Bissell Symphony vs Crosswave
You will agree with me that Bissell is among the best vacuum brands. Among the most popular models from the American brand is Bissell Crosswave, and Bissell Symphony.
For many homeowners, choosing one between the two vacuums is such a tall order. In this Bissell Symphony vs. Crosswave comparison review, we want to find out which model should be on your wishlist, and why?
Key Similarities and Differences
For the quick buyer looking for a summary of the two models, here’s a heads up in case you want to buy any of the two in a split second.
What’s Similar?
- Upright vacuum corded design – These two vacuums share the same upright design and tag along a 25ft power cord.
- Vacuuming (dry and wet) – Both vacuums offer dry and wet vacuuming.
- Clean water tank – Even though the design is different, both have a 0.4L capacity.
What’s Different?
- Steam function – Only the Symphony tags along with a steamer, despite both offering wet and dry mopping.
- Cleaning head – The Crosswave comes with a 12-inch cleaning head boasting a motorized brushroll. On the other hand, the Symphony doesn’t have a brushroll – just a vacuum inlet.
- Tank design – Bissell Crosswave has been designed with a dual tank design while Symphony has a single tank.
- Surface orientation – The Crosswave is a multisurface cleaner while the Symphony is strictly a hard floor cleaner.
- Price – If you are looking for a cheap vacuum cleaner with mop, then get the Symphony as it costs much cheaper despite having a steamer.
Bissell CrossWave® Pet Pro 2306A and 1785A
This is among the best Bissell upright vacuums out there. At the moment, there are three variants with several standard features, including simultaneous vacuum and wash function, multisurface cleaning, and the two-tank technology.
The Original Crosswave 1785A is an excellent deal for vacuuming and washing. It tags along with two tanks, for a thorough clean.
Later on, the BISSELLCrosswaveVacuum Cleaner 2306A was added to the line-up. As the name suggests, this is a model designed specifically with pet owners in mind. Some of the highlights include a pet hair strainer, a tangle-free brushroll, and a free multisurface pet formula.
Recently, the Michigan-based company introduced the all-new Crosswave Cordless Max, which offers cordless freedom, enhanced edge cleaning, and Wi-Fi for smart operation.
For this review, we are going to pit the Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro 2306A against the Symphony.
Why we like it: Even though there is a new model, with better convenience features, the Crosswave Pet Pro remains the best bang for the buck as it is tried and tested on all surfaces, and handles pet messes as well.
Bissell Symphony™ Pet All-in-One 1543 and 1132 and 1132A
Bissell has a range of vacuums that integrate steam mops, but the Symphony Series is the most popular compared to the likes of PowerFresh and PowerEdge. Bissell Symphony is available in two variants.
The first is the Bissell Symphony™ All-In-One Vacuum and Steam Mop 1132, which is available in red and the Bissell Symphony 1132A, which is blue. That’s the only difference between these two models. When it comes to features and performance, the duo is specialized for hard floor cleaning only.
Next up is the Bissell Symphony™ Pet All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop 1543. This model is quite similar to the Bissell Symphony 1132/1132A save for the aesthetics, as the 1543 is purple. Beyond the looks, the Bissell 1543 has improved performance when it comes to cleaning pet messes and hence the name “Pet All-in-One.” It has improved suction, enhanced tangle-free bristles, a new dirt tank, and a redesigned dust cup.
For this review, we are going to pit the Bissell Symphony™ Pet All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop 1543A against the Crosswave Pet Pro.
Why we like it: This is the newest model from Bissell, and more so,it has been designed for cleaning pet messes, the perfect match to battle out the Crosswave Pet Pro.
Face to Face Comparison
Now, let’s explore in detail the features that these two vacuums come with to find out who does either model suit.
To help you make the right choice, we have a checklist of the factors to consider when choosing such vacuums.
1. Cleaning Performance
This is the most important consideration when choosing either of these two vacuums. In this section, we are going to look at several aspects, including the orientation, cleaning head, filtration system, and of course, our exclusive cleaning test results.
Cleaning Orientation
These two are upright vacuums that can vacuum and mop, but when it comes to specialization, the differences are profound.
Bissell Crosswave
The Bissell Crosswave is an upright vacuum cleaner that uses vacuum and washing action.
While it has been designed for hard floor cleaning, it also does a great job on area rugs, but unfortunately, not carpets, as we’ll see in our cleaning test results.
Bissell Symphony
On the other hand, the Bissell Symphony is an upright vacuum that tags along with a steam cleaner.
It will vacuum and steam simultaneously. You can opt for the steam function, which has high steam and low steam modes or just use the traditional vacuum.
This is a really worthy feature as it ensures 99.995 of germs and bacteria are eliminated. This dirt is often left on surfaces and can be a hazard to crawling babies, and even your pets.
Another good thing, no chemicals are used. The Quick & Smart Steam Technology relies on hot steam to sanitize surfaces.
Accessories
As is the norm with Bissell, the company avails several variants of each of their models. The distinguishing factor is typically the accessories included.
So, which of the two vacuums comes packed with the best accessories? Let’s find out.
Bissell Crosswave
Bissell CrossWave® Pet Pro 2306A comes with two multisurface pet brush rolls and two PET Multi-Surface with Febreze Formula, Docking Tray, and a pet hair strainer.
Bissell Symphony
On the other hand, the Bissell Symphony™ Pet All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop 1543 comes with one soft microfiber pad, one microfiber scrubby pad, a detachable mop pad tray, detachable SteamBoost™ tray, and four Swiffer™ Bissell® SteamBoost™ disposable pads.
Cleaning Head
One of the areas these two vacuums differ dramatically is the cleaning head. This is definitely because the two models are designed for different cleaning needs.
Let’s find out how Symphony compares to the Crosswave.
Bissell Crosswave
The Crosswave uses the traditional motorized brushroll that spins at 3,000 RPM as the cleaning head and stretches to 12-inches.
You can use this brush with a cleaning solution for the best results.
It guarantees deep cleaning on tile, laminate, sealed hardwood floors, pressed wood floors, and area rugs.
Bissell Symphony
On the other hand, Bissell Symphony has no motorized brushroll and instead has an 11-inch vacuum inlet.
At the back of the cleaning head, though, there is a cleaning pad for steam mopping.
This cleaning head is strictly for hard floor surfaces.
Power Output and Operation Noise
Suction power is also crucial in this discussion. Here, the component on the spot is the motor, as well as the design of the vacuum.
When assessing the suction power, we will also be considering the operation noise of each of the two vacuums.
Bissell Crosswave
The Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro comes with a powerful motor that is rated 4.4amps and yields 100 – 150AW depending on the speed.
When it comes to operation noise, this vacuum isn’t very friendly and produces 62dB to 68dB.
When it comes to picking up the daily dirt, from Cheerios to sugar, and pet hair, among other messes, it does a great job.
Bissell Symphony
As for the Bissell Symphony, we find an improved motor rated 3.3 amps, and that means it has better performance than the original Symphony.
From the information on the product datasheet, the Symphony delivers 400W for the vacuum and 1100W for heating the steaming water.
Tank Design
Here again, there is a difference between the two models; something most review websites haven’t captured correctly.
The tank design is different despite having the same capacity.
Bissell Crosswave
Bissell Crosswave comes with two separate tanks;
one for keeping the clean water while the other one holds dirty water and dissolved dirt. The clean water tank has a 0.8L capacity, which is enough to handle a 700sq ft house.
On the other hand, the dirty water tank holds just 0.4L and comes with a plastic strainer, which ensures easy dirt disposal without having to come into contact with the dirty water.
Bissell Crosswave has better functionality here as it can hold both dry and wet dirt.
Bissell Symphony
On the other hand, the Bissell Symphony has been designed with just a single non-removable water tank with a 0.4L capacity, just like the Crosswave.
In terms of functionality, the Symphony’s bin can hold only the dry dirt, talk of pebbles, pet hair, kibbles, e.t.c.
The good thing is that it tags along with Drop-IT® Tank Emptying System, which also ensures that users don’t come into contact with the dirt when emptying the bin.
Filtration System
Just how do the two Bissel vacuums filter out dirt particles?
Bissell Crosswave
The Crosswave comes with a washable filter that requires cleaning after every use.
They will also wear down and require replacement, depending on how often you use your vacuum.
Bissell Symphony
This is the same case for Bissell Symphony, though instead of a rectangular filter, the latter has a circular filter.
Cleaning Tests
As usual, we test the vacuums we review on different surfaces, using the daily household dirt to find out how they perform in real life.
In today’s test, things got a little messier as we break eggs, and create huge messes on the floor using the sticky dirt that left stains behind. Find out how each vacuum performed.
Sealed Hardwood Floor
On hardwood, both vacuums did an exceptional job especially when it comes to picking up the solid dirt.
All the rice, floor, sugar, and cereals we scattered on the floor were picked up effortlessly.
We had a keen eye on the pet hair pick up tests, as well as the much hyped Pet Multi-Surface Brush Roll & Formula with Febreze Freshness. Does it really clear bad odor?
Dirt Pick Up On Hard Floors
Mopping Hard Floors
Carpets
Carpets are quite hard to vacuum and now that pets love to groom themselves on carpets, it’s important to know which of the two models will be coming in handy.
Below are our ratings of how Bissell Crosswave compared to Bissell Symphony.
There you have it folks, the cleaning test results for the Crosswave and Symphony. For the steamer, we didn’t do any tests, but considering the steam it releases, dirt and bacteria have no chance.
Can you use any cleaning solution like vinegar in the Bissell Crosswave?
Something to touch on is regarding the questions our readers have been asking regarding the Bissell Crosswave cleaning solution.
Bissell recommends only its cleaning agents, but for the DIY enthusiast, adding vinegar or cleaning solutions from other brands is an idea, a cheaper one for that matter.
But while nothing beats the combination of water and vinegar, be careful on the surfaces you use it on. For example, it could be catastrophic to use vinegar in your steam cleaner if you want to sanitize your precious hardwood floor. If you don’t want risks, use the appropriate Bissell cleaner. Below are the common ones;
2. Design, Maneuverability, and Usability
As mentioned earlier, the above vacuums are upright, and as you might be aware, the design and maneuverability are a concern, especially if you have more than one level.
Let’s have a closer look at the dimensions and weight of each model, and most importantly, the usability of the two models.
Bissell Crosswave
The Bissell Crosswave is your traditional upright vacuum, measuring 10.5 x 12 x 46 inches and weighs just 11lbs. That’s light enough to move around with it.
The icing on the cake is the Swivel head, and together with its low profile design, turning is a buzz, with just an effortless twist of your wrist.
This is the same case when it comes to vacuuming under furniture and wall edges.
When it comes to usability, the controls are easily accessible on the handle.
Bissell Symphony
There’s not much difference when it comes to the Bissell Symphony, except for the aesthetics.
The upright vacuum design is still intact here, and so are the dimensions and weight. This one measures 9 x 11 x 46.5 inches and weighs just 10 lbs meaning it’s lighter than Crosswave.
However, when it comes to maneuverability, the Crosswave is much better courtesy of the Swivel head.
This model also has easy-to-access controls on the ergonomic handle.
3. Aftersales and Maintenance
Here, we considered the warranty offered by each model and the maintenance requirements.
Bissell Symphony
The Symphony also tags along with a 2-year warranty, and returns for purchases made on Amazon are valid within 7 days only.
As for maintenance, you will also need to replenish the tanks with water and cleaning solutions.
Also, wash the filter and clean the dust cup after every use.
The dry tank approach here makes it a less cumbersome process as water doesn’t mix with dirt like in the Crosswave. Here again, be vigilant and check for signs of wear and replace the parts with authentic parts from Bissell.
Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro 2306A and Symphony Pet All-in-One 1543A: Key Differences
Now, we are coming to the end of this review. It’s now time to separate the wheat from the chaff. Below have been the major talking points in this Symphony vs. Crosswave review.
Vacuum Type – Steamer or no Steamer?
One of the things that should inform your choice here is what type of vacuum you want. As you have seen, one of the clear differences between Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro vs. Symphony Pet All-in-One is the vacuum type.
Crosswave is an upright vacuum with mop function, while Symphony is a vacuum and mop with steamer.
Here, it is clear that Symphony is the winner as you can sanitize floors besides just vacuuming and mopping.
Hard Floors Only vs. Multifloor
Bissell has explicitly explained the surface which each of the two vacuums is designed for.
Bissell Crosswave has been specialized for multi-floor cleaning. You can rely on it to vacuum and mop all hard floors, whether sealed or not sealed. In addition, Bissell can vacuum area rugs and low to medium pile carpets pretty well.
As for the Bissell Symphony, it is designed for hard floor cleaning only.
So here, it’s evident that the Crosswave Pet Pro is the best choice as it’s a multisurface cleaner.
The Symphony won’t pick pet hair lying on the carpet and area rugs for two reasons. First, it lacks a brushroll, and second, the cyclonic vacuum approach has never been reliable in flushing out dirt from the deep parts of carpets, especially the high pile carpets.
The above two are the most critical aspects to consider if you are torn in between the two vacuums.
Which is better?
- Definitely, the Symphony should be on your wish list if you are on a budget, and you badly want the steamer. It ensures that all germs and bacteria are killed with every clean, so your kids and pets are on the safe side. But this is only if you have hard floors.
- But then, the Symphony won’t be of any help to you if you have other surfaces to clean apart from hard floors. That’s where the Crosswave Pet Pro comes in. Armed with a brushroll and higher suction power, it should be on top of your wish list if you have bare floors and area rugs. From the cleaning est results, you can also tell it’s the best if you want a vacuum with wet and dry mop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use wet-dry Bissell vacuums on carpets?
How long will my floor dry after Bissell CrossWave and Symphony vacuums?
Can Bissell wet-dry vacuums replace common dry vacuums?
Can I use cleaning solutions with Bissell Symphony and CrossWave vacuums?
Summary
There you have it folks, a detailed Bissell Crosswave Pet Pro 2306A vs. Symphony Pet All-in-One 1543, which one sounds a deal?
As an update, remember 2020 has come with good things, including the new Bissell 2554A CrossWave Cordless Max All-in-One Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaner and Mop for Hard Floors and Area Rugs. It’s such an expensive model, but then, if you are not on a budget, it’s a worthy choice.
We will soon be embarking on a Crosswave Pet Pro vs. Crosswave Cordless Max comparison review to find out if the latter is worth the extra buck.
Will Furness
Yes, I love this place