The Bottom Line
More like an upright than a stick vacuum, the Bissell Versus™ Bare Floor Vacuum has great suction power, a durable construction and delivers good performance and value for your money.
Pros
- Good suction and effective cleaning
- Has hose attachment
- No batteries to replace
- Good price
- Better reach around furniture, below cabinets
Cons
- Vacuum can tip over when hose is used
- With the V-base, you need to vacuum from the side edge along a wall
- No dusting attachment
Description
- Versus™ has 12 amps of power with great suction
- Innovative brushless V shape base design draws debris into the suction path; easier cleaning in corners, around furniture
- Designed for bare floors only
- On-board cord storage, hose and crevice tool
- Durable stretch hose
- Easy empty dirt container (bagless design)
- Limited one year warranty
- Learn more about Bissell vacuums and products at www.bissell.com
- Compare prices of Bissell products
- Compare prices of vacuums
Guide Review - Bissell Versus® Bare Floor Vacuum Review
Feb 26, 2009 Versus® was a snap to set up. With 12 amps of power, Bissell's Versus is more a crossover from a stick to an upright vacuum. I test drove it over ceramic tile, laminate, vinyl, engineered hardwood and cushioned floors. It did a good job sucking up dust and dirt from such varied surfaces. I did wonder how effective the V-base would be, but it has enough suction inside to channel the dirt and pull it in. It's designed for bare floors only and did get stuck on carpets. Debris near the woodstove was no problem.Because of the V-base, it took a couple of days to get used to the different vacuum approach along walls, which must be from the side of the base, rather than from the front of it. But the unique base makes it easier to vacuum around furniture legs, into corners and under cabinet toe kicks. Though it doesn't lay down, it was able to reach further under some furniture items due to the low foot profile.
I really like the hose - it's super flexible which is very nice for dusting. Although it comes with only a crevice tool, I was able to connect another model's dusting brush with no problem. The cord length seems adequate and bonus - there's no batteries to buy. The dirt receptacle is larger than most stick vacuums and removes easily as does the washable filter.
The Versus does have a balance problem when using the hose, you have to keep the vacuum close as any stretch of the hose will topple it. Otherwise, it stands by itself fine even though the main bulk is higher on the unit. This weight bearing is noticeable with handling. Though it swivels very well, I had to guide it more due to the weight and vacuum approach.
Overall, the Versus is excellent value with more suction power and function than most stick vacuums. There's no bags or batteries to buy and it's very effective on bare floors.
