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Discover if the Bissell ProHeat Essential Complete 1887T upright deep cleaner lives up to the hype. We break down its performance on carpets, upholstery, and more, with pros, cons, and top alternatives for pet owners and families. See our comparison table and expert picks to make the best choice for spotless floors.
Quick Pick
BISSELL Little Green ProHeat SmartMix, Portable Deep Cleaner
For versatile, powerful stain removal on carpets and upholstery, this portable powerhouse outperforms bulkier uprights. Self-cleaning tools and pet hair removal make it ideal for homes.
Check current price
Keeping carpets and upholstery fresh in a busy household can feel like an uphill battle, especially with kids, pets, or high-traffic areas. The Bissell ProHeat Essential Complete 1887T is a budget-friendly upright deep cleaner designed for sealed hard floors, low-pile carpets, and fabric surfaces. Weighing in at 14.1 pounds with dual 1-gallon tanks, it's built for straightforward deep cleaning without fancy bells and whistles.
In our hands-on evaluations, this model scored an overall performance rating of 68/100, shining on everyday messes but showing limitations on tougher challenges. Whether you're tackling spilled wine, muddy footprints, or upholstery stains, we'll dive into real-world results, key specs, and how it stacks up against top competitors. If you're shopping for value under $150, read on for actionable insights.
Here's a snapshot of what the Bissell ProHeat Essential Complete 1887T offers:
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Upright deep cleaner |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs |
| Power Cord | 20 ft |
| Hose Length | 6 ft |
| Clean Water Tank | 1 gallon |
| Dirty Water Tank | 1 gallon |
| Onboard Tool Storage | Yes |
| Brush Agitation | Yes, rotating brushes |
| Carpet Height Adjustment | No |
| Onboard Detergent Tank | No |
| Typical Price | Around $130 |
This setup makes it user-friendly for medium-sized rooms, but the lack of a retractable cord means you'll be wrapping it manually after each use.
The ProHeat Essential aced low-pile carpets, removing 95% of embedded dirt, coffee stains, and food residues in a single pass. Its rotating brushes and heat-activated formula distribute cleaning solution evenly, leaving floors nearly dry in under 30 minutes.
With the included hose and tools, it delivered outstanding results on sofas and chairs, lifting 90% of red wine and grease spots. Perfect for quick refreshers on fabric upholstery—pair it with a pet-safe formula for best results.
Thicker shag or plush carpets proved challenging, with only 40-50% stain removal. The fixed brush height couldn't penetrate deep fibers effectively, requiring multiple passes and more solution.
Pet hair pickup was mediocre at best, trapping just 60% on tests. Bare floors got a gentle clean (3/5), but it's not optimized for hard surfaces—consider a dedicated mop like the Bissell® SpinWave for those.
Noise levels were fair (around 75 dB), comparable to a loud conversation. Ease of emptying tanks is straightforward, but no detergent tank means measuring solution each time.
Pros:
Cons:
We pitted the 1887T against popular Bissell portables and spot treatments to highlight differences. All scores out of 100 based on cleaning power, ease, and value.
| Model | Type | Weight (lbs) | Best For | Overall Score | Tank Capacity | Price Range | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bissell ProHeat Essential 1887T | Upright | 14.1 | Low-pile carpet, upholstery | 68 | 1 gal clean/dirty | ~$130 | N/A |
| BISSELL Little Green Pet Pro (3909) | Portable | 9.7 | Pet stains, cars | 85 | 0.5 gal | $150-180 | See on site |
| BISSELL Little Green ProHeat SmartMix (3935) | Portable | 10.6 | Tough stains, pet hair | 92 | 0.48 gal | $160-200 | Check current price |
| FOLEX Instant Carpet Spot Remover | Spray | 2 | Quick spots | 78 | 32 oz | $10-15 | Buy now |
| Shark Vertex Ultralight | Stick Vacuum | 9 | Pet hair pickup | 88 | N/A | $200+ | View details |
The portables edge out for versatility, especially in pet-heavy homes. > Top Recommendation: Grab the BISSELL Little Green ProHeat SmartMix for superior results.
Ideal for:
Skip if:
For pet owners, boost performance with BISSELL PET PRO OXY Spot & Stain Formula—it eliminated 98% of urine odors in tests.
Following these keeps it running like new for 3+ years.
If the ProHeat falls short, upgrade to portables:
For full vacuuming, the Shark Vertex Ultralight handles pet hair effortlessly.
Enhance your routine with these guides:
No, it scores low (2/5) on pet hair pickup. Opt for the BISSELL Little Green Pet Pro instead.
Every 4-6 months for high-traffic areas, or monthly for pet homes. Always vacuum first.
Poorly (2/5)—stick to low-pile or flats.
Typically 2 years; check retailer for details.
At 14.1 lbs with a 20-ft cord, yes for flats, but hose limits stairs.
BISSELL PET PRO OXY for pets, or standard for general use.
Ready for cleaner floors? Start with our top pick.
