The Hoover MaxExtract has a wide brush assembly which provides approximately 20% more coverage on a single pass than the competition.  Hot air from the cleaner motor is forced through the brush assembly to aid in drying the carpet fibers even as water is removed from the carpet by the powerful suction created by the 12 amp motor.  A rinse function allows dispersal of clean water only which helps to eliminate soap residue often left in carpet fibers by other similar shampooers.

Hoover’s patented Dual V technology allows for consistent suction over the cleaning path and also enables more water to be removed in each pass than competing brands.   Separate clean water and detergent receptacles eliminate the need for messy hand mixing and allows unused detergent to be poured back into the bottle for the next use. This feature can result in considerable savings on detergent purchases over the life of the machine. The separate dirty water tank ensures that water going onto the carpet is always clean.

The SpinScrub brush technology allows for more thorough cleaning of individual carpet fibers, as the brush action approaches each fiber from multiple directions.  The brushes are easily removed for cleaning and easy to snap back into place.

The Hoover MaxExtract has three speeds of operation:  spill pick-up mode, gentle scrub mode or high power scrub mode. The unit comes with an 8 foot long hose; a removable tool caddy and a powered handheld SpinScrub attachment for upholstery and stair cleaning.

The Hoover MaxExtract is reported to be easy to assemble and disassemble (for cleaning which is strongly recommended after each use).  While somewhat heavy at nearly 27 pounds, few reviewers have reported difficulties in maneuvering the machine across their carpets.

Features:

• 12 amp carpet cleaner with rotating brushes to clean and groom carpets
• Dual-V Technology produces equal suction across the entire cleaning path
• Direct heat; 3 speeds: Spill pick-up, gentle scrub, and power scrub
• 8-foot hose; removable tool caddy; powered handheld tool for upholstery and stairs
• Measures approximately 20 by 12 by 44 inches, weighs 26.9 pounds

What’s in the Box:

• Hoover SteamVac Widepath
• 8′ hose
• SpinScrub Hand Power tool
• Removable tool caddy
• Manual

Warranty:

One year limited warranty.

Price:

Recently found on Amazon for 219.95

Pros:

• Separate tanks for clean and dirty water.
• No pre-mixing of water and detergent, unused detergent can go back into bottle.
• SpinScrub brushes clean all sides of carpet fibers.
• Rinse function facilitates getting soapy residue out of carpet.
• Machine directs hot air onto carpet during operation to facilitate drying.
• Easy to assemble.
• Easy to clean.

Cons:

• 27 pounds in weight can be hard to maneuver.
• Hose for attachments could be more flexible.
• Must disassemble and clean thoroughly after each use.
• Dirty water left in tank or detergent left in receptacle will degrade joints and can cause unit to leak.
• High profile of front of machine makes under cabinet floor edge cleaning difficult.
• Noisy operation noted by apartment dwellers with sound sensitive neighbors.
• Some attachments tabs (tank and handheld tool) reported fragile and prone to breakage by users.

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The Eureka Enviro has been designed primarily for use on wood, granite, laminate, marble and other hard SEALED surfaces.  (NOTE: Steam vacs and mops are NEVER recommended on unsealed wood floors and care must still be exercised on other surfaces.)  Because the Eureka Enviro releases a constant stream of steam (no trigger activation), finishes can be damaged by allowing the unit to sit on flooring unattended (resting tray is provided for extra protection).  Exposing any flooring surface to no more than 10-15 seconds of steam (in any one spot) is highly recommended.  Sample cleaning should be conducted if the end user is not sure of the seals on flooring.

The Eureka Enviro has a 12 ½ inch wide head which results in less swipes and significant time savings even when cleaning large floor areas.  The head pivots for greater maneuverability  into corners and other hard to reach areas.

The Enviro is simple to maintain. The cotton cleaning pads are machine washable, though they are prone to some shrinkage, especially if machine dried.  For best results, allow pads to air dry after machine washing.  The water tank should be rinsed out once a month (water only, no vinegar or other decalcifiers should be used) to prevent calcium deposits from forming.

Floors must be prepared by sweeping or vacuuming before steam mop use as some pet hair, and larger pieces of debris may remain on floor after cleaning, (a steam mop is not a vacuum unit!)  Pick up as you go, or sweep again after the floor dries to bypass this issue.

Features:

• Hard-surface floor steamer offers chemical free cleaning and sanitizing.
• 6-1/2 amp motor
• Indicator light for water levels
• Preheating/cool-down tray for safety
• Adjustable-height handle
• 12-1/2-inch wide cleaning head
• 25 foot cord.
•  Lightweight design: 7.5 pounds in weight
•  Cloth pads secured with teethed clips
•  Measures 7d by 12-1/2w by 49h inches

What’s in the Box:

• Eureka Enviro Hard-Surface Floor Steamer,313A
• Resting tray (to protect floors when not in active use)
• Measuring cup
• Funnel
• 2 steam pads

Warranty:

1-year limited warranty

Price:

Recently found on Amazon for 59.59.  Other online vendor prices range from $65-$75.

Pros:

• Chemical free sanitizing and cleaning.
• Highly maneuverable.
• Head pivots for greater access to difficult to reach areas.
• Clip on pads stay in place unlike some models with stick-ons that come loose with steam pressure.
• Holds generous amount of water—good for about 20 minutes of steam mopping.
• Solidly built.
• Handle is tall and removable, so that you can use steamer unit as handheld.
• No push trigger, steam is emitted in constant fashion.
• Large cleaner head: 12 ½ inches wide.
• On/Off switch at foot level.
• Can stand by self thanks to locking handle.
• Uses tap water, designed not to clog up with calcium deposits (in hard water areas distilled water use IS recommended).

Cons:

• Water puddles and too fast consumption of water reported on first couple of uses by some reviewers. Problem seems to rectify as the mop head is “broken in”.
• Some users claimed that unit did not heat up to the recommended 212 degree F temperature as advertised.
• Cloth pads are prone to shrinkage if machine washed and dried.
• Initial warm up time for best performance longer than manual states. Manual says 3-4 minutes; actual users report better results with 7-8 minute warm up.
• Cord could be longer to allow for better mopping range according to some reviewers.
• Head too high to fit under cabinet toe kicks.
• Handle is not ergonomic—straight stick with plastic grip.
• Getting clip on pads on straight requires some effort.
• Replacement pads priced too high.

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At a mere three pounds the Black and Decker steam mop is lightweight.  The unit has a generous 25 foot cord and is easy to assemble right out of the box.

The SM1620 offers patented Smart Select Technology, which offers three settings for a variety of hardwood floorings:  wood/laminate, stone/marble/ and tile vinyl.  The water tank is illuminated and shifts from red (not ready) to blue (ready) once the water has heated to the correct temperature and the steam pressure is at optimum levels.  The tank has a generous water capacity, good for up to 25 minutes of steam mopping.  It is also located high on the unit so that there is no bending or stooping to refill.

As with any steam appliance, the SM1620 is safe for all SEALED floors, steam should never be used on any type of unsealed flooring, especially wooden flooring.  Steam can also fog built up waxes and chemicals on other surfaces—it is advisable to strip as much built up residue from the flooring before engaging the SM1620.  Tap water can be used in this unit, however distilled water is highly recommended in hard water areas to prevent mineral build up in the steam jets. As a preventative measure, use of distilled water may well prevent steam jet problems even in non-hard water areas and extend the life of the machine.

The SM1620 has a highly maneuverable swivel head that allows it to reach into even the most problematic corners.  The three cleaning pads that come with the product are machine washable and dryable although for best results it is recommended that the pads be allowed to air dry..   The unit has a locking handle which cuts off steam flow when fully upright. A slight tilt to the handle will begin steam flow once more.  The SM1620 comes with a resting storage pad to protect flooring from any water that may be produced by the mop head as it cools in the upright position.

Features:

• Deep cleans floors and kills 99.9-Percent of germs, mites, and bacteria
• Steam heats to 190 degrees Celsius/374 degree Fahrenheit.
• Cleans chemical-free.
• Large, easy-fill water tank provides over 25 minutes of cleaning
• Tank light changes color from red (not ready) to blue (ready).
• Water heats up in just 15 seconds.
• Smart Select dial controls amount of steam according to flooring type.
• Safe on all sealed hard floors – including hardwoods.
• Swivel head for ease of maneuverability.
• Cleaning pads machine washable. Wash, dry and reuse.
• Stands upright to store.
• Uses tap water (distilled recommended in hard water areas).

• Measures: 20” H. x 5.6” W. x 12” D
• Weight: 3 lb. (7.4 lb shipping weight)

What’s in the Box:

• Steam Mop
• 25-foot power cord
• Three washable/reusable microfiber cleaning pads
• Resting/storage mat.
• Water cup

Warranty:

• Two Year Warranty

Price:

Recently found on Amazon for $72.63

Pros:

• Easy to assemble right out of box, with clear instructions provided.
• When mop fully upright, steam stops flowing
• Resting mat included to protect floors from leakage and steam.
• Can refill tank mid cleaning no cool down necessary
• Swivel head and tilting handle
• Water tank high on machine, no bending to fill
• Cleaning pads stay in place; wash well and machine dry with no shrinkage

Cons:

• Handle could be longer; it is a bit short for taller people
• Handle prone to breakage, should be sturdier.
• Steam comes from one hole in bottom of unit, does not distribute steam evenly over cleaning surface
• In assembly all parts must click together firmly or no steam will be produced
• Center of cleaning pad doesn’t make full contact with floor, only cleaning around rim where there is support.
• Durability issues, some users report unit stopped making steam and leaked water after only a few uses.

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The Bissell Spotbot Pet boasts a patented “Automatic Smart System” technology with five settings that control the amount of solution dispensed on a spot based on the type of stain chosen.  The built-in “Deep Reach Technology” effectively controls detergent formula penetration into the carpet and cleans fibers from the bottom up.  The “Spiral Brushing Action” brings to bear over 400 brush revolutions per cleaning cycle.   Once the machine is set for the type of stain, the user can walk away and let this carpet cleaning machine do all the hard work of pet stain removal.

The machine is designed to be spot cleaner and it should be noted that it cleans a circular patch roughly 7 inches in diameter.  It comes with a flexible hose for cleaning upholstery, stairs, auto interiors and other hard to reach areas.

When using the Pet Stain and Odor Removal solution, up to 99% of odor causing bacteria is removed from the cleaning path.   The OxyGen 2 cleaner is particularly effective in permanent removal of tough stains and both solutions (sample sizes are included with the initial purchase of the Spotbot) discourage pets from returning to resoil an area.

Maintenance is relatively low-key thanks to the machine’s built in “Microban” antimicrobial product protection.  A quick rinse of the dirty water tank is all that is required or recommended to keep the Microban action working at top performance.  Microban works continuously to inhibit the growth of odor causing, mold, mildew and bacteria.

While not quite as light weight at 18 pounds as some of Bissell’s other spot cleaners, the unit is still highly portable even with solution tank filled.  A versatile and well made product in the medium price range for portable deep cleaners and a worthwhile investment for pet owners everywhere.

Features:

• Handsfree Spot & Stain Cleaner
•  Automatic Smart System™- 5 settings control amount of solution used based on type of stain.
•  Deep Reach Technology controls solution penetration into carpet.
• Spiral Brushing action completes over 400 cleaning revolutions per stain cycle.
• Includes Tough Stain Brush.
• Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection built-in.
• Flexible Hose stores by wrapping around machine.
• 16 foot cord
• 32 oz tank capacity.
• Built-in carry handle
• Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
• Measures 9 x 17 x 12.5 inches
• Weights 18.1 pounds

What’s in the Box:

• Bissell Spotbot Hands Free machine
• FlexHose
• Tough Brush Tool
• Oxy Gen 2 cleaner (16 ounces) and 2X Ultra Pet Stain & Odor Chemical (8 ounces)
• Manual

Warranty:

1 year limited warranty.

Price:

Recently found on Amazon for 135.89.  Other online vendors list the product from $144 to $189.00

Pros:

• Automatic cleaning cycles allow you to set for type of stain and “Walkaway”—the machine does the rest.
• Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection keeps machine mildew and odor free between uses.
• Deep Reach Technology cleans carpet fibers from the bottom up resulting in less likelihood of pets returning to resoil the area.
• Easy storage
• Easy set up and easy to use.
• Excellent suction.
• Near permanent stain removal when used with  Oxy Gen 2 cleaner

Cons:

• Circular cleaning areas on carpet tend to linger giving “crop circle” effect.
• Doesn’t heat water.
• Tank capacity could be bigger, requires several refills for multi stain or large stain cleaning.
• Amount of water suctioned out of carpet does not match amount sprayed in meaning damp carpet with longer drying time.
• Uses solution too quickly, if mixed according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Loud in operation, may be a problem for the sound sensitive.
• Hose doesn’t rotate, can be a struggle to get brush side down to carpet.
• Some users have noted durability issues, one reviewer complained at having to replace machine every year for last three.
• Not as effective on deep pile “shag” carpets as on lower pile carpeting.

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The machine is 9 inches wide which makes storage in small homes and apartments less problematic than some of its bigger and heavier counterparts.  The Bissell Quicksteamer has no attachments or tools, which also streamlines the storage process; the only exception being a snap on bare floor adapter that can be stored in place on the  machine and removed for use of the unit on carpets.

The Bissell Quicksteamer Powerbrush uses Bissell’s patented DirtLifter Powerbrushes, designed to remove dirt and grime from deep down in the carpet fibers. The machine operates by simultaneous  spray, scrub and suction action, which efficiently removes water and detergent from carpets as it cleans.

This steam cleaning machine has dual tanks which keep the water/detergent solution separate from dirty water suctioned from the floors.  The tanks are somewhat small capacity, and can required frequent emptying and refilling.   The smaller size of the tanks keeps the unit lightweight and highly maneuverable unlike many other carpet cleaners.  There is no internal heating of the water by the unit, for best possible cleaning, use very hot tap water to fill the solution tank.

The Bissell Quicksteamer Powerbrush is ideally suited to small homes and apartments or for simple spot cleaning in larger homes when hauling out a larger cleaner or renting a Rug Doctor is not called for.  Suction is reported as great for the small size of the motor (3 amps, many of the larger and heavier home  units have 12 amp motors).  The narrow cleaning path makes the machine most effective in cleaning small rooms, hallways, bathrooms (hard flooring adapter is reported to work well on tile and grout) and other areas where bigger machines are too bulky to maneuver.

Features:

• 3 amp motor.
• DirtLifter® PowerBrush removes ground-in dirt and grooms carpet.
• Multi-Surface Cleaning: Deep Cleans carpets and area rugs and safely cleans hard floor surfaces with the Bare Floor Tool.
• Stores ready to use.
•  Easy to fill and empty ½ gallon tanks.
• Nozzle is removable for cleaning unit after use.
• Easy to Maneuver Wheels
• 14 pound weight makes it comfortable to carry from room to room.

What’s in the Box:

• BISSELL Quicksteamer PowerBrush
• Two bottles of  Bissell detergent:  bare floor and carpet formulas
• Hard floor snap on adapter
• Manual

Warranty:

Limited One Year Warranty

Price:

Recently found on Amazon and TrueValue Hardware for approximately $126.

Pros:

• Light weight, only 14 pounds.
• Separate clean and dirty water tanks.
• Quiet operation when compared to larger units.
• Easy to assemble.
• Easy to fill and empty.
• Lower price than many competing models.
• Can use any carpet cleaning detergent.
• Ideal for apartment dwellers, narrow width and no  attachments make storage simple.

Cons:

• Machine is narrow (9 inches wide) more passes required to cover carpet surface.
• Tricky to reattach nozzle after removal for cleaning, improper attachment results in no suction.
• Tank lacks flat bottom for ease of filling requiring one hand to steady at all times.
• Tanks are small requiring multiple fillings during use.
• Some users report difficulty in cleaning after use; average time needed to clean machine reported at  15-20 minutes.
• Dirty water can be splashed out via a vent at top of tank unless care used in moving unit around.
• Recommended for apartments and small homes only due to size of cleaning path.
• Must mix detergent with clean water prior to use.
• Cord reported as not long enough by several reviewers, (cord length is 20 feet per unit specs).

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The Bissell Proheat 2X has a wide (12 inch) cleaning nozzle with 12 rows of Bissell’s patented Dirt Lifter power brushes.  The unit comes with three  onboard tools for stains, upholstery and crevices as well as  an additional  powered  6 inch long pet stain eraser tool.

A safety feature of the heating system is that it will not heat water beyond 190 degrees Fahrenheit and for use on wool or oriental type rugs, and more delicate upholstery,  the heating feature can be turned off completely.   A heat indicator light provides quick assurance whether or not the heating system is in operation.

The Custom Clean feature automatically mixes the right amount of clean water with the detergent solution depending upon which of four settings is chosen: light clean, normal, heavy traffic, or water rinse.  The tank is a two in one design that keeps clean water separate from dirty water and both tanks are easily removed from the unit while it is in an upright position unlike some other deep carpet cleaner models.

The machine is a bit bulky at 32.8 pounds, and it is recommended that it be moved by the built in carry handle only when the machine is empty of water and solution.  The weight may be an issue in moving the Proheat 2X from floor to floor in multi-level houses where rolling is not possible.

In normal cleaning mode the pattern of cleaning is one wet stroke forward, one wet stroke backward towards you, then one dry stroke forward and one dry stroke backward.  Getting into this pattern will offer the best performance and cleaning action according to end users.

Priced at approximately $180 dollars, this is a good entry level consumer end use model for the price.

Some users have reported durability problems especially once the machine is out of warranty, but others have used for years without issues occurring.  Such disparity in experiences may be attributable to various factors including how often the machine is cleaned (recommended: clean and unclog after each use); whether water used is mineral heavy “hard” water or “soft”, insufficient attention to manual instructions.  Good reviews outweigh the bad on various internet review sites. As always, your mileage may vary.

Features:

• 12-Amp upright deep cleaner for carpet, upholstery, and stairs
• Includes a built-in heater with indicator light
• 1-gallon capacity 2-in-1 tank
• 12 rows of dual Dirt Lifter power brushes
• Hose for stair and upholstery cleaning.
• light clean, normal, heavy traffic, or water rinse settings
• 3-inch Tough-stain, 4-inch upholstery and spraying crevice tools
• 6 inch pet stain eraser tool.
• Edge sweepers
• surround suction
• ultra-smooth wheels
• an extra-long 30-foot power cord
• a carrying handle
• Easy-to-remove nozzle for quick cleanup.
• Measures 19 by 13 by 44 inches
• Weighs 32.8 pounds

What’s in the Box:

• BISSELL ProHeat 2X Select Pet Upright Deep Cleaner
• 16-ounce bottle of Tough Stain
• 16-ounce bottle of Pet Formula
• manual

Warranty:

1-year limited warranty

Price:

Recently found on Amazon for around $180

Pros:

• Tough construction
• Built in heater heats already hot tap water up 25 more degrees, but will not exceed water temperature of 190 degrees
• Heater can be switched off for use on delicate and wool rugs
• Powerful suction from 12 amp motor
• 2 in one tank keeps clean and dirty water separate
• Water tank removes with unit in upright position
• Rinse cycle removes soap residue from carpet, especially important for users with small children.
• Attachments easy to install and take off

Cons:

• Cleaner is heavy, 32.8 pounds which may make maneuvering around house difficult for some users.
• Shields over nozzles and brushes fastened with screws, making taking off to clean both after each use unnecessarily complicated.
• Unpowered wands not very effective.
• Clean water must be replaced before runs entirely out or machine will continue to operate with detergent only resulting in soap wastage.
• Goes through water quickly, must be refilled several times for average room.
• Pet hair will not be picked up completely, must pick up hairballs from carpet after use. This is warned about in manual but may be off-putting to some users.
• Some users report short life on spray system which warranty will not cover unless “manufacturer’s defect”
• Leaking on initial start up is noted, stops as operation continues.
• Heat unit can clog and is very difficult to get to for cleaning.

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Enviromental Carpet Steam Cleaner

The commitment to environmental responsibility extends to the composition of the carpet steam cleaning solutions designated for use with the unit. The available formulas are heavy metal, phosphate and dye free, and do not incorporate optical brighteners. Equally impressive, Bissell goes for Green gold by using 75% post consumer materials in it box and inserts and does not use Styrofoam or PVC in its packaging.

Bissell proudly proclaims that in 2007, using 30% post consumer recycled content allowed them to save over 1 million pounds of high density polyethylene in their manufacturing process—an impressive statistic improved upon in recent years with their 100% post consumer manufacturing commitment.

Little Green Machine Review

The Little Green 1400-7 has a three inch cleaning head which sprays a 4 inch wide spray of water to penetrate not only the stain but any under-the-carpet horizontal seepage. The 2-3/4 amp motor provides excellent suction to life up spills before they can set in. A powered Tough Stain brush attachment removes stubborn, set in stains and also efficiently cleans up fresh spills.

The unit is designed to require low maintenance; a quick rinse of the dirty water storage tank is generally all that is required to ready the machine for the next use.

The 15 foot cord makes the Little Green 1400-7 ideal for use on staircases; its flexible hose is also convenient for use on upholstery and car interiors. Set up for use is minimal, with the unit being ready to go within moments of being removed from the box and plugged in. Even filled with water and solution, the machine is lightweight, easily carried by a built-in hand grip, and also features onboard storage of the brush attachment.

While the unit is designed for water mixed with solution to be dispensed by the clean water tank, many end users recommend having a spray bottle of solution and using the Little Green 1400-7 with water only to make detergent last longer. Many reviewers claim that the machine cleans well with water alone on all but the toughest stains.

Features:
• Compact multipurpose deep cleaner redesigned with a 95 percent reduction in PVC.
• 2-3/4 amp motor
• Strong spray and suction remove tough stains and spills
• cleans and helps dry in 1 step
• Parts made from post-consumer recycled plastic
• PVC-free tanks and hose
• Tough-stain brush attachment included
• liquid cleaning formulas do not contain any heavy metals, optical brighteners, phosphates, or dyes
• 15 ft power cord
• packaging Styrofoam free; box is made from recycled materials and is also recyclable
• Measures 9-1/10 by 18-4/5 by 13-1/4 inches
• Weighs 1.5 pounds

What’s in the Box:
Little Green 1400-7
Powertool brush
Hose
Manual
Warranty:
1-year limited warranty

Price:
Recently found on Amazon for 89.99. Other online vendor prices range from $95.99 to $115.

Pros:
• Compact and light weight, fully portable to a variety of cleaning locations
• “Green” in construction, PVC free components and post consumer plastic used in tools and solution tank
• Little Green carries environmental friendly packaging, no Styrofoam and box and interior package elements made from 75% post consumer cardboard.
• Detergent solutions are free of heavy metals, phosphates, dyes, or brighteners
• Easy assembly, easy to use.
• Ideally suited for pet clean ups on carpets.
• Small size makes for easy storage
• Ideal for cleaning upholstery, car interiors, stairs.

Cons:
• Goes through solution too quickly.
• Hose could be longer for use on stairs
• Spray field wider than nozzle, resulting in more “wet” to suction up and wasteful of cleaning solution
• Tank capacity small, approximately 10 minutes use experienced on solid stain removal.
• Amount of water and solution expended does not equal amount in collection tank, too much left in carpet extending drying time.
• Sprayer prone to clogs (can be reopened with needle poke)
• Very much a spot cleaner, bigger stains require a lot of elbow grease and repeated passes

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Hoover has been synonymous with carpet cleaning and home care machinery and solutions since its first vacuum cleaner came forth in 1908. (In England, the company name has long been generic for vacuum cleaning, much the way Band-Aid is for simple first-aid bandages and Mixmaster is for any home kitchen mixer.) Hoover carpet cleaning solutions—vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners—continue to receive positive reviews for the most part, 102 years after that original, ponderous Model O upright was first built and sold.

As a matter of fact, ConsumerSearch.com gave the Hoover SteamVac F5914 a best carpet cleaning solution rating based on the machine’s effectiveness, moderate pricing for its class, and such features as a built-in solution heater, its ability to leave a carpet less wet than other similar machines, and its lack of hose leakage. The machine features five revolving brushes and two tanks dispensing and collecting hot tap water for cleaning, and a Clean Surge feature giving a user an extra shot of solution for more harsh stains including pet stains.

However, the SteamVac F5912 Turbo Power got near five-star ratings on average from 100 Amazon.com consumer reviewers. Those reviewers said the machine had superior stain-removal ability and praised the revolving brushes’ ability to refluff a carpet after giving it a firm deep cleaning.

ConsumerSearch.com preferred those two models to several more expensive Hoover carpet washers including the SteamVac All Terrain carpet and hard floor cleaner and the SteamVac Dual V. The lone knock on the SteamVac F5914 appears to be that some of its plastic parts may break. On the other hand, 170 Amazon.com consumer reviews left the SteamVac All Terrain model an average of four stars, deciding price was no object when you had a machine that was equally effective on carpets and floors and was cited especially for being effective against pet hair and stains.

If you do not want full-solution-and-steam carpet cleaners but a good vacuum cleaner that handles carpets and upholstery, Hoover’s Wind Tunnel canisters continue receiving positive ratings for the money. The S3639, which uses filter bags, receives high marks for cleaning ability on carpet (with a power-driven nozzle brush) and above the floor, but the bagless S3765 version is getting stronger reviews for lacking the small inconveniences many reviewers found in the bag version—especially the difficulty in disconnecting the wand from the power nozzle of the S3639. It averaged four stars from over 900 consumer reviewers on Amazon.com, with the only noticeable complaints being its comparatively short electric cord.

You may even prefer something back to the future—Hoover decided to resurrect its once-venerable Constellation canister a few years ago. Resembling the planet Saturn now as then (1952-75), the Constellation features HEPA filtration rated to trap 98 percent of particles, a power-brush carpet nozzle, and an air cushion produced by the machine’s exhaust just as it was when first introduced. The lone drawback to that may be a little blowing of untouched dirt or dust around the room until it, too, is vacuumed up, but reviewers have praised the machine’s quiet operation and overall cleaning efficiency on and above floors. And, like the Wind Tunnel canisters, the Constellation features a longtime Hoover trademark: cleaning tools that snap into the wands or handle, eliminating the possibility of their becoming detached while cleaning.

Among Hoover’s once-venerable standard upright cleaners is a surprise pick by consumers—the Platinum series Wind Tunnel lightweight bagged upright. It sells around an average of $299, landed an average of four and a half stars from Amazon.com consumers who praised its light weight—making it easy to clean steps, carpeted or otherwise—and its 99 percent HEPA filtration trapping, not to mention an in-handle control speed and power control system and a portable canister attachment with cleaning tools.

Consumers also gave high marks to an even more expensive Hoover upright option, the Platinum series Wind Tunnel cyclonic upright, which sells around $400. Reviewers said it brought up more carpet dirt than competitive cyclonic cleaners with a combination of powerful suction and strong revolving brushes, and also praised its unusual filter cleaning reminder indicator, with the machine including a washable filter. The most frequent complaint about the machine, however, was its size—reviewers said it was difficult to manipulate beneath furniture, and there were also complaints about the lack of extension for the on-board hose and cleaning tools, making it difficult to clean upholstery or draperies above shoulder height. However many still consider Hoover to offer the best carpet cleaning solutions.

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It wasn’t so long ago that steam cleaning your carpets meant calling in the professionals. While professional steam cleaning services still offer a great service they can be expensive if your carpets and floors need regular cleaning. Nowadays owning your own cleaner is common place and affordable costing around the same as a high quality vacuum cleaner. Less straight forward is choosing the right model. The market is already swamped with different models and brands and the choice can be confusing, even the best carpet steam cleaner reviews can leave you scratching your head.

It doesn’t help when a leading manufacturer brings out two models that seem almost identical, only a little detective work can bring to light the subtle differences between the two. In this carpet steam cleaner review we will look at just such an example. Bissell, one of the most respected steam cleaner brands, has its excellent ProHeat 2x range of upright carpet steam cleaners, but what a range it is with 5 different models sporting the ProHeat 2x logo. In this article we will take a quick over view of two of them to give you some idea of the differences between the models available.

ProHeat 2X Select

The first thing that should be said about the Bissell ProHeat 2x Select is that this is the updated and improved version of their successful ProHeat model. The ProHeat 2X Select is bigger, better and certainly more expensive, although at around $270 still reasonably priced. It’s bigger because it now has a one gallon water tank capacity, compared with the previous three quarter gallon model. Better because the cleaning path, that is to say the width of the bristled roller that cleans the floor, has now doubled to 12 inches compared to the previous 6 inches. As well as the added width to the cleaning path Bissell has also added extra brushes at the sides of the machine which have improved the cleaning up close to walls and along steps. It also comes with a longer extension power cord and more cleaning tools.

This new model of carpet steam cleaner has three strong new features that are worth a mention. Firstly the ProHeat 2X will not only give a deep clean to your carpets but can now be used for cleaning bare floors. This is a big plus and means you can now have an all in one cleaner that will do for the whole of your home no matter what the surfaces found there. Kitchen and bathroom floor tiles, wooden or concrete surfaces are all catered for. I should mention that thick rug surfaces, for instance a shag rug, would probably still be better off with a good shampooing.

Secondly the ProHeat range has an onboard water heating system, much like a commercial cleaning machine, which is very useful compare to machines that require filling with pre heated sources of water. The improvement in the 2X Select is that the heating system is not confined to the water tank alone; the heating system now permeates through into the hose attachment. The end result is water constantly heated during every part of the cleaning process which in turns results in better deep cleaning in your carpets.

Last but not least the ProHeat 2X Select now comes with Bissell’s own Microban antimicrobial product protection. Mold and mildew can spread fast in damp areas and lead to allergy irritations and odors and your steam cleaning product is at risk if not carefully looked after. This new protection system is already integrated into key components within the machine to protect it continuously from such infestation.

Bissell ProHeat 2X Select Pet

The ProHeat 2X Select has been manufactured with the pet owner in mind. This is a welcome and worthwhile development. For those of us who have a cat or a dog know only too well there’s a whole new world of pain involved in cleaning your carpets and upholstery when you have a furry friend living with you.

This model has some useful design features that will help with the specific removal of pet stains and dirt but it is worth mentioning that for one of the main problems of pets, that is to say molted hair and fur, you will still need to hoover thoroughly before using this cleaner. The rotating brushes will do a good job of pulling up a certain level of cat and dog hair and the see through nozzles and panels will alert you to when you need to clean the machine so that you can avoid blockages, but unless you want to spend a lot of time unplugging hair from your machine you really need to remove most of it first.

In fact the main pet feature of this machine is an extra six inch attachment which is proclaimed as a pet stain erasing tool. Use this along with the pet stain and odor removal solution that Bissell produce and you have a head start on pet specific stains and smells like urine, saliva and the rest.

While undoubtedly a useful tool it is debatable whether this model offers much more. In fact there is an argument that it offers a lot less. Yes you still have the internal water heating system and 12 inch rotating brushes but the ProHeat 2X Select Pet is not intended for use on bare floors and further more the standard model, 9400-6, does not come with the Microban® antimicrobial product protection; for that you need to make sure you’re buying the upgraded 9400-4 version.

Conclusion – In this carpet steam cleaner review there can be no argument that Bissell is a quality brand making quality cleaners, but the large range of products can be a little confusing. Remember as well as the two models above there is also the ProHeat 2X, the Proheat 2X Clean Shot and the new ProHeat 2X Healthy Home and we will look to provide home carpet steam cleaner reviews of these models at a later date. In the meantime if you want a Bissell cleaner for your home we recommend that you take the time to read carefully through the different specifications of each model so that you find the right one for you and your home. Unless pet stains are the main source of cleaning frustration in your life the conclusion of this carpet steam cleaners review is that you would be better off with the ProHeat 2X Select.

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Within a couple of months the cream carpet wasn’t really cream anymore and I wasn’t feeling very house proud. I called up a professional carpet cleaning service who used commercial carpet steam cleaners and to be honest I wasn’t that confident that the end result would be worth the money. Long story short it was almost like getting a brand new carpet! When they had finished there wasn’t a mark to be seen and the place smelt considerably better; carpets can really hold in odors. So that was the good news and if you need an emergency clean I would recommend you get some professional cleaners round.

On the downside four months later and the carpets were starting to look a little shabby again. Lets be clear here – light colored carpets are going to get dirty there’s no avoiding it, and I couldn’t afford a steam cleaning service every four months. By this point though I was convinced that steam cleaning was the way to go and decided on a carpet steam cleaner rental. That really was the turning point, the results were just as impressive with the only downside being that I had to do the work, but for the money I was saving that extra effort a few times a year was well worth it.

From there it didn’t take much for me to realise that I should buy my own steam cleaner. This took me on a journey of research looking for the best carpet steam cleaner at the best price and ultimately to me creating this website. I’m a bit cautious when it comes to an important purchase and tend to procrastinate, I can’t bear the idea of making the wrong choice, so my search was long and intensive. Needless to say my wife almost despaired of me finding one in time for the next cleaning!

During my research I realised that there was a real wealth of information out there that went beyond a simple site about carpet steam cleaners. That’s certainly my focus but I hope that this site will grow into the ultimate resource for floor cleaning generally and that you will find helpful guidance no matter how big or small your house cleaning jobs are and no matter what kind of flooring you have.

By the time I’m finished I intend to have a wealth of carpet steam cleaner reviews, from commercial models all the way down to the smaller portable carpet steam cleaner. I guess the site will continue to grow and get updated as new models come on to the market, and of course there’s plenty more to say about accessories and carpet shampoos.

My aim, at the end of the day, is to help guide you through the many different options available that will suit your budget and your needs. I will be delighted if you want to leave a comment of your own experiences and please contact me if you find some helpful tip that I might have missed. Together we can keep our floors and carpets looking new and smelling fresh. Now that’s not a bad aspiration!

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