Bottom Line
Choose the BISSELL Big Green if you want powerful deep cleaning and long, uninterrupted runs on big carpeted areas. Skip if you need a lightweight, budget-friendly machine for quick touch-ups.
Best for
Households with lots of wall-to-wall carpet (especially with pets or kids) who want rental-like deep-cleaning performance and fewer refill interruptions thanks to the large tanks and long hose.
Not for
Anyone who needs a light, compact cleaner for frequent stairs, tight storage, or quick spot-only jobs; multiple reviews emphasize the Big Green is heavy, bulky, and premium-priced.
Verdict
Multiple reviewers and lab-style tests describe the Big Green Professional as a commercial-style extractor with standout nozzle suction, aggressive brush agitation, and top-tier stain results, while using water efficiently so carpets dry relatively fast. Its large clean/dirty tanks and long hose reduce stops when tackling big rooms, and the included spot tool makes stairs and upholstery realistic jobs. The tradeoff is bulk: it is roughly 42–45 lb, needs storage space, and some reviewers find it loud. A single outlier review discusses steam and hard-floor washing features that may reflect a different Big Green variant rather than this upright model.
Pros
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Packaging gets only brief mentions (colorful box, manual/registration materials) with no recurring damage or missing-parts complaints in this set of reviews.
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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.
Cons
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
FAQ
How heavy is the BISSELL Big Green Professional?
Several reviews cite roughly 42–45 lb empty, and it can exceed 50 lb when filled with water. If you must carry a cleaner up stairs often, the weight is a real drawback.
Does it leave carpets soaked or help them dry faster?
Testing-focused reviews report it leaves carpets drier than many competing upright carpet cleaners, largely due to strong extraction and efficient water use. Extra dry passes and airflow from fans can further shorten dry time.
Is it good for pet messes like urine or vomit?
Yes. Reviews and tests repeatedly show strong results on pet-type stains (urine-style tests and vomit) when paired with proper pre-treatment and multiple passes as needed.
Can it clean stairs and upholstery effectively?
It is commonly used for stairs and upholstery via its long hose and included spot/stair tool. Spot-cleaning results range from average to above average depending on the stain, but reach and convenience are strong.
Does it have steam or a built-in heater?
Most reviews describe traditional hot-water extraction using warm water you add to the tank, not true steam cleaning. One outlier review talks about steam/heating and hard-floor tools, which may refer to a different Big Green variant rather than this upright professional model.
Reviews we analyzed
Video Reviews
Article Reviews
#1
4.2
Choose the BISSELL Big Green if you want powerful deep cleaning and long, uninterrupted runs on big carpeted areas. Skip if you need...
#2
4.2
Choose for strong suction and long reach in a compact spot cleaner for pet/car messes; Skip if you want a motorized brush or...
#3
4.1
Choose Hoover PowerScrub for strong midrange deep cleaning with fast drying and big tanks; Skip if you need top-tier hose/attachment scrubbing or you...
#4
4.1
Choose for standout suction and fast spot-clean versatility; Skip if you need bigger tanks or a lighter, smaller-footprint machine.
#5
4.0
Choose the HydroSteam for steam-assisted stain removal and a Quick Dry option; Skip it if you need a lightweight, budget cleaner or the...
#6
3.9
Choose the Hoover SmartWash for push-to-wash convenience, quick drying, and a solid tool kit; Skip it if you need top-tier deep-stain scrubbing or...
#7
3.9
Choose it for strong carpet stain removal with useful pet tools and an Express mode that can dry faster; Skip if you’re sensitive...
#8
3.7
Choose the Bissell CrossWave if you want a one-pass vacuum‑and‑mop for hard floors and quick wet spills; Skip it if you hate post-clean...