Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro vs. Shark Apex DuoClean

The Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro and the Shark Apex DuoClean are both designed to tackle pet messes and maintain a clean home, but they approach the task in very different ways. The Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro is a wet-dry vacuum that simultaneously vacuums and washes floors, making it ideal for homes with hard floors and pet-related spills. On the other hand, the Shark Apex DuoClean is an upright vacuum known for its powerful suction and DuoClean technology, which excels on both carpets and hard floors, capturing embedded dirt and debris.

These vacuums target different cleaning needs and preferences. The Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro is best suited for pet owners who primarily need to clean hard floors and deal with frequent wet messes. Its ability to vacuum and wash at the same time saves time and effort, making it a convenient choice for maintaining hard floor surfaces. The Shark Apex DuoClean, with its strong suction and versatile brush roll system, is better for those who have a mix of carpets and hard floors and need a vacuum that can effectively remove dirt, hair, and allergens from both surfaces. It’s particularly effective for deep cleaning carpets and handling a variety of floor types throughout the home.

Quick Verdict

• For quick, efficient hard floor cleaning and wet mess cleanup: Choose the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro.
• For powerful, versatile cleaning on both carpets and hard floors: Choose the Shark Apex DuoClean.
• For homes with mostly hard floors and frequent pet messes: The Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro is the better option.
• For homes with a mix of carpets and hard floors requiring deep cleaning: The Shark Apex DuoClean is the superior choice.

Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro Review

The Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro is a multi-surface cleaning marvel designed for pet owners. Its standout feature is its ability to simultaneously vacuum and wash floors, making it perfect for handling pet messes on hard floors, such as tile, sealed wood, laminate, and more. This wet-dry vacuum simplifies cleaning by combining two steps into one, saving time and effort. The Pet Pro model includes a specialized pet brush roll and pet cleaning solution, enhancing its ability to remove pet hair, dander, and odors.

The CrossWave Pet Pro is engineered for convenience, with separate tanks for clean and dirty water, ensuring that you’re always cleaning with fresh solution. It’s easy to use and maintain, with a self-cleaning cycle that helps keep the brush roll fresh and ready for the next cleaning session. While it excels on hard floors, it can also be used on area rugs, making it a versatile tool for homes with pets. Its cordless design adds to its maneuverability, allowing you to move freely around your home without being tethered to an outlet.

Shark Apex DuoClean Review

The Shark Apex DuoClean stands out as a powerful and versatile upright vacuum designed to tackle a variety of cleaning challenges. Its DuoClean technology features a bristle brush and a soft roller that work together to clean both carpets and hard floors effectively. The soft roller gently polishes hard floors while picking up large and small debris, and the bristle brush digs deep into carpets to remove embedded dirt and pet hair. The Apex also boasts strong suction, making it adept at capturing allergens and fine particles.

This vacuum is engineered for ease of use, with features like a lift-away canister that allows you to detach the pod for portable cleaning on stairs and upholstery. The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, preventing them from being released back into the air. LED lights on the nozzle illuminate hidden debris, ensuring thorough cleaning in dark areas. While it may be heavier than some other vacuums, its powerful performance and versatile features make it a top choice for comprehensive home cleaning.

Key Differences at a Glance

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro typically ranges from $250 to $350, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. The Shark Apex DuoClean generally costs between $300 and $400.

• Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro: Offers a unique wet-dry cleaning capability, making it a cost-effective solution for homes with mostly hard floors and frequent pet messes. Its ability to vacuum and wash simultaneously justifies its price point for users seeking convenience and efficiency in hard floor cleaning.
• Shark Apex DuoClean: Provides strong suction and versatile cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors, making it a valuable investment for homes with mixed flooring. Its advanced features, such as the lift-away canister and anti-allergen technology, enhance its value proposition, especially for those needing deep cleaning and allergen control.

Design and Build Quality

• Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro: Features a sleek, lightweight design that makes it easy to maneuver and carry. The build quality is sturdy, with durable plastic components designed to withstand regular use. Its cordless design enhances portability, allowing for hassle-free cleaning throughout the home.
• Shark Apex DuoClean: Boasts a robust and durable construction, designed to handle rigorous cleaning tasks. While heavier than the Bissell, its solid build quality ensures longevity and reliable performance. The lift-away canister adds to its versatility, making it easier to clean stairs and other hard-to-reach areas.

Performance Face-Off

Hard Floor Cleaning

• Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro: Excels at cleaning hard floors due to its wet-dry functionality. It effectively vacuums up loose debris and simultaneously washes the floor, removing dirt, grime, and pet messes in one pass. The specialized pet brush roll is designed to capture pet hair without tangling, making it ideal for pet owners.
• Shark Apex DuoClean: Performs well on hard floors, thanks to its DuoClean technology, which uses a soft roller to gently polish the floor while picking up both large and small particles. Its strong suction ensures thorough cleaning, leaving hard floors clean and free of debris.

Carpet Cleaning

• Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro: While primarily designed for hard floors, it can also be used on area rugs. However, its carpet cleaning performance is not as powerful as dedicated carpet cleaners. It’s suitable for light surface cleaning but may struggle with embedded dirt and stains.
• Shark Apex DuoClean: Shines on carpets due to its powerful suction and bristle brush, which effectively agitate and lift dirt, pet hair, and allergens from carpet fibers. It provides deep cleaning, making it a great choice for homes with carpets that require regular and thorough maintenance.

Pet Hair Removal

• Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro: Equipped with a specialized pet brush roll and pet cleaning solution, it efficiently removes pet hair from hard floors and area rugs. Its wet-dry cleaning action helps to dissolve and lift sticky messes, making it easier to clean up after pets.
• Shark Apex DuoClean: Delivers exceptional pet hair removal performance on both carpets and hard floors. Its strong suction and versatile brush system ensure that pet hair is thoroughly captured, leaving surfaces clean and hair-free.

Special Features Comparison

• Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro:
  • Simultaneous Vacuuming and Washing: Cleans floors in one step, saving time and effort.
  • Self-Cleaning Cycle: Automatically cleans the brush roll, reducing maintenance.
  • Cordless Design: Provides greater maneuverability and freedom during cleaning.
• Shark Apex DuoClean:
  • DuoClean Technology: Effectively cleans both carpets and hard floors with two brush rolls working in tandem.
  • Lift-Away Canister: Allows for portable cleaning on stairs and upholstery.
  • Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology: Traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.

Usability and User Experience

• Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro: Is incredibly user-friendly, with simple controls and intuitive operation. Its lightweight design and cordless functionality make it easy to maneuver around furniture and tight spaces. The self-cleaning cycle is a convenient feature that reduces maintenance effort.
• Shark Apex DuoClean: Offers a comfortable cleaning experience, although its heavier weight may require more effort to maneuver, especially on stairs. The lift-away canister enhances its versatility, making it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas. The LED lights on the nozzle improve visibility in dark spaces.

Maintenance and Longevity

• Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro: Requires regular emptying and cleaning of the dirty water tank. The brush roll should be cleaned after each use, and the self-cleaning cycle helps to maintain its condition. The lifespan of the battery in cordless models can vary, but generally lasts for several years with proper care.
• Shark Apex DuoClean: Requires regular filter cleaning to maintain optimal suction power. The brush rolls should also be checked and cleaned periodically to remove tangled hair and debris. Its durable construction and high-quality components contribute to its long-term reliability.

Who Should Buy the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro?

The Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro is the ideal choice for:

• Pet owners with primarily hard floors who need to clean up frequent messes.
• Individuals seeking a convenient and efficient way to vacuum and wash floors simultaneously.
• Those who appreciate a lightweight, cordless design for easy maneuverability.
• Users who value the convenience of a self-cleaning brush roll.

Who Should Buy the Shark Apex DuoClean?

The Shark Apex DuoClean is the best option for:

• Homeowners with a mix of carpets and hard floors needing a versatile cleaning solution.
• Those who require powerful suction for deep cleaning and allergen removal.
• Users who value the flexibility of a lift-away canister for portable cleaning.
• Individuals looking for a durable and reliable vacuum with advanced features like DuoClean technology.

Final Recommendation

Both the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro and the Shark Apex DuoClean are excellent vacuums, but they cater to different needs and preferences. The Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro excels in cleaning hard floors with its wet-dry functionality, making it perfect for pet owners who frequently deal with spills and messes. The Shark Apex DuoClean, on the other hand, offers powerful and versatile cleaning on both carpets and hard floors, making it a great choice for homes with mixed flooring that require deep cleaning and allergen control.

• Choose the Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro if: You have mostly hard floors and want a convenient, all-in-one solution for vacuuming and washing.
• Choose the Shark Apex DuoClean if: You have a mix of carpets and hard floors and need a powerful vacuum for deep cleaning and pet hair removal.