Review: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus – Your Ultimate Ally Against Pet Fur?

The battle against pet hair is a perpetual one for many homeowners. From shedding seasons to playful pups, pet fur can accumulate quickly, embedding itself into carpets, upholstery, and hard floors, often triggering allergies and diminishing your home’s cleanliness. Finding a vacuum cleaner robust enough to handle the constant onslaught of pet hair while remaining easy to use and maintain is crucial. This comprehensive review delves into the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus, examining its features, performance, and overall value to help you determine if this upright vacuum is the solution you’ve been searching for to keep your home pristine.

General Overview of Vacuum Cleaners

A vacuum cleaner is an essential household appliance designed to remove dirt, dust, and debris from various surfaces through suction. Its primary function is to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in living spaces. The history of vacuum cleaners dates back to the late 19th century, evolving from manual carpet sweepers to the sophisticated motorized devices we know today, continually adapting to new challenges like allergen control and pet hair.

The market offers a diverse range of vacuum cleaners, each designed for specific needs. Common types include traditional upright vacuums, lightweight stick vacuums, versatile canister vacuums, convenient handheld models for quick clean-ups, and autonomous robot vacuums. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus falls into the category of upright vacuums, renowned for their powerful suction and deep cleaning capabilities, particularly on carpets.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus upright vacuum standing in a clean, modern home environment with a dog

Popular Types of Vacuum Cleaners

Understanding the different types of vacuum cleaners available can help contextualize where the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus stands in the market.

Bagged Vacuum Cleaners

Bagged vacuums collect dirt and debris in a disposable bag, which is then sealed and discarded.

• Pros: Excellent for allergy sufferers as the sealed bag traps dust and allergens effectively, minimizing re-exposure during disposal. They often require less frequent emptying than bagless models.
• Cons: Ongoing cost of replacement bags and can lose suction as the bag fills. It can also be less environmentally friendly due to disposable bags.
• Choosing: Ideal for those with severe allergies or who prefer a more hygienic disposal method and don’t mind recurring bag costs.

Bagless Vacuum Cleaners

Bagless vacuums utilize a cyclonic separation system to spin dust and debris into a clear collection bin, which can be emptied directly into the trash. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is a prime example of a bagless upright vacuum.

• Pros: No recurring cost for bags, environmentally friendly, and you can easily see when the bin needs emptying. Modern bagless systems often maintain consistent suction.
• Cons: Emptying the dirt bin can sometimes release dust back into the air, potentially problematic for allergy sufferers if not done carefully. Filters require regular cleaning or replacement.
• Choosing: A great choice for most households seeking convenience and cost-effectiveness, particularly for pet owners, provided careful emptying practices are followed.

Robot Vacuum Cleaners

Robot vacuums are autonomous devices that navigate your home, cleaning floors automatically.

• Pros: Hands-free cleaning, ideal for daily maintenance, can be scheduled, and some models offer smart mapping and app control.
• Cons: Generally less powerful than uprights, can struggle with deep-set dirt or high-pile carpets, and may get stuck or miss spots. Higher initial cost.
• Choosing: Best for maintaining cleanliness between deeper cleans, especially for busy individuals or those with mostly hard floors and low-pile carpets.

Handheld Vacuum Cleaners

Handheld vacuums are compact, lightweight, and typically cordless, designed for quick clean-ups of small messes, spills, and hard-to-reach areas.

• Pros: Extremely portable, convenient for stairs, cars, and upholstery, and useful for spot cleaning.
• Cons: Limited battery life, small dirt capacity, and less powerful suction than full-sized vacuums.
• Choosing: An excellent supplementary vacuum for tackling immediate messes and areas where larger vacuums cannot easily reach.

Comparison Table: Common Vacuum Cleaner Types

Feature	Bagged Upright	Bagless Upright (e.g., Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus)	Robot Vacuum	Handheld Vacuum
Suction Power	High	High (often consistent)	Moderate to Low	Low to Moderate
Dirt Capacity	Large	Medium to Large	Small	Small
Maintenance	Bag replacement, filter cleaning	Bin emptying, filter cleaning/replacement	Bin emptying, brush cleaning, filter	Bin emptying, filter cleaning
Allergen Control	Excellent (sealed bags)	Good (if emptied carefully, good filtration)	Moderate (small bin, basic filtration)	Basic
Cost	Moderate (plus bag costs)	Moderate (no bag costs)	High (initial)	Low
Maneuverability	Moderate (can be bulky)	Good (often includes swivel steering)	Excellent (autonomous)	Excellent (portable)
Best For	Allergy sufferers, deep carpet cleaning	Pet owners, mixed surfaces, general powerful cleaning	Daily maintenance, hard floors	Spot cleaning, cars, upholstery

Important Criteria When Choosing a Vacuum Cleaner

When investing in a vacuum cleaner, several factors come into play, influencing both its effectiveness and your overall satisfaction. For a specialized machine like the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus, these criteria are particularly relevant.

Suction Power

The suction power of a vacuum directly impacts its ability to lift dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces. Higher wattage and air watts generally indicate stronger suction. For homes with pets, robust suction is non-negotiable, ensuring pet hair is effectively pulled from carpets and upholstery. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is praised for its powerful suction, especially on pet hair and various floor types.

Noise Level

The operational noise level, measured in decibels (dB), affects comfort during use. While powerful vacuums often generate more noise, many manufacturers are incorporating noise-reduction technologies. A quieter vacuum can make cleaning a less disruptive experience for both household members and pets.

Capacity

The dirt bin or bag capacity determines how frequently you’ll need to empty the vacuum. Larger homes or those with multiple shedding pets benefit from greater capacity, reducing interruptions during cleaning. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus features an Easy Empty™ Dirt Bin of decent size, allowing for thorough cleaning sessions before needing disposal.

Filtration System

A high-quality filtration system is vital, especially for allergy sufferers. Filters trap microscopic particles, allergens, and pet dander, preventing them from being recirculated into the air. HEPA filters are widely recognized for their ability to capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus incorporates a SmartSeal Allergen System, which, along with an optional Febreze filter, aims to trap allergens and leave a fresh scent.

Other Features

Beyond core performance, additional features can significantly enhance a vacuum’s utility:

• Specialized Tools: Pet-specific tools, crevice tools, and dusting brushes extend cleaning versatility.
• Maneuverability: Swivel steering and lightweight design improve ease of use.
• Cord Length: A longer cord reduces the need to frequently switch outlets. The Bissell offers a generous 30-foot cord.
• Adjustable Suction: Allows for adapting to different surfaces, from delicate rugs to deep carpets.
• Tangle-Free Brush Roll: Prevents hair wrap, a common frustration for pet owners.

Review: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is specifically engineered to tackle the challenges of pet ownership. It’s a corded, bagless upright vacuum designed for maximum pet hair pickup across multiple surfaces.

Key Features and Technologies for Pet Owners

This model is packed with innovations tailored for homes with furry friends.

Tangle-Free Brush Roll

The patented Tangle-Free Brush Roll is a standout feature, actively preventing hair from wrapping around the brush. This means less time spent cutting tangled hair and more consistent cleaning performance, a true blessing for pet owners.

Specialized Pet Tools

Bissell includes a suite of tools to enhance pet hair removal:

• Pet TurboEraser® Tool: A mini motorized brush ideal for upholstery, stairs, and car interiors.
• 2-in-1 Pet Dusting Brush: Versatile for cleaning delicate surfaces and removing pet hair from fabrics.
• Lighted LED Crevice Tool: Illuminates dark, tight spaces, ensuring no hidden pet hair or debris is missed.

These tools significantly expand the vacuum’s utility beyond floor cleaning.

A person uses the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus with specialized pet tools to clean dog hair from upholstery

SmartSeal Allergen System with Febreze Filter

For those sensitive to pet dander and allergens, the SmartSeal Allergen System traps dust and allergens within the vacuum, preventing them from escaping back into the air. An optional Febreze filter not only aids in filtration but also helps neutralize pet odors, leaving your home smelling fresher after vacuuming.

Easy Empty™ Dirt Bin

The Easy Empty™ Dirt Bin is designed for hygienic, one-touch disposal of dirt and hair. This bagless system eliminates the need for expensive bags and makes maintenance straightforward, though users with severe allergies should still exercise caution when emptying.

Quick-Release Extension Wand & Edge-to-Edge Cleaning

The Quick-Release Extension Wand allows for effortless cleaning of above-floor messes, such as ceiling corners, curtains, or high shelves. Combined with edge-to-edge cleaning capabilities, the vacuum ensures comprehensive coverage, leaving no pet hair stray.

Adjustable Suction

The ability to adjust suction power is a practical feature, enabling users to optimize cleaning for various surfaces, from delicate rugs to robust carpets, without causing damage or losing efficiency.

Performance Across Different Surfaces

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is engineered for versatile performance across various flooring types.

Pet Hair Removal

This vacuum excels at its core task: dynamic pet hair pickup. Users consistently report its effectiveness in lifting stubborn pet hair from both carpets and hard floors, making it a powerful tool in pet-friendly homes.

Hard Floors

On sealed hard floors and bare floors, the vacuum performs commendably, effectively picking up pet hair, dust, and common household debris without scattering.

Low-Pile Carpet

For low-pile carpets and area rugs, the Bissell handles cleaning with great efficiency, digging deep to extract embedded dirt and hair.

High-Pile Carpet

While effective at removing fine material from high-pile carpets, some reviews suggest it may push around larger debris like cereal pieces. Additionally, a design quirk where the brushroll drive belt blocks a portion of the brushroll might necessitate multiple passes for thorough cleaning on this surface type.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective

Here’s an honest look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus.

Advantages:

• Exceptional Pet Hair Pickup: Highly effective on pet hair across multiple surfaces.
• Tangle-Free Brush Roll: A major convenience, reducing maintenance and preventing hair wrap.
• Specialized Pet Tools: Tools like the Pet TurboEraser® and lighted crevice tool enhance versatility.
• SmartSeal Allergen System: Beneficial for allergy sufferers and overall air quality.
• Easy Empty™ Dirt Bin: Simplifies debris disposal.
• Lightweight and Maneuverable: Easy to push, pull, and steer around furniture.
• Long Power Cord: A 30-foot cord provides ample reach, reducing outlet changes.
• Adjustable Suction: Offers flexibility for various cleaning tasks.

Disadvantages:

• Mediocre on Large Debris in High-Pile Carpet: May push larger particles around rather than suctioning them effectively.
• Brushroll Design Flaw: The drive belt obstructing the brushroll can require extra passes for complete cleaning.
• Maintenance Challenges: Some parts, particularly the brushroll, can be difficult to remove for deep cleaning, increasing the effort required for upkeep.
• Limited Accessory Storage: Some users find the on-board storage for tools to be insufficient.

“The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus stands out for its dedicated pet hair features and powerful suction, making it a strong contender for pet owners. However, like any vacuum, understanding its limitations on certain carpet types is key to setting realistic expectations.”

Buying Guide: Is the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus Right for You?

Choosing the right vacuum cleaner involves matching its capabilities to your specific needs. Here’s how to determine if the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is the best fit for your home.

1. Identify Your Cleaning Needs

• Pets: If you have dogs, cats, or other shedding pets, this vacuum is specifically designed for you. Its pet-specific features are its greatest strength.
• Floor Types: Consider the predominant floor types in your home. It performs excellently on hard floors and low-pile carpets, but be aware of its slight limitations on high-pile carpets with larger debris.
• Cleaning Frequency: For regular, thorough cleaning, especially to manage persistent pet hair, its powerful suction and large dirt bin are advantageous.

2. Determine Your Budget

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is generally considered reasonably priced for its feature set. Weigh its cost against the recurring costs of bagged vacuums or the higher initial investment of robot vacuums.

3. Value Specialized Features

If features like a tangle-free brush roll, specialized pet tools, and an allergen system are high priorities due to your pet ownership and potential allergies, this vacuum offers significant value.

4. Read Reviews and Compare

While this review provides a comprehensive overview, consulting additional customer experiences can offer further insights into real-world performance. Compare it with similar models in its price range to ensure it meets your specific expectations.

Reputable Vacuum Cleaner Brands

The vacuum cleaner market is home to several trusted brands known for innovation and quality.

• Bissell: A long-standing brand, Bissell specializes in floor care, particularly vacuums and carpet cleaners, with a strong focus on pet-specific solutions like the Pet Hair Eraser series. They are known for offering good performance at competitive price points.
• Dyson: Renowned for their innovative cyclonic technology, strong suction, and often cordless designs. Dyson vacuums are premium products, offering cutting-edge features and sleek designs.
• Shark: A popular brand that provides versatile and often more affordable alternatives to Dyson, with strong suction and useful features, particularly for pet owners.
• Electrolux: Offers a range of upright, canister, and stick vacuums, known for their durable designs and effective cleaning.
• Philips: A global brand with a presence in Vacuum Cleaners, offering various models with a focus on powerful performance and ergonomic design.
• Xiaomi: A newer player in the global vacuum market, primarily known for its cost-effective robot and stick vacuums with smart features.

Bissell stands out in this landscape by consistently delivering effective and accessible solutions for pet owners, balancing performance with affordability, as exemplified by the Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus.

Conclusion

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus emerges as a compelling choice for pet owners seeking a powerful, dedicated solution to combat pet hair. Its innovative Tangle-Free Brush Roll, specialized pet tools, and SmartSeal Allergen System are significant advantages, making the challenging task of maintaining a pet-friendly home considerably easier. While it demonstrates minor limitations on high-pile carpets with larger debris and some maintenance aspects could be improved, its overall performance, coupled with its reasonable price point, makes it a strong contender.

Ultimately, if your home features pets and a mix of hard floors and low-to-medium pile carpets, this vacuum offers excellent value. It promises to keep your living spaces cleaner and fresher, giving you more time to enjoy with your furry companions. Are you ready to make the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus your next weapon in the fight against pet hair?

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of filter does the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus use?

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus uses a SmartSeal Allergen System filter, designed to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum. It also includes an optional Febreze filter to help eliminate pet odors and leave a fresh scent in your home after cleaning.

Is the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus good for hard floors?

Yes, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus performs well on hard floors. Its powerful suction and design allow it to effectively pick up pet hair, dust, and debris without scattering, making it suitable for multi-surface homes.

How often should I empty the dirt bin on my Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus?

The frequency of emptying the dirt bin depends on the amount of debris and pet hair in your home. For optimal performance and to prevent suction loss, it’s recommended to empty the Easy Empty™ Dirt Bin after each use or when the fill line is reached.

Does the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus have a HEPA filter?

While it features a SmartSeal Allergen System designed to trap allergens, the product specifications typically refer to this system rather than explicitly stating it has a true HEPA filter. However, its allergen-trapping capabilities are designed to provide similar benefits for allergy sufferers.

Can the brush roll be turned off for delicate surfaces?

The documentation typically focuses on its Tangle-Free Brush Roll and adjustable suction. It’s common for upright vacuums to have a brush roll on/off switch for transitioning between carpets and delicate hard floors, but the available snippets do not explicitly confirm this specific feature for the Turbo Plus model. Always check the user manual for precise controls.

Is the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus heavy?

No, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is generally considered lightweight for an upright vacuum. Its design prioritizes maneuverability, making it easy to push, pull, and carry around your home during cleaning tasks.