What Is the Best Bissell Little Green Machine?

Whether you’re tackling stubborn pet stains or refreshing your upholstery, you need a heavy duty cleaning tool in your arsenal. Enter Bissell’s iconic Little Green Machines, the star of dozens of before-and-after cleaning videos. Don’t let their catchy moniker and cute appearance fool you: Bissell’s Little Greens are a force to be reckoned with, boasting impressive cleaning capabilities on both carpet and upholstery. Plus, they’re portable. Need we say more? 

There are multiple models to choose from—four to be exact: the Original, ProHeat, Cordless, and HydroSteam. So which one is actually the best? That’s where we come in. To find the best of the best, we tested all four models, evaluating them on effectiveness, ease of use, and portability. We also consulted Sarah McAllister, founder and CEO of GoCleanCO and House Work, and Brandon Pleshek, cleaning expert and founder of Clean That Up, for expert insight on carpet and upholstery cleaners.

After testing all four models ourselves, we can tell you right away that there’s no wrong Little Green. They’re popular for a reason: They actually work, no matter which model you choose. The differences between the four lie more so in what they’re used for. So without further ado, here’s how the Bissell Little Greens stack up against one another. 

Features

As the “OG” Little Green Machine, so to speak, this model is the most basic of the four. It has three specialized tools: a 3-inch tough stain tool, a HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool, and a spraying crevice tool. Plus, it comes with an 8-ounce bottle of freshness formula. The tank also boasts a large capacity (48 ounces, the second largest), so you won’t need to ruin your cleaning flow with constant refills. 

Effectiveness

It took this model just a few passes to completely eliminate dry and wet maple syrup stains. While the nozzle encountered some difficulty gliding over them dry, it was smooth sailing once the area was damp. Salad dressing, however, was a bit tougher to combat, and red wine was the most difficult. The machine struggled to tackle our red wine stains on its own, but once we added a separate wine stain remover to the mix, we were able to remove the stain completely.

Arguably the worst part of a stain is the stench that comes with it, and in our testing, this pick eliminated all residual odors. That said, we found the citrus scent of the cleaning additive to be fairly potent, leaving us unsure as to whether it actually removed the odor or simply masked it. Regardless, we were pleased to have no lingering smells. There was still a decent amount of moisture left over when we were done cleaning, though this was to be expected given how much we dampened the area.  

Ease of Use

A great cleaning product is nothing if not easy to use, and we thought this model had the most user-friendly design of all the Little Greens. Whether we were filling up the water canister or setting up the machine, this model required minimal effort on our end. We also appreciate the convenient fill lines on the water canister, which eliminate the need for trial and error pouring. 

Our favorite feature, though, has to be the 3-inch tool attachment. The scrubbing bristles deeply penetrated the surfaces of our rug and upholstery, resulting in a thorough, powerful clean. And, we give bonus points for its ease of attachment and cleaning—after simply rinsing the tool, it was as good as new for a second use. The capacity is also impressive, as we were able to make it through all of our tests without needing any refills, a testament to this product’s convenience. 

Portability

Weighing just 9.65 pounds, this small yet mighty device is portable and easy to tote from room to room. Its compact design and carrying handle make it small enough to store in most larger cabinets. 

Features

The ProHeat model uses Bissell’s OXY spot and stain formula with triple action power and StainProtect Technology, in addition to Heatwave Technology, to ensure a deep clean—in layman’s terms, this combination assists in breaking down and eliminating even the toughest stains. 

Like the original version, the ProHeat model comes with the handy HydroRinse self-cleaning hose and 3-inch tough stain tool. However, this unit goes a step further, adding a 3-in-1 stair tool to the mix. This curved device is specialized to tackle the pesky corners and treads of carpeted stairs, getting right up to the edges. The clean tank capacity is 37 ounces, which is the smallest of the four models.   

Effectiveness

In our testing, this device removed stains much quicker than and required far less effort than the original model. However, aside from the quick speed and lack of labor needed, it reaped pretty much identical results—once damp, the nozzle glided seamlessly over the dried maple syrup stains, but it did struggle with the salad dressing and red wine. In terms of smell, the strong, citrus scent effectively removed (or masked) any remaining odors.  

After using the ProHeat, we were amazed to find that the surface of the rug was almost completely dry. This is because the model required fewer passes and less cleaning solution than the original. McAllister herself is a big fan of the ProHeat, saying: “I use it all the time and I have no complaints about it.” 

Ease of Use 

Using this device proved to be just as intuitive as using the original Little Green Machine. Unsurprisingly, the 3-inch tool attachment still prevailed as our favorite feature. 

Portability

Compared to the original Little Green Machine, the ProHeat model boasts a slightly smaller profile and more compact shape, making it even easier to lift and maneuver. It weighs just over 9 pounds and has a carrying handle, so transport and storage are a breeze. Plus, we give this model extra points for its attached holder, which stores the tool attachment onboard when not in use. 

Features 

If you’re tired of being tethered to the nearest outlet, the cordless Little Green is your best bet. True to its name, this pick runs with a lithium-ion battery, allowing you to clean whenever, wherever. This flexibility gives you free rein to hit all the hard-to-reach spots, including carpets and rugs, upholstery, patio furniture, and even car interiors (because there are more crumbs in there than you think).

This model offers two cleaning modes: turbo and eco. Turbo is more powerful and suitable for heavy-duty messes, providing 20 minutes of extra strong suction. Eco mode, on the other hand, operates quietly for up to 35 minutes. It also comes with a 4-inch tough stain tool that ensures an even formula distribution, along with a removable hose and HydroRinse self-cleaning hose. 

Effectiveness

When using this model, we found the rug easier to clean than the chair, likely due to the loose weave and high pile. Removing dirt was the easiest task, requiring just suction followed by cleaner application. As expected, red wine proved to be the most stubborn, and surprisingly, tackling the syrup was difficult, too. 

In terms of odor removal though, this model exceeded our expectations. The smells of the maple syrup and salad dressing were replaced by a fresh, lemony aroma after use. We were also impressed by the lack of moisture residue—while the chair remained fairly damp after testing, the rug was completely dry within just 15 minutes.

Ease of Use 

Since this model is cordless, it runs on a lithium battery. The tradeoff for the convenience is the limited battery life. This proved to be especially frustrating in our testing, as the battery died before we were finished. Aside from the lack of longevity, the cordless model’s functionality did not disappoint—the 37-ounce tank is small but adequate, and the trigger is comfortable to press and hold. 

Portability

Given its cordless design, it’s no surprise that this device takes the cake as the most portable Little Green we tested. It’s also the most lightweight model at just over 7 pounds, and is compact enough to bring on the go. Our only grievance involves the small cap on the clean water tank, which we found easy to lose. 

Features

Unlike the other Little Greens on our list, this model uses HydroSteam technology to break down even the deepest stains. It has three cleaning modes: SteamWash, tailored for greasy messes; standard Steam, ideal for refreshing upholstery or cleaning grout; and Wash, specialized for pet accidents. 

This device comes with a 5-inch tough stain tool—the longest of any of the models—alongside a multi-surface tool and a HydroRinse self-cleaning tool. We appreciate the versatility of the multi-surface tool, which extends beyond just carpet and upholstery to tackle other surfaces like grout, tile, fabric, and even sneakers. Plus, it comes with a set of wheels for easy portability, in addition to the brand’s Pet Pro Oxy Formula and Little Green Spot and Stain Oxy Formula. 

Effectiveness

This model amazed us with its sheer power and range. With a 64-ounce clean tank capacity, it’s certainly a heavy-duty pick. The wide nozzle was able to cover a lot of ground, and the brush’s size allowed it to clean a greater area with every pass. It did take a bit of effort to clean the syrup, though. By the time we were on our hands and knees, searching for an outlet and refilling the machine, we would have been better off using a wet rag and scrub brush. 

We were also disappointed to find that the “steam feature” was just a stream of hot water. Regardless of what temperature the water was in the tank, it felt icy cold when sprayed, so we appreciate having the option of adding hot water as well. 

Ease of Use

While adding steam to the mix may sound daunting, this unit is fairly intuitive. You can toggle between output modes using a simple dial, and the steam-ready light illuminates quickly to indicate that you’re ready to go. While the controls were user-friendly, we did encounter some functionality issues. We found the machine’s hose to be a bit stiff, and no matter how we held the trigger, it never seemed to point in the right direction. Even after winding and twisting it in every possible way, we were unable to find a comfortable holding position.   

Portability

Despite its name, the Little Green HydroSteam isn’t so little after all. Weighing over 18 pounds, this is hands down the heaviest Little Green on our list. We also found the shape to be a bit clunky and awkward, further limiting its portability. However, while this model is a bit hefty, it does have wheels, which are always a plus. 

Our Testing Process 

We tested all four Bissell Little Green Machine models—the Original, the ProHeat, the Cordless, and the HydroSteam—in our lab, comparing their effectiveness, ease of use, and portability. 

First, we applied fresh maple syrup, red wine, and salad dressing stains to a chair cushion. After 5 minutes, we used the cleaner to remove the fresh stains one by one, noting how well each stain came out and which models worked quicker than others. We also considered which attachments were best suited for handling each stain, experimenting with them when applicable. Note: The wine stains proved more difficult to remove for all models, so we added red wine remover directly onto the surface and then used the cleaner to suck up the remaining stain. 

We then repeated the process for the dried stains, which were applied to the chair cushion the day prior to the test. After cleaning all six stains—three fresh and three dried—we observed whether the chair was damp or dry to the touch. We also considered whether the smells from the stains dissipated after cleaning, or if any residual odors remained. 

Next, we removed a set of stains from a rug: muddy footprints, dried maple syrup, oil, and red wine. Just as we did with the cushion stains, we used red wine remover to combat stubborn wine stains. While cleaning, we considered which models were most effective and quickest at lifting the various stains, and used any helpful attachments or add-ons. For the HydroSteam model, we used the steam cleaning feature to clean the dried maple syrup from the grout floor, considering the ease and effectiveness of switching to this feature.

Once we finished cleaning, we emptied the water tank into the sink, noting the amount and filth level of the dirty water we picked up during the test. Finally, we cleaned the dirty water tank and machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Questions to Consider  

Is a portable cleaner like the Bissell Little Green worth buying?

A portable cleaner is useful in any cleaning arsenal, says McAllister. Since spills and accidents happen so frequently, she says being able to pull out a smaller machine is very handy, especially for pet owners. Typical carpet or upholstery sprays require elbow grease, while a portable cleaner does all the hard work for you.

“You do not want to have to lug out a huge machine each time there is an accident, so the convenience of having a portable on hand is great,” says McAllister. Pleshek raves about his portable cleaner, noting that its compact size makes it suitable for cleaning small spots, upholstery, and even his car. 

Which features are most important when buying a portable cleaner?

Portable cleaners come with a variety of features, and it can be challenging to determine which ones are actually worth the splurge. Typically, the more features a model has, the more expensive it will be. 

Both experts recommend prioritizing strong suction, so you can “effectively remove all the dirt, grime, and water,” according to Pleshak. McAllister also suggests looking for units with a long hose, good attachment options, and maneuverability. Of the Bissell Little Greens, the HydroSteam model has the longest hose (5 feet in length), while the Cordless model is the most portable (it weighs just over 7 pounds).

Plus, some models include heating technologies that keep the water warm for you, along with extra wash, rinse, and dry settings. “These machines get stinky, and some of the newer designs come with self-cleaning options,” says McAllister. All of the Little Green Machines come with a self-cleaning hose tool, and two of them come with heating technology: The HydroSteam has a steam feature, while the ProHeat keeps hot water at a consistent temperature.

Pleshek stresses the importance of finding a machine that’s both easy to clean and maintain. “It’s important that the tanks and brushes are easily accessible and removable, making the after-cleaning process simple,” he says. This can help prolong the machine’s longevity, too. In terms of additional features, he suggests looking for models with a hand tool for cleaning upholstery and spots.

How much should you spend on a portable cleaner? 

According to McAllister, high-quality cleaning products don’t have to break the bank. “In my experience, you shouldn’t have to spend more than a few hundred dollars on a carpet cleaner to get a good one,” she says. “Wait for a sale if you need to, and you could start with a small portable one instead of going for the big machine if you can only afford one at first.” She adds that Bissell models tend to be both effective and well priced for the average consumer. The Bissell Little Greens range in price from $124-$230.

Take Our Word For It

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple who specializes in home goods and cleaning products. To write this piece, we tested four different Bissell Little Green Machines in our lab, evaluating them on effectiveness, ease of use, and portability. We also consulted with Sarah McAllister, CEO and founder of GoCleanCo, and Brandon Pleshek, cleaning expert and founder of Clean That Up.

What Is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.