When it comes to cleaning our homes, vacuums play a vital role in keeping our floors and surfaces spotless. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Two popular options that often come up in conversations are the Shark Lift-Away and the Bissell. Both brands have their loyal followings, but which one is better? In this article, we’ll delve into the features, pros, and cons of each vacuum to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, both Shark and Bissell have their strengths and weaknesses.
Shark Lift-Away
The Shark Lift-Away is a sleek and modern-looking vacuum with a detachable canister that allows for above-floor cleaning. The vacuum weighs around 13.7 pounds, making it lightweight and easy to maneuver. The detachable canister is a game-changer, allowing you to clean hard-to-reach areas, stairs, and upholstery with ease. The vacuum also comes with a variety of attachments, including a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool.
The Shark Lift-Away has a sturdy build quality, with a durable plastic body that can withstand regular use. The vacuum’s design is also ergonomic, making it comfortable to hold and maneuver.
Bissell
Bissell vacuums are known for their classic, retro-style design, which may appeal to those who prefer a more traditional look. The Bissell vacuum we’ll be comparing is the Pet Hair Eraser, a popular model designed specifically for pet owners.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser weighs around 17.5 pounds, making it slightly heavier than the Shark Lift-Away. The vacuum’s design is more compact, with a smaller footprint that makes it easy to store in tight spaces. The vacuum comes with a variety of attachments, including a crevice tool, upholstery tool, and TurboEraser tool.
While the Bissell has a durable build quality, some users have reported issues with the vacuum’s plastic body cracking or breaking over time.
Performance and Suction Power
When it comes to performance and suction power, both vacuums have their strengths and weaknesses.
Shark Lift-Away
The Shark Lift-Away is equipped with a powerful 1200W motor that provides excellent suction power. The vacuum has a maximum suction power of 270 air watts, which is impressive for a vacuum in its class. The vacuum also features Shark’s proprietary DuoClean technology, which uses two separate brushrolls to pick up both large debris and fine dust.
The Shark Lift-Away performs exceptionally well on hard floors, carpets, and pet hair. The vacuum’s detachable canister makes it easy to clean tight spaces and above-floor areas, and the variety of attachments provides added versatility.
Bissell
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is equipped with a 1300W motor, which provides excellent suction power. The vacuum has a maximum suction power of 320 air watts, which is slightly higher than the Shark Lift-Away. The Bissell also features a specialized pet hair tool that captures pet hair and dander with ease.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser performs well on carpets, hard floors, and pet hair, but may struggle with larger debris and bulkier messes. The vacuum’s compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, but the lack of a detachable canister limits its above-floor cleaning capabilities.
Filtration and Maintenance
When it comes to filtration and maintenance, both vacuums have their strengths and weaknesses.
Shark Lift-Away
The Shark Lift-Away features a HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of dust, dander, and allergens as small as 0.3 microns. The vacuum also has a washable pre-filter that can be cleaned and reused, reducing maintenance costs.
The Shark Lift-Away has a relatively easy maintenance routine, with a detachable dust cup that can be emptied and washed. The vacuum’s filters can also be easily replaced when needed.
Bissell
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser also features a HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of dust, dander, and allergens as small as 0.3 microns. However, the vacuum’s filter is not washable, and must be replaced every 6-12 months depending on usage.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser has a more involved maintenance routine, with a dust cup that must be emptied and cleaned regularly. The vacuum’s filters can also be more difficult to replace, requiring more technical expertise.
Additional Features and Accessories
When it comes to additional features and accessories, both vacuums have their strengths and weaknesses.
Shark Lift-Away
The Shark Lift-Away comes with a variety of attachments, including a crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, and extension wand. The vacuum also features LED lights on the handle and nozzle, which provide excellent visibility in dark spaces.
The Shark Lift-Away also has a built-in cord rewind feature, which makes it easy to store and manage the 30-foot power cord.
Bissell
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser comes with a variety of attachments, including a crevice tool, upholstery tool, and TurboEraser tool. The vacuum also features a built-in LED light on the nozzle, which provides excellent visibility in dark spaces.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser does not have a cord rewind feature, which can make it more difficult to store and manage the 27-foot power cord.
Price and Value
When it comes to price and value, both vacuums have their strengths and weaknesses.
Shark Lift-Away
The Shark Lift-Away is priced around $200-$300, depending on the specific model and retailer. While it may be more expensive than some other vacuums on the market, its excellent performance, detachable canister, and variety of attachments make it a great value for the price.
Bissell
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is priced around $150-$250, depending on the specific model and retailer. While it may be more affordable than the Shark Lift-Away, its limited above-floor cleaning capabilities and more involved maintenance routine may make it a less desirable option for some users.
Conclusion
So, is the Shark Lift-Away better than the Bissell? Ultimately, the answer depends on your specific cleaning needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a vacuum with excellent performance, a detachable canister, and a variety of attachments, the Shark Lift-Away may be the better choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and prioritize pet hair removal, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser may be a better fit.
Here’s a quick summary of the key points:
| Vacuum | Design and Build Quality | Performance and Suction Power | Filtration and Maintenance | Additional Features and Accessories | Price and Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Lift-Away | Detachable canister, lightweight, ergonomic design | Excellent suction power, 270 air watts, DuoClean technology | HEPA filter, washable pre-filter, easy maintenance | Variety of attachments, LED lights, cord rewind feature | $200-$300, excellent value for price |
| Bissell Pet Hair Eraser | Compact design, classic retro-style look | Good suction power, 320 air watts, pet hair tool | HEPA filter, non-washable filter, more involved maintenance | Variety of attachments, built-in LED light | $150-$250, good value for pet owners |
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific cleaning needs and preferences. We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive comparison of the Shark Lift-Away and the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, and helped you make an informed decision when choosing the right vacuum for your home.
What is the main difference between Shark Lift-Away and Bissell vacuum cleaners?
The main difference between Shark Lift-Away and Bissell vacuum cleaners lies in their design, features, and target audience. Shark Lift-Away vacuums are designed for homeowners who need a powerful and versatile cleaning machine that can tackle various surfaces and messes. They are known for their detachable canister, advanced filtration systems, and variety of attachments. On the other hand, Bissell vacuums are more budget-friendly and cater to those who prioritize ease of use and lightweight design.
While Bissell vacuums may not offer the same level of features and versatility as Shark Lift-Away, they are still effective cleaning tools that are easy to maneuver and maintain. Ultimately, the choice between Shark Lift-Away and Bissell depends on individual cleaning needs and preferences.
Which vacuum is better for pet owners?
Pet owners often face unique cleaning challenges, such as pet hair, dander, and accidents. In this regard, the Shark Lift-Away is a better option. Its detachable canister and variety of attachments, including a pet hair brush and crevice tool, make it well-suited for tackling pet-related messes. Additionally, Shark Lift-Away’s advanced filtration system captures 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens, making it a great choice for pet owners who suffer from allergies.
In contrast, Bissell vacuums are not specifically designed with pet owners in mind, although they can still be effective for cleaning pet hair and dander. However, they may not offer the same level of precision and versatility as the Shark Lift-Away.
Is the Shark Lift-Away worth the extra cost?
The Shark Lift-Away is a premium vacuum cleaner that comes with a higher price tag than Bissell vacuums. Whether or not it’s worth the extra cost depends on individual cleaning needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a high-quality vacuum that can handle a variety of surfaces, including hard floors, carpets, and upholstery, and you’re willing to invest in a machine that will last for many years, then the Shark Lift-Away may be worth the extra cost.
On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget and prioritize ease of use and lightweight design over advanced features and versatility, then a Bissell vacuum may be a more suitable option.
Can I use the Shark Lift-Away for heavy-duty cleaning?
The Shark Lift-Away is a powerful vacuum cleaner that’s capable of handling heavy-duty cleaning tasks, including large messes, stubborn stains, and thick carpets. Its advanced motor and powerful suction make it well-suited for tackling tough cleaning jobs. Additionally, its detachable canister and variety of attachments make it easy to clean tight spaces, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas.
However, it’s worth noting that the Shark Lift-Away may not be the best option for extremely heavy-duty cleaning tasks, such as construction sites or large commercial spaces. In such cases, a more heavy-duty industrial vacuum may be necessary.
Is the Bissell vacuum easy to maintain and clean?
One of the key advantages of Bissell vacuums is their ease of maintenance and cleaning. They are designed to be lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it simple to empty the dirt container, wash the filters, and perform routine maintenance tasks. Additionally, Bissell vacuums often come with simple and intuitive controls, making it easy to adjust suction power and switch between cleaning modes.
Overall, Bissell vacuums are a great option for those who want a low-maintenance cleaning machine that can get the job done without requiring a lot of fuss or effort.
Can I use the Shark Lift-Away on hardwood floors?
Yes, the Shark Lift-Away is suitable for cleaning hardwood floors. In fact, its advanced filtration system and gentle suction make it an excellent option for cleaning delicate surfaces, including hardwood, tile, and laminate floors. Additionally, the Shark Lift-Away comes with a variety of attachments, including a hardwood floor attachment, that make it easy to clean tight spaces and corners.
However, it’s worth noting that the Shark Lift-Away may not be the best option for extremely delicate or sensitive hardwood floors. In such cases, a more gentle and specialized hardwood floor cleaner may be necessary.
Does the Bissell vacuum come with a warranty?
Yes, Bissell vacuums typically come with a warranty that covers repairs and replacements for a certain period of time. The length and terms of the warranty may vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. It’s always a good idea to check the warranty terms and conditions before making a purchase.
In addition to the warranty, Bissell vacuums are often backed by a customer support team that’s available to answer questions and provide assistance with any issues that may arise.