Bissell Featherweight vs 3 in 1: Both are versatile, lightweight options with affordable price tags. They have gained significant popularity as corded stick vacuums in recent years, and I always assumed their appeal stemmed from being among the most budget-friendly options available. However, after using them, I discovered that they were surprisingly effective vacuums, especially considering their affordable prices.
I wholeheartedly recommend these vacuums for individuals living in small to medium-sized spaces without carpeting. They are particularly suitable for those who prioritize spending the least amount of money on a decent stick vacuum and don’t mind its limitations, such as subpar filtration, bin design, and the absence of a brush roll.
If I had to choose just one, I would suggest going for the Bissell Featherweight, as it is an upgraded version of the Bissell 3-in-1 model. It offers superior build quality and includes an additional crevice tool.
Bissell Featherweight vs 3 in 1: Comparison Chart
Bissell Featherweight vs 3 in 1: Differences
While the appearances of the Bissell Featherweight and the 3-in-1 model may be quite similar, there are indeed some differences between them. These distinctions, although subtle, make the Bissell Featherweight slightly better than the 3-in-1 model.
Attachment
The Winner: Bissell Featherweight
The Bissell Featherweight comes with an additional crevice tool, making it convenient for tackling narrow and hard-to-reach spaces that the standard attachments might struggle with. On the other hand, the 3-in-1 model lacks this particular tool in its package. However, this crevice tool can be purchased separately if you want to have one.
I appreciate how the Featherweight model stands out by including a crevice tool, which is a feature lacking in many smaller stick vacuums. However, my one meh is the absence of a designated storage spot on the vacuum for this crevice tool when it’s not in use. Why not?
As a result, I find myself having to come up with makeshift solutions like using Velcro (which hasn’t adhered well to the vacuum body) or constantly keeping track of where the tool is.
Design
The Winner: Bissell Featherweight
Build Quality
Many users review that these vacuums have cheap plastic components. However, I observed that the Featherweight model had made improvements to its materials, resulting in a sturdier build.
Frankly, I don’t understand the complaints about it being labeled as “low quality” with a “cheap plastic build. Considering its price point of around $30, it’s important to set realistic expectations regarding the build quality. What level of craftsmanship did these individuals anticipate from a vacuum at this price range?
Dustbin Capacity
The dustbin capacities of these vacuums show only a slight difference. With unaided eyes, I even don’t realize it. Only when I searched on the brand’s website did I notice the capacity is a little bit different.
The Featherweight model offers a dustbin capacity of 0.67 L, while the 3-in-1 model provides 0.69 L. However, in all honesty, this slight variation is not worth considering extensively. Both capacities are adequate for a stick vacuum’s functionality.
Weight
As their name suggests, they are super lightweight. They are by far the lightest stick vacuum I’ve ever tested, with the Bissell Featherweight weighing in at a mere 2.6 pounds and the 3-in-1 model at 3.3 pounds. Again, this difference is insignificant…
Anyway, must highlight that the lightweight design of these vacuums translated into a noticeably effortless experience when maneuvering them on both hard floors and carpets. Their lightness made pushing and navigating them a breeze.
Bissell Featherweight vs 3 in 1: Similarities
Cleaning Performance
First and foremost, before I delve into my personal encounter with these two products, I’d like to make a point. Both of these items come with a price tag of around $30, so you and I shouldn’t expect too much from them.
Cleaner Head
Both the Bissell Featherweight and the 3-in-1 models lack a rotating roller brush. Instead, they feature a central opening underneath the nozzle for suction. This design makes them more suitable for cleaning hard floors or picking up pet hair.
However, it’s worth noting that there is no soft felt material on the bottom of the nozzle. As a result, when vacuuming certain types of flooring, it may feel like the vacuum is simply scraping across the surface rather than gliding smoothly.
Hard floor
For about $30, I don’t expect too much, so I don’t have any complaints. I am using these vacuums to replace sweeping my floors. Not surprisingly, they were great with picking up fine to medium-sized debris, including heavy debris like cat litter or sand on hard floors.
What impressed me the most, though, was their performance in picking up hair, whether it be pet hair or long human hair. The vacuums efficiently collected the hair without any issues of it getting tangled or wrapped around a brush, mainly because, as I said, there is no brush.
Carpet
if you have many carpets, I don’t think these vacuums are the best option out there.
When it comes to carpet pickup, Bissell states that these vacuums can be used for low-pile carpets. Indeed, I found them to be quite effective in picking up surface debris from carpets. They easily handled moderate amounts of debris ranging from fine to medium size.
However, the limitation lies in their deep cleaning ability, particularly in removing fine dirt and dust embedded below the carpet’s surface. For such tasks, a vacuum with a spinning brush bar is generally more effective, as it agitates the carpet to dislodge dirt particles.
Suppose you require superior performance, such as removing even the tiniest dust particles measuring 0.0x microns or undertaking deep cleaning on carpets. In that case, it might be necessary to invest in higher-priced vacuum cleaners with greater power. For deep cleaning carpets, I personally use the Dyson V11, which has proven to be highly effective.
Large Debris Pickup
With large-size debris, sometimes they can not suck them up, but they push them around instead. This is primarily due to the small gate on the front of the floor head, which is also the reason it has such a good seal on floors. However, you can try hovering the vacuum over the debris, it will work.
Sometimes the debris goes in and then falls right back out. I think because the suction power is not strong enough.
Carry Handle
An additional feature of these vacuums is the ability to remove the handle and floor head, transforming them into handheld vacuums. This allows for more versatile cleaning options, either using the base alone or utilizing the included crevice tool (specific to the Featherweight model).
Self Standing
They can stand up on their own, which is often overlooked. This feature provides additional storage options and eliminates the need to search for a place to set it down constantly. It’s a convenient aspect that adds flexibility to how and where you can store the vacuum when not in use.
Filtration System
In terms of filtration, these vacuums are equipped with what Bissell refers to as a standard filter. HEPA filtration systems are typically found in higher-priced vacuums and are not present in these models. If having excellent filtration is a priority for you, these vacuums may not be the ideal choice.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the filter included with these vacuums is washable. If you have another vacuum, I would recommend just vacuuming the filter instead of washing it. This helps maintain the longevity and effectiveness of the filter.
Cord
One drawback worth mentioning is that these vacuums come with a notably short cord, measuring approximately 15 feet. This is roughly half the length of a typical upright vacuum’s cord. I was just barely able to vacuum the entire room in the studio without unplugging it. And I think this will frustrate people wanting to use this for whole-house cleaning.
It wasn’t an issue for me because we could easily address it by using an extension cord.
Quick Rundown Of Bissell Featherweight
- Powerful, convenient, and easy to use
- Powerful suction makes it great for quick pick ups with multipurpose versatility
- Versatile cleaning three machines in one: A stick vacuum, handle vacuum, and stair vacuum
- With a crevice tool for furniture and a floor nozzle for stairs
- Clean hard floors and surface dirt on carpets and area rugs. Surface type: Counter tops, sealed hard floors, low pile carpet. Dirt cup capacity: 0.67 liter. Power Cord Length 15'
Quick Rundown Of Bissell 3-in-1
- Lightweight convertible stick vacuum
- Quick release handle, converts to a hand vacuum
- Easy-wrap cord storage
- 15' power cord
- For use on carpet, bare floors, stairs and upholstery
Product Video
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References:
- Bissell Featherweight: https://www.bissell.com/featherweight-lightweight-stick-vacuum-2033.html
- Bissell 3-in-1: https://www.bissell.com/3-in-1-lightweight-stick-vac-2030.html
Victor K. Giles is a leading consultant and expert in vacuum cleaner technology with over a decade of experience. As a mechanical engineering graduate in the University of Michigan, he specializes in product development, design optimization, and performance analysis. Victor collaborates with manufacturers and educates consumers, making her a sought-after guest speaker at industry events. His work has been featured in renowned publications, and he shares his expertise on his blog, “The Vacuum Teria”. Victor’s passion for cleaner, healthier living spaces drives his to help clients choose the best vacuum solutions for their needs.