Bissell has announced the FlexClean FurForce Robot Vacuum & Mop, marking the company’s first new robot vacuum release since the SpinWave R5 in 2022. The new model reflects a clear shift toward pet-focused performance and lower-maintenance ownership, bringing Bissell back into the mid-range robot vacuum market after a multi-year gap.
The FlexClean FurForce is positioned as a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop for pet hair, designed to handle mixed floor types with minimal user intervention. Read the full press release from Bissell.
Bissell’s First Robot Vacuum Since the SpinWave R5
Bissell’s previous robot vacuum, the SpinWave R5, launched in 2022 with LiDAR navigation, vacuuming and mopping, and carpet avoidance during mop mode, but it lacked any kind of base station besides charging. The FlexClean FurForce introduces several features that were absent from Bissell’s earlier robot lineup.
How Vacuum Wars Tests Robot Vacuums: Step into the world of Vacuum Wars, where real-world tests, straight-forward reviews, and no sponsored products redefine robot vacuum evaluations.
Bissell Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair
The FlexClean FurForce places a stronger emphasis on vacuum performance than previous Bissell robot vacuums. The company claims their robot delivers 2× stronger suction at the motor and up to 30% more pet hair pickup (when compared to its identified competitor, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 (Amazon link)), though exact suction specifications have not been disclosed.
A new NeverTangle brush roll is designed to reduce hair wrap from pets and long hair, which is a common maintenance complaint among robot vacuum owners.
Designed for Pet Hair on Hard Floors and Rugs
Bissell markets the FlexClean FurForce specifically for homes with pets, highlighting improved debris pickup on both hard floors and rugs, along with HEPA filtration to capture allergens such as pet dander and dust.
Bagless Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum with HEPA Filtration
One of the most significant upgrades since the SpinWave R5 is the addition of a self-emptying dock. The FlexClean FurForce uses a bagless self-empty base equipped with HEPA filtration, rated to capture 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns. Bissell claims the dock can store debris for up to 60 days.
Robot Vacuum with Liftable Mop Pad for Mixed Floors
Another notable change is the introduction of a liftable flat mop pad, allowing the FlexClean FurForce to vacuum rugs while mopping hard floors during the same cleaning run. This differs from the SpinWave R5, which had dual spinning pads and relied on carpet avoidance during mop mode to protect carpets rather than lifting the mop.
The robot uses Bissell’s Multi-Surface Formula for wet cleaning, continuing the brand’s focus on combined vacuum-and-mop functionality. The liftable mop pad brings the FlexClean FurForce closer to modern hybrid robots that can handle mixed floor plans without splitting cleaning jobs into separate runs.
See also: How Vacuum Wars Tests Robot Vacuum Mops
LiDAR Robot Vacuum Navigation
Like the SpinWave R5, the FlexClean FurForce relies on 360-degree LiDAR navigation for mapping and whole-home cleaning. There is no mention of a dedicated obstacle avoidance; the LiDAR system is listed as the only real system for the robot to sense its environment. This approach may appeal to users who prefer a robot vacuum without onboard cameras, though it typically offers less detection of cords, small objects, or pet waste.
Bissell FlexClean FurForce vs SpinWave R5
Compared to Bissell’s 2022 SpinWave R5, the FlexClean FurForce adds:
- A self-emptying HEPA dock
- A significantly longer claimed runtime of up to 180 minutes (versus 110 minutes)
- A liftable mop pad instead of carpet avoidance
- A tangle-free brush roll designed for pet hair
What’s New Since Bissell’s 2022 Robot Vacuum
Overall, the FlexClean FurForce represents a meaningful evolution in Bissell’s robot vacuum strategy, shifting from basic 2-in-1 convenience toward pet-first performance, improved autonomy, and reduced day-to-day maintenance.
For robot vacuum recommendations, check out our Top 20 robot vacuums list, along with our favorite robot vacuums organized by price. As always, we purchase our robots ourselves and base our recommendations on our own independent testing.
Best Robot Vacuums $300 to $600 – Vacuum Wars’ always up-to-date rankings of the best robot vacuums you can buy for less than $600. Whether you call it a robot vacuum, robotic hoover, or automatic vacuum cleaner, these models deliver impressive cleaning power, smart features, and great value—helping you find the perfect affordable cleaning companion for your home.
Bissell FlexClean FurForce
