Best Steam Cleaners in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update April 4, 2024
If you want to make use of your time judiciously and not dedicating it on cleaning your apartment or car, we advise you to consider a steam cleaner and its benefits. After we’ve evaluated all pros and cons, we kindly offer you to choose the best model appropriate for you! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Warranty
Type
Power
HEAT UP TIME
WATER TANK VOLUME
MAX STEAM TIME
PRESSURE
ACCESSORIES
POWER CORD AND STEAM HOSE LENGTH
CONVENIENCE
 
PROS

The capacity of the water container makes incredible 1600 ml, which is enough for up to 50 minutes of cleaning time.

CONS

The cord storage is situated a bit inconveniently.

OUR VERDICT

The Dupray multipurpose steamer is one of those rare products that are worth more than their retail price. It’s very compact yet powerful with plenty of steam and pressure. Plus, it comes with all the right attachments for all-around cleaning. 

detailed parameters
Warranty

2 years, Lifetime on boiler

Type

Floor

Power

1500 W

HEAT UP TIME

7 minuntes

WATER TANK VOLUME

1.6 l

MAX STEAM TIME

Up to 50 minutes

PRESSURE

3.5 bar 

ACCESSORIES

1 x Rectangular floor tool
3 x Microfiber pads
1 x Window tool
2 x Extension tubes
1 x Lance
1 x Microfiber cloth
1 x Triangular tool
1 x Triangular tool microfiber bonnet
5 x Nylon brushes
1 x Brass brush
1 x Addfresh fragrance disc

POWER CORD AND STEAM HOSE LENGTH

5 m / 2 m

CONVENIENCE

Powerful superheated steam (up to 135°C), Steam lock for continuous steam cleaning action, Retractable handle, Smooth-rolling wheels

PROS

Owing to the Klik n' Flip technology and double-sided Dirt Grip cleaning pads, you'll be able to clean twice the floor area with the flick of a switch (no need to touch the dirty pad).    

CONS

The mop needs considerable time to cool down after cleaning.

OUR VERDICT

The Shark S6005UK is a sturdy cleaning tool that will surely last you for a good while. It comes partially pre-assembled to let you get to the fun part of sanitising as soon as possible. Owing to the rich set of attachments, it's great for multisurface cleaning.

detailed parameters
Warranty

1 year (+1 year after registration)

Type

Floor

Power

1050 W

HEAT UP TIME

~ 1 minute

WATER TANK VOLUME

0.5 l

MAX STEAM TIME

~ 15 minutes

PRESSURE

n / a

ACCESSORIES

1 x Dirt grip pad
1 x Filling flask
1 x Extension hose
1 x Precision clean head
1 x Precision clean pocket pad
1 x Concentrator nozzle
1 x Crevice brush
1 x Steam blast wire brush
1 x Scraper
1 x Crevice tool

POWER CORD AND STEAM HOSE LENGTH

6 m cord

CONVENIENCE

2 steam settings + Steam Blaster mode, Lift-Away technology, Klik n' Flip technology

PROS

It comes with two EasyFix floor cloths, one large and one small. They are easily interchangeable thanks to the Velcro. You won't even need to bend down. 

CONS

You can't refill the tank during use.

OUR VERDICT

The Kärcher SC2 is a budget-friendly option for removing everyday messes. It's very portable and can clean over 74 sq m on a single tank (up to 25 min of use). Though it's not the longest operation time, it is more than enough for most light-duty cleaning tasks. 

detailed parameters
Warranty

2 years

Type

Floor

Power

1500 W

HEAT UP TIME

6.5 minutes

WATER TANK VOLUME

1 l

MAX STEAM TIME

20 minutes

PRESSURE

3.2 bar 

ACCESSORIES

1 x Hand nozzle
1 x Microfiber cloth
1 x Detail nozzle
1 x Round brush
2 x Extension tubes
1 x Floor nozzle EasyFix
1 x Microfiber floor cloth

POWER CORD AND STEAM HOSE LENGTH

4 m / 2 m

CONVENIENCE

Steam control, Integral funnel, Accessory storage and parking position

PROS

The Russell Hobbs mop boasts ultra-fast heating of water to high temperatures. Also included is an automatic steam cut-off function that switches off the steamer when it's in an upright position for safety reasons. 

CONS

A limited number of attachments in the set. 

OUR VERDICT

Those who don't want to overpay for extra frills and lots of unnecessary attachments should definitely take a closer look at this steam mop by Russell Hobbs. For less than £35, it shows perfect results on sealed hard floors, laminate, carpets, and rugs.

detailed parameters
Warranty

1 year (+1 year after registration)

Type

Floor

Power

1400 W

HEAT UP TIME

20 seconds

WATER TANK VOLUME

0.38 l

MAX STEAM TIME

15 minutes

PRESSURE

n / a

ACCESSORIES

2 x Microfiber pads
1 x Carpet glider

POWER CORD AND STEAM HOSE LENGTH

5 m cord

CONVENIENCE

Swivel head, Smooth Steam control, Handle top release button, Quick cord release and hook, Automatic steam cut off in the upright position, Cooling tray, Filling cup

PROS

The built-in On-demand spray allows you to dispense the desired amount of cleaning solution for effective removal of stubborn spills and dirt.

CONS

The instructions could be clearer.

OUR VERDICT

The BISSELL SpinWave Mop 2052E will quickly clean and polish linoleum, floor tile, vinyl and other hard surfaces in your house. This device has an ergonomic design and is very energy-efficient. 

detailed parameters
Warranty

2 years

Type

Floor

Power

105 W

HEAT UP TIME

~ 7 min

WATER TANK VOLUME

1 l

MAX STEAM TIME

~ 20 minutes

PRESSURE

n / a

ACCESSORIES

2 x Sets of washable soft touch pads
2 x Scrubby pads

POWER CORD AND STEAM HOSE LENGTH

6.7 m cord

CONVENIENCE

On-demand spray, Sample bottle for formula, Ergonomic handle, Cord storage is directly on the handle

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Dupray Neat

Super Versatile

Dupray is famous for durable steam cleaners it produces. The company offers both premium, heavy-duty cleaners and more affordable yet sturdy steamers. The model under review falls into the latter category with a price tag of less than £150. That said, it is a real performer and can give even some commercial steamers a run for the money. On top of that, it has a very elegant design. With its neat white casing and no gaudy details, it looks like something that only Apple could design.

But it's not only the beautiful design that makes this steamer so special. Beyond it, there are quite a lot of features that bring it to the top. It heats to 135°C in only 7 minutes and can clean just anything with its super heated jet of steam. With its help, you can get rid of dirt, grime, grease, and stubborn stains as well as remove 99.9% of bacteria, pathogens, mould, microbes, bedbugs, and other nasties that usually settle on furniture, kitchen appliances, car interiors, toys, tiles, and bathrooms. Moreover, it can also be used to freshen up clothes and remove creases from curtains.

Such versatility is achieved not only due to the powerful steam but owing to a rich bundle of accessories as well. With the purchase, you get a rectangular floor tool with three microfiber pads, window tool, two extension tubes, lance, microfiber cloth, triangular tool for corners, triangular tool microfiber bonnet, five nylon brushes, brass brush, and even a fresh fragrance disc. What is notable, all these accessories are just as durable as those that come with professional Dupray steamers.

Review of Dupray Neat Multipurpose Steam Cleaner

Easy Maintenance

The steamer is made of plastic with a steel boiler inside. The capacity of the tank makes 1600 ml, which is enough for up to 50 minutes of cleaning time. And while generally many manufacturers strongly advise using distilled water with steamers, Dupray sets no limits, meaning you can use ordinary tap water as well. Filling up the device is simple, just unscrew the cap and fill it until water pools around the top. For your convenience, the steamer has a built-in funnel.

What also contributes to the ease of use is a lightweight and portable design. Weighing only 4 kg, it is very convenient to carry it and move when you need to use it on clothes, for example. Furthermore, it has a retractable handle and handy wheels for better mobility, and the cord can be wrapped around the bottom of the steamer for neat storage when not in use.

To sum it all up, the Dupray multipurpose steamer is one of those rare products that are worth more than their retail price. It’s very compact yet powerful with plenty of steam and pressure. Plus, it comes with all the right attachments for all-around cleaning.

Dupray Neat Multipurpose Steam Cleaner in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £159.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07DJNGYSV

 

Shark S6005UK

Durable and Functional Cleaner

For those who have large houses with different types of floors, we recommend turning towards the Shark S6005UK. This steam mop, including all of its joints and moving parts, is made of a combo of strong aluminium and high-quality plastics and can stand up to the heavy, daily use and hard conditions. Let's take a closer look at the unit.

First things first, the mop is very easy to set up. You will just need to attach the handle to the body using a flat-headed screwdriver. The floor tool comes pre-assembled and easily clicks into place, so you can start cleaning the floors as soon as you add some water into the steamer.

When it comes to the water tank, the S6005UK is supplied with a generous-sized 500 ml reservoir that provides up to 10 minutes of continuous operation depending on the setting you choose. At the same time, it heats up pretty quickly needing 30 seconds tops, which is surprising given the tank size. Speaking of the functionality, the mop features two automatic steam modes and the Steam Boost feature that will allow you to break down even the most stubborn dirt patches without a hassle.

Review of Shark S6005UK Cleaner Steam Mop

Extended Package

Next, it's worth noting that the cleaner comes with two Dirt Grip cleaning pads. This is convenient since you will have an option to use the spare one every now and then, instead of spending time waiting until the original one dries after you wash it. When it comes to cleaning abilities, the Dirt Grip floor pads truly shine in this aspect. Because they can be flipped over, you can double the cleaning efficiency of the unit and sanitise larger areas per one go.

Besides the floor clothes, the package includes a small floor pocket tool that will let you reach tight areas, an accessory hose and a concentrator, a steam blast scrubber, a copper brush, and a steam crevice tool. Also, the handheld unit can be separated from the main body for a convenient multi-surface cleaning. All of this makes the Shark S6005UK a very respectable choice for large houses with different surfaces that need some serious sanitising.

Shark S6005UK Cleaner Steam Mop in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £179.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B08567PTGP

 

Kärcher SC2

Light Cleaner for Light Jobs

If you need a compact and easily portable steamer for a variety of small tasks around the house, you've just found it. For less than £130 you can get the SC2 EasyFix, an extremely lightweight steam cleaner from Kärcher, one of the leading brands in cleaning technology.

The secret to such portability and lightweight is a small water tank. However, the size of the tank in no way affects the performance and efficiency of the vac. When in use, the SC2 EasyFix's steam pressure reaches 3.2 bars that is enough for removing even stubborn grease, limescale and grout with little to no effort on your part. Meanwhile, a 1-l water tank gives you around 20-25 minutes of continuous steam power, which will be enough to cover 74 sq m of living space without refills. What is handy is that you can use it with tap water.

Compared to many steam cleaners, the SC2 EasyFix heats up very fast. It takes no more than 6 minutes for it to start after refilling. The LED light on the housing will indicate the appliance's status. Not only does the SC2 heat up water fairly quickly but also it produces pure steam, meaning in addition to cleaning it can also effectively sanitise your home by killing 99.99% of airborne bacteria. All this makes the SC2 a solid fit for anyone looking for a quick, portable and effective cleaner.
Review of Kärcher SC2 EasyFix Steam Cleaner

Good Set of Accessories

Although the SC 2 EasyFix is the cheapest in the range of Kärcher cylinder models, it can boast a good set of accessories. Along with a standard large nozzle, the SC2 EasyFix comes with a hand nozzle, two floor microfiber cloths, detail nozzle, hand nozzle, round brush, floor nozzle, and two extension tubes. These extension tubes along with a 4-meter power cord give you plenty of reach without a need to plug the device into different power sockets when cleaning large areas. All these nozzles can be quickly replaced depending on the surface you need to clean and make it easier to disinfect all those nooks and crannies reaching which was tricky. As a nice touch, the unit is featured with onboard storage for included accessories. What's more, Kärcher also offers a long list of optional extra attachments so that you can expand your kit at any stage.

Kärcher SC2 EasyFix Steam Cleaner in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £109.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B077CCPR7C

 

Russell Hobbs RHSM1001

Simplicity is the Key

If you're one of those who believe that the less is more, this Russell Hobbs steam mop may catch your fancy. Made with simplicity and practicality in mind, it comes with a limited range of accessories but does its job as expected. It's ideal for sanitising hard floors, laminate floors, vinyl floors, as well as refreshing carpets and rugs. And the fact that it's racked up over 6,500 ratings on Amazon with customers describing it as 'brilliant for sparklingly clean floors' is great proof.

Right off the bat, we'd like to note that dissimilar to many other steam cleaners that come with dozens of attachments, this model is supplied with two microfiber pads and a carpet glider, meaning it's targeted towards floor surfaces only. However, it works effectively for trapping all the dirt, grease, and grime lurking on your floors.

This is largely achieved owing to the high-temperature steam flow that can kill up to 99.9% of household germs and bacteria, leaving your floors shining and perfectly sanitised. With that, it takes only 25 seconds for this cleaner to produce steam. Yet, do note that the unit has no indicator to show you how much water is left in the tank.

Review of Russell Hobbs RHSM1001 Steam and Clean Steam Mop

Convenience of Use

Fitted with a generous 5-metre cord and being pretty lightweight, the Russell Hobbs mop is very convenient to carry around without the need to change power sockets that often. By the way, the cord can also be stored on-board once you’ve finished cleaning, which makes it compact enough for stowing away.

It's also quite easy to change from floors to carpets as you only need to put a small plastic rim on the carpet and sit the mop pad in it. Removing the pad is simple as well since it's just attached by velcro.

To proceed with the comfort of use, due to the swivel ergonomically shaped head that has a low profile, you'll be able to easily remove dirt from hard-to-reach corners, under the furniture, or around it. With that, you won't need to press the trigger all the time since the cleaner boasts the automatic steam function.

For enhanced safety, it also has an automatic steam cut-off feature. When standing vertically, the steamer simply switches off on its own. All of this makes the Russell Hobbs RHSM1001-G a very safe, reliable, and simple steam mop. It'll definitely take the stress out of cleaning your floors and carpets.

Russell Hobbs RHSM1001 Steam and Clean Steam Mop in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £44.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00VBE0OT6

 

Bissell 2052E

Removes All the Mess

Tired of spending hours on your knees scrubbing your floors? If so, take a closer look at the Bissel SpinWave Mop. It is a fully-featured polisher that will make your floors clean and shiny. It can manage such surfaces as linoleum, floor tile and vinyl easily.

The mop comes with 2 sets of microfiber pads. The Soft Touch pads will provide a safe and gentle cleaning of more delicate surfaces like laminate and hardwood. And if you need to deal with sticky messes, use the Scrubby pads. They are a little rougher in their design and can remove dirt without leaving any traces. And you won’t have to put too much effort into scrubbing! After use, the pads are very easy to maintain: all you need to do is wash them under the tap or throw them into your washing machine.

Additionally, this electric mop is fitted with a Multi-Surface Cleaning Formula. This kind of solution helps cleaning all types of hard floors thoroughly and carefully.

Another highlight of this device is its cost-effectiveness. The built-in On-demand spray will allow you to dispense the desired amount of cleaning solution without wasting the detergent. Also, the working power is relatively low (only 105 watts), therefore, you can save a bit on electricity bills as well. Needless to say, with such modest power, the unit's operation is very quiet.

Review of Bissell 2052E SpinWave Mop

Well-Thought-Out Design

As we've already covered the performance, let’s move to the design peculiarities. For starters, this floor polisher is very ergonomic. It is fairly lightweight (only 4 kg) with a cleaning path of 28 cm. The mop is easy to manoeuvre and get the dirt from all the corners of your house. Secondly, the power cord is rather long (6.7 metres) and has neat storage on the handle. Last but not the least, the water tank is easy to fill and maintain. Simply add the water and the cleaning solution to start gliding the mop on the floor. A full tank will be enough for cleaning several rooms at a time.

The only minor drawback of this model is that the instructions are not really clear. Yet, we believe that even novice users will be able to figure out how this tool works, even with a bit tricky manual.

All in all, if you need an effective cleaner for hard floors, we highly recommend buying the Bissel SpinWave Mop. It will make the cleaning process less time-consuming and way more effortless. The device will remove all the dirt and grime in hard-to-get places, making your floors shine like new.
Bissell 2052E SpinWave Mop in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £134.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B078N5XB6L

 

What Is a Steam Cleaner?

Initially, a steam cleaner was invented to be used in medical institutions. At the time, it was used not only to remove dust, dirt and grime from different surfaces but also to sanitise them, thus, preventing bacteria-build-up. A little later, a steam cleaner came into general use with many people actively using it for household purposes. Very soon, the tool was completed with additional attachments, enabling it to perform a greater variety of cleaning tasks.

The distinguishing feature of a steam cleaner is that it is an environmentally-friendly device as it doesn't use any harmful chemicals for cleaning, and it doesn't require any replaceable parts, so it can save you money in the long run. It is also a perfect solution for asthmatic or allergic people since not only does it not use any chemicals which may trigger allergies but also it is able to neutralise harmful pollutants lingering in the air, making the indoor environment healthy and bacteria-free. For this review, we've gathered five top-selling steam cleaners from a different price range, so everyone can find something suitable for their needs.

Steam cleaners are good for wet cleaning, disinfection and killing harmful bacteria. They also effectively remove stains and scale. However, if you’re looking for something more powerful to cope with coarse litter and dust, you may find canister cleaners more useful.

What Features to Compare

Type

You should decide for what purposes you are going to use a steam cleaner. There are two most popular types of steam cleaners: a floor steam cleaner and a handheld steam cleaner. Handheld steam cleaners are very compact and they look like garden watering. The only shortcoming of these devices is that you have to hold them in your hands and may get tired. You should also keep in mind that such devices are designed for a particular area which can be cleaned within 15-30 minutes. Floor steam cleaners look like vacuum cleaners, but they are far more multifunctional and powerful. You don't have to keep it in your hands while cleaning the territory because it is equipped with wheels, thus, it can be moved around without your assistance. Such devices help you do a spring clean of your whole apartment or just some rooms.

Performance

Heat up time, water tank capacity and pressure are very important technical characteristics that define the performance of the device. The handheld steam cleaner device power is about 700 - 1200 watts while this index is about 1300 - 1800 watts for floor devices. Heat up time of steam cleaner devices is about 2-12 minutes. However, if you want to make the process of water boiling faster, you can pour the warm water into the water tank. Water tank capacity defines the operation duration. For instance, an average water tank of floor steam cleaner is about 2 litres. It will be enough for a 2-hour cleaning session. Handheld steam cleaners are equipped with a 0.25-0.5 litres water tank. Such volume is enough for effective cleaning of small areas. Vapour pressure is also an important parameter that defines the kinds of contaminants the steam cleaner can cope with. On the contrary, devices of low pressure are best for window, door, floor disinfection, but they are not good enough to cope with the toughest grime and grease. Devices of 2.75 bar pressure will be optimal for cleaning of your apartment.

Convenience of Use

A variety of different accessories for steam cleaners and their various functions determine the device convenience. You can easily clean upholstered furniture or toys, carpets and even the interior of your automobile with the help of various nozzles. Brush accessories are good for ceramic and glazed tiles cleaning. Accessories with terry cloth are very good for window/mirror cleaning. Being fitted with a nozzle-iron accessory, such a device is good even for cleaning your clothes. It will also be very nice if your steam cleaner is equipped with a steam control system. For example, you can switch to the wet steam regime for removing dirt from the tiles or select a dry steam regime for tissue cleaning.

Sources:

1. Steam cleaners: a buying guide, The Guardian.

2. Mariette Mifflin Before You Steam Cleaner - What to Consider When Buying a Steamer, Housewares.

3. Lynn Wright How to choose the best steam cleaner, Saga. May 25, 2016.

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