Yes, according to the testing in Reader’s Digest’s review, the Bissell PowerForce Helix is a good upright vacuum for the money. Its testers praised the suction and found it lighter than advertised at 10.10 pounds, and the review puts its price under $100. It suits a smaller space or a buyer who wants a light, low-cost upright.
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Is the PowerForce Helix a good vacuum?
Reader’s Digest’s review says yes. The review’s Product Testing Team ran roughly 15 tests on 12 different machines, including this one, and sent the Helix home with a long-term tester. Their verdict: “we think it’s a good vacuum,” with the team impressed by its powerful suction, lightweight build and quiet functionality.
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What is the PowerForce Helix, and who is it for?
The review describes the PowerForce Helix as an upright vacuum designed for use on all flooring surfaces. It has a 22.75-foot power cord, and it includes a washable filter, an extension wand, a dusting brush and a crevice tool that store on the machine. The review also lists scatter-free technology, a dirt separation system and an easy-to-empty dirt tank.
| Feature | What the review says |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.10 pounds |
| Power cord | 22.75 feet |
| Floor settings | Five |
| Filter | Washable |
| Included tools | Extension wand, dusting brush and crevice tool, stored on the machine |
| Cleaning path | 12 inches |
| Capacity | 1 gallon |
| Head | Does not lay flat or swivel |
The review says the Helix is a great pick for a smaller space. It is not a swivel-head machine, but the testers found it easy to steer around furniture and corners.
How much does the PowerForce Helix cost?
The Reader’s Digest review, captured October 30, 2026 and last updated November 4, 2025, says the vacuum “costs under $100.” It also notes that some vacuums can set you back around $1,000, which puts this one at the budget end. The review gives no price for other BISSELL models, so this figure applies to the PowerForce Helix only. Prices and bundles change, so check today’s price on the seller’s order page before you buy.
What are the pros and cons?
The review’s pros are: affordable, powerful suction, lightweight at 10.10 pounds, five pile settings and easy to maneuver. Its listed cons are that attachments are not easy to secure and the power foot lever is awkwardly located.
The testers also raised a few points you should know before you buy:
- The Product Testing Team found it loud and whiney, especially on vinyl floors. The long-term tester found it quiet on bare tile and linoleum.
- The long-term tester switched it off by accident a couple of times, because the power lever sits next to the height and angle pedal.
- The onboard hose storage does not fully settle into place, and the long-term tester said its pieces do not join well to the hose, which results in some loss of power.
Does the PowerForce Helix have a HEPA filter?
The Reader’s Digest review does not describe the filter as HEPA. It says the Helix includes a washable filter. If a true HEPA filter matters to you, check the filter type on the product label or the seller’s listing before you order.
How do I clean the filter or fix weak suction?
The review’s FAQ gives these steps for the filter. Unplug the vacuum and turn it off. Empty the filter into a trash can. Run it under a gentle rinse of lukewarm or cold water until it runs clear. Let it dry for 24 hours before you put it back in the vacuum.
If the vacuum stops suctioning, the review says clogged filters or blockages in the wand or hose could be the cause. Empty the dirt bin, clean or replace the filter, and check for and clear any clogs.
How does it compare with the Shark Stratos?
The review calls the Shark Stratos “a much more expensive model” and gives it a weight of 22.7 pounds, against 10.10 pounds for the Helix. The review says the Helix is the better pick for a smaller space, while the Shark Stratos suits people who vacuum more often, especially with kids or pets. The review’s capacity figures do not agree with each other: it gives the Helix 1 gallon and the Shark 1.5 quarts, while calling the Shark’s capacity far larger. Check both capacities on the labels before you choose.
Is it legit, and what should I check at checkout?
The review calls Bissell “a trusted name in the business” and links to a retailer for the Helix. Buy from a seller whose checkout shows the price, the return window and the shipping cost before you pay. The Reader’s Digest review does not show a return policy, so check the seller’s returns page for the return window, who pays return shipping and any deductions.
Before you order
- Confirm today’s price and what any bundle includes, since the review was last updated November 4, 2025.
- Read the seller’s return window and who pays return shipping.
- Check the filter type on the label if a true HEPA filter matters to you.
- Check the capacity and weight on the label, because the review’s capacity figures conflict.
- If you may need a replacement belt, ask the seller for the part number first; the review does not describe belts.
By InfinitePowerSolutions.com Technology Desk
