Bissell
- Better: motor longevity The reviewer likes this Dirt Devil's improved motor but still gives Bissell the longevity edge.
Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Upright Vacuum Review
Bottom Line
Choose it if you want strong budget carpet suction and a sturdy upright around $100. Skip it if hard-floor safety, premium filtration, long cord reach, or polished attachments matter more.
Best for
Best for shoppers who can buy it around $100 and mainly need a carpet-focused upright with strong suction, pet-hair help, and a sturdier feel than older Dirt Devils. It also fits users who do not mind routine filter care and some tool compromises.
Not for
Not for delicate bare floors, low furniture, allergy-sensitive homes needing sealed filtration, or users who want premium attachment compatibility and long cord reach. It is also a weak fit at higher prices where reviewers preferred alternatives.
Verdict
Across the supplied reviews, the Dirt Devil Multi-Surface earns its strongest praise as a budget carpet vacuum: reviewers highlight strong suction, a sturdier build than recent Dirt Devils, light handling, and useful onboard reach. The tradeoff is refinement. Assembly can be frustrating, the tool fitting is proprietary, some accessories feel compromised, and the aggressive brushroll creates real bare-floor caution. Value is also price-sensitive: the detailed review frames it as solid around $100 but not at $130, while the included CNET Dash review is strongly negative on performance and value. Overall, the evidence supports a capable low-cost carpet-focused upright with noticeable design compromises.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
Bissell clean view
- Better: stair reach The reviewer prefers this Dirt Devil on stairs overall, but notes the Bissell CleanView has more reach.
Bissell PowerGlide Deluxe Pet Vacuum
- Better: budget vacuum performance and value The reviewer says the Bissell is a better sub-$200 buy because it performs better by a wide margin.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
51 reviewed features- Very positive 4.5-5.0 0% 0 features
- Positive 3.5-4.4 41% 21 features
- Neutral 2.5-3.4 43% 22 features
- Negative 1.5-2.4 14% 7 features
- Very negative below 1.5 2% 1 feature
Pros
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Reviewers most often praised suction and airflow, especially on the newer Multi-Surface Total Pet, though that strength did not rescue every hard-floor or tool scenario.
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The newer model's build quality received strong praise for sturdiness, thicker plastic, and feeling less cheap than prior Dirt Devils.
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Ease of use was generally good once assembled, with simple operation and disassembly, though filter condition affected cleaning performance.
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Only one review supplied opinionated edge-cleaning evidence, and it was positive about reducing dirt hiding near walls and corners.
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Innovation evidence was limited but positive, centered on the detailed review's view that TTI made real improvements over recent Dirt Devils.
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Weight evidence was mostly positive: the vacuum was described as light or easy to carry, though the newer model traded some weight for sturdier build.
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Versatility was a strength for floor types and above-floor use, but bare-floor safety and custom tools limited the otherwise broad use case.
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One reviewer described the Rewind variant as a nice-looking vacuum, giving limited but positive aesthetic evidence.
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One Rewind review praised the bare-floor seal, saying it helped pick up debris that might normally scatter.
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Stair use was better than expected for the detailed reviewer, although reach limitations meant the top steps could require repositioning.
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Pet-oriented tools and hair pickup earned praise in positive reviews, but the included pet/turbo accessories were not consistently strong across all evidence.
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Carpet hair pickup was generally favorable in newer reviews, but CNET found the older Dash comparatively weak despite a 92 percent pet-hair result.
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The hose clip and parked hose setup were viewed as helpful for keeping the vacuum from tipping during above-floor use.
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Handling was usually positive on the newer models, but the CNET Dash review found it less maneuverable than comparable vacuums.
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Hose length was decent on newer owner reviews, but CNET considered the Dash hose ungenerous against a named Eureka comparison.
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Ownership costs look moderate: some evidence praised fewer filter replacements, but the detailed review still expects washing and periodic filter replacement.
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Filtration drew praise in roundup-style coverage and from one owner, but the detailed review criticized it as an unsealed budget system with dust getting through.
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Overall opinion was highly mixed: several reviewers liked the newer models at $100, while CNET strongly rejected the older Dash evidence.
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The detailed reviewer saw better construction and motor feel than older Dirt Devils, but still considered longevity below the equivalent Bissell.
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Controls were generally simple and accessible, but height adjustment and release mechanisms could be awkward or inconvenient.
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Cord management varied by variant: the non-rewind cord fought the reviewer during wrapping, while the Rewind's retracting cord was praised.
Cons
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Area-rug handling was mixed: reviewers saw dirt pickup, but also noted hard pushing and annoying height-setting compromises.
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Cyclone performance was improved versus older Dirt Devils in some owner evidence, but the detailed review still called the cyclone ineffective under dust load.
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Onboard storage was convenient in the roundup, but reviewers criticized an unused post, missing accessory, and tool-storage oddities.
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Heavy-duty suitability was limited: the Rewind was framed for heavier cleaning, but CNET found jam-clearing could create extra work.
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The floorhead earned praise for stiff bristles and a felt gasket, but reviewers also criticized carpet-contact issues and the lack of brushroll shutoff.
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Accessories were useful in some reviews, but the tool package was inconsistent, with complaints about a stubby wand, custom fitting, missing tools, and a disappointing turbo tool.
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Maintenance requirements were mixed: filters and savings were manageable, but brush access, filter washing, and jam-clearing could be tedious.
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Low-pile pickup split by model/review: CNET measured poor sand pickup, while the newer model did excellently on low-pile commercial carpet.
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Noise impressions were mixed: one reviewer said the vacuum was not very loud, while another called the turbo brush loud and rattly and the Rewind louder than a cordless unit.
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Value depended heavily on price: reviewers liked it around $100, but criticized it at $119-$130 and strongly rejected the older Dash's value.
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Clogging/debris prevention evidence was split: one review praised multi-cyclonic clog reduction, while CNET found tool clogging and brush-well jams.
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Cord length evidence was split, with CNET calling 25 feet plenty but the detailed newer-model review calling the cord too short.
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High-pile evidence was limited and only moderately positive, mostly pet-hair pickup rather than broad debris testing.
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Medium-pile performance was context-dependent, ranging from CNET's weak pickup to newer-model reviewers who found carpet contact finicky but workable.
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Hard-floor fine-dust evidence was mixed: CNET found weak fine-particle performance, while first-impression demos saw fine dust pickup on carpet and bare-floor demos looked better.
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Comparative performance evidence diverged sharply, with CNET's Dash test performing poorly and the detailed reviewer calling the newer model a major Dirt Devil improvement.
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Upholstery and above-floor pickup were inconsistent: CNET's turbo tool clogged with pet hair, while newer reviews found the turbo tool acceptable or powerful.
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The bin was praised for capacity/removability in some reviews, but several reviewers disliked accidental release, grimy handling, or awkward reinstallation.
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Emptying and mess control were mixed: one-touch/removable bins helped, but accidental bin release, grimy handling, and trash-can positioning were concerns.
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Large-debris hard-floor pickup was mixed, with positive claims about fewer passes but CNET's hard-floor Cheerios result was poor.
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Support evidence was mixed to negative: CNET noted a comparable warranty, while the detailed reviewer criticized TTI after-sales and warranty support.
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Packaging and out-of-box setup were criticized because filters were not preinstalled and reviewers had to warn buyers to check packaging.
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Tool changes and fittings were a recurring weak spot, with reviewers criticizing awkward attachment installation and proprietary/custom hose fittings.
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Assembly was a clear pain point in the unboxing review, with the handle and screws described as surprisingly difficult.
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Low-profile reach was poor because the cyclone assembly prevented getting under low furniture.
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Under-furniture cleaning was a weakness because the bulkier cyclone assembly prevented reaching under low furniture.
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Hair-removal channel evidence was negative, with CNET finding hair wrapped around the rollerbrush rather than fully entering the bin.
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Hair-wrap/tangle resistance was poor in CNET's human-hair test, where hair tangled and wrapped around the rollerbrush.
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Bare-floor scratch resistance was a serious concern in the detailed review because of the aggressive spinning brush and lack of brushroll shutoff.
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Hard-floor hair pickup was weak in the CNET test and the detailed review remained cautious about bare-floor use despite some pickup ability.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Upright Vacuums, this product is below average in Hair Pickup — Hard Floors, Scratch resistance, Assembly and Setup.
Summary
8 compared features- Above average 0.4+ pts higher 0% 0 features
- Same as average within 0.3 pts 0% 0 features
- Below average 0.4+ pts lower 100% 8 features
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Pickup — Hard Floors | 1.2 | 4.2 | -3.0 |
| Scratch resistance | 1.5 | 4.1 | -2.6 |
| Assembly and Setup | 2.0 | 4.4 | -2.4 |
| Packaging quality | 2.5 | 4.5 | -2.0 |
| Tool-change simplicity | 2.0 | 3.8 | -1.8 |
| Hair‑Wrap / Tangle Resistance | 1.8 | 3.4 | -1.6 |
| Emptying and Mess Control | 2.8 | 4.2 | -1.4 |
| Under-Furniture Pickup | 2.0 | 3.4 | -1.4 |
FAQ
Is it good on carpet?
The newer Multi-Surface reviews are mostly positive on carpet suction and brush agitation, especially at the $100 price. However, carpet height and contact can be finicky, and the CNET Dash evidence was much weaker.
Is it safe for hard floors?
Evidence is cautious. One detailed reviewer said it can pick up some bare-floor debris, but did not recommend it for bare floors because the aggressive spinning brush can scratch delicate surfaces.
How does it handle pet hair?
Pet-hair evidence is mixed but often positive on carpets and with newer pet tools. CNET's older Dash review found weak hard-floor pet-hair pickup and a turbo tool that clogged on upholstery.
Is assembly easy?
Not always. The unboxing reviewer found the handle and screws surprisingly difficult and said the tutorial might be necessary for many buyers.
Is it worth the price?
The strongest value case is around $100. Reviewers criticized higher prices around $119-$130, and the detailed review specifically warned not to buy it for $130.
What maintenance does it need?
Reviewers emphasized keeping filters clear and emptying the bin properly. CNET criticized brush access as tedious, while the detailed review recommended monthly filter washing depending on use.
Does it reach under furniture?
Low-profile reach is a weakness. The unboxing reviewer said the cyclone assembly takes up enough space that it will not get under low furniture.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - Youtube
- Review score
- 3.5/5
YouTube - Youtube
- Review score
- 3.1/5
Article Reviews
cnet.com
- Review score
- 2.3/5
Consider This Instead
If you want better Hair Pickup — Hard Floors
Choose Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum. It scores 5.0 vs 1.2 for Hair Pickup — Hard Floors, with a 4.1 overall score.
If you want better Assembly and Setup
Choose Shark Rotator Lift-Away Vacuum. It scores 5.0 vs 2.0 for Assembly and Setup, with a 3.8 overall score.
If you want better Tool-change simplicity
Choose Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner. It scores 4.7 vs 2.0 for Tool-change simplicity, with a 4.0 overall score.
If you want better Hair‑Wrap / Tangle Resistance
Choose Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Lift-Off Vacuum. It scores 4.6 vs 1.8 for Hair‑Wrap / Tangle Resistance, with a 3.8 overall score.
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