The Bissell SpotBot 1200 is a well-designed cleaning machine that can potentially add years of life to your carpeting.

If you don't have the time, patience, or inclination to spot treat your rug every time a spill occurs, Bissell's independent SpotBot machine may be just the assistant you're looking for. Whenever a spill occurs, you place this machine over it and turn it on. Then you walk away while the hands-free SpotBot applies solution, scrubs, and then vacuums the solution and stain out of your rug.

One of the easiest and most effective spot removal systems we've ever seen, this model uses Bissell's Little Green Machine solution, which is made even more effective by using the included OxyGen 2 solution. This solution ramps up the stain removal power and can often get out even tough set-in stains such as pet urine. We even had success with nasty stains that had been in the rug for a year or more.

Each SpotBot cycle runs 3 minutes for surface stains or 6 minutes for set-in stains, and cleans a stain of about 6 inches in diameter. On rare occasion, you may need to run the cycle twice. Your only responsibilities are is to fill the reservoir with solution, turn the unit on, and then empty out the dirty water at the cycle's end. You don't even need to be in the room to clean up stains and spills with this model.

As an alternative, this unit offers a hose and handheld brush, which makes it convenient to use on stairs, upholstery, and in the car. At around $140, the cost may seem a bit high, but with the opportunity to save the hundreds or thousands of dollars it costs to replace carpet, this model could prove to be a real bargain in the long run. It's also a bargain when compared to the anemic $40 spot machines that do little more than lighten stains and leave permanent shadows behind.

Lightweight, the Bissell SpotBot 1200 is a breeze to use, requires no assembly, and gets the job done -- even if you're not home.


Pros: Unique hands-free system really gets out the stains even nasty set-in ones, uses effective OxyGen2 solution
Cons: Expensive

Warranty
1 year