Compare BISSELL Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner vs Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner Machine

Most reviews highlight the included spot/stair tool plus hose for above-floor work; while some competitors bundle more tools, the Big Green’s core attachments are the ones reviewers actually use for stairs, upholstery, and tough spots.

Most reviews highlight a useful tool set (hose plus upholstery/spot tools), and the Pet Complete bundle adds a battery-powered pre-treat wand that reviewers find genuinely effective.

Automation is the headline: automatic dispense/extract behavior and a Dry Only mode simplify operation, but multiple reviews warn the sensors can be speed-sensitive and may fail on a problematic unit.

In one multi-machine test, exhaust airflow strength landed mid-pack, suggesting adequate but not class-leading airflow output.

Multiple sources state it can deep clean area rugs as well as carpet, though one outlier review suggests best results are on smaller areas and rugs, reflecting the importance of matching technique and rug care requirements.

Setup is generally described as straightforward: tanks and hose fit in a guided way and reviewers did not report finicky installation; one user even noted a minor setup mistake that did not stop the machine from working.

Assembly is typically quick, with the handle snapping into place; instructions are described as straightforward.

Bagless bin/tank language appears only in an outlier review describing a different Big Green model; the upright extractor reviews focus on clean/dirty water tanks instead.

Across multiple reviews, build quality is framed as commercial or rental-fleet grade, with several calling it tank-like. A couple of sources mention potential plastic part breakage or tank-leak complaints, but those appear less common and may reflect different variants.

One technician-style review calls out a spring-loaded/nozzle design and adjustable brush behavior intended to better accommodate higher-pile carpet than many consumer shampooers.

Hair and gunk management is mostly good, but owners note you must clean the hair filter and remove debris from the brush area after pet-heavy sessions.

Across comparisons, the Big Green is frequently positioned as a top premium performer and is sometimes said to beat Rug Doctor-style competitors in stain tests. One buyer’s guide still prefers a newer feature-rich Bissell model overall, but keeps the Big Green as the large-area workhorse pick.

Compared with competitors, reviewers agree it is feature-rich and great for spot work, but there is disagreement on whether it beats trigger-based machines for the toughest upright stain jobs.

Controls are generally described as simple (on/off plus a solution trigger), prioritizing straightforward operation over modes or complex settings; one outlier review references push-button controls on a different Big Green model.

Controls are generally simple (push forward to wash, pull back to dry) with a Dry Only option; a recurring note is that the automatic wash/dry logic can feel unintuitive until you learn the pacing.

Where specified for the upright Big Green Professional, cord length is cited as long (often 25 ft), contributing to extended reach when combined with the hose. One outlier review mentions a shorter cord on a different Big Green model.

Cord length is commonly reported as just over 20 feet, which most reviewers find workable for typical rooms without constant outlet hopping.

Cord wrap and storage are standard and generally convenient for day-to-day setup and put-away.

Several reviewers describe a float/shutoff behavior that stops airflow/flow when the dirty tank is full, which helps prevent overfilling and makes the machine more forgiving during long sessions.

Independent stain tests repeatedly place the Big Green at or near the top, including strong performance on difficult dried-on soils (for example tomato-based and pet-urine style tests).

Deep and dried-on stain removal is polarized: some testing found it behind top competitors on tough, set-in stains, while other reviews show very strong results on common spills when using the right tool and finishing passes.

Ease-of-use feedback is positive around simple controls, clear tank handling, and fewer interruptions because of large capacity. The biggest usability downside is the machine’s heft, especially when moving it between floors.

Ease of use is a standout theme thanks to the push-to-wash, pull-to-dry workflow and auto-mix system, although a few reviewers note you must learn the correct pace for consistent spraying.

The dirty tank is often described as easy to empty and rinse thanks to large openings and parts that come apart for cleaning, helping reduce mess during maintenance.

Emptying and rinsing the dirty tank is usually easy, but a comparison review notes minor dripping or leaking if the unit is stored without letting parts fully air-dry.

HEPA/bagless filtration is discussed only in an outlier, multi-function Big Green review and does not appear in the core upright extractor-focused reviews.

Several testing sources say it leaves carpet drier than competing upright cleaners, attributed to strong extraction and relatively low water usage; one user also notes warm exhaust airflow that may aid drying.

Drying performance is frequently praised, especially when using Dry Only and HeatForce; one test found it among the best for moisture removal, while another found average wetness unless you finish with the dedicated dry step.

The floor head is characterized by a large single brushroll with multiple rows of bristles and a spring-loaded or adaptable nozzle. Independent tests note a relatively narrow cleaning path (often measured at 9 in) compared with some competitors, trading width for agitation and extraction.

Wet-spill extraction is described as very fast, with multiple reviewers showing or stating near-immediate removal of fresh messes (for example vomit and wet wine-style tests) when used with proper passes.

During deep cleaning, some reviewers observe pet hair and debris collecting around the brush area; hair pickup is present but can lead to minor cleanup around the brush/wheels afterward.

The Pet Complete handheld tool is described as tangle-resistant and better suited to pet mess scrubbing than basic brushes.

Headlight/illumination is mentioned only in an outlier review describing a different Big Green variant; it is not a recurring feature in the upright Big Green Professional reviews.

Several sources clarify that some Bissell carpet cleaners labeled with heat mainly keep warm water warm; an outlier Big Green review claims a heating unit boosts water temperature, suggesting possible model variation across sources.

The HeatForce feature is described as warm-air drying rather than heated water; reviewers disagree on how much it matters, but many still report faster dry times when they use Dry Only.

The hose is repeatedly called long for the category, most often cited as 9 ft and sometimes described as roughly 10 ft, which noticeably improves reach for stairs and upholstery cleaning.

The hose is described as long (often cited around 8 feet) and flexible enough for stairs, upholstery, and targeted spot cleaning.

Several owners say the learning curve is low enough that teens or kids can help (with supervision), mainly because there is no spray trigger to hold.

Cleaning after use is usually described as manageable (easy tank access and rinse points), but there are a few noted inconveniences such as hair/gunk buildup and at least one report that brushroll removal requires a tool.

Maintenance is a strong suit: brush rolls, nozzle, and tanks are designed to come apart for rinsing, which reviewers say makes post-clean cleanup far less annoying than older machines.

Reviewers like that it can extract effectively on both forward and backward passes and that the handle design can feel ergonomic, but overall handling is constrained by the unit’s large, heavy body.

Handling is often described as lightweight and easy to push, helped by the forward-wash/backward-dry motion that avoids constant trigger squeezing.

Only an outlier review describes hard-floor washing/mopping performance; the rest of the review set positions the Big Green Professional primarily as a carpet and area-rug deep cleaner.

Noise impressions are mixed: a technician review calls it very loud and suggests hearing protection, while a user review describes it as relatively quiet for its size. Expect noticeable operating noise typical of high-power extractors.

Longevity sentiment is strong: reviewers cite years of use, rental-fleet toughness, and belts/components expected to last, reinforcing a long-service expectation when maintained.

Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with many reviewers calling it the best or a top-tier carpet cleaner when deep-cleaning performance matters most; the recurring caveats are weight, bulk, and price.

Overall sentiment trends positive for convenience and visible dirty-water results, with dissent mainly from reviewers who prioritize maximum stain-lifting performance.

Packaging gets only brief mentions (colorful box, manual/registration materials) with no recurring damage or missing-parts complaints in this set of reviews.

Pet-focused reviewers highlight strong results on urine/vomit-type messes and appreciate that the machine can pull up embedded dirt and some pet hair during extraction, making it a common recommendation for pet households.

Pet-focused versions earn praise for handling accidents and embedded pet grime, especially when paired with the included pet tool and pre-treat wand.

The product is widely described as expensive up front, but many reviewers still see strong value because performance can rival rentals and durability is emphasized. Deal-hunting is limited, with at least one reviewer noting it rarely goes on sale.

Value is strongest when bought on sale or when the Pet Complete bundle is only a small price step-up; a few reviewers still prefer cheaper models if deep-stain performance is the priority.

Reviews frequently praise efficient water usage (low use per square foot) paired with strong cleaning, plus simple trigger dispensing, clean/dirty separation, and clear indicators for when solution is running low.

The auto-mix and two-tank liquid system is a core strength, reducing guesswork and letting you rinse or clean without premixing; one tester notes solution delivery can depend on movement speed.

With the hose and included stair/spot tool, stairs are considered practical to clean; results are typically above average, though some tests still show light residual staining on certain tough spots after multiple cycles.

Stairs are a practical use case thanks to the hose and handheld tools; reviewers show it working well for spot cleaning on steps and landings.

Steam functionality is mentioned only in the context of other Bissell models or an outlier Big Green review; most Big Green Professional reviews focus on hot-water extraction rather than steam cleaning.

Reviewers commonly note it is physically large and needs storage space, although some appreciate handle/lock features that help with storage. It is generally not described as a compact or small-apartment-friendly machine.

Test-heavy reviews consistently report exceptional suction where it matters most at the nozzle/floor head for extraction. The main nuance is that sealed suction at the hose is described as average to below average, which can temper spot-tool performance versus the floor head.

Suction results are mixed: one head-to-head test measured weak suction versus rivals, while another lab-style review measured above-average lift and strong hose suction for spot tools.

This is repeatedly recommended for large-area, frequent deep-cleaning needs: big tanks, efficient water usage, and strong extraction make it a workhorse for whole-home carpet jobs.

Because of its size and weight, several reviews imply it is not ideal for small homes or tight storage; a single outlier calls a different Big Green model space-saving, suggesting model confusion in the review set.

Support signals are mostly positive (parts widely available; several reviews cite a 5-year warranty), though one summary review mentions a shorter warranty and an outlier mentions mixed consumer ratings/leak concerns.

Reliability feedback is uneven: most owners report normal operation, but at least one reviewer experienced a wash/dry sensor malfunction that forced a return.

Hose/attachment changes are described as quick and intuitive (often a simple quarter-turn connection), making it easy to switch between floor cleaning and spot work.

Upholstery and above-floor cleaning are a consistent use case thanks to the hose and spot tool. Performance is generally good, but some test data rates it closer to average on the hardest spot-cleaning scenarios.

Above-floor and spot cleaning is consistently a high point, with several reviewers ranking the hose-and-tool performance among the best in this price class.

Most reviews frame versatility as carpet + spot cleaning (stairs/upholstery) rather than multi-surface mopping; one outlier review discusses vacuuming/steam/hard-floor washing that appears to describe a different Big Green variant.

The Big Green’s large clean/dirty tanks (often cited around 1.7–1.75 gallons) are a core advantage, enabling long cleaning sessions. Tanks are described as removable and easy to fill/empty, with occasional outlier mentions of leaking on a different Big Green model.

Tank size supports decent coverage, with some tests estimating roughly 300+ square feet per clean tank, though heavy whole-house jobs can still mean refills.

Weight is the most consistent negative: multiple reviews cite roughly 42–45 lb empty (and heavier when filled), making stairs and storage more challenging than lighter consumer carpet cleaners.