By Owen PalmerA big green machine carpet cleaner is the kind of upright or portable extractor many homeowners look at when wall-to-wall carpet, pet odors or high-traffic stains start to outpace what a quick vacuum can handle. Choosing well means matching the machine to your carpet type, the size of your rooms, how often you plan to run it and whether you need deep extraction or just occasional refreshing. This guide compares seven carpet cleaning machines that cover the main categories, from full-size deep cleaners to compact spot tools, so you can see where the Big Green Machine style fits. Selection criteria here are based on manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and common patterns in owner feedback, not hands-on testing.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine | Whole-home deep cleaning on carpet | Upright extraction with a large solution tank |
| Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution | Households with pets and heavy traffic | Heated water and dual brushroll cleaning |
| Hoover FloorMate Deep Cleaner | Hard floors and carpet in one machine | Switchable carpet and hard-floor modes |
| Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner | Rental-style deep cleaning on large areas | Strong suction and a high-capacity tank |
| Bissell SpotClean Pro | Spot treatment and stairs | Compact portable design with a dual tank |
| Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaner | Pet owners on a moderate budget | Pet-focused tools and a lightweight body |
| Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro | Mixed hard floors and area rugs | Wet-dry cleaning with a multi-surface head |
Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine
This is the classic upright extractor most people mean when they search for the big green machine carpet cleaner. It suits homeowners with large carpeted areas who want a full-size machine for periodic deep cleaning rather than daily spot work.
Key specs
- Upright extraction design with a large clean-water tank and separate recovery tank
- Designed for carpet and area rugs, with a cleaning path suited to rooms and hallways
- Includes a motorized brushroll and hose for edges and stairs
Pros
- Large tanks mean fewer refills across a whole floor
- Strong performance on general traffic soil, according to common owner reports
- Accessories cover stairs and upholstery reasonably well
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier to store than portable units
- Drying time can be long in humid rooms
Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution
Households with pets, kids or heavy foot traffic often want a machine that heats the solution and cleans with two brushrolls. This model is aimed at people who expect frequent deep cleaning.
Key specs
- Built-in heating to raise solution temperature during cleaning
- Dual brushrolls and an upright extraction path
- Tanks sized for whole-room passes, with a separate recovery tank
Pros
- Heated solution is generally considered more effective on oily and pet-related soils
- Dual brushrolls help lift embedded grit
- Good fit for regular maintenance cleaning
Cons
- Heavier than basic models and harder to carry up stairs
- Requires occasional brushroll and filter cleaning to stay effective
Hoover FloorMate Deep Cleaner
People with a mix of carpet and hard floors who want one machine for both will find this type useful. It is a good fit for smaller homes or apartments where storage space is limited.
Key specs
- Cleaning modes for carpet and hard floors, switched at the handle or base
- Compact footprint relative to full-size upright extractors
- Separate clean and dirty water tanks
Pros
- Handles both carpet and sealed hard floors
- Easier to store and carry than larger uprights
- Good for quick refreshes between full deep cleans
Cons
- Tanks are smaller, so large rooms need more refills
- Not as aggressive on heavily matted carpet as full-size extractors
Rug Doctor Deep Carpet Cleaner
This type of machine is often chosen by homeowners who want rental-grade deep cleaning for a larger carpeted area, such as a finished basement or multiple bedrooms. It is best for periodic deep cleaning rather than daily use.
Key specs
- Upright extraction with a high-capacity solution tank
- Strong suction designed to pull water out quickly
- Hose and attachment kit for edges and upholstery
Pros
- Large tank capacity reduces interruptions
- Strong extraction often shortens drying time
- Suitable for whole-floor jobs
Cons
- Heavy and awkward on stairs
- Needs thorough rinsing after use to avoid residue
Bissell SpotClean Pro
Spot treatment is the main job for this compact portable unit. It suits people dealing with pet accidents, spills and stairs more than whole-room cleaning.
Key specs
- Portable body with a dual-tank design
- Designed for spot work on carpet, upholstery and stairs
- Cordless or short-cord operation depending on the variant chosen
Pros
- Very easy to carry to the problem spot
- Good for stains and pet accidents when used promptly
- Low storage footprint
Cons
- Not practical for cleaning whole rooms
- Small tanks mean frequent refills on larger jobs
Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaner
Pet owners who want a lighter, lower-profile machine with pet-focused tools will find this type a practical match. It is a reasonable choice for regular maintenance in homes with cats or dogs.
Key specs
- Lightweight upright body
- Pet hair tool and brushroll designed to lift fur
- Separate clean and dirty water tanks
Pros
- Easier to lift and store than full-size extractors
- Pet tools help with hair removal alongside cleaning
- Suitable for frequent use
Cons
- Smaller tank requires more refills on large carpeted areas
- Less powerful than heavy-duty extractors on deep-set stains
Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro
Homes with a mix of hard floors and area rugs often benefit from a wet-dry multi-surface machine. This type handles many floors in one pass but is less specialized for heavy carpet extraction.
Key specs
- Wet-dry cleaning path that washes and picks up liquid in one pass
- Multi-surface head for hard floors and low-pile carpet
- Pet-focused brushroll and tools
Pros
- Versatile across flooring types
- Quick drying compared with deep extractors
- Useful for kitchens and entryways
Cons
- Not designed for deep extraction on thick carpet
- Less effective on heavily soiled rugs than dedicated carpet cleaners
Buying Guide
Before you compare specific machines, it helps to know what actually determines how well a carpet cleaner performs for your home. The most important factors are the type of cleaning you need, the surfaces you clean, and how much work you are willing to do between runs.
Selection Criteria
Start with the job. A full-size upright extractor is built for periodic whole-room deep cleaning. A portable spot cleaner is built for stains and accidents. A wet-dry multi-surface machine is built for mixed floors. For a deeper comparison of these categories, see Portable Spot Cleaner vs Full-Size Carpet Cleaner and How to Choose a Carpet Cleaner for Your Home.
Important Features
- Tank capacity: Larger clean-water tanks reduce refills on whole rooms. Smaller tanks suit spot work.
- Heating: Heated solution is widely reported to help with oily and pet-related soils.
- Suction and extraction: Strong extraction shortens drying time and leaves carpet less damp.
- Brushroll type: Dual or motorized brushrolls agitate soil more effectively than passive heads.
- Attachments: Stair, upholstery and pet tools expand what one machine can do.
Specs to Check
- Clean-water and recovery tank volumes
- Cord length or battery runtime for portable models
- Weight, especially if you need to carry it up stairs
- Compatibility with carpet types and whether hard-floor modes are included
- Included attachments and whether replacement parts are easy to find
Choosing by Need
- Whole-home deep cleaning: A full-size upright extractor with a large tank.
- Pets: A machine with a pet tool, heated solution, and a brushroll designed to lift hair.
- Mixed floors: A wet-dry multi-surface machine or a combo model with hard-floor modes.
- Spot and stair work: A compact portable cleaner.
For more on matching equipment to pets, see Choosing Cleaning Equipment for Pet Hair on Floors and Carpets.
Things to Watch Out For
- Over-wetting carpet can lead to slow drying, odor and mildew. Use the recommended solution amount and run extraction thoroughly.
- Residue from leftover cleaning solution can attract soil. Rinse the tank and run clean water through the system after use.
- Using the wrong solution can damage carpet fibers or void warranties. Check the manufacturer’s guidance first.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions on drying time and room ventilation before cleaning.
For solution guidance, see Carpet Cleaner Solutions: What to Use and What to Avoid. For upkeep, see Carpet Cleaner Maintenance: Tanks, Brushes and Hoses.
FAQ
Is a big green machine carpet cleaner good for pet stains?
Many owners report good results on pet stains when they treat them promptly and use a cleaning solution formulated for pet odor. Heated solution and pet-focused tools can help, but thorough rinsing and drying remain important.
How often should I deep clean carpet with this type of machine?
Many households deep clean every few months, and more often in homes with pets or heavy traffic. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance and your carpet manufacturer’s recommendations.
Can I use a full-size carpet extractor on area rugs?
Many models are designed to clean area rugs, but thin or delicate rugs may need gentler settings or professional cleaning. Check the rug’s care label before you start.
How long does carpet take to dry after deep cleaning?
Drying time depends on humidity, airflow and how much water was used. Strong extraction and good ventilation help. Many owners report several hours, so plan cleaning for a day when you can keep the room aired out.
Do I need special solution for this machine?
Most manufacturers recommend their own formulated solutions. Using non-recommended products can cause residue or void warranties, so check the label and manual before choosing one.
Are portable spot cleaners enough for a whole house?
Portable spot cleaners are best for targeted stains and stairs. For whole-house carpet, a full-size extractor or wet-dry machine is usually more practical.
Is a heated carpet cleaner worth it?
Heated solution is widely reported to improve cleaning on greasy and pet-related soils. For light dust and general dirt, unheated models may perform well enough.
Conclusion
A big green machine carpet cleaner in the full-size upright category is a strong choice for whole-home deep cleaning, especially if you want large tanks and reliable extraction. If pets are your main concern, a heated machine with a pet tool is a better match. Mixed floors call for a wet-dry multi-surface unit, while spot work and stairs are best handled by a compact portable cleaner. Start with your floor types, the size of your home and how often you plan to clean, then choose the category that fits. For help comparing portable options, see Best Portable Carpet Cleaners for Spot & Upholstery: 7 Compared.
About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our non-vacuum cleaning gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
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