Bissell
Bissell® SurfaceSense™ Pet Multi-Surface Vacuum, 28179
Best for
Households with multiple pets and a mix of carpet and hard floors who want bright lights and strong suction to tackle daily fur; skip it if you prioritize a lightweight, grab-and-go vacuum for quick passes or need reliable edge-to-edge cleaning.
What buyers say
Most owners agree this vacuum delivers strong suction that handles pet hair, litter, and debris across hard floors and carpet with minimal passes. The trade-off is its heavier build and occasional sensor quirks, so you’ll need to trade some maneuverability for that deep-cleaning power.
Loved by buyers
- •Powerful suction pulls up embedded pet hair and litter, often in one pass.
- •Bright LED headlights on the main unit and attachments reveal hidden dust on hard floors and in corners.
- •SurfaceSense automatically slows the brush roll on hard floors to prevent flinging debris, then speeds up on carpet.
Buyer concerns
- •At over 16 pounds it feels heavy and lacks self-propulsion, which tires out some users during full-house cleaning.
- •Edge cleaning is weak, so you’ll often need the crevice tool to get litter and dust along baseboards and toe kicks.
- •The brush roll sensor can shut off the vacuum if it senses too much resistance, forcing a reset when transitioning slowly from hard floor to carpet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy is this vacuum?+
It weighs around 16 pounds with all attachments in place, which is on the heavier side for an upright. If you have a lot of stairs to carry it up and down, that extra weight can be noticeable.
Does it have a HEPA filter?+
Yes, it has a replaceable HEPA cartridge filter located under the dust canister. Owners report replacing it every 5 to 12 months restores suction, especially in homes with heavy pet dander.
Can it clean high-pile or shag carpets?+
Yes, the SurfaceSense technology adjusts the brush roll speed to handle shag and high-pile rugs without getting stuck, according to several owners with thick area rugs.
How do I keep hair from tangling the brush roll?+
The brush roll is labeled tangle-free, but long hair and pet fur can still wrap around the axle ends over time. Removing the bottom plate (six screws) to cut away wound-up hair every few months helps prevent motor strain and a burning smell.
Key Features
- • Every Purchase Saves Pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.Specific uses:Carpet
- • SurfaceSense Technology. Intelligently senses floor type and automatically adjusts the brush roll's speed for a powerful multi-surface clean.
- • Tangle-Free Multi-Surface Brush Roll. Designed with stiff bristles for cleaning carpet and soft bristles for gentle cleaning on hard surfaces.
- • Powerful Pet Cleaning. Cleans dander, dirt and hair on all surfaces where your pet goes.
- • SMARTSEAL ALLERGEN SYSTEM. Traps and locks dust and allergens while you clean.
Related vacuums
Explore more products from the same editorial categories.
Skykylin
Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, 60Kpa 650W Stick Vacuum with Hurricane Mode, 70-Min Runtime, Anti-Tangle Brush, Self-Standing, LED Display, Cordless Vacuum for Pet Hair, Carpet & Hard Floor, car
Eureka
Eureka Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner ReactiSense 440, 60-Min Runtime, Anti-Tangle Brushroll, Intelligent Sensing Technology, Ideal for Pet Hair, HardFloors & Carpets
Dyson
Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum
Eureka