Best Steam Cleaners 2024 Buyers Guide

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Best Steam Cleaner

If you are looking for a steam cleaner to get your hard floors perfectly clean, then you are come to the right place! A steam cleaner is the perfect solution for squeaky clean floors as it uses warm steam to remove all germs and bacteria from the surface! They are nice and easy to use, plus will greatly reduce the amount of time that it takes to get your floors clean!

So whether you are just hoping for your floors to look perfect, or you have a house full of children and pets and feel like you are constantly mopping – here are some of the best steam cleaners to choose from!

Best Pick – Dupray NEAT Steam Cleaner

Sale
Dupray NEAT Steam Cleaner Multipurpose Heavy Duty Steamer for Floors, Cars, Home and More
  • STEAM CLEAN. DEGREASE. DEODORIZE. ANY SURFACE. BETTER.
  • POWERFUL STEAM CLEANER: up to 275°F/135°C. Best multi purpose steamer for home, cars and more.
  • HEAVY-DUTY & LARGE CAPACITY: Up to 50 minutes of cleaning time per fill up.
  • PERFECT FOR FLOOR CLEANING: use any regular towel or cloth, no need for expensive special pads!
  • WARRANTY : 2-year limited warranty

Last update on 2024-12-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

In a Hurry? 

We understand if you are in a rush to purchase your steam cleaner….maybe you are sick of getting on your hands and knees to mop your floor, or maybe you have family/friends coming over at the weekend and are ashamed by the constant mess that just never quite gets clean enough! Whatever your reason – we have probably been there – and our problems have been saved by purchasing one of the best steam cleaners! So we want to be able to help you do the same! Here are some of the things you need to look out for…

Types of Steam Cleaner

There are various different types of steam cleaner depending on your budget and the type of product that you are looking for. There are the main types of steam cleaner that you can choose from. 

Handheld Steam Cleaner 

Handheld steam cleaners are smaller options that tend to be relatively reasonably priced. They are great for anyone that wants a lighter option too as they are easy to carry around when you are cleaning. This also makes them better for more compact or hard to reach areas because you are not having to try and squeeze a full mop into the space. However, due to their compact size, they aren’t always suitable for large jobs like whole kitchen floors etc. It IS possible to use them for this, and is definitely going to be cleaner than using a cloth, but you will find yourself crawling round the floor as much as you would with normal cleaning! 

TOP TIP: Look out for handheld steam cleaners with different nozzles and attachments to allow you to clean different places! 

Steam Mops

The main, or arguably only, use of steam mop is for cleaning floors. This does mean that you are rather limited in what you can do with your steam cleaner, but is the best option for if you know that you are mostly going to want to clean your floors. They are basically designed like a standard mop, with a water tank on a handle and a mop at the base. This can then be pushed around the room whilst you are in standing position, so is perfect for anyone with back problems (or that just wants an easy life!). 

There are many benefits to steam mops, such as the increased amount of dust and bacteria they can remove (aiding anyone with allergies) plus the fact that they use steam instead of chemicals to clean so the floors will be safe for pets and young children to move around on straight after you have cleaned! 

TOP TIP: Look out for models with a larger tank so that you don’t have to refill it as often when cleaning larger floor areas! 

Cylinder Steam Cleaners 

This type of steam cleaner is bulkier and more powerful, which does also mean they are going to be more expensive than the smaller models mentioned above. However, they have a wide range of uses which means that they can actually be better value for money. A cylinder steam cleaner will have a tank and motor that can be wheeled along the floor (so great for anyone that struggles with heavy lifting) and then a cylinder “tube” with a cord attached that you can move around to do the cleaning. Basically they are the vacuum version of the steam cleaner world! This means that they can be used for cleaning countertops, floors, windows – the list goes on! 

TOP TIP: If you think this is the steam cleaner for you then make sure to check out the different attachments that it comes with. This will determine the different surfaces that you can clean – some even have an attachment for clothes and curtains! 

Vapour Steam Cleaners

These are what to look for if you really mean business! They are the most expensive type that you will find but have many benefits if you are wanting your home to be sparkling clean! A vapour steam cleaner uses clever technology to heat the water so much that once the steam touches the surface it is dry again almost immediately after. This means that you do not have to worry about damp floors after cleaning and any accidents (or any damage from having continuous damp patches). You can rely on them to clean a wide variety of surfaces (providing you have the right attachments) and you have to put in very little effort towards the cleaning. 

TOP TIP: Some of these models can be heavier so make sure to check the weight if this is something that you are worried about! 

Steam Cleaner Features 

Now that you have decided on the type of steam cleaner you are looking for, here are some of the generic features that you need to consider. 

Weight and Size

The weight and size of your steam cleaner is largely going to depend on the style that you go for, but this is going to be really important to determine how easy it is for you to use your steam cleaner. Obviously if you have one that you are pushing or wheeling along the floor then the model can get away with being heavier, but even then you are probably going to have to lift it to fill the tank and to put it away when you are storing it. Models start relatively light at around 500g but go up to around 4kg depending on the type. 

If you are wanting a model that can be used to clean kitchen surfaces and even windows then make sure it is light enough to hold for extended periods of time. We would recommend around 500g-1kg. 

Tank Size

The water tank is vitally important as without this you are not going to be able to produce the steam to do the cleaning! A large water tank is going to be great for cleaning large surfaces such as floors, because you won’t find yourself having to refill it every few minutes. However, the larger the tank, the heavier your steam cleaner is going to be, which is going to make it more difficult to move around between rooms whilst you are cleaning! 

To help you gauge what size tank is going to be right for you…we found that a one litre tank will last for about 30 minutes (max) whereas a 2 litre tank will work for between 1 and 2 hours, obviously depending on the model. So consider where you need to clean and how long this would normally take! 

Attachments

Most steam cleaners (that aren’t the standard steam mop) are going to come with different attachments. The purpose of this is to allow you to clean different surfaces and access harder to reach places. If you know that you are going to want to use your cleaner for surfaces and curtains as well as just your floor then this is well worth checking for! 

Temperature and Power

The temperature and pressure that is created by your steam cleaner is essentially going to determine how easily it cleans the surfaces that you are working with and how deep of a clean it is able to provide. Higher temperatures are going to keep more germs and bacteria, leaving you with much more than just a surface clean – this is the same for higher pressure models. All models are going to go to at least 100℃ as this is necessary to produce steam, but some will go up to 200℃. 

The temperature and pressure of your steam cleaner is going to be determined by the power that it comes with. This is also going to impact the speed at which it can heat up, and how consistently it can work for. For smaller models you can probably get away with a wattage between around 400W and 1500W (although there are models with more and less than this). Whereas if you are wanting one of the larger cylinder “vacuum style” steam cleaners then you are going to need upwards of around 1200W. 

TOP TIP: The best steam cleaners that work at a higher pressure and temperature will be able to provide you with a dryer clean, saving you having damp furnishings or floors for ages after you have cleaned them! 

Best Budget – VleOak Handheld Pressurized

VleOak Handheld Pressurized, 1050W Household Cleaning 350ML with 9-Piece Accessories for Multi-Surface Stain Removal, Floor Steamer, Counters, Window, Curtains, Carpets, Car Seats, Blue
  • 10 in 1 Hot & Powerful Steaming Machine The 350 ml Pressurized Steamer Cleaner offers 900-1050W of power, which make it adjustable inside under power consumption to save money at the same time. Continuous High Power Consumption needs much more power all the time and will definitely reduce the service of the product. The Pressurized Steaming could reach 230℉, which is good enough for deep cleaning. Safety is fully considered to set the temperature. Fast Heating Time ranges 03 minutes.
  • Free 9 Accessory Sets This powerful handheld hot steam cleaner consists of 9 free accessory kits: Jet Nozzle Head, Angled Nozzle Head, Brush Head, Extension Hose, Cloth Cover, Window Wiper, Steaming Iron, Funnel, Measurement Cup, which making it alternative for Home cleaning, wiping and steaming.
  • Multiple Surface Purposes Using The Multi-Purpose Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner is designed for many sealed surfaces, including ceramic, vinyl, laminate, granite, marble, hard wood floors, especially sinks, stoves, counter tops, refrigerators, kitchen, floor, living room, windows, toilet, tiles, shower curtains, bathroom, pet toilet, cat litter boxes, car seats & rims, grill, BBQ, kids toy, mattresses, linen, duvet cover, fabric & Sofa Material, pants, suits, clothing fabrics.
  • Chemical Free and Safe Unique safety lock design and overheated protection for extra protection of your safety. Engage the safety lock button when the boiler is idle to avoid accidental harm to children or pets; automatic shut-off if there is no water in the tank or the temperature exceeds 230°F/110°C.
  • For you Handheld cleaner design makes it easy to carry from room to room. Lightweight and portable unit comes with a long 9 ft power cord for convenient indoor and outdoor use. If you have any question on the product itself and using, please feel free to reach out to us.

Last update on 2024-12-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

The Best Steam Cleaner Features

Now you know the main things to look out for, here are some of the features that we found on the best steam cleaners. If you are wanting to get the best for your money then this is where you need to look…

  • Noise reduction – If you don’t want your neighbours to fall out with you then look out for steam cleaners that are nice and quiet! Some of the top end models can be particularly loud due to the pressure they are creating so this is well worth checking for! 
  • Double tanks – Some models have two water tanks, so as soon as one is empty you can refill it whilst still cleaning. This will save you time and avoid unnecessary wear to your steam cleaner by accidentally running it on empty. 
  • Replaceable pads – If you opt for the steam mop (or cleaners with padded attachments) then you are going to want to be able to remove these easily to be able to clean them after use, but also to be able to replace them every so often when they become worn. Look out for models that already come with replacement pads, or that you know will fit “standard” pads instead of needing the manufacturers own. This will save you money in the long run. 
  • Ease of use – This sounds obvious but make sure to look out for models that are going to be user friendly. Make sure to look out for tanks that are easy to empty and refill, and functions that allow for fluid movement such as a ball base, or stable wheels.
  • Varied temperature/pressure – If you are wanting to clean a variety of different surfaces and areas with your steam cleaner then make sure that your cleaner can be adjusted to allow for different temperatures. This is important to ensure that you do not damage certain materials or soft furnishings whilst you are cleaning. 
  • Cord length – Most steam cleaners are going to need plugging into mains electricity so make sure to check the cord length is going to be long enough. 
  • Battery powered – for battery powered models make sure to check the battery length. We found they ranged from between half an hour up to around 2 hours. 

Best of the Rest

Morphy Richards 720512 12-in-1 Steam Cleaner, Kills 99.9 Percent of Bacteria Around the Home, White/Green, 380 ml
  • Keep surfaces clean, the 720512 kills 99.9% of bacteria around the home
  • 12 in 1 Functionality - 12 Uses Around the Home in One Appliance
  • 380ml Capacity - More Cleaning Between Refills
  • Dual Use - Use in Handheld or Upright Mode Depending on Your Needs
  • 5 Metre Power Cord - Allows You to Clean Further in One Go

Last update on 2024-12-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Comforday Multi-Purpose Handheld Steam Cleaner 9-Piece Accessories for Multi-Surface Stain Removal,Perfect for Stain Removal, Curtains, Car Seats, Floor, Bathroom(Blue)
  • ★Nine free accessories: Tools adapt cleaner to every situation, including stairs, carpet, clothing, car interior and rims, etc. Gets into hard to reach areas.
  • ★Multi-surface use: Works on every surface including laminate, hardwood, fabric, upholstery, wall paper, car, window, ceramic, linoleum, glass, marble and granite.
  • ★Chemical free and safe: The Comforday steamer is completely chemical free and secured with a safety lock and safety cap.
  • ★Powerful hot steam: Heat and pressure gets the job done faster. QUICKSTEAM technology offers 1050W of power; providing pressurized powerful hot steam (250-270F) for up to 15-20 minutes.
  • ★Cuts through dirt: Tackle the biggest messes such as grout, grease and stains easily and quickly.

Last update on 2024-12-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Sale
Polti Vaporetto Go Steam Cleaner, 3.5 Bar, 0.75 L Tank, 14 Accessories
  • Effective and powerful 3.5 bar steam removes stubborn grime with ease
  • Certified to be effective against dust mites with the British Allergy Foundation Seal of Approval
  • Lightweight and ideal for quick cleaning with comfortable carry strap
  • 14 accessories included in the box: floor brush, floor cloth, sockette, 2 x small brushes and 1 large brush with nylon bristles, accessories adapter, window cleaning attachment, steam concentrator, grouting brush, spatula, shoulder strap, funnel and a jug
  • The smaller accessories are stored in the base, In order to access them, press the lever and lift the upper part of the appliance

Last update on 2024-12-09 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

If you are wanting to consider some other options then why not check out our review of the Karcher FC5? It provides great detail on exactly what you will get with this product.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What warranty can I get with a steam cleaner?

Most good quality steam cleaners are going to come with around a year warranty, although we did find some models that went up to two years. Just remember to check exactly what is covered under the warranty as many have restrictions if the model appears to have been run without water and overheated. 

How long does it take a steam cleaner to kill bacteria?

Most bacteria will be killed instantly by a steam cleaner. Some tougher bacteria can take up to around 2 minutes. 

Are steam cleaners corded or cordless?

There are steam cleaners that are both corded and cordless. The cordless models are going to offer you much more flexibility when you are working, but they are also going to be more expensive and need charging regularly too!

Should I use chemicals with a steam cleaner?

No. The point of using a steam cleaner is that you don’t need to use chemicals. The temperature of the steam kills the bacteria it comes into contact with without the need for chemicals.

  • Performance
  • Features
  • Ergonomics
  • Value
About Thomas Paxton 368 Articles
Hey there, I'm Thomas Paxton, your Tool Guru with a Twist! I've been knee-deep in the world of tools since I was a little tinkerer in my dad's shed. Now, I'm running my own website where I share my passion for tools and gardening products through buyers guides and insightful tips. I've got the knowledge and experience to break down complex concepts into simple, easy-to-understand language. I purchased Tools Review from Mike Jones at the start of 2023, he has done a sterling job of building the site and I hope I can continue in his success! When I'm not writing guides, you'll find me in my garden or garage, putting my skills to work and pushing the boundaries of creativity. So, whether you're a pro or just starting out, join me on this adventure, and let's conquer DIY projects together!

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