Are you confused, wondering which Bissell ProHeat 2X deep cleaner is the best…
There are minor differences between the basic ProHeat 2X, the CleanShot, and the Select and Select Pet. Use and operation of each cleaner is basically the same – it’s the bells and whistles that come with each that you should look at when making a decision.
The CleanShot (Model #9500) is currently the most expensive in this line, with a suggested retail price of $329.99. It comes with the exclusive CleanShot technology, providing an extra dose of cleaning power at the touch of a button. It also has the exclusive DryAir feature, which provides heated air for quicker carpet drying times. Find out more about the Bissell ProHeat 2X CleanShot…
The Select (Model #9400) retails for $269.99. It includes Microban protection, which protects the cleaner against product deterioration, odors, and stains caused by bacteria, mold, and mildew. It also comes equipped with a twelve row Dual Dirtlifter Powerbrush, as well as several tools, including one for cleaning bare floors. Learn more about the Bissell ProHeat 2X Select 9400…
The Select Pet is very similar to Model #9400 above, except the included cleaning solutions are more suited for pet owners. There are two different models of this carpet cleaner. We prefer the Black Infusion Model #9400-4 over the Green Model #9400-3, because it has Microban protection, yet retails for the same amount of $269.99. Continue reading about the ProHeat 2X Select Pet upright cleaners…
Finally, the basic ProHeat 2X is the least expensive unit in this category, retailing for $229.99. There are two different models in this category – the Blue Illusion model 9200, and the titanium-colored 9200-T. Both come with 10 rows of PowerLifter Dirtbrushes and a 3 inch tough stain tool. However, we recommend going with the 9200-T model, because you receive the bare floor tool. Find out more about the Bissell 9200…
Features of the Bissell ProHeat 2X Series
All ProHeat 2X deep cleaner models have a built-in heater. Hot tap water should still be added to the carpet cleaner, but the heater will warm the water by another 25 degrees, not to exceed 190 degrees. For deep cleaning delicate materials, such as wool or oriental rugs, the switch located on the front of each machine is used to turn off the built-in heater.
The Bissell ProHeat uprights use Dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes for lifting dirt out of carpet fibers. Although all models use this type of floor brush, the number of rows of brushes included on each model varies. The PowerBrushes utilize a floating suspension that self-adjusts to different carpet heights.
The carpet cleaners have a 2-in-1 one gallon water tank that is mounted on the base of each unit. A heavy duty bladder inside the water tank holds the clean water. As the clean water in the bladder empties, it mixes with the cleaning formula, which is held in a separate container. Dirty water that is pulled back into the machine will collect around the outside of the bladder, staying separate from the clean water. The dirty water is emptied by pouring it out of the triangular-shaped opening in the back of the 2-in-1 water tank.
As mentioned before, the cleaning formula is automatically mixed with the hot tap water. Four settings control how much formula is mixed with the water – heavy traffic, normal clean, light clean, and water rinse. The cleaning solution may be left in the carpet cleaner during storage.
Some models of the Bissell ProHeat 2X upright series also have Microban protection. Although this protection will not have any direct effect on the machine’s cleaning capabilies, it does protect the carpet cleaners against bacteria, mold, and mildew, which can cause product deterioration, odors and stains.
Although the tools included with each ProHeat 2X model vary, the hose for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and other similar surfaces is already conveniently installed. To switch from floor cleaning to tools, use the ReadyTools dial. Simply turn the knob to “TOOLS” and attach the cleaning tool to the flexible hose. When finished, turn the knob back to “FLOOR CLEANING”.
Bissell also offers a line of Scotchgard cleaning solutions, which means you can use your ProHeat carpet cleaner on new carpeting, while still maintaining the 5-year limited stain warranty from 3M. Review your warranty first – however, in most cases you will not void it if you clean your carpets using Bissell cleaning solutions with Scotchgard protector every twelve months.
Use and Operation
Operation of the Bissell Pro Heat 2X series is fairly straightforward. For clean strokes, press the trigger and make one slow forward wet pass and one slow backward wet pass. To dry, release the trigger and make slow forward and backward passes until water is no longer being pulled up from the flooring surface. To rinse, repeat this entire process, except first turn the Custom Clean dial to rinse.
The process for cleaning bare floors is very similar to cleaning carpets. First attach the hard floor tool to the bottom of the machine by hooking it into the nozzle. Set the ReadyTools dial to floor cleaning, then set the Custom Clean dial to normal clean. Move the cleaner forward and back while depressing the trigger. To squeegee and suction up dirty water, move the machine forward and back without pressing the trigger. It is important to note that not all Bissell ProHeat 2X models come with the hard floor tool.
The flexible hose that is attached to the cleaner unit can be used for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and automobiles. Attach the cleaning tool to the hose. Set the ReadyTools dial to the hose attachments setting to allow spray and suction from the hose. The Custom Clean dial also works with the hose, and can by set to heavy traffic, normal clean, light clean or water rinse. Press the trigger on the selected to spray solution, and slowly move the tool back and forth. Release the trigger to suction dirty water. Different Bissell ProHeat 2X models have different tools.
Our Bissell Pro Heat 2X Review
Let’s first start with what we like about the Bissell ProHeat 2X models:
- Heated water (25 degrees warmer!), which results in cleaner flooring surfaces in less time. We like that there is an option to turn off the heating unit too.
- The hose and hand tools can be used with merely the flip of a switch, and they do a decent job.
- The cleaning solution is mixed as it is being used, so there is no waste, and no refill of the clean water tank is needed to rinse.
- Brushes do a good job of “grooming” carpeted surfaces, leaving them soft to the touch.
And now for the suggested improvements…
- We would like it if the 2-in-1 water tank was slightly bigger, to avoid frequent trips to the sink for emptying and refilling. It is also difficult to tell when the clean water tank is empty. The CleanShot is the one exception, because it has a flow gauge that stops spinning when the clean water tank or the cleaning solution is empty. We anticipate that this useful feature will be added to future ProHeat 2X models.
- Suctioning could be better. However, we did find that it noticeably improved when the heating element was turned off.
- Cleaning up the machine when finished took some time, because there were different parts (the nozzle and brushes) that are held in place with screws.
From Bissell ProHeat 2X, Return to Carpet Cleaners Review Home
I tried Model 9400 The suction was even lower then what I thought it might having seen coments on the internet! WATCH OUT it is really bad. BECAUSE the air has to flow through too many tight restrictions. Bad engineering! It will leave back much water. The suction is low both in pressure and volume. If the water remains in the carpet it may ruin underlaing floor and/or possibly you may get mold!
We have purchased two proheat bissells. The first would never prime and now the second takes many tries to get it to prime. Kind of hard to clean when the water doesn’t come out. No matter how carefully you follow the instructions it doesn’t work. Never again, total waste of money.
Had a Bissell for 4 years, it would leave the carpet wet and didn’t do a good job in general. I’ll be getting a Rug Doctor to replace it.
Awful machine , I spent $250 bucks on this crap and used it maybe 8 times and then it would not suc the water up out the carpet !!!!! Junk do not waste your money!!!!! Looking at Hoover now don’t look like it’s much better!!!!!!!
This is a review that I should have done about a year ago. Me and my husband thought it was going to be a great idea if we bought the upright machine carpet cleaner with the two tanks in one system. Since our family was growing and our carpet wasnt new when we started renting our place , i couldnt imagine having a baby crawl on dirty carpets. Well when we bought this machine it worked great! At first. Then about the second time we noticed it was becoming a bit of a headache having to run back and forth to clean one or both water tanks, the dirty water which was never easy to empty will leak it’s contents into the clean water, so you had to rinse everything out to make sure nothing gets back on the carpets, about the third use the machine was just soaking our carpets and not exactly picking up what it was spraying, we had flooded carpets which eventually led to mold and other disgusting smells. For six months before we moved, i had to lay blankets down over my carpet because of the stench that machine caused due to the water sitting and stagnating or rotting in the part where the water is sucked up ( what little water that it did suck up) or in the tanks…I cried, that this machine ruined a lot of moments that i could of had. I had to stop inviting people over because of the mess that machine left behind. Do not buy these products, they make more money off of replacing parts. It’s a total scam.
Finally we had to move it was so bad, new carpets = Hoover.
I don’t get all the bad reviews on this site! Just purchased the Bissell 2x Clean Shot and I love it. It took two separate times to clean this incredibly dirty wool area rug that I have (2 Pomeranians who have peed and pooped on it liberally, even with me constantly vacuuming and cleaning off with enzyme pet cleaner) and it did a magnificent job. I’m very happy with the machine – it performs exactly according to instructions. Yes, you have to take it apart afterwards, but so what? I think it’s a miracle of modern engineering. I use my dry vacuum to suck out dust, fibers, etc afterwards, in addition to washing out the tank. Yep, it does take an extra 5-10 minutes – again, so what? Love it, love it, love it.
DO NOT BUY A BISSELL PROHEAT 2 !!! I purchased mine 2 years ago and due to the number of problems I have had with it, have only used it a half dozen times. Where to begin? The very first time I used it, the water was not coming out of the dispenser…Had to keep refilling the cleaning fluid tank, as it was leaking and causing the blockage with the water tank. This happens everytime I use it and it takes me 3x as long to clean one room as is necessary. In addition, after you have been using it for several minutes, the dirty water will start to leak out, unless you empty the tank frequently. As far as the other utensils are concerned, Bissell needs to come up with a better model that will not cause the hose and upholstery nozzle to come undone in the middle of cleaning the carpet. I complained to the company within the first week of purchasing it and they couldn’t resolve the issue on the phone…They suggested that I take the machine to my nearest dealer that services it (for a fee!) and which is several miles away.
I had meant to post this review quite a while ago and used the Bissell today for an emergency clean-up…It just reminded me of the bad investment I made in purchasing this product. From now on, I will have my carpets professionally cleaned…
I used the bissell 8920 navy blue for the first time last week. My dad bought it and offered to let me use it. All I can say is WOW!!! It really did a magnificent job. It got out stains that the professional I hired last year could NOT get out, and it did it with ease. I love this machine so much that I am in the process of purchasing my own from the Bissell site. They are offering free shipping and up to $40.00 off. They have a variety of models to choose from. Now it’s decision time. The only thing that I didn’t like about the machine was that it runs out of water and soap quickly. But, the incredible job it does is worth the extra effort. Who ever said work was easy.
This all has me wondering………The person above said the heater gets clogged. I wonder, if it’s NOT only from the cleaning solution, but also hard water mineral deposits perhaps? Not sure if running clean water through would help that if it’s hard water. I could be wrong of course
Geez, I was searching online and thinking of getting one of these but I think I’ll get a Hoover or another machine that doesn’t have a heater……Maybe I can just microwave the water before putting it into the tank. Odd how a few haven’t had problems for years and others have problems after a few uses.
Purchased a Proheat 2X Model 9200, Received it as a gift from my husband…its winter, so in the spring after the rains I use it to clean my carpet (5 months later), does a decent job then Used it again in November (mind you the 2nd use) and the rollers stop spinning. I call Customer Service since I’m assuming that it is still in warranty (cannot locate receipt) customer service advised that they could not figure out the problem, so they decided to brush off the problem and send me some free belts, although I told her the belts were fine. Called then back sorry, out of warranty, take it to a repair shop on your own, are you kidding me, you don’t use these machines everyday like a vacuum cleaner…so took it to a shop cost me $15.00 to have it looked at and the Bissell Auth repairman tells me there is an electrical short and the motor does not appear like it will last long either, are you kidding me…I only used it 2 times, I have been going back and forth with Bissell and they keep sending the same generic emails over and over, horrible customer service and you cannot understand their agents as they do not speak clear English, I would think they would back their product up and not just for 1 year, if you have the opportunity to buy an extended warranty do it cause they won’t do nothing for you even if it is provin to be a manufacturers defect….
I received my Bissell Proheat 2X 9200 as a gift. The gift-giver lives across the street and is a relative. If that wasn’t the case, the neighbors would have seen it at the curb after the 3rd or 4rth use. What a piece of junk. Even a Bissell repair shop couldn’t fix it – and we brought it in TWICE.
I’ve used my Bissell Proheat 2X 9200 for 5 years. Just this past month, the floor jets stopped spraying, but the upholstery jet still worked fine. I took it apart and discovered that the heated water/solution exits the heater and flows into a T-fitting. The mixture flows unrestricted to the upholstery wand but has to go thru a solenoid activated valve to reach the floor jets. I disconnected the clear hose leading into the solenoid (from the T-fitting) and backflushed it with compressed air while holding the trigger. Since it appeared to be plugged with dried solution, I removed the plate on
the heater and cleaned it. Now it sprays better than ever.
Well, I just have to say, I have the Bissell Proheat x2 and it has really been a time pit, trying to figure out what is wrong with this thing. So I stumble on this website and just have to “vent”. I used this one time, worked fine. Second time, won’t spray at all. After spending some time trouble shooting, and looking on the web, decided it was probably the pump. Pretty ridiculous only after 2 uses. I took the thing apart to see how difficult it was to change out and decided it was impossible to get to without destroying it. My old Hoover lasted many years, so I will go back to the time tested and reliable…… HOOVER. Bissell really took a bite out of my wallet and sanity– I thought they were better than that. NEVER AGAIN!
I would reccommend that ANYONE who has problems with their Bissel product to inundate the Bissell company with their concerns. They obviously are only interested in profit and not promoting respect and trust in the Bissell name. I have a ProHeat 9200 that originally costs me around 300. I have had it for probably three years and have had to replace the pump, the solenoid, clean out the heater and cleaned and even replaced some tubing. I strongly urge anyone thinking about buying a Bissell product to NOT buy it. They make a highly inferior product, at least when it comes to the shammpooers. I am a very dissatisfied customer and feel I have been robbed by the Bissell company!!
We have had all of the same problems as listed above from other Bissell users. The hose attachment stops spraying, the water does not get sucked up from the carpet, etc etc etc. DO NOT buy a Bissell!!! We received our first Bissell for a wedding gift and used it 2 times before it stopped working so we decided to try another type of Bissell. We thought maybe it was a glich with the one type and saw the online reviews for the Bissell Pro Heat 2x. So that’s our next mistake. The ProHeat 2x has the same problems. We bought that one and had to take it back to the store twice. Ridiculous that they are just profiting off of others for pieces of junk!!!
We have had our Bissel Pro Heat 2x for 3 hours. It is being taken back to Wal-mart as I write this. It didn’t take away the dirt. Then carpet balls started leaving a trail all over my carpet. When I reached down to pick them up, I felt how wet my carpet was! I had a Hoover and we rented our other house (3000 square feet–NEW houe, new carpet) to a couple who had a fire in their home. They kept tracking in black soot from their burned house. The carpets were ruined, so I didn’t care how many times, I wanted to see if I could get them clean. I did with a Hoover and some good shampoo!!! We didnot have to buy new carpet!!! I used the same shampoo today and nothing came up becuase it was the vacuum. ahhhhhhh!!!!!
WHAT A JOKE !!! The Bissell name is mudd in my house . WE had a hoover before we bought this one and wish I had never switched . The customer service center is a joke and they speak from a script while on the phone . So I have numerous calls into bissell s corporate headquaters , who wants to take bets on how I wont get a phone call back from them ? I dont know what good it would do but I do intend to file a complaint with the better business bureau in their area and also with my state attorneys office as well . I think all of us that are unhappy should file a class action lawsuit against bisell and make them pay for an inferior product and yes they are aware that they are making an inferior product and making money off of them !!!! I will never ever again purchase anything bissell and I urge the rest of you to tell the truth that these machines are a royal class piece of junk !!!!
For some reason, I keep reading this site. I posted last year when my Bissell was a few days out of warranty and they would not fix it. I took the machine to my local repair shop, told them they could have it – use it for parts, whatever, and bought a reconditioned Hoover. It has worked wonderfully for over a year with absolutely no problem. Maybe the cleaning path isn’t is wide as the Bissell, but at least it cleans and sucks up the water. GO HOOVER!!!!
I’ve had my Bissell Proheat – model 8920 for a year an a half now. Granted I am somewhat satisfied with its` cleaning ability, but after using it for the first time, I noticed I had more cleaning up of the machine to do than the carpet. I have Greyhound dogs, with fine fur, although they do not really shed, they do lose hair when they shake. I sweep my carpets daily as to keep up with this. When I use Bissell Proheat, I find more hair on the brushes and bottom of the canister than can be imagined, subsequently there is a constant need to clean the bottom. After that first use, as was emptying the water tank I lightly bumped it on the sink. And crack a piece of the plastic broke off! A few months later, I finished cleaning my carpets, cleaned the machine and CRACK another piece of the tank broke. In all I would say this has happened at least five times…all I can say is thank God for Gorilla glue. My question is why does Bissell make these products out of a plastic that so easily cracks and breaks? I feel a carpet cleaner should be constructed of a more heavy duty material than such a breakable plastic that I have to baby it every time I use it! Today another piece broke from the water tank. Really???? I have found a web site that I can replace the part for $38 + shipping….but should I HAVE to put more money into a sweeper that was $250 at Walmart? Not very happy with Bissells` so called “standard of excellence” and will NEVER buy a Bissell product again……………..
Been putting off cleaning the carpets for a while, but decided to do it today. I’ve had my Bissell Proheat for about three years and it’s worked well enough, particulary when the dog has had an accident! Today though, no water spraying onto the carpet, although the hose seemed to be working OK. Fortunately, I was only doing a a couple of rugs, so what did I do? Managed – just – to spray the carpet in front of the machine as I pushed it along, couldn’t even contemplate doing this on a full sized carpet. It seemed to be sucking up OK, but then it stopped. So I Googled the problem and found this website http://vacuumcleanershop.com/wordpress/index.php/2011/06/how-to-prevent-clogs-on-a-bissell-steamer-carpet-cleaner/ which told me what the likely problem is – then I found this site. So, it’s down to the dump it goes, which will free up some valuable space & I’ll get a Rug Doctor in. The dog is going to have to have a stern talking to though……
DON’T BUY THIS CARPET CLEANER!! I bought one a few years ago and it quit spraying water. So I bought another model hoping Bissell had worked the bugs out. I used it one time and put it in the closet. Now it’s doing the same thing as the first one–can’t get it to spray any water/cleaning fluid. I took very good care of it. Like I said, used only once, then cleaned well afterwards and stored in our closet. What a waste of money. It’s in pieces on my floor right now, because I’m trying to figure out where/why it’s blocked. I’m just going to rent a Rug Doctor from the grocery store from now on, because it’s not worth spending $300 of this piece of crap for a one time use. I even tried calling the Bissell 800 number, which connected me to an Indian call center. I could barely understand the lady, and she made me feel like an idiot because I couldn’t understand most of what she said. She asked me ridiculous questions like is the water tank broken and leaking. She ended up referring me to a local vacuum shop for repair. USELESS.
I made the mistake of purchasing this machine as i thought it would be a huge conveniece for cleaning my carpets. I purchaed it 2 years ago and since then I have only been able to use it a total of 6 times! The fist time I used it, it worked great, however after that the cleaning was shoddy and machine clogged in several places to the point where it would not wet the carpet or suction the water up. I have had to put it in the shop several times and each time the repair person has said that all the cleaning solution crystalized and clogge the tubes. I am using the bissel carpet cleaner and dont understand how this can continue to happen. I just got it out of the shop again on 16 August 2011 and today, 27 August 2011 is my first time attempting to use it….expectedly IT DOES NOT WORK! At this point I am completely done with the Bissel ProHeat 2X and suggest you do not waste your time or money on this product!
We bought a ProHeat2X to replace an older Bissell that lasted more than 10 years. Right out of the box it failed to dispense solution. We fiddled with it and it worked sporadically but stops spraying for no apparent reason. It’s going back to the store and will be the last Bissell we purchase. The issue we had seems to be fairly constant throughout these reviews.
Worse than the fact we had a problem is the uselessness of Bissell’s offshore “customer service.” They’re obviously in India or somewhere similar and the reps are almost impossible to understand.
Combine an obvious design flaw with terrible telephone support and you get a learning experience. The lesson is NEVER BUY BISSELL!
Don’t buy a Bissell
Worst product I ever bought -
Used it one time and it did not work as good as my old (11 years old) Hoover — The second time I used it, it stopped working – had to take it in to service agency – they said it would probably take 10 days to evaluate and then I would have to wait for Bissell to replace since they aren’t worth fixing!
I have wasted my money and will have to go buy a Hoover to get my carpets clean
I bought @ Target and they would not take it back since I tried to return in 100 days. I asked just to trade it in on a Hoover and they said no.
The service agency does work on both Bissell and Hoover and he said that they hardly ever get in Hoovers for repair. He said that they get in lots of new Bissell machines with angry customers.
I bought mine 3 years ago, clean my carpets twice a year. The plastic piece of the front fell off, it does not suck water, the hose thing won’t squirt water, it leaked and left a huge stain on my carpet that I cannot get out. Total waste of money I am so angry for wasting my money on this thing. I don’t have a lot of money to spend on such things and take very good care of any product I purchase. I have no idea what kind of carpet cleaner to buy the next time I am lucky enough to have enough money to buy one.
I think there should be a WARNING on the box saying, “Once finished cleaning carpets, run vinegar and hot water through the machine to flush the detergent/hard water deposits out of the heating element before storing.”
HORRIBLE PRODUCT!! DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY, TIME, ENERGY, ETC.!! Mine quit sucking up the water after the first use. All it does is smear water and dirt all over the house. Now our carpets have to be replaced due to the mold and mildew this piece of s*** created. WILL NEVER BUY BISSELL AGAIN
Hi everyone! …..I bought the bissel2X last week,I used it once got great results! But I just tried again and the cleaning solution is running out so fast!! And draining on carpets!:( I am not impressed that I wasted the money on this machine
Do not buy this cleaner, it only sucks up 1/4 of the water it puts down, carpets smelled great after cleaning but took days to dry and then started smelling moldy.
Further to my comment made on Aug 22 2011, I didn’t take the cleaner to the tip. I decided to give it a last try by running white vinegar through both the detergent bottle and fresh water tank – DO NOT DILUTE! I stood it on the sink drainer, switched on and squeezed the sprayer trigger on the handle a few times until I was satisfied that some of the vinegar had managed to get into the lines. I left it for an hour or so, returning now and again to repeat squeezing the trigger, being rewarded by the sign of sediment appearing in the sink. Finally, the vinegar came through satisfactorily and the lines were clear. A quick rinse through with clean water and it was ready to go. In a hard water area where I live, using the heater is bound to create scale, so I’m going to rinse out the lines every time with vinegar after using it. I agree with imfromtheblock Sept 4 2011, it would be helpful to put a sign on the box about using vinegar after use. So, I’m pleased to be able to use my Bissel again – not every review should be negative!
Bought the Proheat pet (red one). It is a piece of junk that I will return. Cannot even take the time to go over all of the bad about this machine. Just avoid it and don’t waste your money.
I repair and service vacuums and extractors. In servicing them, I have found that the pre-heater does get clogged up after a while in hard water areas here in the hill country of Texas. Hot water does cause lime deposits to accumulate in the water tracks of the heater. It is taken apart and scraped out to service it. All water, whether the heater is on or not, has to pass through the heater. The machine has electrically controller servos that sometimes have gone bad. For even me it is difficult to figure out which one of the two or three it has that is the problem. Sometimes the pump is the problem if the machine is run without fluid in it. Still learning how to service them. The older versions had less problems, but you had two belts on them that need to be replaced now and then.
As to using the vinegar, it is a good idea. I have to run a coffee pot full of vinegar through my coffee pot all of the time to clean it out and then a clean water through it once also. Same principle on running vinegar through the Bissell. It would be a good thing if Bissell would post this on their cleaner manuals
Bissell Pro heat wont spray wont suck. Took care of it everytime I used it. What a piece of junk. Bissell you suck. Guess Ill have to try the vinegar idea. Never again will I purchase anything that has to do with Bissell and I will tell everyone I know not to either.
I’am a senior citizen living in a 1 bedroom apt. Have had this Bissell ProHeat 2x for a year and half.
have used it a total of 7 times first 2 ok after that solution won’t spray & nothing is being sucked up. now the rubber molding is coming apart. What a piece of junk, wasted my social security check on this. As of today it’s in the trash……………
To me, it’s only logical. Anything that uses tap water that’s HARD & a heater that heats that “hard tap water” is bound to clog. Look at coffee makers, humidifiers, etc.
Quite FRANKLY………..I’ve used distilled white vinegar & hot water to clean the carpets without the soap. The vinegar cleans the carpets and you don’t get soap build up and it keeps the machine clean at the same time. No chemicals and with the vinegar being used, it will keep the machine from clogging. The vinegar smell is gone once the carpets are dry and no need to rinse the diluted vinegar.