Carpet Cleaner Ratings: Top Rated Carpet Cleaners

Our AssessmentThe editors of ConsumerReports.org test nine carpet-cleaning machines against ground-in dirt on white carpet panels. Each machine is rated on how well it removes the dirt, how dry it leaves the carpet afterward, ease of use (based on such factors as weight and cord length), coverage (how much carpet the machine can clean on a single tank) and noise level. ConsumerReports.org lists the results of its tests in an easy-to-read chart, but it does not offer much analysis about each machine's performance. The report also offers general advice on what to look for in a machine, tips on carpet cleaning and a comparison of the pros and cons of buying a machine, renting one or hiring a professional cleaning service.

Our AssessmentThis is the best source we found for user feedback; some models earn hundreds of reviews. The runaway winner is the Hoover SteamVac with Clean Surge F5914-900. About 2,400 users collectively give it a 4.5-star rating out of 5. But users will want to check model numbers on Hoovers; other models, such as the Hoover F7425-900 SteamVac Dual V (now discontinued), receive only average ratings from reviewers. Other favorites on this site include the Bissell SpotLifter Portable Deep Cleaner and the Hoover SteamVac SpinScrub F5912900.

Our AssessmentBestBuy.com doesn't sell as many different carpet cleaners as some other online retailers, but several of the models they do sell have plenty of reviews. The most highly rated carpet cleaners here are the Hoover SteamVac with Clean Surge F5914-900 and the Bissell Little Green 14007. The Bissell ProHeat 2X Deep Cleaner 9200A and the Hoover SteamVac All Terrain F7452-900 also receive quite a few reviews, but their ratings are not much above average.

Our AssessmentTarget.com has fewer reviews than Amazon.com; just two models accumulate more than 40 reviews. The two top-rated upright carpet cleaners are the Bissell QuickSteamer Red Powerbrush, which has been discontinued, and the Bissell Titanium SpotBot Pet.

Our AssessmentA handful of carpet cleaners are reviewed at Sears.com. The Bissell ProHeat 2X Healthy Home Deep Cleaner 66Q4 earns an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 in more than two dozen reviews. The Kenmore Professional Carpet Shampooer/Hard Floor Cleaner earns an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 in nearly 60 owner reviews, but this model is sold only through Sears. The Hoover Platinum Collection F810090 accumulates about 45 reviews, but its star rating is only slightly better than average.

Our AssessmentHSN.com sells several Hoover and Bissell carpet cleaners, but few of them receive more than a handful of ratings. The Bissell Little Green Compact Multi-Purpose Deep Cleaner maintains an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 in about 40 owner reviews, while the Hoover PowerMax Max Extract 77 SpinScrub Floor Cleaner earns a slightly lower average rating of 4.3 stars in about 35 reviews. However, most of the reviews on this site are only one or two sentences long, so there is little detail here to show just what users like about this carpet cleaner.

Our AssessmentWhich? magazine, the British answer to ConsumerReports.org, tests 16 carpet cleaners. Each model is evaluated on its washing and drying performance, ease of use, stain removal and noise level. The editors provide both easy-to-compare scores and a detailed write-up for each model. Unfortunately, none of the recommended models is available in the United States.

Our AssessmentMariette Mifflin, the About.com guide to housewares, gives the Hoover SteamVac Spin Scrub F5912-900 an enthusiastic review, rating it 4.5 stars out of 5. She describes it as reasonably priced and easy to use, with great suction and a large tank. However, the 20 or so users who review the same machine are less enthusiastic, generally saying that this machine is very unreliable. The main problem cited is a lack of suction, but users also complain about malfunctions in the brushes and the sprayer. Mifflin also compares a number of Bissell ProHeat models, although no quantifiable ratings are provided. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)