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Bissell PowerFresh 1940
A simple, easy floor steamer that cleans well but may not last
Loupe's take: Experts love it. Owners are less sure. Who's Loupe?
Photo: Bissell
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Updated October 27, 2026
Expert support is strong but narrow. All 3 hands-on reviews named the PowerFresh 1940 their top steam mop, for an expert score of 90, and they praised its quick 30-second heat-up, low swivel head and streak-free results. Owners are cooler, with an owner score of 65 across 64 comments. Durability is the main concern: failure mentions appear in 30% of comments, 14% report units breaking and 8% report leaks, which brings reliability down to 26. Confidence is low because the evidence is thin, with only 3 expert reviews, 2 published scores and 37 first-hand owner accounts.
What each expert concluded
The writer found this simple, slim-headed steam mop the best of seven tested, praising its easy handling, quick heat-up, and streak-free cleaning, though it lacks attachments and a handheld steamer.
Hands-on review · open the review ↗The reviewers found the PowerFresh a simple, effective, easy-to-use and competitively priced steam mop that cleans very well on many floor types, with only minor drawbacks in edge cleaning and extras, and named it Best Overall Steam Mop.
Hands-on review · open the review ↗The Bissell PowerFresh 1940 is the publication's long-standing top steam mop pick, offering a strong mix of price, quality and ease of use, though the writers doubt most people need a steam mop at all.
Hands-on review · open the review ↗Verdicts paraphrased; open a card to read the original. How we score
The verdict in 10 seconds
You'll love it if
- You mop hard floors often and want something quick and easy
- You need to clean under cabinets, furniture and around toilets
- You want a dedicated floor mop without paying for extras
Skip it if
- You want a handheld steamer or attachments for counters and upholstery
- You need a mop you can count on for many years
- You carry your mop up and down stairs often
What owners rave and rant about
What they rave about
What they rant about
Share of 64 owner reviews and comments that mention each topic.
The no-fluff verdict
This is a no-fuss steam mop that heats up fast, glides under furniture and around tight spots, and leaves hard floors clean without streaks or puddles. It does one job, floors, and does it well. The main catch is durability, since some units stop working or start leaking. It suits people who mop often and want a straightforward floor tool, not a multiuse steamer.
This verdict draws on 5 independent sources: 3 expert tests,
64 ratings and reports from retailers, owner communities and video reviews, and official safety records,
analyzed and cross-checked into one verdict, so you don't have to.
Ratings across the web
RedditYouTubeShop ratings lean positive (happy buyers, brand-moderated stores); forums lean critical (people post problems). Our owners score weighs both equally.
Questions people actually ask
Is the Bissell PowerFresh 1940 safe to use on hardwood floors?
Yes, it's designed for sealed hard floors like hardwood, tile and linoleum. It doesn't leave floors overly wet, which matters most on wood.
Based on: One hands-on review recommends it for hardwood; another notes floors aren't left too wet.How long does the Bissell PowerFresh 1940 last?
It depends, because durability is its weak spot. Some units break down or leak well before you'd expect.
Based on: 14% of owner comments mention breakdowns; 8% mention leaks; reliability scored 26.Does the Bissell PowerFresh 1940 come with a handheld steamer or attachments?
No, it's a floor-only mop. It does have a fold-down scrub brush for tougher spots and grout, plus a glider for freshening carpets.
Based on: All three hands-on reviews note no handheld steamer; two describe a scrub brush.How quickly does the Bissell PowerFresh 1940 heat up?
Very quickly. You can start mopping almost as soon as you switch it on.
Based on: Two hands-on tests measured about 30 seconds of heat-up time.Are the Bissell PowerFresh 1940 pads washable?
Yes, the pads are washable and reusable. They slip on and off easily, though they get dirty fast on big jobs.
Based on: Our research found washable, reusable pads; one review notes pads fill with grime.How much does the Bissell PowerFresh 1940 cost?
Usually $93–$100 in the US. Prices move with sales, so check the current price.
Based on: Prices quoted in expert reviews and at Amazon.com.What does the Bissell PowerFresh 1940 cost to run?
Mostly replacement parts and supplies
- Electricity and water only for normal use
- Pads are washable and reusable; replacements may eventually be needed (price not stated)
- Optional Bissell scented water or scent discs (price not stated)
Has the Bissell PowerFresh 1940 been recalled?
No. We found no U.S. safety recalls for this model.
Based on: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall records.As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It never changes a score.
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