Hoover Steamvac or Bissell Big Green

[kirbylux77]

I am replacing my Hoover Steamvac F5805 from 1994....it's starting to show it's age after many years of use. So, I started doing some online research, & found that Bissell is making a copycat of the Rug Doctor....it looks to be quite good, & testimonials for it are favorable.

I have used a Rug Doctor in the past, & was impressed with the results I have gotten with it....only downfall, in my books, is it used TWO TIMES the amount of water & detergent vs. the Hoover to get the carpets clean. I hope this Bissell isn't the same.

The Hoover I am considering replacing the F5805 with, is the F5810. It's the updated, 12 amp version of the F5805. The other difference besides the 12 amp motor, is that TTI also eliminated a metal motor fan housing, & changed a rubber seal....the fan in the Hoover's motor is exposed on this model.

I am not impressed with Hoover's Spinscrub brush system, that's why I am not really looking at the higher end classic Steamvac models....I felt they were wimpy & ineffective when I borrowed a neighbor's one time, since they are air-powered. Plus, I have heard from the local vac shop that since TTI has owned Hoover, that they have substantially more problems with the Spinscrub brush block than when Hoover was owned by Maytag, since TTI has changed the components used in the brushblock & made it less durable. I actually like the classic Steamvacs, as they are gravity-feed, rather than pump-feed, so it's easy to spray with the machine off, scrub in by hand or with a polisher, then extract. Also, tool usage isn't important to me, as I have a Shop-Vac that I was using to clean my furniture with.

I am willing to consider the other models though, too, such as the Dual V, if they offer better performance & durability. Having said that, I am strongly considering scrapping buying a residential model, & buying a commercial machine....so if you guys have any suggestions there, it would be appreciated.

Below is the photo of the Bissell Big Green.

Rob

 

[kirbylux77]

Here is the Hoover Steamvac F5810 I am also considering.

Rob

 

[kirbylux77]

Here is a link to the Bissell Big Green on their Website.

Rob

http://www.bissell.com/Big-Green-Deep-Cleaning-Machine/

 

[kirbylux77]

And here is a link to the Hoover Steamvac F5810.

Rob

http://hoover.com/products/details/F5810/steamvac-carpet-cleaner/

 

[kirbylux77]

Bissell Big Green link.

http://www.bissell.com/Big-Green-Deep-Cleaning-Machine/

 

[vacman117]

The Hoover Dual V...

I used to have a standard SpinScrub SteamVac from about 2004. It finally gave out a few years ago, and it was replaced with a Hoover SteamVac Dual V. I was kind of weary to get it since people complain so much about it, but I love it! People have said that it is loud, but it is no louder than any other steam vac. You have the option to set it on 'wash' or 'rinse'. There is also a two container detergent and water type thing. The main part is for the water, and on the side is a compartment for the soap. It automatically mixes it and uses the soap portion very conservatively. You said you don't need tool use, but tool conversion is so much easier on the Dual V as well.

I've posted a link of the model that I have...

Thought I'd help.
Chase

http://hoover.com/products/details/f7411900/max-extract-dual-v-widepath-carpet-cleaner/

 

[starryblues4u]

Hoover Dual V

I love my hoover dual v. I used to have a bissell but i let a friend borrow it. Needless to say it came back in 3 pieces. Not in a good 3 pieces either. I replaced it with a hoover steam vac and then upgraded to the dual v. Its the best shampooer i ever used! I would say hoover all the way!

 

[dwhdarren97]

The Dual V is a great machine. My mom has one with auto rinse, and all terrain floor cleaning solution and squeegee attachment. All in all it works wonderful, a bit loud but about the same as any other steam vac as stated before. We have had it for about 3 years now. No problems thus far.

 

[kirbylux77]

Well, I just went & looked at the Dual V, & at this point, I am not considering it. Looks to be too plasticky, & full of fancy features I don't need. Plus, another MAJOR concern I have, which would be a major advantage for the Big Green, is that this extractor WILL NOT be stored at home....it will be stored in it's original box in my storage unit when not in use. So the fact that the Big Green handle folds down is a major plus. And on my classic Steamvac, removing the handle for disassembly is easy. From reading the owners guide for the Dual V, it looks too complicated, & looks as though the handle would get broken too easily if disassembled....so not for me.

Rob

 

[guardsman69]

as a factory authorized hoover sales and service dealer for 35 years....we at hoover have not had an increase in brush block issues....it is the owners of substandard non maintained uprights and canisters who people think are so great not because they are giving them the best cleaning performance but for what the price they paid for them....therefore the brush blocks get bunged up with fur and impair their spining capability.....to choose a straight stationary brush over a spin scrub brush block is absolute insanity ....if you like a HARD bristle buy the new hoover Max extract 77 its on Hoover .com iam selling tons of them even over the dual v its the easiest and most user friendly....put your money in the right place....you will be thrilled with its performance

 

[vac-o-matic]

One of the local vac shops is renting the Bissell units, said they've had very pleased customers, and so far no maintenance issues. I checked the Hoover site and can't seem to find the MaxExtract 77 model. I have one of the first Hoover Widepath cleaners, only 6amps. and it works flawlessly on my plush carpets, but part of that is the solution I use that I get from a vac shop. I only use half the amount in the cap over a full cap of other detergents, and rinsing makes a big difference, less resoiling down the road.

 

[floor-a-matic]

Hoover Steam Vac SpinScrub

I have one for 12 yrs & still going strong w/o problems despite heavy use on carpet, tile, wood floors & car interiors & upholstery. The ONLY problem I had is the pump gave out but I put in a new pump & the unit works great. I don't know why some folks say these Steam Vacs don't last; but I think its due to owners' laziness of not maintaining them (cleaning out brushes, rinsing parts, etc) or treating them too rough (dropping them from top of stairwell, throwing them across the room, etc)

I ALWAYS vacuum the surfaces thoroughly; then I go over with Steam Vac w/water + detergent. Again I go over the areas with the SV w/water only. Finally, I clean out the brushes & rinse the parts

 

[kirbylux77]

John, I find that VERY hard to believe, that you haven't seen an increase in brushblock sales! My local vac shop has been a Hoover authorized warranty shop since 1984, & he says (which I believe) that ever since TTI has taken Hoover over, that they are MUCH more difficult to deal than Maytag ever was. Furthermore, TTI has substantially reduced the quality of the Steamvacs; as I stated above, the motor doesn't even have a metal casing over the fan anymore. As far as the brushblocks go, I have seen the older style & the newer style with more plastic parts that TTI redesigned, & have seen TONS of these newer model Steamvacs come in repeatedly with the brushblock broken. So, sorry John, but I will believe MY local vac shop guy before I take your word on this one.

And might I also add, you have a LOT OF NERVE going ahead & claiming the real source of the brushblocks getting messed up & dirty, is due to people buying other brands of vacuums that are substandard to a Hoover! I would think much rather, that those so-called "Substandard" brands are BETTER than a modern Hoover! I'll have you know, that when I bought my first multi-cyclonic upright to add to my collection & use, I wound up buying a first-generation Bissell Healthy Home 5770, & as far as I'm concerned, it's SUPERIOR to both the Hoover Windtunnel T-Series & the Hoover Windtunnel Max Multi-Cyclonic, in every way possible. Maybe that's the reason that TTI puts only a 2 year warranty on both the T-Series models & the Windtunnel Max Multi-Cyclonic, vs Bissell's 5 year warranty on BOTH VERSIONS of the Healthy Home.

One other thing....I'll have you know right now, that when I went to get a replacement motor for the Hoover Steamvac F5805 in the fall of 2010, the vac shop ordered a 12 amp motor from the Hoover Steamvac F5914-900, since he believed it would be compatible. Since finding out the rubber seal & basepan were redesigned, & the metal fan cover removed from the motor, & therefore were incompatible with the F5805 without the new basepan & rubber seal, TTI has been TOTALLY UNCOOPERATIVE with either myself, the consumer, or the local dealer, with providing correct information on the parts needed. The ONLY thing they have been cooperative with is providing schematics to the dealer for both this F5810, the model which parts would have to be ordered from, & the F5805.

And to be frank, I am so disgusted with TTI's conduct & actions with regards to this matter, I am willing to swear off owning ANYTHING Hoover....FOREVER! And the ONLY REASON AT ALL I am even considering replacing the F5805 with the F5810, is that 1. TTI is being difficult to get the parts, & 2. I like the design of the classic Steamvac, & it works for me. If it wasn't for the design & that it is perhaps one of the best extractors on the market, I would totally not even be considering anything Hoover right now.

Rob

 

[hoover1]

you should totally get that Hoover steam cleaner because we bought one for my grandma and she loves it she said that it is perfect.

 

[guardsman69]

dear kirby lux 77 i am saddened by your rant but why did you not seek help here i would have educated you on the changes and the possibilities of being able to repair a steam vac of that age....i have the metal enclosed motor in stock...you should not make personal attacks against members who do this for a living. when you handle 10 to 20 customers by your self daily doing on sight repairs and warranty claims for three decades sixteen hours a day six days a week and have sold over 20000 hoover appliances and handle the customers of every major retailer then you can make those statements.....my customers with dysons and orecks have more brush block issues because of their in ability to deep clean an american carpet based on our thicknesses and densities and both consumer reports and consumer digest prove this every year.....my kirby , eureka sanitaire upright ownwers also have no steam vac brush block issues for their vacuums also get the fur and damaging fibers out of the rug and not in the brush block....i would also like to add as a hoover dealer who has worked with the company through five owners in 35 years that my electrolux canister, compact , and filter queen customers who are very loyal to their brands also enjoy deep cleaned carpets as reflected in the longevity of the hoover steam vacs..4700 at last count since 1994 that i have sold them......your experience is your experience and there are other people you could have sought help from....i can say that tti is much better on the dealerside then maytag who set out to rape and destroy the Hoover Company

 

[floor-a-matic]

How can we "rescue" Hoover & Royal from TTI? Is any of us from this forum going to "revive" these companies, if we could?

 

[kirbyloverdan]

John you are so

right . You are the type of Vacuum shop owner I like very honest and Loyal to a product. I do not think a Vacuum shop or any business should bash a product. I think that is wrong and tells a lot about that person and I would never patronize a business that does that . The number one rule of business is to never talk bad about another business and / or their products. I owned a Vacuum shop here in NJ a few years back and when a customer asked about a product I didn`t like and I knew they didn`t either I would just say I chose not to carry that brand but carry this brand because it is a product/brand I and my family & friends use and that was how I chose my products to sell in my store. It is true that many people don`t know how to properly care and use machines and the thicker carpets here in the US do damage some machines.I think for a store bought vacuum Hoovers are still made pretty good . No store bought vacuum will last as long as they have from years back. That`s why everyone concerned with longevity should always patrozine a local vacuum shop that seem`s to know vacuums and is honest. Keep up the good work John .
Dan

 

[kirbylux77]

Well, John, no offense to you, but I was not aware you were a member of this forum. I did what any reasonable consumer who was not a collector would do in this situation....I went to my local vac shop, & counted on his expertise & advice. Might I also add, that the local dealer advised at the time he placed the order for the 12 amp F5914-900 motor, that TTI had stated to him that the F5805 motor was long discontinued, & I counted on his word as a professional & that he supposedly knew what he was doing. Nor would I expect someone on this forum to have such detailed information, which in most cases, only a professional would know or have access to.

As for your assertion that I shouldn't make personal attacks against a professional in the business for 3 decades....well, you should KNOW BETTER to make such a bold, sweeping statement as you did above! To claim that other brands that cost less or are not Hoover brand are "substandard", was a HUGE error in judgement on your part! You may be in the business for a long period of time, & a veteran at what you do, who deals with a great deal of customers....but when you make such statements, you prove that you are definitely NOT a professional! And if I lived in Pennsylvania, instead of Ontario, I would avoid your shop entirely now that I have read your statements about other "substandard" brands.

And as far as you stating that I shouldn't make statements like I did above unless I have your level of experience....that opinion isn't just mine, but also that of the consumer magazines! Since the Bissell Healthy Home 5770 came out in 2007, it & the 2nd Healthy Home have CONSISTENTLY rated higher than the Dyson models with the exception of the DC17 Animal, which the Bissell matched it's performance, & the DC27 & DC28 Airmuscle, which both have a slight edge over both the Bissell Healthy Home models in cleaning performance. And both Bissells have also been at the top of the ratings & outcleaned ALL it's other Multi-Cyclonic competitors. The ONLY Multi-Cyclonic competitor to come ANYWHERE close to the Bissell's or high-end Dyson's performance has been the Hoover T-Series....and even then, it's still nowhere near the performance or quality in my books....and the Hoover's warranty certainly reflects that.

And now, what's this statement that TTI is better to deal with on the dealerside than Maytag was? Ya, RIGHT!! Whenever I have had to order parts from Maytag in the past for my other Hoover products, their wait times for the dealer to receive his order of parts was MUCH faster than TTI's wait times. Even my local vac shop has grown to hate dealing with TTI, & even dreads the thought of having to order or contact them for any reason! Maytag may not have had Hoover's best interests at heart, & may have made some business moves that were unfavorable for Hoover, but to say TTI is BETTER THAN MAYTAG WAS?!?! Oh, ya, SURE, a Chinese conglomerate who cares NOTHING about Hoover, & has proven it by farming out Hoover designs to their other brands, is going to be better for Hoover. NOT!! TTI is even worse than Maytag ever was. And I highly doubt anyone here on the forum will say they feel TTI is better for Hoover than Maytag was, either.

The ONLY reason you feel so protective of Hoover, is because the reality is, you're a Hoover fanatic! You were even featured in the industry magazine "Floor Care Professional". And your length of employment with the Hoover Company goes even further to prove this. So, get off your high horse protecting Hoover, & come back down to reality!

Rob

 

[kirbylux77]

Josh, "Hoover1", I an not considering the Hoover MaxExtract models, since they are a TTI design, & I don't trust TTI's designs since they have taken Hoover over. The fact they chose to re-design the classic Hoover Steamvac motor without a metal fan cover over the motor, is only proof in my mind their engineering & designs are flawed. As much as I know the Bissell Proheat models have lots of problems & aren't considered to be as good as the classic Hoover Steamvacs, I would be willing to take a chance on the Big Green, since it is TOTALLY different than the Proheat line, & like I stated above, is their take on a Rug Doctor. When I contacted Bissell for more info about the Big Green, you could tell they really put a lot of effort into it's design as well, by the way the executive I was speaking with felt about the product & it's development.

Rob