Karcher FC7 vs. Bissell CrossWave X7 Comparison Review
Karcher FC7
CrossWave X7
Karcher FC7
- Dimensions 12.2 x 9.1 x 47.6 inches
- Weight 9.48 lbs
- Cleaning Orientation Vacuum and Wet
- Cleaning Surface Multi Surface
- Cleaning Modes 3
- Brush Type 4 Roller Microfiber Brushes
- Filter Integrated Hair Filter
- Swivel Steering Yes
- LED Headlights No
- Self-Cleaning Cycle No
- WiFi No
CrossWave X7
- Dimensions 12 x 10.5 x 46 inches
- Weight 10.5 lbs
- Cleaning Orientation Vacuum and Wet
- Cleaning Surface Multi Surface
- Cleaning Modes 3
- Brush Type 1 Roller Microfiber Brush
- Filter Clean Water Tank Receiver Filter and Strainer
- Swivel Steering Yes
- LED Headlights Yes
- Self-Cleaning Cycle Yes
- WiFi Yes
Introduction
Karcher FC7 vs. Bissell CrossWave X7, which is the best cordless wet/dry vacuum cleaner? Well, Bissell CrossWave is ultimately the best option. But still, you can’t dismiss Karcher as it is also one of the best wet/dry vacuum cleaners on the market.
The Karcher FC7 is a cordless cleaner similar to the Bissell CrossWave X7. They are both cordless models designed for hard floors and wet messes. They can also handle pet messes, including pet hair, flakes, and urine stains. However, several differences should inform your purchase decision.
Karcher and Bissell differ in the cleaning performance, autonomy, and convenience features. The Karcher FC 7 is designed for hard floors only and offers longer runtime. However, it lacks any bells and whistles when it comes to convenience. On the other hand, Bissell CrossWave X7 can handle hard floors and area rugs but has shorter runtime. But then, it has LED headlights for vacuuming in the dark and WiFi for remote app operation.
For more regarding how the two compare, read along.
Karcher FC7 vs. Bissell CrossWave Face-to-Face Comparison
The Karcher FC7 is an upright cleaner with a small footprint and a more compact design than your average full-size upright.
The dimensions are 12.2 x 9.1 x 47.7 inches, while the weight is 9.48 lbs.
When it comes to aesthetics, the FC7 has a simple yet stylish design and has been finished in Karcher’s yellow trademark color, silver and black.
Bissell CrossWave X7 is also a compact and lightweight wet and dry vacuum cleaner.
However, it is bulkier than Karcher and looks more sophisticated. The dimensions are 12 x 10.5 x 46 inches, while the weight is 10.5 lbs.
As for aesthetics, the X7 boasts a sleek design complemented by the titanium black with copper harbor accents.
In this first round of this Karcher vs. Bissell comparison review, it's hard to call a winner as both cleaners have a compact and lightweight design. Besides, they are aesthetically appealing. However, Karcher is the best if you want a lightweight cleaner. Its taller handle is also suitable for tall guys.
As mentioned earlier, the Karcher is a wet and dry vacuum cleaner.
It has been designed for all hard floors, including tile, vinyl, linoleum, marble, and concrete, just to mention a few. It picks up all kinds of dirt, from small debris to large debris and even pet hair.
For a comprehensive cleaning, this cleaner comes with a wet/dry mopping function to get rid of stains and grime while picking up dirt and debris.
Bissell CrossWave X7 is also a wet and dry vacuum, so you can be sure of a comprehensive clean.
Like Karcher, it is the design for all hard floors, including concrete, vinyl, laminate, linoleum, hardwood, etc. It also features wet and dry mopping like Karcher. But there’s one thing unique about Bissell.
It has been optimized for effective pet hair pickup, courtesy of TURBO PET Mode, a cleaning mode specifically designed to boost pet hair pickup and tackle pet messes. It can also be used to freshen up area rugs.
Karcher and Bissell are multisurface cleaners with wet and dry mopping. However, Bissell has the edge when it comes to handling pet messes. While both cleaners can handle pet hair and other pet messes, Bissell's performance is a step ahead. Bissell can also double up as a rug freshener.
The FC7 boasts a powerful motor and robust design to deliver consistent suction to vacuum dirt and excess water.
Even though the exact suction power is not listed, the suction is enough to pick up all kinds of debris, from fine to large debris. All excess water is not spared, making the drying process faster, around 2 minutes.
It’s worth mentioning that there are two cleaning modes and a boost function that ramps up suction power to tackle those stubborn messes effectively.
BISSELL CrossWave X7 is also a beast in terms of suction power. Under the hood, it packs a digital motor that delivers excellent suction to suck dirt and dirty water from your floor.
It picked up fine medium and large debris and dried much of the water from the floor, expediting drying time. There are 3 cleaning modes: Hard Floor Mode, Area Rug Mode, and TURBO PET™ Mode.
If you have pets, Bissell will be a worthy bargain courtesy of TURBO PET™ Mode, which is optimized to tackle those long dog hairs and skin flakes.
Both Karcher and Bissell excel in terms of suction power. However, Bissell is the best choice for several reasons. First, it can handle hard floors and area rugs as well. Second, it has a mode specialized for pet messes, making it one of the best wet/dry vacuums for homes with pets. Overall, Bissell offers more consistent suction.
One of the best features of Karcher is the innovative cleaning head that offers faster cleaning time.
While there’s nothing unique about the 11.9-inch cleaning path, we like the fact that the cleaning head can hold up to 4 counter-rotating rollers, thus creating a more extensive cleaning surface. The multisurface brushes are gentle on fragile floors and tough on stains and grime.
As mentioned above, the rollers are counter-rotating with speeds of up to 530RPM, agitating even the stuck-on dirt. It’s also worth mentioning that the rollers’ speed can be adjusted.
We also like the fact that the FC 7 offers excellent edge-to-edge cleaning from the edges of walls, stairs, and baseboards.
Bissell CrossWave may not have a larger cleaning surface like Karcher, but the 9.5-inches cleaning width is impressive.
But unlike the FC 7, which comes with 4 rollers, the X7 comes with just one. But it’s worth mentioning that it is effective in agitating dirt and wiping out all kinds of messes.
The microfiber roller is tough on stains and gentle on floors, so you won’t have to worry about scratch marks on your precious hardwood floor.
Like the FC 7, you can rely on the X7 for comprehensive edge-to-edge cleaning.
In terms of cleaning performance, it's hard to call a winner as both models offer effective vacuuming and mopping. However, we feel Karcher is the best as its broader base allows for the attachment of 4 rollers, thus increasing the cleaning surface area.
Like the next-gen cleaner it is, Karcher FC 7 comes with a dual tank design. There is a tank for clean water and another for dirty water. This way, you get to clean with clean water only. No need to worry about streaks of dirty water after the floor dries.
The clean water tank has a 400ml capacity, while the dirty water tank can hold 200ml. We like the fact that though the tanks are small, Karcher engineered the FC 7 with Intelligent Tank Level Monitoring.
This mechanism allows for visual and acoustic signals to alert you when it’s time to refill the clean water tank or empty the dirty water tank. You can also adjust the amount of water flow for efficiency.
Bissell CrossWave X7 also has a two-tank design to separate clean water and the cleaning formula from dirty water and debris.
This way, you will be cleaning with clean water only. The clean water tank has a large 820ml capacity, while the dirty water tank can hold 385ml.
You can easily see the level of water in both tanks courtesy of the clear tank material.
One thing we like about Bissell is the clean water tank receiver filter and the strainer, which make maintenance easier.
Both wet/dry vacuums have two-tank designs, so clean water, and formula are separated from dirty water and debris. But all said and done, Bissell carries the day as the clean and dirty water tank can hold more water, meaning fewer interruptions when cleaning.
The Karcher FC 7 is shipped with most parts assembled, so you won’t struggle getting started. What you need to do is attach the handle and lock it in.
As long as you go through the assembly manual and know what parts go where you should be ready for your first cleaning session in minutes.
When it comes to maneuverability, we like the fact that the FC 7 is lightweight, so pushing and pulling it during cleaning is a buzz. The vacuum also has swivel steering, which makes turning effortless.
As for the controls, they are strategically located for easy access and ergonomics.
You won’t sweat the small stuff when it comes to the Bissell CrossWave’s assembly, as it is pretty much assembled.
Again, you will have to snap the handle into the main unit, and you will be ready to go.
Regarding maneuverability, the CrossWave X7 is heavier but easily glides on hard floors and area rugs. Swivel steering technology also makes turning and reaching under low-profile furniture easier.
Like the Karcher FC 7, the Bissell X7’s controls are located cleverly in a way that doesn’t compromise handling and ergonomics.
As fast as usability is concerned, the two vacuum cleaners are at par. They are easy to assemble, have effortless maneuverability, and the controls are easily accessible.
The Karcher FC 7 is a cordless wet and dry vacuum, so it is best suited for on-the-go cordless convenience. You can vacuum just any spot regardless of how far or near it is from the electricity mains.
Under the hood, Karcher incorporates a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with enough capacity to run the cleaner for 45 minutes. This is enough charge to cover an area of approximately 135 square meters on a single charge.
However, note the runtime depends on the power mode. The estimation above indicates runtime when the cleaner is operating at low power mode. When it comes to power management, you will have to recharge the cleaner. The recharge time is 4 hours.
The Bissell CrossWave X7 is also a cordless wet and dry vacuum with an inbuilt rechargeable battery that powers it.
This means you also get the convenience of cordless cleaning, so you can take your cleaning anywhere without worrying about the location of the electricity mains or the hassles of power cords.
Under the hood, it also has a powerful lithium-ion battery that offers up to 30 minutes of runtime. But obviously, when you boost power, the runtime dips.
In terms of power management, the X7 has to be recharged when the battery goes down. The recharge time is also 4 hours, just like with the FC 7.
While both wet/dry vacuums offer cordless cleaning convenience, Karcher sounds like a better idea as it offers longer runtime, 45 minutes, compared to Bissell's 30 minutes., That said, Karcher wins this round.
Karcher requires frequent maintenance. First, the battery should be charged.
Next, the clean water tank should be filled with clean water and cleaning formula, while the dirty water tank needs to be emptied.
You should also consider washing the brush rollers for the best cleaning performance. The brush rollers should be replaced in 6-8 months.
Bissell, too, should be recharged once the battery goes down.
The water tank should also be replenished with clean water and cleaning formula, and the dirty water tank should be emptied when full.
One thing we like about Bissell is the self-cleaning system that rinses the brush roller and internal components.
Regarding maintenance, Bissell is the winner as it has a self-cleaning cycle. This mechanism makes maintenance easier as you don't have to wash the brush roller manually.
Karcher is known for high-quality appliances that guarantee reliability and durability.
To back up this trust, the company offers the Karcher FC 7 with a 3-year limited warranty that covers the unit in the event of manufacturer’s defects within the first 3 years of purchase. You are eligible for repair or replacement if you don’t void the warranty.
When it comes to support, there are plenty of resources in the form of guides, as well as real-time support via live chat. As for replacement parts and supplies, they are plenty, both genuine parts and generic ones.
Bissell is known for high-quality appliances but offers a shorter warranty.
A 2-year limited warranty covers the CrossWave X7, so you are covered if the cleaner develops problems within the first 2 years of purchase. Just make sure to abide by the warranty’s terms and conditions.
Regarding support, you can always get help on the Bissell website or take advantage of the numerous resource in the form of guides and videos. On to replacement parts and supplies, we are glad they are in plenty at affordable prices.
Here again, it's hard to call a winner as both brands are trusted, and replacement parts and supplies are available. However, Karcher has a slight edge courtesy of the longer 3-year warranty.
The Karcher FC 7 comes with the following:
- Karcher FC7 Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner
- Two Tank System (Clean / Dirty Water Tanks)
- 4 x Yellow Cleaning Rollers
- Cleaning & Storage Station
- Cleaning Brush
- Multisurface Floor Concentrate (16.9oz)
- Charger
- User Manual
- Warranty Documentation
On the other hand, Bissell includes the following in the X7 package:
- Bissell CrossWave X7
- 2 Brush Rolls
- Multisurface Formula
- Hard Floor Sanitize Formula
- Self-Cleaning Docking and Charging Station
- Charger
- User Manual
- Warranty Documentation
It's hard to call a winner as both vacuum cleaners are well-equipped. However, Bissell has the edge as it comes with an extra cleaning formula.
Cleaning Test Results
Vacuuming Test On Hardwood Floor
To give our readers a glimpse of the actual performance of the cleaners we test, we put them into rigorous testing procedures in real household settings. The Karcher FC 7 and Bissell CrossWave X7 were no exceptions. We tested the two on a hardwood floor to find out which one was king. In the first test, we wanted to find out about their vacuuming performance, while in the second test, we were concerned with the wet mopping performance.
In the vacuuming test, we wanted to find out how effective the two cleaners are when it comes to dirt pickup. So we created messes using the common household dirt; flour, sugar, rice, coffee, raw popcorn, pet hair, kitty litter, and sand pebbles. Below is an illustration of their performance.
Vacuuming Test On Hardwood Floor
- Sugar
- 96%
- 97%
- Flour
- 95%
- 96%
- Rice
- 99%
- 99%
- Coffee
- 98%
- 99%
- Raw popcorn
- 99%
- 99%
- Kitty litter
- 98%
- 98%
- Pet hair
- 96%
- 96%
- Sand pebbles
- 98%
- 99%
Mopping Test on Hardwood Floor
In the second test, we created messes using soda, water, raw eggs, margarine smears, olive oil, cooking oil, vinegar, urine stains, and wet paw marks. Below is how the two performed.
In the second test, we created messes using soda, water, raw eggs, margarine smears, olive oil, cooking oil, vinegar, urine stains, and wet paw marks. Below is how the two performed.
Mopping Test on Hardwood Floor
- Cooking oil
- 96%
- 97%
- Water
- 99%
- 99%
- Soda
- 99%
- 99%
- Raw eggs
- 94%
- 95%
- Margarine
- 93%
- 94%
- Olive oil
- 98%
- 98%
- Vinegar
- 98%
- 98%
- Paw Marks
- 99%
- 99%
- Urine Stains
- 99%
- 99%
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the CrossWave x7 self-cleaning?
2. Can you use any floor cleaner with a Karcher FC7?
3. Does Bissell CrossWave x7 work on carpets?
4. How long does the Karcher FC7 run?
5. What is the difference between Karcher FC7 and FC 7 Premium?
Wrapping Up
That’s it, folks, the end of this Karcher FC 7 vs. Bissell CrossWave X7 comparison review. As you have seen, both are wet and dry vacuums designed for all hard floors. They do a great job picking up debris and eliminating all kinds of wet messes and stains. However, Bissell carries the day as it can freshen up area rugs and offers better cleaning overall.
It also has better convenience features, including WiFi and LED headlights. But still, Karcher is a worthy choice as it offers a longer runtime and excellent usability. Check out the latest deals and discounts on Karcher and Bissel vacuums today!
