In the United States, Bissell and Shark are two of the most popular vacuum cleaner brands. Bissell has a long-standing history in the vacuum industry. Starting with the invention of a carpet sweeper to remove the copious amount of sawdust in the company founders’ crockery shop, the Bissell band quickly gained fans around the world, including the late Queen Victoria of England.
In comparison to Bissell, Shark is a relative newcomer. Shark is a sub-brand of the almost 25-year-old SharkNinja corporation, which began in Canada and later put down its roots in Massachusetts. Today, Shark is a premium purveyor of vacuum cleaners and steam mops.
Although both companies are well-known and well-liked by consumers in multiple countries, each brand has a unique history. Therefore, we felt inspired to examine them further within the scope of handheld vacuum cleaners. To do so, we selected the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser and the Shark Pet Perfect II for our comparison review.
Why Buy a Handheld Vacuum?
Sure, you can use an upright or a canister vacuum to clean small messes and detail your automobile. However, these types of vacuum cleaners can’t touch handheld vacuums in terms of portability.
They are lightweight and compact, making them easy to hold and maneuver into tight spaces. Plus, the efficiency of handheld vacuums has improved by leaps and bounds from the days of the first handheld vacs in the 1970s and 1980s.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Versus the Shark Pet Perfect II
When it comes to handheld vacuums, suction strength is a hit or miss. However, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser and the Shark Pet Perfect II offer reliable suction that’s strong enough to lift tufts of fur, spilled cereal and more. Each one is equipped with a motorized head that can reach deep within carpet fibers. Plus, both handheld vacs come with several attachments for all your household and automobile vacuuming needs.
Inside of the Pet Hair Eraser and Pet Perfect II, there is a powerful battery that provides you with decent run and charge times. Both batteries are easy to replenish with their unique charging setups.
To ensure that the vacuums maintain their efficiency, Bissell and Shark made sure that each model included an excellent filtration system and a quick-empty dirt cup.
Battery
To keep the cost of these cordless handled vacuums low while still ensuring they can deliver unwavering suction, Bissell and Shark put a 14.4-volt nickel-metal hydride battery in the Pet Hair Eraser and an 18-volt version of the same battery style in the Pet Perfect II.
Both handheld vacs recharge in 5 to 6 hours, and they have an approximate 20-minute runtime, which is long enough for quick pick-up jobs. The Bissell model comes with a simple plug-and-charge adapter while the Shark has a charging base that keeps the vacuum in an upright position. The Pet Perfect II also has a battery light indicator and optional wall-mount hardware.
Floor Head
If you have any kind of carpeting in your home, the vacuum you choose must have a brush roll in its floor head to tackle the dirt hidden within the carpet’s fibers. This Bissell handheld vacuum has a motorized floor nozzle that boasts a 4.5-inch-wide cleaning path, making stair cleaning a breeze. To get the vacuum up and running, simply press the fingertip power button on the handle.
Like the Bissell, the Shark Pet Perfect II comes with a brushroll-equipped floor head that is controlled by a fingertip button. This nozzle is able to lift stubborn fur, dirt, dust, and debris, and it has a viewing window, so you can see what the vacuum is picking up with its cyclonic suction system.
Accessories
A wide nozzle is great for vacuuming messes off the floor. However, you need specialized tools for detailing tasks like cleaning couch cushions, dusting shelves and reaching into the many awkward gaps in your car. Shark offers two attachments with this model. There is a crevice tool for those hard-to-reach areas and a dusting brush for above-floor surfaces. Both accessories are easy to insert by simply pushing them into place.
With the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, you also get a crevice tool. Instead of the typical dusting brush, this handheld vac comes with a felt-lined upholstery tool that is well-adept at picking up pet hair. For maximum maneuverability, you can twist the upholstery brush to change its angle. These attachments are easy to switch out; all you have to do is push a button to release them.
Maneuverability
Since handheld vacuums are created around the ideas of portability and maneuverability, the one you buy should be lightweight and comfortable in your hand. Luckily, you won’t be disappointed by the way either vacuum feels. The 3.75-pound Pet Hair Eraser has a looped handle with a palm support while the 4.25-pound Pet Perfect II has a looped, rubberized handle with a textured grip.
Filtration
To maintain powerful suction from beginning to end, your chosen handheld vacuum should have a great filtration system. The Pet Hair Eraser contains a pleated filter with a protective mesh cover that reduces the likelihood of clogs. Larger particles that cannot be captured by the filter are dropped into the transparent, 0.7-liter dirt cup. To clean the filter, simply shake off the dust after each use.
Within the translucent dust bin on the Pet Perfect II, there is a cloth filter. As long as you wash the filter once every month, you’ll only need to replace it four times per year. When you need to empty the contents in either handheld vacuum’s bin, one press of a button is all it takes to detach the bin from the housing.
Related Bissell Vacuum Articles
• Best Bissell Upright Vacuums
• Best Bissell Vacuums for Pet Hair
Comparison Articles
• Bissell 9595A vs. Shark Navigator NV356E
• Bissell Zing 4122 vs. 2156A Canisters
Two Capable Handheld Vacs
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser and the Shark Pet Perfect II are prime examples of powerful, efficient handheld vacuum cleaners. Each one contains a nickel-metal hydride battery that drives their effective suctioning systems, and both of the vacuums’ floor nozzles have a brushroll that gives you a thorough clean.
You’ll appreciate their low weight and comfortable handles. Plus, accessories like the upholstery tool can help keep your home and car tidy. You also get the benefit of excellent filters, especially the one in the Bissell model. Since you can see the debris inside of the dirt cups, you won’t inadvertently vacuum with a full bin and accidentally cause the vacuums to clog. The Pet Hair Eraser and the Pet Perfect II are two handheld vacuums that everyone should keep in their household appliance arsenal.
Our Recommended Handheld Vacuums
If you have any questions or comments, please add them below in the comment section. Similarly, please let us know if you spot any mistakes or omissions. Thanks!
Last Update: 2023-03-23 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
