Which Bissell Little Green Machine stands out as the best?

When you're battling tough pet stains or giving your upholstery a fresh look, you need a powerful cleaning tool. Enter Bissell's renowned Little Green Machines, which are the stars of countless before-and-after cleaning transformations. Despite their charming name and appearance, these machines pack a punch, offering outstanding cleaning performance on both carpets and upholstery. And their portability? A huge bonus. Could there be more?

There are several models available—four in total: the Original, ProHeat, Cordless, and HydroSteam. So, which one reigns supreme? That's where we step in. To determine the ultimate model, we evaluated all four based on cleaning performance, ease of use, and portability. Additionally, we consulted experts like Sarah McAllister, founder and CEO of GoCleanCO and House Work, and Brandon Pleshek, cleaning expert and founder of Clean That Up, to gain insights into the best carpet and upholstery cleaning practices.

After testing all four models ourselves, we can confidently say there's no such thing as a 'bad' Little Green. Their popularity is well-earned because they deliver results, no matter which one you pick. The key differences between the models are more about their specific uses. So, here's how the Bissell Little Greens compare to each other.

Most User-Friendly

Who Is This Model Best For?

Key Features

As the original Little Green Machine, this model is the most straightforward of the four. It comes with three specialized tools: a 3-inch tough stain tool, a HydroRinse self-cleaning hose, and a crevice tool for spraying. Additionally, it includes an 8-ounce bottle of freshness formula. The tank holds a generous 48 ounces, making it the second-largest capacity, so you won’t have to stop frequently for refills.

Cleaning Power

This model effortlessly removed both dry and wet maple syrup stains in just a few passes. While the nozzle had some difficulty moving over the dry syrup, it worked flawlessly once the area was damp. Salad dressing proved more challenging, and red wine was the toughest. The machine struggled with the red wine stains on its own, but once we added a separate wine stain remover, the stain was completely gone.

Arguably the worst part of a stain is the odor it leaves behind. In our tests, this model eliminated all lingering smells. However, the citrus fragrance of the cleaning solution was quite strong, and we were unsure if it fully removed the odor or just masked it. Regardless, there were no unpleasant smells left behind. There was still some moisture after cleaning, which was expected given the dampness needed for the task.

User-Friendliness

A truly great cleaning tool is one that’s easy to use, and this model offered the most user-friendly experience of all the Little Greens. Whether we were filling the water tank or setting it up, this model required minimal effort. We also appreciated the handy fill lines on the water canister, which took away any guesswork from the process.

Our favorite feature was undoubtedly the 3-inch tool attachment. The scrubbing bristles reached deep into the fabric of our rug and upholstery, delivering a powerful clean. We also loved how easy it was to attach and clean the tool—just a quick rinse, and it was ready for another round. The large capacity was a standout too, as we were able to complete all our tests without needing to refill, proving the product’s convenience.

Portability

Weighing in at just 9.65 pounds, this compact powerhouse is both portable and easy to move from one room to another. Its sleek design and convenient carrying handle make it easy to store in most larger cabinets.

Best Value for Your Money

Who Is This Model Best For?

Features

The ProHeat model incorporates Bissell's OXY spot and stain formula with triple-action power and StainProtect Technology, along with Heatwave Technology. This combination ensures a deep clean, helping break down and remove even the most stubborn stains.

Like the original, the ProHeat version includes the HydroRinse self-cleaning hose and the 3-inch tough stain tool. It also introduces a 3-in-1 stair tool designed to tackle those hard-to-reach corners and edges of carpeted stairs. The clean tank holds 37 ounces, the smallest capacity among the four models.

Effectiveness

During testing, this model removed stains much more quickly and with less effort than the original. While it performed similarly in results—easily gliding over damp maple syrup stains—it did have some difficulty with salad dressing and red wine. As for odors, the powerful citrus scent did an excellent job of either masking or removing any lingering smells.

After using the ProHeat, we were impressed to find the rug’s surface almost completely dry. This was thanks to the model needing fewer passes and less cleaning solution compared to the original. McAllister herself is a big fan of the ProHeat, stating: “I use it all the time and have no complaints about it.”

Ease of Use

Operating this device was just as straightforward as the original Little Green Machine. As expected, the 3-inch tool attachment remained our top favorite feature.

Portability

Compared to the original Little Green Machine, the ProHeat model is more compact and slightly smaller, making it even easier to handle and maneuver. It weighs just over 9 pounds and comes with a carrying handle, making transportation and storage hassle-free. Additionally, this model earns extra points for its integrated holder, which stores the tool attachment when not in use.

Most Portable

Who It's Best For

Features 

Tired of being limited by a cord? The cordless Little Green is your solution. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, it lets you clean anywhere, anytime. This freedom enables you to reach even the most difficult spots, such as carpets, rugs, upholstery, patio furniture, and even car interiors (which often hide more crumbs than you’d expect).

This model provides two distinct cleaning modes: turbo and eco. The turbo mode delivers powerful suction, perfect for tackling tough messes with an extra 20 minutes of strong suction. Eco mode is quieter and runs for up to 35 minutes, offering a gentler clean. Additionally, it includes a 4-inch tough stain tool for even formula application, a removable hose, and a HydroRinse self-cleaning hose.

Effectiveness

In our experience, cleaning the rug was much easier than the chair, likely due to its looser weave and higher pile. Removing dirt was a breeze, requiring just suction and a cleaner application. However, the red wine stain proved the toughest, and surprisingly, syrup stains were also a challenge.

When it came to odor elimination, this model far exceeded our expectations. After use, the pungent smells of maple syrup and salad dressing were replaced with a refreshing lemon scent. The moisture residue was minimal, with the chair remaining slightly damp, but the rug dried completely in just 15 minutes.

Ease of Use 

Since this model operates without a cord, it relies on a lithium battery. The downside to this convenience is the shorter battery life, which became an issue during our testing when the battery ran out before we were finished. Despite this limitation, the cordless model still impressed us with its functionality—the 37-ounce tank is compact yet sufficient, and the trigger is easy to press and hold.

Portability

With its cordless design, it's no surprise that this is the most portable Little Green model we tested. Weighing in at just over 7 pounds, it’s also the lightest of the bunch and small enough to take wherever you need it. The only issue we encountered was with the small cap on the clean water tank, which was easily misplaced.

Best for Tough Jobs

Who It's Ideal For

Key Features

This model stands apart from the others with its HydroSteam technology that tackles even the most stubborn stains. It features three cleaning modes: SteamWash for greasy messes, standard Steam for refreshing upholstery or cleaning grout, and Wash, specifically designed to handle pet accidents.

The device comes with a 5-inch tough stain tool—the largest among the models—along with a multi-surface tool and a HydroRinse self-cleaning tool. We particularly appreciate the multi-surface tool's versatility, extending its cleaning capabilities beyond just carpet and upholstery to grout, tile, fabric, and even sneakers. Additionally, the model includes wheels for easy portability and is equipped with Pet Pro Oxy Formula and Little Green Spot and Stain Oxy Formula.

Performance

This model truly impressed us with its exceptional power and coverage. With a substantial 64-ounce clean tank, it's a robust choice. The wide nozzle efficiently covered large areas, and the brush's size allowed for more extensive cleaning with each sweep. However, cleaning syrup proved to be a challenge. By the time we were on our hands and knees, trying to find an outlet and refill the machine, we realized we might have been better off using a wet rag and scrub brush instead.

We were also let down by the so-called “steam feature,” which turned out to be just a stream of hot water. Regardless of the water’s temperature in the tank, it felt cold when sprayed, so we were glad to have the option to add hot water manually.

User-Friendliness

Although the idea of adding steam might seem intimidating, this model is actually quite user-friendly. A simple dial allows you to switch between output modes, and the steam-ready light turns on quickly to indicate it's time to start. However, we did face some usability challenges. The hose felt stiff, and no matter how we held the trigger, it never quite pointed in the right direction. We spent a lot of time twisting and adjusting it, but we couldn't find a comfortable way to hold it.

Portability

Despite its name, the Little Green HydroSteam is not as compact as you'd expect. Weighing in at over 18 pounds, it is by far the heaviest model on our list. The design also feels a little bulky and awkward, which affects its portability. However, the inclusion of wheels does make it easier to move around, which is a definite advantage.

Our Testing Process 

We put all four models of the Bissell Little Green Machine—the Original, the ProHeat, the Cordless, and the HydroSteam—through rigorous testing in our lab, where we compared their effectiveness, ease of use, and portability. 

We began by applying fresh stains of maple syrup, red wine, and salad dressing to a chair cushion. After waiting for five minutes, we used each cleaner to tackle the stains one at a time, assessing how effectively each model removed the marks and which ones performed the quickest. We also experimented with the various attachments to determine which were best suited for each stain type. As a note, the red wine stains proved to be the most challenging for all models, so we pre-treated the area with red wine remover before using the cleaner to absorb the remaining stain. 

Next, we tested the models on dried stains, which had been applied to the chair cushion the previous day. After cleaning all six stains—three fresh and three dried—we checked whether the cushion remained damp or had dried completely. Additionally, we evaluated whether any odors from the stains lingered after the cleaning process. 

For our next round of testing, we focused on a rug, tackling stains such as muddy footprints, dried maple syrup, oil, and red wine. Just as with the chair cushion, we used red wine remover to help with the wine stains. During the cleaning process, we observed which models were most effective and quickest in removing these stains, while also utilizing any helpful attachments or add-ons. For the HydroSteam model, we activated the steam cleaning feature to remove the dried syrup from the grout, paying attention to how easily and efficiently the switch between features could be made.

Once the cleaning was complete, we emptied the dirty water tank into the sink, paying attention to both the volume and the level of dirt that had been picked up during the test. Lastly, we thoroughly cleaned both the water tank and the machine following the manufacturer's guidelines. 

Questions to Consider

Is a portable cleaner like the Bissell Little Green worth buying?

A portable cleaner is an essential tool in any cleaning kit, according to McAllister. With spills and accidents happening so often, having a compact machine readily available is incredibly convenient, especially for pet owners. Unlike typical carpet or upholstery sprays that require physical effort, a portable cleaner handles all the tough work for you.

“You don’t want to drag out a bulky machine every time there’s an accident, so having a portable cleaner nearby is a huge advantage,” says McAllister. Pleshek is a big fan of his portable cleaner, highlighting how its small size makes it perfect for tackling small spots, upholstery, and even cleaning his car. 

Which features are most important when buying a portable cleaner?

Portable cleaners come with a wide range of features, and it can be tricky to decide which ones are truly worth the extra cost. Generally, the more features a model offers, the higher its price will be. 

Both experts recommend focusing on strong suction power, which ensures you can “remove all dirt, grime, and water effectively,” according to Pleshak. McAllister also suggests prioritizing a long hose, good attachment options, and ease of movement. Of the Bissell Little Greens, the HydroSteam model boasts the longest hose (5 feet), while the Cordless version stands out for its portability (weighing just over 7 pounds).

Additionally, some models come with heating technologies to keep the water warm, along with extra wash, rinse, and dry settings. "These machines can get smelly, and some of the latest designs feature self-cleaning functions," McAllister says. Every Little Green Machine includes a self-cleaning hose tool, and two of them come with heating features: The HydroSteam has a steam function, while the ProHeat maintains a constant hot water temperature.

Pleshek emphasizes the importance of selecting a machine that is easy to clean and maintain. "It's crucial that the tanks and brushes are easy to access and remove, making post-cleaning much simpler," he explains. This can also extend the machine's lifespan. As for additional features, he suggests looking for models that include a hand tool for spot and upholstery cleaning.

How much should you spend on a portable cleaner? 

McAllister asserts that high-quality cleaning products don’t need to be expensive. "From my experience, you don’t need to spend more than a few hundred dollars on a carpet cleaner to get a solid one," she says. "If necessary, wait for a sale, or consider starting with a smaller portable cleaner before committing to a larger machine." She notes that Bissell models tend to be effective and reasonably priced for the average consumer. The Bissell Little Greens range from $124 to $230.

Trust Our Expertise

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a contributor to Mytour who focuses on home products and cleaning solutions. For this piece, we evaluated four versions of the Bissell Little Green Machine in our lab, comparing them for effectiveness, ease of use, and portability. We also sought insight from Sarah McAllister, CEO and founder of GoCleanCo, and Brandon Pleshek, a cleaning expert and founder of Clean That Up.