Compare Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum vs BISSELL Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner

The Extra bundle's pet-focused tools (pet groom and turbine tool) and core tools (crevice/brush, stair) are widely viewed as useful. Value depends on how often you will use the specialized pet attachments.

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.

At least one long-form review explicitly calls the vacuum stylish, and the design is generally treated as premium-looking. Color and trim differences are also noted between package variants.

A recurring minor complaint is blowback or scattering with certain large debris, including spitting kernels or pushing round objects. Changing the head setting or vacuuming path is often described as reducing the issue.

Strong suction can make small/thin rugs harder to vacuum and may drag them around, but the adjustable gates/air-bleed settings help. Homes with heavier rugs or more carpet generally report smoother handling.

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.

Assembly is generally described as tool-free and quick, with parts snapping into place. One reviewer found setup slightly tricky because the manual relied on photos, but still completed it in about 12 minutes.

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.

The bagless bin is repeatedly described as large (about 0.5 gallons / 1.7 liters in reviews) and easy to monitor as it fills. Capacity helps longer cleaning sessions between empties.

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.

Reviews characterize the vacuum as dense and premium-feeling, with sturdy components and a removable brush roll design. The same build contributes to the heavier carry weight.

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.

Reviewers say the head design and gate/vent settings help it work on thick or deep-pile carpet without stalling. It can still feel grabby in deeper-clean modes because of the high suction.

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.

In controlled sand tests on medium-pile carpet, the vacuum scored at or near the top, indicating excellent embedded-dirt pickup. Reviewers also note it avoids bogging on thicker carpet when the head gates are opened.

Most reviews emphasize strong clog resistance and fewer mid-clean stoppages, even with heavy pet fur. However, very large or round debris can sometimes lodge in the head until cleared.

Across comparative reviews, the Ball Animal 3 Extra is portrayed as outperforming cheaper uprights in deep-clean tests and improving on earlier Dyson uprights for hard floors and hair tangles. Some comparisons still highlight tradeoffs like weight, noise, and occasional large-debris scattering.

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.

Controls include multiple cleaning modes, brush-roll control, and head gate/air-bleed adjustments that help tune performance by surface. Reviewers sometimes mention a short learning curve in figuring out the best setting.

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.

Multiple reviews cite an extra-long 35-foot cord, giving a large room-to-room cleaning radius. Cord length is consistently positioned as a strength.

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 hooks and rear storage are mentioned as straightforward for wrapping and quickly releasing the cord. No one highlights a rewind feature, but basic cord handling is described as manageable.

Crevice testing and reviewer feedback indicate excellent groove pickup, with the Dyson scoring at or near the top for lifting sand from a deep crevice. This aligns with its high sealed suction.

Cyclone performance is generally credited for maintaining strong suction and helping prevent clogs. One reviewer felt the newer cyclone setup lets filters get dirty faster than older Dyson designs, suggesting more frequent checks.

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.

Dyson's ball steering is frequently praised for tight turns and easier navigation around furniture. A few reviewers say it takes getting used to, but most find it maneuverable once familiar.

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).

Ease of use is boosted by strong cleaning performance, ball steering, and versatile attachments. The main usability negatives are the heavy body, occasional hard-to-push feel on carpet, and loud operation.

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.

Edge cleaning is generally good on the sides, but multiple tests note weaker pickup at the front edge or centerline near walls, sometimes needing an extra angle or pass. It is solid but not the strongest point.

Hygienic, no-touch emptying is a consistent positive, with reviewers noting you can eject debris without handling dust or fur. This is frequently paired with praise for the large bin.

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.

Whole-machine HEPA filtration and sealed dust containment are frequently praised, especially by pet owners and allergy-focused reviewers. Washable filters are seen as a plus for long-term ownership.

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.

The redesigned floorhead with adjustable gates is frequently credited for better large-debris pickup and improved thick-carpet glide compared to older Dyson uprights. Tradeoffs mentioned include occasional spitting/pushing of bigger pieces and less effective reach at the very front edge for some debris.

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.

A few reviewers report that hair or round debris can snag in the hair-removal comb/vanes and may require pulling it off or opening the head. It is not constant, but it is the main tangle-related annoyance mentioned.

Hair pickup on carpet is repeatedly described as excellent, with pet owners reporting noticeably better results than prior vacuums. Lab-style tests show near-complete hair collection in a few 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.

Detangling features (hair-removal vanes/active combing) are a standout, with multiple tests showing virtually no brush-roll wrap even with long hair. Some reviewers still mention occasional hair catching at the comb area.

Reviews describe strong fine-dust pickup on hard floors, helped by high suction and floorhead details intended to capture small particles. It is commonly positioned as one of the better Dyson uprights for hard floors.

Adjustable gates help it take in larger debris on hard floors and carpet, and many reviewers see strong pickup overall. Some tests still show it can initially spit or push items like popcorn kernels or plastic balls until the setting or approach is adjusted.

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.

A long hose and wand (15 feet cited in reviews) enables above-floor cleaning and helps reach stairs and furniture. Reviewers often highlight this reach as a practical advantage versus typical uprights.

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.

Maintenance is often described as easy thanks to washable filters, removable brush roll, and accessible inspection points. Some users still report periodic cleaning around the comb/mesh and more frequent filter attention than expected.

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.

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.

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 is a common complaint, with descriptions ranging from loud to screaming if powered on while upright. Measured sound levels in one test place it on the louder side of comparable uprights.

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.

Core tools like the crevice/brush and stair tool are stored on the vacuum, which reviewers find convenient. Some pet accessories are not stored onboard and may need separate storage.

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 multiple reviews rating it around 9/10 or calling it a top Dyson upright, especially for pets and carpets. The recurring negatives are price, weight, and noise.

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.

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 performance is a highlight: strong hair pickup, detangling design, and HEPA filtration are repeatedly called out for reducing fur and dander. The pet grooming tool is polarizing, with one reviewer disliking the stiff bristles and others finding it intriguing or useful.

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.

Multiple sources call it expensive, and one comparison suggests the Extra bundle is not always worth the full premium versus the base model. Reviewers who prioritize pet hair and deep cleaning are more likely to view the cost as justified, especially on sale.

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.

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 long hose/wand helps with stair reach, and it can clean stairs effectively with the right attachment. However, several reviewers caution that the heavy upright body can make stair cleaning awkward, especially for limited mobility or narrow stairs.

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.

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.

Despite being a full-size corded upright, reviewers describe it as relatively slim/short and easy to tuck into a corner. One note: turning it on while still upright can be jarringly loud.

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.

Repeated testing and reviews describe extremely strong suction and airflow, including top crevice and embedded-dirt results. The upside is deep cleaning; the downside is that the power can make it harder to push and may tug on thin rugs.

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.

Reviewers describe it as a heavy-duty, industrial-strength option for shedding pets and embedded dirt, suited to larger or carpet-heavy homes. The heavy weight and loudness are the main heavy-duty tradeoffs.

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.

A narrower cleaning path and tight turning help it maneuver in tighter rooms compared with bulkier uprights. The heavy body remains a consideration for small-space storage and carrying.

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 is referenced via a 5-year warranty and mentions of Dyson customer support. No review flags major reliability failures, though long-term durability claims are mostly implied rather than proven.

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.

Tool changes are generally described as simple, using quick-release buttons to swap between wand, hose, and attachments. Reviewers note a short learning curve, but day-to-day changes are straightforward.

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.

One review notes it can reach under a bed a little and handle awkward angles thanks to ball steering. It still will not replace a low-profile design for deep under-furniture cleaning.

Above-floor cleaning is repeatedly praised, with turbine and upholstery tools pulling hair from couches, car seats, and pet beds. One review notes suction remains strong even when using attachments.

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.

Versatility is frequently emphasized: multiple head settings, strong hard-floor and carpet performance, and long-reach above-floor tools support whole-home cleaning. Its limitations show up most on stairs, thin rugs, and edge-front pickup.

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.

Weight is consistently flagged as a drawback at roughly 17 pounds, affecting carrying and stair use. The heft is often framed as the tradeoff for strong power and a dense build.

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.