I have been debating, over couple of months, if I should purchase a steam mop or not – it’s a huge financial commitment (~$90 a piece!!).  I searched online to find consumer reviews and best prices – basically getting more for my money.  

I was torn between Shark Steam Mop vs. the Bissell model.  I was able to look and get the feel of the Shark Steam Mop (there were floor models in the stores), but I couldn’t find the Bissell Steam Mop anywhere.  I guess Bissell Steam Mops are not sold in local retailers – I went to Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Circuit City, and Sears. 

So I was back to step one – which one is better? 

I read many reviews on the Shark Steam Mop and Bissell, and basically they were all similar. 

Pros on Shark:
• Floor dries quickly
• Has a long cord
• Can refill water into the canister without mop to cool
• Uses microfiber pad
• Eco-friendly – no chemical required
• Easy Assembly

Pros on Bissell:
• Quick steam power
• 360° swivel mop
• Can see the steam action working
• Long cord
• Reusable (washable) mopping clothes
• Light in weight
• Easy storage – comes with a hook
• No chemical required – environmentally friendly
• Depending the amount of steam you are using, the floor dries pretty quickly
• Easy to assemble the mop

Cons on Shark:
• Flimsy handle – feels like it’ll break
• Mop head doesn’t swivel
• Distribution of water is limited
• Has “small” water dispenser
• Pads do not get fully cleaned, and picks up lint from wash
• Slow mopping process

Cons on Bissell:
• Slow mopping process for textured tiles
• Water container is small
• Has mineral compartment – it purifies the water to protect the machine from build-up of minerals and etc., but it leaves “vinegar” like smell; which I do not like
• The trigger is hard to squeezed down for long period of time (or time you have to wash the entire kitchen floor) – especially for people with arthritis in their hands
• The head does not glide as nicely and smoothly as should 

So, there it is; aren’t you even more confused than before? 

My suggestion is that if you know someone who owns either of these machines just borrow it from them for a day.  Test all of your house floors (on the laminates, tiles, vinyl, and wood) with the mop before making this financial commitment. 

With that said … I bought my Bissell steam mop couple of month ago, and it does work relatively well.  I usually use my Bissell every other day, and go on my “hands and knee” and give the floors good old fashion scrub down once a month.  Thus so far, I am happy with it. 

The prices vary from brick-and-motor stores to online stores.

Shark Steam Mop: Target and Best Buy $79.99, Wal-Mart $79.88, Sears $$89.99, and QVC $67.32 — with 7-micro fiber clothes. 

Bissell Steam Mop: Target and Best Buy $89.99/ Wal-Mart $78.88, Sears $89.99, and QVC $67.32 — with 7-micro fiber clothes. 

Hope this was helpful to yawl.

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