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(More customer reviews)Bissell 14005 Little Green verses Hoover F5411 Steamvac Jr.
I've used both of these mini shampooers and was not entirely satisfied with either, but I preferred the Bissell's Little Green over Hoover's Steamvac Jr. and here's why:
I first had the Little Green for about five years. It was a great little vac with only minor problems. The fill and empty containers are removable from the unit for convenient filling and emptying. There is a cord winder built onto the unit, the hose wraps conveniently around the unit and locks into place, and the shape and size are convenient for most applications including stairs and storage.
The problems I had with the Little Green:
- It would occasionally leak a bit. The water seemed to be coming from where the hose connects to the base. It was a small drip leak that was easily solved by emptying the clean water tank after each use. We used ours so frequently that I sometimes left clean water in the tank during storage to avoid wasting cleaning solution.
- My biggest problem with the Little Green was the inability to completely clean the dirty water tank. I had four cats when I first bought the Little Green and eventually had four kids. The Little Green made it through a number of illnesses with us above and beyond pet accidents. The dirty water tank became filthy and unsanitary and was not designed to be dismantled for thorough cleaning. Eventually, the smell became too great and I had to dispose of the tank. I decided it was time to try a new spot shampooer - one that had a cleanable tank.
That's when I decided to try the Hoover Steamvac Jr. Both the Little Green and the Hoover spray and suck reasonably well for a small machine. As far as actual cleaning quality, the two are comparable. However, I found the Hoover to be bulky and a pain and its only redeeming quality, in my opinion, was that I am able to thoroughly clean the dirty water tank.
The problems I had with the Hoover F5411 Steamvac Jr.:
- The tanks are the base of the unit and are not removable. In order to fill the clean water tank, you have to either maneuver the entire unit under the faucet and aim at a one inch hole in the portion of the unit that houses the motor, or you have to dismantle the machine and still maneuver the largest part of it under your faucet or use a bucket.
- The tanks are a single bucket-style unit separated by a divider. They are not individual parts. When you dump the dirty water, if you have the unit fully assembled, the clean water will slosh around. If you dismantle the machine to empty it, you will also be emptying the clean water tank.
- The top portion that houses the motor also has a filter that sits down in the dirty water tank, so if you dismantle the machine to fill or empty it, you are forced to place the motor housing with hose and cord in a tub or sink or get your floor dirty and wet.
- The machine is round. It doesn't fit well on stairs nor is it a convenient shape to store.
- There is no cord storage on this unit and no convenient way to store the cord or keep it out of your way when you are filling, emptying, or storing. You can wrap it around the base of the handle, but it usually does not stay in place if you empty the tank and tends to get in the way of using the handle to carry the machine.
- The Steamvac Jr. does have a spot to store the hose, but I find it an inconvenient and cumbersome position.
I'm currently saving my pennies to buy another Little Green. The little Hoover just makes me more angry than satisfied and I've taken to simply letting stains set in instead of hassle with the obnoxious machine.
I would recommend avoiding the Proheat Little Green. It seems the parts are not designed to work well with the heat and tend to break down. Hot tap water in the standard Little Green works well and this is coming from a germaphobe whose hands are raw from overwashing. If it's clean enough for me, it's probably more than clean enough for you. If you're looking for a spot shampooer, the Little Green is your best bet.
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Bissell 14005 Little Green Compact Carpet CleanerThe Little Green compact carpet cleaner has multiple cleaning uses. It can be used to clean spots & stains on carpeting, upholstery, car interiors, stairs, and much more. It is lightweight at 12 lbs. and extremely easy to use. The clean and dirty water tanks are simple to fill and empty. The Little Green has a long 20 foot power cord and compact design (sits easily on a stair) so cleaning hard-to-reach areas is easy. The included Tough Stain Brush helps get out deep down dirt and stains.
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