The catch
BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam
It weighs about 13 pounds, which is clearly more than the Little Green Mini.
Side by side
Little Green HydroSteam vs Max Pet SmartMix, Compared: HydroSteam adds fabric-dependent steam jobs, while Max lightens quick-spill prep
Quick verdict
Steam modes for compatible fabrics and a larger tank point to HydroSteam. Quick spills that call for lighter carrying and automatic dosing point to Max Pet SmartMix.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Put tank capacities in the same units
Clean-liquid capacity is 0.5 US gallon for Little Green HydroSteam and 0.25 for Little Green Max Pet SmartMix. The gap between them is 32 fluid ounces, before recovery-tank limits come into play.
Where this comes from
128 US fluid ounces =1 US gallon. The capacities on record are 64 and 32 fl oz. Converting puts tank volume on one scale and says nothing about cleaning coverage.
The catch
BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
A large sectional is too much for the 32-ounce tanks, which suit spot work.
BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam
- Why pick it
- You require the documented steam modes
- You have a larger upholstery job
- The catch
- It weighs about 13 pounds, which is clearly more than the Little Green Mini.
BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
- Why pick it
- Frequent small spills mean carrying the cleaner around
- You like automatic formula dosing
- The catch
- A large sectional is too much for the 32-ounce tanks, which suit spot work.
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What this page compares
HydroSteam is the pick for steam modes on compatible fabric and a larger tank. Max Pet SmartMix is the pick for quick spills, where lighter carrying and automatic dosing count.
HydroSteam adds capacity along with an extra cleaning mode
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
You require the documented steam modes
SteamWash, Wash and Steam modes come with the 3618, along with a 64-ounce clean tank. Whether heat and water are appropriate is still up to the fabric care instructions.
- BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam
- Better fit
- BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
- Not suitable
Frequent small spills mean carrying the cleaner around
At about 8.2 pounds, the 38572 also meters formula automatically. Its 32-ounce clean tank is well suited to short spot jobs, but a large sectional will mean more refills.
- BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam
- Depends
- BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
- Better fit
Look at the whole setup
Before you choose steam, look at upholstery labels, adhesives and finishes. Owning a steam-capable machine doesn't make every fabric safe to heat or saturate.
- BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam
- Depends
- BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
- Depends
SmartMix cuts about 37% off the empty weight you carry
Max SmartMix weighs 8.2 pounds to HydroSteam's 13, a drop of 4.8 pounds, but HydroSteam has twice the nominal clean-tank capacity.
- BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam
- Depends
- BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
Put tank capacities in the same units
Clean-liquid capacity is 0.5 US gallon for Little Green HydroSteam and 0.25 for Little Green Max Pet SmartMix. The gap between them is 32 fluid ounces, before recovery-tank limits come into play.
How we worked this out
128 US fluid ounces =1 US gallon. The capacities on record are 64 and 32 fl oz. Converting puts tank volume on one scale and says nothing about cleaning coverage.
Factor in the water before you lift
Filling the clean tank puts roughly 4.17 pounds of water weight on Little Green HydroSteam and 2.08 pounds on Little Green Max Pet SmartMix. Follow the manual when you move and fill them.
How we worked this out
Approximate water mass = clean capacity in US gallons ×8.34 lb/gal. Inputs 64/128 and 32/128 gallons. The real total shifts with formula concentration, leftover dirty water and tools.
SmartMix cuts about 37% off the empty weight you carry
Max SmartMix weighs 8.2 pounds to HydroSteam's 13, a drop of 4.8 pounds, but HydroSteam has twice the nominal clean-tank capacity.
How we worked this out
64 / 32 = 2. 13 - 8.2 = 4.8 lb. 4.8 / 13 × 100 = 36.9%.
Option A
BISSELL, 3618
Little Green HydroSteam
For compatible surfaces, this portable extractor offers steam, wash and steam-only modes.
- Best for
- Upholstery jobs of all kinds and oily spots where steam helps
Facts we checked
- SteamWash, Wash and Steam modes are on the 3618.
- BISSELL's listing gives a 64-ounce clean tank and a 51-ounce recovery tank.
- The machine weighs about 13 pounds and has a roughly 4.8-foot hose.
Option B
BISSELL, 38572
Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
Formula is metered automatically on this light portable, which also comes with a self-cleaning stain tool.
- Best for
- If small pet messes are frequent and you want less measuring and rinsing
Facts we checked
- During cleaning, SmartMix meters water and formula.
- BISSELL's listing gives separate 32-ounce clean and dirty tanks and an 8.2-pound weight.
- A self-cleaning tough-stain tool and a pet hair removal tool come in the bundle.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam | BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine type | Portable spot cleaner | Portable spot cleaner | Using a spot cleaner in place of a whole-room upright is not efficient. |
| Nominal clean tank | 64 US fl oz | 32 US fl oz | Capacity does not promise area covered. |
| Empty weight | 13 lb | 8.2 lb | Weight goes up with water, tools and solution. |
| Hose | About 4.8 ft | Check exact listing | Look at exactly what the bundle contains, and at any model documentation that disagrees. |
| Power cord | Check exact manual | Check exact manual | Usable reach depends on outlet position. |
| Cleaning system | SteamWash, Wash and Steam modes | SmartMix automatic formula dosing | A feature list cannot name a winner without a matched cleaning test. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam
- Check the fabric before using steam, and take care near finishes and adhesives.
With BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
- You only get SmartMix's convenience if you use the compatible formula reservoir correctly.
Decision guide
How to decide
For steam modes on compatible fabrics and a larger tank, choose HydroSteam. For quick spills where lighter carrying and automatic dosing count, choose Max Pet SmartMix.
HydroSteam adds capacity along with an extra cleaning mode
SteamWash, Wash and Steam modes come with the 3618, along with a 64-ounce clean tank. Whether heat and water are appropriate is still up to the fabric care instructions.
Small jobs are easier to handle with SmartMix
At about 8.2 pounds, the 38572 also meters formula automatically. Its 32-ounce clean tank is well suited to short spot jobs, but a large sectional will mean more refills.
Fabric heat tolerance sets a hard limit
Before you choose steam, look at upholstery labels, adhesives and finishes. Owning a steam-capable machine doesn't make every fabric safe to heat or saturate.
What this page can’t tell you
- These conclusions come from published specifications and the stated calculations rather than from hands-on performance testing.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the carpet cleaners we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
This guide keeps all 22 models in play. The pick rests on the facts and trade-offs on this page.
22 models fit, out of 22 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedNo needs are preselected here. Open the matcher and add the ones that apply to your home, room or setup.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam | None of these needs is a documented match |
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| BISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix | None of these needs is a documented match |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
BISSELL Little Green HydroSteam
You require the documented steam modes
See price & reviews on AmazonBISSELL Little Green Max Pet SmartMix
Frequent small spills mean carrying the cleaner around
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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