BigGreen

Bissell

The Bissell BigGreen upright vacuum combines powerful 10-amp suction with practical design features in a lightweight 12-pound frame. Its 13-inch cleaning path efficiently covers ground, while the 5-position height adjustment tackles various carpet depths. Complete with essential attachments including a crevice tool and extension wand, plus a 30-foot cord for extended reach and 3-stage filtration system for cleaner air.

Product Specifications

Dimensions:13"L x 13"W x 43.5"H
Lifespan:2+ years
Material:N/A
Country of Origin:Unknown
Manufacturing:Different parts of BigGreen models are manufactured in different countries. BISSELL is an international company with operations in multiple locations including the USA, Mexico, China, Netherlands, UAE, and Australia, but does not publicly disclose a specific primary manufacturing location for this product line.

Research Summary

The Bissell BigGreen at $131 delivers strong cleaning performance with good repairability, but significant durability concerns make it far from BIFL quality. This is a decent household vacuum with easily obtainable parts and a serviceable design, yet plastic components consistently fail prematurely (splitting hoses, warping compartments). The warranty is underwhelming with commercial use excluded despite marketing. This vacuum works for budget-conscious homeowners who need good cleaning power and don't mind replacing parts or the entire unit within 2-3 years. For true BIFL durability, save for Bissell's premium Big Green Machine that actual BIFL communities recommend.

  • Plastic components fail within months, contradicting the 'commercial' designation and severely limiting long-term durability
  • Good repairability with easily available bags, belts, and filters, plus a user-replaceable power cord
  • Standard warranty excludes commercial use despite marketing as a 'commercial' vacuum, with unclear coverage duration
  • At $131, it's a serviceable budget option for households, but expect to replace it entirely within 2-3 years
  • BIFL communities specifically recommend Bissell's premium Big Green Machine instead, noting superior construction and longevity

Repairability Notes

7.0

The Bissell BigGreen offers good repairability in a budget-friendly package, though with some durability concerns that impact long-term maintenance.

  • Consumables & Parts: Users confirm bags, belts, and filters are easily obtainable and reasonably priced, making routine maintenance straightforward and economical.
  • Design Access: The detachable power cord is user-replaceable, a major repair advantage. Simple construction allows for basic maintenance without specialized tools.
  • Durability Concerns: Multiple reports of plastic components failing prematurely (hose splitting within 6 months, warping bag compartment) suggest potential recurring repair needs despite the simple design.

Bottom line: A serviceable vacuum with good parts availability and straightforward design, but plastic construction quality raises concerns about how many repairs you'll ultimately need to perform over its lifespan.

Durability Notes

5.5

Mixed bag alert. The BigGreen shows promise with cheap, easy-to-find replacement parts and solid cleaning performance, but plastic components are already cracking and splitting within months. Reddit's BIFL community doesn't even mention this model — they're all raving about Bissell's actual commercial Big Green Machine instead.

  • Reality check: Users report hoses splitting in three spots after just 6 months and bag compartments warping after two uses — on a supposedly commercial unit
  • Silver lining: Bags, belts, and filters are easily obtainable and not high priced, plus that detachable power cord means you can replace it when (not if) it fails
  • The disconnect: While some praise its tough, light, versatile design, others say it would never last in a true commercial environment due to weak plastic construction

Bottom line: At $131, you're getting a decent household vacuum that'll need babying to last beyond 2-3 years. For real BIFL durability, save up for Bissell's actual Big Green Machine that Reddit can't stop recommending.

Warranty Notes

5.0

Bissell offers a standard limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship, but the exact duration for the BigGreen commercial vacuum isn't clearly specified in the provided information.

  • Warranty Coverage: Bissell will repair or replace defective products/parts at their discretion during the warranty period, which could range from 90 days to limited lifetime depending on the specific model.
  • Notable Exclusions: Commercial use (despite being marketed as a commercial vacuum), routine maintenance items (bags, belts, filters), and normal wear and tear are explicitly excluded.
  • Customer Service: Bissell provides multiple contact channels for warranty claims, including phone, website, and mail, and covers shipping costs for sending defective products to them.

Bottom line: The warranty appears to be a standard manufacturer's warranty with significant limitations, especially given that commercial use is excluded despite the product's marketing. Without specific duration information for this model, it's difficult to rate higher than average.

Social Analysis

7.5

Bissell BigGreen enjoys a strong positive reputation with mixed durability feedback. Consistently praised for excellent cleaning performance, particularly for pet stains and deep cleaning. The large "Big Green" model is particularly well-regarded as a BIFL item worth its higher cost.

  • Core strengths: Powerful suction that pulls shocking amounts of dirt from carpets, serviceable with easily available parts, and practical user-focused design
  • Main concerns: Plastic components on some models fail prematurely, with hoses splitting and covers warping
  • Community consensus: Clear distinction between the highly-respected "Big Green" (considered true BIFL) and lower-tier models that may not justify the "commercial" label

Bottom line: Redditors frequently recommend the premium BigGreen as a worthwhile investment that outperforms professional services, but suggest avoiding cheaper plastic-heavy Bissell models if durability is your priority.

BIFL Score:
6.5Fair
BigGreen
Buy on Amazon
$131.71

Product Scorecard

Durability Score
5.5
Repairability Score
7.0
Social Score
7.5
Warranty Score
5.0

We rate products using a 10-point scoring system focused on what matters most: durability, reliability, and repairability.

Pros and Cons

What Users Love

Excellent cleaning performance for carpets

Easily obtainable, affordable replacement parts

Detachable, user-replaceable power cord

Simple design requires minimal tools

Areas for Improvement

Plastic components crack within months

Hoses split after limited use

Not suitable for actual commercial use

Expected lifespan only 2-3 years

Based on our comprehensive product research and scoring methodology

Image Gallery

BigGreen - Main view

Main product view

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Frequently Asked Questions

Product Care & Maintenance Guide

Recommended: After each useRegular cleaning and maintenance after each use ensures optimal performance and longevity of the BigGreen machine.

Step 1

Clean

Empty and rinse both the clean water and dirty water tanks with hot tap water after each use. Clean the hose and attachments by removing them and rinsing thoroughly under running water. Wipe down the bottom of the machine and remove debris from wheels and brush roll.

Recommended Products

  • Bissell Cleaning Solution$10
Step 2

Condition / Maintain

Check and clean the motor filter after each use by rinsing with water, squeezing out excess, and air drying before reinstalling. Inspect hoses and attachments for damage or clogs, and replace if necessary to maintain suction and spray efficiency.

Recommended Products

  • Bissell Replacement Filter$15
Step 3

Protect / Store

Air dry all parts before storing. Store the machine and accessories in a dry, cool place. Wrap the power cord neatly and secure with the cord wrap to prevent damage and tangling.

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