Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

We have two rescue dogs. Cute little girls, but poorly housetrained. If someone is around, they'll ask to go out. If no one is nearby... Well, let's say two dogs and a light beige, Berber carpet is not a good mix. For years, we depended on our Bissell ProHeat Upright Cleaner until a key component failed. (A gear broke off.) While it had been a good workhorse for about five years, it was time for a change. I had been intrigued by the Hoover spinning brush design and dual tank system over Bissell's spinning roller and single bucket with a bladder inside. I read favorable reviews and I guess it's only right that I add mine. I love the dual tank design of the Hoover vs. the singe tank with a bladder of many Bissell models. The two tanks of the Hoover pull out of the machine very easily. To be fair, the single tank of the Bissell was easy to remove and replace, too. However, Hoover includes a removable top to the dirty water tank to facilitate cleaning. The problem I had with Bissell's bladder system was trying to clean the darn thing after using it. I never felt as if I could clean its unexposed nooks and crannies. As far as pushing and pulling the machine across the carpet, I prefer the Bissell over the Hoover. The Bissell does its work on the back stroke, as you pull it towards you. The Hoover MaxExtract 77 uses a push and pull system. The push movement cleans while the pull stroke rinses. Having a Berber carpet means having a very low pile carpet. I was surprised how much effort it took pushing the machine forward. Remember, once filled with water, both of these devices are hefty. They're sucking and scrubbing your carpet as you move it. I'm a big guy (over 6 feet tall and 200 pounds), but using either of these machines will wear you out by the time your done. As for how well it cleaned and dried the carpet? I think it's a toss up. I remember being impressed with the Bissell when we first bought it. I am very impressed with the Hoover, too. It removed lots of nasty, puddle stains. I think the Hoover left the carpet drier than the Bissell and equally clean. I've also used the big cleaners you can rent from the grocery store. Both the Bissell and Hoover give equal or better results. Both of the home models are easier to use than the rental units. Water and soap use. I felt as if I was changing the water more often with the Hoover than with the Bissell; though this is arbitrary. If you don't use the CleanSurge on every cleaning stroke, the soap reservoir seemed to last for two complete tank fills. I used the 32 oz. bottle that came with the cleaner. It was a 2x concentrate that loads into the clean water tub. It was very simple and accessible to fill the soap reservoir and clearly marked with where to fill with cleaner and water. It holds 16 oz. of 2x cleaner per filling. Our Bissell model had a separate container for the soap. I like Hoover's method better. Easier to fill. The caps are easy to screw on and off. On each filling of the wash tank, without using the CleanSurge, I was able to clean a 4' x 4' square area. Then I had to stop, empty the dirty water tank and refill the wash tank. After two tank fillings, it's time to refill the soap. I cannot say one model uses more or less soap than the other. With either one, you go through LOTS of soap! Spinning brushes versus a roller brush, which is better? You got me. Both seemed effective. I am very impressed with the Hoover's spinning brushes and do not regret the change in technology. I think the best guidance is to consider other factors. ProHeat Bissell versus Hoover's MaxExtract. With Bissell, the instructions said to fill the reservoir with hot water, then start the unit for two minutes to give the heater a chance to warm up before using. It would leave the carpet moist and warm. I didn't see where the Hoover recommended a water temperature. I used hot water and I was happy with the results. All-in-all, the Hoover MaxExtract 77 met or exceeded my expectations. It's dual tank design is very simply and much preferred over the Bissell's single tank with a bladder design. As for durability, I can't rate that yet. I've only used the Hoover twice. If it lasts as long as the Bissell did, I'll be happy. The MaxExtract has extra features I haven't tried yet. I haven't tried the detachable hose yet or its spinning brush. It won't need to do much to work better than the Bissell. I found the Bissell hose system worthless and ineffective. Also, the Bissell model I owned wasn't designed for tile or hardwood floors while the Hoover was. I haven't tested this aspect yet, but I'm looking forward to giving it a go soon. One additional note about this particular model, the MaxExtract 77 appears to have more spinning brushes than other models. Look carefully at the photographs of this model vs other models. The MaxExtract 77 has a front row of six spinning brushes and a second row of five brushes.