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Bissell PowerFresh Review

A simple, easy-to-operate, highly effective steam-cleaning device with a motivating price tag
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Bissell PowerFresh Review (While the PowerFresh doesn't have traditional attachments like some other models, it does have a useful fold-down...)
While the PowerFresh doesn't have traditional attachments like some other models, it does have a useful fold-down scrubber.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $93 List
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Manufacturer:   Bissell
By Genaveve Bradshaw and Nick Miley  ⋅  Apr 24, 2023
82
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 13
  • Cleaning Performance - 40% 9.0
  • Ease of Use - 25% 8.1
  • Maneuverability - 20% 7.8
  • Features - 15% 6.8

Our Verdict

We were quite impressed with the simple but effective design of the Bissell PowerFresh. While the unit is optimized primarily for hard floors, it has a plush mop pad that helps it work into corners and a duel-swiveling head that helps it get under appliances. Admittedly minor, our only complaints are that you can't easily monitor the water level, the fold-down scrub brush isn't bigger, and the back of the mop head isn't flat. That said, this relatively inexpensive steam mop delivered great results on all hard surface types, and the price is more than fair. See how it measures up versus competitors in our article on the top-rated steam mops.
REASONS TO BUY
Built-in scrub brush
Stands unsupported
Articulating head
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited accessories
Designed for floors only
Scrub brush is a bit small

Compare to Similar Products

 
bissell powerfresh
This Product
Bissell PowerFresh
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Steam Mop
    
Price $93 List
$92.00 at Amazon
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$80 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
82
82
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58
Star Rating
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Bottom Line A well-designed, simple, effective, and competitively priced steam-cleaning deviceThe best choice for when the floor is the priority and you don't need a bunch of extra attachments or fussHelpful accessories and average cleaning performance make this a decent budget option but not our top recommendationA budget-friendly option that gets the job done at the cost of time and effortA straightforward and budget-friendly option that unfortunately lacks the steam for the heavy duty jobs
Rating Categories Bissell PowerFresh Bissell PowerFresh... Hoover Steam Comple... PurSteam 10-in-1 Shark S1000
Cleaning Performance (40%)
9.0
9.0
7.2
5.3
5.4
Ease of Use (25%)
8.1
8.4
7.3
6.4
7.6
Maneuverability (20%)
7.8
8.2
7.6
5.0
6.2
Features (15%)
6.8
5.9
8.0
8.0
3.0
Specs Bissell PowerFresh Bissell PowerFresh... Hoover Steam Comple... PurSteam 10-in-1 Shark S1000
Steam Adjustability Low, med, high Low, high Dial Dial (manufacturer claims 3 settings) No
Water Tank Capacity 455 ml 474 ml 379 ml 380 ml (manual)
340 ml (website)
375 ml
Water Fill Opening Diameter 1" 1" .5" and 1" 1" 1"
Pad Attachment Elastic Elastic Velcro Velcro Hands-free
Additional Mop Head? Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Included Pads 2 2 2 2 2
Cleaning Brush? No Yes Yes Yes No
Hose Attachment? No No Yes Yes No
Cord Length 23' 25' 26' 15.6' 18'
Additional Accessories Included Microfiber soft pad, microfiber scrubby pad, spring breeze fragrance discs and a carpet glider Built-in scrubber Steam connector and hose, XS & XL plastic brush, steel wire brush, grout brush, hard surface squeegee, upholstery cloth, angled, crevice tool, steam and scraper tool, carpet glider, 2 mop pads, tool storage bag Steamer jet, window squeeqee, small brush, scraper, angled nozzle, big brush, double brush, small plastic cup and funnel for filling water tank 2 dirt grip pads, removeable water tank

Our Analysis and Test Results

The PowerFresh stands apart from the competition on account of its simple, effective, and easy-to-use design. It cleans well on various hard surface types, busts tough stains, and has useful accessories.

Performance Comparison


bissell powerfresh - the powerfresh a packs a punch, knocking back the most challenging...
The PowerFresh a packs a punch, knocking back the most challenging messes on all kinds of hard surfaces.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Cleaning Performance


Cleaning performance is what one expects from a steam mop — otherwise, why replace the old bucket and mop combo? A steam mop allows you to break up caked-on substances and stains that have had time to set up, and it penetrates porous material like grout and tile. The PowerFresh delivered a cleaning performance that met all these expectations. Our testing revealed that, no matter the medium, this mop busted through the grime, dirt, and goop, leaving behind a shiny surface. In addition, testers reported that the mop was enjoyable to use due to its thoughtful, practical design and satisfactory cleaning outcomes.


Our cleaning performance testing consists of multiple surface types, including synthetics (laminate and vinyl), tile, and stone. Additionally, we simulate two types of messes to clean. In the first case, we used a mud slurry sloshed on the floor and trod upon to emulate someone walking through the house with muddy boots. The tracks were allowed to dry, and then we went to work. The second mess was a mixture of ketchup and coffee grounds painted on the surface — also allowed to dry. The PowerFresh did exceedingly well on all surface types but stood out for its performance on synthetic flooring, displaying a smooth glide across the mud-caked material. The more suborn stains produced with the ketchup and coffee grounds concoction were effectively removed, albeit with more work, higher steam settings, and the use of the mophead's convenient fold-down scrub brush.

The PowerFresh working on stubborn stains - it takes a few passes and the use of the fold-down scrubber to fully remove these tough messes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The PowerFresh excelled at synthetic surfaces and also did quite well on tile and stone. However, testers had to resort to the high steam setting and go a bit slower to allow the steam to penetrate the surface material, especially when tackling our dried ketchup concoction. In this latter case, the mop pad required cleaning as it had absorbed so much ketchup and coffee gunk. Swapping the pads was a bit of a pain but a good sign that the mop was doing its job. All told, the PowerFresh delivered a very impressive cleaning performance, leaving behind squeaky clean surfaces no matter the mess it faced.

bissell powerfresh - the fold-down scrub brush on the back of the mop head gives it an...
The fold-down scrub brush on the back of the mop head gives it an extra kick when the going gets tough.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


Our ease of use metric assesses design and performance as it pertains to the user experience. It's great if a mop gets a floor clean. However, who wants to do the work if it's a bother? Steam mops promise to be easier and more effective than the traditional mop and bucket system. As such, we are happy to report that the PowerFresh meets this expectation.


We look at various features when assessing the ease of use of a steam mop. More than making a simple assessment, we log several hours mopping so that we have a thorough handle on how the device will perform in various situations. The PowerFresh has several good features (and a few bad ones) affecting its ease of use. We like that this mop stands up independently, thus eliminating the need to prop it in a corner. We also appreciate that the water tank is removable, transparent, and has a decent capacity of 455 ml. However, when connected to the mop, the water level in the tank is no longer visible. That said, tank removal, filling, and reconnection are about as easy as it gets.

bissell powerfresh - the powerfresh's water tank is among the easiest to fill and install.
The PowerFresh's water tank is among the easiest to fill and install.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Heat-up and steam control selection on the PowerFresh are quick, easy, and effective. The mop must be plugged in and given about 30 seconds to heat the water. After these initial steps, just select the steam setting you need by pressing one of the buttons on the handle.

bissell powerfresh - a simple user interface and satisfactory cleaning outcomes make this...
A simple user interface and satisfactory cleaning outcomes make this mop a winner.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Clean-up of the device is also straightforward. The cleaning pads covering the mop are thick and shaggy, making them great at absorbing moisture and holding dirt. The pads secure to the mop head with an elastic band, making them a cinch to attach and remove. Additionally, the PowerFresh comes with two cleaning pads that are washable and, thus, reusable.

bissell powerfresh - the powerfresh's shaggy pads are one of the secrets to its success...
The PowerFresh's shaggy pads are one of the secrets to its success. They conform to inconsistencies and are very absorptive.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


Maneuverability might not be the first thing one thinks about when shopping for a steam mop. Still, it immediately becomes evident when mopping that this is an important consideration. To analyze maneuverability, we look at how well the mop glides over various flooring surfaces, how well it cleans along the edge of a surface like a baseboard, and other restrictions to mobility, like the power cord length. While the performance of the PowerFresh is well above average in this metric, it fell short of the top marks it garnered in the previous metrics. The main issue here is that the mop head's curved backside makes it more difficult to work along edges in certain situations.


The PowerFresh has a dual swiveling head allowing a wide range of manipulation. As such, testers found it easy to fit into common nooks and crannies, such as under a dishwasher and cabinet overhangs. The thick mop head pad also compresses into corners, allowing it to work into spaces that the ridged head otherwise could not. Moreover, we found that the 23-foot power cord was adequate for all but the largest rooms, thus making switching outlets a rare affair. All told, we found the PowerFresh to be quite maneuverable and effective in all but a few edge cases.

bissell powerfresh - the powerfresh's long power cord makes it easy to move around the...
The PowerFresh's long power cord makes it easy to move around the cleaning area unencumbered. We also like the convenient storage on the handle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Features


This metric assesses the extras items that come with the steam mop, such as extra mop heads and attachments. Some will appreciate the simplicity of a device like the PowerFresh. However, its limited features hurt it in this evaluation. Yet, the mop has the essential features and accessories to make it a completely effective and convenient device.


The PowerFresh comes with an extra mop head and pads, a plastic carpet gliding attachment, and a cleaning brush. However, it lacks a hose or any attachments that would make it useful for cleaning furniture or counters. The mop does include some “fragrance disks” that fit into a pocket on the inside of the mop pad. Finally, while it's not a traditional “attachment,” we like the fold-down scrub brush on the back of the mop head for working over tough stains.

bissell powerfresh - while the powerfresh doesn't have traditional attachments like some...
While the PowerFresh doesn't have traditional attachments like some other models, it does have a useful fold-down scrubber.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Bissell PowerFresh?


Yes. Few products check so many boxes in our evaluation as neatly as the PowerFresh. This steam mop is simple, effective, and easy to use. Additionally, the price point is very competitive.

What Other Steam Mops Should You Consider?


If you're looking for a steam mop that can do more than clean the floor, the Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet has many attachments and a lift-off head for spot cleaning. It also specializes in tackling the unique messes that only a pet can create. On the other hand, if you want a mop that will stand up to cleaning outdoor spaces, check out the McCulloch MC1385 Deluxe. This mop has a huge tank that pumps out pressurized steam and has a host of specialized attachments to clean various tough surfaces.

Genaveve Bradshaw and Nick Miley