Bissell PROlite Review

 

Avg. consumer rating = 64/100 

The Bissell PROlite (17G5 series) gets a wide range of consumer ratings.  It is a bagless, upright vacuum cleaner with automatic height adjustment.  It is liked for it’s stylish looks, easy assembly and strong suction while detractors indicate that the attachments do not stay in place, the power switch does not always work and the power cord is too short.

 

 

The PROlite is powered by a 12 amp motor and, like a Dyson, it uses multi-cyclonic suction.  Multi-cyclonic suction essentially uses cyclonic action to “spin” dirt out of the air-path.  This is done before dirt reaches the vacuum filters thereby leaving them much cleaner and able to pass air more freely.  This approach limits loss of suction over time.

This is also a bagless vacuum cleaner.  Bagless vacuums use a dirt container that you remove when full, empty and re-attach.  This approach has gained in popularity over the years.  With a bagless machine you do not have to buy vacuum bags but emptying the dirt canister can be a messy affair.  Some people empty the canister outside or inside a garbage bag to limit the release of dust/debris into the air.  The dirt container on the PROLite 17G5 has a capacity of 2.0 liters.

The Bissell PROlite has an automatic height adjustment feature.  This helps when transitioning from one surface type to another.  On most vacuums this is done manually.  Consumer comments related to this feature extol both its virtues and its drawbacks.  It appears that for most typical carpet and hard surfaces the feature works well but for rugs (for example) it has a tendency to drop too low and the vacuum “sticks” to the rug.  The ability to manually lift the vacuum nozzle higher in some cases would be advantageous.

The PROlite comes with a number of tools and attachments:

· Unique Bendable Wand (for getting into difficult to reach areas – however some consumers find this an awkward tool)
· Dusting Brush (for delicate surfaces)
· Crevice tool (for getting into tight areas)
· TurboBrush (typically used for stairs and upholstery)
· Floor tool (uses a pivoting lint brush bar)
· Extension Wand

There is also and extendable hose that stretches out a good 8 to 9 feet.  The hose is wire re-enforced but a number of consumers still feel that it is a bit flimsy.  It also has a tendency to pull the vacuum over if it is stretched too far, although the reach is quite long.

Filtration for the Bissell PROlite consists of a washable pre-motor filter and a HEPA post-motor filter.  A HEPA filter is useful for individuals with allergies or asthma.  HEPA filtration is capable of removing the likes of pollen, ragweed, pet dander, fine dust, dust mites, – this level of filtration removes 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns (in diameter) or larger.

Other features on this vacuum include a 25 foot power cord (no auto-cord rewind) – which in our opinion is a little short, a tool bag (the tools are not stored on-board and are simply stored in a bag that comes with the vacuum), and a 13.25 inch wide cleaning path.  Also, the brushroll on this unit is motorized and can be turned on and off.  The vacuum weighs in at 16.7lbs and while marketed as "lightweight" and perhaps lighter than some uprights, we would not consider this particularly lightweight.  The Bissell 17G5 also has a dirt sensor, clean filter indicator, edge-cleaning ability and it carries a lengthy 5 year limited warranty.

A review of consumer comments from several quality sources indicates the following common Bissell PROlite likes and dislikes:

PROS
- Dirt canister is easy to remove and empty
- Fairly compact unit
- Not too loud
- Appears well-constructed (durable)
- Long hose
- Strong suction
- Easy assembly
- Stylish

CONS
- Attachments not stored on vacuum
- Short power cord
- Attachment hose feels flimsy (and can pull vacuum over when stretched)
- Attachments do not “lock” into place
- Some comments that suction can be too powerful (for throw rugs or curtains, etc.)
- Folding wand can be awkward to use
- Some consumers have had trouble with the Power Switch failing

Vacuum Videos
There is a good customer video on Amazon regarding the Bissell PROlite which is worth a watch if you wish to learn more about this vacuum. Bissell PROlite Video.