Updated: 10th January 2021
Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic vs. Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet – this is a comparison review of the two best-selling upright carpet cleaners from Hoover.
Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic (FH52000) is a full-sized carpet shampooer that operates in a fully automated mode. There’s also an advanced version of the SmartWash+ Automatic, called SmartWash PET Complete (comes with a Spot Chaser Wand).
Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet (FH50251) is also a full-sized carpet shampooer, perfect for thorough cleaning of carpets, rugs, and upholstery. This is an advanced version of the Power Scrub Deluxe.
Here we’ll see in detail how these two Hoover carpet cleaning machines fare against each other.
Let’s start right away.
NOTE: Since Power Scrub Elite is not available anymore, we’ve linked to Power Scrub Deluxe in this article.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Last update: November 21, 2024
- Features Comparison: A Side-by-Side Analysis
- Detailed Comparison: Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic vs. Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet
- Final Overview: Which one is the Best?
- Also Consider: Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic vs. Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe
- Also Consider: Hoover SmartWash PET Complete vs. Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet
- Which one will you buy: Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic or Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet?
Features Comparison: A Side-by-Side Analysis
| Specifications | Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic (FH52000) | Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet (FH50251) |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | 18.90 x 13 x 43.50 inches | 17.50 x 12.30 x 43 inches |
| Weight | 18.90 lbs | 18.50 lbs |
| Power source | Corded | Corded |
| Power rating | 10 amps | 10 amps |
| Cord length | 22 feet | 20 feet |
| Hose length | 8 feet | 8 feet |
| Cleaning Path | 12 inches | 12 inches |
| Tank capacity | 1 gallon each | 1.25 gallons each |
| Cleaning technology | FlexForce PowerBrushes, Automatic Cleaning Technology, Auto Clean Motion Sensing design | 360° SpinScrub brushes, Quick Clean/Deep Clean, Wash/Rinse modes |
| Heating technology | No | No |
| Drying technology | HeatForce technology | HeatForce technology |
| Tools | 2-in-1 antimicrobial pet tool | 2-in-1 antimicrobial pet tool |
| Surface type | Carpet, upholstery & fabric, auto, stairs, rugs, pet beds | Carpet, upholstery & fabric, auto, stairs, rugs, pet beds |
| Stains type | All fresh and set-in stains like pet messes, wine, cola, mud, coffee, juices, ketchup, grease, makeup, etc | All fresh and set-in stains like pet messes, wine, cola, mud, coffee, juices, ketchup, grease, makeup, etc |
| Cleaning formula | A sample bottle of cleaning solution | A sample bottle of cleaning solution |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Detailed Comparison: Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic vs. Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet
Pros & Cons
| Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic | Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet | |
| Pros | – Effective cleaning in automated mode – Impressive design – Easy to clean afterward – 5-year warranty | – Powerful performance – Large-capacity tanks – Thorough cleaning – Reasonably priced |
| Cons | – Lacks manual control | – Only a 2-year warranty |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Performance
Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic is a full-sized carpet shampooer that functions like a vacuum cleaner; you just need to push and pull to clean the surface. The Automatic Cleaning technology activates the Wash mode when you push the machine forward and the Dry mode when you pull it back. There’s also a Dry Only mode with only suction and no washing.
A 10 amps (~1200 Watts) motor drives the appliance, delivering powerful suction. The dual FlexForce PowerBrushes agitate stains mercilessly. There’s a HeatForce mechanism for faster drying. It’s useful but not much significant. For spot cleaning purposes, you can use the 2-in-1 antimicrobial pet tool that comes with an interchangeable bristle brush and rubber nub.
Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet, on the other hand,is a full-sized carpet shampooer that functions just like another upright carpet cleaner, because there’s no automation here. However, it’s driven by the same 10 amps (~1200 Watts) motor, HeatForce mechanism, and 2-in-1 antimicrobial pet tool. Even the 12-inch cleaning path is common between both the carpet cleaners.
The difference, in terms of performance, lies in the cleaning mechanism. Elite Pet features two cleaning modes – Deep Clean for deep cleaning and Quick Clean for surface cleaning. Further, there’re two cleaning cycles – the Wash that dispenses pre-mixed detergent solution and the Rinse that dispenses only clean water. Lastly, Elite Pet deploys 360° SpinScrub brushes that rotate horizontally, unlike FlexForce that rotates vertically.
My Verdict: Almost a tie. But Power Scrub Elite Pet gains a slight edge because you have complete control over the cleaning process.
Ease of Use
Nothing can beat Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic when it comes to ease. You literally have to do nothing. Simply fill in the 20-oz solution flask and the 1-gallon water tank (auto-mixing and dispensing), plug in the cable (22-feet long), and drive the machine front and back to clean your carpets and rugs. No triggers, no knobs, no complications.
The low-profile foot is a big plus as you can clean under furniture. For spot cleaning, the 8-feet hose extends your reach to corners, edges, and heights.
Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet asks you to put in the effort. But that doesn’t mean it’s hard to operate. Automation is only confined to detergent mixing. To dispense the solution – or water – you need to press the trigger. A large capacity tank (1.25 gallons) is a positive aspect, but the short cord (20-feet) is a negative one.
One more thing, Elite Pet lacks a low-profile foot. You get a removable nozzle and brushes in both machines. The spot cleaning mechanism is also the same.
My Verdict: SmartWash+ Automatic, without a second thought.
Ease of Maintenance
Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet comes with removable components, such as removable nozzle, brushes, and tanks. Therefore, cleaning the machine after a thorough carpet cleaning session is not a problem. For assembly, you just need a screwdriver to affix the handle to the main unit. The only drawback is the 2-year warranty, much lesser than what you get with most upright carpet cleaning machines.
With Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic, for example, you get a 5-year warranty. This is where it overtakes the Elite Pet in this section. Rest everything is almost the same – 1-click removable nozzle, brushes, and tanks. To attach the handle, just insert it in the stem until you hear the click sound. That’s all!
My Verdict: Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic wins, again.
Portability
Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic weighs around 18.90 lbs, which is the average weight in the segment. It’s slightly bulky as well. But when it comes to portability and storage, you won’t face any issues. Ergonomically-placed handles ensure proper grip.
Power Scrub Elite Pet is a little lighter than the SmartWash, weighing around 18.50 lbs. In terms of size, it’s more compact. Evidently, you can carry and store it conveniently. Again, firm and well-placed handles ensure proper handling of the machine and its components (like tanks).
My Verdict: Power Scrub Elite Pet wins by a slight margin.
Versatility
SmartWash+ Automatic and Power Scrub Elite Pet are designed to tackle old and new pet stains and odors of all types, whether it’s poop, urine, drool, vomit, blood, hair, or anything else.
Besides pet stains, you can use these to clean other stains caused by substances like wine, cola, ketchup, juices, makeup, grease, food, etc. Just remember to use a suitable cleaning formula.
Since there’s a provision to use hand tools (2-in-1 antimicrobial pet tool) by connecting a hose, these carpet cleaners are versatile in the true sense. You can clean surfaces like carpets, rugs, upholstery & fabric, pet beds, auto interiors, and so on.
My Verdict: It’s a tie.
Customer Reviews
Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic hypnotizes everyone with its superb cleaning abilities, super easy functionality, and stunning design. The majority of the customers are truly satisfied with their purchases. There’s only one complaint, though – no provision to manually dispense the solution. Rest everything is more-than-fine.
Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet is a favorite of those who seek powerful deep cleaning performance at an affordable price. It’s also versatile and features a robust build. However, a 2-year warranty is a limiting factor. Also, it’s easy to use but the whole cleaning process takes a lot of time.
My Verdict: SmartWash+ Automatic wins by a slight margin.
Final Overview: Which one is the Best?
| Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic | Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet | |
| Performance | Almost tie | Almost tie |
| Ease of Use | Wins | |
| Ease of Maintenance | Wins | |
| Portability | Wins | |
| Versatility | Tie | Tie |
| Customer Reviews | Wins | |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Also Consider: Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic vs. Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Last update: November 21, 2024
You can also consider purchasing Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe, an older version of the Elite Pet and Hoover’s best-selling full-sized carpet shampooer.
In the Deluxe, you get three tools for stairs, upholstery, and crevices. Further, there are no Deep and Express Clean settings. Tank capacity is also limited to 1 gallon.
The comparison between SmartWash+ Automatic and Power Scrub Deluxe is almost similar to the comparison between SmartWash+ Automatic and Power Scrub Elite Pet.
Therefore, you should go ahead with Power Scrub Elite Pet because it’s the upgraded version of the Deluxe.
Also Consider: Hoover SmartWash PET Complete vs. Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Last update: November 20, 2024
Hoover SmartWash PET Complete is the advanced version of the SmartWash+ Automatic. There’s only one major difference – Spot Chaser Pretreat Wand.
The handle in the SmartWash PET Complete transforms into a spraying gun (called Spot Chaser Pretreat Wand) that dispenses pretreatment solution on the spots.
So if your budget allows, we’d recommend you to go for SmartWash PET Complete instead of the SmartWash+ Automatic.
When comparing PET Complete against the Elite Pet, we find that the former renders greater convenience and ability to pretreat stains on-the-go. This is the only factor that may affect your decision, whether you buy SmartWash PET Complete or Power Scrub Elite Pet.
Which one will you buy: Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic or Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet?
That’s all from our side – a thorough comparison between Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic and Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet.
Go ahead with Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic if performance and convenience are your top priorities.
Consider Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet if you cannot compromise with the performance and need complete control over the process.
Must Read
- Hoover vs. BISSELL Carpet Cleaning Machine
- Best Carpet Cleaner for Pet Stains in 2021
- BISSELL Big Green vs. Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 vs. Pro Deep
- Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet vs. BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro
- BISSELL Big Green vs. BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro
- BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro vs. Pet vs. Lift-Off Pet
- Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic (FH52000) vs. SmartWash PET Complete (FH53000)
- Hoover Power Scrub Elite (FH50251) vs. Power Scrub Deluxe (FH50150)
- Hoover Power Scrub Elite Pet vs. BISSELL Big Green
- Hoover SmartWash+ Automatic vs. BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro
- Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Review FH50150
- Hoover SmartWash PET Complete Automatic Review
- Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner Review
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The Editorial Team
After countless hours of research and scribbles, Clean Homez’ content creators bring to you the original, finest, detailed, and well-formatted content. The creators are experts in their domains and have profound knowledge of house cleaning & related chores.