstery efficiently and quickly.
notIdealFor: Small apartments or users who prioritize lightweight, easy-to-maneuver equipment.
- Wide 10-inch cleaning path for faster coverage
- Large 1-gallon tank reduces refilling trips
- Effective pet stain and odor removal with specialized formulas
- Heavy and less maneuverable for some users
- Requires regular maintenance of brushes and tanks
Verdict: This upright cleaner is best for large areas and pet-friendly homes that need deep, quick cleaning with minimal interruptions.
- Brand:Bissell
- Model Number:3746
- Unit Count:1
- Included Components:Crevice Tool
- Tank Capacity:1 gallon
- Cleaning Path:10 inches
Our verdict“Best for Large Areas and Pet Stains — a strong pick in this lineup.”
BISSELL TurboClean PET Upright Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 3948
The TurboClean PET is designed specifically for homes with pets, combining a compact form factor with effective pet stain and odor removal. Its deep-reach powerbrush and versatile tools make it suitable for cleaning carpets, upholstery, stairs, and pet beds. Unlike larger upright models, its smaller size can limit the overall cleaning capacity, but it offers the advantage of easy storage and maneuverability. The self-cleaning tool simplifies maintenance, while its focus on pet messes makes it less effective on non-pet-related stains. This cleaner fills a niche for pet owners needing a dedicated, portable solution without the bulk of full-sized models, though it may not handle extensive cleaning jobs.
bestFor: Pet owners looking for a portable, targeted cleaner for pet stains and ground-in dirt.
notIdealFor: Large-scale or non-pet-related cleaning tasks where capacity and power are priorities.
- Effective at pet stain and odor removal
- Includes versatile tools for different messes
- Self-cleanout feature for easy maintenance
- Limited capacity may require multiple passes
- Primarily focused on pet messes, less effective on other stains
Verdict: This cleaner is perfect for pet-focused cleaning and quick touch-ups, especially in small spaces or for targeted stains.
- Model:3948
- Type:Upright Carpet & Upholstery
- Includes:7 ft Hose, 4″ Self Cleanout Tool, Spraying Crevice Tool
- Special Features:Self-cleanout tool, Deepreach Powerbrush
- Capacity:Limited
- Targeted Use:Pet stains and ground-in dirt
Our verdict“Best Compact Pet Stain & Odor Solution — a strong pick in this lineup.”
BISSELL Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner
The BISSELL Little Green Max Pet stands out for its powerful suction and specialized pet stain removal capabilities, making it a top choice for pet owners who need to tackle messes quickly. Compared with the BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner, this model is more focused on stubborn pet stains thanks to its Triple Action PET PRO OXY formula and self-cleaning stain tool. Its compact size limits its effectiveness on larger areas, but for quick cleanups and targeted stains, it’s a reliable tool. The inclusion of tools like the Pet Hair Removal Tool adds versatility, yet the need for specific formulas and multiple passes for tough stains can be a drawback. Overall, this cleaner makes sense for pet owners who want a portable, high-suction device for frequent stain emergencies.
Pros:- Powerful suction capable of deep cleaning pet stains
- Effective pet stain removal with specialized Triple Action PET PRO OXY formula
- Self-cleaning stain tool simplifies maintenance
- Includes multiple tools for different cleaning needs
Cons:- Limited capacity restricts cleaning to small or moderate messes
- Requires use of specific cleaning formulas which can be inconvenient
Best for: Pet owners who need a portable, high-suction tool for cleaning pet stains and messes quickly.
Not ideal for: People needing to clean large carpeted areas or upholstery regularly, as its small size and limited tank capacity aren’t suited for extensive jobs.
- Power:30% more powerful than competitors
- Tank Technology:Two-tank system for clean and dirty water separation
- Included Tools:Self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool, Pet Hair Removal Tool
- Size:8 oz. trial size BISSELL PET PRO OXY formula
Our verdict“This model is ideal for pet owners seeking a portable, powerful tool for quick stain removal on a small scale.”
BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner
The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner makes a compelling choice for those who need a versatile, easy-to-use device for cleaning small to medium areas. Its large 48 oz water tank enables longer cleaning sessions without frequent refills, and the spray, scrub, and suction functions work together to remove stains and odors efficiently. Unlike the pet-focused Little Green Max, this model suits general household use, from carpets to upholstery, thanks to its broad cleaning capabilities. However, it’s limited to small or moderate messes, and manual operation means it’s not suited for continuous large-area cleaning. This pick is best for homeowners who want a dependable, easy-to-handle cleaner for occasional stain emergencies or small jobs.
Pros:- Effective at removing stains and odors from various surfaces
- Large 48 oz water tank allows extended cleaning without refilling
- Easy to operate with spray, scrub, and suction functions
- Trusted brand with a reputable history in portable cleaning
Cons:- Limited to small or moderate messes; not designed for large areas
- Requires manual effort per stain, which can be time-consuming
Best for: Households needing an effective, portable cleaner for spot cleaning of carpets and upholstery around the home.
Not ideal for: Large-scale carpet cleaning or frequent heavy-duty use, as its capacity and manual operation may become cumbersome for bigger areas.
- Capacity:48 oz
- Brand:BISSELL
- Model:1400B
- Type:Portable Carpet Cleaner
Our verdict“This cleaner is well-suited for homeowners seeking a reliable, versatile spot cleaner for occasional use around the house.”
How We Picked
These products were selected based on a combination of performance, usability, build quality, and value. We prioritized models that demonstrate effective cleaning in various scenarios, from quick spot treatments to full-room deep cleans. Ease of use, portability, and maintenance were also key factors, ensuring the picks suit different user needs. The ranking reflects a balanced view of these criteria, highlighting models that excel in specific areas while acknowledging their tradeoffs. This approach ensures that each recommendation caters to distinct priorities, whether that’s power, convenience, or affordability.Factors to Consider When Choosing Bissell
Choosing the right Bissell depends on understanding your cleaning needs and how each model’s features align with them. Consider the size of the areas you’ll clean, the frequency of use, and whether you need specialized pet tools or portability. Being aware of common pitfalls—like underestimating the importance of ease of maintenance or overpaying for features you won’t use—can help you make a smarter purchase. The following factors will guide you through what to look for when selecting a Bissell cleaner that best suits your lifestyle.Cleaning Power and Suitability
Assess whether you need a deep-cleaning upright or a portable spot cleaner. Upright models like the TurboClean Pet XL excel at handling large areas and stubborn stains, making them ideal for homes with heavy foot traffic or pets. Conversely, smaller models like the Little Green series are perfect for quick touches or hard-to-reach spots. Consider the types of messes you encounter most often to avoid overpaying for unnecessary features or settling for insufficient cleaning capacity.
Portability and Size
If storage space or ease of movement is a concern, opt for a lightweight, compact model. Portable cleaners are great for quick spot cleaning or apartments where space is limited, but they might not handle large jobs as efficiently. Larger, more powerful models are better suited for extensive cleaning but tend to be heavier and bulkier. Think about where you’ll use the cleaner most often and how easy it is to carry or store.
Specialized Features for Pets
Pet owners should prioritize models with features like pet hair removal attachments, turbo brushes, and odor control. These tools can significantly improve cleaning results and reduce hassle. However, these features often come at a higher price, so consider whether your pet-related messes justify the investment or if a standard model might suffice for occasional use.
Ease of Maintenance and Durability
Look for models with straightforward cleaning processes, such as removable tanks and simple filter replacements. Durable build quality also means fewer breakdowns and longer lifespan. Overly complex models with many parts can be frustrating to maintain or repair, especially if they don’t come with clear instructions or readily available parts. Balancing features with ease of upkeep is key to long-term satisfaction.
Price and Overall Value
While higher-priced models often deliver better cleaning power and more features, they aren’t always necessary for light or occasional use. Conversely, budget models may save money upfront but could require more frequent replacement or lack key features. Evaluate how often you’ll use the cleaner and what features are essential to avoid overpaying or settling for underperformance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a portable Bissell cleaner enough for deep cleaning carpets?
Portable Bissell cleaners are designed primarily for spot cleaning and small areas, making them convenient for quick treatments or hard-to-reach spots. However, they typically lack the capacity and power of full-sized upright models, which are better suited for deep cleaning large carpeted areas. If your home has heavily soiled carpets or high traffic, investing in an upright model may provide the more thorough cleaning results you need.
Are pet-specific Bissell models worth the extra cost?
Pet-specific Bissell models often include specialized tools like turbo brushes and odor control features, which can make cleaning up pet hair and stains more effective. If you have pets that shed heavily or generate frequent messes, these features can save time and improve results. For occasional pet messes, a standard model might suffice, but for regular cleanup, the added investment can be justified by convenience and performance.
How often should I deep clean my carpets with a Bissell?
The frequency depends on household traffic and pets, but generally, deep cleaning every 6 to 12 months is recommended to maintain carpet appearance and hygiene. High-traffic areas or homes with pets and children may require more frequent cleaning. Using the right Bissell model for your situation ensures you can keep your carpets fresh without excessive effort or cost.
Can I use Bissell cleaners on upholstery and hard floors?
Many Bissell models come with attachments suitable for upholstery, stairs, and sometimes even hard floors, but not all models are versatile in this way. Check the specifications to ensure the cleaner includes the necessary tools if multi-surface cleaning is a priority. Using the correct attachments and settings will protect surfaces and improve cleaning effectiveness across different areas.
Is it worth paying more for a Bissell model with extra features?
Extra features like advanced filtration, larger tanks, or specialized pet tools can enhance convenience and performance, especially if you have specific cleaning needs. However, paying more isn’t always necessary if your cleaning requirements are basic or occasional. Consider how often you’ll use these features and whether they truly add value for your situation before opting for a higher-priced model.
Conclusion
For general households seeking reliable deep cleaning, the Bissell TurboClean Pet XL Upright Carpet Cleaner offers the most balanced combination of power and features. If budget is a priority, the BISSELL Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner provides excellent portability without sacrificing pet-specific tools. Beginners or light users might prefer the Bissell CleanView Compact Vacuum for its simplicity and ease of use. Pet owners and those with heavy traffic should consider models with dedicated pet features, while those with limited storage might lean toward more compact options. Match your cleaning needs and budget to find the Bissell that fits best.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.Fall Picks
fall essentials
