We’ve raved before about how much we love the Kurv—no sponsorships, just genuine enthusiasm—and now we’re thrilled to have found a full-size vacuum that matches it in performance. This new upright truly sucks— in the best way—and when paired with our lightweight, wood-floor-friendly Kurv, pet hair and dust don’t stand a chance. The result: our home has never looked or felt this clean.
We realized it was time to replace our previous full-size vacuum—an underperforming Dirt Devil that seemed to blow more dust into the air than it picked up—especially before the baby arrived. That cheap forty-dollar purchase taught us a lesson: it’s worth putting in a little research and having a clear list of priorities before buying a major appliance. Here’s what we wanted in a new vacuum:
- HEPA filtration to help control allergens and airborne particles
- Bagless design for easier emptying and fewer ongoing costs
- Lightweight construction (anything over 20 lbs would be too heavy for me)
- More suction power than our previous 8-amp model
- Multiple settings to handle both carpets and hardwood floors effectively
Your priorities may differ, but going into a purchase with a shortlist helps narrow the options quickly. Start by eliminating models that don’t meet your key criteria, then compare the remaining contenders in more detail.
After researching and testing options, we chose the Bissell 82H1 Cleanview Helix Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner.
This upright delivers 12 amps of power and offers five settings so you can tailor suction for deep-cleaning carpets or switch to a setting better suited for hardwood floors. Its Helix Dirt Separation System improves debris removal and keeps suction steady, and the bagless design includes an easy-empty dirt cup. The vacuum also includes a HEPA filter and comes with useful accessories—TurboBrush, crevice tool, extension wand, and upholstery/dusting brush—plus adjustable height settings. At about 15 lbs it stayed well under our weight limit. Reading numerous customer reviews in-store confirmed our choice, and we felt confident the model was a strong match for our needs.
We were also pleased to find it on sale at Target, which made the purchase feel like an even better value. Although we were prepared to spend more for a long-lasting model, the price reduction and strong ratings sealed the deal.
At home, we tested the vacuum on our dirtiest carpet and were impressed by how much it lifted out of the fibers—our previously dingy carpet looked noticeably brighter. It switched easily to a hardwood-floor setting and performed well there too. The upholstery brush removed pet hair and dust from our sofa with no fuss. Overall it handled every surface in the house effectively.
Cleaning with this machine has made the chore easier and, surprisingly, more enjoyable. I’m genuinely excited to have it on hand as we prepare for the baby; keeping the house efficient and simple is one of my goals this year, and this vacuum helps us get closer to that. I also expect fewer allergy symptoms when vacuuming, thanks to the HEPA filter and improved containment.
To be clear: we were not paid or given any perks by Bissell, Target, Amazon, or anyone else for this recommendation. We bought this vacuum ourselves after research because it fit our needs and exceeded expectations. This isn’t an ad—just a homeowner sharing a product that solved a real problem for our household.
What about you? Any favorite vacuums—Bissell fans, Dyson devotees, or folks who happily coexist with dust bunnies—what works (or doesn’t) in your home? We’d love to hear about your experiences and recommendations.