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We put four steam mops to the test to see which is best
With a steam mop, you don’t need harsh chemicals to get rid of dirt and stains on your hard floors. Shark and Bissell make some of the most popular models because they can wipe away everyday grime, remove stubborn stains and even sanitize floors.
Shark and Bissell steam mops are fairly similar in price and cleaning performance but differ in several key areas. Shark models are the lightest we tested, making them easy to maneuver and carry through a house. The Bissell steam mops are larger and bulkier, which means they also have bigger water reservoirs, reducing the need to refill them as often. Neither Shark steam mop we tested has a removable water tank, but Bissell offers a model with a removable tank to make filling and emptying easier.
Both the Shark and Bissell models impressed us during testing, but in the end, our absolute favorite was the Shark S5003D Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Mop; it’s capable of tackling any kind of mess, plus it’s easy to store and operate. But we were also big fans of the Bissell Steam Mop PowerFresh Deluxe 1806. Its substantial water tank and longer power cord make it ideal for larger homes.
Shark vs. Bissell steam mop specs
The Shark and Bissell steam mops we tested offer pretty similar cleaning performances, but they differ pretty significantly in their specs. In particular, the differences in their cord lengths and water tank capacities can affect their usability and the types of homes they work best in.
Shark steam mops
Shark steam mops stand out for their lightweight design that makes them easy to maneuver. However, their compact size means their water reservoirs are smaller, too.
Shark Genius S5003D Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop specs
The testing team found the Shark Genius S5003D efficiently cleaned hard floors.
Product Specifications
Heating Time: 40 sec | Cord Length: 22’ | Dimensions: 47.1” H x 7” W x 13.8” L | Water Reservoir Capacity: 350 mL | Weight: 5.8 lb
The Shark Genius S5003D Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop stands out for how easy it is to use and how efficiently it cleans hard floors. It took between 35 and 40 seconds to heat up during testing, so it was ready to clean in less than a minute. Its steam also stayed consistent during cleaning, allowing us to get an even clean across our entire testing area. The mop’s cord is over 20 feet long, which reduces the need to switch outlets when cleaning larger areas.
The Shark Genius is one of the lightest steam mops we tested, weighing just under 6 pounds. It has a compact, streamlined design, making maneuvering around our testing area easy. Its head even turns sideways, which let us get into corners and beneath furniture without issue. In addition to its lightweight design, it has a handle that fits well in hand, so it was the most comfortable steam mop to use among those we tested. Unfortunately, its smaller size also extends to its water tank, the smallest of the Shark and Bissell models we tested. During testing, one tank lasted for 10 minutes of cleaning, which included two large steam shots for some stubborn stains.
Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop specs
The testing team appreciated the lightweight feel of the Shark S3501 Steam Pocket Mop.
Product Specifications
Heating Time: 30 sec | Cord Length: 18’ | Dimensions: 51.2” H x 5.9” W x 12” L | Water Reservoir Capacity: 450 mL | Weight: 4.9 lb
The Shark Steam Pocket Mop is the lightest of the steam mops we tested, weighing under 5 pounds. Still, it was one of the more challenging to push during testing. It did a better job removing dirty water from the floor than the other mops, though, so we found the extra effort worth it. However, its 18-foot power cord is the shortest among our tested models, so it may require switching outlets when cleaning large areas of hard flooring.
The Steam Pocket Mop doesn’t have an on/off button, so it starts heating up as soon as it’s plugged in. It took just 30 seconds to heat and start producing steam. Unlike other steam mops, though, it doesn’t produce steam consistently. Instead, we had to pump the handle to get more steam. It has a larger water reservoir than the Shark Genius, holding 450 milliliters. As a result, we didn’t need to refill it as often as the Genius, so we could clean pretty efficiently.
Bissell steam mops
The Bissell steam mops we tested are heavier models but also have the largest water tanks. Their power cords are long enough, so you don’t have to switch outlets when cleaning large areas.
Bissell Steam Mop PowerFresh Deluxe 1806 specs
The Bissell Steam Mop PowerFresh Deluxe 1806 is ideal for tackling large areas.
Product Specifications
Heating Time: 30 sec | Cord Length: 25’ | Dimensions: 46” H x 13” W x 9.5” L | Water Reservoir Capacity: 474 mL | Weight: 6 lb
The Bissell Steam Mop PowerFresh Deluxe 1806 is an easy-to-use steam mop that’s designed to handle large areas. It has one of the largest water tanks among the models we tested, so we could clean for 20 minutes on a single tank, twice the length of our cleaning time with the Shark Genius. It also has the longest power cord, so it can cover large areas without switching outlets.
At 6 pounds, it’s one of the heavier steam mops we tested. However, it was simple to maneuver during testing, moving smoothly across hard surfaces. Its swivel head also made it easy to get beneath furniture and cabinets. It took just 30 seconds to heat up and begin producing steam, but we found it cleaned most effectively if we waited 60 seconds before mopping. The PowerFresh Deluxe also has a built-in scrubber that’s ideal for cleaning grout lines.
Bissell Steam Mop PowerFresh 1940A specs
Product Specifications
Heating Time: 30 sec | Cord Length: 23’ | Dimensions: 28.6” H x 7.1” W x 11.6” L | Water Reservoir Capacity: 474 mL | Weight: 6.2 lb
Like the Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe, the Bissell Steam Mop PowerFresh 1940A has a long power cord, measuring over 20 feet to reduce how often you need to switch outlets. It also has a large water tank that holds 474 milliliters, enough to last for nearly 16 minutes on the highest steam setting or clean a 200-square-foot area. But our favorite thing about its water tank was its removable design that let us bring it to the sink for refills. It was the only steam mop we tested with a removable water tank, which made it more convenient to use.
With its large water reservoir, it’s no surprise that the PowerFresh 1940A is the heaviest of all the models we tested. Still, we didn’t have much trouble guiding it through our testing area. It moved smoothly over various surfaces, and its swivel head reached easily beneath cabinets, chairs and tables. As with the PowerFresh Deluxe, it needed 30 seconds to heat up and start producing steam, though we felt it offered a deeper clean if we waited 60 seconds to start mopping.
Key differences
- Weight: The Shark models we tested were lighter than the Bissell steam mops, both weighing under 6 pounds. On the other hand, the Bissell mops both weigh at least 6 pounds. The difference in weight may make the Sharks easier to maneuver, particularly if you need to carry them up and down stairs.
- Cord length: The Bissell steam mops have the longest power cords among those we tested, measuring 1 to 7 feet longer than the cords on the Shark models.
- Water tank capacity: Because they are larger models overall, it’s no surprise that the Bissell steam mops have larger water tanks than the Shark models. They each hold 474 milliliters, while the largest Shark water tank only has a 450-milliliter capacity.
Key similarities
- Heat-up time: All the Shark and Bissell steam mops we tested took less than a minute to heat up, with most averaging 30 to 40 seconds before they could produce steam.
- Cleaning performance: The Shark and Bissell steam mops cleaned the hard flooring in our testing area very well, needing no more than three passes to remove stubborn, set-in stains.
- Multiple steam levels: Most of the Shark and Bissell steam mops we tried offer multiple steam levels, so you can choose the right amount based on the level of grime and stains on the floor. The Shark Genius, Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe and Bissell PowerFresh 1940A all have at least two steam settings.
Testing
Evaluating water tank capacity and refill convenience
To assess how effectively each steam mop’s water tank capacity handled cleaning tasks, we filled each Shark and Bissell model we tested to their maximum fill lines. We then timed how long we could clean with each before the tank was empty. Once the tank was drained, we refilled each tank, noting how long and difficult the process was.
Assessing heating time and steam output
After we filled the Shark and Bissell models with water, we turned each steam mop on and timed how long they took to heat up and begin producing steam. We then noted how steadily the mops produced steam throughout each cleaning session.
Evaluating cleaning performance
To assess how well the Shark and Bissell steam mops cleaned, we tested each on several surfaces, including laminate, hardwood and tile. We tested the mops on both fresh and set-in stains, including mud, coffee and grease, and noted how many passes it took with each mop to remove the stains.
Assessing maneuverability and design
To determine how easy the Shark and Bissell steam mops were to maneuver, we recorded whether each model could capably move around furniture, into corners and under low spaces. We also noted how comfortable each mop was to use during cleaning and whether we felt any fatigue in our hands or arms while mopping.
Setup comparison
Both the Shark and Bissell steam mops we tested were easy to set up, but the process is slightly different. All four models arrived in several pieces, so we had to remove three components from each box for the setup process.
For the Shark models, we only had to insert the mop handles into the top of the main mop body until they clicked into place and then snapped the mop heads onto the bottom of the main body. Afterward, we attached a cleaning pad to each head and were ready to start mopping.
With the Bissell models, we attached the mop heads to the main mop body and then slid the handle assembly for each into the top of the main mop body. Next, we had to screw the handle assemblies into place to secure them. Finally, we attached a cleaning pad to each head, so we could start cleaning.
While the Shark and Bissell steam mops were all straightforward to assemble, it took slightly less time to set up the Shark models because we didn’t have to tighten any screws.
Cleaning performance comparison
The Shark and Bissell steam mops we tested all cleaned effectively, but some models stood out for their efficiency and thoroughness. In particular, we were impressed by the Shark Genius and Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe.
The Shark Genius boasted a Steam Blaster feature that was particularly effective for sticky, hard-to-clean messes on laminate flooring. It removed dirt and food stains in just a single pass. The feature allowed us to target specific spots and use regular steam for the rest of the floor, so we didn’t run out of water too quickly.
The Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe also did well with sticky stains because it has a built-in scrubbing pad that removed noticeably more dirt on the laminate flooring in our testing area than the traditional soft pad did. However, we liked its soft pad for more delicate surfaces like tile or cleaning up everyday dirt and grime.
The Shark Steam Pocket Mop cleaned several mud and grease stains, and we were especially pleased that it didn’t leave any streaks behind like other steam mops we tested. It removed the excess water, so the moisture didn’t sit on the floor and dry unevenly. The Bissell PowerFresh worked well to remove fresh coffee, mud and other pet stains, but it needed three passes to fully clean the flooring surfaces, so it took the longest of the four models we tested to mop the same 200-square-foot area.
Design comparison
The Shark steam mops we tested were the lightest and most compact. The Shark Genius weighs 5.8 pounds, while the Shark Steam Pocket Mop only weighs 4.9 pounds. The Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe comes in at 6 pounds, and the PowerFresh 1940A at 6.2 pounds. The extra weight didn’t make a significant difference when maneuvering around furniture, but it could pose a problem if going up and down stairs.
But despite their heavier weight, the Bissell models’ design allows them to stand on their own without having to rest them against the wall. That made it much more convenient when refilling their water tanks or taking a break during mopping.
Additionally, the Shark Genius, Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe and PowerFresh 1940A all feature a pumpless design, so once we turned on the mops, we didn’t have to press the handle continuously to release steam. On the other hand, the Shark Steam Pocket Mop requires regular pumping to release steam. This pumping action increased the amount of time it needed to clean the floor in our testing area and took a lot more effort.
Features comparison
The Shark Genius Steam Mop has a special feature for tackling stubborn, sticky stains. Its Stain Blaster setting provides a strong burst of targeted steam to loosen tough, stuck-on residue and is especially handy for cleaning grout lines, corners and tight crevices. While most of the other steam mops we tested have multiple steam settings, the Genius is the only one with this powerful, targeted steam feature. We found it highly effective for mud, food and other pet stains and very efficient for everyday cleaning.
The Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe may not have a targeted steam setting, but it has an onboard scrubbing pad designed specifically for stubborn stains. We found a slight learning curve to cleaning with it, but it was highly effective for removing set-in stains and produced the same thorough cleaning results we usually get from manual scrubbing. It also has a built-in tray for fragrance discs that provide a fresh scent while cleaning. The discs certainly provided fragrance, but it was a bit too strong for our preferences. We recommend tearing the discs in half to get more use from them and provide a more pleasant scent.
The Shark Genius, Shark Steam Pocket Mop and Bissell PowerFresh Deluxe all have built-in water tanks that aren’t removable. That made refilling these mops somewhat difficult because we either had to bring the mops over to the sink or fill a separate cup and pour the water into the tank. However, the Bissell PowerFresh 1940A has a removable water tank that we could easily carry to the sink and refill when necessary.
The Shark Steam Pocket Mop is a fairly simple model, so it doesn’t have many special features. However, it does have two-sided cleaning pads that allow you to use both sides of the pad without any interruptions. It’s also the only steam mop we tested with an adjustable handle. This feature was very handy for allowing people of different heights to comfortably use the mop in our testing area.
Price
The Shark Genius S5003D Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop regularly retails for $129.99 and is available at Amazon.
The Shark Steam Pocket Mop typically costs $69.99 and can be found at Amazon and Walmart.
The Bissell Steam Mop PowerFresh Deluxe 1806 usually retails for $102.99 and is available at Amazon and Best Buy.
The Bissell Steam Mop PowerFresh 1940A regularly costs $89.99 and is available at Amazon.
Our expertise
Jennifer Blair has written about steam mops and other home care products for BestReviews for seven years, crafting over 100 articles on the topic. At home, she relies on a Bissell steam mop to keep her laminate and tile floors clean but has also tested more than 20 vacuums, carpet cleaners and spot cleaners, including models from Shark and Bissell.
Bottom line: Should you get a Shark or a Bissell steam mop?
The Shark and Bissell steam mops we tested all did an excellent job getting our floors clean, but the Shark Genius S5003D Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop is our favorite because it provides consistent steam for everyday cleaning and boasts the Steam Blaster feature for truly stubborn stains. We also love how easy it is to use and maintain.
If you have a larger home, though, we recommend the Bissell Steam Mop PowerFresh Deluxe 1806. It has the largest cord and water tank capacity among all the models we tested, so it can cover a lot of ground without needing to refill or switch outlets. The built-in scrubbing pad makes cleaning stubborn stains a breeze, too.
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