Bissell Iconpet Cordless Vacuum Review
Regular vacuuming is important for several reasons. Not only will it keep the floor clean, but it’ll also get rid of dust mites and other allergens. That way, you’ll have better indoor air quality, which will help to prevent allergies and other symptoms.
How often should you do it? At least once a week for high-traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens. Keep in mind, however, that there are exceptions. For one thing, you’ll want to vacuum more frequently if you have pets as they can track in dirt and allergens from outside.
The type of vacuum you use matters as well. For example, canister vacuums tend to be more powerful than their upright counterparts. There are also vacuum cleaners that are specifically designed to eliminate pet hair.
On this page, however, we’ll be focusing on the cordless variety. More specifically, we’ll be taking a look at the Bissell Iconpet Cordless Vacuum. How strong is the suction? Does it come with any add-on accessories? How long does the battery last? Keep reading to find out!
The Bissell Iconpet Cordless Vacuum
Chances are, you’ve heard of Bissell. One of the biggest names in the vacuum industry, they sell a variety of cleaning products including steam cleaners, carpet cleaners, mops, and brooms. They also have a non-profit organization where a percentage of their sales goes to helping homeless animals.
Product Description
The Bissell Iconpet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is designed for pet homes. Engineered for power, it comes with a tangle-free brush roll that can spin up to 3200RPM. That way, no hair will be left behind. Not only that, but it comes with specialized pet tools including a motorized turbo brush, a lighted LED crevices tool, and a dusting brush. Emptying the bin is also easy with CleanSlide technology. You won’t have to worry about the allergens being in the air either as the Smart Seal Allergen System will trap everything inside the vacuum.
What’s In the Box?
- 1 Handheld Vacuum Assembly
- 1 Extension Wand
- 1 Motorized Cleaning Foot
- 1 Battery Charger
- 1 Motorized Turbo Brush
- 1 Lighted LED Crevices Tool
- 1 Dusting Brush
Assembly: Connect the extension wand to the motorized cleaning foot. You’ll hear a ‘click’ when they’re attached. Next, insert the hand vacuum assembly into the extension wand. From there, install the charging station. Plug the power adapter into the wall and place the machine on the charging station for charging. It will take approximately 4 hours to get a full charge.
The handheld vacuum assembly is where the motor and dirt bin is located. There’s also a power button and a cleaning mode button on the top, which you can use to control the unit. To empty the dirt tank, grab the top and pull up (make sure that the machine is turned off). Fully remove the separator from the tank and tap the screen on the side of a trash bin to remove the debris. Once it’s been emptied, slide the separator back into the tank and insert the whole tank back into the hand vacuum. It’s worth mentioning that there’s also a HEPA filter inside the dirt bin.
Accessories-wise, the kit comes with a motorized turbo brush, a LED crevices tool, and a dusting brush, all of which can be paired with the hand vacuum or extension wand. To use it as a hand vacuum, press the release button to disconnect the assembly from the extension wand. From there, you can attach your chosen tool.
Build Quality
Not all vacuums are created equal. For example, some don’t have HEPA filters. That’s why it’s so important to do your research before making a purchase. You want to make sure that you know what you’re getting.
And here’s a tip—consider the materials. As far as stick vacuums go, you want something with a metal handle (stainless or aluminum are ideal) as they tend to last longer. Also, pay attention to the plastic parts. Do they seem thin or flimsy? If so, you might want to go for something else.
How Well Built Is the Bissell Iconpet Cordless Vacuum?
The cordless vacuum is of decent quality. For one thing, the unit actually has some weight (i.e. it’s not made of thin plastic) to it. The pole is also metal so it won’t crack or break easily. The attachments are also well made.
Pros of Bissell Iconpet Cordless Vacuum
Comes With a Wall Mount: The kit comes with a wall mount so you can store the vacuum standing up. The charger will also be lined up so it’ll charge automatically once you put it back into place.
LED Lights: The Bissell Iconpet comes with LED lights at the front, which will light up the floor as you clean. That way, you can see every crumb that’s on the ground. There are also LED lights on the crevice brush tool so you can see where you’re vacuuming.
Good Attachments: The vacuum comes with several attachments that you can use to clean various surfaces.
Washable Filters: The vacuum comes with a washable filter. Instead of having to buy refills, you can just rinse it with water. This will save you a bit of money in the long run.
Very Versatile: The Bissell Iconpet can be used on various surfaces including hardwood, laminate, tile, and vinyl. Don’t forget, you can use it as a handheld unit as well.
Two-Year Warranty: Like all Bissell products, it comes with a two year manufacturers warranty so if anything happens, you can get it fixed or replaced for free.
A Few Drawbacks
We’ll be going over some of the most common issues with the Bissell Icon pet below.
Short Battery Life
Like most cordless vacuums, the battery life isn’t that great. Assuming that you’re using the highest setting, you’ll only get 20-30 minutes of runtime before the battery runs out. You definitely won’t be able to vacuum the entire house on a single charge.
It’s Top Heavy
The Bissell Iconpet is very top heavy; it won’t stand up on its own. Even if you lean it against something, it’ll fall over.
Small Dust Canister
The dust bin is very small, which makes sense given the design of the vacuum. What this means, however, is that you’ll have to empty it often. Also, pet hair can get stuck on the filter.
Not the Best For Carpet
This cordless vacuum isn’t the best for carpets. It’ll remove debris but you’ll have to go over the area multiple times. It can also get stuck on shag rugs.
Weak Suction
The suction is average at best. Don’t expect it to be like a Dyson. It’ll get rid of surface hair, dust, etc, but larger debris (e.g. kitty litter, food crumbs, etc) will be left on the floor. This is especially true if you’re using it on carpet. It’s also worth mentioning that the vacuum tends to get clogged easily with pet hair.
Battery Isn’t Replaceable
The battery isn’t replaceable. You’ll have to replace the entire unit if it stops working, which is a bit of a waste.
Not Great For Edges
The cordless vacuum isn’t that great for edges. The way it’s designed, you won’t be able to get very close with the roller. The only way to properly clean them would be to use the crevice tool but that can be a hassle.
How Well Does It Clean?
The Bissell IconPet won’t replace your canister vacuum. It’ll get rid of small debris but it won’t be enough for larger particles. And despite being made for pet homes, it tends to get clogged easily with hair. The attachments do make it convenient to use, though. Just don’t expect to clean the entire house with it. For one thing, the battery won’t last nearly long enough for that!
Who Would We Recommend It To?
- People who are looking for a stick vaccum that can be used in between thorough cleanings
- People with hard floors
- People who are looking for something that comes with a warranty
Cost and Pricing Information
The Bissell Iconpet Cordless Vacuum isn’t exactly cheap. It sells for $349.99, which is definitely on the higher side when it comes to stick vacs. The good news is that it does go on sale often. In fact, it’s currently discounted to $249.99 on Amazon, which makes it a much better deal.
The best part is that there really aren’t any refills that you have to get so you won’t have to constantly pay to use the vacuum.