The Bissell Steam Shot cut my cleaning time in half and my house has never looked better.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Bissell Steam Shot OmniReach Review: This Updated Gadget Made My House Spotless
Updated on Feb. 20, 2025
I love deep cleaning. But when it came to my house’s crusty, dried mystery stains and messes, no amount of scrubbing seemed to lift the gunk. I was wasting more paper towels than I care to admit. Although I love a good home remedy, I needed some professional cleaning gear to get my house sparkling again.
Thankfully, an underrated little machine does the job better than I ever could—and that’s the newly updated Bissell Steam Shot OmniReach. Here’s my honest Bissell Steam Shot review.
READER'S DIGEST
Bissell Steam Shot OmniReach
Like the original Steam Shot, the Bissell Steam Shot OmniReach offers an impressive 1,000 watts of pressurized steam.
What is the Bissell Steam Shot?
The Bissell Steam Shot OmniReach is like a hot, handheld power washer. It operates with a 6.6-ounce water tank that shoots hot steam from its spout and all kinds of attachments. The machine itself is tiny, but it helped me lift gunk that’s been there for who knows how long.
The machine itself weighs four pounds. Unlike vacuum mops, buying a separate cleaning solution isn’t necessary. An included water cup helps measure out the liquid, and Bissell recommends using distilled water.
Sadly, it is not cordless, but the 20-foot power cord is long enough to reach high and low spots. Toting it from room to room takes more effort since you’ll have to unplug it. Ten attachments, including three color-coded round scrubbing brushes, a grout brush, a flat scraper tool, an angled concentrator tool, an extension hose, a fabric steamer and a window squeegee, make cleaning even easier.
I love the Pearl Wasabi color (yes, that’s its actual name), as the green matches the gray cord and attachments. Control the water pressure with a steam trigger near the handle.
Original Bissell Steam Shot recall
In July 2024, Bissell recalled more than three million of its Steam Shot handheld steam cleaners, citing a potential burn hazard with the design. Since then, we’ve eagerly searched for a comparable replacement with little luck. That is, until Bissell’s recent release of the Bissell Steam Shot OmniReach, a new and improved version of the old favorite.
With the same fleet of 10 different cleaning brushes and nozzles, the improved Bissell OmniReach cleans every nook and cranny, revealing hidden dirt in places we didn’t even know existed. The unit remains largely the same, though it does incorporate a new safety feature. The upgrade features a new pressure and steam readiness indicator, which minimizes the risk of accidental burns.
A small plunger in the top cap pops up when the unit is at full pressure. This plunger goes down when the pressure dissipates, indicating that the cap is safe to remove without the risk of severe burns. Each unit—the OmniReach and the original Deluxe model—operate almost identically, save for the new safety features that offer a little more peace of mind.
How I tested the Bissell Steam Shot
I first scoped out a few places for testing, including the bathroom, kitchen and various hidden spots. Once the Steam Shot was plugged in, I had to wait a couple of minutes for it to heat up. Reviewers say to be careful about overfilling the water tank to prevent a household geyser. And after each use, I just dump any extra water to always start the next one with a full tank.
After using the Steam Shot in multiple locations, I found myself looking for even more hidden spots to spray. I was like a detective, searching and steaming anywhere with a speck of dirt. Faucets? Sparkling. The laundry room detergent drawer? Glistening. Glass? Crystal clear. By the end of the week, I’d cleaned every room in the house.
The only thing I’m not enthusiastic about is that steaming is only half the job. You still have to wipe away the water and wet dirt to fully clean the surface. It’s not a very different process than paper towels and Lysol, but there is less scrubbing, less waste and fewer chemicals.
Do be warned! Steam is hot. After a cleaning session, the machine traps pressure from the steam. To prevent burns, first unplug the unit. Then, wait five minutes for the machine to cool down. From there, press the steam trigger to release all the built-up pressure in the tank. When steam is no longer coming out of the nozzle, the cap’s plunger goes down—this indicates that the water tank is depressurized. Be warned—it may still be a little hot!
Windowsills
What I love most about the Steam Shot is that it helps me tackle even the most hidden (and dirty) places in the house. One of which is the inside of my windows. Mine were almost black with dirt and gross to look at. Since this was my first location, I proceeded with caution.
I had the extension hose attached and lightly sprayed the windowsill. Surface-level dirt started flying everywhere and the more pressure I applied on the trigger, the more dirt that flew. Eventually, I figured out that the extension hose wasn’t necessary, but testing out the different attachments just takes trial and error.
After wiping down the surface, the inside of the windows looked brand new. I even used the steam to remove some years-old dried sticker glue (even homemade window cleaner couldn’t get that off).
Bathroom
We already consider the Steam Shot to be one of the best cleaners for bathrooms and kitchens. In the bathroom, I found toothpaste buildup in the sink, shampoo and conditioner puddles in the shower and dirt hidden throughout the toilet seat handles. I steamed everything in sight—including the base of my toilet, a small lip on the edge of my sink where dirt and grime collect, and even the base of my bathtub.
Even with a regular weekly cleaning schedule, it’s amazing what gets left behind in the crevices of the bathroom. For the sake of hygiene, I just used the Steam Shot’s regular nozzle instead of the brushes, which worked perfectly.
“Because steam cleaning is chemical-free, it is safer for our home, with children, pets, and household members sensitive to harsh cleaning formulas,” says Forrest. “I witnessed its effectiveness because it kills germs and bacteria with high heat, reduces allergens, and improves indoor air quality. Your problem with stubborn dirt and grease will be resolved because steam methods can penetrate deep into surfaces, loosening dirt and grease and making it easier to wipe it away.”
Kitchen
For me, the fridge is a hot zone for sticky, crusty messes. I try to clean out my fridge on a weekly basis, but its corners and depths are tough to reach with just a paper towel. In my testing frenzy, I realized some produce had gone bad and left an unsightly mess. The steam left the drawer spotless.
I also aimed it at grease, dried condiments, more produce gunk, juice spills and other food-based stains. I tried to clean my stainless steel appliances but found grease to be a hassle to steam clean. But practice makes perfect!
According to Forrest, “Steam cleaning can be used on sealed floors, appliances, and bathroom fixtures without leaving chemical residues, which is safe for many surfaces. It can also eliminate odors from cooking, pets, and mildew due to its neutralizing effect.”
Pros
- Small handheld steam cleaner
- Portable size
- 20-foot cord
- Includes multiple attachments
- Holds 6.6 ounces of water
- Steam kills 99.99% of bacteria
- Doesn’t need chemical cleaners
- Works on a variety of hard and soft surfaces
Cons
- Not cordless
- You still have to wipe away surfaces after steaming
- There’s no water fill line, so it’s hard to tell how much water is inside
Product comparison
One of the biggest notes reviewers have about the Steam Shot is that they wish it was bigger or held more water. But if you’re looking for something more heavy-duty, steam mops are a great alternative. Granted, they only work for floors, but they do leave them sparkling. We recommend the Shark VacMop Pro and Tineco Floor One S7
Another option is a trustworthy cleaning product and a Scrub Daddy sponge. This option, of course, requires a bit more elbow grease.
Bissell Steam Shot: Final verdict
I totally understand the hype and convenience of having a steam cleaner. Steam is an underrated cleaning tool that requires no chemicals or really any scrubbing. It’s an eco-friendly home swap that truly works.
You also can’t beat the price, especially because it’s thorough and effective. It doesn’t take as much room as an upright vacuum, and it’s easy to store. I’m already planning on gifting one to friends and family.
Plus, the Steam Shot is one of many Bissell products we love. Our team has also tested and recommends the Revolution HydroSteam, Pet Hair Eraser and Little Green Machine. Across the board, we find the brand makes quality cleaning gear at a fair price.
Where to buy the Bissell Steam Shot OmniReach
READER'S DIGEST
Bissell Steam Shot OmniReach
Kiss gunk goodbye with the Bissell Steam Shot. This newly updated cleaning gadget will make your home sparkle!
For under $50, I could get rid of all my chemical cleaners forever. Do the same by shopping the Bissell Steam Shot from Amazon and the Bissell website. Happy steaming!
FAQ
How long does the Bissell Steam Shot last?
With the size of its water tank, the Steam Shot has enough power for up to 15 minutes of steam. This is also dependent on the pressure and job size.
Can you clean a couch with a Bissell Steam Shot?
Thanks to the strong pressure and the fabric steaming attachment tool, the Steam Shot works on couches and upholstery. It also cleans carpets, mattresses and pet beds. Just make sure to avoid it on delicate fabrics like leather and silk.
What should you avoid using a Bissell Steam Shot on?
“There are some surfaces and materials that should not be exposed to high heat and moisture,” notes Forrest. “Do not steam clean unsealed wood and laminated floors because they can lead to damage. Fabrics like silk, velvet, and specific upholstery can damage delicate fibers. Moisture from steam cleaning can lead to peeling or bubbling wallpaper and even painted walls after prolonged exposure.”
Why You Should Trust Us
Emily Way is a Reader’s Digest editor who covers a variety of home products, including bedding and cleaning gear. To date, she has tested hundreds of items and also is our lead sales and deals writer. When she’s not searching through flash sales, you can usually find her reading mystery novels or cuddling with cats.
Andrea Carillo is a former editor for Reader’s Digest. She tested the original Bissell Steam Shot before it was recalled. Andrea is a lifestyle writer covering all things e-commerce. She has covered streetwear, sustainability and culture for a variety of publications. When she’s not on deadline, you can find her reading, collecting vintage fashion and furthering her goal of visiting every country in South America.
We also spoke to Forrest Webber, who owns Bear Brothers Cleaning, for his insights into steam cleaning. The company has been featured as a cleaning expert on Homes and Gardens, Reatlor.com, Martha Stewart, The Spruce, The Kitchn, Real Simple and more.
