Bissell Steam Shot Review

If you’re looking for a handheld steam cleaner that can care for all your cleaning needs, the Bissell Steam Shot™ Handheld Hard Surface Steam Cleaner may be just what you need. This powerful little steamer can take care of everything from oven cleaning to pet messes around your home. It’s also very affordable, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.

The steam shot comes in various models:

• 39N7A (Pearl Wasabi color with red logo, available at Bissell) this model includes the window squeegee and garment steamer bonnet.
• 39N7V (Silver and Blue color, available on Amazon) does not include the window squeegee and garment steamer bonnet.
• 38N71 (Older model, Pearl Wasabi with green logo, available on Amazon) does not include the window squeegee and garment steamer bonnet.

This review will look at all the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the Bissell Hand Steamer to see if it’s worth the money.

Key Features of the Bissell Steam Shot Hard Surface Cleaner

Versatile Cleaning Accessories:

One of the best things about the Steam Shot™ is that it’s very versatile. The Bissell steamer handheld comes with different attachments to simplify cleaning, including Scrubbing Brushes, Grout Brush, Flat Scraper Tool, Angle Concentrator Tool, and Window Squeegee. It can be used on various surfaces, including floor grout, counters, children’s toys, pet toys, windows, and even clothing and upholstered surfaces.

Three Scrubbing Brushes: Three color-coded round nylon brushes can be used for specific messes or rooms. The brushes are all the same, but the color coding helps to differentiate where you have used them. For example, use the red in the kitchen and green in the bathroom.

Grout Brush: The Grout Brush is perfect for removing dirt, dust, and grime from tile and grout lines. It fits easily into tight spaces, so you can get the entire surface clean with ease.

Angle Concentrator Tool: The Angle Concentrator Tool lets you direct the steam where you need it most. It comes with a brush attachment to help scrub away stubborn dirt and grime.

Flat Scraper Tool: The Flat Scraper Tool is perfect for removing stuck-on dirt, grease, and grime. It can also be used to remove labels and decals from glass surfaces.

Additional Attachments When Buying the Current Model at Bissell:

Extension Hose: Helps to extend your reach and provide greater distance between the surface and the steam cleaner. Great for reaching to the top of shower frames and windows or getting into hard to reach places.

Window Squeegee: The Window Squeegee is great for cleaning windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces. Please note this is only included when purchasing the steam shot direct from Bissell.

Fabric Steamer: The Fabric Steamer comes with a wide nozzle and a cloth attachment. It’s perfect for steaming clothes, curtains, upholstery, and bed linen. This is only included when purchasing direct from Bissell.

Water Tank With A Boiler System

The Bissell Handheld Steam Cleaner has a 6.6 ounce water tank capacity, which is enough to steam for about 15 minutes. The boiler system heats the water quickly, so you can start cleaning within minutes. The boiler tank is easy to fill with the included cup.

Simply push down on the cap and rotate it counterclockwise to remove it to fill the boiler. Fill the tank with distilled water up to the fill line, then screw the cap back on clockwise until it’s tight.

Then the boiler system will start to heat the water, and when it’s hot, you can start to steam using an on-demand trigger.

On-Demand Trigger For Continuous Steam

The Bissell Steam Shot Hard Surface Cleaner has an on-demand trigger to control the amount of released steam. You can turn the steam on and off quickly, using steam only when you need it.

Other Features

The Steam Shot™ is very powerful, with 1000 watts of power, and it also has a 20-foot power cord, so you can easily reach all the areas you need to clean. The steam cleaner is also lightweight, at just 4 pounds.

How To Change Attachments

The Bissell Steam Shot Hard Surface Cleaner comes with various tools and accessories to make cleaning easier. First, connect the accessory nozzle to the steam cleaner to attach a cleaning attachment.

The Bissell Steam Shot Hard Surface Cleaner comes with various tools and accessories to make cleaning easier. First, connect the accessory nozzle to the steam cleaner to attach a cleaning attachment. This is the cone shaped nozzle. Then attach your chosen accessory. They look like this:

To detach an accessory or tool, first press the release button on the steam cleaner. Next, pull the attachment or tool straight off of the nozzle. Be sure to hold onto the accessory or tool while detaching it, as it may be hot from use.

If you have the model that includes the squeegee and fabric steamer tool, you need to align the tabs of the squeegee and nozzle first, then push the two together until they snap into place. Basically, the fabric steamer tool clips into the window squeegee tool. Finally, push the two attachments converted to one attachment onto the nozzle.

What Kind of Water Do You Use in the Bissell Steam Shot?

Bissell recommend using distilled water in their handheld steam cleaners. While it may be tempting to use tap water, this will cause mineral build up inside the boiler tank and shorten the life of the steamer.

You can also use Bissell scented demineralized water, specifically made for use in their steam mops and steam cleaners.

When filling with water, use the cup provided and don’t overfill the boiler tank. To correctly heat up and build the pressure required for steam cleaning, you need to leave space in the boiler tank to create steam. If the handheld steam cleaner is overfilled, there will not be enough air space for pressure build up, causing the following:

• Hot water will leak out of the vents on the safety cap (burns risk).
• Water will spurt out the steam nozzle, rather than hot steam.
• A combination of water and steam will spit and splutter from the machine.

If you run out of water whilst cleaning, wait 5 minutes for the handheld steamer to cool down, then press the steam trigger to release any remaining pressure. Open the safety cap and refill with water.

NB: The safety cap may be hot. Use an oven mitt to protect your hands when opening.

How to Use Bissell Steam Shot Hard Surface Cleaner

To use the Bissell Steam Shot Hard Surface Cleaner, first fill the boiler tank with distilled water.

Next, plug in the cleaner and wait 2-3 minutes to heat it. Attach the accessory you intend to use to the steamer. Once it is heated, the indicator light will turn off, and the handheld steamer is ready to use.

Point the nozzle of the handheld steamer at the desired surface and press the trigger to release the steam. The steam will clean the surface and loosen any dirt or grime. Bissell recommends moving the cleaner back and forth over the surface for best results.

When you are finished, unplug the cleaner and empty the water tank. Rinse the attachment in warm water and allow everything to dry before storing.

Where to Buy the Bissell Steam Shot Hard Surface Cleaner?

The Bissell Steam Shot Hard Surface Cleaner is available online and in stores. It can be found at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon. You can also find it at bissell.com at a very affordable price. This model also includes the extension hose, window squeegee and fabric steamer attachment. You will also get free shipping (USA) for orders over $40.

At the time of writing, the Bissell Steam Shot model number 39N7A was around $5 more expensive than buying on Amazon, however, you also get the latest model which includes the extension hose, window squeegee, fabric steamer and bonnet, which are worth far more than $5 if purchased individually. This makes for an excellent buy when purchasing direct from Bissell.

Drawbacks of the Bissell Steam Shot Hard Surface Cleaner

The Bissell Steam Shot Hard Surface Cleaner does have a few drawbacks. The biggest complaints about this handheld steam cleaner are:

• Suitable for above floor cleaning only. If you like to steam mop your floors as well, you will need a separate steam cleaner.
• Small water tank – best suited for small spaces or quick cleaning tasks.
• No continuous steam – you have to hold the button down for the steamer to work. This can be tiresome on your hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the frequently asked questions about the Bissell steam shot cleaner and their answers:

Is the Bissell Steam Shot a Worthwhile Buy?

If you are on a budget and looking for an inexpensive handheld steam cleaner, you can’t go past the Bissell Steam Shot. Choose the Deluxe version (available from Bissell) over the older basic model, it is worth the extra $5 spend for the extra accessories.

For large cleaning jobs, big bathrooms and kitchens and larger homes, I’d consider a canister steam cleaner over a handheld steam cleaner. You’ll have the ability to steam clean your floors as well as above floor surfaces, a larger water tank (less time spent waiting for the machine to cool and then refilling), and more accessories for a complete home clean.

Consider taking a look at the McCulloch MC1275 steam cleaner or Wagner HR Elite Steam Cleaner if your budget allows. At the time of writing, both cleaners are priced under $150. These links will take you to my full review of each so you can make an informed decision before buying.