Bissell Big Green V.S Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3

Introduction

The Bissell Big Green and the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 carpet cleaners are heavyweights in their own right. Either of them is a terrific device that is worth every penny they are sold for.

However, if you are not looking to make a random pick between both high-performance models, then you have come to the right place. I have reviewed both carpet extractors and I unequivocally can say that they are in the same league.

The $64,000 question though is which between both models is better, even if they are in the same league? On what count(s) do(es) either of them outshine the other? And more importantly, is the quality gap between both models huge?

Similarities

Before I dive into the main course of this article, let’s take a moment to highlight the similarities between both models and paint a picture of why they are both fantastic carpet cleaning machines.

A.    Chatter: I have had great experiences with both models, and those who have used either product have plenty of nice words to say about them as well.

B.    Premium Brands: Bissell and Rug Doctor are among the best carpet cleaner brands in the industry.

C.    Performance and Efficiency: If you are looking out for the best-performing carpet cleaners that allow you to clean efficiently, then either model will do.

D.    Pricing: You might call it a conspiracy, but it’s really just intense competition as both models virtually always occupy the same price point, except say on auspicious occasions like Black Friday when limited time offers may make the prices uneven.

E.    Warranty: Both models carry a five-year warranty.

F.    Cleaning tools and solutions: No doubt, their cleaning solutions and tools may be proprietary. However, they are similar and function excellently too.

G.    Pet stains: Both models are ideal for cleaning tough pet stains.

Contrasts

With the overview of the similarities out of the way, stay with me as I unveil the top 5 notable instances where both models contrast. The idea is to use these cases as a scorecard to tell which is better.

1. Tank Capacity (Higher is Better)



Bissell Big Green: 1.75 gallons
Rug Doctor: 3.9 gallons

Verdict

Winner: Rug Doctor

Additional Information

The tank capacity refers to the maximum volume of liquid that a tank can retain at any point in time. Ideally, the higher the tank capacity, the better, as you would be able to do more cleaning before having to refill.

However, there is a trade-off; a high tank capacity leads to increased weight, which negatively influences maneuverability during cleaning.

Certainly, a sweet spot tank capacity does make sense, but the large tank size of the Rug Doctor does not impinge on its performance. Coupled with 200+% (precisely 223%) higher capacity than the Bissell Big Green, it’s a clear win for the Rug Doctor.

2. Weight (Lower is Better)



Bissell Big Green: 42 pounds
Rug Doctor: 36 pounds

Verdict

Winner: Tie

Additional Information

So, you’re probably wondering why the verdict is a tie. It is clear that the Rug Doctor sure has less weight than the Big Green. However, you should note that this is the base weight, which you only get to notice during the start and end of cleaning activity.

The real deal is the weight after the tank is filled. It is this weight that matters most as it is the weight you get to notice when you are cleaning. And on this count, the Bissell Big Green takes the point. Remember when I told you that a high tank capacity inevitably leads to increased weight when the tank is filled in the last entry? Well, that’s exactly what happens as the Rug Doctor will actually be heavier when the tank is filled.

Do note that both carpet extractors are fitted with large wheels so as heavy as they sound, they are still relatively easy to move around smoothly.

3. Length of Power Cord



Bissell Big Green: 25 feet
Rug Doctor: 28 feet

Verdict

Winner: Rug Doctor

Additional Information

It may not appear to be much, but 3 feet is considerable and will be slightly handier when cleaning large spaces, tight corners, or several rooms.

4. Cleaning Performance



Bissell Big Green

The Bissell Big Green uses an effective double-stroke forward and backward passes as its proprietary cleaning method. To put it simply, the device cleans a spot twice (in both directions) in one pass.

This is an efficient cleaning method because even if clearing a stubborn stain might require multiple passes, the double-stroke pass reduces the amount of time you would have spent if the cleaning process were a single-direction pass.

Rug Doctor

The Rug Doctor, on the other hand, uses a single-direction pass cleaning method. In fact, the manufacturer recommends against making multiple passes to clean tough stains.

The manufacturer does have a point though as multiple passes require more water and solution, whose cost adds up over time. The recommendation is that for a tough stain that remains after one pass, you have to let the carpet dry completely before you carry out another pass on the stained portion.

However, I cannot overstate how time-consuming that would be. Not to mention that the extra cost factor still exists.

Verdict

Winner: Bissell Big Green

Additional Information

Also, the Rug Doctor claims to be more efficient as its cleaning system uses only pass to take out stains that other cleaners need multiple passes for. This is not entirely accurate, although as emphasized earlier on in this article, Rug Doctor has a high-end performance.

Some stains do require more than one pass even with the highly-efficient one-direction pass of Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3. And in such cases, the Bissell Big Green totally trounce its competitor as you neither need to wait for the carpet to dry nor do you have to make as many subsequent passes as you would with the Rug Doctor. In my test, the Bissell’s product has faster drying times than the Rug Doctor’s.

5. Criticism



Bissell Big Green: Release a lot of heat out so may cause sweating. Recommended to turn on air-conditioner when doing carpet cleaning to avoid uncomfortable skin stickiness.

Rug Doctor: Does not suck up as much water as it should. Thus, carpets and rugs take longer to dry when compared with Bissell Big Green.

Verdict

Winner: Bissell

Additional Information

When looking for a new carpet cleaner, our top priority should be focusing on the cleaning performance. In this particular comparison, The hot air is tolerable for most people, but the lack of suction power for the Rug Doctor is disappointing.

Should You Buy Bissell Big Green or Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3?

If you are looking for the stronger carpet cleaning performance of the two models, it is a clear win for the Big Green. However, as you would notice, it is not a total domination, and you would notice that in some categories, the Rug Doctor is superior (Power Cord length, Water Tank Capacity).

Making Your Choice!

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