Customer Reviews

Bissell Steam Shot Hard-Surface Cleaner, 39N7A

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I've had good luck with Bissell products, so, given conflicting reviews for other devices an insufficient reviews for the Steam Shot, I purchased one.

OK--it's true. Infomercials for such products are deceptive. Using chemical cleaners is a great deal faster and "easier" than this. Tortoise vs. the hare: This trudges very slowly compared to traditional cleaning. It requires patience.

My concerns with chemical cleaners include the residues left over that attract dirt and dust again, the unpleasantness of using and then worrying about chemicals, and, the concerns about using them near foodstuffs, utensils, prep and cooking surfaces, and, pots and pans.

The advantage of the Steam Shot (and, likely other similar "electric kettle" hand held colleague devices) is, that once a surface or item is clean, it really "is" clean. I don't have any fear or qualms even about using this on kitchen utensils, bread makers, microwaves, and, oven windows. It's also very good at cleaning kitchen cabinet fronts and vertical surfaces such as the outside of the dishwasher, trash compactor, and the fridge. One thing this is extraordinary at is getting at dirt between a metal (or porcelain) surface (say, a sink or stove) and counter tops (Formica, etc.). It's amazing at "rooting" out such dirt! This is also true of the "line" between back splashes and counter tops. I think that "touch-up" cleaning later on will be faster and easier....

Candle wax on the brick of the hearth? (Or a wall?--I'll need now to patch-paint!) The wax is tedious to remove in any case, yet, this is the best solution I've found--the unit definitely will melt wax so that it's easier to remove--absolutely!

As for waiting on the steam, I'm simply busy with scrubbing with a cloth or noting where to clean next--this is not a big problem for me; it seems that, as time goes on, heating up again is pretty fast. I've heard the item's boiling water while heating up. Although it's not always so hot, the steam can become really hot--I certainly believe it becomes hot enough to kill pathogens! It may certainly burn fingers, also, so precautions are smart. Despite what other reviewers think, my Steam Shot becomes very hot: It works! I'm not absolutely certain, but the "kettle" inside appears to be comprised of metal. The plastic of the unit and of the accessories appears to be high quality, also.

(When finished with the Steam Shot--allow it to cool sufficiently, then, slowly open the knob until it's removed (steam may slowly vent while opening). Then, before dumping the water, turn the unit slowly on its side over your sink and dump the water out--away from you--hopefully, the water won't "jet" out into your sink really quickly or explosively. (If so, this indicates that the water still is super-heated and dangerous (after all, it was both heated and pressurized): You don't want it ever to "jet" out at you or anyone else. Let the unit cool sufficiently longer next time!)

Conclusion:

This is nifty, and I enjoy cleaning with it. For heavy cleaning, this requires patience, but, I believe patience is rewarded and saves money! For certain unique household cleaning needs, this fits the bill really well! I haven't tried it, but, a dirty bar-b-q grate likely is too heavy a cleaning task for this. That always has been a pain....

I just used mine for the first time (bought it elsewhere). I used it to clean the stained grout on the kitchen floor. The dog had gotten into the trash several times, so the grout was stained dark brown from coffee grinds. This little steamer did a good job of removing most of the stain. Looking at two sections - steamed and unsteamed - there is an incredible difference, enough so that my floor will not be embarrassing when I am finished.

I used the grout attachment at first, but then switched to the round brush attachment because it is stiffer. Both did a good job, the round brush a little more so. You get three different colored brushes for different uses, for instance, if you want to keep one for the floor and use another on the kitchen counter or in the bathroom. I will be looking to buy more of these brushes, as I can see that they will not last indefinitely, but nothing does!

I timed my cleaning. Each session lasted about 20 minutes before I needed to refill. I unplugged first, waited about 10 seconds, and then slowly unscrewed the cap from the reservoir. There was a little hiss but no sputtering. In other words, waiting just a few seconds made it safe to open. While I refilled the measuring cup that comes with it, the unit cooled down enough that I was able to refill immediately. Put the cap back on, plug it in, wait about a minute or two, and I was good to go again for about another 20 minutes of steam. The key to the refilling process is to unplug first so you don't get burned.

I used the window attachment to clean dog drool (easily!) off the kitchen sliding doors. There are other attachments that I haven't tried yet, but I'm sure I'll find uses for them. The cord is extra long and heavy duty. This is a handy little cleaner that does have its limitations because of its size. However, the size it an advantage if you just want to clean up something easily and effectively. I bought it because I didn't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a big steamer. I wanted to test try something smaller to see if steam cleaning stands up to its good reputation. It does!

I think it's good, but I wish it had a little more power. I like to clean the nooks and cranies in the bath and around the shower door. I don't mind the size, I can get two bathrooms clean before the steam runs out. I think being able to shut it off until it is ready for use is a great feature. thumbs up!

I purchased this Bissell Steam Shot Hard Surface Cleaner, for jobs like cleaning our kitchen grout, and along baseboards, and of course the sliding shower door tracks. Boy it does the job. I also got it for my husbands little garage frig. but have not used it there yet. It gets hot so fast, and the steam does last a long time. Of course you use up the little brushes it comes with, they kind of melt in the steam, so I just use an old tooth brush on the inside microwave things, and a stiff grout brush on the grout. You do have to scrub as you steam, you can't expect a miracle with just steam. But I know around the kitchen floor base boards it gets it good. We use a Haan floor steamer and love it too. But didn't choose their steamer because of reviews. I wanted steam because it is natural, and I am sure it is killing germs. I love this one and would buy it again.

Just received delivery of my new Bissell Steam Shot Hard Surface Cleaner on the exact date that Amazon scheduled. Note that, for several years, I've been using a Euro-Pro model that is attached to a floor canister and includes the floor attachment. I love it but lately, find that when using the handheld attachment, I'm tripping around the cord, hose, or canister so decided to look for a handheld model. I purchased a Haan a few months ago but sent it back because it just didn't measure up to my old Euro-Pro. After more research, I purchased the Bissell and I'm SO pleased with it. It was well packaged and the instructions are clear and simple. I didn't think you could go wrong with a Bissell.

This little guy is ready in 3 minutes, and needs just about 5 minutes to cool down if you need to refill it. And I was amazed at how long it lasted without running out of steam.

I wanted to do a test run. During the course of 30 minutes, I cleaned my kitchen countertops, sink, glass-top stove, glass tabletop, bathroom sink and vanity, and various small items, like the holders for our Sonicare toothbrushes. It gets into cracks and crevices and blows the dirt away (just wipe wherever it falls). I was just trying it out and didn't plan on any elaborate cleaning job. When I emptied the canister, I couldn't believe how much water remained!

I was concerned because it didn't have a control to leave the unit on but the power button is so well designed that it is no problem at all. I got into the rhythm of steaming with my left hand and wiping with my right hand, wherever feasible.
As an old hand at steam cleaning, may I offer a few tips.
1. Follow the instructions that are shipped with any steam unit.
2. Allow the unit to get hot. (The Bissell takes only 3 minutes.)
3. Steam small sections at a time and wipe immediately with a clean cloth or paper towel.

You can clean almost anything -- from bathrooms and kitchens to lamp shades and silk plants as well as BBQ grills and autos. Like any cleaning solution, you do have to wipe but the result feels so clean. No residue!
I'd highly recommend this unit.

If you're looking at hand held steamers you're probably like me. Trying to be a little more gentle to the planet, hate the harsh or just plain strange smells in chemicals. Do I need another gadget? You bet. I love gadgets.
After pulling this little wonder out of the box my initial reaction was in agreement with some of the negative reviews. It's small. Weighs just a wee few pounds if that. It surely can't hold much water and will probably run out of steam in no time flat. I figure I'll give it a shot and see what happens, for under $40 I'm not expecting a miracle cleaner and I can always send it back if I hate it right?
Comes with all sorts of little handy dandy attachments that are "color coded for your specific use". (I frankly have no idea why they are color coded as they are all pretty similar in stiffness and not labeled as such anywhere. I'll sure never remember what color is what stiffness.)
In a nutshell. It did give me great plumes of steam right off the bat. As the water level drops so does the amount of steam it produces. I was able to clean the range hood above head level easily. Held the steamer in my right hand where I can see the indicator light telling me to stop steaming so it can build more up (mere seconds to reheat) it gave out about the same time my arm did and I needed to set it down anyway. Steam with one hand, wipe with the other. Can't say how hot the steam is, but I could see the grease and muck melting off. Wipe with the other hand.
I can't say how long the water in the steamer held out. A LOT longer than I expected. When it finally did I was grateful as I was in dire need of a break.
It can be time consuming. I'd say no longer than if you were using a spray cleaner and a rag. It's certainly quicker if your range hood was a gross as mine as it would have taken several attempts to get all the gunk off then rinse the chemicals off to boot.
The cord is a nice length, the window squeegee is a nice bonus also. All the accessories are small and toy like. The unit itself is small so I don't know what I was surprised.
My only complaint is my hand and arm did get tired. I don't imagine I'll be dashing around the house as I did today trying it out on different surfaces and area's often. I'll use it as and where needed. It's going to be right at home with my EnviroSteamer floor cleaner making my life a little more chemical free.

I don't know what the problem was with other reviewers, this little guy makes steam like crazy! I have really enjoyed this steam cleaner! It produces a lot of steam and shoots that steam out in a powerful but controlled jet. I haven't had any problems with excessive dripping and while I do wish the steam would last a little longer, it is not a big deal to me. I just wait a few minutes for pressure to release and steam to cool (believe me, wait. My poor burned fingers will attest to that!) and then you are ready to refill and go! Love it and definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a portable steam cleaner.

I think my expectations were too high after reading the reviews. This cleaner is good for small jobs. The lack of a strap makes it pain to carry around.But, since it did a very good job of cleaning a very greasy stove top it is a keeper.

The hand held steamer is easy to use and it is more light weight than another brand I had borrowed from a friend. I enjoy using it in the kitchen and the bathroom. It is good to use in all the nooks and crannies of the shower doors. I can't wait to use it to steam clothes. I think it will work alot better than the other clothes steamer I have, which is small, handheld and strictly for clothes.

This is a handy little steamer. It cleans quickly and efficiently. However, it can't remove everything. You get what you pay for with this one. Fabulous for everyday cleaning, but not so great for deep cleaning.