Where Are Bissell Vacuums Manufactured and Where Is Bissell Vacuums Made?

Bissell is one of the most recognized names in the home cleaning industry, especially known for its vacuum cleaners and carpet cleaning solutions. As a consumer, understanding where your vacuum is made can help inform your buying decisions, whether you’re concerned about quality, supporting domestic manufacturing, or ensuring ethical labor practices.

The Origin of Bissell: A Brief Company History

Before exploring the manufacturing details, it’s essential to understand Bissell’s background.

Bissell Inc. is a privately owned American company founded in 1876 by Melville Bissell in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company began as a carpet sweeper business and gradually evolved into a major player in vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, steam mops, and cleaning solutions.

Today, Bissell remains a family-owned business with a strong focus on innovation, pet cleaning solutions, and sustainability.

Headquarters Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Founded: 1876
Founder: Melville Bissell
Ownership: Privately owned by the Bissell family

Bissell vacuum filters need regular maintenance. Learn the proper steps in our guide: how to clean a vacuum cleaner filter.

Where Are Bissell Vacuums Manufactured?

Bissell vacuums are manufactured through a combination of U.S.-based operations and global partnerships, with significant production taking place overseas, especially in China, Vietnam, and other Asian countries.

1. Headquarters and Product Development – USA

While not all manufacturing is done in the U.S., Bissell’s product design, development, and engineering are mostly handled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This includes research and development, innovation labs, and customer support services.

So, even if the parts are assembled abroad, much of the brainwork behind Bissell vacuums still happens in the United States.

2. Manufacturing – Predominantly in Asia

Most Bissell vacuum cleaner models are assembled in China, Vietnam, or other Asian countries due to lower manufacturing costs. This includes popular models like:

• Bissell CleanView series
• Bissell PowerForce series
• Bissell CrossWave
• Bissell Pet Hair Eraser

Bissell has partnered with third-party manufacturers and OEM suppliers (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in Asia to mass-produce vacuums efficiently and affordably while maintaining quality control.

Note: Manufacturing overseas does not necessarily mean low quality. Bissell ensures all products meet rigorous standards regardless of where they’re made.

Are Any Bissell Vacuums Made in the USA?

Bissell does not manufacture the majority of its vacuums in the USA, although some specialty parts and assembly operations are still located in the U.S. Bissell’s Grand Rapids facility primarily focuses on:

• Product engineering
• Customer support
• Marketing and brand development
• Logistics and distribution

There is limited vacuum assembly happening domestically, and no full-scale U.S. vacuum manufacturing factory is publicly documented.

So, if you’re looking for a “Made in USA” label on your Bissell vacuum, it’s unlikely, though parts or design work may originate from American soil.

When comparing Bissell with other USA brands, don’t miss our review of the Riccar handheld vacuum.

Is Bissell Made in China?

Yes, many Bissell vacuums are manufactured in China. This includes major vacuum lines sold through popular retailers like:

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Target
• Best Buy

China offers cost-effective manufacturing, streamlined supply chains, and the ability to produce at scale, which is why many U.S. home appliance brands, including Bissell, rely on Chinese factories for production.

It’s common to see a “Made in China” label on the underside of your Bissell vacuum cleaner. This is standard practice and not unique to Bissell, other top brands such as Shark, Hoover, and Dyson also manufacture many of their models in China.

Is Bissell an American Company?

Yes, Bissell is a 100% American company, headquartered in the United States and owned by the Bissell family. It is privately held, not publicly traded, and prides itself on its long legacy of innovation in American home cleaning technology.

Despite manufacturing globally, the company maintains its core identity as an American brand and continues to employ hundreds of people in the U.S., especially in Michigan.

If you’re upgrading from an old Bissell model, make sure to check our guide on how to dispose of a vacuum cleaner responsibly.

Who Owns Bissell?

Bissell is a privately owned company, and it remains in the Bissell family. As of 2025, Mark Bissell serves as the Chairman and has been instrumental in the company’s global expansion and pet-friendly product line.

This family ownership gives Bissell more control over business decisions, product direction, and company values compared to publicly traded corporations.

Bissell’s Global Manufacturing Strategy

Bissell’s production model follows a global outsourcing strategy. Here’s how it works:

This approach allows Bissell to remain competitive in pricing while focusing its U.S. operations on high-value areas like R&D, branding, and innovation.

If you’re specifically looking for appliances made domestically, we’ve covered a list of vacuums made in the USA including Bissell and other top American brands.

Why Does Bissell Manufacture Vacuums Overseas?

There are several key reasons why Bissell manufactures most of its vacuums overseas:

1. Cost Efficiency: Manufacturing in China or Vietnam is far cheaper than in the U.S.
2. Mass Production Capability: Asian factories are well-equipped to handle large orders.
3. Access to Materials: Many raw materials and components are already produced in Asia.
4. Global Distribution: Proximity to major shipping ports improves delivery logistics.
5. Scalability: Bissell can quickly ramp up or scale down production as needed.

However, Bissell maintains strict quality controls, regardless of where the vacuum is produced.

Is It Bad That Bissell Vacuums Are Made in China?

Not necessarily. Manufacturing in China is a common industry practice and does not automatically mean poor quality. What matters is:

• Quality control processes
• Factory working conditions
• Design and testing standards
• Company transparency

Bissell has a solid reputation and long-standing relationships with its manufacturing partners to ensure its products meet safety and performance expectations.

Another Made-in-USA brand worth considering is Riccar. Learn more in our detailed review: Are Riccar Vacuums Good?

How to Check Where Your Bissell Vacuum Was Made

If you’re curious about the specific manufacturing location of your Bissell vacuum, there are several easy ways to check:

1. Check the Product Label

Flip your vacuum over or look near the motor housing or dustbin. Most Bissell vacuums include a sticker or label that contains:

• Model number
• Serial number
• Certification marks (e.g., UL, CE)
• Country of origin (e.g., Made in China, Made in Vietnam)

2. User Manual

The instruction manual or packaging often lists the manufacturing country in the fine print. Look for sections like:

• “Product Specifications”
• “Warranty Information”
• “Manufactured For” or “Distributed By”

3. Bissell Website

While Bissell doesn’t typically list country of origin for each model on their website, you can often find clues in the FAQs or customer reviews.

4. Retailer Listings

Retailers like Amazon or Walmart sometimes mention the manufacturing country in the Q&A section or product details.

If you’re also considering handheld models, read our guide on where to buy HomePro handheld vacuum as an alternative to Bissell.

Are Bissell Vacuums Good Quality Despite Being Made Overseas?

Yes, Bissell vacuums are generally known for good quality and reliability, even though many are manufactured overseas. Here’s why:

1. Stringent Quality Control

Bissell maintains rigorous quality standards and performs thorough inspections before products are distributed.

2. Consistent Performance

Bissell vacuums perform competitively with other major brands. Most users find them durable, user-friendly, and effective, especially for pet hair.

3. Warranty and Support

Bissell offers robust customer support and product warranties that reflect their confidence in the product, regardless of where it’s made.

4. Positive Reviews

Thousands of customer reviews praise Bissell vacuums for their:

• Strong suction
• Innovative features (like the CrossWave’s wet-dry ability)
• Affordable pricing
• Pet-specific cleaning tools

Tip: Bissell is especially popular among pet owners for their Pet Hair Eraser and CrossWave Pet Pro series.

How Does Bissell Compare to Other Vacuum Brands?

Let’s compare Bissell’s manufacturing and branding to competitors like Shark, Hoover, and Dyson.

Key Takeaway: Most major vacuum brands manufacture overseas to stay cost-effective. Bissell distinguishes itself by combining affordability with pet-specialized innovation.

Does Bissell Own Any Other Brands?

No, Bissell primarily focuses on its own line of products. However, it competes with other brands that do operate under large umbrella corporations.

Some people confuse Bissell with Hoover or Dirt Devil, but those are separate entities owned by TTI Floor Care, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate.

While Bissell has its own reputation, many users also compare it with leading brands. If you’re curious, check out our comparison on Shark vs Dyson Vacuums: Which Vacuum Brand is Better? to understand how premium brands differ.

Is Bissell Better Than Hoover or Shark?

That depends on your specific needs. Here’s a quick comparison to help:

If pet hair and deep carpet cleaning are your main concerns, Bissell often has the upper hand with their pet-specific accessories and formulations.

Bissell’s affordability contrasts with premium options like Dyson. Explore our list of the best Dyson vacuums to see how they compare.

What Makes Bissell Unique?

1. Pet-Focused Cleaning Solutions

Bissell’s standout differentiator is its dedication to pet owners. Many of their vacuums and carpet cleaners are optimized for:

• Removing pet hair
• Eliminating pet odors
• Deep-cleaning accidents on carpets and upholstery

The Bissell Pet Foundation, founded by Cathy Bissell, also supports pet adoption and rescue, creating a brand image of compassion and social responsibility.

Bissell is popular for its carpet cleaning models. You can find it featured in our picks for the best carpet vacuum cleaners

2. All-in-One Cleaning Devices

Products like the Bissell CrossWave and Bissell Symphony combine vacuuming with mopping or steam cleaning, reducing the need for multiple appliances.

3. Affordability

Even with innovative features, most Bissell vacuums are competitively priced, making them accessible to average consumers.

Bissell and Sustainability

Bissell is also leaning into eco-conscious practices. Here’s how:

• Bissell Recycling Program: Customers can send back certain parts or machines for responsible disposal.
• Energy-Efficient Devices: Many models are designed with low power consumption.
• Eco-Friendly Formulas: Cleaning liquids are increasingly plant-based and biodegradable.

Although manufacturing in Asia does have environmental costs (like shipping emissions), Bissell is taking steps to offset their footprint in other areas.

Customer Opinions: Do Consumers Care Where Bissell Is Made?

Surprisingly, most customers do not mind where Bissell vacuums are manufactured, as long as the product is:

• Reliable
• Affordable
• Backed by a good warranty
• Designed thoughtfully

However, some American consumers prefer U.S.-made products to support domestic labor and quality assurance. For these buyers, it’s important to know that:

• Bissell is still American-owned
• Product design and support are U.S.-based
• The company contributes significantly to the U.S. economy

For readers comparing Bissell to other brands, here’s a helpful guide on which Miele vacuum to buy based on your needs.

Final Thoughts – Does It Matter Where Bissell Vacuums Are Made?

Many customers today are asking, “Where are my products made?” and for good reason, supporting ethical labor, better quality, and local jobs are important concerns.

However, when it comes to Bissell, here’s what really matters:

• It is a proudly American-owned brand with over 145 years of history.
• Its product innovation and design are rooted in the U.S.
• While vacuums are manufactured overseas, Bissell maintains strict quality control.
• The brand is especially committed to pet owners, eco-conscious design, and affordable performance.

If you value performance, affordability, and an American legacy, Bissell continues to be a top contender, even if your vacuum says “Made in China.”

Looking for overall top-rated models? Check out our 8 best vacuum cleaners for home where Bissell holds a strong position.

Final Verdict – Is Bissell Worth It?

Yes, Bissell is worth it if you’re looking for:

• A trusted American brand with a long-standing history
• Products designed with pet owners and families in mind
• A mix of affordability, quality, and innovation
• Strong warranty and U.S.-based customer support

The global manufacturing strategy is simply part of doing business in a competitive global market. What sets Bissell apart is not just where it’s made, but how it performs, how it’s supported, and the mission behind the brand.

Conclusion

To wrap up: Where are Bissell vacuums manufactured and where is Bissell vacuums made?

Mostly in China and Vietnam, but the heart of Bissell, the design, innovation, and commitment to pet-loving homes, is firmly planted in the USA.

As long as the company maintains its high standards and customer-first mission, most buyers won’t mind where their vacuum is made, as long as it works well, lasts long, and helps keep their home clean and happy.

If filtration is a top concern, Bissell does offer HEPA options. See how it ranks among the best HEPA vacuums available.

FAQs About Bissell Vacuum Manufacturing

Q1: Are all Bissell vacuums made in China?

A: No. While many models are made in China, Bissell also manufactures in Vietnam and sources components globally. Design and development happen in the USA.

Q2: Is Bissell an American company?

A: Yes, Bissell is privately owned by the Bissell family and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Q3: Do Bissell vacuums have a Made in USA label?

A: Very few do. Most have a “Made in China” or “Assembled in Vietnam” label.

Q4: Is manufacturing in China a quality issue?

A: No. Bissell ensures strong quality control processes regardless of location. Many top tech brands also manufacture in China.

Q5: Can I contact Bissell U.S. customer service for a vacuum made abroad?

A: Absolutely. Bissell customer support is based in the USA and assists customers regardless of where their product was manufactured.