Bissel Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum, Corded, 33A1 Review

If you have pets at home, especially furry ones that shed a lot of hair, you will need a good handheld vacuum to help you get rid of pet hair on your couch, carpets and upholstery.  The Bissel Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum (Model 33A1) is specifically designed to pick up pet hair.  The nozzle has rubber fingers that dislodge hair better than motorized brushes.  Don't be fooled by its small size, though, because this corded hand vacuum is extremely powerful.
Product Features
  • Corded, handheld vacuum is designed for pet hair pick-up
  • Bagless; comes with a dirt container
  • HEPA media filter and filter screen
  • Measures 10” by 5” by 8”
  • Weighs 4 pounds
  • Easy-grip handle
  • Fingertip-access On/Off switch
  • Comes with two interchangeable nozzles: flexible rubber contour nozzle for pet hair pick-up and a hard nozzle to clean dry messes or the insides of automobiles
  • 16-foot power cord with cord wrap
Gets Rid of Pet Hair and Dry Messes
Like most handheld vacuums, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 33A1 is bagless.  However, it is not battery operated; it comes with a fairly long 16-foot cord.  This corded vacuum generates a lot of suction using a 4-amp motor.  The vacuum comes with two specialized nozzles that can be interchanged via a nozzle release button.
The flexible rubber contour nozzle is designed for pet hair removal.  Its unique design is very effective at dislodging and capturing hair from upholstery and carpeted stairs.
To pick up dry messes and dirt easily, simply attach the hard nozzle and use it for vacuuming.  You can also use the Bissell 33A1 with the hard nozzle to clean the inside of your vehicle.
The vacuum has a cleaning path of 2-3/4 inches.  At 4 pounds, some people find it light but there are others who think it's heavy.
Bagless Handheld Vacuum
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is a bagless vacuum.  It uses a clear, plastic dirt canister instead of a vacuum bag to collect the dirt and hair sucked in by the vacuum.  The dirt container has a capacity of 1 quart and should be emptied after every use.
HEPA Filter
This handheld vacuum comes with a HEPA filter and is helpful for those who suffer from asthma or allergies. HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in diameter, including pollen, dust mites and mold spores.
Affordable Price
You can find the Bissell 33A1 online for around $30, or a lot cheaper than similar models.  Its unique rubber fingers are just as effective as beater brushes when it comes to dislodging pet hair.
Design Flaws
There are a few downsides with the handheld Bissell Pet Hair Eraser related to its design.  First, the air exhaust vents are positioned on both sides of the unit a few inches behind the suction area.  The air coming out of the exhaust blows dust/crumbs/debris everywhere before you can vacuum them.  Pet hair that is stuck to upholstery or fabric is not affected but loose debris scatter when you bring the vacuum close.
The second flaw is the design of the handle.  It is not ergonomically designed; it feels uncomfortable and awkward to grip.
Another downside is that the unit gets hot quickly.  You have to stop and allow the motor to cool down.
Pros
  • Powerful suction
  • Rubber fingers on the nozzle remove pet hair effectively
  • Corded vacuum does not lose power
  • Handles corners and edges well
  • Inexpensive
Cons
  • Air vents blow away small particles
  • Vacuum gets hot quickly
  • Filters are not reusable
What Customers Say
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Handheld Vacuum gets a lot of positive reviews from consumers but there are also a number of valid complaints about it.  On the positive side, the vacuum has exceptionally strong suction and comes with a special rubber contour nozzle that gets pet hair and fur out of your upholstery.  The power cord is also a decent length, although it is not as long as the cords in most upright and canister vacuums.
The main complaint about the Bissell 33A1 is that the air from the exhaust tends to blow away debris and dirt before they can be vacuumed.  The handheld vacuum also gets hot quickly.
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser handheld vacuum is not perfect but it's functional and effective for pet hair removal and cleaning carpeted stairs.  It's an affordable option for people who own a pet that sheds a lot of hair.