T.F.
I have a Bissell Pro Heat. I LOVE it. It is the 2nd Bissell I have had. I had a Hoover before the Bissells. The reason I went with Bissell is that I like the hot water heater on it. I think we spent less than $300 and I use it alot with 3 dogs and a teen.
It is not fun using it but it is SO worth it. I would never rent a machine that had someone else's dirt in it. You cannot get that out. I have had many "pros" come in and I can still do a better job. I think that is because it is MY house, MY carpet and I care more about the quality of the job, not how many jobs I get that day.
We got ours at Home Depot.
Susan