Bissell 1985 Review: A GTech Multi Clone

A couple of years back, I talked about the GTech Multi Handheld vacuum that had innovative features not even found in the Dyson. It was a decent product but the problem was availability and cost.

Bissell Multi 1985 HandHeld Review

If you’d do a search on Amazon, you wouldn’t find this handheld.

So Bissell took the initiative and filled the void launching the lightweight handheld 1985 that looks exactly like the GTech.

Not only does it look like the GTech but it’s cheaper as well. It’ll cost less than $140 in Amazon whereas the GTech Multi will cost around £149.99.

We’re going to be looking at the features of this lightweight handheld. And see if it’s a viable option just in case you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to a Dyson or Shark.

At first glance this vacuum looks like a simple handheld but it provides more functionality than you think.

It comes with a variety of attachments such as a long extension wand, crevice tool, detachable hose and mini motorized brush. So this is a great option for cleaning stairs and upholstery.

A quick look at the features

  • Equipped with a 22 volt lithium ion battery that will run for about 15 minutes fade free
  • Motorized brush tool works great for cleaning fabric upholstery and carpet stairs
  • Built-in extension hose extends reach and makes cleaning nooks and crannies easier
  • 4 liter dirt bin capacity
  • Comes with an onboard extension hose, crevice tool, dusting brush, extension wand and motorized brush roll
  • 2 year warranty

Pros

  • Versatile machine that can clean a lot of areas inside the home
  • Great for cleaning stairs and upholstery
  • Built-in hose brings a lot of flexability
  • Easy to empty dirt bin
  • Compact and lightweight – easy to move around
  • Not very expensive

Cons

  • Small dirt bin – you will need to empty this often
  • Short run time compared to a Dyson V8 and Shark IONFlex
  • Hose looks flimsy

What to expect from the Bissell Lightweight Cordless 1985?

Like what I’ve said in the intro, this handheld looks exactly like the GTech Multi.

In fact it is a blatant Gtech rip off by Bissell. But I’m not reading any copyright disputes it must be a legal rip off.

This machine is a versatile machine thanks to the interchangeable tools.

Built-in flexible hose

Like the Black & Decker Platinum BDH2000FL, the Bissell 1985 also has a built in hose that allows you to clean tight crevices around sofa cushions. You can also use this inside your vehicle.

Bissell1985Hose

One concern I do have with this tool is the quality of plastic used and how it’ll hold up long term. So you’ll have to be careful not to tug it too hard.

22-volt Lithium Ion battery

Powering this machine is a 22 volt lithium ion battery that will from for about 15 minutes.

Bissell1985Battery

When you compare it to a Dyson V8 or a Shark IONFlex that number is a bit low. Even the Dibea C17 was able to squeeze out 40 minutes from its Li-Ion battery.

But since you’ll be using this mostly for spot clean ups – this should not be an issue.

Tools you’ll get

Despite the concerns on quality, you’ll get a lot for your $$$ when you buy this.

It has a multitude of tools at your disposable that can clean different areas inside the home.

  • Motorized brush roll
  • Built-in hose
  • Extension wand
  • Brush tool
  • Crevice tool

These tools are great for cleaning inside the home and inside your vehicle. It will literally clean every part of your home except cleaning the floor. If you’re looking for a combo tool, you can combine this with the Bissell AirRam.

Combine the price of those two and it’d still be cheaper than a Dyson V8 Absolute.

Easy to empty bin

Emptying the bin is easy because of the wide opening and the bin itself is detachable. This makes it less messy and much easier to clean.

I must warn you that the dirt bin is small (only around 0.4 liters) so expect to empty this often.

Extension hose and wand

This feature is what makes this popular. In default mode, you’ll only see the brush tool. But when you pull it out, it reveals a flexible hose that makes this even more versatile.

Imagine all the places that this tool allows you to clean not only inside your home but inside your vehicle as well.

However the hose isn’t long so that could be an issue in some areas.

Motorized brush roll

Another useful tool is the motorized brush roll. If you have pets this can be handy for cleaning fabric sofas or carpeted stairs because of its efficiency.

But you will need to tidy up hair that wraps around the brush. The closest thing to a maintenance-free tool I’ve seen so far would be the Black & Decker BDH2000FL.

Another tool that’s maintenance-free would be the Dyson tangle-free tool but it’s expensive.

Cleaning performance

Consumers say that this vacuum has amazing suction and picks up everything in sight.

Since this is a handheld, you cannot use this to clean floors at a large scale even with the turbo brush tool.

This product is useful for cleaning all sorts of upholstery from leather to fabric. Attach the extension wand and you can clean blinds and cobwebs off low ceilings.

Pull out the hose and you’ve got a tool that works like a canister on a much smaller scale.

Product specifications

AttachmentsCrevice tool

Motorized brush

Extension wand

Built-in hose and brush tool
Battery22 volt lithium ion battery
ChargerPlug in charger and charging stand for the removable battery
Charging time5 hours
Battery life15 minutes
Brush on/off switchNo
HeadlightsNo
SwivelNo
Net weight (with battery)3.9 pounds
Shipping weight7.36 pounds
Cleaning path5.4"
Above the floor reachN/A
Overall length14.6"
Battery indicatorYes
Filter typeWashable
Dirt capacity0.4 liters
PowerN/A
Voltage110v
Manufactured inChina
Warranty2 years

What do consumers say?

If there’s one thing consistent about what consumers say, it’s that this vacuum has a lot of suction. It is capable of picking up all sorts of dirt from pet hair, litter and all the nasty stuff.

The interchangeable tool set is what makes this product versatile and capable of cleaning every part of your home. Attach the extension wand and you can clean base boards.

Run time is another strong point. Some reviews say that they’ve gotten as much as 25 minutes after a 5 hour charge.

That’s 10 minutes more than what’s written in the product description.

If it’s anything remotely close to 25 minutes it is impressive.

One concern would be the quality of plastic. I read one comment that said the locking mechanism that holds the hose wears out pretty fast if you’r not careful.

Another issue would be the lack of storage for several of the tools that come with this. You either have to buy a separate bag for it or store it inside the box.

But the overall sentiment was positive thanks to the combination of versatility power and

Where can I buy this?

The best place to buy this would be on Amazon, which is cheaper than buying directly from Bissell. Another reason to buy there would be the extended warranty offered.

To wrap up

This lightweight and versatile handheld is another great alternative to a Dyson cordless if you aren’t willing to spend a few hundred dollars for it. Similar to the Dyson, it’s got interchangeable tools and  a flexible hose that allows it to cleaning nooks and crannies.

The only thing it can’t do is clean large floor areas because it lacks a dedicated floor tool. But for the other areas of your home, you’d be hard pressed to find something that combines power and versatility.

Quality can be a concern though but you can purchase the extended warranty for some peace of mind.

Lightweight and Versatile Handheld but with Some Issues
  • Ergonomics - 92%
    92%
  • Surface Cleaning - 92%
    92%
  • Quality - 88%
    88%
  • Design - 90%
    90%
  • Value - 91%
    91%
91%

Summary

People looking for a lightweight and versatile handheld that can clean upholstery and stairs should have a look at the Bissell 1985 cordless. This handheld is light and compact with an ergonomic handle that’s easy to move around. It’s got decent power great for cleaning small messes, but some concerns include the short run time, small capacity bin, and poor quality rubber used on the hose. For a cord-free handheld, it is pricey and almost at the same price as the Dyson V7 Trigger so it’s hard to recommend.

About the author: Garrick, the visionary behind Cordless Vacuum Guide, brings over a decade of hands-on expertise in cordless vacuum testing to his insightful reviews showcased on this platform. Beyond his passion for empowering consumers with informed choices, he cherishes precious moments with his family, exploring global cuisines and exploring different horizons with his beloved wife and son. Follow him on Youtube, Tiktok, Facebook, and Instagram.

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Joyce Kidd Dec 20, 2018 @ 16:31

    Just received the Bissell Handheld Cordless 1985. After reading the instructions, I turned it on; it came on strong but after a few seconds stopped and blinked green. The on/off button did not stop the blinking. There were no instructions that you must charge the unit before its first use and the instructions say “When the lights are depleting red, recharge the battery.” Nothing about blinking green. I called Bissell customer service and the rep I reached had no idea if the unit needed to be charged out of the box. “Try it for 5 hours and see if that solves the problem.” It’s charging but I’m not encouraged. By the way, it’s not cheaper on Amazon. Same price everywhere: $149 Also, there’s a newer model: 19851