Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaner vs BISSELL PowerForce Pet XL

The PowerDash Pet is the better pick for small homes, apartments and quick spot cleaning. It weighs 13 lb, stands on its own and slips under furniture on its low-profile foot. The PowerForce Pet XL is the better pick for whole-room cleaning and pet-heavy households. Its 1-gallon tanks and 10-inch cleaning path mean far fewer refill trips, and its 4-row brush plus Tough Stain Tool handle stairs and upholstery. Owners of the Hoover praise its light weight and stain lifting but complain about small tanks and a strong scent. BISSELL owners report solid pet-stain removal; the XL is heavier at 17 lb and taller to store.

• Choose the Hoover PowerDash Pet if you have mostly small rooms, rugs or stairs, want a machine you can carry in one hand and store in a closet, and don't mind refilling often.
• Choose the BISSELL PowerForce Pet XL if you have wall-to-wall carpet in larger rooms, several pets, and want big tanks and a wide cleaning path so you spend less time at the sink.