The Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet and the Shark Rotator series vacuums are both designed to tackle pet hair and everyday messes, but they offer different features and performance levels. The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet is an upright vacuum known for its ease of use and pet-specific tools, while the Shark Rotator is a versatile upright/handheld hybrid that offers powerful suction and specialized features like a lift-away canister. This review will provide an in-depth comparison to help you decide which vacuum is best suited for your home.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Pet Hair Performance: Both excel at picking up pet hair, but the Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet comes with specialized pet tools, while the Shark Rotator boasts strong suction and sometimes a self-cleaning brushroll.
- Versatility: The Shark Rotator’s Lift-Away feature allows it to convert into a handheld vacuum for stairs and upholstery, giving it an edge in versatility over the Bissell.
- Maneuverability: The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet is known for its swivel steering, making it easy to navigate around furniture, while some Shark Rotator models can be heavier and less nimble.
- Price: The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet is generally more budget-friendly, while the Shark Rotator may offer more advanced features for a higher price.
- HEPA Filter: Shark Rotator models often include HEPA filters, making them suitable for allergy sufferers, while the Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet does not always include this feature.
Specifications
Since “Shark Rotator” is a series of vacuums, the specifications can vary greatly. I’ll provide general specs and point out common differences.
| Feature | Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet | Shark Rotator (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Upright | Upright/Handheld (Lift-Away) |
| Weight | Varies, typically around 15-18 lbs | Varies, typically around 12-16 lbs (Upright), less as Handheld |
| Cord Length | 25-30 feet (with automatic cord rewind) | 25-30 feet |
| Dirt Tank Capacity | XL Easy Empty Dirt Tank (specific capacity varies, generally around 2L) | Varies, typically around 1 gallon (4 Liters). |
| Filtration | Washable Filter (some models may not have HEPA) | HEPA Filter (on many models) |
| Brushroll | Triple Action Brush Roll | Varies: DuoClean (dual brushrolls), Self-Cleaning Brushroll |
| Attachments | TurboEraser Pet Tool, 2-in-1 Dusting Brush/Crevice Tool | Varies: Pet Power Brush, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush |
| Cleaning Path | 13.5 inches | 9.5 inches |
| Features | Swivel Steering, Automatic Cord Rewind, Scatter-Free Technology, Multi-Cyclonic Suction System | Lift-Away Canister, LED Headlights (on some models), Variable Suction Control, Fingertip Controls |
| Height Adjustment | Manual floor height adjustment | Some models |
Price and Availability
- Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet: Typically ranges from $130 – $180. Available at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and the Bissell website. Keep an eye out for sales, especially around holidays.
- Shark Rotator: The Rotator series includes several models, with prices ranging from $150 to $300+. Available at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and the Shark website. Prices can vary significantly depending on the specific model and features.
Design and Build Quality
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet is designed with convenience in mind. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability, making it easy to navigate around furniture and tight spaces. It also features an automatic cord rewind for easy storage and a carrying handle for portability. The build quality is generally good for its price point, though it may not feel as robust as some higher-end models. Each accessory tool has a designated spot on the vacuum.
The Shark Rotator vacuums are known for their versatility. The Lift-Away feature allows you to detach the canister and use it as a handheld vacuum for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces. The build quality is generally sturdy, and many models include features like LED headlights and fingertip controls. The design can vary significantly between models, with some being lighter and more compact than others.
Performance and Features
Cleaning Performance
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet offers pretty good cleaning performance across various surfaces. It has multiple settings to make it simple to vacuum across a variety of floor types. The lowest setting is ideal for bare floors and low pile carpets, the medium setting works for medium pile carpets, and the highest setting is best for shag and high pile carpets. It performs best on hardwoods (excluding large debris) and best on low carpet if you’re looking for best across all debris types. The high pile carpet was mostly good, but it was unable to capture most of the large debris due to the height of the cleaning head.
The Shark Rotator is known for its strong suction power and ability to handle various types of debris on both hard floors and carpets. The Rotator Pet performs just as well on hard floors as it does on rugs. The soft brushroll really shines, picking up the visible layer of pollen on hardwood floors. Its two-brushroll design is extremely effective on debris of all sizes — it’s able to pick up everything from pet hair to dead leaves, and it doesn’t send hard debris like cat litter flying across the floor. Some models feature DuoClean technology, which uses two brushrolls working in tandem to pick up both fine dust and larger debris.
Pet Hair Removal
Both vacuums are designed with pet owners in mind. The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet comes with specialized pet tools like the TurboEraser Pet Tool to remove embedded pet hair from upholstery and carpets.
The Shark Rotator’s strong suction and (sometimes) self-cleaning brushroll make it effective at removing pet hair from various surfaces. Customer reviews often praise its ability to lift stubborn pet hair from carpets and upholstery. The Shark Rotator Pet is a powerful upright vacuum that’s able to handle all types of debris on both hard floors and carpeting
Maneuverability
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet excels in maneuverability due to its swivel steering design. This allows for easy navigation around furniture and tight spaces.
Some Shark Rotator models can be heavier and less nimble than the Bissell, especially in upright mode. However, the Lift-Away feature improves maneuverability when used as a handheld vacuum.
Battery Life
Since both the Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet and the Shark Rotator are corded vacuums, battery life is not applicable.
Software and User Experience
Since both are traditional vacuums, there is no software. The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet features a manual floor height adjustment located on the top of the brush head. The Bissell Cleanview has multiple settings to make it simple to vacuum across a variety of floor types.
The Shark Rotator have controls located on the top of the canister. There’s a toggle switch that lets you select between hard floors or carpeting, and there’s another sliding switch on the handle of the vacuum that allows you to turn on “Max suction” mode.
Comparison to Competitors
- Dyson Ball Animal: The Dyson offers superior suction and filtration but comes at a significantly higher price point. The Bissell and Shark are more budget-friendly options.
- Hoover WindTunnel: The Hoover is a more basic upright vacuum that may not offer the same level of pet hair removal or versatility as the Bissell or Shark.
- Shark Navigator Lift-Away: The Shark Navigator is a close competitor to the Rotator, offering similar features and performance. The choice between the two often comes down to specific model features and price.
Compared to the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Pet, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet has the edge in cleaning super-thick carpeting, thanks to its height-adjustable floorhead. However, the Shark feels better built, is easier to maintain, incurs lower recurring costs, and has a HEPA filter.
Compared to the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet is easier to maintain and can pick up pet hair on all surface types. It also has a significantly better performance on bare floors and a slightly better performance on low-pile carpets. However, the Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus uses a HEPA filter, has a much better performance on high-pile carpets, is significantly easier to maneuver, and feels better built.
Pros and Cons
Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet
Pros:
- Affordable
- Good pet hair collection
- Swivel steering for maneuverability
- Automatic cord rewind
Cons:
- Mediocre performance on hard floors
- Brush roller hard to clean
- Poor filtration (on some models)
- No suction control
Shark Rotator
Pros:
- Strong suction power
- Versatile Lift-Away design
- HEPA filter (on many models)
- Effective pet hair removal
- Self-cleaning brush roll (on some models)
Cons:
- Can be more expensive
- Some models can be heavy
- Shorter hose length can be a nuisance
Value for Money
- Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet: Is great value for money. It is a good mid-range canister vacuum cleaner. It’s not the cheapest in quality or price, but it’s also not the most expensive. It offers a good balance of features and performance at an affordable price, making it a suitable option for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Shark Rotator: Is it value for money depends on the specific model and features. While it may cost more upfront, the Rotator’s versatility, strong suction, and HEPA filter can make it a worthwhile investment for those with pets and allergies.
Verdict
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet is a solid choice for pet owners on a budget. Its swivel steering and specialized pet tools make it effective at removing pet hair, though its performance on hard floors and filtration may not be as strong as other options.
The Shark Rotator is a more versatile and powerful vacuum that offers excellent pet hair removal and the added convenience of a Lift-Away canister. While it may be more expensive, its performance and features make it a worthwhile investment for those who need a vacuum that can handle a variety of cleaning tasks.
