By Teresa Caruso · Updated October 7, 2026 A Bissell steam mop is one of the easiest ways to sanitize sealed hard floors with nothing but water and heat. The tricky part is choosing a model, because Bissell sells everything from an $80 basic mop to vacuum-and-steam combos and 3-in-1 handheld units.
We compared five of the most popular Bissell models on Amazon to help you pick the right one for your floors, your messes, and your budget.
How We Researched
We reviewed Bissell’s official product specs, the Amazon listings and customer ratings for each model (tens of thousands of reviews combined), and the most common owner questions on Google and Reddit. We then compared steam control, scrubbing features, handheld versatility, and price to choose the best Bissell steam mop for each type of buyer.
Prices and ratings were checked on Amazon at the time of writing and may change.
The 5 Best Bissell Steam Mops
1. Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe 1806 – Best Overall
The PowerFresh Deluxe is the model Google’s own overview points to as the best overall Bissell pick, and the Amazon listing backs it up with a 4.4-star average across more than 19,500 ratings. It heats up in about 30 seconds and lets you switch between High and Low steam, so you can go gentle on everyday dust and turn it up for kitchen spills.
The standout feature is the built-in SpotBoost Brush. Instead of grinding the pad back and forth over a dried-on mess, you use the brush to break it up with less effort. Bissell says the steam eliminates 99.9% of germs and bacteria on hard floors when used as directed, and you can drop in an optional Spring Breeze fragrance disc if you like a fresh scent.
If you want one well-rounded mop for tile, sealed hardwood, and other sealed floors, this is the safest bet.
- Built-in SpotBoost Brush for sticky, dried-on messes
- Ready to clean in about 30 seconds
- High and Low steam modes
- Optional fragrance discs
- Only two steam levels (the 1940A has three)
- Corded, so you'll switch outlets in large homes
- Not for unsealed wood or other moisture-sensitive floors
2. Bissell PowerFresh 1940A – Best Value
The PowerFresh 1940A is the most-reviewed Bissell steam mop on Amazon by a wide margin, with a 4.5-star average from over 48,000 ratings. At $79.99 it is also the most affordable model in this guide, and it still includes the features most people actually use.
You get three steam settings for light refreshes, everyday dirt, and stuck-on spills, plus a flip-down Easy Scrubber for dried messes and grout buildup. The XL water tank is removable, so you can refill it at the sink, and the 23-foot power cord lets you cover more floor before changing outlets. Bissell lists it for sealed hardwood, tile, ceramic, granite, and marble.
- Lowest price in our lineup
- Three steam settings
- Flip-down Easy Scrubber for grout and dried spills
- Removable XL tank and 23-foot cord
- No handheld or above-floor mode
- Corded
- Basic design with no vacuum function
3. Bissell PowerSteamer Heavy Duty 3-in-1 2685A – Best for Tough Messes
The PowerSteamer is built for bigger jobs than a typical floor mop. Bissell markets its high-temperature steam for dirt, grime, grease, stains, and mold across a wide range of indoor and outdoor surfaces, including garages and workshops.
It works as an upright steam cleaner, an extended-reach cleaner, or a handheld unit. Variable steam modes and an on-demand trigger let you control exactly how much steam comes out, which helps on surfaces where you don’t want to over-wet. A wall mount is included for storage.
Choose this one if your “floor cleaning” also means grout lines, stovetops, patio furniture, or a grimy garage.
- 3-in-1: upright, extended reach, and handheld
- High-temperature steam for grease and grime
- Variable steam with on-demand trigger
- Wall mount for storage
- Lower average rating (4.2 stars) than the PowerFresh models
- More than most people need for simple floor mopping
- Corded
4. Bissell PowerFresh Slim 3-in-1 – Best Steam Mop + Handheld
The PowerFresh Slim combines a slim, swivel-steering floor mop with a detachable handheld steamer. It reaches up to 275°F, according to Bissell, and the steam-on-demand trigger means you only release steam where you need it.
It comes with nine tools, including a grout tool, scraper, brushes, a flat surface tool, and a clothing steamer tool, so the same machine can handle bathrooms, kitchen counters, and wrinkled curtains. The low profile glides under and around furniture, and a 25-foot cord gives you more reach than the other mops here.
- Floor mop, extended-reach cleaner, and handheld in one
- 9 included tools
- Up to 275°F steam with on-demand trigger
- Slim swivel head and 25-foot cord
- Pricier than the floor-only PowerFresh models
- Holding the trigger takes getting used to
- More parts to store
5. Bissell PowerFresh Vac & Steam 2747A – Best Vacuum + Steam Combo
Most steam mop guides tell you to vacuum first, because steam turns loose crumbs and hair into a muddy mess. The Vac & Steam 2747A solves that by vacuuming and steaming at the same time.
Easy-touch digital controls let you choose vacuum only, steam only, or both together. Cyclonic suction picks up dirt, pet hair, and crumbs, and the kit includes a soft microfiber pad for everyday cleaning plus a scrubby pad for tough messes. It is the best Bissell steam mop if you want to cut floor cleaning down to a single pass.
- Vacuums and steams in one pass
- Vacuum-only, steam-only, or combined modes
- Picks up pet hair and crumbs
- Soft and scrubby pads included
- Most expensive model in this guide
- Heavier and bulkier than a steam-only mop
- More parts to empty and clean
Bissell Steam Mop Comparison Table
| Model | Best For | Steam Control | Scrubbing | Handheld | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerFresh Deluxe 1806 | Most homes | High / Low | SpotBoost Brush | No | 4.4 (19.5K) |
| PowerFresh 1940A | Budget buyers | 3 settings | Flip-down Easy Scrubber | No | 4.5 (48.2K) |
| PowerSteamer 2685A | Grease, grime, garages | Variable + trigger | Handheld tools | Yes | 4.2 (9.3K) |
| PowerFresh Slim 3-in-1 | Floors + above-floor | On-demand trigger | 9 tools incl. grout tool | Yes | 4.3 (6.3K) |
| Vac & Steam 2747A | One-pass cleaning, pets | Digital modes | Scrubby pad | No | 4.2 (10.4K) |
Is a Bissell Steam Mop Worth It?
For most homes with sealed hard floors, yes. A steam mop cleans with water and heat, so you stop buying bottled floor cleaner and disposable pads. Bissell’s microfiber pads are machine-washable and reusable.
Steam also loosens sticky kitchen spills and grout grime faster than a regular wet mop, especially on models with a built-in scrubber like the 1940A or Deluxe.
The main downside is floor compatibility. Heat and moisture can damage unsealed, waxed, or some engineered wood, as well as some laminate and vinyl plank floors. If you are not sure your floor is sealed, check with the flooring manufacturer before you steam.
How to Use a Bissell Steam Mop
- Vacuum or sweep first. Steam turns loose dust and hair into streaks. (The Vac & Steam 2747A does this step for you.)
- Attach a clean pad. Use the soft pad for everyday cleaning and a scrubby pad for tougher messes.
- Fill the tank. Bissell recommends distilled or demineralized water to reduce mineral buildup.
- Plug in and let it heat. Most PowerFresh models are ready in about 30 seconds.
- Pick a steam level. Start low on more delicate sealed floors and turn it up for stuck-on spills.
- Keep moving. Don’t park the mop in one spot, and always set it on its storage tray or a heat-safe mat when you pause.
- Wash the pad after use so it doesn’t spread old dirt next time.
What Floors Can You Use a Bissell Steam Mop On?
Generally safe (when sealed): ceramic and porcelain tile, sealed hardwood, sealed stone such as granite and marble, and other sealed hard floors listed in your model’s manual.
Avoid or check first: unsealed or waxed hardwood, cork, many engineered wood floors, some laminate, and some luxury vinyl plank. Excess heat and moisture can cause warping, swelling, or discoloration.
If your home is mostly hardwood and you are unsure about steam, a dedicated vacuum may be the better daily tool. See our guide to the best vacuum for hardwood floors.
What to Look For in a Steam Mop
- Steam control: Multiple settings or an on-demand trigger give you better control on different floors.
- Built-in scrubber: A flip-down scrubber or brush makes a real difference on dried spills and grout.
- Handheld mode: Worth it if you also want to steam counters, grout, stovetops, or fabric.
- Vacuum function: Saves a step if you have pets or kids dropping crumbs every day.
- Cord length and tank: A longer cord and removable tank make larger rooms faster to clean.
- Washable pads: Reusable microfiber pads keep running costs low.
Common Bissell Steam Mop Problems (and How to Avoid Them)
- Weak or no steam: Usually caused by mineral buildup from hard tap water. Using distilled water helps prevent clogs.
- Water leaking or puddling: Often a saturated pad or too high a steam setting. Swap to a dry pad and lower the steam.
- Knocking or gurgling noises: Owners commonly report this during use. Check your manual’s troubleshooting section if it persists.
- Using the wrong liquids: Bissell advises against putting vinegar or cleaning solutions in the water tank, because they can damage internal parts.
- Streaky floors: Usually means the floor wasn’t vacuumed first or the pad is dirty.
Bissell vs. Shark Steam Mop
Both brands make popular steam mops in a similar price range, so the choice usually comes down to features. Bissell’s PowerFresh line focuses on built-in scrubbers, fragrance discs, and simple steam settings, while its Vac & Steam and 3-in-1 models add vacuuming or handheld cleaning. If you like the idea of a scrubber built into the mop head and want a proven, heavily reviewed budget pick, the Bissell PowerFresh 1940A is hard to beat.
For carpets rather than hard floors, a steam mop isn’t the right tool. Take a look at our canister vacuum guide for whole-home vacuuming.
Not strictly, but Bissell strongly recommends distilled or demineralized water. Tap water contains minerals that can build up inside the mop over time and clog the steam path, which is one of the most common causes of weak steam.
No. Bissell advises against adding vinegar or other cleaning solutions to the water tank because they can damage internal components. Use plain water, and use Bissell’s fragrance discs if you want a scent.
Most steam mops last around 3 to 5 years with regular household use. Using distilled water, washing pads, and storing the mop properly all help it last longer.
In 2024, Bissell recalled about 3.2 million Steam Shot handheld steam cleaners (model series 39N7 and 2994) because they could expel hot water or steam and cause burns. According to the CPSC recall notice, steam mops were not part of that recall. Check your model number if you own an older Bissell handheld.
Only on sealed hardwood. Unsealed, waxed, and many engineered wood floors can warp or discolor from steam, so check with your flooring manufacturer first.
Usually because the floor wasn’t vacuumed first or the pad is already dirty. Vacuum before steaming, and switch to a clean pad when the current one looks gray.
The Bottom Line
For most people, the Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe 1806 is the best Bissell steam mop: quick to heat, easy to control, and good at sticky messes thanks to its SpotBoost Brush. If you want to spend less, the PowerFresh 1940A gives you three steam settings and a built-in scrubber for under $80. Choose the Slim 3-in-1 or PowerSteamer if you also want handheld cleaning, or the Vac & Steam if you want one-pass floors.
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