For more than 140 years, Bissell has earned a solid reputation around the globe.

In fact, the company claims to have given sweepers to Queen Victoria of England in the 1890s.

Due to an inventive line of floor care devices that includes carpet sweepers and washers, vacuum cleaners, and bare floor vacuums, Bissell is still a dominant force in the market for home cleaning equipment today.

However, if there is one specific model for which the company is now best recognized, it is the Bissell Crosswave all-in-one multi-surface vacuum cleaner.

But how does it stack up against competing vacuums, and is it pricey? Here is our professional evaluation.

Review of Bissell Crosswave

Imagine being able to mop and vacuum floors at the same time.

The hybrid Bissell Crosswave is specifically designed to do that by employing a multi-surface cleaning mechanism that simultaneously mop and vacuum floors.

It has a significant flaw, however, which may put off many families.

It only works on rugs and the majority of hard floor types, such as tiles, laminate, and hardwood floors; it does not work on carpets.

Cleaning tests indicate that the Bissell Crosswave has decent cleaning capabilities and suction strength on hard floor surfaces for a mid-range upright vacuum, but not so much on carpets.

Apart from that, it accomplishes its main job of getting rid of pet hair and filth, both wet and dry.

Additionally, the line is reasonably priced and includes a variety of models to meet different family demands.

Models And Costs For The Bissell Crosswave

The major models in the Bissell Crosswave lineup are shown below, along with their prices

Specs And Features Of The Bissell Crosswave That Stand Out

#1. Microfiber And Nylon Dual-Action Brush Roll

The brush roll of the Bissell Crosswave can clean both hard floors and carpets and can also remove oil and dirt, which is really useful if you have children with sticky fingers.

According to Bissell, the inclusion of the microfibre cloth was intended to leave a polish free of scratches, streaks, and dulling residue.

#2. Two-Tank Engineering

One water tank is standard for most steam mops.

In order to be able to clean common messes with a brand-new solution every time, the Bissell Crosswave incorporates a split tank that maintains clean water and your cleaning solution apart from the filthy water and dry debris.

On one side, a trigger-controlled tank delivers water and cleaning solution, while on the other, unclean water collected from floors is collected and stored in a different tank.

To help you use the right amount of cleaning solution and prevent waste, the cleaning tank is also labelled with measurements.

#3. Intelligent Touch Controllers

In addition, the Bissell Crosswave has smart touch controls on the handle that let you easily switch between cleaning modes for carpets and hard floors.

You can also use these controls to manage your cleaning solution with an on-demand solution trigger that only releases the right amount of cleaning agent to get the job done.

#4. Multiple Charging Ports

The 3-in-1 charging station included on the Bissell Crosswave Cordless and Max models allows you to clean, store, and charge your vacuum all at once.

The dock station has a storage tray for the machine and brush roll, a charging station, and a clean out tray and rinse funnel that will flush out your machine after a cleaning activity.

Up until the time you need to use it again, this vacuum looks after itself.

#5. Capacity Of The Water And Dust Bins

The majority of Bissell Crosswave models feature 0.8L water tanks and 0.4L/0.5L dust bins.

Since it is rather tiny compared to other vacuums, you will need to monitor the dirt tank and empty it often, maybe even after cleaning each room, which is not ideal.

#6. 30 to 25 Minute Runtime

With a 36V lithium-ion battery, the Bissell Crosswave Cordless and Max has a cordless runtime of 25–35 minutes.

Again, this is not ideal given that the majority of cordless vacuums, such as the Miele Triflex HX1 Cordless Vacuum, have a runtime of about 60 minutes.

However, the Bissell Crosswave Pet has a cable, so if you have a lot of surfaces to clean, that is an alternative to think about.

RRP* for the Bissell Crosswave Pet & Pro.

The line’s first corded model, the Bissell Crosswave Pet, was created especially for cleaning up after pets.

Along with the above stated basic functions, it also has a multi-surface pet brush roll that spins at 3,000 RPM to reduce pet hair wrap.

To make cleanup simple after cleaning, it also includes a pet cleaning solution and a pet hair strainer.

Like previous versions, it has a two-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Additional brushes, attachments, and a specialized pet cleaning solution are included with the Pet Pro model to aid with pet odor removal.

RRP* Bissell Crosswave Cordless & Pro

The model after that is the Bissell Crosswave Cordless.

As the name implies, it is a cordless model with the usual features, such as a three-in-one docking tray, a two-tank system, and a multi-surface brush roll that is “tangle-free” for hair up to 20 cm long.

The Pro model has smart-clean fingertip controls that let you quickly choose between cleaning modes as needed.

RRP* for Bissell Crosswave Max & Pro

The final in the range is the Bissell Crosswave Max.

Its easy picking up of pet hair, dust, and grime along baseboards and in corners for a complete clean is touted.

After each usage, a self-cleaning cycle washes away dirt, hair, and debris.

In comparison to the Pet and Cordless models, the Max model features a larger capacity and brush roll.

Hoover Complete Upright Vacuum Cleaner VS. Bissell Crosswave

Here is a short comparison between the Hoover Complete Upright Vacuum Cleaner and the Bissell Crosswave:

Models Bissell Crosswave Cordless Hoover Complete Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Runtime 25 minutes (power cord)
Bin capacity 0.4L 1.3L
Weight 5.58kg 6.21kg

Shark Self Cleaning Cordless Vacuum VS. Bissell Crosswave

Here is a short comparison between the Shark Self Cleaning Cordless Vacuum and the Bissell Crosswave:

Models Bissell Crosswave Max Shark Self CleaningCordless Vacuum
Runtime 30 minutes 40 minutes
Bin capacity 0.5L 0.4L
Weight 5.2kg 4.1kg

Is The Bissell Crosswave Worth The Money?

For the convenience of a hybrid vacuum steam mop with cool features, we’d say it’s a very reasonable price to pay.

Its reduced dust bin capacity and short runtime, which might be a deal breaker for some, are the Bissell Crosswave’s disadvantages.

Updated on

Written by Bob Matsuoka
Bob Matsuoka is a blogger and founder of RVing Beginner blog. He has been blogging for over five years, writing about his own family’s RV adventures, tips for people who are interested in buying an RV or taking their family on an adventure by RV.