written by on 02/08/2012
I have had my Bissell Aromapro dirtlifter for a number of years. This is my third one as the first when switched on the first time blew all my trip switches so went back to the shop. I was then given a new replacement which worked ok for a while (then leaked water everywhere)so again it was returned to Argos who told me I would get a letter of explaination as to why both machines were so faulty, and would I be prepared to try again with yet another machine. As I had just got a new puppy I really needed a shampooer to save my carpets from accidents, so I agreed with major reservations but reassured that I would be hearing from Bissell. Im still waiting five years on. The third machine worked great for about ten uses, but has had many problems and worked very intermittenly. It starts shampooing ok, sucks water ok, then it starts to play up. It wont spray properly, or the shampoo isnt released. Ive cleaned it carefully after each use so there was no reason for the spasmodic action of the machine. I have been very very patient with this shampooere because I really cannot afford to buy another one whatever the manufacturers name as I am a pensioner on resricted funds. Save your money and avoid Bissell I believe they are poorly made and possibly dangerous, mines banished into the garage never to be used again, and I hire a Rug Doctor now.
written by on 03/05/2011
I bought a Bissell 1698K power wash and have come to realise that I should have just chucked my money down the nearest drain. It is the most useless waste of space ever! It managed to work twice and then started with one problem after another. I have just forked out again for two new belts and two new red plastic retainers (as the originals snapped during use). The Bissell spares company charged me £10.40 for two postage sized pieces of plastic and £4 postage and packing. Total rip off. However, I persevered and replaced all the 'faulty' parts as recommended. It still would not work and now will only fire water out of the spray tool. After managing to do around 1m sq of my carpet the machine overheated and stank the house out with the smell of burning plastic. It now resides in the garage with the rest of the junk waiting to go to the dumpit site. Don't buy one - don't waste your money! I have to give the machine a star rating - pity there is no option for ZERO!
Written on: 09/07/2011
Same problem. Used mine once, worked fine, second time of usage, the smart mix tanks fails to pump out any shampoo. I've taken it apart and cleaned all the pipes within the unit and still no joy. Think I'll have to dig out my old vax.
Written on: 05/08/2011
yes its true heap of rubbish i cannot get my machine to release the solution onto the carpet its truly a heap of junk 140 pounds wasted for 2 washes disgusting ripp off
written by disgusted2011 on 23/01/2011
I've bought some rubbish in my time but Bissell must take the award for the worst carpet cleaners EVER!! Brand new and it was soon quite obvious that the main spray trigger wasn't working (and therefore you cannot shampoo a bone dry carpet). So, not one to complain, I noticed the hose and tool part did work so I set about cleaning the whole carpet this way on my hands and knees. Within minutes, the machine had tripped the house fuses (so clearly the spray trigger wasn't the only faulty connection). Changed fuse in plug etc but the machine would not work. They charge a small fortune for their equipment and it is frankly 100% useless!!!!!
written by on 15/01/2011
Rubbish, overpriced, under performing, electrical problems you name it. Bissell had the decency to replace my first one after numerous problems. The second has just ceased up after a year. Thats it! Count my losses and head for the recycle bin...they may refuse it anyway!
written by on 18/07/2010
When we bought this about 4 years ago, we paid extra for an additional 5 year warrnaty with Domestic & General. The machine has been back over 7 times for repair, every time it goes to a company called Service 2000, they have NEVER managed to repair it properly, as a result, every time I want to use it, it doesn't work, just got half way through cleaning a settee & it has stopped squirting water out 'AGAIN'. It is off in the skip tomorrow.
written by on 09/07/2010
total junk not worth having I have had my pro heat has not worked after being repaird 2 just about to take it to the skip and get a vax
written by on 07/04/2010
Bissell proheat 2x. Biggest waste of money ever. Had mine over 2 years, the only time it worked trouble free was it's first use. Had to get it repaired before it's second use as no water sprayed from the floor jets. A lot of time and effort when I got it back but managed to clean the carpets. On the attempted third use, again no water, only the detergent came out. To cut a long story short, I have used it 6 times, had it repaired 3 times under the warranty and the last repair was a botch job which has now caused the motor for the brushes to blow up on me. I could have hired a professional to do the job this number of times much cheaper than this heap of junk. BE WARNED!
written by on 06/03/2010
If only I had read these reviews. I purchased mine in 2005 and has had minimal use. I lent it to my daughter for a short time but when it returned it would not mix the shampoo. I had it repaired at a local dealer for about £70 in September 2009. I have used it very recently on a small room and the next time it tripped my electrics. I spent an absolute age over 1 hour trying to get throught to their customer helpline. Finally I gave up and contacted my local dealer who have decided not to deal with Bissell anymore: Too difficult to get through and obtain parts. So I have had to email Bissell direct to get them to repair it. Added to that the plastic parts are cheap brittle plastic that unsurprising breaks. It it also cumbersome to manoeuvre. Certainly if I know what I do now I would not buy this or any other Bissell machine. A complete waste of money. Dyson please make one!
written by on 15/01/2010
Have 2 units. One worked 4 times the other only 3.
written by on 17/12/2009
I purchased a proheat Bissell 2 year ago, I used it twice and had to send I away for repair this was in July 2008. It went to an authorised dealer, he found the fault and then ordered the part, this took 3 weeks to arrive and was found to be faulty. he ordered a replacement part and had to chase up the replacement many times.
I eventually got my shampooer back in the November 2008. Although it was in working order when I received it back, I have only been able to use one before it went faulty again. This was an expensive machine and a complete waste of money
I would not recommend Bissell products to anyone.
written by trollop on 08/11/2009
What a load of rubbish never by another Bissell Pro-heat its worked once or twice then stops dispensing water worse shampooer ive ever had spend more time trying to fix it than it works never buy anything bissell cost a lot of money not got extra cover.
written by on 25/09/2009
Used the bissell powerwash proheat once or twice and it quit dispencing water. Will not buy another Bissell product of anykind. All the money wasted for noting.
written by on 25/08/2009
I found the Bissell Powerwash Proheat / 1698 Carpet Shampooer to be absolute rubbish - I use the machine once and have to send it in to be repaired for each second usage. Also, it is very heavy. It does clean well but this is not good enough if you have to return it for repair every other time of use. It is always the same problems as well, not sucking up water and not dispensing cleaning solution. Bissell customer care is good - beware of extended warranties from the shops as they are often selling a warranty you have with Bissell anyway.
written by on 23/07/2009
I have had a Bissell Powerwash Proheat/1698 for 3 years in the first 12 month the repair firm got a replacement because they had to come out to my old one 3 times and still it would not work for more than a couple of times.The second one is just as bad it gets air locked all of the time so now I have to hire a carpet cleaner. The Bissell was not only a waste of my time but a waste of money
written by princes and honey on 19/07/2009
I purchased a Bissell Pro Heat 2X carpet cleaner and have had nothing but trouble with it. I only had carpet on my stairs and one bedroom. I didn't even finish cleaning the bedroom carpet when the water stopped coming out. I took out an extra warranty for it with Domestic & General who then got a contract company called service 2000 to repair it, they were based in Walsall West midlands. I had the cleaner back, switched it on and it would not clean. Service 2000 had to collect it for repair again, they stated that it needed a new pump. A few weeks later, the cleaner came back. I started cleaning with it and yet again the water stopped coming out of the bottom. Service 2000 came to collect it again, they said that the trigger for the pump was not working and that they would repair it. Altogether, I have had to send it back for repair up to ten times. I am now being offered another model to the same value, from Domestic & General. I have the choice of a Bissell (NO Way) or another different make ie, vax. I have now got to wait for a letter from them stating as to which model is being offered. I am told that if the model they are recommending is more expensive, that I would have to pay the extra cash towards it. (TAKE IT FROM ME, DO NOT BUY BISSELL)
written by Sue Pittendrigh on 29/05/2009
The Bissell Powerwash Proheat / 1698 Carpet Shampooer is poor quality and often goes wrong
written by pygme4 on 12/03/2009
I have used this Bissell Powerwash Proheat 3 times and after each use, it had to be repaired because the water, soap, or chemicals would not come out of the sprayers on the brush. WOULD NEVER buy another bissel product.
written by on 26/11/2008
I would not buy this Bissell Powerwash Proheat again based on personal experience. 1st one motor burnt out after one room replacement leaked on second use and getting spares/repairs took 12 weeks motor burnt out on third room and I live in a small flat.
written by P B 123 on 07/11/2008
Had this Bissell Powerwash Proheat three years. The TURBO-Brush attachment is pathetic. The manual brushes are better with a lot of elbow grease but still not great. The upright part of the cleaner is very poor and clogs very easily. Never leave it on carpet while you refill as you will return to find a sharp dirty line where the front of the machine is supposed to to suck in dirty water. The machine is not good enough to clean away that line. Being good with technical things I have repaired many elecrical items, so taking this apart to thoroughly clean it was not too difficult. When put back together it worked fine, after two months of storage it didn't work until I had taken it apart again and un-stuck the tubes. The inner water reservoir perished and leaked after about a year. Even though it still works I hired a machine last time because overall it turns out quicker.
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Takeaction's Comment
Written on: 09/11/2012
Dear author
Please don't let them get away with such poor service. It is the responsibility of Argos to sell products that are fit for their intended purpose. Whether Bissell respond or not is not really their job at the point you took it up with Argos, although of course they need feedback about their products, not just customers deserting them. . Write to Argos customer service/ head office by registered letter saying you expect a full reply within 7 days. Send a copy to Bissell perhaps , as well. Bissell themselves are being let down by this stockist failing you. I would send a copy of this page too. Addresses for both must be available easily either on the internet or from the Argos store. Ring Consumer Direct (an 0845 number ) for any further advice. You can get the exact consumer protection wording from them, though it also on the internet under The Sale of Goods and Services Act. Consumer Direct will tell you the year of the Act.
This is not much trouble and will pay off I'm sure. Good luck.