In our home, pet fur isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a condiment, a fashion accessory, and a constant, floating reminder of the furry family members we adore. With two dogs—one a perpetually shedding Golden Retriever—and a long-haired cat who believes every dark piece of clothing is his personal throne, the battle against hair is relentless. For years, we relied on a mix of robotic vacuums for daily maintenance and a trusty but aging upright that was starting to lose its will to live. It would leave behind a fine layer of dander and the most stubborn, woven-in hairs, forcing us to go over the same spot repeatedly. This daily chore was becoming a source of frustration, a time-sink that never quite delivered a truly clean floor. We needed a specialized weapon, a machine built from the ground up to tackle the unique challenge of a pet-filled household without breaking the bank.
- Every Purchase Saves Pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- Powerful and Seamless Pet Hair Pickup. TRIPLE ACTION Brush Roll and Scatter-Free Technology make cleaning pet hair anywhere quick and easy.
What to Consider Before Buying an Upright Vacuum Cleaner
An upright vacuum cleaner is more than just a cleaning appliance; it’s a key solution for maintaining a healthy and pleasant home environment, especially for those with carpets, pets, or allergies. It’s the frontline defense against dirt, dander, dust mites, and debris that get tracked in daily. The primary benefit of a full-size upright model is its sheer power. The combination of a powerful motor and a motorized brush roll is specifically designed to agitate deep into carpet fibers, dislodging embedded dirt and pet hair in a way that many canister or stick vacuums simply cannot. This deep-cleaning capability not only improves the appearance of your floors but also the quality of the air you breathe.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing high-traffic areas, extensive carpeting, or, most notably, the constant shedding of pets. If you find your current vacuum requires multiple passes to pick up visible debris or leaves carpets looking dull, an upright is likely the upgrade you need. However, it might not be the best fit for those living in small apartments with exclusively hard flooring and limited storage space, where a compact stick vacuum might suffice. Likewise, individuals with mobility issues may find the weight of a full-size upright challenging to maneuver, particularly on stairs. In those cases, a lightweight canister model or a convertible stick vacuum could be a more suitable alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Weight: Consider the overall footprint of the vacuum. Where will you store it? A heavier machine, while often more powerful, can be a chore to carry up and down stairs. Look for a balance between a substantial cleaning head and a manageable weight, and check if features like swivel steering are included to offset a larger size.
- Capacity & Performance: This refers to both suction power and the size of the dustbin. A larger, bagless canister means less frequent emptying, a huge plus during heavy shedding seasons. Performance isn’t just about motor wattage; it’s about the design of the brush roll, filtration system, and airflow, all of which contribute to how effectively it cleans different surfaces.
- Materials & Durability: Upright vacuums are typically made of durable ABS plastic. While some might feel less “premium” than metal components, modern plastics are engineered to be both lightweight and resilient. The critical area to inspect is the brush roll and belt system, as this is a high-stress point that can be a common failure point if not well-designed.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: How simple is it to empty the canister, clean the filters, and access the brush roll to clear out hair tangles? A machine that is difficult to maintain will quickly become a machine you avoid using. Look for features like one-touch canister emptying, washable filters, and tool-free access to key components to ensure the long-term ownership experience is a pleasant one.
While the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Easily clean around furniture and other obstacles with Swivel Steering
- Upgraded Cyclone System: The Eureka PowerSpeed is now upgraded with new cyclone technology to handle larger debris, smaller dirt, and even microscopic dust.Specific uses:hard floor,carpet,dual action
- Light as It Is Capable: At just 7.7 lb, this canister-style upright glides across hard floors and low-pile carpets without strain, ideal for multi-level homes or small-space living.
First Impressions: A Workhorse, Not a Show Pony
Unboxing the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum was a straightforward affair. Assembly was refreshingly simple and intuitive; we had it clicked together and ready to go in under five minutes without even glancing at the instructions. Our initial reaction to its look and feel was mixed. As one user aptly put it, it has a certain “Fisher-Price” aesthetic. It’s constructed almost entirely of a bright green and black plastic that feels functional and sturdy but certainly not premium. It lacks the sleek, futuristic lines of a Dyson or the metallic sheen of some high-end Shark models. But this machine isn’t trying to win a design award. It screams “I’m here to work.” The weight, at 8.32 kg (about 18.3 lbs), feels substantial but not overly cumbersome for a full-size upright. The handle is comfortable, the buttons are clearly marked, and every component feels like it was designed for pure utility. It immediately gave us the impression of a no-nonsense tool built for a single, focused purpose: obliterating pet hair. You can see its full feature set and user reviews online to get a better sense of its design.
What We Like
- Phenomenal suction power that extracts deeply embedded pet hair and dirt
- Swivel steering provides excellent maneuverability around furniture
- Very easy and hygienic to empty the large-capacity dust canister
- Quick and intuitive assembly right out of the box
- Excellent value for its powerful cleaning performance
What We Didn’t Like
- Significant concerns about the durability of the belt system, with multiple reports of melting/breaking
- Build quality feels plasticky and less premium than some competitors
- Included pet hair attachment tool is small and lacks effectiveness
Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach
A vacuum’s worth is measured not by its looks or its spec sheet, but by what it leaves in its dustbin. We put the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum through a series of grueling tests in our multi-pet home, focusing on the features that matter most to pet owners. We evaluated its raw cleaning power, its agility in a cluttered home, the utility of its tools, and, critically, its long-term durability under heavy use.
The Suction Test: Shockingly Effective Cleaning Power
The core function of any vacuum is suction, and this is where the Bissell truly shines, punching far above its price point. The “TRIPLE ACTION Brush Roll” is designed to loosen, lift, and remove embedded dirt and pet hair. Paired with what Bissell calls “Scatter-Free Technology,” we found it incredibly effective on both our low-pile area rugs and medium-pile carpets. To test it, we vacuumed our living room rug with our old vacuum first. It looked clean. Then, we made a single pass with the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum. The result was genuinely embarrassing and astonishing. The clear canister quickly filled with a horrifying cloud of fine dust, dander, and a shocking amount of golden fur that our previous vacuum had missed entirely. This experience was echoed by dozens of users, one of whom shared a photo of the canister after a test on a “10-foot square area,” noting their old vacuum was “barely working” in comparison. The suction is powerful, consistent, and deeply satisfying. It pulls the carpet fibers upright, leaving those clean vacuum lines that make a room feel completely refreshed. On hard floors, it transitioned seamlessly, picking up cat litter and stray kibble without scattering it across the room. The sheer cleaning power of this machine is its single greatest asset and is a compelling reason to check the latest price and availability.
Navigating the Obstacle Course: Swivel Steering and Handling
A powerful motor is useless if you can’t get the vacuum where it needs to go. Here, the Swivel Steering is a game-changer compared to older, rigid uprights. We were able to gracefully pivot around table legs, glide along the edges of our couch, and navigate tight corners with a simple twist of the wrist. This enhanced maneuverability makes the chore of vacuuming feel faster and less physically demanding. While we noted its 18-pound weight is noticeable when lifting it, it feels much lighter and more agile when in motion on the floor. However, its full-size form factor does present limitations. As one user correctly pointed out, “it is definitely too big to use upright on the stairs.” For that, you rely on the attachments. The power cord is adequately long for a standard room, but we did find ourselves wishing for an extra five feet to avoid having to switch outlets as often. Overall, the handling is a significant plus, blending the power of a traditional upright with the agility of a more modern design.
The Achilles’ Heel: A Troubling Pattern of Belt Failures
This is the most critical part of our review, and an issue we cannot overstate. While the initial performance was stellar, we discovered a troubling and consistent pattern of complaints regarding the machine’s durability, specifically centered on the brush roll belt. Numerous users reported the belt breaking, melting, or becoming clogged after just a few weeks or months of use. One user stated, “Used 3 times dog hair clogged beater bar. Melted belt.” Another, more detailed account, diagnosed what appears to be a significant design flaw: “…the brush is off center to the belt… this allows the brush to pull pet fur into the belt housing where it collects until it breaks the belt.” This is a massive concern. A vacuum marketed specifically for “Pet Reach” should be engineered to withstand the rigors of cleaning up large amounts of pet hair without self-destructing. The fact that hair can seemingly bypass the intended airflow and directly attack the machine’s drivetrain is a serious flaw. While our test unit did not fail during our evaluation period, the sheer volume and consistency of these reports from long-term users suggest a high probability of failure, especially in homes with heavy shedders. This potential for premature breakdown turns an excellent-value purchase into a potential source of frustration and additional expense for replacement belts and parts. This is a crucial factor to weigh before making a purchase, and we advise potential buyers to review the user feedback on this issue for themselves when considering this otherwise powerful pet vacuum.
Tools of the Trade: Above-Floor Cleaning and Attachments
A vacuum’s utility extends beyond the floor, and the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum includes a “Quick Release Extension Wand” that is always on and ready to use. We found the wand and hose combination provided excellent reach for cleaning ceiling corners, drapes, and behind furniture. The suction through the hose is just as potent as it is at the floor head. The machine comes with a few specialized tools, including a crevice tool and a dusting brush. However, the dedicated “Pet Tool” for upholstery was a letdown. As one user noted, “It’s small & ineffective which is disappointing since this is a pet vacuum.” We concur with this assessment. The tool relies purely on suction and lacks a motorized or air-driven brush, making it tedious to use for removing stubborn, woven-in hair from fabric couches or pet beds. It works, but it requires significant effort and multiple passes. While the wand and hose system is convenient and powerful, the underwhelming performance of the key pet attachment is a missed opportunity in an otherwise pet-focused machine.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings align closely with the broad spectrum of public feedback. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding the vacuum’s raw power. One happy customer, who vacuums daily because of their dog, exclaimed, “I absolutely love this vacuum! …it picks up everything!” Another user, who runs a cat rescue with up to 40 cats at a time, praised it as superior to much more expensive models they’ve owned, highlighting its incredible ability to handle extreme amounts of hair. The shocking “before and after” results, where users vacuum with their old machine and then immediately with the Bissell, are a common theme, showcasing just how much dirt was being left behind previously.
However, the praise is often tempered by the critical flaw in its design. The negative reviews are not about poor performance, but about catastrophic failure. A user who went through two belts in the first month called it a “design flaw,” and another shared pictures of the plastic housing around the belt having completely melted. These aren’t isolated incidents; they form a consistent and alarming narrative that suggests a significant reliability issue. This dichotomy makes the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum a polarizing product: it delivers five-star performance for a two-star lifespan.
How Does the Bissell Compare to the Alternatives?
No product exists in a vacuum (pun intended). To provide full context, it’s crucial to see how the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum stacks up against other popular models in the market. Each of these alternatives caters to a slightly different user, prioritizing different features like weight, versatility, or build quality.
1. Oreck 2100RHS 8-Pound Upright Vacuum
- Upright vacuum cleaner with 12-inch-wide cleaning path is better suited for cleaning carpets than typical canister vacuum cleaners and takes up less space for storage
- Helping Hand handle has received Ease-of-Use Commendation from Arthritis Foundation; on/off switch is located in handgrip for convenience
The Oreck Commercial 2100RHS is a legend in the vacuum world, built for simplicity and raw power. Its main advantage is its incredible lightweight design, tipping the scales at a mere 8 pounds. This makes it a fantastic choice for users who prioritize ease of handling and portability above all else. However, it’s a far more specialized tool. It lacks the onboard hose and attachments of the Bissell, making it purely a floor-cleaning machine. It also uses disposable bags, which some users prefer for hygienic disposal but adds a recurring cost. The Oreck is for someone who wants a no-frills, commercial-grade, ultra-lightweight carpet cleaner and has other tools for above-floor tasks.
2. Shark Rocket HV301 Ultra-Light Corded Vacuum
- Never loses suction or power
- Cleans carpets and bare floors
The Shark Rocket HV301 occupies a middle ground between a stick vacuum and an upright. Its primary selling point is versatility. It’s significantly lighter than the Bissell and easily converts to a handheld vacuum for cleaning stairs, cars, and upholstery. Its slim profile and swivel steering make it exceptionally maneuverable in tight spaces. The trade-off is a much smaller dust canister that requires frequent emptying and potentially less deep-cleaning power on thick, high-pile carpets compared to the full-size Bissell. This is the ideal choice for users in smaller homes with mixed flooring types who value a lightweight, versatile, multi-purpose cleaning tool over maximum capacity and raw power.
3. Bissell Allergen Lift-Off Pet Upright Vacuum
- SURFACESENSE TECHNOLOGY. Automatically transition from carpets to hard surfaces.
- LIFT-OFF DETACHABLE POD. Easily switches from a powerful upright vacuum to a detachable, portable canister vacuum.
For those who are drawn to the Bissell brand’s pet-cleaning prowess but are wary of the CleanView’s potential durability issues, the Allergen Lift-Off Pet is the logical upgrade. It addresses the key weaknesses of its sibling model directly. It features a “Tangle-Free Multi-Surface Brush Roll” designed to minimize hair wrap—the very issue that can lead to belt failure. It also includes “Lift-Off Technology,” allowing the main canister to detach from the base for portable, powerful cleaning on stairs and furniture. With added features like LED headlights, this model represents a more premium, feature-rich, and thoughtfully engineered solution for pet owners willing to invest more for greater convenience and potentially better long-term reliability.
Final Verdict: A Powerful Performer with a Serious Caveat
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Full-Size Vacuum is a machine of incredible contrasts. On one hand, it delivers truly exceptional, deep-cleaning performance that can revitalize carpets and conquer even the most daunting pet hair challenges, all at a highly accessible price point. The swivel steering makes it a joy to handle, and the simple, bagless design is convenient for daily use. On the other hand, the pervasive and well-documented issue with its belt system presents a significant and undeniable risk. It’s a design flaw that could turn a fantastic bargain into a frustrating paperweight in a matter of months.
So, who is this vacuum for? We would recommend it, with caution, to pet owners on a strict budget who are dealing with low-to-moderate shedding and are willing to be diligent about cleaning the brush roll after every use to mitigate the risk. For those in multi-pet households with heavy shedders, the risk of premature failure is likely too high. While its power is tempting, the potential for a short lifespan is a gamble. If you’re impressed by its suction but concerned about reliability, investing in a model with a more robust, tangle-resistant brush roll design may be the wiser long-term choice. Ultimately, if you understand the risks and are prepared for the necessary maintenance, you can get incredible cleaning power for your money with this vacuum.
Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API