Bissell Big Green Professional vs Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner
We compare the Bissell Big Green Professional and the Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner across every dimension that matters - our scores, the key specs, and how each performs on the things you will actually notice day to day.
At a glance
| Bissell Big Green Professional | Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.6/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Best for | Deep-cleaning carpets to lift ground-in dirt, stains and odours a vacuum leaves behind | Deep-cleaning carpets to lift ground-in dirt, stains and odours a vacuum leaves behind |
| Not ideal for | Everyday vacuuming - this is for wet deep-cleaning, not replacing your vacuum | Everyday vacuuming - this is for wet deep-cleaning, not replacing your vacuum |
| Brand | Bissell | Rug Doctor |
Cleaning Performance
Bissell Big Green Professional
Cleaning performance on this carpet cleaner focuses on broad carpet washing as well as targeted stain work using the included attachments. For larger areas, the XL DirtLifter PowerBrush is designed to agitate carpet and lift embedded soil while the cleaner is pushed back and forth. For smaller, localised marks, the 6-inch Tough Stain Tool helps concentrate cleaning on trouble spots instead of working across surrounding fibres. A 9-inch long-reach hose supports cleaning in tighter spaces and along edges, though older stains may still require repeated passes for best results.
Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner
For day-to-day carpet cleaning, the carpet cleaner uses an upright washer format to lift embedded dirt and remove it from the carpet fibres by spraying, scrubbing and extracting dirty water. It also includes an upholstery and stair tool aimed at areas such as stairs, sofas and other soft furnishings. Cleaning performance depends on how well the area is prepared first, as loose grit can interfere with how effectively the fibres are cleaned. Results are strongest with consistent, thorough passes, focusing on loosening and lifting soiled material rather than simply skimming the surface. Heavily soiled traffic lanes tend to show the most noticeable improvement, while lighter surface dust may still require repeat passes to achieve an even finish.
Tank Size and Water Capacity
Bissell Big Green Professional
Tank Size and Water Capacity matter because they determine how long the machine can clean before it needs to be paused to empty dirty water. In use, the cleaner mixes the Bissell and sprays it through its cleaning path, then extracts the dirty water during the cleaning process. After use, the unit must be emptied to manage the dirty water, which can mean more frequent breaks on larger areas, while smaller rooms finish sooner.
Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner
Tank size and water capacity influence how long the Rug Doctor can operate before requiring a refill, which affects the pace of a session across carpeted floors and when treating spot areas. A larger tank typically reduces the frequency of re-filling during broad carpet passes, while spot areas may still require more frequent water management if the tank empties quickly. Buyers should confirm tank capacity within the full specifications before use.
Brushes, Tools and Attachments
Bissell Big Green Professional
Even before weighing performance on different floors, the carpet cleaner's included brushes and tools determine how it tackles everyday cleaning tasks. The XL DirtLifter PowerBrush is intended to work across carpet surfaces and provides the main scrubbing action. For reach, the 9-inch long reach hose is designed to help clean under edges or around obstacles, though tight corners may still need manual adjustment. The 6-inch Tough Stain Tool targets localised marks, which is useful for high-traffic areas. The package also includes BISSELL PRO MAX formula with Stain Protect Technology, so a separate product is not required at the start.
Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner
With water management covered, attention can move to the brushes, tools, and attachments, since they influence how effectively the cleaner handles different pile types and how stubborn marks are tackled. The carpet cleaner uses dual cross-action brushes to agitate carpet fibres and lift embedded dirt. For edges and detailed spots, attachments matter, and the package includes an upholstery tool for stairs, sofas, and soft furnishings. This can help avoid over-wetting delicate fabrics, although outcomes still depend on prior vacuuming and the size of the stain. If the pile is very dense, slower passes may be needed, as brush contact can affect results.
Type: Upright, Spot or Handheld
Bissell Big Green Professional
The cleaning setup of the Bissell matters because its form factor shapes where and how it can be used. This model is an upright carpet washer, so it is designed mainly for floor-wide cleaning rather than quick, close-up work. For spot treatment, it includes a 6-inch tough stain tool that targets smaller stained areas. It also supports above-floor reach via a 9-inch long reach hose, which improves access to spots near edges and under furniture. Handheld-style cleaning is therefore limited by the upright base, so very small tasks may feel less precise.
Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner
The Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner is an upright carpet washer, designed primarily for cleaning wall-to-wall carpet areas rather than a fully handheld approach. As a standing machine, it can be pushed methodically across the floor for broader, everyday cleaning. For smaller tasks, it uses an upholstery tool for stairs, sofas and soft furnishings, which is useful when spots or edges need attention. It is not intended as a true handheld cleaner for frequent, tiny spot jobs, because moving an upright unit for detail work is less convenient. Overall, the type is geared towards whole-room cleaning first, with attachments for targeted areas.
Weight, Cord and Storage
Bissell Big Green Professional
Weight, cord length, and storage space shape how easy the carpet cleaner is to move and live with on a day-to-day basis, especially because it is an upright carpet washer that sprays solution, scrubs, and extracts dirty water. Storage also depends on how the upright body, 9-inch long reach hose, and 6-inch tough stain tool are kept together. The XL DirtLifter PowerBrush and tools likely need quick rinsing, followed by drying space, before being put away, since they are used as part of the cleaning workflow.
Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner
For whole-room cleaning, this upright carpet washer needs physical handling, which makes weight, cord access and storage practical considerations. Weight can affect how easily it is moved between rooms, particularly where stairs or tight corners are involved. The 1300W upright design is intended for steady use, but a bulky frame can reduce reach under low furniture. Cord routing also matters, because longer runs lessen the need to unplug frequently. Storage should be planned around the upright footprint, and tool attachments for upholstery and stairs need a protected place to help prevent loss.
Who Is This Carpet Cleaner For?
Bissell Big Green Professional
For households looking for an upright carpet washer for regular carpet cleaning, the Bissell Big Green Professional is a practical option. It is aimed at lifting dirt across carpeted areas using the XL DirtLifter PowerBrush, with the 6-inch Tough Stain Tool for smaller trouble spots. A 9-inch long reach hose also supports cleaning in tighter spaces such as steps and edges. It may feel less suitable for large, fully hard-floor homes.
Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner
Who this upright carpet washer suits depends on cleaning goals and the amount of hands-on time the user is willing to spend. The Rug Doctor (1300W) is designed for focused, upright deep-cleaning on carpeted floors, rather than light spot treatment. It suits people tackling upholstery and stair areas, since an upholstery tool is included for sofas, soft furnishings, and stairs. Buyers with larger carpet spaces may find the upright format quicker to guide across floors. Expectations should also account for the fact that carpet cleaning involves preparation and multiple cleaning passes, since wet cleaning requires time to dry.
Bissell Big Green Professional: pros
- Upright carpet washer
- Lifts ground-in dirt and stains a vacuum can't
Cons
- Carpets need a few hours to dry fully before use
- Cleaning solution is an ongoing cost
- Heavier and bulkier to store than a vacuum
Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner: pros
- Upright carpet washer
- 1300W of cleaning power
- Upholstery/stair tool included
- Lifts ground-in dirt and stains a vacuum can't
Cons
- Carpets need a few hours to dry fully before use
- Cleaning solution is an ongoing cost
- Heavier and bulkier to store than a vacuum
Our verdict
Our pick is the Bissell Big Green Professional (our score 9.6/10) - A practical carpet cleaner (upright washer) for a deeper, fresher carpet clean at home. The Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner is still worth it if it is cheaper when you check, or if it better matches your specific needs.