If you’re a pet owner, you know the feeling. You glance at your dark-coloured sofa, and it seems to have grown a new, fuzzy layer of fur overnight. You walk across your freshly swept hardwood floors in bare feet, only to find a collection of pet hair clinging to your soles. It’s a relentless, Sisyphean task. For years, I waged this war with a heavy, cumbersome vacuum that felt like I was pushing a small car around the house. It was a chore I dreaded. The sheer effort of hauling it up and down stairs often meant I’d just “spot clean” with a broom, knowing full well I was just kicking the finest, most allergy-inducing dander back into the air. The reality is that pet hair isn’t just an aesthetic nuisance; it’s an infiltration of dander and allergens that can affect a home’s air quality and comfort. This constant struggle led me on a quest for something different: a powerful, yet lightweight, machine designed specifically to conquer the furry chaos without breaking my back.
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- LIGHTWEIGHT WITH POWERFUL SUCTION. Weighs less than 10 pounds, and picks up pet hair with strength and agility.
What to Consider Before Buying an Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair
An upright vacuum cleaner is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for maintaining a clean and healthy home environment, especially when pets are part of the family. Its primary benefit lies in its ability to combine powerful, deep-cleaning suction with an ergonomic design that saves you from bending over. For pet owners, this means effectively pulling embedded fur from carpet fibres, sucking up scattered kibble from hardwood floors, and trapping dander that can trigger allergies. A great upright vacuum transforms a dreaded chore into a satisfying task, leaving floors visibly cleaner and the air feeling fresher. It’s the frontline defense against the daily mess our beloved animals leave behind.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily challenge of shedding from dogs or cats, particularly in homes with mixed flooring like carpets, area rugs, and hard surfaces. It’s perfect for those who value the consistent, fade-free power that a corded model provides over the convenience of a cordless one. If you live in a multi-level home, the weight and maneuverability become critical factors. However, this type of vacuum might not be suitable for those living in very small spaces with limited storage, or for individuals who primarily need a quick spot-cleaner for minor spills and would be better served by a small cordless handheld. For them, a compact, battery-powered alternative might be more practical.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider the vacuum’s physical footprint, both in use and in storage. A slim profile, like that of the Bissell PowerGlide Pet Corded Vacuum 3070, is excellent for getting under furniture, but you also need a place to store it. Many stick vacuums don’t stand up on their own and require a wall mount, so ensure you have a suitable spot in a closet or utility room.
- Capacity/Performance: Look at the dustbin capacity and the motor’s power. A smaller capacity (like the 0.53 quarts on this model) means more frequent emptying but contributes to a lighter weight. For performance, corded models offer consistent suction that doesn’t fade, a critical feature for tackling deeply embedded pet hair in high-pile carpets.
- Materials & Durability: The construction is paramount. Most modern vacuums use high-impact plastics to keep weight down. While this is great for portability, it can be a weak point. Check user feedback for common issues like cracking hoses or failing parts, as durability can vary significantly between models and brands.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A vacuum should make life easier. Look for features like a long power cord (30 feet is excellent), washable filters to save on long-term costs, and an easy-to-empty dustbin. Consider how simple it is to detangle the brush roll or switch between tools, as these small details greatly affect the overall user experience.
Making the right choice involves balancing power, weight, and features against your specific cleaning needs and home layout.
While the Bissell PowerGlide Pet Corded Vacuum 3070 is an excellent choice, 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 Featherweight with Heavyweight Ambitions
Upon unboxing the Bissell PowerGlide Pet Corded Vacuum 3070, the first thing that struck me was its weight, or rather, the lack of it. At under 10 pounds, it feels closer to a lightweight broom than a serious cleaning appliance. Assembly was refreshingly simple; as one user noted, it “took seconds to attach the handle and floor roller.” Everything clicks together intuitively, and you can go from boxed to cleaning in under five minutes. The vibrant green accents give it a modern, energetic look. In hand, it feels balanced, with most of the weight concentrated in the top handheld unit, which is typical for this stick design. The included wall mount is a thoughtful and necessary addition, immediately addressing the fact that this vacuum, like most of its kind, is not designed to stand on its own. It feels lean and purposeful, a tool designed for agility and speed, a stark contrast to the bulky, traditional uprights I’ve wrestled with in the past. My immediate thought was, “Can something this light actually have enough power?” That question would soon be answered emphatically.
Key Benefits
- Incredibly powerful suction that rivals larger, more expensive vacuums
- Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver around furniture and up stairs
- Versatile 3-in-1 design easily converts to a handheld or high-reach cleaner
- Extra-long 30-foot cord provides extensive cleaning range without re-plugging
- Tangle-free brush roll technology works well to minimize hair wrap
Potential Drawbacks
- Does not stand upright on its own, requiring leaning or wall mounting for storage
- Concerns about long-term durability, with some users reporting issues with the brush roll and plastic components
A Deep Dive into the Bissell PowerGlide Pet Corded Vacuum 3070’s Performance
A vacuum’s worth is measured in what it leaves behind—or in this case, what it doesn’t. We put the Bissell PowerGlide Pet Corded Vacuum 3070 through its paces in a real-world environment, complete with a perpetually shedding Golden Retriever, a cat who loves lounging on upholstery, and a mix of hardwood, low-pile carpet, and area rugs. This wasn’t a sterile lab test; this was a battle for a clean home.
Suction Power That Will Shock and Satisfy
Let’s be blunt: the suction on this vacuum is astonishing for its size and weight. I thought my carpets were reasonably clean after a pass with my old machine. The first time I ran the Bissell PowerGlide, the clear dustbin filled with a horrifying, yet deeply satisfying, cloud of fine dust and pet hair I had no idea was there. This experience is echoed by countless users. One new owner exclaimed, “Look what came out of my carpets the first time using this! I am seriously so disgusted- thank you bissell for changing my life!” Another was “embarrassed to say that this is from a couple area rugs and my stairs.” This isn’t just marketing hype; the machine’s ability to pull deeply embedded debris from carpet fibres is its defining feature. It validates the decision to stick with a corded model—you get consistent, unapologetic power that battery-operated models often struggle to match over a long cleaning session.
The vacuum offers two power levels, controlled by a simple touch button on the handle. On hard floors, a single press turns the brush roll off, allowing the pure suction to safely pick up debris without scattering it. This transition is seamless and effective. We found it pulled in everything from tracked-in dirt to spilled cat litter with ease. On carpets and area rugs, engaging the brush roll mode transforms the machine. The bristles dig in and agitate the fibres, loosening stubborn hair and dander. We noticed our area rugs looked fluffier and felt softer after just a few passes, a testament to how much compacted dust was being removed. The power is so impressive that it completely redefines expectations for what a vacuum in this price and weight class can achieve. You can see its full specifications and what makes this power possible on its product page.
Agile Design: The Freedom of Movement
Power is useless if you can’t get it where you need it. This is where the Bissell PowerGlide Pet Corded Vacuum 3070‘s lightweight, 3-in-1 design truly shines. Weighing just 9.5 pounds, carrying it up a flight of stairs is effortless. The swivel steering is fluid and responsive, allowing you to navigate around table legs and furniture with a simple twist of the wrist. One of the standout features is the incredibly long 30-foot power cord. In my 1,000-square-foot main floor, I could plug it into a central outlet and clean every single room without ever having to stop and find a new socket. This small detail dramatically improves the cleaning workflow and is a significant advantage over cordless models where you’re always racing against a dying battery.
The 3-in-1 versatility is genuinely useful. With a click, the main motor and dustbin detach to become a powerful handheld vacuum. Attaching the crevice tool or dusting brush, we easily cleaned upholstery, car interiors, and pet beds. The cat hair that usually clings stubbornly to the sofa fabric was gone in seconds. Reattaching the extension wand transforms it into a high-reach tool, perfect for sucking up cobwebs from ceiling corners. However, the slim design does have limitations. One user rightly pointed out that while the head is low profile, the bulk of the motor unit prevents it from getting fully under very low furniture like some loveseats or TV stands. It’s a design trade-off for its powerful motor. The most common user complaint is that it doesn’t stand up on its own. While true, this is standard for stick vacuums, and the included wall mount provides a neat and secure storage solution. This machine is built for action, not for standing around.
The Tangle-Free Promise and the Question of Durability
For any pet owner, hair wrapped around a vacuum’s brush roll is a major source of frustration. Bissell’s patented Tangle-Free Brush Roll is designed to combat this head-on. During our testing, it performed admirably. Long human hair and shorter pet fur were channeled directly into the dustbin with minimal wrapping. This significantly reduces the tedious task of cutting hair off the brush with scissors. The maintenance system is also well-designed. The CleanSlide Technology makes emptying the 0.53-quart dustbin a relatively clean process, and the Febreze filter, which is washable, leaves a pleasant, fresh scent in the air as you clean.
However, we must address the elephant in the room: long-term durability. While our unit performed flawlessly, a noticeable pattern in user feedback raises concerns. Several users reported serious issues after months of heavy use, specifically with the brush roll assembly. Reports of a “burning plastic” smell, followed by the discovery that the brush roll had warped or melted the plastic housing, are too common to ignore. One user noted their “third brush roller just ate itself,” while another shared photos of a warped and melted roller. Another reported the hose near the suction foot cracking just outside the warranty period. This suggests a potential weak point in the design, particularly for those who vacuum very frequently, like a user who cleans multiple times a day or professionally. It seems the Bissell PowerGlide Pet Corded Vacuum 3070 is a phenomenal performer, but it may not be built for years of heavy-duty abuse. For moderate household use, it should suffice, but it’s a critical factor to consider when you check the latest price and availability.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment towards the Bissell PowerGlide Pet Corded Vacuum 3070 is a mix of amazement and caution. The positive feedback is overwhelmingly focused on its incredible suction power relative to its price and weight. Many users who switched from far more expensive brands like Dyson were shocked at how much more effective the Bissell was at picking up pet hair. One user declared, “I swear it works better than all my previous vacuums including my Dyson that I spent over $500 on.” Its ease of use and lightweight nature are also frequently praised, with one parent delighted that their 12-year-old willingly started “deep cleaning” because the vacuum was so simple and satisfying to use.
On the other hand, the negative feedback forms a consistent and important narrative about longevity. The most critical reviews centre on mechanical failures, typically after six months to two years of use. The recurring issue of the brush roll melting or warping is a significant concern. As one user who cleans houses for a living noted, “the replacement vacuum lasted about 1.5 years till it stopped working… The full size bissles seem to last longer.” This feedback suggests that while the initial performance is stellar, its construction may not hold up to rigorous, long-term use, positioning it more as a high-performance tool with a potentially limited lifespan.
How Does the Bissell PowerGlide Pet Corded Vacuum 3070 Compare to the Competition?
While the PowerGlide excels in its niche of lightweight, corded power, it’s not the only player in the game. Understanding how it stacks up against popular alternatives is key to making the right choice for your specific needs.
1. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Rewind Vacuum
- Powerful pet hair pickup in a lightweight and agile design; tangle-free brush roll eliminates annoying hair wrap.
- Hands-free empty with cyclonic pet hair spooling system means you no longer have to touch the yuck
For those who love Bissell’s pet-focused features but prefer a more traditional and robust machine, the Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Rewind is a compelling alternative. This is a full-size upright vacuum, meaning it’s heavier and bulkier than the PowerGlide. However, that size comes with benefits: a larger dust cup capacity, meaning fewer trips to the trash can, and features like an automatic cord rewind and headlights. Its SmartSeal Allergen System may also be a better choice for homes with severe allergies. You trade the featherweight agility of the PowerGlide for a more substantial, feature-rich machine built for larger homes and tougher jobs.
2. Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
- POWERFUL SUCTION: Deep-clean carpets and tackle bare floors with multi-surface powerful suction.
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
The Shark Navigator’s main claim to fame is its “Lift-Away” technology. This allows you to detach the main canister from the vacuum body, transforming it into a portable, easy-to-carry pod for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and cars. While the PowerGlide can become a handheld vacuum, the Shark’s Lift-Away mode is more powerful and ergonomic for extended above-floor cleaning. The Shark NV360 also features a HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, making it a superior choice for allergy sufferers. If you prioritize sealed-system filtration and the versatility of a canister vacuum, the Shark is a very strong contender.
3. Shark ZU503AMZ Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Self-Cleaning Brushroll
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: Engineered for more pet hair pickup with no hair wrap (vs. Shark bristle nozzles)..Voltage:120 volts. Wattage : 1200 watts
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
This Shark model takes the popular Navigator platform and adds a feature that directly competes with Bissell’s “Tangle-Free” claim: the Self-Cleaning Brushroll. It’s actively designed to remove hair wrap as you clean. For homes with multiple long-haired pets or residents, this could be a deciding factor. Like the other Shark, it also includes the Lift-Away feature and a HEPA filter. This model is essentially for the buyer who is most concerned about the hassle of brush roll maintenance and wants Shark’s proven performance in a versatile package, making it a direct and formidable alternative to the PowerGlide.
Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Performer with a Caveat
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Bissell PowerGlide Pet Corded Vacuum 3070 is clear: it is a spectacular performer that punches far above its weight class. Its suction power is genuinely shocking, pulling out dirt and pet hair you never knew existed. Combined with its lightweight design, incredible maneuverability, and a generous 30-foot cord, it makes cleaning less of a chore and more of a satisfying mission. For apartment dwellers, owners of smaller homes, or anyone who needs a powerful, agile vacuum for daily pet hair battles, this machine is an absolute game-changer for the price.
However, that stellar performance comes with a significant caveat regarding long-term durability. The recurring user reports of critical parts failing, particularly the brush roll assembly, prevent us from recommending it for very heavy-duty use or for those who expect a vacuum to last for many years. It is best viewed as a high-performance, lightweight specialist. If you prioritize raw, corded power and agility over bomb-proof construction and are willing to accept a potentially shorter lifespan, you will be thrilled with the results. For the sheer joy of seeing a carpet transform before your eyes, the Bissell PowerGlide Pet Corded Vacuum 3070 is an investment in clean that’s hard to beat.
Last update on 2025-11-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API