Lightweight and equipped with a small 6.5-amp motor, the Bissell PowerSteamer ClearView 1692 uses hot tap water to groom lightly soiled carpets. It differs from the more expensive, heavy-duty machines in that it does not have an onboard heater.

Machines with an onboard heater generally do a better job of removing heavy soil. The Bissell PowerSteamer utilizes a 1-gallon, tank-in-tank system. This means that clean water and solution are stored in the center of the tank, while the used, dirty water is collected into a bladder surrounding this same tank.

Overall, this tank-in-tank system seems to be efficient, convenient, and well designed. One drawback is that since both the water and cleaning solution are added to this same tank, it limits the user's control to a set the desired amount of solution, whereas heavyweight deep-cleaning machines often allow the user to vary the amount of solution applied based on the degree of soil in the carpet (they are also generally more expensive).

Also, offered with this model are a tough-stain tool and a power brush; both provide agitation to help remove soil from carpets. All of 1692's accessory tools are conveniently located onboard.

The Bissell PowerSteamer ClearView 1692 is one of the better lightweight machines; however, a heavyweight deep-cleaning machine with a heater may be a better investment for heavily soiled carpets or homes with lots of children and pets.

Pros: Lightweight, comes with tools
Cons: Does not have a heater, solution and water are mixed in same tank

Warranty
1 year