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The Bissell CrossWave and Hoover FloorMate Deluxe are two of the most compared wet-dry floor cleaners, and for good reason. Both promise to wash hard floors better than a mop and bucket, but they take fundamentally different approaches.
Here’s the honest reality in 2026: the CrossWave is actively produced and widely available. The FloorMate Deluxe is largely discontinued. That doesn’t mean the FloorMate was bad. It means the comparison has shifted from “which should I buy” to “is a remaining FloorMate worth grabbing, or should I just go CrossWave.” We cover both angles.
Bissell CrossWave vs Hoover Floormate: Quick Verdict
The Bissell CrossWave wins. It vacuums and mops simultaneously, has full manufacturer support, and an entire ecosystem of upgraded models (Pet Pro, HF3, HydroSteam Plus). The Hoover FloorMate Deluxe was solid in its day, but no vacuum suction and a discontinued product line make it hard to recommend for new buyers.
Already own a FloorMate that still works? No rush to replace it. Buying new? CrossWave, without question.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Bissell CrossWave 1785A | Hoover FloorMate Deluxe FH40160 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wet-dry vacuum (vacuums + washes) | Hard floor washer only (no suction) |
| Weight | 11.0 lbs | 13.7 lbs |
| Cleaning Path | 12 inches | 11.5 inches |
| Cord Length | 25 feet | 20 feet |
| Tank System | Dual tank (clean/dirty) | Dual tank (clean/dirty) |
| Carpet Capability | Low-pile rugs and carpet | Hard floors only |
| Self-Cleaning | Docking tray with cleaning cycle | Manual rinse required |
| Availability | Widely available | Mostly discontinued |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Cleaning Performance Compared
Bissell CrossWave
CrossWave vacuums and mops simultaneously. A multi-surface brush roll spins at the floor while suction pulls debris into a dirty water tank and clean solution dispenses through the brush. One pass handles both dry crumbs and sticky spots.
On tile, sealed hardwood, and laminate, it handles everyday dirt, kitchen spills, and tracked-in grime well. It’s not a deep scrubber like a dedicated carpet cleaner, but for daily and weekly hard floor maintenance it’s efficient.
It also handles low-pile area rugs. The FloorMate can’t do that at all. If you’ve got a mix of hard floors and rugs, that’s a real practical advantage.
Hoover FloorMate Deluxe
Different approach entirely. No vacuum suction. Dual counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes agitate cleaning solution against the floor while a squeegee system collects dirty water. Then you switch to “dry” mode for a second pass.
Where the FloorMate genuinely shines is deep scrubbing. Those counter-rotating brushes dig into grout lines and textured tile more aggressively than the CrossWave’s roll. If you’ve got extensive tile with dirty grout, the FloorMate’s scrubbing action was noticeably better.
Big trade-off: you have to vacuum or sweep first. No dry debris pickup. That turns one step into two, adding time and effort every session.
Bottom Line on Performance
CrossWave is more versatile. FloorMate scrubs harder but needs pre-vacuuming and only works on hard floors. For most households, doing both jobs in one pass wins.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Daily Operation
CrossWave is simpler day-to-day. Fill the tank, plug in, press go, push across the floor. One pass does both jobs. Afterward, dock it and run the self-cleaning cycle.
FloorMate workflow: vacuum or sweep first, fill the tank, wash in “wash” mode, switch to “dry” for a second pass. None of it is complicated, but it adds 10 to 15 minutes per session compared to the CrossWave.
Maintenance
Both need tank emptying and rinsing after each use. The CrossWave’s self-cleaning cycle keeps the brush roll fresher between deep cleans. The FloorMate requires manual brush roll removal and rinsing, which works fine but takes more effort.
Parts availability matters long-term. Bissell actively makes CrossWave brush rolls, filters, and solutions. FloorMate replacement parts are getting harder to find as the product line fades, and that trend only goes one direction.
Design and Build Quality
11 lbs vs 13.7 lbs. Nearly 3 pounds lighter on the CrossWave, which you feel during longer sessions. Both are corded uprights; the CrossWave gives you 3 extra feet of cord at 25 vs 20 feet.
Build quality on both is functional plastic, typical for their price. Neither feels premium. Both hold up to regular use with proper maintenance.
CrossWave has also benefited from years of iteration. Its current lineup includes the CrossWave Pet Pro for pet households, CrossWave HF3 with better edge cleaning, and CrossWave HydroSteam Plus with steam. The FloorMate never got that kind of product evolution.
Value for Money
CrossWave 1785A sits at mid-range pricing. Remaining FloorMate units sometimes surface cheaper. On sticker price, the FloorMate looks like the budget pick.
But value isn’t just purchase price. The CrossWave saves 10 to 15 minutes per session by eliminating pre-vacuuming. Over a year of weekly cleaning, that’s 8 to 13 hours. It handles more floor types, has easy-to-find parts, and gets ongoing manufacturer support.
A used or deeply discounted FloorMate can still make sense if you already own a good vacuum and want a dedicated scrubber. At full price though, the CrossWave is the better investment.
Willing to spend more? The CrossWave HF3 and HydroSteam Plus add real upgrades: better edge cleaning and steam sanitization. Worth considering for larger homes or anyone who wants the most thorough single-machine clean. See our steam mop vs wet-dry vacuum comparison for more on these newer models.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy the Bissell CrossWave if:
- You want a single machine that vacuums and mops in one pass
- Your home has a mix of hard floors and area rugs
- You value convenience and time savings in your cleaning routine
- You want ongoing manufacturer support and easy access to replacement parts
- You are buying new and want a product that is actively produced
Consider a Hoover FloorMate if:
- You find one at a significant discount and already own a vacuum
- Your home is primarily tile with grout that needs aggressive scrubbing
- You prefer a dedicated floor washer and do not mind the two-step process
- You are comfortable sourcing replacement parts from third-party sellers
Consider upgrading to the CrossWave HF3 or HydroSteam Plus if:
- You have a larger home with extensive hard flooring
- You want improved edge-to-edge cleaning
- Steam sanitization appeals to you (HydroSteam Plus)
- You plan to use the machine multiple times per week
For more hard floor cleaning options, see our guide to the best vacuums for hardwood floors. And if you are specifically comparing Hoover and Bissell across their full product lines, our Hoover vs Bissell carpet cleaners article covers the broader brand comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about these two wet-dry floor cleaners, answered below.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Detailed Reviews
Bissell CrossWave Wet Dry Vacuum 1785A
Best wet dry vacuumThe original CrossWave pioneered the vacuum-and-mop-in-one category with smart touch controls and a dual-action brush roll spinning at 3000 RPM. Best for busy households with sealed hard floors who want to simplify their cleaning routine without buying separate vacuum and mop units.
What We Like
- Vacuums and washes simultaneously
- Multi-surface cleaning for hard floors and area rugs
- Two-tank system keeps clean and dirty water separate
- Dual-action brush roll for effective cleaning
- Smart touch controls for easy operation
What We Don't
- More expensive than traditional mops or standard vacuums
- Requires Bissell cleaning solution
- Brush roll and filter require regular cleaning
Hoover FloorMate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner FH40160
Best hard floor washerThe Hoover FloorMate Deluxe FH40160 uses dual counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes and a separate wash-dry cycle to deep clean grout lines and sealed hard floors without the residue issues of mop-and-bucket methods. It is best for homes with primarily hard flooring like tile or sealed hardwood that need regular scrubbing beyond what a vacuum provides.
What We Like
- Dual tank technology keeps clean and dirty water separate
- Wash and dry modes for complete floor care
- Lightweight design at 13.7 lbs
- Dual counter-rotating brushes clean grout lines effectively
What We Don't
- No vacuum suction for debris pickup
- Not cordless, requires outlet access
- Shorter cord length at 20 feet
Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro 2306A
Best for pet ownersThe CrossWave Pet Pro adds a pet hair strainer and tangle-free brush roll to the proven CrossWave platform, preventing clogs from fur and dander. Best for multi-pet households with hard floors and area rugs who need a single machine that vacuums and washes simultaneously.
What We Like
- Pet hair strainer separates debris from dirty water
- Multi-surface pet formula included
- Tangle-free brush roll designed for pet hair
- Two-tank system keeps clean and dirty water separate
- Vacuums and washes simultaneously
What We Don't
- Premium price point
- Requires more maintenance than standard vacuums
- Requires Bissell cleaning solution for best results
Bissell CrossWave HF3
Best wet dry vacuumThe CrossWave HF3 combines cordless vacuuming and mopping in a single pass with its 3000 RPM brush roll and two-tank system that keeps clean water separate from dirty. Best for households with mostly hard floors who want to cut their cleaning routine in half without sacrificing floor hygiene.
What We Like
- Vacuums and washes simultaneously
- Multi-surface cleaning for hard floors and area rugs
- Two-tank system keeps clean and dirty water separate
- Cordless operation for enhanced mobility
What We Don't
- Requires Bissell cleaning solution
- Smaller clean water tank (17.6 oz) than some competitors
- Runtime limited by battery (about 30 minutes)
Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus
Best Overall - Steam Vacuum ComboThe CrossWave HydroSteam Plus revolutionizes tile cleaning by combining three processes into one. The steam function elevates it above standard wet/dry vacuums for sanitizing power.
What We Like
- Vacuum, wash, and steam simultaneously
- Steam delivers 120°F sanitizing heat
- Self-cleaning cycle after each use
- Multi-surface for sealed hard floors
- Two-tank system separates clean and dirty water
What We Don't
- Premium price point
- Requires Bissell cleaning solution for optimal results
- Not suitable for unsealed wood or carpet
Sources & Research
- Amazon Product Page
- Bissell Official Product Page
- Amazon Product Page
- Hoover Official Site
- Hoover Hard Floor Cleaners
- Amazon Product Page
- Bissell Official Product Page
- Amazon Product Page
- Bissell Official Product Page
- Bissell Official Product Page
- Amazon Product Page
- Bissell Official Product Page
- Bissell Official Product Page
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Hoover Floormate discontinued?
- The Hoover FloorMate Deluxe FH40160 has been largely phased out of retail channels. While you may still find remaining stock or refurbished units on Amazon and other marketplaces, Hoover has shifted its focus to other product lines. If you are looking for a current wet-dry floor cleaner, the Bissell CrossWave lineup is the most widely available and actively supported option.
- Can the Bissell CrossWave vacuum and mop at the same time?
- Yes, the Bissell CrossWave is designed to vacuum and wash floors simultaneously in a single pass. It uses a multi-surface brush roll combined with suction and a cleaning solution to pick up dry debris and wash sticky messes at the same time. This is one of its biggest advantages over the Hoover FloorMate, which only washes floors without providing vacuum suction.
- Does the Bissell CrossWave work on carpet?
- The original Bissell CrossWave 1785A can handle low-pile area rugs and some carpeted surfaces, though it works best on hard floors. The CrossWave Pet Pro 2306A has a tangle-free brush roll better suited to pet hair on rugs. For primarily carpeted homes, a dedicated vacuum cleaner is still the better choice, but the CrossWave handles mixed hard-floor-and-rug layouts well.
- Which is better for tile floors with grout, the CrossWave or FloorMate?
- The Hoover FloorMate Deluxe actually has an edge on heavily grouted tile thanks to its dual counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes, which are specifically designed to scrub into grout lines. However, since the FloorMate is increasingly difficult to find, the Bissell CrossWave HF3 or HydroSteam Plus are strong current alternatives that handle tile and grout effectively with their own multi-surface brush rolls.
- How often do you need to replace Bissell CrossWave brush rolls?
- Bissell recommends replacing the CrossWave brush roll every 3 to 6 months depending on usage frequency. The brush roll and filter are the main ongoing maintenance costs. A replacement brush roll typically costs around $15 to $25 from Bissell or Amazon. Rinsing the brush roll after each use and running the self-cleaning cycle helps extend its life.
Written By
Home Vacuum Zone
Our team researches, tests, and reviews vacuum cleaners to help you make confident buying decisions.
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