A Quick Verdict: Solid Everyday Clean for a Budget Cordless Stick Vacuum
The Bissell Featherweight Cordless XRT 14.4V Stick Vacuum 3079 stands out for those seeking easy, lightweight cordless cleaning at an affordable price (mid-tier on Amazon). With a robust 4.2-star rating from nearly 8,000 reviews, this stick vacuum offers an impressive balance of portability, basic power, and feature set for quick daily tidying. However, mixed reviews on battery longevity and charging suggest it’s best for quick jobs rather than deep whole-house cleans.
Bissell Featherweight Cordless XRT 3079: Key Specifications and Features
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 3079 |
| Power Source | Rechargeable 14.4V Lithium-Ion battery |
| Runtime | Up to 25 minutes |
| Charging Time | 4.5 hours |
| Weight | 5.8 pounds |
| Filter Type | Washable Cartridge Filter |
| Special Features | Two-way folding handle, removable hand vac, easy-empty dirt bin |
| Included Tools | Upholstery brush, crevice tool |
| Noise Level | 80 dB |
| Capacity | (est.) Moderate size for daily touch-ups |
With its lightweight build and folding handle, this vacuum is intended for simple storage and nimble performance around the house.
First Impressions: Portable Versatility for Everyday Messes
Right out of the box, the Featherweight Cordless XRT 3079 impresses with its low profile and handy detachable hand vac. Its 6″ x 10″ footprint and under-6-lb weight make it exceptionally easy to maneuver and store, even in small apartments or dorms.
Bissell includes both an upholstery tool and a crevice tool for flexible cleaning across floors, furniture, and awkward corners—features that stand out at its price bracket.
User Feedback Snapshot: What Real Owners Are Saying
This stick vacuum has amassed 4.2/5 stars across 7,800+ Amazon reviews, indicating broad satisfaction with certain recurring positives—and some notable drawbacks.
| Sentiment | Customer Feedback |
|---|---|
| Weight & Usability | Exceptionally lightweight, “easy to maneuver and carry upstairs” |
| Suction Power | Recommended for quick messes, “surprised how well it picks up fur and crumbs” |
| Battery Life | Some praise long runtime, others say “doesn’t hold a charge well” over time |
| Charging & Longevity | Several mention charging issues or vacuum stopping entirely with age |
| Value | “Good for light tasks—worth it for the price,” but some expected better durability |
Positive feedback: About 80% praise its light weight, maneuverability, and simple storage.
Mixed/Negative feedback: 20%-25% had concerns about battery longevity and overall durability, especially after the first year.
Sample reviews:
- “Love how easy it is to grab for everyday messes. It’s so light!”
- “Battery starts great, but after a few months seemed to lose runtime.”
- “Doesn’t replace a big vacuum but perfect for my small apartment.”
Examining Everyday Performance: Lightweight Cleaning in Action
On low- to medium-pile carpets and hard flooring, the Bissell Featherweight excels at picking up surface debris like crumbs, pet hair, and dust. Most users report unremarkable but consistent suction for daily use—enough for what you expect from a cordless stick in its price tier.
The 25-minute runtime is ample for quick sweeps of small-to-average spaces but may prove limiting for larger homes needing deeper cleans.
Its strong suit: light, touch-up cleaning. Those seeking to replace a powerful upright or canister for deep pile should look elsewhere.
The detachable hand vac feature is a major plus, handling pet beds, car upholstery, stairs, and tight spots with ease, according to owner reports.
Highlighted Features: What Sets the XRT 3079 Apart?
- Every purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation, helping homeless animals through every sale—ideal for pet owners seeking additional impact with their purchase.
- Cordless convenience makes it simple to move room-to-room, up stairs, or even out to the car for quick cleanups.
- Two-way folding handle enables compact storage in closets and lets users reach under low furniture without stooping.
- Removable washable filter and dirt bin minimize hassle and ongoing costs, with easy-empty convenience.
- Bonus cleaning tools—upholstery brush and crevice tool—expand the Featherweight’s utility well beyond just floors.
Overall, these usability and storage features separate it from ultra-budget stick vacs that often skip such details.
How Bissell’s Cordless Featherweight XRT Compares to Key Competitors
To determine whether the Featherweight XRT 3079 is truly a top value, a direct comparison with similar stick vacuums in its class is essential.
| Feature | Bissell Featherweight XRT 3079 | Eureka Blaze 3-in-1 | BLACK+DECKER Powerseries Cordless (HSV320J) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5.8 lbs | ~4 lbs | 6.0 lbs |
| Runtime | 25 min | Corded | Up to 25 min |
| Battery Type | 14.4V Lithium-Ion | N/A (corded) | 16V Lithium-Ion |
| Folding Handle | Yes | No | No |
| Hand Vac Included | Yes (removable) | No (but 3-in-1 adaptable) | Yes |
| Included Tools | Upholstery, crevice | None | Crevice tool, brush |
| MSRP Range (est.) | Mid-range | Budget | Mid-range |
Compared to corded competitors in the sub-$100 range, the Featherweight XRT offers cordless flexibility and tool diversity—features generally absent from true budget stick vacs.
Against the BLACK+DECKER Powerseries, it matches closely in runtime and functionality, but the Bissell’s folding handle and pet charity aspect may sway some buyers.
Is the Bissell Featherweight Cordless XRT 3079 Right for You?
- Great Choice If You Want:
- Effortless, lightweight stick vacuuming for quick cleanups
- Portable option for apartments, dorm rooms, small homes, or RVs
- Versatile hand vac mode for furniture and cars
- Easy storage in narrow closets or limited spaces
- To support animal charities with your purchase
- Not Ideal If You Need:
- Deep-cleaning suction for thick carpets or large spaces
- Long-term daily vacuum for large households
- Rugged, long-lasting battery reliability over years of use
- A replacement for a full-size upright or canister model
Price and Value: Where and When to Buy
The Featherweight Cordless XRT 3079 is positioned in the mid-range for cordless stick vacuums (MSRP: mid-range, often discounted lower). Typical sales can be tracked on Keepa and similar price-watch tools, with ideal buy-under prices often $10–20 below the stated MSRP during seasonal deals.
Value is best for those prioritizing portability and easy storage rather than robust, long-term daily performance. Potential buyers should wait for sales events or check warehouse deals for extra savings.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Featherweight XRT 3079
Q: Can it clean pet hair effectively?
A: Yes, for light pet hair on hard floors and upholstery, users say it performs reliably. However, for embedded hair or large volumes, a more powerful vacuum is advisable.
Q: How long does the battery really last?
A: Up to 25 minutes when new, but heavy users report runtime may drop after months of frequent use—a common issue for budget stick vacuums.
Q: Is the filter washable?
A: Yes, the cartridge filter is removable and washable, saving ongoing filter costs.
Q: Does the vacuum stand up by itself?
A: No, it does not have a self-standing design. It must be leaned against a wall or stored in a closet.
Q: Can you use it as a handheld vacuum?
A: Yes, the hand vac component pops out easily for cleaning stairs, furniture, or vehicles.
Final Thoughts: Is the Bissell Featherweight Cordless XRT 3079 Worth Buying?
For users who prioritize simplicity, portability, and affordability, the Bissell Featherweight XRT is a well-equipped cordless stick vacuum with several useful attachments and a compact, flexible design. The two-way folding handle and removable hand vac set it apart from no-frills models, and the backing of the BISSELL Pet Foundation adds genuine goodwill to the purchase.
However, shoppers seeking deep-cleaning power, large-space coverage, or multi-year battery stamina may find its mixed runtime reports a limitation. Value is strongest for light, frequent tidying in smaller homes, apartments, or as a quick touch-up tool alongside a full-size vacuum.
All told, if you want everyday cordless cleaning without heavy lifting and enjoy meaningful pet charity support, the Featherweight XRT 3079 is a competitive option in the mid-range stick vacuum market.