When it comes to cleaning our homes, few things are as essential as a reliable vacuum cleaner. For decades, two brands have dominated the market: Hoover and Bissell. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses, but which one is the better choice for your cleaning needs? In this article, we’ll delve into the features, pros, and cons of each brand, helping you make an informed decision about which vacuum reigns supreme.
The History of Hoover and Bissell
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of their vacuum cleaners, let’s take a brief look at the history of both companies.
Hoover has been around since 1908, when it was founded by James Murray Spangler, an Ohio-based janitor. The company’s first product was the “Model 1,” a bulky but effective vacuum cleaner that quickly gained popularity. Over the years, Hoover has continued to innovate, introducing the first handheld vacuum in the 1970s and the first bagless vacuum in the 1990s.
Bissell, on the other hand, has a longer history, dating back to 1876. Founded by Melville R. Bissell, the company started out as a small crockery store in Grand Rapids, Michigan. However, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that Bissell began producing vacuum cleaners. Today, Bissell is one of the largest privately-held companies in the United States, with a product range that spans from vacuum cleaners to carpet cleaners and more.
Vacuum Cleaner Types: Upright, Canister, Handheld, and More
Both Hoover and Bissell offer a wide range of vacuum cleaner types, each designed to cater to specific cleaning needs. Here are the most common types of vacuum cleaners:
Upright Vacuums
Upright vacuums are the most popular type, ideal for cleaning large areas of carpet and hard floors. They’re typically more powerful than other types, with a rotating brush roll that helps to pick up dirt and debris.
Hoover Upright Vacuums
Hoover’s upright vacuums are known for their affordability and ease of use. Models like the Hoover WindTunnel 2 Rewind Pet Bagless Vacuum are popular choices, offering strong suction power and a convenient rewind feature for the cord.
Bissell Upright Vacuums
Bissell’s upright vacuums, such as the Bissell CleanView 9595A, are praised for their lightweight design and easy-to-empty dirt tanks. Many models also come with specialized pet hair tools, making them a great choice for pet owners.
Canister Vacuums
Canister vacuums are ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, such as stairs, upholstery, and curtains. They typically have a separate canister containing the motor and dustbin, with a long hose and wand attachment.
Hoover Canister Vacuums
Hoover’s canister vacuums, like the Hoover WindTunnel Canister Vacuum, offer impressive suction power and a variety of attachments for cleaning tight spaces.
Bissell Canister Vacuums
Bissell’s canister vacuums, such as the Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum, are known for their compact design and affordable prices. They’re a great choice for those with limited storage space or on a budget.
Handheld Vacuums
Handheld vacuums are perfect for quick cleanups and small messes. They’re usually lightweight, cordless, and easy to maneuver.
Hoover Handheld Vacuums
Hoover’s handheld vacuums, such as the Hoover Linx Corded Hand Vacuum, are praised for their strong suction power and crevice tool attachments.
Bissell Handheld Vacuums
Bissell’s handheld vacuums, like the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Corded Hand Vacuum, are known for their affordable prices and specialized pet hair tools.
Suction Power and Filtration
Suction power and filtration are two crucial factors to consider when choosing a vacuum cleaner. Here’s how Hoover and Bissell compare:
Suction Power
Hoover vacuums are generally known for their strong suction power, with some models offering up to 240 air watts of power. Bissell vacuums, on the other hand, tend to have slightly lower suction power, but still effective for most cleaning tasks.
Filtration
Both Hoover and Bissell offer a range of filtration options, including HEPA filters, which capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. However, Hoover’s vacuums tend to have more advanced filtration systems, such as their WindTunnel technology, which helps to reduce dust and allergens in the air.
Pricing and Value
When it comes to pricing, both Hoover and Bissell offer a range of options to fit different budgets. Here are some general price ranges for each brand:
Hoover Pricing
- Upright vacuums: $50-$300
- Canister vacuums: $100-$400
- Handheld vacuums: $20-$100
- Stick vacuums: $50-$200
Bissell Pricing
- Upright vacuums: $30-$200
- Canister vacuums: $50-$300
- Handheld vacuums: $10-$50
- Stick vacuums: $20-$100
In terms of value, Hoover vacuums tend to be more expensive than Bissell’s, but they often offer more advanced features and better performance. However, Bissell’s more affordable prices make them an attractive option for those on a budget.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
To get a better understanding of how Hoover and Bissell vacuums perform in real-world situations, let’s take a look at customer reviews and ratings.
Hoover Customer Reviews
- Amazon average rating: 4.2/5 stars
- Best Buy average rating: 4.4/5 stars
- Walmart average rating: 4.3/5 stars
Customers praise Hoover vacuums for their strong suction power, ease of use, and durability. However, some models have received criticism for their heavy weight and loud noise.
Bissell Customer Reviews
- Amazon average rating: 4.1/5 stars
- Best Buy average rating: 4.2/5 stars
- Walmart average rating: 4.1/5 stars
Customers praise Bissell vacuums for their affordability, lightweight design, and easy-to-use features. However, some models have received criticism for their weaker suction power and clogged filters.
Warranty and Customer Support
Both Hoover and Bissell offer warranties and customer support for their vacuum cleaners. Here’s a brief overview:
Hoover Warranty
- 2-year limited warranty for most models
- 5-year limited warranty for some high-end models
- Dedicated customer support team available via phone, email, and online chat
Bissell Warranty
- 1-year limited warranty for most models
- 2-year limited warranty for some high-end models
- Dedicated customer support team available via phone, email, and online chat
While Hoover’s warranty period is generally longer, both brands offer reliable customer support to help with any issues or concerns.
Conclusion
So, is Hoover better than Bissell? The answer ultimately depends on your specific cleaning needs and preferences. If you’re looking for strong suction power, advanced filtration systems, and a wide range of features, Hoover might be the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget and want a lightweight, easy-to-use vacuum with affordable prices, Bissell is definitely worth considering.
Key Takeaways:
- Hoover vacuums tend to have stronger suction power and more advanced filtration systems.
- Bissell vacuums are generally more affordable and lightweight.
- Both brands offer a range of vacuum types, including upright, canister, handheld, and stick vacuums.
- Customer reviews and ratings are similar for both brands, with Hoover slightly edging out Bissell in terms of overall satisfaction.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and priorities. By considering factors like suction power, filtration, pricing, and customer support, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect vacuum cleaner for your home.
Is Hoover only suitable for commercial use?
Hoover vacuums are often associated with commercial use, and it’s true that they have a strong presence in the commercial cleaning industry. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re only suitable for commercial use. Hoover offers a wide range of vacuums that cater to different needs and preferences, including models designed specifically for residential use.
In fact, Hoover’s residential vacuums are designed to provide the same level of performance and durability as their commercial counterparts, but with features and price points that are more suitable for homeowners. They offer a variety of models with different features, such as pet hair tools, allergen-trapping filters, and lightweight designs, that can meet the cleaning needs of any household.
Are Bissell vacuums only for pet owners?
While Bissell is well-known for its pet hair-specific vacuums, they offer a wide range of models that cater to different cleaning needs and preferences. Bissell vacuums are designed to be versatile and can be used by anyone, regardless of whether they have pets or not.
Bissell’s pet hair-specific models are certainly popular among pet owners, but they also offer models that are designed for general cleaning, allergen sufferers, and households with hard floors. Their vacuums are known for their affordability, ease of use, and innovative features, making them a great option for anyone in the market for a new vacuum.
Do Hoover vacuums require more maintenance than Bissell vacuums?
Hoover vacuums do require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This includes tasks such as cleaning the filter, checking and replacing the belt, and emptying the dustbin. However, this maintenance is relatively easy and can be done at home with minimal effort.
In comparison, Bissell vacuums are also designed to be low-maintenance. They often feature easy-to-empty dustbins, washable filters, and simple belt replacement systems. While both brands require some level of maintenance, they’re both designed to be user-friendly and easy to care for.
Are Hoover vacuums more expensive than Bissell vacuums?
Hoover vacuums can range in price from budget-friendly to high-end, depending on the model and features. On average, Hoover vacuums tend to be priced slightly higher than Bissell vacuums. However, this doesn’t mean that Bissell vacuums are always the more affordable option.
In fact, some Bissell vacuums, such as their high-end models with advanced features, can be priced similarly to Hoover vacuums. Ultimately, the price of a vacuum will depend on the specific model, features, and brand reputation.
Do Hoover vacuums have better suction power than Bissell vacuums?
Hoover vacuums are known for their powerful suction, which is often measured in air watts (AW). Many Hoover models boast high suction power, making them well-suited for cleaning tasks that require extra oomph, such as pet hair or heavy-duty cleaning.
Bissell vacuums also offer impressive suction power, although it may not be quite as high as some Hoover models. However, Bissell vacuums often make up for this with their innovative cleaning technologies, such as their PowerEdge feature, which provides extra cleaning power along edges and corners.
Can I use Hoover vacuums on hard floors?
While Hoover vacuums are often associated with carpet cleaning, many of their models are perfectly suitable for hard floors. In fact, Hoover offers a range of models that are specifically designed for hard floor cleaning, with features such as specialized cleaning paths, gentle suction control, and adjustable brushes.
These hard floor-specific models are designed to provide excellent cleaning performance on surfaces such as hardwood, tile, and laminate, without scratching or damaging them. Of course, it’s always important to check the specifications of a particular model to ensure it’s suitable for your flooring type.
Do Bissell vacuums have a longer warranty than Hoover vacuums?
Bissell vacuums often come with a longer warranty period than Hoover vacuums, typically ranging from 3-5 years. This provides added peace of mind for consumers, who can be confident that their investment is protected in case anything goes wrong.
Hoover vacuums, on the other hand, usually come with a 1-2 year warranty, although some models may have longer warranty periods. It’s always important to check the warranty details of a specific model before making a purchase, as this can vary between brands and models.