With the Air Ram 1984, Bissell seems to have been after designing a stick vacuum that ticks most of the boxes for homeowners. This unit has the highest suction power for a stick vacuum in its price range, and its design makes it a breeze to push, empty, and store.
In this Bissell Air Ram 1984 review, we’ll look at its strengths and why it has received so many positive reviews on Amazon. We encourage you to stick around till the end, where we’ve mentioned a few things that you might want to know before making your order.
Overview
The Bissell Air Ram is a cordless stick vacuum that tends to interest homeowners who want a versatile unit for regular vacuuming and quick cleanups. This model is very similar to other stick vacuum cleaners on Amazon. However, it has a few distinct differences that give it an edge compared to pricier models, including the Dyson V10.
The very first thing that you’ll like about this vacuum cleaner is its long runtime of up to 45 minutes on a single battery charge. This battery recharges fully in 4-5 hours and we appreciate that it is user-removable. As such, you can pick another 22-volt Bissell Air Ram battery for double cleaning time if you have expansive floors to take care of regularly.
This vacuum cleaner is compatible with carpets, area rugs, and hard floors. What makes it so exciting to use is that you don’t need to change the brushes or the cleaning mode as you move from one-floor type to the other.
Overall, its most significant advantage is the high suction power that makes it perfect for both small and large dust and dirt particles. Its cleaning performance also earns it a lot of marks in most reviews of the best pet hair vacuum cleaners in 2020.
Bissell Air Ram Specs
| Vacuum cleaner type | Upright, Cordless |
| Size | Length: 44 inches Width: 9.9 inches |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs. |
| Cleaning path | 9.9’’ |
| Brush roll type | Multi-surface brush roll |
| Brush roll on/off | Yes |
| Floor compatibility | Low pile carpets, rugs, hard floors |
| Waste bin capacity | 0.6 liters |
| Battery type and size | Lithium Ion, 22 volts |
| Battery runtime | 40-45 minutes |
| Battery charging time | 4 hours |
| Battery Charge Indicator | Yes |
| Filter type | Lifetime washable filter |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Included accessories | Charger |
Package Content and Assembly
The package includes a 22-volt li-ion battery, charging cable, and the vacuum cleaner broken into 3 pieces. Assembly is a breeze, and you’ll only need to attach the telescopic handle into the central unit. You won’t need any tools for this, by the way.
Bissell Air Ram 1984 Review of Key Features
Lightweight handle
Bissell put a great deal of consideration into the design of the Ram 1985. Compared to other stick vacuum cleaners, the first thing that you are going to notice is that most of the weight is on the base of the unit. This is because the battery system, dust bin, and motor are all located on the cleaner head.
This design means that the handle is much lighter and, therefore, less tiring on your arm compared to typical cordless stick vacuums. In comparison, the handle of the Bissell Air Ram exerts less than a pound of weight on your arm, whereas, with a similar unit such as the Dyson V10, you’ll be supporting well over 3 pounds on the handle alone.
Unique Airlock system
Another interesting aspect of this vacuum cleaner is the location of the dust bin right on the cleaner head and near the brush roll. This design eliminates the need for long tubes and lots of joints that could easily lead to the loss of suction. Instead, this cordless stick vacuum utilizes Bissell’s Airlock system that sucks and compresses small and large debris and pet hair right into the dust cup.
Incredible Pick-up Ability
The greatest advantage of the Bissell Air Ram Vacuum is its excellent pick-up abilities when dealing with pet hair and fine debris, such as sand, which tend to cause a lot of trouble for most vacuum cleaners.
What our review team finds even more impressive is how this model picks up large debris. This vacuum has a large self-adjusting gate at the front that slides wide open to accommodate large particles on the front push. On the backward pull, the gate seals to create sufficient suction force to haul the debris into the dust bin.
Like Our Review? Check Bissell Air Ram on Amazon
Dual Filtration System
The Bissell Air Ram cordless bagless stick vacuum uses 2 filters that are fitted right inside the dust can. Unfortunately, these are not HEPA filters and, therefore, won’t remove most of the microscopic allergens from your indoor air for good.
However, the twin filters do a great job of removing pet hair and other large debris. We also like that they are washable. This means that they could last a long time before the need for replacement. The filters are also effortless to remove from the dust cup when you need to unclog them. All in all, we recommend getting a second pair so you can use one as the other pair dries.
Easy-to-empty dust bin
This vacuum cleaner is fitted with an average size cylindrical dust bin capable of holding up to 0.6 liters of dirt, dust, and pet hair. This dust bin is just slightly smaller than that of the Dyson V10 and may not need to be emptied frequently during the cleaning cycle. Of course, this will largely depend on the size of your home.
What stood out for us with this dust bin is its ease of emptying. It has a simple yet ingenious lever that you simply push to shove the compressed dirt without you having to touch it with your hands.
How easy is it to use the Bissell Air Ram 1984?
Stick vacuum cleaners are all about giving you an easy time when cleaning your floors, and the Air Ram is built around this principle.
One thing that our review team appreciates a lot is its low center of gravity. Since most of the weight is concentrated on the cleaner head, pushing this vacuum across your floors can’t be easier. This is complemented by the swiveling handle that makes navigating around furniture and objects a breeze.
Some previous buyers report that there is a light drag when pulling it back during cleaning. The reason for this is that the Bissell Air Ram is self-propelled. This is not a deal-breaker, though, and most people seem to get used to it after some time.
Most people who review this vacuum cleaner are also quick to note the lie-flat design of the handle that allows you to push the cleaner head under furniture and other hard-to-reach areas with ease. On the same note, this vacuum has a very bright LED “headlamp” to illuminate dark areas so you won’t miss anything.
Flaws but not deal-breakers
The first qualm that we had with the Bissell Air Ram is that it’s not designed to take any attachments. That’s to say that you might want to purchase a separate hand vacuum for the upholstery, auto interiors, and curtains.
Again, while most people can use this vacuum cleaner for the stairs, we bet homeowners with lots of stairs to clean will prefer grabbing a hand vacuum.
Bissell Air Ram 1984 Replacement parts
| Bissell Air Ram Replacement Filters | View on Amazon |
| Bissell Air Ram Battery Replacement | View on Bissell |
| Bissell Air Ram Charger | View on Amazon |
Bissell Air Ram 1984 Pros & Cons
Review Verdict
The Bissell Air Ram 1984 has all the hallmarks of an excellent stick vacuum cleaner. Right from its powerful suction to its self-adjusting gate that accommodates large debris, this is a reliable vacuum cleaner for anyone who wants to enjoy cordless technology.
The fact that it does not accommodate attachments is a notable concern. However, that does not hamper it from scoring a lot of marks at collecting pet hair, deep-cleaning carpets, and picking up fine debris from the crevices on the floors.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Owing to the design of this vacuum cleaner and its brush roll type, the manufacturer recommends it for dry cleaning only.
The filters on the Bissell Air Ram offer a lifetime usage. However, it’s advisable to clean them regularly to maintain top-notch performance. Bissell recommends cleaning them monthly or even sooner, if possible.
These 2 machines have a similar shape, and both of them are cordless. When it comes to convenience of use and actual performance, though, the Air Ram 1984 is what you need. The main issue with the K9 is its relatively lower suction power. Again, it has no power charge indicator- a crucial feature with cordless technology.
Why is my Air Ram cordless brush roll not turning?
If the brush roll on your Air Ram 1984 isn’t turning, the issue could be debris stuck between the brush and foot area. In this case, the machine will shut down, and 4 solid lights will appear on the battery. To solve this issue;
- Start by removing the handle from the base by pressing a button on the lower back of the handle.
- Remove the battery.
- Turn the base to the side to remove the brush roll. Start by pressing a button on the side. While still pushing the button, slide your hand on the opening at the bottom and pull the brush out, starting with the side with the release button.
- Check and remove any debris on the brush and inside the brush cage.
- Reinstall the brush roll by angling so that the geared end fits in first.
- Reinsert the battery and handlebar and turn the machine ON.
