No matter how much we love our pets, they can be quite annoying sometimes with their myriad of problems, from potty training to aggressiveness.
One of the most frustrating problems we all have to face at some point in our pets’ life is pet hair, be it a cat or a dog.
Canine and feline hair do not only leave a mess around your house. They can also act as allergens to some people, endangering their life. However, since our pets do not stay put all the time, cleaning their hair can be a difficult task for some.
At the moment, vacuuming pet hair seems to be the best solution, as vacuum machines can reach into tight spots that you usually cannot. And since pet hair is usually very light, vacuum machines will have little trouble getting rid of it.
Two famous vacuum machines for removing pet hair are Shark and Bissell. In this guide, we are going to show you a little comparison between the two to see which is better when it comes to vacuuming pet hair.
Bissell Vs Shark Vacuums: A Comparison
To help simplify the article and for you to follow it easily, we have broken down this comparison into categories.
Besides, since not one vacuum is vastly superior to the other, it would be better to know the scenario in which they excel in.
HEPA filtration
A HEPA filtration system is important, as it will remove not only your pets’ hair but also the allergens that come along with it.
Allergens can be potentially life-threatening for some people if medical support is not immediately available. Furthermore, they can cause long-term problems to the respiratory system of healthy people, so it is best to have a HEPA-integrated vacuum.
With regards to this matter, the Shark Apex Duoclean clearly wins over Bissell’s Pet Hair Eraser.
Armed with a HEPA filtration system, Shark’s vacuum can help clean up as many as 99,9% of the toxic allergens in your living area. On the other hand, Bissell’s, though still equipped with a powerful Febreeze Odor Eliminating Filter, does not include HEPA filtration. This makes it just a bit inferior to Shark.
Capacity
Capacity is an important matter to take into account. A higher capacity will allow the vacuum machine to carry more weight before it needs emptying, and no one really enjoys emptying the bin once every 10 minutes.
Even though both brands use bagless technology, Shark’s model is seemingly superior to Bissell’s by a small margin. This is thanks to its bin capacity of 0.4 gal, as compared to Bissell’s 0.3 gal. This allows the Shark’s model to store more hair, which can take up considerable space in the bin.
Power usage
Although usually overlooked, power usage matters more than you thinfk. You will not want your vacuum machine to use more power than necessary, as this will quickly ramp up electricity bills, costing you and the environment countless of damage.
Bissell’s Pet Hair Eraser has an appealing power usage of 800 watts, approximately 7 amperes, while Shark’s consumes as much as 1350 watts, which is about 11.3 amperes.
Even though Bissell’s model consumes less energy, it is not safe to say that Bissell clearly wins this round, for Shark’s Apex Duoclean might be more energy-efficient.
However, if energy consumption is all that counts, the Bissell is inarguably the winner.
Maneuverability and Weight
No one wants to carry a weighty and chunky vacuum with them around, especially if there are stairs involved. Besides, pet hair is usually found in very tight corners.
Thus, it is really important to consider the weight of your pet hair vacuum cleaner. In this respect, Shark is the clear winner again, more specifically, its Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum model.
Thanks to its 3-in-1 function, The vacuum can be used in different floor types. Shark’s models are usually lighter as well, with the Apex Duoclean weighing only 16.1lbs as compared to the Pet Hair Eraser’s 16.98lbs.
Price
Of course, we have to think about the price! It is, after all, the first thing every customer cares about. At first glance, Bissell’s vacuum appears less expensive, and the difference can sometimes make Bissell’s much more appealing.
However, if you take into account the numerous sales that Shark offers and the superior features that come with each vacuum machine, you will soon realize that Shark is, again, well worth the money against Bissell.
Warranty
A vacuum cleaner is not a cheap investment. So naturally, warranty plays a pivotal role. Both brands offer a very nice and comprehensive warranty package. However, yet again, Shark offers a more lucrative deal. Its warranty package includes 5-7 years of full warranty, including replacement, depending on the models.
Bissell can only offer 3-5 years of limited warranty for its models, making it only worth investing if you are looking to clean up pets’ hair on a temporary basis.
Which is Better for Pet Hair and Dander?
Our final verdict? Shark vacuum is the better choice in the long run, if you are looking for a reliable vacuum for pet hair.
Its reliability, mobility, and HEPA filtration system really make it a powerhouse for pet hair vacuuming, in spite of its hefty price tag. Furthermore, its bagless design will allow for more efficient containment of dander.
For a short-term solution, Bissell can work as well, but you should be looking at getting a HEPA filtration as soon as possible, as the allergens can get nasty easily.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice comes down to what is best for you. If you are looking for a good long-term solution with lots of features to help you vacuum pet hair more easily, opt for Shark’s many models.
If you are on a budget, then Bissell is not a bad choice at all. Do remember to check in with your vacuum cleaners regularly though, as they require regular maintenance to work properly.
A good Shark can end up performing worse off than an affordable Bissell if not maintained correctly.
