Bissell 3198A CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Vacuum Cleaner Review: Nimble Pet Cleaning Under $150
The Bissell 3198A CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Vacuum cleaner sets out to fix a daily frustration that stiff uprights make worse, which is chasing pet hair into tight, awkward corners. A bulky vacuum fights you around furniture legs. The fur then hides in the gaps you cannot quite reach. This machine glides around obstacles and stretches into those spaces for you.
The Problem It Aims To Solve
Pet hair settles in the trickiest spots in your home. It gathers under chairs, along skirting boards, and in tight corners. A rigid upright struggles to weave through that obstacle course. As a result, the fur in those gaps survives clean after clean.
The Central Argument
Here is my main case for the 3198A. It pairs smooth swivel steering with extended reach tools, all for under $150. Consequently, you glide around furniture and stretch into the corners without a fight. This review keeps testing that one claim: does the swivel and reach really clear the awkward spots cheaply?
If you want the wider field first, our full guide to the best vacuums for pet hair removal shows where it ranks.
What This Review Covers
Across this piece, I will walk you through the unboxing, the build, and the features. Beyond that, I will test the swivel, the suction, and the reach tools in a real home. I will also be honest about the trade-offs that come with the low price. By the end, you will know whether the 3198A suits your home.
Setting Realistic Expectations
That said, a sub-$150 upright cannot match a flagship in every way. So you give up sealed filtration and a few extras here. However, for nimble pet cleaning at this price, the value looks strong. Equally, I will flag where a pricier model would serve you better.
First Impressions and Unboxing
Opening the box, the 3198A feels light and easy to handle. The parts sit snug and well-protected inside. Nothing rattles loose, which is reassuring at this price.
What Comes In The Box
Inside, you get the main body, the floor head, and the dust cup. Bissell also includes a pet turbo brush, a crevice tool, and an extension wand. In particular, the extension wand unlocks the reach this vacuum is named for.
Build And Setup
Lifting it out, the 3198A feels sturdy enough for daily use. The plastics are simple but neatly joined. Assembly took me under five minutes from box to first clean.
First, you click the handle and floor head into place. Then you slot in the dust cup and you are ready. After a quick read of the guide, I was cleaning straight away. Overall, the setup felt quick and beginner-friendly.
Design and Build Quality
The 3198A carries a practical, lightweight look. It avoids the bulky styling of heavier uprights. Equally, the bright accents make the controls easy to find.
Materials And Feel
Up close, the plastics feel fine for the price, if not premium. The joints hold firm with no obvious flex. Meanwhile, the slim body keeps the whole machine easy to lift.
Handling And Footprint
At around 13.5 pounds, the 3198A is one of the lighter uprights here. So it feels nimble on stairs and around furniture. The swivel head also makes tight turns feel effortless.
Against Rivals At This Price
Compared to other budget uprights, the 3198A handles better. In fact, the swivel steering sets it apart from stiffer rivals. By contrast, many cheap uprights feel clumsy around obstacles. You get real manoeuvrability here, which is the whole appeal.
For the full field of rivals, browse our top-rated picks for pet hair removal to see where the Bissell 3198A CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Vacuum ranks.
Key Features
The 3198A leans on a few features that matter most for pet homes. Let me walk through the ones worth your attention.
Swivel Steering
First, the headline feature is the smooth swivel steering. The head pivots easily around table legs and tight corners. As a result, you weave through a cluttered room without a fight. In practice, this is the feature that defines the 3198A.
Extended Reach Tools
Next comes the reach system that the vacuum is named for. The extension wand and hose stretch into high and low spots. Consequently, ceiling corners and under-sofa gaps both come within reach. Meanwhile, the fur that floor heads miss finally gets cleared.
Triple Action Brush Roll
Crucially for pet owners, the triple-action brush roll lifts embedded fur. It loosens, lifts, and removes the hair in one motion. In practice, carpet pet hair comes free in fewer passes than I expected. For more on why pets shed so heavily, National Geographic explores animal coats and moulting.
Pet Turbo Brush
Equally useful is the included pet turbo brush. The spinning brush digs fur from cushions and stairs. Meanwhile, it lifts the hair that a plain nozzle would skim over.
Scatter-Free Hard Floor Tool
Beyond that, the scatter-free tool keeps hard floors tidy. It collects fur without flinging it across the room. In particular, this helps with tile and laminate, where light hair scatters.
Multi-Level Filtration
Finally, the multi-level filter traps everyday dust and dander. The layers catch progressively finer particles as air passes through. Meanwhile, the filter rinses clean rather than needing constant replacement.
Edge-to-Edge Floor Head
Equally useful is the wide floor head with edge bristles. The bristles pull fur from right along the skirting boards. As a result, the hair trapped at the edges comes up as you pass. Meanwhile, the wide path covers open rooms in fewer sweeps. For a budget upright, that edge reach saves a lot of fiddly tool work.
What I Would Add
That said, two features are absent here. So there is no sealed HEPA system and no Lift-Away pod. However, the price reflects these gaps fairly, and the filtration still suits most homes.
For the full field of rivals, browse our top-rated picks for pet hair removal to see where the Bissell 3198A CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Vacuum ranks.
Performance and Real-World Testing
Here is where the swivel and reach either prove themselves or fall flat. I ran the 3198A across every surface a pet home throws at a vacuum.
Swivel Steering In Practice
The first thing I tested was the swivel around my cluttered lounge. Weaving between chair legs felt smooth and almost effortless. As a result, I cleared spots my old upright always skipped. Indeed, the manoeuvrability quickly became my favourite part.
Carpet Performance
On carpet, the triple-action brush roll dug in well. Over a heavily used rug, embedded fur lifted out in a couple of passes. Meanwhile, the light body made pushing across thick pile easy. As a result, the carpet looked refreshed rather than just tidied.
Hard Floor Performance
On hard floors, the scatter-free tool proved its worth. Fine cat hair gathered into the head rather than flying about. However, the basic filtration means it suits homes without serious allergies. Even so, the cleaning result stayed clean and thorough.
Reach And Corner Test
The real test came on the awkward spots around the room. Using the extension wand, I reached ceiling corners and under the sofa. The hose stretched far enough to clear the skirting boards too. Honestly, this is where the 3198A earns its name.
Noise And Daily Comfort
Noise often decides how willingly you reach for a vacuum. At full power, the 3198A sits around the usual upright volume. In fact, it runs no louder than other budget uprights I have tried. Meanwhile, the steady hum never grated during a longer clean. My dog settled near it after a session or two.
Suction Consistency Over Time
After three weeks of daily use, the suction stayed steady. The washable filter kept the airflow strong throughout. Meanwhile, a quick filter rinse restored full power each time. So the performance held up well across the testing period.
Stairs And Upholstery
Stairs and sofas hold as much fur as the floors do. Using the pet turbo brush, the cushions came up clean and quick. Meanwhile, the light body made carrying it up the stairs easy. However, without a Lift-Away pod, you move the whole machine each time. Even so, the reach hose let me clean several stairs from one spot. As a result, the upholstery came up clean with little effort.
Technical Specifications
Below, I have laid out the key specs in plain terms. So you can match them to your own home.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Bagless upright |
| Brush roll | Triple action |
| Steering | Swivel head |
| Reach | Extension wand and hose |
| Filtration | Multi-level filter |
| Dust cup | 1.0 litres |
| Cord length | 25 feet |
| Weight | Around 13.5 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 year limited |
| Approx. price | Under $150 |
What These Numbers Mean
In plain terms, the swivel head is the spec that sets the 3198A apart at this price. So you weave around furniture with ease. The light 13.5-pound body makes stairs and lifting simple. Equally, the 2-year warranty stands out, since many budget rivals offer only one.
For the full field of rivals, browse our top-rated picks for pet hair removal to see where the Bissell 3198A CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Vacuum ranks.
Accessories and Tools Included
The toolkit here covers the essentials without padding. So you get the tools pet owners actually use.
What You Get
Inside, you get a pet turbo brush, a crevice tool, and an extension wand. Bissell also adds a scatter-free hard floor tool. In particular, the extension wand unlocks the high and low reach.
Quality And Everyday Use
The turbo brush feels sturdy and grips fur well. Meanwhile, the crevice tool reaches deep into tight gaps. So the parts you use daily hold up nicely.
What You May Need Later
Over time, you will want spare filters for the cleanest air. So budget a few dollars a year for these. However, the washable filter stretches a long way between replacements.
Pros and Cons
Every vacuum involves trade-offs, so here is my honest tally for the 3198A.
Pros
- The swivel head glides around furniture. As a result, tight corners no longer slow you down.
- The reach tools clear awkward spots. Consequently, high and low fur both come within reach.
- It costs under $150. Meanwhile, you still get proper pet tools at this price.
- The light body suits the stairs. Indeed, the 13.5-pound weight makes lifting easy.
- The triple-action brush lifts fur. In particular, carpet pet hair clears in fewer passes.
- The 2-year warranty reassures. Furthermore, it beats the one-year cover of many budget rivals.
Cons
- It lacks sealed HEPA filtration. However, the multi-level filter suits homes without allergies.
- The brush roll can tangle. So a weekly hair check keeps it spinning freely.
- There is no Lift-Away pod. That said, the reach tools cover stairs and furniture.
- The build feels less premium. Even so, the price reflects that fairly.
For the full field of rivals, browse our top-rated picks for pet hair removal to see where the Bissell 3198A CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Vacuum ranks.
Who This Product Is Best For
The 3198A suits a clear type of home, so let me describe it.
The Ideal Owner
First, this vacuum fits homes with lots of furniture to navigate. So if a stiff upright frustrates you, the swivel head helps. It also suits budget buyers who still want pet tools. Equally, smaller homes benefit from the light, nimble body.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
However, allergy sufferers may want a sealed HEPA model. So a pricier upright with sealed filtration could suit them better. Meanwhile, those who clean many stairs may miss a Lift-Away pod. By contrast, owners of long-haired pets may want an anti-tangle roller.
Lifestyle Fit
In practice, this vacuum rewards people who want nimble cleaning on a budget. So it fits a furniture-filled flat that needs the fur gone without overspending.
The Smaller Home Owner
In particular, this vacuum suits flats and smaller houses well. The light body makes it easy to carry between rooms and up stairs. Furthermore, the swivel head shines in tight, furnished spaces. On top of that, the reach tools cover a small home end-to-end. For a compact flat, the 3198A offers real value and easy handling.
Alternative Uses and Versatility
Beyond daily pet-hair duty, the 3198A has a few extra tricks. So it is worth knowing where else it helps.
First, the extension wand clears cobwebs from ceiling corners. The pet brush also lifts fur from sofas and stairs. Meanwhile, the crevice tool reaches dust in radiators and skirting boards. On top of that, the reach hose tackles the car interior with ease. So while fur is its calling, it doubles as an all-round home cleaner.
Value for Money and Comparison
At under $150, the 3198A sits in budget upright territory. So the key question is what that money buys.
What The Price Buys
In real terms, you pay for swivel steering and extended reach. So the spend goes on manoeuvrability and access, not vague extras. Meanwhile, the 2-year warranty adds quiet reassurance.
How It Compares
Against the Bissell 4377 CleanView Max, the 3198A swaps sealed filtration for swivel ease. So the 4377 suits allergy homes, while the 3198A wins on handling. By contrast, the Kenmore DU2015 keeps things simple but skips the swivel head.
For the full field of rivals, browse our top-rated picks for pet hair removal to see where the Bissell 3198A CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Vacuum ranks.
Long-Term Value
Over a few years, the washable filter keeps running costs low. Furthermore, the 2-year warranty cushions any early faults. So for a budget pet home, the value case is strong.
Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership
Like any upright, the 3198A needs a little care to keep performing. So here is the routine I would follow.
Daily And Weekly Care
Day to day, you empty the dust cup when it fills. The clear cup shows you exactly when that is due. Meanwhile, check the brush roll each week for wound hair.
Filter And Brush Schedule
Every few weeks, rinse the filters and let them dry fully. So the suction stays strong over the months. Additionally, clear any tangled hair from the roller for the best spin.
Parts, Issues, And Lifespan
Replacement filters and belts are easy to source from Bissell. Meanwhile, the most common owner gripe is brush-roll tangling with long hair. With basic care, you can expect several years of service. For advice on caring for a shedding pet, the Animal Welfare Institute shares helpful guidance.
Storage And Cord Management
As a lightweight upright, the 3198A stores away easily. The body stands upright on its own in a cupboard. Meanwhile, the 25-foot cord wraps around the rear hooks. However, there is no automatic rewind, so you coil it by hand. Even so, the slim, light body slips into tight storage spots with ease.
Caring For The Swivel Joint
The swivel head is the heart of this vacuum, so it pays to look after it. Hair and grit can gather around the pivot over time. Every couple of weeks, check the joint and clear any wound fur. Meanwhile, a clean pivot keeps the steering smooth and responsive. A quick look here protects the feature that makes the 3198A so nimble.
For the full field of rivals, browse our top-rated picks for pet hair removal to see where the Bissell 3198A CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Vacuum ranks.
Reasons to Buy
- You have lots of furniture to navigate. As a result, the swivel head glides around every obstacle.
- You want to reach awkward corners. Consequently, the extension tools clear high and low spots.
- You shop on a tight budget. Meanwhile, you still get proper pet tools under $150.
- You prefer a light machine. Indeed, the 13.5-pound body suits stairs and small homes.
- You have carpet and shedding pets. In particular, the triple-action brush lifts embedded fur.
- You value a longer warranty. Furthermore, the 2-year cover beats most budget rivals.
Reasons to Skip
- You suffer from allergies. However, a sealed HEPA model would trap dander better.
- You clean many stairs daily. So a Lift-Away pod would serve you better.
- You own a long-haired pet. By contrast, an anti-tangle roller would save weekly hair clearing.
- You want a premium build. Even so, a pricier upright would feel more solid.
Conclusion
After three weeks of daily use, the 3198A left a strong impression. So let me pull the threads together into a clear verdict.
The Verdict
Overall, this vacuum delivers fully on its central promise. The swivel head glided around furniture that always blocked my old upright. Meanwhile, the reach tools cleared the corners and high spots with ease. So the budget price feels well earned for furniture-filled homes. Equally, the light body kept the whole job easy from start to finish.
Who Should Buy It
For homes with lots of furniture and a tight budget, this is an easy recommendation. Furthermore, smaller flats gain real benefit from the light, nimble body. However, allergy sufferers and stair-heavy homes should weigh a pricier model. So match the machine to your home before you commit.
Final Advice And Next Steps
Before buying, judge how cluttered your rooms are and how much your pet sheds. So you know the swivel and reach will earn their keep in your home. Then plan a weekly brush-roll check if your pet sheds long hair. Ultimately, the Bissell 3198A CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Vacuum cleaner earns its place through one clear win: it glides around your furniture and reaches the fur the rest leave behind, all for under $150.
For the full field of rivals, browse our top-rated picks for pet hair removal to see where the Bissell 3198A CleanView Swivel Pet Reach Vacuum ranks.
If you want sealed allergen filtration instead, the Bissell 4377 CleanView Max makes the strongest alternative. You can read more about this model on the official Bissell site before you decide.
Related reviews: Bissell 4377 CleanView Max Allergen Upright Review
