Few things are more frustrating than when you power up your vacuum, clean over a hard floor, and most of the dirt or pet fur is still on the floor. You go over the spot again and again, but the vacuum just doesn’t want to suck up the mess.
You won’t have that kind of problem when you choose from any of the three Bissell PowerForce Helix vacuums.
Whether you need a powerhouse (1797 model), a mid-level pick (1700 model), or a tinier, lightweight option (1701 model), all three vacuums suit each respective need.
These vacuums come packed with great Bissell technology, such as the Easy Empty Dirt Cup in lieu of a bag, the TurboBrush and other handy removable attachments, and filters for controlling odors and allergens.
With so many great options, how can you choose? This review is intended to help you find a Bissell vacuum that works for your budget and lifestyle.
Best Bissell PowerForce Helix Reviews 2020:
#1 Bissell PowerForce Helix Turbo Rewind 1797 Bagless Vacuum Review
The Bissell PowerForce Helix 1797 is a dependable, affordable vacuum. Additionally, the vacuum is bagless which a big selling point is. If you can learn to live without an air force indicator, brush on/off switch, variable suction control, and a soft bumper, you’ll get a lot of use out of this vacuum.
Designs and Features:
- A retractable 25-foot cord
- Four removable attachments, including the extension wand, the TurboBrush, a dusting brush, and a crevice tool for removing dust and dirt from even the hardest-to-reach corners and crevices
- A lightweight design
- Included Febreze filter for odor control in the house
- Wide Cleaning Path technology for quickly cleaning hair and dirt off surfaces
- The Helix dirt separation system means dirt does not slow down the vacuum, allowing you to clean more for longer
- Can clean a variety of surfaces, including upholstery, stairs, low-pile carpet, and regular carpeting
- Bagless
- No need to deal with the hassle of emptying out a bag of dust and dirt
- The Easy Empty Dirt Cup can hold 1.0L of dirt
- Lacks a swivel head and a dirt sensor
- Does not have a soft bumper
#2 Bissell PowerForce Helix 1700 Bagless Vacuum Review
Like the little cousin of the 1797 bagless vacuum, if you were intrigued by that model, then the Bissell PowerForce 1700 is another great option to consider. This vacuum weighs less and generally costs less.
Although it doesn’t improve on the flaws found in the 1797 vacuum (such as lack of air flow indicator, brush on/off switch, and variable suction control), this is a great vacuum for cleaning the whole house.
Designs and Features:
- Weighs a slim 12 pounds, which is even lighter than the 1797 vacuum
- The Bissell 1700 vacuum is bagless
- Can vacuum a variety of surfaces
- Has a cleaning path of 13 inches wide, again like the 1797
- Uses multi-level filtration so air can travel throughout the vacuum effortlessly
- Has a 23-foot Power Cord and a five-foot hose
- The Powerforce 1700 has plenty of handy bonus tools (although not as many as the 1797), such as the extension wand for a longer reach as well as the dusting brush and crevice tool for deeper, more efficient cleaning
- This model is lighter by about two pounds, which can be significant for some people.
- The color choices are a combination of Baha Blue and black and are quite nice.
- While the 1797 lacked a soft bumper, the Bissell 1700 has it.
- This vacuum will take less damage than over time and should last longer.
- Doesn’t have an airflow indicator, brush on/off switch, or variable suction control.
- Doesn’t have automatic cord rewind
#3 Bissell PowerForce Helix Turbo 1701 Bagless Vacuum Review
By far the lightest and almost the cheapest of the three, if your budget doesn’t allow you to spend more than $100 on your vacuum, the Bissell PowerForce 1701 is your best bet.
If you live in a small home or apartment, this streamlined vacuum can be easily stashed away.
With its great cleaning system, Easy Empty Dirt Cup, and its lengthy cord, this is a reliable vacuum.
Designs and Features:
- Has an extended cleaning path width of 15 inches
- Uses the Helix cleaning system for better removal of dirt, dust, crumbs, and more
- Has a 25-foot Power Cord
- Includes a cleaning hose that can stretch to eight feet
- Boasts a two-row rotating brush system for your cleanest clean yet
- Included multi-level filtration system
- Has five surface height settings as well as an extension wand for those nooks and crannies you normally can’t reach
- The TurboBrush tool, dusting brush tool, and crevice tool can be switched out any time
- Includes a soft bumper and a carry handle for convenience
- Since it’s just one number off, the 1700 and the 1701 share plenty of similarities. For instance, they both have the same power rating, the same cleaning path width, and they both are the same weight.
- Their cords are the same length, too, although the 1701’s hose can stretch an extra few inches. Sometimes, when trying to squeeze into tight places, those last few inches make all the difference.
- With its focus on multi-level filtration, the Bissell 1701 vacuum does stand out from the pack. Out of the three, this is the slimmest-looking vacuum, with few extra bells and whistles.
- Less-than-desirable features
- No retractable cord