BISSELL Big Green vs. ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro: The Ultimate Carpet Cleaner Showdown

Welcome to the most detailed comparison you’ll find on the internet between two giants in the carpet cleaning industry: The BISSELL Big Green (86T3) and The BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro (1986). If you’re on the fence about which powerhouse to bring into your home, you’re in the right place. We’re diving deep into the specs, performance, and suitability of each model to help you make an informed decision. Let’s get started!

🌟 At a Glance: The Power Players 🌟

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick overview of what sets these two apart. The BISSELL Big Green boasts formidable power and capacity for those deep-cleaning sessions, while the ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro shines with its heating and drying technology for the everyday, hassle-free cleanup.

📊 Side-by-Side Comparison 📊

To make things crystal clear, let’s break down the main features of each model:

Feature	BISSELL Big Green 86T3	BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro 1986
Design & Dimensions	📏 20.50 x 11 x 42.25 inches ⚖️ 42 lbs	📏 15.25 x 12.50 x 43.5 inches ⚖️ 17.5 lbs
Power & Performance	🔌 12 amps 🌀 8-row DirtLifter PowerBrush	🔌 6.8 amps 🌀 12-row Dual DirtLifter PowerBrush
Capacity	🛢️ 1.75 gallons each	🛢️ 1 gallon each
Technology	❌ No heating/drying ✅ Powerful deep cleaning	✅ HeatWave technology ✅ Express Clean Mode for fast drying
Tools & Accessories	🛠️ 6-inch tough stain tool	🛠️ 3-inch tough stain tool, 2-in-1 upholstery tool
Cleaning Formula	🧼 PRO MAX Clean + Protect formula	🧼 Pet Stain & Odor + Antibacterial Carpet Formula
Suitability	🏠🏢 Perfect for both home and professional use 🐾🍷 Great for all stain types	🏠 Ideal for homes, especially with pets 🐶💧 Excellent for everyday spills and pet messes
Warranty	🛡️ 5 years	🛡️ 5 years

🤔 Which One is Right for You?

The BISSELL Big Green: The Deep-Cleaning Dynamo

Key Takeaways:

• Powerhouse Cleaning: With a 12-amp motor and 8-row brush, it tackles deep, set-in stains with ease.
• Go Big or Go Home: Its large tank capacity means fewer trips to the sink, ideal for large areas.
• Heavyweight Champion: At 42 lbs, it’s robust but might be a workout to maneuver for some.
• For the Long Haul: Designed to handle all types of stains on various surfaces, backed by a solid 5-year warranty.

The BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro: The Everyday Hero

Key Takeaways:

• HeatWave Technology: Keeps water temperature consistent for effective cleaning.
• Light and Agile: At 17.5 lbs, it’s easier to handle and move around, perfect for quick cleanups.
• Express Clean Mode: Get your carpets dry in about 30 minutes, a boon for busy households.
• Pet Owners’ Dream: Specifically designed to tackle pet stains and odors with targeted tools and formulas.

🏆 And the Winner Is…

It really comes down to your specific needs. For those looking for a heavy-duty cleaner capable of tackling large areas and deep stains, the BISSELL Big Green is your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re dealing with everyday messes, have pets, and appreciate convenience and speed, the BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro will not disappoint.

Whichever model you choose, you’re getting a quality machine that’s built to last and designed to keep your home looking and smelling fresh. Happy cleaning!

FAQs: BISSELL’s Cleaning Titans

How Do the Cleaning Technologies Differ in Real-World Application?

BISSELL Big Green’s DirtLifter PowerBrush: Imagine an octet of robust, rotating brushes diving deep into the fibers of your carpet. Each pass not only dislodges but also suctions out the grime that’s been embedded deep within, far beyond what standard vacuums reach. This technology isn’t just about surface cleaning; it’s a comprehensive rejuvenation for your carpets, making them look, feel, and smell as if they’ve just been laid down.

ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro’s Dual DirtLifter PowerBrush: This system takes a dual approach. The twelve rows of brushes oscillate to agitate and lift dirt, pet hair, and stains from the carpet fibers, ensuring a thorough cleanse. Coupled with the HeatWave technology, which maintains water temperature, this machine transforms your cleaning solution into a warm, deep-cleaning bath for your carpets, enhancing the effectiveness of the cleaning agents. It’s akin to the difference between washing dishes in cold water versus hot water; the latter is far more effective at breaking down grease and grime.

Can I Really Use the BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro for Daily Cleanups?

Absolutely. Think of it as your go-to tool for maintaining a pristine home environment, especially if you have pets or children. The lightweight design and user-friendly features make it as easy to use as a regular vacuum cleaner, but with the added benefit of tackling spills and stains on the spot. The Express Clean Mode is particularly handy, enabling you to freshen up your living spaces quickly without the long drying times typically associated with deep carpet cleaning. It’s like having a professional cleaning service at your fingertips, ready whenever you need it.

How Does the Tank Capacity Affect Cleaning Sessions?

BISSELL Big Green’s 1.75-Gallon Tanks: The generous capacity allows for extensive cleaning sessions without the constant need for refills. This is particularly beneficial when tackling larger rooms or multiple areas in one go. It’s about efficiency and minimizing interruptions, ensuring you can maintain your cleaning flow, covering more ground in less time.

ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro’s 1-Gallon Tanks: While smaller, the tank size is intelligently designed for the machine’s intended use—quick, effective cleanups and easier handling. This capacity strikes the perfect balance between having enough cleaning solution for a thorough job and keeping the unit light enough for easy maneuverability and storage. It’s tailored for those who prioritize convenience and speed without compromising on cleaning performance.

Are These Models Suitable for Different Types of Carpets and Upholstery?

Both models boast versatility, designed to adapt to a range of surfaces from delicate upholstery to rugged carpets. The Big Green, with its robust cleaning action, excels in revitalizing tired, trodden paths of high-traffic areas, making it ideal for both residential and commercial spaces. Its ability to deeply clean without damaging fibers makes it suitable for various carpet types, including plush, berber, and loop.

The ProHeat 2X Revolution, with its adjustable cleaning modes and specialized tools, offers a tailored approach. Whether it’s a delicate rug or a durable stair carpet, the machine adjusts to ensure optimal cleaning without overwetting or damage. The HeatWave technology is a game-changer for sensitive fabrics, providing a gentle warmth that enhances cleaning power without risking harm.

What About Maintenance and Longevity?

Both BISSELL models are designed with durability in mind, but their maintenance needs do differ slightly due to their distinct functionalities. The Big Green’s straightforward design focuses on robustness and simplicity, ensuring that with regular cleaning of the brushes and tanks, it remains a reliable workhorse for years.

The ProHeat 2X Revolution requires a bit more finesse in maintenance, particularly because of its HeatWave technology and more complex brush system. Regular checks and cleaning ensure that the heating element performs efficiently and the brushes remain effective for agitation. However, BISSELL has engineered both models for easy access to critical components, making routine maintenance less of a chore and more of a simple step towards ensuring the longevity of your investment.

Comment 1: “Can either of these machines handle hard floors, or are they strictly for carpets?”

Response: Great question! The primary design of both the BISSELL Big Green and the ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro leans heavily towards carpeted surfaces, including rugs, upholstery, and pet beds. Their brush systems and cleaning formulas are specifically engineered to lift and remove dirt from fibers, which is a task unique to carpets and similar textures. However, it’s worth noting that while neither model is advertised for hard floor cleaning, some users have creatively used the upholstery tools provided with the machines for spot cleaning on hard surfaces. For hard floors, BISSELL offers specialized cleaners designed to tackle the unique cleaning needs of non-carpeted surfaces, ensuring safety, efficiency, and the prevention of water damage to sensitive flooring.

Comment 2: “I have three dogs at home. Is the ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro’s tank big enough to clean a three-bedroom house, or will I need to refill it multiple times?”

Response: With pets in the mix, especially three energetic dogs, your cleaning needs undoubtedly ramp up. The ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro is tailored for homes like yours, with features aimed at tackling pet hair, stains, and odors. Its 1-gallon tank capacity is designed for efficient home cleaning, including medium to large areas. However, considering a three-bedroom house and the likelihood of multiple pet-related stains, you may find yourself needing to refill the tank at least once during a thorough cleaning session. This model’s ease of use and quick-dry capabilities significantly offset the inconvenience of a refill, ensuring your cleaning process is as uninterrupted as possible. For larger homes or more significant cleaning tasks, planning your cleaning route to efficiently manage tank refills can save time and effort.

Comment 3: “Does the BISSELL Big Green’s lack of heating technology make it less effective on certain types of stains?”

Response: An interesting observation! The BISSELL Big Green compensates for the absence of built-in heating technology with a combination of a high-powered motor and an 8-row DirtLifter PowerBrush, which together provide a deep and effective clean. While heat can indeed assist in breaking down stains more quickly, the mechanical action of the Big Green’s brushes, combined with its potent PRO MAX Clean + Protect formula, ensures that it remains highly effective against both fresh and set-in stains. For particularly stubborn stains, pre-treating the area with a specialized formula can enhance cleaning effectiveness. The Big Green’s design focuses on leveraging physical agitation and high suction power, making it a powerhouse for deep cleaning tasks without necessarily relying on heat.

Comment 4: “I’m worried about the weight of the Big Green. Is it manageable for someone with back problems?”

Response: Your concern is valid. Weighing in at 42 lbs, the BISSELL Big Green is indeed on the heavier side, which adds to its durability and deep-cleaning capabilities but can pose a challenge for individuals with back issues or limited physical strength. Its design includes large, easy-to-maneuver wheels, which help in navigating the cleaner across carpeted areas with less effort than you might expect from its weight. However, when it comes to carrying the machine up and down stairs or lifting it into storage, the task could be strenuous. If maneuverability and weight are significant concerns due to health reasons, the lighter ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro might be a more suitable choice, offering ease of use without compromising on cleaning power for everyday messes and pet-related cleanups.

Comment 5: “How often do I need to clean the brushes on these machines? And is it a complicated process?”

Response: Maintaining the brushes on both the BISSELL Big Green and the ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro is crucial for ensuring their longevity and cleaning effectiveness. Fortunately, both models are designed with user maintenance in mind. For optimal performance, it’s recommended to clean the brushes after each use, especially if you’re dealing with pet hair or cleaning heavily soiled areas, to prevent buildup and ensure the brushes remain effective.

The process for cleaning the brushes involves removing them from the machine, which is straightforward thanks to the user-friendly design of both models. Once removed, the brushes can be rinsed under running water until the water runs clear. For a more thorough clean, gently using a brush or comb to remove tangled hair or debris from the bristles is effective. After cleaning, allow the brushes to dry completely before reattaching them to the machine. This simple maintenance routine helps prolong the life of your carpet cleaner and ensures it’s ready for action whenever you need it.

Comment 6: “Is there a noticeable difference in drying times between these two models?”

Response: Absolutely, the drying time is a significant factor where the BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro notably shines due to its Express Clean Mode. This feature is ingeniously designed to expedite the drying process, allowing carpets to dry in about 30 minutes under optimal conditions. This is particularly beneficial for busy households or environments where quick turnaround is essential. On the other hand, the BISSELL Big Green, while lacking a specific fast-drying feature, compensates with its powerful suction capabilities that remove a substantial amount of moisture from the carpet fibers during the cleaning process. However, without the aid of a dedicated drying technology, the Big Green typically requires a longer drying period. Users can facilitate quicker drying by ensuring maximum ventilation or using fans. The choice between these models, in the context of drying times, hinges on the user’s need for speed versus their preference for deep cleaning efficiency.

Comment 7: “Can I use cleaning solutions from other brands in these machines, or must I stick to BISSELL formulas?”

Response: A thoughtful question that touches on the versatility and maintenance of these cleaners. Both BISSELL models are designed to work optimally with BISSELL’s own range of cleaning formulas, which are tailored to complement the specific features and cleaning capabilities of each machine. These formulas are engineered not just for efficiency but also to protect the longevity of the machine, ensuring that the internal components are not compromised by potentially corrosive or damaging chemicals.

That said, users have the flexibility to use non-BISSELL branded solutions, although it’s crucial to select a formula that’s compatible with carpet cleaning machines. It’s recommended to look for solutions that are marked as safe for use in all deep-cleaning machines to avoid damage. Be mindful, however, that using non-BISSELL formulas could potentially affect the warranty if the product is damaged due to the use of unapproved cleaning solutions. Always check the warranty terms and consider contacting BISSELL customer service for guidance if you’re unsure.

Comment 8: “How effective are these machines on old, set-in stains? Can they really make a difference?”

Response: Both machines are engineered with the prowess to tackle tough, set-in stains, albeit through different mechanisms. The BISSELL Big Green employs a robust combination of high power suction, a large-capacity tank, and an 8-row DirtLifter PowerBrush, making it a formidable opponent against deep-set stains. Its effectiveness is maximized when used in conjunction with BISSELL’s PRO MAX Clean + Protect formula, which penetrates deep into carpet fibers to loosen and lift old stains.

Conversely, the BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro utilizes its 12-row Dual DirtLifter PowerBrush and HeatWave technology to maintain water temperature, enhancing its ability to break down and remove aged stains. Its specialized Pet Stain & Odor + Antibacterial Carpet Formula further aids in this process, targeting the bacteria that can thrive in older stains. For the most stubborn stains, pre-treatment with a specialized formula and allowing it to sit before cleaning can significantly improve outcomes. While both machines offer impressive cleaning capabilities, the nature and age of the stain, along with the type of carpet, can influence the final results. Patience and multiple treatments may be necessary for the most challenging situations.

Comment 9: “What’s the noise level like on these carpet cleaners? I live in an apartment and don’t want to disturb my neighbors.”

Response: Noise is an inevitable aspect of carpet cleaning machines due to their powerful motors and suction capabilities. The BISSELL Big Green and ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro are no exceptions, with both machines generating a level of sound comparable to that of a standard vacuum cleaner. The Big Green, with its larger, more powerful motor, may produce a slightly higher decibel level during operation, which is something to consider for those in close living quarters. The ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro, while also producing noise, might be a tad quieter due to its smaller motor and focus on residential use.

For apartment dwellers concerned about noise, planning your cleaning sessions during midday or early evening hours when neighbors are less likely to be disturbed can be a considerate approach. Additionally, informing neighbors in advance of your cleaning plans can foster goodwill and minimize any potential inconvenience.

Comment 10: “Do I need to vacuum before using these carpet cleaners, or can they handle everything on their own?”

Response: Pre-vacuuming is a highly recommended step before using either the BISSELL Big Green or the ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro. This preparatory action removes loose debris, pet hair, and dirt from the surface of your carpet, allowing the carpet cleaners to focus on deep cleaning the fibers more effectively. Skipping this step can lead to less efficient stain removal and may also risk clogging the machine’s brushes with excess debris. By vacuuming first, you ensure that the carpet cleaners can perform at their best, delivering a deeper clean by focusing their technology on embedded dirt and stains rather than surface-level debris. Both machines are designed to complement a comprehensive floor care routine, where vacuuming plays an essential role in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpets.