Bissell SteamShot: 11 Things to Know Before Buying

Before pulling the trigger on the ever-popular Bissell SteamShot, you may want to review some of the most frequently asked questions about the steamer. Use the quick navigation tab to jump into a specific answer.

1. How long does Bissell SteamShot last?

On average, the Bissell SteamShot produces 10 to 12 minutes of steam on a single charge. However, the steamer needs a short rest to rebuild the pressure and reheat the water once every 3 minutes.

Because the Bissell SteamShot has no water level indicator, the only way to know that you need to refill the water tank is when the machine stops releasing a lot of high pressure steam.

As for the unit itself, the Bissell SteamShot lasts between 2 to 4 years, depending on how often you use the steamer and how well you maintain it, including cleaning each attachment and unclogging the nozzles.

2. How does a Bissell SteamShot work?

The Bissell SteamShot is a compact steamer and heats up in 30 seconds. The on-demand trigger lets you direct steam to any surface or area with a simple press of a button. Equipped with 10 different attachments, the Bissell SteamShot works on a variety of different surfaces and materials.

3. How long does it take Bissell SteamShot to heat up?

It takes 30 seconds to two minutes for the Bissell SteamShot to heat up the water inside its tank. After plugging the Bissell SteamShot, the indicator light will turn on. The light will turn off when it’s ready to use.

4. How hot does Bissell SteamShot get?

The Bissell SteamShot typically reaches temperatures of around 230° F. Because it is a handheld unit, the heat and pressure won’t be as high as conventional steam cleaners.

Any higher heat and pressure, and it would be a ticking time bomb.

5. How much water do you put in Bissell SteamShot?

The Bissell SteamShot water tank holds at most 6.6 fluid ounces (360ml). You need to use the measuring cup provided to hit the max fill line as the jug is labeled to avoid overflowing the water tank.

6. Does Bissell SteamShot sanitize and disinfect?

The Bissell SteamShot sanitizes and disinfects. Thanks to its 100 watts of steam power, it eliminates 99.9% of germs and bacteria from a variety of hard surfaces.

7. What can you clean with the Bissell SteamShot?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can use the Bissell SteamShot on:

1. The detail brush tool removes stubborn grime, like baked-on grease on the stovetop.
2. The grout brush tool removes dirt from grout lines.
3. The fabric steamer tool removes wrinkles from clothes and curtains.
4. The flat scraping tool removes sticky messes, like dried paint or dried fruit juice.
5. The angle concentrator tool directs precise steam, perfect for cleaning around the perimeter of a kitchen faucet.
6. The window squeegee tool cleans and disinfects glass and windows.
7. The accessory tool directs steam to any object or area.
8. The extension hose helps you steam clean hard-to-reach places.

Thanks to the 10 different attachments, you can clean a variety of surfaces using the Bissell SteamShot, including carpet, grout, furniture, upholstery, clothes, curtain, glass and windows.

8. Can you use vinegar in Bissell SteamShot?

The Bissell SteamShot manual states to add cold water only. Do not add vinegar to the Bissell SteamShot’s water tank. Vinegar is a descaling agent and will damage the heating element inside the steamer. 

Remember, never add anything except cool water into the Bissell SteamShot water tank. Not only will it cause damage to the heating element, but it will also void your warranty.

9. Can you use tap water in your Bissell SteamShot?

You can use tap water in your Bissell SteamShot, although distilled water is recommended and preferred. Using tap water will shorten the life of the steamer, although how much it will be shortened depends upon the mineral content of your local tap water.

Also, remember to remove excess water from the tank after you are finished using the steamer. If you are leaving the water inside the unit, it's going to calcify and clog, just like any other water heating tool. Due to the Bissell SteamShot’s compact size, the harder the water, the quicker it will clog.

10. What is the difference between the Bissell SteamShot and SteamShot Deluxe?

The Bissell SteamShot comes with 7 attachments while the SteamShot Deluxe comes with 10 attachments. Other than the number of attachments included, both steamers are basically the same thing.

Both the Bissell SteamShot and SteamShot Deluxe come with 1 accessory nozzle, 3 detail brush tools, 1 flat scraping tool, 1 angle concentrator tool, and 1 grout brush tool. However, only the SteamShot Deluxe comes with 1 extension hose, 1 fabric steamer, and 1 window squeegee tool.

Bissell SteamShot

• Jet nozzle
• 3 detail brushes
• Grout tool
• Flat scraper tool
• Angle concentrator tool

Bissell SteamShot Deluxe

• Accessory nozzle
• Extension hose
• 3 detail brushes
• Grout tool
• Fabric steamer
• Flat scraper tool
• Angle concentrator tool
• Window squeegee tool

11. Is the Bissell SteamShot worth it?

Overall, the Bissell SteamShot is worth it because of its compact size and affordable price. For a small steamer, it comes with 10 different attachments which allow you to clean a variety of surfaces. The steamer produces a very good pressure that cleans and disinfects. You won’t regret buying it.

Bissell SteamShot

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Bissell SteamShot

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Related articles:

• How to use Bissell SteamShot
• Most common Bissell SteamShot problems and their solutions