My review and perspective on model: 16N5 vacuum cleaner

This is the Bissell Healthy Home Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Bagless, 12 Amp, 16N5 Review please check the reviews page for a comparison of other vacuum cleaners.

Enter the AMP, HEPA, cyclonic wars. In reality these "features" and words have very little meaning or relevance to your cleaning abilities, but all of the gimmick driven manufacturers are throwing these words around to get your attention. For a long time manufacturers tried having the highest AMP motors, being that the average home runs 15amp circuit breakers they hit a wall with 12 amp motors, as age wear, and other items running on the same circuit made it infeasible to go higher than 12 amps. It is a little known fact that many of the best, most powerful vacuum cleaners run 7 amps or less, even modern Kirby's with their powerful self-propel only use 7 amps, most commercial machines use even less. Of course Kirby's success with a 7 amp machine comes from good design, companies not able, or willing to put time and money into research and development have simply chosen to waste more power in attempt to keep up, then they brag about their vacuum cleaners inefficiency and market it as if it is an advantage.

Once manufacturers hit a wall with the AMP wars, they moved onto something else, the HEPA wars. While HEPA filtration generally makes little or no difference in comparison to a high efficiency "regular" filter and can in fact put more stress on the motor making the vacuum cleaner less efficient if implemented improperly, companies still insist on your need of a HEPA filtration system. Some companies such as Oreck, and Kirby have done a great job of using HEPA in a manor that does not decrease the efficiency of their vacuum cleaners.

Now we've entered the Cyclonic wars. Ever since Dyson came out with their vacuums with "Cyclonic technology" everybody has imitated them. In reality a cyclonic vacuum cleaner will do absolutely no different (other than clogging more often) than any other design of vacuum cleaner.

The Bissell 16N5 is not a terrible vacuum cleaner, and they do a great job with it of keeping a clean running vacuum cleaner (assuming proper maintenance, and usage). It does have one disadvantage in this respect that very much so baffles me, this machine is marketed to allergy sufferers and those who need or want as few particles to be thrown into the air at this price range possible. But they chose to make the vacuum cleaner with a dirt cup design instead of using bags. This does not make sense to me in any way as when you empty a dirt cup it throws dust, dirt, dander, pollen, and everything else you vacuumed up back into the air.

In short this is a fairly average vacuum cleaner, Bissell makes decent enough products, but don't get dazzled by all of the hype that vacuum cleaner manufacturers try and throw at you. There is an updated version of this vacuum the Bissell 16N53 which isn't that much of an update, but the lower price point does boost its value, and over all ratings.

Model: 16N5 Product Description

Equipped with a 12 amp motor, the Bissell 16N5 Healthy Home bagless upright vacuum cleaner features an AireTight HEPA filtration system that traps and seals in 100 percent of dust mites, pollen, ragweed, mold spores and 99.9 percent of pet dander. It also offers Bissell's Microban antimicrobial protection, which works to continuously fight the growth of odor causing bacteria, mold and mildew. The multi-cyclonic system uses centrifugal force instead of filters to separate the dirt and particles, helping it stay clean longer and resulting in non-stop suction. And the permanent filter also eliminates the need to buy and replace filters, saving you time and money.

It's a great choice for both carpeted and bare floors as well as upholstery and stairs. Use the TurboBrush for upholstery and stairs, the crevice tool to access narrow spaces, the extension wand for extended reach, and the combination upholstery/dusting brush to clean tabletops, bookshelves, furniture, and more. Other features include a wide 15-inch cleaning path, 7 surface height adjustments, a 15-ounce dirt cup capacity, 30-inch cord length, fingertip controls on the handle, soft bumper to protect walls and furniture, and a headlight. The unit weighs 30 pounds and it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty.

Product Features

*12 amp upright vacuum cleaner with AireTight HEPA filtration system
*9x multi-cyclonic cleaning system for non-stop suction power
*15-inch rotating brush with on/off control; 7 height-adjustment settings
*Telescoping extension wand; lifetime belt; easy-empty dirt container
*Measures 14 by 15 by 44-1/2 inches; 5-year limited warranty

User Comments and Reviews

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The 16N5 is a Residential vacuum designed for use in the Residential environment. I have reviewed it accordingly, the price point of the 16N5 is set for the Residential industry which should be taken into consideration when purchasing or thinking about purchasing this vacuum. Commercial vacuum cleaners may be built to last longer and endure more abuse, but are more expensive and may be lacking some of the luxuries (such as light weight, or low noise) that you are accustomed to. On the contrary Residential vacuums are made at lower price points, lower quality, but are often lighter and quieter to use. Please feel free to add your own perspective of the Bissell Healthy Home Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Bagless, 12 Amp, 16N5 Review.