Bissell Powerforce Helix 12B1

[niclonnic]

This fairly recent vacuum is at my local food bank, which I volunteer at on most Thursdays. This is a $50 Walmart exclusive. My experience with this vacuum shows that you get what you pay for. Due to the large number, I put the design flaws into a bulleted list:

- No HEPA filter
- Dirt spills out when the dirt container is being removed and replaced
- Lousy performance on carpets; takes a few passes to remove surface dirt
- Weak suction
- Filters get dirty VERY quickly, due to inefficient "Helix" separation system
- Can't turn off brush roll
- Snowplowing is a problem with large particles
- Very short cord
- Very short hose that doesn't stretch

I can't believe that a vacuum like this is being used in a commercial setting! However, it has lasted a long time, 2+ years.

Has anybody had experience with any of these? If so, how did it work for you?

 

[super-sweeper]

If you think that's bad, I saw one at Advance Auto!!!!


 


Go out and find a Sanitare or an old Electrolux or something, about anything is better than that thing! 

 

[bagintheback]

The bagless version is beyond awful, but I actually appreciate the simplicity of the bagged version. Have you washed the filters recently? Those models create a good amount of suction and the brush roll is more than adequate. I also had a Cleanveiw Heilx for about two years or so.  If you slowly remove the dust cup while wiggling it a tad most of the dust should fall into the cup. It's a big and annoying design flaw, but it can be overcome. 


 


I agree, it's amazing how many of these you see in commercial use! Sanitaires are practically nonexistent these days. But like you said, 2 years is a long time for a $50 vacuum. You could go through almost 6 of those before you reach the price of an average commercial machine.   


 


I'm sure the food bank appreciates your help!  

 

[super-sweeper]

oh, the bagged version is divine! the brush is good, but newer versions are known to melt! 

 

[niclonnic]

Thanks for the info! Yeah, this Bissell is a very low-end vacuum. I would not recommend it in just about any situation. If anybody wants a new vacuum, I would recommend saving up and getting a better quality vacuum that will clean and last a lot longer.

I had a Bissell Cleanview (model #8975) for about 9 years, before donating it to Goodwill. It was a great machine, considering it only cost $80. Its filter setup was different. There was a filter located in the upper tank that had to be twisted and taken out in order to be cleaned. It also got caked with dust, which means loss of suction. But it had a LOT more suction than the Powerforce Helix.

The food bank does appreciate my help greatly! I'm in a "transition program" for special needs young adults, and our program is a tremendous help to them. We help organize shipments of food that come in, and then sweep and vacuum the place.

 

[electroluxxxx]

I personally cannot stand those machines but like mentioned above there are many in commercial applications. as a former floor technician for a large Cleaning company here in upstate NY there were SEVERAL of these in many of our accounts. our company used SEBO X4 machines which were awesome for the commercial environment. I honestly cannot believe that bissell can put a machine like this on the market and even think it is worth the $50 people pay for it. yes brushrolls are good at first but again they melt due to cheap bearings and crappy design. I have had several of these for repair and about 70% had bad brushrolls. Not to mention that each brushroll was about $23 plus shipping.

 

[niclonnic]

I agree

Although I'm a Bissell fan, I also can't stand this machine. It would be great if the food bank had a nice, commercial vacuum, as this Bissell is terrible at cleaning carpet! I've never had an issue with the brushroll or belt; however, the brushroll has very short bristles!

 

[super-sweeper]

But they do, the red Eureka ESP!