Rug Doctor vs. Bissell: Carpet cleaning is an essential task for maintaining a fresh and vibrant home environment. When it comes to professional-grade carpet cleaners, two heavyweight contenders stand out: the Bissell Big Green and the Rug Doctor Wide-Track.
Key takeaways:
- Bissell Big Green beats Rug Doctor in cleaning tests, showing better stain removal with its large brush roll.
- Bissell’s versatility in cleaning both forward and backward motions offers greater efficiency compared to Rug Doctor’s one-directional approach.
- Bissell’s reclining handle enhances maneuverability, making it easier to push and pull during operation.
- Bissell’s removable water tank simplifies refill, providing a more user-friendly experience than Rug Doctor’s method.
- While both machines are sturdy, Bissell Big Green emerges as the preferred choice for its cleaning effectiveness, ease of use, and thoughtful design features.
Rug Doctor vs. Bissell – Which one is Better!
In our recent tests, we put these machines through their paces to bring you a comprehensive review and comparison.
The Bissell Big Green beat the Rug Doctor with superior cleaning performance, forward-and-backward cleaning capability, and convenient water tank design, making it the preferred choice for efficient and reliable carpet cleaning.
| Feature | Bissell Big Green | Rug Doctor Wide-Track |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Performance | Slightly better results | Effective, but slightly behind |
| Forward and Backward Cleaning | Yes, cleans in both directions | Cleans only when pulled towards you |
| Construction & Maneuverability | Sturdy with a reclining handle for easy use | Well-built, but lacks the reclining handle |
| Water Tanks | Removable tank for easy refilling | Requires bringing water to the cleaner |
| Water Tank Capacity | Unknown (but convenient refill) | 3.7 gallons (double the capacity) |
| Attachments and Hose | Effective brush, 9-foot hose | Sparse brush, longer 12-foot hose |
| Hose Attachment Ease | Straightforward | Some connections are more challenging |
| Overall Preference | Preferred for cleaning performance, ease of use, and maneuverability | Effective but lacks some user-friendly features |
1. Cleaning Performance
Consumer Reports and various online competitions have consistently compared the Bissell Big Green and the Rug Doctor, with the Bissell emerging as the winner in cleaning effectiveness. The Bissell’s large brush roll outperforms the Rug Doctor’s vibrating brush bar, resulting in slightly better cleaning results in our tests.
Even with the same number of passes, the Bissell showed superior stain removal capabilities.
2. Forward and Backward Cleaning
One standout feature of the Bissell Big Green is its ability to clean both in the forward and backward motions. In contrast, the Rug Doctor only cleans when pulled towards you, requiring a rocking motion to cover the entire cleaning area. This forward-and-backward cleaning versatility gives the Bissell an edge in terms of efficiency and ease of use.
3. Construction and Maneuverability
Both the Bissell Big Green and the Rug Doctor Wide-Track are built with durability in mind, promising a long lifespan. However, the Bissell’s reclining handle not only contributes to its sturdiness but also makes it easier to push and pull during operation. This design element provides the Bissell with an added advantage in terms of maneuverability.
4. Water Tanks
When it comes to water tank design, the Bissell offers more convenience with a removable water tank for easy refilling. On the other hand, the Rug Doctor requires users to bring water to the cleaner, which might be deemed unnecessarily complicated and potentially messy. Despite the Rug Doctor having double the water capacity at 3.7 gallons, the convenience of the Bissell’s refill process may outweigh this advantage.
5. Attachments and Hose
Both machines come with optional hand tools for stairs or upholstery, but the Bissell’s brush appears to be more effective in our tests. Additionally, the Bissell boasts a 9-foot hose, while the Rug Doctor surpasses it with a longer 12-foot hose. However, attaching the hose on the Bissell is more straightforward, whereas the Rug Doctor’s connections may be slightly more challenging and confusing.
FAQ
What is the main difference between the Bissell Big Green and the Rug Doctor Wide-Track?
The primary difference lies in their cleaning mechanisms. The Bissell Big Green employs a large brush roll, while the Rug Doctor Wide-Track utilizes a vibrating brush bar. In our tests, the Bissell’s brush roll proved more effective in achieving superior cleaning results.
Does the Bissell Big Green clean in both forward and backward motions?
Yes, one notable feature of the Bissell Big Green is its ability to clean in both the forward and backward motions. This enhances its efficiency compared to the Rug Doctor, which only cleans when pulled towards the user.
Is there a difference in maneuverability between the two machines?
Yes, the Bissell Big Green has a reclining handle that not only adds to its sturdiness but also makes it easier to push and pull during operation. This design element contributes to the Bissell’s superior maneuverability.
How do the water tanks differ between the Bissell and Rug Doctor?
The Bissell Big Green features a removable water tank for easy refilling, providing added convenience. In contrast, the Rug Doctor requires users to bring water to the cleaner, which may be considered a less convenient process, despite having a larger water capacity.
Which machine has a longer hose for attachments?
The Rug Doctor Wide-Track boasts a longer hose at 12 feet, surpassing the Bissell Big Green’s 9-foot hose. However, despite the longer hose, some users may find the Bissell’s hose attachment process to be more straightforward compared to the Rug Doctor.
Are there any noticeable differences in construction and build quality?
Both the Bissell Big Green and the Rug Doctor Wide-Track are well-built and sturdy machines, promising a long lifespan. However, the Bissell’s reclining handle contributes to its overall construction, making it more user-friendly.
Can I use both machines for upholstery and stairs?
Yes, both the Bissell Big Green and the Rug Doctor Wide-Track come with optional hand tools for upholstery and stairs. While both machines get the job done, our tests suggest that the brush on the Bissell is more effective.
Which machine is easier to attach the hose on?
The Bissell Big Green is generally easier to attach the hose to, offering a more straightforward process. In contrast, some users may find the Rug Doctor’s hose connections to be a bit more challenging and confusing.
Conclusion
In our tests, the Bissell Big Green performed better than the Rug Doctor Wide-Track. Its superior cleaning performance, forward-and-backward cleaning capability, ease of use, and convenient water tank design give it a slight edge over the Rug Doctor. Ultimately, both machines are sturdy and well-built, but the Bissell Big Green proves to be the preferred choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient carpet cleaning solution.
I am Zuhe Honorata Ejsmont, I have over 8 years of experience working with rugs and carpets, and I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned through my blog. I’m passionate about helping people find the perfect rug to fit their style and needs. I focus on clear, easy-to-understand advice about different materials, designs, and care tips.
Currently, I serve as a co-founder of WhatsMyRugsize.com. When I’m not writing, I love exploring local markets to discover unique rugs and adding new touches to my own home.
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