The Bissell PowerClean FurFinder Cordless Stick Vacuum, priced at $179, aims to tackle the challenges of pet hair removal effectively. Designed specifically for pet owners, this vacuum promises to eliminate traces of fur from various surfaces. Testing its capabilities, particularly on furniture where pets often rest, raises the question: does it truly deliver on its promise?
Specifications and Design Features
The Bissell PowerClean FurFinder boasts a 0.5-liter bin volume and offers a maximum runtime of up to 40 minutes on a full charge. With a charging time of approximately 3 hours, it features a lithium-ion, detachable battery. Weighing in at 7.3 pounds, this bagless vacuum is both portable and easy to maneuver.
Its design includes a swivel head and a freestanding feature, a notable advantage compared to many other stick vacuums on the market. The vacuum is versatile, functioning as a stick vacuum for floors, a handheld device, or an extended reach cleaner depending on the configuration. Additionally, three attachments come included: a floor brush roll, the specialized FurFinder tool, and a crevice tool, enhancing its usability across various cleaning tasks.
The brush roll is equipped with a tangle-free design and comes with LED lights to assist in illuminating dirt and debris. The FurFinder attachment, specifically designed to combat embedded pet hair, claims to remove up to 95% of pet hair from upholstery, reportedly working “two times faster than the Shark IX141,” according to Bissell’s promotional material.
Performance Insights
During initial testing, the PowerClean FurFinder was put to work in high-traffic areas, including a living room rug, hardwood floors, and a chair heavily used by a pet. While the floor attachment effectively picked up a significant amount of hair, it did not outperform other stick vacuums in terms of suction power.
The FurFinder attachment, however, did not meet expectations. It struggled to maintain performance, often bogging down and failing to effectively pick up fur compared to the floor attachment. Surprisingly, the corner tool proved to be more efficient at removing fur from tight spaces than the specialized FurFinder tool itself.
Despite these shortcomings, the vacuum’s LED lights received high marks for visibility, making it easier to see dirt and debris in low-light conditions. Although the vacuum’s bin was not filled to capacity after cleaning multiple surfaces, attempts to improve the FurFinder’s effectiveness by starting with an empty bin did not yield better results.
Following a full recharge, the performance of the FurFinder attachment remained unchanged. Ultimately, the vacuum performs best with the floor attachment, which appears to deliver more suction power than the standard PowerClean model.
In comparison to other lightweight stick vacuums, the PowerClean FurFinder faces stiff competition. While it shares many features with its predecessor, the enhanced suction power and efficiency on carpets is notable, although it occasionally gets caught on fabric, hindering its mobility.
Accessories include a wall mount, charging cable, and the three attachments, providing versatility despite the lack of additional accessories beyond replacement parts.
In conclusion, the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder Cordless Stick Vacuum shows promise but falls short in several critical areas, particularly with the performance of the FurFinder attachment. While it excels as a floor vacuum and benefits from useful features such as bright LEDs, Bissell may need to refine the FurFinder tool to align with its marketing claims. Overall, this model represents a solid upgrade from its predecessor but may not fully satisfy pet owners seeking a robust solution for fur removal.
