Bissell Crosswave vs. Hoover Floormate

Bissell and Hoover are two of the most well known names in the floor cleaning industry.

This week we’ll take a look at how the Bissell Crosswave vs. Hoover Floormate Deluxe stack up against each other.

These are two of the top rated floor cleaners available today, but which is the best mop for your floors?

Crosswave vs. Floormate Design Differences

The Bissell Crosswave and Hoover Floormate do share some similarities with regard to design. The overall appearance of the two is similar for the most part. Both of them look much more like a stick vacuum than a mop, but each also contains a few design features that make them unique.

AESTHETICS | With regard to the overall aesthetics of each, both look sharp and modern. The Crosswave has a combination of lime green and gray colors making up a majority of the unit. The Floormate is similar, but does have much more gray than lime green. The green is more of a pop color on the Floormate and a primary color on the Crosswave.

WATER TANKS | While both of these mops have two water tanks, the Bissell Crosswave places theirs in the front and back of the unit. The rear water tank is used for cleaning solution and water (the clean tank), while the front tank is used to store the dirty water and debris cleaned up by the Crosswave.

The Hoover Floormate’s water tanks are located on the sides of the mop. When pushing the unit, the tank on the users left hand side is the clean reservoir and the right side stores the dirty water.

Both of these mops also have the power buttons located on the handle of the unit, which makes for easy access when turning them on and off.

Additionally, the cleaning heads both have a clear casing, which allows the user to see when the brushroll and scrubbers have been primed with water / cleaning solution and are ready to clean.

How Bissell & Hoover Clean

CLEANING HEADS | The Bissell Crosswave and Hoover Floormate are a bit different in the way they clean. The Crosswave implements more suction with a multi-surface brushroll, whereas the Floormate utilizes rotating scrubbers to clean the floors.

Both floor cleaners use water / cleaning solution and their respective agitators to clean. However, the Crosswave can also be used to vacuum larger debris on both hard surfaces and area rugs. Hoover’s Floormate cannot be used as a vacuum.

To remove the brush, simply snap off the protective cover, and then pull the brush along the side “pull” hook.

Both of these units have a clean water / solution reservoir that sends cleaning solution to the cleaning head, allowing the mop to apply the solution directly to the floor when cleaning.

SURFACE TYPES | Both the Bissell Crosswave and Hoover Floormate are able to clean indoor hard floor surfaces. Each one of these mops has the ability to change the cleaning head to a more specific head used for certain floor types.

For example, the Bissell Crosswave has three different brushroll types:

1. area rug
2. hardwood floor
3. multi-surface

The Hoover Floormate has two cleaning head types:

1. hardwood floor
2. multi-surface

Size & Dimensions

The Bissell Crosswave is a slightly larger floor cleaner than the Hoover Floormate. The Crosswave stands 46″ tall and 12″ wide. The Floormate is not far behind, as it stands 43″ tall and 11.5″ wide.

The Bissell Crosswave has a total weight of 11 pounds. The Hoover Floormate has a total weight of 13.8 pounds.

Bissell Crosswave Size

• Height: 46″
• Width: 12″
• Depth: 10.5″
• Weight: 11 lbs.

Hoover Floormate Size

• Height: 43″
• Width: 11.5″
• Depth: 12″
• Weight: 13.8 lbs.

What accessories come with Crosswave & Floormate?

Please note, the following table indicates the parts and accessories that are included on the most popular versions of both the Bissell Crosswave and Hoover Floormate.

Both the Crosswave and Floormate are available in different versions that include different accessories and are better / worse at certain cleaning activities, for example cleaning up pet hair or cleaning along baseboards.

• Bissell Crosswave Pet – The Crosswave pet includes a pet brush that helps to lift and remove pet hair from your floors.
• Bissell Crosswave Wood Floor Bundle – includes all of the standard accessories, but comes with extra wood floor cleaning solution and a brush designed specifically for wood floors
• Bissell Crosswave Area Rug Bundle – includes all of the standard accessories, but comes with extra area rug cleaning solution and a brush designed specifically for area rugs
• Hoover Floormate Cordless – This Floormate is virtually identical to the corded version of the Hoover Floormate, except it uses a lithium ion battery for cordless power.
• Hoover Floormate Edge – The Hoover Floormate Edge is designed to suck up more dirt and debris while cleaning. Additionally, it is better suited for cleaning up against the edges of walls and baseboards.

Multi-Surface Cleaning Head: Both the Crosswave and Floormate include a multi-surface brush that’s suitable for a variety of different floor types (wood, tile, laminate, etc.)

Cleaning Solution: Both mops offer a cleaning solution. Most versions include a bottle, but some only come with certain bundles. There are a variety of different cleaning solutions, including multi-surface, wood, area rugs, etc. Alternatively, you may choose to make a homemade cleaning solution to save money.

Cleaning Tray: The Bissell Crosswave includes a cleaning tray. You can spray a bit of the cleaning solution and water into the tray to help cycle clean / non-debris solution into the unit, helping to freshen up the brushes.

Filter: Both the Crosswave and Floormate include a durable washable filter. You should wash the filter after every major floor cleaning. Wash it with cold fresh water and allow to fully air dry. While the filter is washable, you will still need to replace it over time (depending on use).

Cleaning Tests

The following mop tests and analysis are designed to show how the Bissell Crosswave and Hoover Floormate perform when mopping up a variety of sticky substances.

For our cleaning tests we look at mud / dirt, honey, and soda.

Additionally, we also include research and analysis from other reviews to help gauge performance.

Mopping Tests

For starters, we haven’t yet personally test the Hoover Floormate. Our testing data is based off a multitude of other reviews and our best opinion on how it would perform. However, we have completed in-depth testing on the Crosswave.

The Bissell Crosswave performed extremely well during our cleaning tests. After making a single pass across our testing lane, we found that the mud was cleaned up 100%, honey was cleaned up between 90-95%, and soda hit 95%+ cleanliness.

As we continued to clean the floor, we were able to remove the remaining bits of the honey, and almost all of the soda. The biggest struggle with the Crosswave came when the soda made its way up against the baseboard.

As a result, the Corsswave was not able to suck it up completely, due to the gap between the suction slot and where the vacuum was touching the soda.

With regard to the Hoover Floormate, we would expect this mop to perform on a similar level. The multiple multi-surface scrubbers should do a great job of removing mud, honey, soda, and most other debris as well.

We fully expect performance to be substantially similar when complete our in-depth Hoover Floormate tests.

That said, I do believe the Floormate would also struggle with soda, as the liquid would not be sucked up by the unit completely. That said, we would expect the Hoover Floormate Edge to offer better performance along walls, baseboards, and other edges of your floors.

For our comprehensive testing data see our full Bissell Crosswave Review. Unfortunately, we do not currently have a standalone review for the Hoover Floormate.

If you need other floor cleaners see our best vacuum cleaner guide as well as some of our favorites, the Dyson V10, Roomba 690, and Shark Navigator.

What is a cheaper alternative to the Bissell Crosswave?

The Bissell Crosswave is an excellent product, but its performance comes at a price. A cheaper alternative is the Hoover Floormate. 

Both models can be used for vacuuming and mopping. They have a similar design and performed well in our cleaning tests. The Floormate doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the Bissell Crosswave, but it does a fantastic job.

How easy it to use the Crosswave & Floormate?

UNBOXING | The unboxing process for the Bissell Crosswave was simple. The pieces are individually wrapped, so it does take a few minutes to unwrap them all. The Hoover Floormate process is similar to the Crosswave.

SETUP | As you move into setting up the Crosswave, the only assembly required is sliding the handle into the body of the mop and screwing it in. This takes no longer than 2 minutes to complete.

The Hoover Floormate is the exact same process. Insert the handle into the body of the unit and screw it in. The floor cleaning nozzle does also have to be attached, but it as simple as snapping this piece into the body.

RELATED | If you prefer to not mop at all a robot mop can take over. Check out our reviews of the Braava 380tand Braava Jet 240.

DAILY USE | On the Bissell Crosswave, add the cleaning solution, choose either area rug or hard floor cleaning mode, and you’re good to go. Once you select a floor type, the unit will turn on. From there, users have to pull the trigger on the handle to release the cleaning solution onto the brushroll.

The Floormate is more or less the same. The main difference, there is no area rug mode. The Hoover Floormate only has one mode, which works on all hard surfaces. If needed, users can press the clean boost button to add a little extra to the cleaning power of the Floormate, but this is not something that is used for the entire cleaning session.

EMPTYING THE WATER TANKS | The water tanks on the Bissell Crosswave sit at the front and back of the unit. The clean tank on the back of the unit can be pulled up to release it from the unit. The dirty tank has a latch that needs to be squeezed in order to remove it from the front of the unit.

To remove the cleaning solution water tank along the back, simply pull up and out from the unit.

The Hoover Floormate houses the water tanks on the sides of the unit. Both of the tanks are released by a latch similar to the one on the dirty tank used by the Crosswave. Squeeze the tab and the tanks will pop out.

One of the biggest pros about each of these mops is that their clean and dirty water tanks are separate, therefore keeping the clean water away from the dirty water at all times.

How easy are they to maneuver?

All things taken into consideration, the Bissell Crosswave and Hoover Floormate are similar with regard to maneuverability.

PORTABILITY | The Crosswave weighs 11 pounds, compared to the 13.8 pound weight of the Floormate. The difference isn’t massive, but it’s not nothing either.

CLEANING ANGLE | Neither of these mops has the best turning radius or cleaning angle. If you are trying to clean under a table or around a piece of furniture, you may have a difficult time reaching some spots that are further away from you.

To that end, both of these units do have a direct drive head, which means once powered on they will begin to move forward on their own, ever so slightly. This design makes pushing the mop notably easier while cleaning.

CORD LENGTH | The Bissell Crosswave is 25′ long vs. the Hoover Floormate, which is slightly shorter at 20′. Nevertheless, both cords are sufficiently large enough to clean most household kitchen’s and other large areas.

If you’re concerned at all about the cordless the Hoover Floormate is available in a cordless version (Bissell’s Crosswave only comes in corded).

Maintenance Costs

The main tasks consist of emptying the water tanks, washing / replacing the filters (as needed), and cleaning the brushroll or spinning brushes.

FILTERS | Taking care of the filters on both the Bissell Crosswave and Hoover Floormate is easy. Both filters should be regularly washed and replaced as they wear out. Replacement schedules will vary based on your use.

BRUSHES | The brushroll on the Crosswave needs to be freed of any hair, strings, or other tangles that could occur. This brushroll can be pulled up for removal and will snap right back into place.

The spinning brushes on the Floormate can also be removed and washed off, in addition to removing tangles from the brushes themselves.

The Bissell Crosswave costs around $40 / year to maintain. The Hoover Floormate is around $43 / year to maintain.

The annual maintenance for both vacuums covers replacing the filter and brushroll / scrubbing brush once per year and a large bottle of cleaning solution.

Homemade Cleaning Solution Alternative

It should be noted that you can save yourself a good chunk of annual maintenance costs if you make a homemade cleaning solution. Below a couple of cleaning solution substitutes you may want to try:

Cleaning Solution Substitute for Multi-Surfaces

• White vinegar, 16 ounces
• Essential oil, 20 drops (optional, use your preferred scent)

Cleaning Solution Substitute for Multi-Surfaces (deep clean)

• White vinegar, 16 ounces
• Liquid castile soap, 2 tablespoons
• Essential oil, 20 drops (optional, use your preferred scent)

Bissell Crosswave Value

Overall, the Bissell Crosswave offers a great value. The cleaning performance for the price you pay is certainly above average. This unit is able to act as both a vacuum and a mop on hard floor surfaces, cleaning a variety of messes. Additionally, this Bissell is able to clean area rugs, which is a nice added bonus.

• Warranty – 2 years
• Returns – Varies by retailer, other retailers may vary
• Check Price

Hoover Floormate Value

The Hoover Floormate offers a great value as well, and is arguably better than the Crosswave. Depending on the model you go with, the Floormate will generally be less expensive. However, performance does appear to be similar. The Hoover isn’t able to act as a vacuum like the Bissell Crosswave can, but otherwise it offers many of the same features and accessories.

• Warranty – 2 years
• Returns – Varies by retailer, other retailers may vary
• Check Price

Specifications

Please see specifications for both the Bissell Crosswave and Hoover Floormate below. Note that we’re only looking at two specific models here, the Bissell Crosswave (standard) and Hoover Floormate Deluxe.

Other modes, like the Bissell Crosswave Pet and Hoover Floormate Cordless, different slightly in their specifications.

Crosswave vs. Floormate Differences

Should You Buy the Bissell Crosswave?

The Bissell Crosswave is a versatile wet dry vacuum that is more than capable of cleaning up large, small, or any mess in between. This specific Bissell could be a great addition to anyone who is in need of a strong mopping performance, but would also like a vacuum for hard floor surfaces.

You should buy the Bissell Crosswave if you…

1. Want a wet dry vacuum– The Crosswave is able to clean on both wet and dry surfaces. This Bissell acts as both a vacuum and mop on wet surfaces, in addition to a deep cleaner on area rugs.
2. Want to wash your rugs– The Bissell Crosswave has an area rug mode, which allows it to deeply clean your area rugs with a
3. Want a solid cleaning performance– This Bissell has a strong cleaning performance. This unit had no trouble mopping up our debris types and was also able to vacuum up the debris with ease as well.

See here for more information or to buy the Bissell Crosswave.

Should You Buy the Hoover Floormate?

The Hoover Floormate offers a solid value and overall performance. The dual on-board cleaning tanks mean you don’t need to deal with the old mop and bucket any more.

You should buy the Hoover Floormate if you…

1. Want convenient mopping – both the Crosswave and the Floormate get points here. Both can serve as mop replacements in most homes. Having both a clean and dirty water tank built into the unit itself is great, as you don’t have to deal with soaking, wringing, and rinsing a more traditional mpo.
2. Want a great value – The Hoover Floormate is arguably a better value than the Crosswave due to the $100’ish price difference, while performance is relatively similar. The Floormate just provides very solid performance for the money.
3. Want a cordless option – while the primary version of the Floor is corded, there is a version that is available cordless. If cordless mobility is important then the Floormate gets extra points.

See here for more information or to buy the Hoover Floormate.