A Practical Choice for Pet Owners and Busy Homes
The Bissell CleanView Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner with Active Wand 3536 stands out as a feature-rich option for households juggling pet hair, multiple floor types, and tight budgets. Earning an average of 4.5 stars from nearly 4,000 reviewers, its effective suction and thoughtful design put it squarely in the mid-priced tier for upright vacuums. In short, this model delivers strong cleaning power and generous capacity with some tradeoffs on cord retraction and build quality.
Essential Features and Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bissell |
| Model Number | 3536 |
| Form Factor | Upright, Bagless |
| Special Feature | Lightweight, Active Extension Wand (reaches up to 10 ft) |
| Filter Type | HEPA |
| Capacity | 2 Liters |
| Power | 1200 Watts, 2.5 Amps |
| Noise Level | 70 dB |
| Corded/Cordless | Corded (Cord Retract Feature) |
| Weight | 15.72 lbs |
| Included Tools | Brush, Wand, Washable Filter |
| Color | Black/Cobalt Blue |
| Cleaning Technologies | OnePass Technology, Scatter-Free Technology |
| Hose Length | 3 Feet |
| Indoor/Outdoor Use | Indoor |
| Ranking | #22 in Upright Vacuum Cleaners (Amazon) |
What Real Users Are Saying: Feedback at a Glance
A full 89% of reviewers rate the Bissell CleanView 3536 at 4 or 5 stars, reflecting broad satisfaction overall. Physical features and cleaning power win praise, but not every aspect is perfect.
- Effectiveness on Pet Hair: “Picked up all cat and dog hair on the first pass.”
- Usability & Assembly: “Snapped together in five minutes, no tools needed.”
- Mixed Cord Feedback: “Love the retractable cord” vs. “Cord wants to zip back in while in use.”
Main praises center on suction power, value, and lightweight build, according to AI-generated review summaries. Cord retract and build quality split user opinion, with roughly 15% noting issues in those areas.
Performance and Practical Features Examined
Cleaning Power Across Surfaces
Built around OnePass Technology, the CleanView 3536 is engineered to clean carpets efficiently the first time across most moderate piles. The brush and suction draw embedded dirt and pet hair effectively, making it a favorite for pet owners. Scatter-Free Technology keeps debris from being kicked outward on hard floors, streamlining the process for mixed-surface homes.
Pet Hair Pickup and HEPA Filtration
With a HEPA filter and large-capacity dust bin, the vacuum traps pet dander and fine particles, appealing to allergy sufferers. Most users report it “never leaves clumps of hair behind,” even with heavy-shedding animals. The filter and dust cup are both washable, helping users maintain peak performance.
Active Extension Wand for Above-Floor Cleaning
The active wand extends reach up to 10 feet, allowing for straightforward cobweb and ceiling cleaning—though users warn that the actual flexible hose length is 3 feet, so expect to swap attachments for optimal reach. Stairs, drapes, and tight spaces are far more accessible with this extension.
Bagless Convenience and Capacity
The 2-liter XL dirt tank means less frequent emptying, a boon for pet owners or larger homes. Emptying is easy, with users highlighting the “release and dump” design as simple and mess-reducing.
Quiet Operation Relative to Competitors
At 70 decibels, the Bissell is neither whisper-quiet nor overwhelming for most homes. Families with sleeping children or pets won’t typically find it intrusive, but it isn’t recommended for those requiring exceptionally low noise.
Cord Retraction: Feature or Flaw?
A standout feature, automatic cord retraction, wins mixed reviews. Many appreciate the clutter-free storage, but a vocal minority experiences premature retraction during use, which can be frustrating for large rooms.
Assembly and Portability
Direct from the box, the Bissell CleanView 3536 is simple to snap together—requiring no tools. Its 15.7-pound weight puts it right at the average for uprights, but manageable for most adults, and the four-wheel base offers solid maneuverability.
How the CleanView 3536 Stacks Up to Similar Uprights
| Model | Key Feature | Weight | Capacity | Filtration | User Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bissell CleanView 3536 | Active Wand, Cord Retract, OnePass Tech | 15.7 lbs | 2 L | HEPA | 4.5★ (3,900+) |
| Shark Navigator Swivel NV360 | Lift-Away Pod, Swivel Steering | 12.5 lbs | 1.2 L | HEPA | 4.6★ (21,000+) |
| Eureka PowerSpeed NEU182A | Extra-Wide Cleaning Path | 10 lbs | 2.6 L | Washable Foam | 4.4★ (35,000+) |
The Bissell CleanView 3536 holds its own against direct rivals. It’s heavier than the Eureka, but offers more advanced filtration and unique features such as the extendable wand and cord retraction. The Shark offers comparable filtration but is lighter; however, it lacks automatic cord management and has a smaller bin.
Who This Bissell Vacuum Is Best and Worst For
Buy this model if you value:
- Excellent pet hair pickup on both carpet and hard floors
- Large, washable dust bin and HEPA filtration
- Quick assembly with no tools and manageable weight
- Need to reach ceiling fans or high shelves with included wand
- Mid-range price and good value for the feature set
- Supporting the BISSELL Pet Foundation (portion of proceeds donated)
You may want to skip if:
- You require a very lightweight (sub-12 lb) vacuum
- Durability is your absolute priority (based on some build quality concerns)
- You dislike any risk of cord retraction complications
- Your primary need is for deep-pile carpets (performance is best on low/medium pile)
True Cost and Buying Advice
The MSRP is in the mid-tier range (est.), but this Bissell typically sees regular discounts throughout the year. Based on recent price tracking (Keepa, est.), ideal sale prices hover under the launch MSRP. The best value is realized if you buy during a significant sale event, pushing the value-per-feature even higher. Users routinely comment that it “exceeds expectations for the price.”
Bissell CleanView Upright Vacuum: Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bissell 3536 work well on both carpet and hardwood?
Yes, it’s designed for effective cleaning on both surfaces—the Scatter-Free head prevents debris from scattering on hard floors, while OnePass Technology lifts embedded dirt from carpets.
How easy is it to clean or replace the HEPA filter?
The HEPA filter and dust container are removable and washable. Most users find maintenance straightforward, with filter replacement required every 6–12 months under normal use.
Is the cord long enough for large rooms, and does it retract automatically?
The cord is long enough for standard rooms, and the retraction feature helps with storage—but some users note it occasionally pulls back too soon.
Can the wand really reach ceilings and high shelves?
Yes, the extension wand allows for cleaning up to 10 feet high. The physical hose itself is 3 feet but, combined with the wand, provides ample reach for above-floor jobs.
How durable is the CleanView 3536?
User feedback is split: Many report no issues after months of use, while a minority express concerns about plastic construction. Bissell offers a limited warranty for peace of mind.
Why the Bissell CleanView 3536 Deserves Consideration
The Bissell CleanView 3536 offers a strong set of features for pet lovers and anyone needing reliable whole-home cleaning. Its active wand, powerful suction, and XL bin are on par with (or better than) higher-priced competitors. The build and cord mechanism might not be perfect for every user, but overall satisfaction is high. Backed by Bissell’s support for pet rescue, it’s a compelling, conscientious choice for most U.S. households.