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Bissell are a popular vacuum brand that specialise in low cost high performance vacuum cleaners. Their latest upright vacuum cleaner range includes over 20 different models from as little as $40 to over $200. At the lower end of this price range are three models that are featured in this Bissell Powerforce Helix Review:
- Bissell Powerforce Helix Bagless Upright Vacuum 1700
- Bissell Powerforce Helix Turbo 1701
- Bissell Powerforce Helix Turbo Rewind 1797
The original Bissell Powerforce Helix vacuum was the 1240 model released in 2012. The new versions of the Bissell Powerforce Helix range were released in 2016 and 2017. They provide several improvements in both functionality, usability and performance.
The Bissell Powerforce Helix Cleaning System
The Bissell Powerforce Helix cleaning system has a unique way of capturing dirt. The Helix separation system forces the dust and debris down into the bottom of the Easy Empty™ Dirt Cup via specially designed in-built "ribs". This design feature forces the air and dirt down rather than up into the filter the system. The benefit of this is that the vacuum's suction is maintained for longer. This also reduces the required frequency of cleaning of the removable washable filter.
Bissell Powerforce Helix Reviews
Features
- Powerful suction & rotating brush deep clean.
- Bagless Easy Empty dirt cup.
- Washable filter.
- Exclusive Performance System.
- Helix Dirt Separation System.
- On board tools include Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush & Extension Wand.
- Wide 13" cleaning path.
- Dual edge cleaning provides Surround Suction® to clean hard-to-reach areas
- 2 year limited warranty.
Specs
- Power: 8 amps.
- Weight: 12lbs.
- Power Cord Length: 23'.
- Hose length: 5ft stretched.
- Multi-level filtration.
- Dirt cup capacity: 1 litre.
- 5 surface height settings.
The first thing that is surprising about the Bissell Powerforce Helix Upright Bagless Vacuum is the price. It is an extremely cheap vacuum cleaner! The features on offer for a vacuum of this price provides excellent value. However at this price you are obviously not going to get the same standard of performance and air filtration as with a Shark or Dyson for example.
We have evaluated over 300 user reviews on this cleaner on the manufacturer's website with an amazing 97% of respondents confirming that they would recommend the Powerforce Helix to a friend. The vast majority of reviews are highly positive. Our summary of the positive and negative comments from users on the Powerforce Helix Bagless Upright is given below:
Pros
- One of the cheapest vacuum cleaners you will find at this price!
- Easy to Empty Bagless design - no cost of replacement bags.
- Washable filter - reduced cost of replacement filters.
- Lightweight and easy maneuverability.
- Good suction and cleans well including pet hair removal.
- Easy to assemble.
- Adjustable carpet settings. Works on both carpet and hard floors. The Bissell Powerforce Helix 1700 also has a 'bare floor' setting.
Cons
- Short hose and extension wand.
- The power cord is 23' which is short for larger homes.
- No auto re-wind cord.
- Only basic level of filtration (not HEPA). Although for this price that is to be expected.
- No brush roll shut-off function.
The Verdict - if you are looking for a budget vacuum cleaner that is feature rich and high performing then you really cannot go far wrong with the Bissell Powerforce Helix Bagless Upright 1700.
This short video from Bissell shows you all the key features of this model:
Bissell's Powerforce Helix
is available at a discount price on Amazon via this link:
No products found.
Features
- Powerful suction & rotating brush deep clean.
- Bagless Easy Empty dirt cup.
- Washable filter.
- Exclusive Performance System.
- Helix Dirt Separation System.
- On board tools include Crevice Tool, TurboBrush®, Dusting Brush & Extension Wand.
- Wide 15" cleaning path.
- Dual edge cleaning provides Surround Suction® to clean hard-to-reach areas
- 2 year limited warranty.
Specs
- Power: 8 amps.
- Weight: 12lbs.
- Power Cord Length: 25'.
- Hose length: 8ft stretched.
- Multi-level filtration.
- Dirt cup capacity: 1 litre.
- 5 surface height settings.
The Turbo 1701 model of the Bissell Powerforce Helix Upright Bagless Vacuum is slightly more expensive than the 1700 model. However, it is still an absolute bargain! The features on offer are the same as with the 1700 model but with the additional inclusion of a TurboBrush® tool (pictured below). This tool incorporates a mini air driven brush roll, which provides extra versatility for upholstery cleaning and easily stores on the unit. It also has a 2" wider cleaning path and a slightly longer cord and much longer hose attachment.
We have evaluated over 300 user reviews of this cleaner on the manufacturer's website. The vast majority of these reviews are highly positive and the vacuum receives a very high overall score. This model has been around since the start of 2016 and the positive reviews keep coming (we originally wrote this review in mid-2016 and recently updated this post after a follow up on Bissell's website).
Our summary of the positive and negative comments from users on the Bissell Powerforce Helix Turbo is given below:
Pros
- Excellent value vacuum cleaner for those on a budget.
- Easy to Empty Bagless design - no cost of replacement bags.
- Washable filter - reduced cost of replacement filters.
- Lightweight and easy maneuverability.
- Good suction and cleans well including pet hair removal.
- Easy to assemble.
- Adjustable carpet settings. Works on both carpet and hard floors. The Bissell Powerforce Helix Turbo 1701 has a 'bare floor' setting.
- Additional Turbo Brush Roll, longer cord and wider cleaning head for added versatility.
Cons
- No auto re-wind cord.
- Only basic level of filtration (not HEPA).
- No brush roll shut-off function.
- Turbo Brush Roll is less effective than a motorized brush attachment. However at this price range you will not find another vacuum that provides one! The TurboBrush is air driven so, if it's pressed too firmly into a surface, it may catch the brush and cause it to stop rotating. If you use a little less pressure it should keep rotating without issue!
The Verdict - The additional features that come with the Turbo add a significant percentage to the cost of this vacuum compared to the basic Powerforce Helix model. The TurboBrush® is useful for cleaning the sofa so you may consider the additional cost of the No products found. worth it.
This short video from Bissell shows you all the key features of this model:
Bissell's Powerforce Helix Turbo
is available at a discount price on Amazon via this link:
No products found.
Features
- Powerful suction & rotating brush deep clean.
- Bagless Easy Empty dirt cup.
- Washable filter.
- Exclusive Performance System.
- Helix Dirt Separation System.
- On board tools include Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Turbo Brush® & Extension Wand.
- Wide 15" cleaning path.
- Dual edge cleaning provides Surround Suction® to clean hard-to-reach areas
- 2 year limited warranty.
Specs
- Power: 8 amps.
- Weight: 14lbs.
- Power Cord Length: 25'.
- Hose length: 8ft stretched.
- Multi-level filtration.
- Dirt cup capacity: 1 litre.
- 5 surface height settings.
This is the latest model Bissell Powerforce Helix Turbo Rewind released in 2017. This model solves the main drawback of the other Powerforce models by featuring an auto rewind cord. For this enhancement though you will pay slightly more for the vacuum compared to the non-rewind 1701 Turbo model.
As this is a newer model than the Powerforce 1700 and 1701 models there are less user reviews to assess. However we have assessed the feedback on this cleaner on the manufacturer's website and found that 88% of respondents would recommend this vacuum to a friend. Some of the pros and cons that we've found with this vacuum are:
Pros
- Easy to Empty Bagless design - no cost of replacement bags.
- Febreeze® filter eliminates odors and freshens as you vacuum
- Lightweight and easy maneuverability.
- Quiet operation but powerful enough to do the job.
- Wide Cleaning Path - Covers more floor area in less time.
- Adjustable carpet settings. Works on both carpet and hard floors. The Bissell Powerforce Helix 1797 also has a 'bare floor' setting.
- Automatic Cord Rewind - Fast and easy cord storage with the push of a button
Cons
- Only basic level of filtration (not HEPA). Although for this price that is to be expected.
- No brush roll shut-off function.
- As with the basic Turbo model, the turbobrush is only air driven and not as powerful as a motorized brush.
The Verdict -the automatic rewind cord is a welcome addition to this model and one that many users will feel is worth the small extra cost. The Turbo brush that comes with this model is also a useful tool for cleaning furniture.
This short video from Bissell shows you the operation of this model:
Bissell's Powerforce Helix Turbo Rewind
is available at a discount price on Amazon via this link:
Conclusion
In this Bissell Powerforce Helix Review we have looked at the three models in this range: the entry level model 1700, the Turbo model 1701 and the latest Turbo Rewind Model 1797. They are all budget vacuum cleaners and offer fantastic value. The performance of all three models is practically identical, however with the Turbo and Turbo Rewind models you get progressively more features for slightly more cost. The vacuums also carry a 2 year limited warranty. If you are looking for a budget upright vacuum cleaner its easy to see why these are a popular choice for many people!
Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I just purchased a Bissell Limited Edition 1700 today. I am blown away. I have small dog and I have been using my Eurika vacum cleaner thinking my rugs were clean. When I arrived home and Revacumed my rugs to try it out, I literally could Not believe what debris my new Bissell 1700 picked up. The container was 1/2 full of sand and dust bunnies, pet hair. This machine is Awesome. Best bang for my dollar. Thanks Bissell, sorry Eurika.
Kindest Regards, Iris H. Edmonton, Alberta
I wanted to add on my previous comment that I was spending $22 on filters every 2-3 months. I tried washing them to get alittle more use out of them. I am thrilled with my new machine Bissell 1700.Call me nuts but I vacuumed my condo rugs 3 times today and they just keep looking better and better. And to be honest,I always thought I was a Good housekeeper. LOL
Iris H
I bought the PowerForce Helix Turbo Rewind Model #1797 in December 2018. I love almost everything about it except the one issue that makes me want to throw it out the backdoor…the hose. It stretches pretty far but don’t turn your back on it because the entire vacuum will ram into you, fall into you, or fall to the floor. It drives me insane that I have to hold the machine with one foot lifted high enough to prevent it from tipping over while I vacuum with the wand or turbo brush. I get that it is a tight coil which is good, however the coils pinch if you happen to grab the hose while extended and it coils back and the hose doesn’t exactly extend out the way you would need it too.
I would love to know if there is a hose extension or a completely different type of hose.