Bissell CrossWave OmniForce review: Bissell's best wet-dry vacuum yet
Bissell CrossWave OmniForce: two-minute review
I don't know that I’ve seen any company with as many wet dry vacuums as Bissell. And, having used three different models, including the epically-named Bissell CrossWave OmniForce I can say that each model has qualitatively improved on the last.
Whether you'll find the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce to be one of the best vacuum cleaners for you will depend heavily on your needs. This wet dry vacuum has the best vacuuming performance of any of the Bissell models I’ve handled, and you’ll have to pay much more for a wet-dry competitor.
While I’ll go much deeper into what makes the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce tick, I can already state that its vacuuming ability is its best asset over the rest of Bissell’s wet dry vacuum line, as it no longer feels like an underpowered afterthought. The fact that it will clean its own mop pads when returned to its base station is another point in its favor. Plus, you’ll get a decent 30 minutes of battery out of it, though that’s not particularly impressive compared with the best cordless vacuums.
There aren’t a ton of negatives, either. While the vacuuming capability is pretty good, it won’t replace the need for a powerful model for deep cleaning purposes. Also, the floorhead doesn’t tilt enough to get very far under hard-to-move furniture. All in all, though, it’s a worthy addition to any home when you want a convenient way to vacuum and mop your floors.
Bissell CrossWave OmniForce review: specs
Bissell CrossWave OmniForce review: price & availability
- $379.99 (about £237, AU$450)
- Available now
- Available only in the US
Though I assume the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce will eventually make its debut in the UK and Australia, it is, at the moment, a US-only affair. And, since it’s the newest addition to Bissell’s surprisingly deep lineup of wet dry vacuums, it’s also the most expensive. It’s also pricier than some of the other models for other reasons. As someone who’s been able to test the Bissell SpinWave + Vac, which retails at $249.99 / £179.99, I can tell you that spending the $379.99 (about £237, AU$450) on the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce is worth it for the much improved vacuuming ability.
If you already have a fantastic vacuum and don’t need the two-in-one capability, you might feel just as satisfied with the SpinWave SmartStream Spin Mop, which goes for a much lower price at $159.99 (about £130 / AU$250), though it doesn't have the self-cleaning mop capabilities of the CrossWave OmniForce. It also doesn’t have quite as cool a name.
Of course, there are some models out there that are amazing wet dry vacuums with performance that can match the best vacuums, such as the Tineco Floor One S7 Pro. However they’re generally bulkier and more expensive. In the case of the Tineco, you’ll have to pay $799.99 (likely £669 / AU$999) to get one.
- Value for money score: 4 out of 5
Bissell CrossWave OmniForce review: design
- Attractive if unassuming as well as durable
- Streamlined controls
- Not much in the way of accessories
The Bissell CrossWave OmniForce, made of of durable, high quality plastic in an attractive if unassuming black and gray colorway, has a definite mid-range look to it. You’re not going to get a premium feel, but neither will you worry that it’s going to break during use.
At almost 11 pounds, it has some heft to it. I could see it being tiring for some to push around for 30 minutes straight, which is how long it can last on a single charge. That said, it’s well-balanced and moves around easily on its two wheels. I would assume some of its balance comes from the fact that, unlike with stick vacuums, the body containing the motor, the water reservoir and the dirty water tank are all located close to the floorhead instead of the handle.
Speaking of the water reservoir and dirty water tank, they easily pull out to empty with a simple push of a lever. The brush roll in the floorhead is accessible in the same way if you need to clean it. Considering the brushroll is basically a rolling mop in cylindrical form, you don’t have to access it too often to untangle hair and the like.
In terms of controls, the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce is pretty streamlined. You have a power button that automatically engages the vacuum mode (there’s no way to turn that off, incidentally), the button to turn on the mop function, and a turbo button to run the vacuum or vacuum and mop functions at a higher speed. These are all situated on the front of the handle. There’s also a button at the top of the handle to run a self-cleaning cycle on the brushroll, which you would do when the unit is sitting in the storage and rinse tray.
You can track what’s engaged by looking at the large LED display on the front of the body that indicates not only whether mop mode is on, but at what level the vacuum and mop modes are at. It also shows battery life.
As far as attachments or accessories go, the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce is fairly light compared to a lot of vacuums. There’s the storage and rinse tray, which also charges the vacuum in between use, and two sample size containers of cleaning fluid. So, don’t expect this to do everything your stick vacuum can do as there’s no crevice tool or anything else. Considering the form factor of this vacuum, however, that’s to be expected.
- Design score: 4.5 out of 5
Bissell CrossWave OmniForce review: performance
- Surprisingly good vacuum performance
- Even, deep mopping
- Surprisingly quiet
Whether it’s cereal or pet hair, the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce will pick it up. I even picked up small leaves. I say all this to emphasize that this vacuum does a good job being a vacuum. Some wet dry vacuums do a great job of leaving the floors clean, but only after using something else to vacuum first, and then using said wet dry vac to do the mopping.
However the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce does a good job on both fronts, and the floorhead is only a little bit wider than the brushroll so this model is able to reach edges fairly easily as well. But while I found it to pick up all sorts of debris, I wouldn’t consider this a complete floor-cleaning package. You’ll probably still want a powerful vacuum, preferably with a HEPA filter (this does not come with one) and an assortment of attachments to get into various nooks and crannies. It’s also worth noting that the floorhead doesn’t have a lot of tilt to it so you won’t be able to get far under furniture without moving it.
In terms of mopping, the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce leaves a small and even level of water or water and solution as it goes across the floor that not only properly washes the floor, but does so without leaving excess amounts of water as you might experience when mopping by hand. Seeing the dirty water as well as debris in the dirty water tank is enough evidence that this does an excellent job mopping, though the shiny floors help.
During operation, it’s also surprisingly quiet, registering at around 68dB during use. I’ve used plenty of vacuums that get very loud, yet this one is able to do its job well at a volume you can talk over (at least when you're not using the turbo mode).
It also has a decent, if not amazing, battery life. It took me 8 minutes and 15 seconds to get to 75%, for instance, and I’ve used it for up to its advertised 30 minutes of juice, which I found to be more than enough time to cover a full floor of a house. However, it does take four hours to charge back up. Plus, if you use the self-cleaning function (and you should), the brushroll will be wet for up to 24 hours. Likewise if you use the mop function, which means you won’t be able to vacuum carpet straight after.
- Performance score: 4.5 out of 5
Should you buy the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce?
Buy it if…
Don't buy it if...
Bissell CrossWave OmniForce review: also consider
How I tested the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce
To test the Bissell CrossWave OmniForce, I used it for a week to vacuum hardwood and marble flooring around my house. I also tested it on carpets and used all the modes to see how the vacuum performed. I also vacuumed up different sized debris and made sure to use it to get under furniture and edges.
I’ve tested a lot of gear over the years from laptops and audio equipment to vacuum cleaners and air fryers, and so have been able to use my expertise to give an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.
Read more about how we test
First tested June 2024
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