Choosing a reliable and efficient vacuum cleaner can seem like a daunting task given the array of choices available in the market. However, among the clutter, two names have consistently stood out, offering superior cleaning power and functionality: the Shark AW201 HydroVac Cordless Pro XL 3-in-1 Vacuum and the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam.
Both are industry leaders in their own right, offering unique features that cater to different cleaning needs. In this review, we will compare these two products head-to-head, dissecting their features, performance, and user feedback. We aim to help you make an informed choice about which vacuum cleaner fits your home cleaning requirements the best.
Ready for the face-off? Let’s dive in!
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Shark AW201 HydroVac Cordless Pro XL 3-in-1 Vacuum
The Shark AW201 HydroVac is an innovative solution from SharkNinja, a trusted name in the home appliances sector. This 3-in-1 cordless vacuum cleaner is designed to take on multiple cleaning tasks around your home with ease.
Design and Build
The Shark AW201 HydroVac sports a sleek design that’s not just appealing to the eye but also built to last. It weighs in at just 8.8 lbs, making it lightweight and portable for easy maneuverability around your home.
This device’s handiness is not only due to its weight but also its cordless design. Being cordless, it allows users to move freely from room to room without the hassle of a cord. Plus, its compact design makes it easy to store away when not in use.
The build quality of the Shark AW201 is impressive. Despite its lightweight nature, it doesn’t compromise on durability. It features a sturdy plastic construction that can withstand regular use, ensuring longevity.
Core Features
3-in-1 Functionality
The Shark AW201 offers three cleaning modes: stick vacuum, hand vacuum, and high-speed blower. This 3-in-1 functionality ensures that you have the right tool for every cleaning situation, from dusting off your shelves to cleaning under furniture.
Self-Cleaning Brushroll
One of the standout features of the Shark AW201 is its self-cleaning brushroll. This unique feature helps to remove pet hair and long hair from the brushroll as you clean, eliminating the need for manual brushroll cleaning.
ONEPWR Lithium-Ion Battery
The Shark AW201 uses a removable ONEPWR Lithium-Ion battery that offers impressive runtime, allowing you to clean larger areas on a single charge.
HydroClean Water Tank
One distinguishing feature of the Shark AW201 HydroVac is its HydroClean water tank. This unique feature allows you to vacuum and mop your floors simultaneously, saving you precious cleaning time.
We’ll explore the Shark AW201’s performance, user feedback, and pricing later in the review. For now, let’s switch gears and take a look at what the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam has to offer.
Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam
The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam is a product of Bissell, a company with a rich history in the home care sector. This model aims to redefine cleaning by offering steam cleaning functionality, a feature not commonly found in regular vacuum cleaners.
Design and Build
The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam boasts an ergonomic design, which not only enhances its aesthetics but also improves its usability. With a weight of 11.5 lbs, it’s slightly heavier than the Shark AW201, but still manageable for most users.
One of the most notable aspects of the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam design is its upright build. This design makes it easy to push around and navigate, similar to a traditional upright vacuum.
In terms of build quality, the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam does not disappoint. It features a sturdy construction that is built to withstand frequent use, assuring you of its durability.
Core Features
3-in-1 Functionality
Like the Shark AW201, the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam also offers 3-in-1 functionality. However, in this case, it combines vacuuming, mopping, and steam cleaning. This multi-functionality enables you to vacuum and steam-clean your floors simultaneously, leaving them spotless and sanitized.
Tangle-Free Brush Roll
One of the key features of the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam is its tangle-free brush roll. This feature minimizes hair wrap and entanglement, making it an excellent option for homes with pets or individuals with long hair.
Two-Tank System
The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam incorporates a two-tank system that keeps clean and dirty water separate. This ensures that you’re always cleaning your floors with fresh water.
Steam Cleaning Capability
The standout feature of the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam is undoubtedly its steam cleaning capability. This function allows you to not only clean your floors but also sanitize them, eliminating 99.9% of germs and bacteria.
Performance and Versatility
Shark AW201 HydroVac Cordless Pro XL 3-in-1 Vacuum
Vacuuming Performance
The Shark AW201 HydroVac delivers strong suction power, making it efficient at picking up dirt, debris, and pet hair. It’s particularly effective on hard floors, carpets, and upholstery thanks to its self-cleaning brushroll.
Mopping Performance
Equipped with a HydroClean water tank, the Shark AW201 also performs well as a mop. It does an excellent job of lifting stuck-on dirt and grime from hard floors.
Versatility
The 3-in-1 functionality of the Shark AW201 allows it to tackle a variety of cleaning tasks. Whether it’s dusting off surfaces with the handheld mode, cleaning under furniture with the stick vacuum mode, or clearing debris from outdoor areas with the high-speed blower mode, this vacuum has got you covered.
Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam
Vacuuming Performance
The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam also offers strong suction power that efficiently picks up all types of debris. Its multi-surface brushroll ensures thorough cleaning on both carpets and hard floors.
Steam Cleaning Performance
Where the Bissell CrossWave truly shines is in its steam cleaning capability. With its steam function, it doesn’t just clean your floors, but it also sanitizes them, killing 99.9% of germs and bacteria.
Versatility
The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam is a versatile cleaner that can vacuum, mop, and steam clean. This means you can vacuum and mop at the same time, or use the steam function for a deeper, sanitized clean.
Comparing Shark AW201 vs. Bissell CrossWave
Cleaning Efficiency
Both vacuums excel in terms of cleaning efficiency. However, the Shark AW201 has an edge with its self-cleaning brushroll feature, while the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam stands out with its steam cleaning functionality.
Ease of Use
In terms of ease of use, both vacuums are user-friendly. However, the cordless design of the Shark AW201 offers more mobility and convenience.
Versatility
Both cleaners offer 3-in-1 functionality. However, the Bissell CrossWave’s ability to steam clean gives it an additional use case over the Shark AW201.
Price
While both are priced reasonably for the features they offer, the Shark AW201 is generally more affordable than the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam.
Consumer Feedback
Shark AW201 HydroVac Cordless Pro XL 3-in-1 Vacuum
Customers love the lightweight and cordless design of the Shark AW201, stating that it provides a hassle-free cleaning experience. The self-cleaning brushroll and HydroClean water tank are also highly praised for their efficiency. Some users, however, find the battery life to be shorter than expected, especially on high suction mode.
Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam
The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam receives rave reviews for its steam cleaning feature, with customers saying that it leaves their floors spotless and sanitized. Its ability to vacuum and mop simultaneously is also appreciated by many users. The main criticism is the weight of the machine, which some find a bit heavy.
Which One Is Right For You?
Choose Shark AW201 HydroVac if:
- You prefer a cordless vacuum
- You want a self-cleaning brushroll
- You’re looking for a more affordable option
Choose Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam if:
- You need a vacuum that can also steam clean
- You don’t mind a corded vacuum
- You’re willing to invest in more advanced features
In-Depth Examination of Accessories and Attachments
Shark AW201 HydroVac Cordless Pro XL 3-in-1 Vacuum
The Shark AW201 comes with an array of useful attachments that enhance its cleaning capabilities.
Crevice Tool
This attachment is ideal for cleaning narrow and hard-to-reach areas, such as between furniture and appliances.
Multi-Surface Pet Tool
Designed specifically for pet owners, this tool effectively picks up pet hair from various surfaces.
Scrubbing Brush
This is handy for stubborn dirt and stains, particularly on hard floors.
Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam
The Bissell CrossWave also provides several attachments, adding versatility to your cleaning routine.
Multi-Surface Brush Roll
This is perfect for cleaning multiple surfaces, from sealed hardwood floors to area rugs.
Washable Filter
The Bissell CrossWave includes a washable filter, which not only saves you money but also promotes a healthier home environment.
Easy Clean Storage Tray
This accessory helps in the self-cleaning process of the machine, making maintenance a breeze.
Maintenance and Warranty
Shark AW201 HydroVac Cordless Pro XL 3-in-1 Vacuum
Maintenance
The maintenance of the Shark AW201 is pretty straightforward. The dust cup and filter should be cleaned regularly, while the self-cleaning brushroll reduces the hassle of manual cleaning.
Warranty
The Shark AW201 comes with a 5-year limited warranty, offering peace of mind for your purchase.
Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam
Maintenance
The Bissell CrossWave requires regular cleaning of the brushroll, filter, and water tanks. Fortunately, these components are easy to access and clean.
Warranty
The Bissell CrossWave offers a 3-year limited warranty, indicating the company’s confidence in its product.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Shark AW201 and the Bissell CrossWave is not a simple decision. Both vacuums offer impressive features and performance. The Shark AW201 stands out for its cordless design, self-cleaning brushroll, and affordability. On the other hand, the Bissell CrossWave impresses with its steam cleaning functionality and simultaneous vacuuming and mopping capability.
Your choice ultimately depends on your specific cleaning needs and priorities. If convenience and affordability are high on your list, you might lean towards the Shark AW201. If you’re after deep-cleaning capabilities and don’t mind a corded model, the Bissell CrossWave might be more to your liking.
FAQs
Can the Shark AW201 clean all floor types?
Yes, the Shark AW201 is designed to clean all types of floors, including carpets, hard floors, and even rugs.
Does the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam require special cleaning solution?
While Bissell recommends using its proprietary cleaning solution, you can use other non-abrasive and non-bleach floor cleaning solutions with the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam.
How often do I need to replace the filters on these vacuums?
It largely depends on how often you use the vacuum. Typically, filters should be replaced every 3-6 months, but it’s best to refer to the user manual for specific instructions.
Can I use the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam as a regular vacuum?
Absolutely! The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam functions as a regular vacuum but also has the added functionality of mopping and steam cleaning.
How long does the battery last on the Shark AW201 HydroVac?
The battery life on the Shark AW201 varies depending on the mode used. On average, it lasts around 20-30 minutes on a full charge.