Customer Reviews

Bissell Cleanview Deluxe Corded Handheld Vacuum, 47R51

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Well, I just got my Bissell handheld vacuum in the mail yesterday. I tried it out right away and I was immediately pleased by the weight (not too heavy), the handle configuration (on top, not on the side where handling and dexterity can get awkward) and the power of the motor and suction. I think it's pretty powerful for a small handheld vac. I really like the fact that it came with a hose and multiple attachments for tight corners and spaces. The cord is a decent length, too, although I wish they had cordless options for this model. The only real complaint I have is the powerful burst of air that shoots from the vents on each side. It's a powerful motor, so I understand that you have vent that air somehow, but it's so forceful that I notice it actually creates resistance against my leg when I hold it at my side. That gust of air can become problematic when trying to tackle a pile of dirt, but it's all about maneuvering and handling.

Other than that, I really like this thing! I put away that big, bulky vacuum I had to lug around, so that was a nice feeling. I highly recommend this for people who live in smaller units and condos and have limited storage space.

Just a quick review. These impressions are upon initial 10 minute use:
Pros: 1. Good suction, 2. Rubberized tip seems to work very well on hard-to-clean areas (like a small throw-rug that resists other vacuums), 3. Easy to empty and clean, 4. Cord length is good.
Cons: 1. As others have mentioned, the vacuum vents toward the side and really does blow dirt AWAY from the vacuum--this is a very poor design that gives this hand-held 3 stars instead of 5. I have no clue why the product managers would approve such an obvious design mistake. 2. Maybe it's just me, but after a few minutes using it, my wrist started to tire: I find it somewhat heavy compared to an old dust-buster I also own. Others say that it's light--so your mileage may vary. 3. There is no hook to hang it on a wall. I plan to use this in my basement workroom to clean up after light work, and was planning to keep it plugged in and hanging on a wall, but alas, there's no way to mount this on a wall. Of course you could put this on a shelf.... This is an obvious product oversight. 4. I'm a little concerned that the rubber tip may "wear" quickly after repeated sweeps on basement floor, but time will tell.

We were looking for a good hand-held vacuum and this is a great choice. Small but plenty of power. Easy to handle. The best part is that it doesn't overheat, which our previous hand-held vac did. Bissell makes a great product. I highly recommend it.

So what's the problem? Isn't that what vacuum cleaners are supposed to do?

Yeah, but...

Let's give credit where credit's due. This puppy is powerful. So much so that when you fire it up the centrifugal force generated by the hi speed rotor yanks your wrist with a substantial sideways jerk. Can there be such a thing as too much torque?

Yup.

But that's not all. Taking in huge volumes of air means that an equal amount must be exhausted. For normal vacuum cleaners this isn't a problem since the exhaust is on the motor unit, which is far removed from the actual area being cleaned with an accessory at the end of the intake hose. Handhelds, however, are another story. The purpose of such units is to facilitate intimate pickup in small areas. The problem is, that when working with the flexible rubber nozzle ("great for removing dirt and hair on upholstery and stairs") the powerful exhaust blows the mess away before you can suck it up.

Sure, this problem won't come up when working with the included additional tools (wide mouth tool, crevice tool, hose, and hose adaptor tool). But using this stuff makes for an unwieldy operation, holding the motor unit in one hand and manipulating the hose with the other. If you're going to be working with a hose, what's the advantage of a hand held unit?

There are more problems. What is the aforementioned "hose adaptor tool"? It's an adaptor to allow the hose to be attached to the motor unit - not a tool at all. But the sizzling sales sentence suggests that you're getting three useful gadgets, when really it's only two.

But here's the capper.

We learn from the promotional info on the packaging that the vacuum comes with an 18-foot power cord equipped with a "cord wrap system"! And just what is this cord wrap system that we're getting so excited about?

It's a strip of Velcro to secure the mess...

Gimme a break.

I was looking for a vacuum with a crevice tool to vacuum windowsills and next to baseboards (where the Swiffer won't reach). The most recent Consumer Reports Top-rated small vacuum is the 33A1 Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum, Corded, 33A1. The model 47R51 I'm reviewing here is the same as the 33A1, but in addition to the 33A1's "rubber contour nozzle" (for pet hair), the 47R51 has a hose adapter nozzle, which accommodates the included flex hose that connects the included crevice and wide mouth tools (about three inches wide). I bought the 47R51 from Amazon for about $39, and the 33A1 is going for about $29. Totally worth the additional $10 to me. Since I also need to occasionally vacuum up pet hair, this vacuum has been very versatile for me, and therefore is a great value. Recommended.

This is exactly what Mom wanted. Lightweight yet powerful. She specifically wanted a corded handheld so the power supply is consistent. It does get a little hot, but it's ideal for quick cleanups or vacuuming the carpeted stairs. The compartment that holds the dirt is easy to clean out, as is the filter. Very nice little vacuum.

We have pets, and a messy child. We are always looking for better, faster, and more efficient ways to clean up after messes, and this tool is just what we were looking for! I can now vacuum couches, chairs, stairs, moulding, curtains, window ledges, my car, and many more areas with ease where a traditional, much heavier and unwieldy vacuum cleaner would not. I've seen cordless DC versions of this vac, but they never had the power and suction of this corded, plug-in AC version. I also like the fact that the power cord provided is of ample length, akin to a typical vacuum cleaner. The attachments and HEPA filtration are excellent as well. Now that i've used this for a few days, I wonder how I ever did without it! Best money I ever spent!

I purchased this Bissell Handheld vacuum a couple of months ago & have not been sorry yet. For a little machine, the suction is great! The ONLY downside I've seen so far, and it's very minor in my mind, is that every time I empty the dirt out of it, the filter falls out along with the dirt. Wish that filter fitted a bit tighter.

The rubber nozzle on this works so well on cat hair. I also use the hose attachment for cat litter, which does the job, but you definitely have to hold the bulk of the vacuum away from whatever you are working on. Like all little vacuums, the vents on the side blow out a lot of air and can push dry messes around. I'm kinda amazed how strong the wind from this is...if I get anywhere near my table it is sure to blow something off!

I think this is a great vacuum for quick clean up after pets, but I wouldn't recommend it for much else.

So far, I am pleased with this handheld Bissell. It has a lot of power for a little vaccum. It's great for cleaning off my drapes or other things that are hard to reach with a Normal vaccum.