2026 Review: Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam
Steam, Extraction and Self-Cleaning
All the facts on the Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam – from suction power and the three modes to a comparison with the lubluelu V11, Shark StainStriker, uwant Y100 Steam and Dreame N20 Steam.
Quick Verdict
The Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam is a portable carpet and upholstery cleaner that follows a spray-scrub-extract principle, with 16,800 Pa of suction, three cleaning modes and a genuine HydroSteam steam function.
- 16,800 Pa suction, 3 modes: SteamWash, Steam, Wash
- Steam ready in about 30 sec. (Steam-Ready indicator); temperature up to about 100 °C according to third-party sources
- Separate clean (1.9 l) and dirty water tanks (1.5 l) plus HydroRinse self-cleaning
- Widely available in DE/EU – an established brand classic rather than an import newcomer
- No wheeled base: about 5.9 kg to carry, 1.5 m hose
Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam
Carpet and upholstery cleaner with 16,800 Pa suction, 3 cleaning modes (SteamWash, Steam, Wash) and HydroSteam steam technology – the established steam-powered classic in the Bissell line-up.
approx. €209–260bissell.de RRP: €279.99, street price from approx. €209
Pros
- One of the few upholstery cleaners in this class with a genuine steam function – ideal for stubborn, greasy stains
- 3 modes (SteamWash, Steam, Wash) via a switch and trigger – steam applied only exactly where it is needed
- 16,800 Pa of suction per the official figures – strong extraction for a portable unit
- HydroRinse™ self-cleaning tool reduces residue in the hose and helps prevent odours
Cons
- At 5.9 kg and with no wheels it is fairly heavy – there is no base to pull along
- The 1.5 m hose means a lot of bending down when cleaning floors
- Suction is not designed for large continuous areas (a whole carpeted floor)
- Bissell does not publish an official steam temperature (third parties measure up to about 100 °C)
What Is the Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam?
The Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam (EU model 3689N) is a portable carpet and upholstery cleaner that follows a spray-scrub-extract principle: cleaning solution is sprayed through the nozzle and worked in, after which the unit extracts the dirty water back out with up to 16,800 Pa of suction. Its special feature is HydroSteam technology – alongside the classic Wash mode, pulling the trigger on the handle generates genuine steam that breaks down stubborn greasy stains. Three modes (SteamWash, Steam, Wash) cover everything from treating and refreshing to everyday deep cleaning. Clean and dirty water are kept in separate tanks (1.9 l and 1.5 l respectively). A HydroRinse™ self-cleaning tool flushes the hose and water path after use. In Germany the 230 V version (3689N) is widely available – unlike the US Little Green HydroSteam line with its 120 V, which cannot be operated here.
The SpotClean HydroSteam belongs to Bissell's well-established SpotClean series and is one of the few portable units that combines cleaning solution, steam and extraction in a single device. In Germany it is sold as the 230 V model 3689N; in this review we focus on that EU version.
Also in Our Review: More Upholstery & Steam Cleaners
The SpotClean HydroSteam is not the only spot cleaner in our series. We took a closer look at three rival models with steam or extraction cleaning: the lubluelu V11 with its wheeled base, the Shark StainStriker as an affordable cold-water extractor, and the budget steam newcomers uwant Y100 Steam and Dreame N20 Steam.
HydroSteam: How the Bissell Cleans with Steam
Here is how the SpotClean HydroSteam works on upholstery, carpet and more – from steam release to extraction.
HydroSteam Technology
Pulling the trigger on the handle releases steam, which is applied to the fabric together with the cleaning solution to break down stubborn, greasy dirt.
16,800 Pa Suction
With a 1000 W motor, the unit extracts the dirty water back out of the fabric with up to 16,800 Pa of suction – the foundation of stain removal.
3 Cleaning Modes
SteamWash combines steam with cleaning solution, Steam is steam-focused and Wash works like a classic extractor – switched via a control on the handle.
HydroRinse Self-Cleaning
The supplied self-cleaning tool flushes the hose and internal water path after use to reduce residue and the build-up of odours.
Cleaning Performance, Features & Controls
Water Tanks and Steam Modes
A 1.9-litre clean water tank feeds the spray nozzle, while the dirty water goes separately into the 1.5-litre used water tank. The switch on the handle lets you choose from three modes: SteamWash for stubborn greasy stains, Steam for steam-focused refreshing and treating without harsh chemicals, and Wash for everyday deep cleaning and pet accidents. Steam is released selectively via the trigger on the handle and is ready after roughly 30 seconds (Steam-Ready indicator).
Steam: How Hot Does It Really Get?
Bissell does not publish an official steam temperature. Third parties such as testberichte.de measure up to around 93 °C on the EU version, and some retailers advertise the unit with "up to 100 °C". We did not carry out an independent re-measurement with a thermometer – in any case, steam, cleaning solution and mechanical brush action work together to break down the stain.
Handling: Carry, Don't Pull
Unlike the lubluelu V11, the SpotClean HydroSteam has no wheeled base and no wheels – at around 5.9 kg it is carried and set down next to the area being cleaned. The 1.5-metre hose is enough for sofas, stairs and car seats, but means a lot of bending when cleaning floors. If you want wheels, they come included with the Pro variant 3700N.
HydroRinse Self-Cleaning & Accessories
The HydroRinse™ tool is fitted onto the nozzle; the unit then flushes the hose and water path. Also included in the box are a 7 cm tool for stubborn stains, a multi-surface tool and 236 ml of Spot & Stain Pro Oxy cleaning solution.
Technical Specs: Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam
All figures per official Bissell data (bissell.de / bissell.eu); discrepancies are marked.
| Cleaning method | Spray-scrub-extract with HydroSteam technology: cleaning solution is sprayed on and worked in with the brush, the unit optionally generates steam and immediately extracts the dirty water |
| Suction power | 16800 Pa (max., per retailer figures) |
| Motor power | 1000 W |
| Heat-up time | Steam ready in about 30 seconds (Steam-Ready indicator); steam temperature up to about 100 °C according to third-party sources |
| Cleaning modes | SteamWash, Steam, Wash (3 modes, selected via the switch on the handle, with steam triggered by the trigger) |
| Clean water tank | 1.9 l |
| Dirty water tank | 1.5 l |
| Cord length | 4.5 m |
| Hose length | 1.5 m |
| Noise level | 73 dB |
| Wheeled base | No wheeled base – the unit is carried; the Pro variant 3700N ships with removable wheels |
| Self-cleaning | Yes, the HydroRinse™ self-cleaning tool flushes the hose and internal water path after use |
| Suitable for | Carpets, rugs, sofas, upholstery, mattresses, stairs, car seats, pet beds – according to the manufacturer also steps and fabric covers |
| Accessories | 7 cm tough-stain tool, multi-surface tool, HydroRinse™ self-cleaning tool, Spot & Stain Pro Oxy cleaning solution (236 ml), user manual & safety instructions |
| Weight | 5.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 42 × 31 × 40 (D × W × H, manufacturer figure) |
| Market availability | EU version on the market since 2023 (230 V); the US 'Little Green HydroSteam' line runs on 120 V and is not suitable for the EU |
| Price (RRP / reference) | €279.99 (RRP, bissell.de) |
Sources: official product page bissell.de/produkte/spotcleanr-hydrosteamtm as well as testberichte.de, Amazon.de and Golem (see references at the bottom of the page).
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Pros
- One of the few upholstery cleaners in this class with a genuine steam function – ideal for stubborn, greasy stains
- 3 modes (SteamWash, Steam, Wash) via a switch and trigger – steam applied only exactly where it is needed
- 16,800 Pa of suction per the official figures – strong extraction for a portable unit
- HydroRinse™ self-cleaning tool reduces residue in the hose and helps prevent odours
- Separate clean (1.9 l) and dirty water tanks (1.5 l)
- Widely available in DE/EU (bissell.de, Amazon.de, MediaMarkt) with a 2-year manufacturer warranty
- Convinced in tests on dried-in stains, including on light-coloured upholstery and mattresses
Cons
- At 5.9 kg and with no wheels it is fairly heavy – there is no base to pull along
- The 1.5 m hose means a lot of bending down when cleaning floors
- Suction is not designed for large continuous areas (a whole carpeted floor)
- Bissell does not publish an official steam temperature (third parties measure up to about 100 °C)
- The cleaning solution and clean water can run out sooner than expected on large-scale jobs
3689N vs. 3697N vs. 3700N: What's the Difference?
How do the three EU variants of the SpotClean HydroSteam differ?
| Feature | 3689N (Base) | 3697N (Select) | 3700N (Pro) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model number | 3689N (tested) | 3697N | 3700N |
| Recommended price | €279.99 RRP | n/a (Select variant) | Pro variant, RRP above base |
| Suction power | 16,800 Pa | 16,800 Pa | 16,800 Pa |
| Water tanks | 1.9 l / 1.5 l | 1.9 l / 1.5 l | 1.9 l / 1.5 l |
| Modes | SteamWash, Steam, Wash | SteamWash, Steam, Wash | SteamWash, Steam, Wash |
| Wheels / base | None | None | Removable wheels included |
| Weight | approx. 5.9 kg | approx. 6 kg | approx. 5.9 kg |
Sources: bissell.de / bissell.eu product pages for the 3689N, 3697N and 3700N (manufacturer data). "n/a" = no reliable manufacturer figure found for the RRP of the Select variant.
Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam vs. the Competition
How does the Bissell stack up against lubluelu, Shark, uwant and Dreame?
| Model | Suction/Power | Steam | Base/Wheels | Price approx. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam | 16,800 Pa, 1000 W | Yes, up to about 100 °C | No (carry unit) | ~€209–260 |
| lubluelu V11 | 16,500 Pa, 1900 W | Yes, up to 90 °C | Yes | ~€93–110 |
| Shark StainStriker PX200EUT | 450 W | No | No (carry handle) | ~€118–153 |
| uwant Y100 Steam | 18,000 Pa, 1750 W | Yes, up to 100 °C | No | ~€140–170 |
| Dreame N20 Steam | 17,000 Pa, 600 W | Yes, up to 100 °C | No | ~€149–279 |
Prices vary by retailer and promotion. Sources: bissell.de, amazon.de, geizhals.de, idealo.de (as of October 2026, see references at the bottom of the page).
Together with the lubluelu V11, uwant Y100 Steam and Dreame N20 Steam, the Bissell is one of the few portable units with a genuine steam function – the Shark StainStriker, by contrast, works with cold water. The biggest difference from the lubluelu V11: Bissell relies on an established brand name with broad availability and a 2-year warranty, but lacks the wheeled base and costs noticeably more. The newcomers uwant and Dreame offer partly stronger suction (18,000 and 17,000 Pa) and self-cleaning for less money, though they come through import and online channels. If you want maximum brand assurance with steam, the Bissell is a safe bet; if price is your priority, the lubluelu V11 or Dreame N20 are the cheaper alternatives.
Who Is the Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam For?
Households with pets, children or light-coloured upholstery that want an established brand spot and stain cleaner with steam for targeted use – on the sofa, carpet, mattress or in the car – without risking an exotic import newcomer.
Price & Availability
The Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam is widely available in Germany – from bissell.de and Amazon.de to MediaMarkt & Saturn.
| Retailer | Region | Price |
|---|---|---|
| bissell.de (manufacturer shop) | Germany | €279.99 RRP |
| Amazon.de | Germany | varies, regularly between approx. €209 and €260 |
| MediaMarkt / Saturn | Germany | varies, frequently on promotion |
Pricing research as of October 2026. Prices can change at any time – see the current conditions via the buttons below. Source: bissell.de, Amazon.de, geizhals.de.
FAQ About the Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam
Our Verdict
The Bissell SpotClean HydroSteam stands out as an established brand classic with a genuine steam function, three adjustable modes and broad availability in Germany. Head to head, the lubluelu V11 wins on price and, thanks to its wheeled base, on mobility, while the newcomers uwant and Dreame offer more suction for less money. If, on the other hand, you value brand assurance, manufacturer support and a mature 230 V version with a 2-year warranty, you will not go far wrong with the SpotClean HydroSteam – provided the higher weight without wheels and the 1.5 m hose do not bother you.
References
This review is based on the official product page bissell.de/produkte/spotcleanr-hydrosteamtm and the EU product page bissell.eu, as well as manufacturer information on the 3697N (Select) and 3700N (Pro) variants. Figures on steam temperature (up to about 93 °C) and suction (16,800 Pa) come from testberichte.de, while price and retailer data come from Amazon.de, geizhals.de and a promotion note on Golem.de. As of: October 2026.