Which Carpet Cleaner Reviews
The strongest overall picks are the Bissell Big Green Machine for maximum cleaning power and the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam for pet odors and tough household messes.
What matters in a carpet cleaner
The best carpet cleaners are not just about removing visible stains; they also need strong suction, good brush agitation, fast drying, and easy maintenance. Consumer Reports notes that the best machines lift embedded dirt with powerful motors and spinning bristles, which is why top models tend to outperform cheaper, weaker units.
Best overall performers
The Bissell Big Green Machine stands out as the top premium cleaner in testing. Consumer Analysis reported that it had the highest measured suction, cleaned stains faster than cheaper alternatives, left carpets driest, and was the only machine to completely clean the tomato sauce stain in its upright stain test.
The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam is the best all-around choice if you have pets or want stronger odor removal. CNET found that it was the only carpet washer in its test that effectively removed pet urine and dog odors, while also performing very well on tough stains like ketchup, red wine, and chocolate syrup.
Best value options
If you want a strong cleaner without spending premium money, the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe is one of the best value picks. Consumer Analysis described it as having above-average suction, good stain cleaning, less stain spreading than many competitors, and better-than-average drying performance.
For budget shoppers, the Bissell TurboClean is a standout. Consumer Analysis called it the best budget-priced carpet cleaner they tested, citing strong nozzle suction, very good upright stain performance, and easy handling.
Best for pets
Pet owners should focus on stain removal plus odor control, because urine and dander can linger even after a carpet looks clean. The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam is especially good here because it uses a pre-steam function that helps loosen stains and lift odors before washing.
For heavily soiled pet homes, the Bissell Big Green Machine is still the strongest “deep clean” option, especially when the problem is repeated accidents or high traffic. In testing, it also scored best for urine stains among the models reviewed by Consumer Analysis.
Notable alternatives
Which one should you buy
If you want the best overall cleaning power, buy the Bissell Big Green Machine. If you have pets and odor is your biggest issue, buy the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam. If you want the best balance of price and performance, the Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe is a smart midrange pick, while the Bissell TurboClean is the best budget choice.
Final recommendation
The best carpet cleaner reviews point to one simple conclusion: Bissell dominates the top tier, with the Big Green Machine winning on raw cleaning performance and the Revolution HydroSteam winning on pet-focused use. For most buyers, the right choice depends on whether you care more about deep cleaning, pet odor, or value.