has anyone see/used one of these?

[vacuumfreeeke]

So, about once a month I go to all the manufactures web sites just to see if there is anything new... at least bissell, hoover, eureka, dirt devil, oreck... I don't do the high end vacuums because their sites so seldom change and they don't come out with new models as frequently. Anyway, I noticed a canister version of the Big Green called the Big Green Complete.... in Austrailia and the UK it is called the Bissell Allrounder. I remember having the original Big Green when I was a teen, and this looks completely different... but has some of the same features. I think a canister steam vac would give more control than my Hoover Steam Vacs... and it would be fun to have another water vacuum.... Lately, I've been using my only water filter vac (Rainbow SE) and it's been kind of fun.... I hadn't used in in years and it's not in the best shape (missing upholstery tool and bare floor wand, cord taped up... has an aftermarket hose without the trigger and the wide ugly power head instead of the pretty performance series one).... but I've enjoyed it... Anyway... the Bissell does offer on board tools, a water heater, and a quick release cord wrap.... things the new Rainbows don't even offer (not that I'm comparing the two, I know the Rainbow is not even in the same league as this Bissell thing) unless I'm mistaken. It seems pretty versatile and I like that it comes with a dedicated straight suction tool, dusting brush (looks like horse hair instead of plastic from what I can see in pictures) and crevice tool... not to mention the deep cleaning tools and bare floor tool (which may not be very effective from the looks of it). The only thing I may not like is that the power switch isn't easy to press with the foot unless you are barefoot and use one toe.

Reviews seem favorable for the most part. Some people say the vacuum part isn't as powerful as they expected but the deep cleaner is great. I guess it needs a foam filter because it doesn't have a separator like the Rainbow... I guess the fine particles are carried up to the filter before gravity can take them down to the water.

It doesn't have a power nozzle, only a turbo brush, but I have thin flat carpet anyway, so I could get by with straight suction to be honest.

Another thing I like is the wand parking system and that the spray hose seems to be direct connect. I'm surprised it doesn't come with a mini turbo tool. I'd like to see how loud it is, but I can't find any videos of it actually running.

Has anyone seen or used one of these guys? If not, I guess I will have to be the forum guinea pig and try one out... They are overpriced at 299, but I am actually thinking about it. Seriously! The site locator said that Lowes, Kohls, and Best Buy all have them... Lowes and Kohls are pretty good about returning stuff if it doesn't work out... The other option is to wait until I see on on C/L (I guess it's bound to happen sometime, though I've not seen one yet).

Anyway, I think these have been out for a little while now and I don't remember seeing them discussed here, so I though I'd ask.

Thanks

Here's a link to a video I found about it on Youtube.... the Austraila version anyway...

 

[godfreys_guy]

I have one...

Performance is OK

It weighs a TON and is awkward to use, a regretful new machine purchase. I paid $449 in Australia.

I would personally not re-purchase. Carpet Cleaning is strongest point, Vacuum is weakest.

Cheers

 

[vacman117]

I have kicked around buying one of those for the longest time. I'd use for carpet cleaning more than an actual vacuum, that's for sure. You can get one for $245 on eBay. Maybe in a couple months I'll look into getting one...

 

[vacuumfreeeke]

OK, so what I found out is that you cannot buy these in any stores at all, period... even though the web site says that you can get them in Kohls, Lowes, and Best Buy, you CANNOT... I even called Bissell and they told me I could go to any of those stores to buy it.... I told the lady she was lying because I called every Lowes, Best Buy, and Kohls within a 20 mile radius and they all said it's an "online only" item that they do not carry in stores. Of course, Wal-mart and Target also sell them "online only", so why would the Bissell site just list those three places? So stupid.... I'm just not going to fool with it anymore!

 

[twocvbloke]

I think what they're saying is they're sold BY those stores, not necessarily IN those stores, though I haven't seen the advertising or anything to see for sure...

Advertising sucks...