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BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro Vacuum Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Review updated Apr 14, 2023 at 10:09 am
Latest change: Test bench update Dec 14, 2023 at 11:24 am
BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro Picture
7.2
Bare Floor
6.9
Low-Pile Carpet
7.2
High-Pile Carpet
5.8
Pets
6.0
Stairs
5.4
Cars
6.1
Workshop

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro is an upright hybrid mop vacuum capable of sucking up both solid debris as well as stains and liquid spills. It features a detergent dispersal function and an internal water tank that allows it to saturate and scrub away dried-on dirt with its fluffy brushroll. However, unlike most conventional stick or upright vacuums, it can't be reconfigured into a handheld model to clean hard-to-reach areas.

Our Verdict

7.2 Bare Floor

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro is decent for bare floors. It easily cleans pet hair and small debris on this surface type, not to mention most bulky material, with no significant loss in suction performance as its dustbin fills up. Its mopping feature is also quite effective in helping it clear stains. However, its bulky body can make it tricky to clean under tables and chairs. Also, its real-world suction performance isn't especially strong, meaning it can have a hard time cleaning debris in tight crevices.

Pros
  • Easily clears small debris and most large debris.
  • Effective in cleaning pet hair on bare floors.
Cons
  • Many parts need regular cleaning.
  • Bulky dirt compartment/water tank.
6.9 Low-Pile Carpet

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet is okay for low-pile carpet. It's fairly effective in dealing with fine material on this surface type and does a fantastic job cleaning pet hair, but it has a very hard time sucking up larger material. It feels decently well-built and is easy to pick up and carry, but its bulky dirt compartment/water tank can get in the way when cleaning under tables and chairs. It has a few parts that need regular cleaning, but thankfully they're easy to access. Recurring costs aren't too high, though this heavily depends on how frequently you use the mopping feature.

Pros
  • Clears most fine debris.
  • Does a fantastic job of cleaning pet hair on low-pile carpet.
Cons
  • Many parts need regular cleaning.
  • Can't adjust suction power or floorhead height.
7.2 High-Pile Carpet

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro is decent for high-pile carpet. It cleans pet hair and fine debris on this surface type without too much trouble, but it has a harder time dealing with larger materials. It's fairly easy to maneuver for the most part and feels decently well-built. Unfortunately, it lacks a head height adjustment feature, so its floorhead can get caught on rug tassels and shag-pile carpeting. Its real-world suction force isn't especially high, so it can have trouble clearing heavily embedded debris.

Pros
  • Clears most fine debris.
  • Remarkably effective in cleaning pet hair on high-pile carpet.
Cons
  • Many parts need regular cleaning.
  • Can't adjust suction power or floorhead height.
5.8 Pets

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro is sub-par for dealing with pet hair, though this depends heavily on how you use this vacuum. While it has no trouble clearing pet hair from bare or carpeted floors, you can't reconfigure it into a handheld vacuum, so it isn't suitable for cleaning pet hair on furniture or other hard-to-reach areas. It also lacks an allergen-trapping HEPA filter. That said, it's effective in clearing stains and has a removable brushroll, which makes it a little easier to remove any stuck-on debris or hair.

Pros
  • Good stain-clearing performance.
  • Superb pet hair cleaning capability on floors.
Cons
  • No HEPA filter.
  • No turbo brush.
  • Can't use it as a handheld vacuum.
  • Many parts need regular cleaning.
6.0 Stairs

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro is a passable option for dealing with messes on stairs. It's a little heavy, but it does have a built-in carrying handle that makes it easier to pick up and carry. It also delivers great performance on bare surfaces and clears an adequate amount of debris on low and high-pile carpets. Its power cord will also be long enough to clean most staircases without swapping outlets. However, you can't reconfigure it as a handheld vacuum, making it harder to deal with debris in tight spots.

Pros
  • Easily clears small debris and most large debris.
  • Fairly long power cord.
Cons
  • Can't use it as a handheld vacuum.
  • Many parts need regular cleaning.
5.4 Cars

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet has no alternative handheld or semi-handheld configurations and therefore isn't designed for vacuuming cramped environments like the inside of your car.

6.1 Workshop

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro is okay for workshop cleaning. Its real-world suction performance is somewhat low, so it isn't the best option for clearing debris in tight crevices. However, it's pretty easy to carry around, and it's impressively effective in cleaning debris on bare surfaces like workshop floors. It also does a great job of cleaning liquid spills.

Pros
  • Good stain-clearing performance.
  • Great water-clearing performance.
Cons
  • Many parts need regular cleaning.
  • Mediocre suction power.
  • 7.2 Bare Floor
  • 6.9 Low-Pile Carpet
  • 7.2 High-Pile Carpet
  • 5.8 Pets
  • 6.0 Stairs
  • 5.4 Cars
  • 6.1 Workshop
  1. Updated Dec 14, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update builds on our previous 'Suction' test with a new 'Airflow' test that more accurately measures a vacuum's ability to generate air movement. If you'd like to see an in-depth look at the reasoning and methodology behind this change, you can see our full changelog here..
  2. Updated Apr 14, 2023: Updated the text of the review for improved clarity and accuracy.
  3. Updated Nov 03, 2022: This vacuum's suction force has been retested with a more accurate manometer. The test results for the 'Maximum Suction' and 'Normal Suction' fields have been updated. All relevant scores and text have been updated.
  4. Updated Aug 05, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
  5. Updated Aug 03, 2022: Updated 'Range' field to include a link to BISSELL CrossWave Cordless Max 2554 as a cordless alternative with a virtually unlimited range.
  6. Updated Jul 25, 2022: We've retested the 'Stains', 'Maneuverability', and 'Cracks' sections for this vacuum. The scores for those fields and all relevant text have been updated.
  7. Updated Mar 22, 2022: Review published.
  8. Updated Mar 18, 2022: Early access published.
  9. Updated Feb 21, 2022: Our testers have started testing this product.
  10. Updated Feb 04, 2022: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  11. Updated Feb 02, 2022: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro is only available in one color scheme: 'Titanium With Grapevine Purple and Sparkle Silver'. You can buy this vacuum as part of the Performance Exclusive Bundle, which comes with an additional filter, a 32oz bottle of Multi-Surface detergent, and two additional multi-surface brushrolls. You can see the label for our model here.

Let us know in the forums if you come across another variant.

Compared To Other Vacuums

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro is a hybrid mop vacuum. It's similar in size and weight to conventional corded stick vacuums like the Shark APEX UpLight but can clean liquid messes and features a detergent-spraying feature that allows for better stain-clearing performance. Unlike conventional stick vacuums, you can't use this one in a handheld configuration, and it lacks any dedicated suction power modes or floorhead height adjustment.

If you're looking for alternatives, look at our list of recommendations for the best vacuums for tile floors, the best vacuums for hardwood floors, and the best laminate floor vacuums.

BISSELL CrossWave Cordless Max

The BISSELL CrossWave Cordless Max and BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro each have distinct advantages, meaning one might suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. Both vacuums use similar detergent-dispersal functions and do a good job of dealing with dried-on stains as well as liquid spills. They're also pretty similar in terms of dimensions and overall weight. That said, the corded Pet Pro can run indefinitely but at the cost of a limited range. Its brushroll motor is stronger than its cordless alternative, so you can use this vacuum to clean carpeted floors. However, the Cordless Max can be used to easily clean faraway rooms with minimal difficulty. It also features a self-cleaning function that slightly reduces hands-on maintenance requirements.

Dyson V15 Detect

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro and Dyson V15 Detect each have distinct uses. The BISSELL is a corded upright vacuum/mop hybrid that does a better job dealing with stains thanks to its detergent-spraying feature and can be used to clear liquid spills. The Dyson is a cordless stick/handheld vacuum that does a better job cleaning debris on various surface types and in cracks, has a much stronger suction force, produces less noise, and is easier to maneuver. It also has a HEPA filter, resulting in superior air filtration performance.

BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus [Turbo, Turbo Rewind]

The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Turbo and BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro are for different uses. The Pet Hair Eraser is a traditional upright with a larger dirt compartment, better maneuverability, and superior performance on carpeted surfaces. You can also use it in a semi-handheld configuration to clean hard-to-reach areas. Meanwhile, the CrossWave is a hybrid vacuum mop that can clean stains with ease and is capable of dealing with liquid spills.

Tineco PURE ONE X

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro and Tineco PURE ONE X are differently-designed vacuums with different intended uses. The BISSELL is a wet-compatible hybrid vacuum mop that does a better job with stains, thanks to its detergent-spraying feature. The BISSELL also has a larger dirt compartment and feels better built. However, the Tineco vacuum's cordless design allows you to carry it wherever you need it. It's also easier to maneuver, has fewer parts that need regular cleaning, clears more debris on bare floors, and you can use it as a handheld vacuum. The Tineco also comes with two separate floorheads, one for bare floors and the other for carpets.

Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean/Origin

The Dyson Ball Animal 2 and BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro are differently-designed vacuums for different uses. The Dyson is a more conventional bagless upright that incurs minimal recurring costs, has a larger dustbin, a longer range, and has better performance across all surface types. You can also use it in a semi-handheld configuration and comes with a few extra attachments. Meanwhile, the BISSELL is a hybrid vacuum mop that's much more effective in dealing with stains and can clean liquid spills. It also feels better built than the Dyson.

Shark APEX Upright

The Shark APEX Upright and BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro are differently-designed vacuums for differing uses. The Shark is a conventional upright vacuum that isn't wet-compatible. It incurs lower recurring costs, has a larger dirt compartment, a longer range, and sucks up more debris on bare and carpeted floors. You can also use it in a handheld configuration to clean debris on furniture or other hard-to-reach places. Conversely, the BISSELL is a hybrid mop vacuum that is far more effective in cleaning stains thanks to its detergent and water-spraying features, though it lacks any floorhead height or suction power adjustment capability.

Shark APEX UpLight

The Shark APEX UpLight and BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro are different types of products intended for differing uses. The Shark is a more conventional corded stick/handheld vacuum. It features an allergen-trapping HEPA filter, takes up less room, has a slightly larger dirt compartment, a longer power cord, and is easier to maneuver. It also does a better job of clearing debris on various surface types. Meanwhile, the BISSELL is an upright hybrid mop vacuum with a detergent-spraying feature, allowing better stain-removal performance. It can also deal with liquid spills, unlike the Shark.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
7.0
Design
Build Quality
Vacuum Type
Upright

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro feels decently well-built. It's mainly made of hard plastic, although it does have an aluminum wand. It feels more robust than most other BISSELL vacuums, like the BISSELL Adapt Ion, though it can sometimes creak when passing over uneven surfaces like carpeting. Thankfully, it's also quite easy to take apart and reassemble.

This vacuum's handle has a hexagonal textured surface to give you a more secure grip. Most of its controls are within easy reach, with its surface mode switch on top of the handle and a detergent trigger underneath it.

6.5
Design
User Maintenance

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro is reasonably easy to maintain. While there are a few parts that need periodic cleaning, they're easy to access.

  • Dirt compartment: You can unlatch the dirt compartment by pressing down on the release button and then simply lifting it free. You should empty it after each use by lifting the cover with the 'Floater' component, which is a safety mechanism when using the vacuum as a mop, as it stops the suction motor and produces an audible 'screech' to let you know that it's full. Also, make sure you remove any large debris stuck in the dirt compartment's strainer. You can wash the dirt compartment under water along with the 'Floater' component if there's a significant amount of dirt built up. The vacuum filter is above the dirt compartment, and you should make sure that it's put back in place before refitting the dirt compartment.
  • Brushroll: The brushroll is easy to access, only requiring that you lift the clear plastic brush roll window to access it and pull it free. You should clean it regularly under water to remove any stuck-on dirt or debris. Unfortunately, while it's advertised as being an 'Anti-Tangle' brushroll, long hair can get wrapped around it, forcing you to use a pair of scissors to cut it away.
  • Filter: The filter sits on top of the dirt compartment and can simply be pulled free from its housing. The filter has an attached screen to trap any fine debris or small strands of pet hair. You should wash the filter under water after every cleaning session, and you can use mild detergent if necessary.
  • Water tank: The water tank is located on the back of the vacuum body and is easy to lift free of its housing. It features two separate markings for both water and detergent levels, one for small areas and the other for large areas. First, fill it up to the desired water level, and then add the required amount of detergent for the size of the room you're planning to mop. Make sure to empty the water tank after every use.

Any parts that you wash under water should be left to dry completely before refitting them.

6.5
Design
Recurring Cost
Bag Part Number No bag
Filter Part Number 1608684
HEPA Filter Part Number No HEPA Filter

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro incurs fairly low recurring costs.

Note: The mopping component of the vacuum incurs a separate set of recurring costs.

  • Cleaning Solution: The frequency of buying new cleaning solution depends entirely on how frequently you mop and the size of the mopping area. You can buy 80 oz bottles on the manufacturer's website, though other bottle sizes are available.

6.2
Design
Storing
Height
46.06" (117.0 cm)
Width
14.37" (36.5 cm)
Depth
10.04" (25.5 cm)
Cord Storing
Manual
On-Board Tool Storage
No
Vacuum Rack/Station
Yes

This vacuum isn't too hard to store. It comes with a 'Rinse and Storage Tray' that you can position it on to let it dry after mopping, and there's even a separate slot to place the brushroll.

7.2
Design
Dirt Compartment
Bagless
Yes
Volume
0.12 gal (0.45 L)
Full Indicator
Yes
Bag Included
No Bag Needed

The dirt compartment is decently well-sized. It has roughly the same capacity as most standard cordless stick vacuums, like the Dyson V15 Detect. There's a max fill line that lets you know when it's full when vacuuming. A separate 'Floater' component automatically shuts off the suction motor and produces a screeching noise once the dustbin is filled with water while mopping.

Design
In The Box

  • BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro
    • Vacuum body
    • Vacuum handle with wand
    • Dirt compartment
    • Water tank
    • Filter with filter screen
    • 2x Multi-Surface brushrolls
    • Strainer
    • Brushroll cover
  • Various accessories
    • 2x 8oz Multi-Surface Pet with Febreze detergent bottles
    • Water rinse jar
    • Vacuum tray
    • Brushroll holder for vacuum tray
    • Manuals

6.8
Design
Range
Cordless
No
Cord Length
25.10 ft (7.7 m)
Hose Length
N/A
Minimum Wand Length
3.54 ft (1.08 m)
Maximum Wand Length
3.54 ft (1.08 m)
Total Range
28.54 ft (8.70 m)

Its range is adequate. Its power cord is long enough to allow you to clean most rooms without swapping outlets. Unfortunately, its wand doesn't extend or retract, so you might find it hard to find a height that suits your preferences. If you're looking for a similarly designed hybrid vacuum/mop but don't want to deal with the hassle of a power cord, consider the BISSELL CrossWave Cordless Max.

7.4
Design
Portability
Total Weight
11.55 lbs (5.24 kg)
Weight In Hand
3.06 lbs (1.39 kg)
Carrying handle
Yes

This appliance is decently portable. While its overall weight is considerably heavier than cordless vacuums like the BISSELL Adapt Ion, it's much lighter than most conventional uprights like the Shark APEX Upright. It feels very light and has a built-in carrying handle to make it easier to pick up and carry wherever you may need it.

0
Design
Battery
Minimum Battery Life
N/A
Maximum Battery Life
N/A
Recharge Time
N/A
Recharge Dock
No
Battery Life Indicator
No
Removable Batteries
No
Design
Quality Of Life Features
Rotating Head
Yes
Power Adjustment
Yes
Self-Propelled
No
Headlights
No
Easy On/Off
Yes
Head Surface Type Adjustment
Manual

This vacuum doesn't have that many quality-of-life features. There are two surface settings that you can select with a handle-mounted switch: 'Area Rug' or 'Hard Floor'. However, this setting only adjusts the amount of detergent sprayed onto the brushroll when you pull the trigger, and it doesn't adjust brushroll height or suction power.

Note: While the floorhead does have a built-in light, it only turns on to illuminate the brushroll after pulling the detergent release trigger. Since this light doesn't stay on or help you see in darker corners, this isn't considered an actual headlight. As such, we set the 'Headlight' result to 'No'.

Design
Tools And Brushes
Brushroll
Yes
Brushroll On/Off
No
Removable Brushroll
Yes
Turbo Brush
No
Crevice Tool
No
Upholstery Tool
No
Soft Bristle Brush
No
Hard Bristle Brush
No
Extension Wand
No
Ceiling Fan Tool
No
Pet Grooming Tool
No

There are no additional attachments included with this appliance, though there is an additional replacement brushroll for its floorhead.

Design
Alternative Configuration
Blower Mode
No
Performance
8.2
Performance
Bare Floor Performance (Hardwood, Laminate, Tiles)
Setting Used "hard floor"
Large Debris at 0 gal (0L) 86%
Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 86%
Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A
Small Debris at 0 gal (0L) 100%
Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 97%
Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A

Debris pickup performance on bare floors is great. It easily cleans small debris like rice and sucks up most bulky debris like cereal, though you might need to make an extra pass to clean it all up.

6.0
Performance
Low-Pile Carpet Performance
Setting Used "area rug"
Large Debris at 0 gal (0L) 39%
Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 33%
Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A
Small Debris at 0 gal (0L) 58%
Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 56%
Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A

Vacuuming performance on low-pile carpet is mediocre. It does a decent job dealing with fine debris like baking soda but has a harder time sucking up larger material like sand.

7.0
Performance
High-Pile Carpet Performance
Setting Used "area rug"
Large Debris at 0 gal (0L) 45%
Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 44%
Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A
Small Debris at 0 gal (0L) 65%
Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L) 64%
Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L) N/A
Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L) N/A
Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L) N/A

The vacuuming performance on high-pile carpet is satisfactory. The BISSELL does a good job cleaning fine debris like baking soda, but you might need to make one or two extra passes to deal with larger material like sand.

9.4
Performance
Pet Hair Floor Performance
Bare Floor
95%
Low-Pile Carpet
99%
High-Pile Carpet
98%

This appliance does a fantastic job dealing with pet hair on floors. It easily cleans this kind of debris on bare surfaces as well as on low and high-pile carpet.

6.9
Performance
Suction
Maximum Hose Suction
11.8 inHâ‚‚O (2.94 kPa)
Maximum Head Suction
3.4 inHâ‚‚O (0.85 kPa)
Normal Head Suction
3.4 inHâ‚‚O (0.85 kPa)
Setting Used For Normal "hard floor"
Hose Diameter
N/A

Real-world suction performance is okay, though this appliance can lose a significant degree of suction if you don't clean its filter regularly. Since there's no difference in brushroll height or suction power when swapping between the 'Hard Floor' and 'Area Rug' modes, you likely won't experience any changes in debris pickup performance depending on the mode you select.

6.0
Performance
Airflow
Maximum Hose Airflow
40.6 CFM (1.1 m³/min)
7.4
Performance
Noise
Bare Floor
81.2 dBA
Low-Pile Carpet
79.6 dBA

This vacuum is somewhat loud. At roughly 80 dBA, you'll find it very difficult to hear anyone talking nearby or any other background noise while it's running. Since there are no power adjustment settings or attachments that would impact airflow, you won't notice any significant differences in how loud this vacuum gets. It's worth noting that the 'Floater' component inside the dirt compartment makes a noticeable screeching noise when it fills up with water.

6.0
Performance
Maneuverability

This appliance can be a bit of a hassle to maneuver. Its floorhead pivots, allowing you to maneuver around obstacles pretty easily. However, its bulky body gets in the way when cleaning under tables and chairs. Shag-pile carpeting is also a significant obstacle for this vacuum, as it can get stuck inside the floorhead. Thankfully, you likely won't experience this problem while vacuuming low or moderately high-pile rugs and carpets.

0
Performance
Pet Hair Furniture Performance
Sofa Pickup Post Test

There's no handheld configuration for this vacuum, so it isn't suitable for vacuuming pet hair on furniture.

Performance
Air Quality
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
No

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro seals in most fine particles, but some can still escape from its post-motor exhaust.

6.0
Performance
Cracks
Wood Cracks Post Test

This appliance does a mediocre job of dealing with debris in cracks. It lacks the sufficient real-world suction force to lift debris embedded in deeper crevices, but it won't have too much trouble dealing with it in shallower cracks.

7.5
Performance
Stains
Stain Pickup Post Test

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro does a good job dealing with stains. Unlike shop vacuums like the RYOBI 18V One+ 3 Gal. Project Wet/Dry, it has a detergent-dispersal function for its floorhead that helps deal with dried-on dirt and debris. The manufacturer recommends using the 'Hard Floor' setting to clear stains on bare surfaces but using the 'Area Rug' mode for stubborn messes since it releases more detergent onto the brushroll. It's worth noting that this vacuum can leave behind a small amount of residue after completing a pass, though thankfully it's pretty easy to clear away. You'll probably need to make several passes to fully clean most stains, and a hand mop will likely be more efficient in cleaning stubborn stains since you can manually provide a greater degree of surface agitation.

8.0
Performance
Water
Wet Compatible
Compatible without immersion
Water Pickup Post Test

The BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro does a great job of sucking up water. It leaves the surface slightly damp but has no trouble clearing the water as a whole.

Automation
0
Automation
Physical Automation
Automatic Recharging
No
Automatic Bag Emptying
No
Pathing Algorithm
No Pathing Algorithm
Physical Boundary Markers
No
Scheduled Start Buttons
No
Cycle Control Buttons
No
Navigation Control Buttons
No
0
Automation
Companion App Automation
App Name
No App
iOS Availability
No
Android Availability
No
Software Boundary Markers (No Go Zones)
No
App Scheduled Start
No
App Cycle Control
No
Navigation Control within App
No