Do your floors need a little extra love beyond what a vacuum can do? Then you’re probably looking at steam cleaners such as the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop. These cleaning tools come at a wide range of prices and with a host of features, but do you really need a high-end model with a dozen attachments? We wanted to find out if this basic model from Bissell would get the job done, so we put it to the test on the dirtiest floors we could find. Read on to find out our verdict.
Setup Process: Ready to go in minutes
The Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop was simple for us to assemble, requiring just a single screw that holds the body and handle together. Once we plugged it in, it took only 30 seconds to start steaming. Plus, the mop comes with a fragrance disk which can be inserted into the machine to help deodorize your home. Read more reviews of the best floor cleaning supplies available to purchase online.
Performance: Easy to use from start to finish
If you’ve used Bissell steam mops before—or even just researched them—you may notice the PowerFresh looks quite similar to the brand’s more expensive PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop. They’re definitely similar products, but the first is a pared-down model that affords a lower price. It has the same scrub brush on the mop head, which folds down to help clean more visible stains, and unlike the more advanced model, it also has three settings—low, medium, and high. The mop head on the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop is 12 inches wide, which is more than adequate for regular household cleaning. We found the PowerFresh did a fair job removing dirt from the floor, especially on the higher settings. When we were done, we just removed the cleaning pad and tossed it into the washing machine. We found changing the cleaning pad to be quite easy, as an elastic band keeps it attached to the mop. The PowerFresh is one of the lightest steam mops available, which made it easy to push around. The light design also helped us store it in the closet when we were finished. Unfortunately, there’s no way to hang the mop, so it took up some real estate on the floor. Take a look at other product reviews and shop for the best flat mops available online.
Design: Generous water tank and power cord
Arguably the best feature of the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop is its water tank—a removable 16-ounce bottle that clicks into the unit. It was very easy to refill, much easier, in fact, than some of the more expensive models we’ve reviewed. If you’re using the mop on its low or medium setting, you likely won’t have to stop to refill the reservoir during your cleaning session. The PowerFresh also has a 23-foot power cord, which gave us enough length to clean most rooms without having to change outlets. Our one design criticism is the color choice. The PowerFresh’s white plastic body will definitely end up scuffed and scraped over time.
Price: Good value for a basic model
The PowerFresh is a basic product and priced accordingly. While it may not have bonus features or over-the-top power, it will keep the floors in your house clean.
Competition: Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop vs. Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop System
The closest competition to the Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop is the Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop System, which costs a bit more. They both do a fine job, but the Shark Genius boasts a “Steam Blaster” feature which is exceedingly better at cleaning heavily-trafficked floors. That said, if budget is your primary concern, you’ll find a solid product in the PowerFresh. What it lacks in power, it makes up for in convenience with the large, refillable water tank and a super long power cord. Still can’t decide on what you want? Our round-up of the best steam mops can help you find what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for an inexpensive steam mop to use as part of your regular maintenance routine, you’ll be satisfied with the Bissell PowerFresh which sacrifices bonus features to keep your floor sanitized at an affordable price. Plus, what it lacks in versatility, it certainly makes up for in efficiency with a larger-than-average water reservoir and long power cord.
