Bissel LGM pro heat?

[attworth]

With the new kiddo, we've decided it is finally time to buy some sort of carpet cleaner. I remember a few years back the LGM pro heat was the bees knees for compact cleaners. Is this still the case?

I'm not ready to commit to a full upright, mostly because of price and lack of space. So, for a compact are there any contenders?

[Rollingrock]

they do work pretty well for the money.

you can find them on ebay and amazon petty cheap but I think I recall Tom saying he found em even cheaper. 

[sscully]

I have a spot bot heat ( don't think they make it in heat anymore ) and I got a Bissell lift-off, which I use more now.

the spot bot was great for the automated spot cleaning part of it but the tank size, like the LGM, is lacking.

The lift off is a 3/4 gal tank, and is mounted to an upright, and unhooks for use as a hand tool machine.  For the combo it is ~ 220.00, but removes the need to purchase an upright for me.
- It is not the best upright out there, but as a multi use it works well.  I can get it into minivans and clean the carpet with it in there ( not as large foot print as an upright, and not as heavy )

The lift out section is available standalone as the Spot Clean Pro, ~ 130.00.  No heat on the lift out part, but I have not found this to be an issue when using the correct cleaning solution on the spot.

Take a look at tank size, when selecting one. 
- This is something that the spotbot pissed me off about ( LGM is 48 oz lift off / spot clean pro is 96 oz ).

[Too Stroked]

I have a LGM, but it's not the Pro Heat version. (I just fill it with really hot water and the effects are probably similar.) To be completely honest, I'm not real impressed with the machine. First, the spray pattern is way wider than the suction head. Then, the suction isn't all that great. (I'd say it sucks, but it doesn't.)  I always end up dragging out my shop vac after the LGM to remove more liquid.

Hope that helps.

[Kitzy]

I have an LGM as well without the heat.  Mine works well though it leaks from the solution tank.  Not a big deal.  Its just annoying.  I just used it recently on carpeted floor mats that were pretreated and hosed clean.  It got them pretty dry with just a slight dampness not much different than if you shampooed a carpet in your home.  For what I need, I'm happy with it.

[Too Stroked]

Tonight's ad for Ollie's Bargain Outlet shows the standard LGM for $49.99 - reconditioned.

[Kitzy]

Seems steep for a reconditioned unit.  If I recall correctly I got mine for $70 or $80 brand new from Best Buy years back.  Have they gone up in price?

[attworth]

I got a Bissell Spot Clean Pet today. It has heat and a pretty long hose for cleaning. The tank lasts a pretty decent time but the waste tank doesn't last too long. Overall I'm really happy with it. It works well and was only 98$.

We also bit the bullet and bought a Dyson DC47. Its a ball canister designed for pets (comes with a swirly head thing). Our dog has killed a vacuum every year so hopefully this one will last for a while.

[sscully]

That is what I was getting at with check the tank size, the waste tank on it seems like it is full every time you turn around.

The DC47 you should be happy with.  I have one on the 1st floor for quick clean up work getting up fur from the labs. 
- Do yourself a favor and pick up the tangle free head for it.  Works great for vacuuming the interior as well as stairs and chairs, etc.

For serious vacuuming I bring the DC21 down from the 2nd floor.  Longer hose on it, and inches of water pull is much greater ( it also weighs > 2x what the DC47 does ).  Same pig type canister vacuum, just the "big boy" version.

If you can find the crevice tool from the 1st series of dyson hand vacs, pick one up.  I have one from the 1st hand vac ( mom & dad have it with the new crevice tool ).  Without that relief cut in it, it pulls like nobody's business.  Also pop the vacuum relief valve if it gets crammed into something.

One last suggestion I found handy years back, buy a dyson assy kit with the different adapters ( my Dc21 is a pressure it, where the DC47 is a lick into place, fixed position ).  You can use the adapters to mate up a dryer lint trap vacuum head to it.  Helps not needing to get the shop vacuum from down stairs to clean the dryer out.

[attworth]

Steve,

Thanks for the advice. Great stuff there. I almost went for the larger model but the 47 will work well with the wife. I love it so far. Did the whole house today without one break down. Our old vacs required a tear down after half the house cause our stupid dog and cat shed so much all the time even with regular brushing.

I'm not too upset with the tank size on the cleaner. I did a whole hallway today that my dog sleeps in and only dumped twice, so not too bad. I think it'll work great for the beer I keep spilling and for the car.

[Blown F-150]

Good choice. I have a LGM Pro Heat and like Tom states it's a little on the weak side.

I did "mod" it a bit however. I taped up the release button for the handle which added a bit more suction and used hot glue to re-shape the sprayer so it wasn't such a wide pattern. Works OK for what I need.