I loved this little handheld vacuum to death! Literally!
Years ago, we bought a Bissell model 1984 vacuum cleaner and fell in love with it. It was lightweight, easy to use, easy to clean, held a charge forever, and went under even the smallest furniture. It's only Achilles heel was the power switch, but I was able to replace that myself. Over the years it has gotten worn by doing dumb things like vacuuming the sidewalk and such. But it continues to bring joy, so I bought a second one at Janitorial Equipment Supply for $208 (regularly $299!).
We bought a model 1985 handheld (shown above) which was sold as a "car vac." Some reviewers complained about the suction power, but I liked it. It even had a power head! But once again, the power switch went bad and when I went online to get parts, I saw that it was recalled for potential battery fires - a problem we never had. I filled out the recall form, sent in a photo of the data plate and a couple of weeks later they send me a brand-spanking new Model 31783 Icon Pet Turbo stick vacuum, a $200 value, free! Thanks, Bissell!
I now own five seven Bissell vacuum cleaners now. In addition to the two model 1984's and the late, great model 1985, we have an old corded bag model 1398 that we bought many years ago at Walmart (for under $50) which we left at the condo. The tenant may have taken it. By the way, the condo is on the market now. Make an offer!
We also have a bagless cyclone unit (similar to the 1009) that a friend gave to us when they sold their 5th wheel trailer. We use it at the storage locker where we keep the camper. Eventually, it may go out to Mark's Studio when the old GE canister vac finally throws in the towel (clay dust is hard on vacuum cleaners). (We also have a RIGID portable shop vac, so with the two aging GE's that makes ten vacuum cleaners overall, I guess).
A neighbor was throwing away a model 2482, which is sort of like a dustbuster mounted on a stick. I snagged it because (a) it was a Bissell and (b) it said "lithium ion" on the front, so odds are, the battery was good, and (c) it could be perfect for the camper, as it was small and folded up for storage. I ordered the accessory crevice and upholstery tool from the Bissell site (their prices are about the same as eBay or Amazon) and downloaded the user manual. I took it apart and realized why they threw it away. The filter had never been cleaned and there was a wad of paper in the intake tube, which then clogged up with animal hair. A half-hour of cleaning and reassembly and we were back in business. The previous owners were nice enough to give me the charger plug!
Of course, the 1985 is now ready for the trash and the GE canister vacs will follow it when we run out of bags - they are beaten to death! As for our older model 1984, if it breaks, I will keep the battery and the dirt canister as spares. But until then, we can both vacuum at the same time!
As for this "free" vacuum, I believe the power head detaches like a dust-buster, so it may become our new handheld, or make its way to the camper.
Vacuum cleaners have a hard life. Overall, I am happy with Bissell products - they certainly stand behind them! They work well and are inexpensive to buy. And they are lightweight, easy to use, and best of all, cordless.
UPDATE: The new vacuum arrived and it is really a thing of beauty - literally. Battery life so far seems weaker, but it has great suction, a "turbo" mode (which drains the battery faster) and handheld and floor attachments. Thanks, Bissell!
