Which Bissell Crosswave is the Best? A Comparison of All Models

bissell crosswave models

Are you tired of having to sweep or vacuum, then mop your floors? Do you find it difficult to keep up with all the dirt, dust, and grime that seems to accumulate no matter how much you vacuum or mop? Then it’s time to say goodbye to all your cleaning woes with the Bissell Crosswave.

This incredible wet and dry vac is designed to make cleaning hard floors a breeze – no matter what kind of mess it may be. But when you search for Bissell Crosswave, you’ll find more than just one, no doubt leaving you unsure which Bissell Crosswave is the best.

In this article, I’ve compared all Bissell Crosswave models to help you find the best one for your needs.

Introduction to Bissell Crosswave – A Wet/Dry Vacuum for Messy Floors

The Bissell Crosswave is a wet/dry vacuum designed to make cleaning your floors much easier.

It uses a combination of suction and a multi-surface brush roll to effectively clean up messes on hard flooring and area rugs, including floors that aren’t always suitable for steam cleaners, such as laminate, vinyl, pressed wood, and rubber floor mats.

This innovative vacuum can easily pick up dirt, dust, pet hair, and spills. Cleaning tests and Bissell Crosswave reviews have shown that these multi-surface cleaners can lift stuck-on dirt and solid debris like kitty litter, dry debris like dog and cat biscuits, and mop floors at the same time.

The Bissell Crosswave comes in several different models, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. There is:

  • The original Bissell Crosswave – model number 1785A
  • The Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro – model number 2306A
  • The newer Crosswave Cordless models. These include:
  • Bissell Crosswave Max – model number 2596
  • Bissell Crosswave X7 Pet Pro – model numbers 3279 and 3276A
  • Bissell Crosswave HF3 – model number 3649A
  • The yet-to-be-released Bissell Crosswave Hydrosteam Plus – model number 35151 (new for 2023)
  • And various bundles are available with different models, extra brush rollers, cleaning solutions, etc.

I’ll compare the different models further down this post, so keep scrolling down…

Benefits of using the Bissell Crosswave

There are many benefits to using the Bissell Crosswave. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to use. All you have to do is fill the water tank with the water and cleaning solution of your choice, then turn it on and start cleaning.

All the Crosswave models have two-tank technology. Clean water and the floor cleaner solution are pushed out onto the floor. The brush roll will pull the dirt and debris up from the floor, while the suction will pull it into a separate dirty water tank.

This means you only get clean water and floor cleaner on your floors.

Newer models offer cordless cleaning power and have Wi-Fi connectivity, self-cleaning brush rolls, and fingertip controls that allow you to swap from cleaning hard floors to area rugs at the touch of a button.

The Bissell Crosswave is designed to be durable and long-lasting. It’s made from high-quality materials and is designed to withstand years of use. Plus, it comes with up to a three-year limited warranty, so you can rest assured that your investment is protected.

Comparisons of Different Bissell Crosswave Models

Now that you know the benefits of the Bissell Crosswave, let’s take a look at the different models and compare their features in the Bissell crosswave review below:

Bissell Crosswave Model 1785A – The Original Machine

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The standard Bissell Crosswave is the most affordable. It has a clean water tank on the back of the machine and a dirty water tank on the front. Here are some basic specs:

  • Width of Brush Rollers: 12 inches
  • Waste Tank Capacity: 14.5 fluid ounces
  • Clean Water Tank Capacity: 28 fluid ounces
  • Power Cord Length: 25 feet
  • Weight: 11.5 pounds (without water)
  • Warranty: 2 years limited

It comes with a storage tray to sit your machine on when not in use, which also includes a holder for the multi-surface brush rolls to keep them vertical when drying after use.

Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro – Model 2306A

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The 2306A is the upgraded Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro. It has a pet hair strainer in the collection water tank to catch pet hair and larger debris, so you can easily bin the solid waste and then tip out the dirty water.

The included multi-surface brush rolls are also upgraded with different bristles, which are supposed to be tangle-free. However, many users report still having problems with this.

The basic specs are the same as the original crosswave model 1785A, except for the warranty, which is increased to three years.

It also comes with a storage tray to sit your machine on when not in use, which also includes a holder for the tangle-free brush rolls to keep them vertical when drying after use.

Bissell Crosswave Cordless Max – Model 2554A

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The Crosswave Cordless Max is another upgrade from the corded models. Bissell took the consumer feedback on board and improved the width of the cleaning brush to get closer to baseboards and into corners.

It has a docking station to store and charge the machine, store extra brush rollers, and run a self-cleaning cycle. Here are the basic specs:

  • Width of Brush Rollers: 10.5 inches
  • Run Time: 30 minutes
  • Charge Time: 4.5 hours
  • Collection Tank Capacity: 18.6 fluid ounces
  • Clean Water Tank Capacity: 28 fluid ounces
  • Weight: 11.5 pounds (without water)
  • Warranty: 2-year limited

While it gets closer to the baseboards than other models, no floor cleaning machine will get flush to the edge. This is the design of having a roller inside a plastic cleaner head.

It comes with two multi-surface brush rolls slightly different in design from other models.

The biggest user complaints about Crosswave Max are from those with tile floors. Many users expected this to clean grout lines, which it won’t, especially if you have deep-set grout.

That’s where a steam cleaner and bristle brush will come in handy.

Bissell Crosswave X7 – Model 3279

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This is the priciest model from Bissell, featuring three cleaning modes:

  • Hard floors
  • Area rugs
  • Tubo pet – increases suction power and uses more cleaning solution

Basic Specs:

  • Width of Brush Rollers: 9.5 inches
  • Run Time: up to 30 minutes – using turbo mode will shorten use time
  • Charge Time: 4 hours
  • Dirty Tank Capacity: 12 to 15 fluid ounces
  • Clean Water Tank Capacity: 18 fluid ounces
  • Weight: 10.6 pounds (without water)
  • Warranty: 2-year limited

With slightly smaller water tanks and brush roller, the X7 is lighter than other models, but only around 1lb.

You can switch between hard floor and rug cleaning at the press of a button. There is also Wi-Fi connectivity which gives you usage time and cleaning tips.

There are two colorways for the X7, both of which are the pet pro models. One has a purple handle, and two different multi-surface brush rolls are included.

The other has a rose gold handle, and while it includes two multi-surface brush rolls, they are two of the same type – so if you want different brush rolls, look for the purple handle model. Here is the link on Amazon.

You can always buy different or extra brush rolls separately from Bissell, priced under $20 each.

Overall, this is a popular model from Bissell, and users love it. The biggest complaint is the 30-minute cleaning time, even less if you use the turbo mode frequently.

Combined with 4 hours to recharge the battery, it lets the cordless crosswave models down a little.

Bissell Crosswave Cordless HF3 – Model 3649A – New for 2023

This is the latest version of the Cordless Crosswave, released in late 2022. It is slimmer and lighter than other cordless models and has a self-propelled feature to help it move along the floor.

You’ll also get high and low cleaning modes that adjust the water and cleaning solution released onto the floor.

With a smaller cleaning path of 10.5 inches and a maximum run time of 25 minutes, the HF3 best suits smaller homes, apartments, or quick clean-up jobs.

It also only has a 1-year warranty, which is quite a letdown compared to the other Bissell crosswave models. So is the 4.5-hour charge time for 25 minutes of cleaning.

Basic Specs:

  • Width of Brush Rollers: 10.5 inches
  • Run Time: 25 minutes
  • Charge Time: 4.5 hours
  • Collection Tank Capacity: 14.2 fluid ounces
  • Clean Water Tank Capacity: 17 fluid ounces
  • Weight: 8.8 pounds (without water)
  • Warranty: 1 year limited

The biggest user complaints about the HF3 are:

  • It doesn’t clean to the edge of the baseboards, leaving a half-inch gap at the front and sides (albeit smaller than other models)
  • The machine beeps to tell you to empty the dirty water tank when it is approximately one-quarter full
  • The self-cleaning brush roll function is handy but is quite noisy as it switches between low and high settings.

Bissell Crosswave HydroSteam – Model Number 35151 – New for 2023

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This is a new release product from Bissell for 2023, called the HydroSteam (trademarked by Bissell), and I can’t wait to get my hands on this!

In short, it vacuums and mops like a Crosswave, but also steam cleans simultaneously. It has all the great features of the crosswave, like the self-cleaning cycle, LED headlights, a tangle-free brush roll, and a three-year warranty.

Bissell may have created the perfect solution for those who wish they could use cleaning products with their steam mop, like extra detergent power or scents while cleaning.

As I’m in Australia, the X7 has only just landed here, but I’ll be contacting Bissell to see how long I’ll have to wait to test this out in person. In the meantime, the biggest complaints are the bulkiness of the machine, it doesn’t get well into corners or under low furniture, and the dirty water tank is small.

Some users have complained that the steam output isn’t as good as a steam mop, which is to be expected – it’s a Crosswave with a little steam. Also, it takes 30 seconds to a minute for the machine to start steaming. Some users expect it to be instant at the press of a button, but remember it will need time to heat the water to create steam.

How to use the Bissell Crosswave

Using the Bissell Crosswave is incredibly easy. All you have to do is fill the cleaning tank with water and the Bissell cleaning solution of your choice and turn it on.

The multi-surface brush roll will start spinning as soon as you recline the machine. Stand the machine upright to stop the brush roll from spinning. This is helpful if you stop cleaning to empty a tank or move power outlets.

You’ll need to prime the machine before you start cleaning. Do this by holding down the trigger under the handle for 10 seconds. When you see bubbles start to appear in the cleaning head of the machine, you’re ready to start cleaning.

Move the vacuum across the floor in slow, even strokes. The brush roll will pull the dirt and debris up from the floor, while the suction will pull it into the vacuum for deep cleaning your floors.

Hold the solution trigger down to dispense the cleaning product, let it go when it isn’t needed, or to dry the floor.

Please remember that the Bissell Crosswave might be advertised as a multi-surface cleaner but is not designed for carpets. They can clean low-pile area rugs but can’t get deep into carpet fibers to lift dirt, pet hair, or extract water.

Don’t try to use the Bissell Crosswave as a dry vacuum; you will be sorely disappointed.

Clean Up After Use

When you have finished cleaning, a few parts need rinsing to keep your Crosswave clean and fresh. Don’t neglect this; otherwise, you’ll have a smelly machine.

For models with a self-clean function, place it on the docking station before disassembling the Crosswave. Check there is enough water to run the clean-out cycle. A line on the water tank identifies this, marked with “clean out cycle.”

Push the clean-out cycle button to start the self-cleaning function. It runs for 40 seconds. Then:

  • Empty the dirty water tank and rinse it out with clean water.
  • Remove the filter from the top of the dirty water tank by pulling it upwards. Handwash this with warm water and dish soap or mild detergent. Leave it to air dry.
  • Handwash the top piece of the dirty water tank that holds the filter.
  • Remove the brush roll from the machine. To open the cover, grab the front of the brush roll window and pull upwards. Press the “brush roll” tab to remove.
  • Handwash the brush roll window.
  • Lift the crosswave off the dock and wipe the dock with a cloth. Do not be heavy-handed with water on the docking station, as this is where the charging plug is located.

Leave all parts on the included drying rack to fully dry. It is important not to put the Crosswave back together with wet parts (unless you will use it again immediately) – you’ll end up with a musty, stinky machine.

When everything is clean and dry, replace all parts and store your Crosswave in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use it again. This should be on the docking station for the cordless models to allow the machine to charge.

Reviews, Pros, and Cons of the Bissell Crosswave Vacuum

As with any product, there are pros and cons to the Bissell Crosswave. I read over one hundred detailed consumer reviews to bring you the most honest feedback:

Pros

  • Cordless models are easy to charge
  • The smaller, less bulky head that reaches closer to baseboards is preferred by users (the Max Multi-Surface model)
  • Easy to assemble out of the box
  • Users love the self-cleaning cycle on cordless models
  • The light on the front of the X7 is a customer favorite
  • Good for everyday cleanups
  • Favored by pet owners and those with small children

Cons

  • It doesn’t get to the edges of the room
  • Better on flat floors than tile with deeper grout; the brushes in the roller are scattered and don’t reach the grout
  • Some users experienced streaking on their floor
  • The dirty water tank has to be frequently emptied during use
  • The Crosswave 1785A leaves a 1-2 inch gap around the edges of the room and is too bulky to get underneath chairs or lower furniture
  • Dirty water that didn’t make it to the collection tank can run back down the hose and leave a small puddle on the floor when the cleaner is stopped stationary (this happens with my steam vacuum too)
  • Won’t fit into tight spaces, under the fridge, around toilets etc
  • The ~30-minute cleaning time for cordless models is a big drawback, especially for those with larger homes
  • Using the rug or turbo functions on the cordless models uses more battery life

Many users seemed to misunderstand using the Bissell Crosswave machines on the carpet. Unlike traditional vacuum cleaners, they should not be used as a dry vacuum.

All Bissell crosswave models can clean and refresh short pile area rugs placed over a hard floor, but they are not carpet cleaner machines.

Many users expressed difficulty and gave poor reviews when using it as a dry vacuum or a carpet cleaner.

The idea behind the Crosswave is it is a 2-in-1 machine. You don’t vacuum separately or mop separately. It is intended to wash and dry hard floors at the same time.

Some poor reviews were from users who don’t clean their floors often. I could tell this by the photos attached to the reviews. This machine isn’t a miracle worker. As many reviews commented, it is good for daily use.

Bissell Cleaning Solution Options:

Several cleaning solutions are specifically formulated to be used with the Bissell Crosswave. These include:

Bissell Multi-Surface Cleaning Formula: This cleaning solution is designed for all sealed floors, including hardwood, tile, and laminate. You can also use this on area rugs when using the crosswave or Bissell Spinwave machines. The fragrance is the popular Spring Breeze scent, and it is safe to use around pets and children.

Bissell Multi Surface Pet Formula: This pet cleaning solution is specifically formulated for sealed hard floors and area rugs. You can also use this formula in the Bissell JetScrub pet carpet cleaner. It is designed to remove pet stains and odors and is safe to use around pets as it contains no phosphates, dyes, or heavy metals.

You can safely use this for cleaning acrylic, nylon, and wool rugs. Use it on laminate, tiles, wood floors, or linoleum for hard floor cleaning. It is formulated with Febreeze to remove odors, including urine and skunk smells.

It also cleans stubborn stains from pet messes such as vomit, feces, and urine.

Bissell Wood Floor Formula: As the name suggests, this cleaning solution is specifically formulated for sealed hardwood floors but can also be used on other floor types, such as ceramic tile, terrazzo, and vinyl.

You can use this in the Spinwave and any crosswave machine to restore shine. Made with biodegradable detergents, no phosphates, dyes, optical brighteners, or heavy metals, this formula is pet and child-safe and has a fresh lemon scent.

Bissell Area Rug Formula: This cleaning solution is designed to be used on area rugs and only in crosswave vacuums, not any other carpet cleaner. It is formulated to remove dirt, stains, and odors from your rugs, leaving them fresh and clean.

The area rug formula has a linen mist scent. It contains different ingredients to other cleaning solutions, which include: water, alcohol alkoxylate, sodium citrate, linear alcohol ethoxylate, sodium caprylyl sulfonate, alkyl polyglucoside, sodium polyacrylate, fragrance, silicone defoamer, methylisothiazolone and benzisothiazolone.

Bissell Hard Floor Sanitize: The hard floor sanitizing cleaning solution cleans not only your floors but also removes nonliving allergens, including pet dander, dust mite allergens, and pollen. You can use it in both crosswave and spinwave floor cleaners. This cleaning solution suits hard floors, including hardwood, engineered timbers, terrazzo, vinyl, and ceramic tiles.

It is important to use the appropriate cleaning solution for your floor type to ensure that your floors are cleaned effectively and safely. Always follow the cleaning solution bottle instructions, and never mix different cleaning solutions together.

Bissell Pet Clean + Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner: This citrus-scented plant-based cleaning solution can be used on hard floors and area rugs. It suits wood, porcelain, ceramic, linoleum, and laminate floors. It is also safe for wool, nylon, and acrylic rugs.

Bissell FreshStart Cleaning Solution: Use this at the end of cleaning to clean the inner parts of your crosswave. Pour it into the tray or dock, turn on your machine and let it suck up the solution for 10 seconds. The solution will clean the inner areas of the machine, leaving it fresh and clean for the next use.

Which Bissell Crosswave is the Better Vac Mop?

Best Corded Model: Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro

Best Cordless Model: Bissell Crosswave X7 Cordless Pet Pro

Bissell Crosswave vs Other Cleaning Tools

If you’re wondering how the Bissell Crosswave compares to other cleaning tools on the market, then you’re in luck! I have compared the crosswave in the following reviews:

Frequently Asked Questions About the Crosswave Models:

What is the difference between the Bissell Crosswave and the Crosswave Pet Pro?

The Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro is specifically designed for homes with pets, and it has features like a pet hair strainer and a specialized pet cleaning solution.

Can the Bissell Crosswave be used on hardwood floors?

Yes, the Bissell Crosswave is safe to use on hardwood floors. Use the microfiber brush roll designed for wood floors that do not have nylon bristles. That way, it will not scratch or damage the surface.

How often should I replace the filter on my Bissell Crosswave?

Replacing the filter every 3-6 months is recommended, depending on how frequently you use the machine. You should also clean the filter every time you use the Crosswave.

Can the Bissell Crosswave be used to clean area rugs?

The Bissell Crosswave is safe for low-pile area rugs made of wool, nylon, or acrylic. However, using the machine on high-pile rugs is not recommended, as the bristles may become stuck in the carpet. If you have a Persian rug, please seek advice from a rug cleaning expert.

Which Bissell Crosswave has a self-cleaning cycle?

The Crosswave Cordless Max, Crosswave Cordless Pet Pro X7, and Crosswave HF3 have a self-cleaning cycle. You need to dock the machines to use the self-cleaning function.

Does Bissell Crosswave Clean Better than a Mop?

With two-tank technology, the Bissell Crosswave uses a clean tank to dispense fresh water and cleaning solution onto the floor, simultaneously vacuuming pet hair, dirt, and dry debris into a separate tank. It is better than a mop because you never get dirty water back onto your floors.

How Often Do You Change the Roller on Bissell Crosswave?

Bissell recommends replacing the multi-surface brush roll every six months.

Can Bissell Crosswave Cordless Max be Just a Vacuum?

No. The Crosswave cordless max is designed as a wet mop and vacuum cleaner in one. You can easily switch between cleaning hard floors and low pile area rugs at the press of a button. It does not offer dry vacuum cleaning performance compared to other vacuums.

Where to Buy the Bissell Crosswave

The Bissell Crosswave is available at most major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Plus, you can also purchase it directly from the Bissell website.

No matter where you buy the Bissell Crosswave, compare prices and buy from an authorized reseller to ensure you get the best deal and will be covered with any warranty issues.

Conclusion

The Bissell Crosswave is a great choice for cleaning your floors and an alternative to a steam cleaner, especially for homes with pets. Its powerful suction and multi-surface brush roll can easily tackle pet hair, dirt, and debris. Plus, with its corded and cordless models, you get flexible choices for cleaning your hard floors at home.

I’m super excited to see the new Crosswave Hydrosteam. This could be the best of both worlds for some homes.

The Crosswave machines are also an excellent alternative to cordless vacuums, particularly if you have a lot of hard flooring. If you are looking for a new vacuum cleaner, consider whether a Bissell Crosswave might work for you.

Lauren