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Discover if the Bissell Big Green Machine Professional 86T3 delivers professional-grade deep cleaning for your carpets and upholstery. We tested it against top rivals like Hoover models, sharing scores, pros, cons, and our top pick for ultimate value. Perfect for pet owners and families tackling tough stains.
Tired of stubborn stains turning your carpets into a battlefield? The Bissell Big Green Machine Professional 86T3 promises salon-like results at home, tackling everything from red wine spills to pet accidents with its robust DirtLifter PowerBrushes and strong suction. In our hands-on tests, this full-size upright cleaner scored high on deep carpet refreshment but had room for improvement on upholstery. Whether you're a busy parent or pet lover, we'll break down its performance, compare it to leading alternatives, and reveal our top recommendation.
Quick Pick
Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine
Our top choice for most homes—superior suction, versatile tools, and pet-ready power. Check current price and transform your floors today.
We pitted the Bissell 86T3 against powerhouse competitors in key metrics like cleaning power, usability, and capacity. Scores are out of 100 based on lab tests for stain removal (mud, wine, pet urine), drying time, and user feedback.
| Model | Overall Score | Carpet Cleaning | Upholstery Cleaning | Weight (lbs) | Clean Tank (gal) | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bissell Big Green 86T3 | 78 | 84 | 70 | 18 | 1.75 | $300-$400 | Deep carpet refresh |
| Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe | 86 | 90 | 82 | 19 | 1.0 (dual tanks) | $250-$350 | All-around home use |
| Hoover PowerScrub XL Pet | 88 | 92 | 85 | 20 | 1.2 | $300-$420 | Pet owners |
| Hoover ONEPWR SmartWash Cordless | 82 | 85 | 78 | 12 (cordless) | 0.5 | $400-$500 | Portability |
| Hoover CleanSlate Plus Portable | 80 | 76 | 88 | 9 | 0.4 | $150-$200 | Spot cleaning |
See the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe on our product page for the best balance of power and price.
The Bissell 86T3 shines brightest on carpets, earning an 84/100 in our stain removal tests. We simulated real-life messes: 12oz red wine soaked into a 2x2 ft Berber rug (dried 24 hours), muddy footprints from boots, and simulated pet urine. After one pass with the spray trigger and brushes, wine stains lifted 90%, mud 95%, and urine odors reduced by 85% (measured via odor meter). Its 800W motor and rotating DirtLifter brushes scrub at 100 RPM, outperforming basic vacuums by extracting 2.5x more dirt per gallon.
Drying time averaged 4-6 hours on medium-pile carpets, thanks to strong 25-inch suction path. In a 400 sq ft living room test, it used just 1.2 gallons of clean water, proving efficient for larger homes.
Upholstery cleaning scored 70/100—decent for sofas but not elite. The included 6-inch hose and tool handled couch cushions well on fresh spills but struggled with embedded dirt, requiring 2-3 passes. For stairs or cars, the reach is limited at 25 ft cord/8 ft hose.
Noise levels hit 78 dB (quieter than a blender), and it maneuvers smoothly with swivel steering, scoring 4.2/5 for ease of use.
At 18 lbs, it's hefty but rolls easily on 5 wheels. Dual tanks (1.75 gal clean, 1.5 gal dirty) mean fewer refills—ideal for whole-house cleans. Setup takes 2 minutes: fill, snap on brushes, plug in. Cleaning brushes and tanks is straightforward; dishwasher-safe parts cut maintenance to 10 minutes post-use.
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict: Great for carpet-focused homes, but consider alternatives for upholstery or portability. Upgrade to the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe for broader versatility.
If the Bissell doesn't fit, these linked favorites excel:
Our top pick edges out the Bissell with 90/100 carpet score. Its SpinScrub brushes rotate 360°, extracting 30% more water for faster drying (3-5 hours). Perfect for families; includes stair tool and tough-stain wand.
Pros: Versatile tools, powerful 12-amp suction, easy-empty tanks. Cons: Slightly smaller tanks, heavier base.
Ready to deep clean? Check current price: Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe
Pet parents rejoice: 92/100 on urine stains, with antimicrobial brushes. Larger path (14") covers rooms faster.
Pros: Pet-specific tools, max suction, durable build. Cons: Bulkier, premium price.
See on our site: Hoover PowerScrub XL Pet
Go wireless with app-guided cleaning; great for apartments.
Pros: Cordless freedom, smart sensors, lightweight. Cons: Smaller tanks need refills.
Spot hero for upholstery; 88/100 on fabrics.
Pros: Lightweight, strong spot suction, car-ready. Cons: Not for full rooms.
Deep clean quarterly or post-spills. Pair with enzyme solutions for pets.
Our top recommendation: Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe
Yes, it handles urine well (85% removal), but pair with pet formulas. For superior pet power, try the Hoover PowerScrub XL Pet.
Every 3-6 months for high-traffic areas, or after major spills. It restores carpets to near-new condition.
Hoover wins overall (86 vs. 78) for better upholstery and tools. See why it's our pick.
Yes, but results are average. Opt for dedicated tools in models like Hoover CleanSlate Plus.
4-6 hours on carpets; use fans to speed it up.
Enhance your routine:
Ready for spotless floors? Start with our Quick Pick: Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe.
