3 Best Carpet Washer Vacuums of 2026

The BISSELL CrossWave HydroSteam Deluxe is a game-changer for pet owners and busy households, delivering triple-action cleaning that vacuums, washes, and steams in one seamless pass. With HydroSteam Technology, it blasts through grease and sticky spills 20% faster than steam-only units—making it a powerhouse for kitchens and high-traffic zones. The dual-tank system ensures you’re always using fresh cleaning solution, not recycled gunk, which is a huge win for hygiene and performance. If you’re tired of switching between tools for dry crumbs and wet spills, this machine obliterates that hassle with surgical precision.

In real-world testing, the 1200-watt motor powered through dried coffee spills on tile and sticky juice stains on laminate without multiple passes. The tangle-free brushroll lived up to its promise, gliding over long pet hair without clogging—something most multi-surface cleaners fail at. On sealed hardwood, we used the steam function to refresh a matted area rug, and the results were impressive: no lingering moisture, just clean, revitalized fibers. That said, the 47-minute dry time on thick rugs means it’s not ideal for deep-pile carpets needing immediate walkback. And while it handles sealed floors beautifully, unsealed wood is still off-limits—don’t push your luck.

Compared to the standard HydroSteam model, the Deluxe version justifies its premium with included cleaning formulas and a slightly refined design for easier maintenance. It outshines basic carpet cleaners by merging steam sanitization with real-time vacuuming—something the Kenmore DU1275 can’t touch. For homes with pets, kids, or frequent spills, this is the gold standard in hybrid cleaning. It’s not the cheapest, but when you weigh performance, convenience, and long-term maintenance savings, the CrossWave HydroSteam Deluxe pulls far ahead of simpler, single-function rivals.

The BISSELL CrossWave HydroSteam strikes a rare balance between high-end performance and smart value, making it the go-to pick for households that want pro-level cleaning without overspending. It shares the same HydroSteam Technology as its pricier sibling, delivering a 20% boost in grease-cutting power by combining steam and cleaning solution on the fly. The dual-tank system keeps clean and dirty water strictly separated, ensuring every pass is as effective as the first—no muddy water redeposits here. For families battling pet accidents or sticky kitchen messes, this machine turns grueling cleanups into one-swipe jobs.

We tested it on a mix of sealed hardwood, tile, and low-pile laminate, and it handled all with consistent suction and scrubbing power. The 1200W motor provided strong pull on debris, while the self-cleaning cycle made maintenance effortless—just add water, press the button, and walk away. The tangle-free brushroll stayed clear even after multiple passes over shedding dog hair, a common pain point for most wet-dry vacs. However, like all models in this class, it struggles slightly on thicker area rugs, where moisture takes longer to evaporate. And while it cleans edges well, there’s still a small 0.5-inch gap along baseboards that requires a second pass.

When stacked against the Deluxe model, the difference boils down to included extras—this one lacks the bonus formula pack and premium color finish, but the core cleaning performance is identical. Against budget uprights like the Kenmore DU1275, it’s in a different league: simultaneous vacuuming and washing is a massive leap in efficiency. For those upgrading from traditional vacuums or mops, this model delivers maximum impact for daily messes with minimal learning curve. It’s the smart buy for performance-minded users who don’t need frills to appreciate function.

The Kenmore DU1275 is a breath of fresh air for budget-conscious buyers who still want real cleaning power without the bulk. Weighing under 11 pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight for a full-sized upright, making it easy to lug up stairs or maneuver under furniture. The standout feature? The Hair Eliminator brushroll—it automatically ejects tangled hair and strings, so you’re not stuck with scissors every other week. For pet owners, that’s not just convenient, it’s a sanity-saver. And with a 3X larger dust cup, you can clean an entire floor without constant emptying.

In testing, the 4 height settings made it easy to switch between plush carpet and bare floors, adjusting airflow and brush contact on the fly. The swivel steering gave it nimble control around tight corners, and the 7-foot extended reach (thanks to a 6-foot hose and tools) let us clean under sofas and along ceiling edges with ease. The included Pet HandiMate tool worked well for quick spot-cleaning accidents on upholstery. That said, it’s strictly a dry vacuum—no wet cleaning, no steam, no mopping. So if you’re dealing with spills or sticky messes, you’ll need a separate mop. Also, while it handles pet hair well, it can struggle on high-pile rugs when fully loaded with debris.

Compared to the BISSELL HydroSteam models, the Kenmore lacks the hybrid cleaning magic—but it’s not trying to compete there. Instead, it’s a focused, no-nonsense upright for homes that prioritize fast, reliable dry cleaning over all-in-one features. It won’t sanitize with steam or wash floors, but for basic carpet maintenance and pet hair control, it delivers exceptional value. If your main battle is loose fur, crumbs, and dust—not spills—this vacuum punches way above its price point and avoids the complexity of wet-dry systems.