The 8 Best Steam Cleaners, According to Our Tests
The rising interest in sustainable household cleaning products has made the mighty steam cleaner a home staple for many. In addition to cleaning, this machine can sanitize and disinfect various compatible surfaces, including carpets and some hardwood floors, without the use of harsh chemical detergents. This is particularly helpful for those with allergies or sensitivities, pets, or kids.
The steam cleaner uses just water, which it heats to a very high temperature in order to create steam that’s released through a nozzle at whatever surface you direct it. The steam’s heat and pressure are great at loosening dirt, grime, stains, and even tougher stuck-on muck, and the moisture helps to dissolve and lift them away. The heat can also help kill bacteria and pests.
We tested 19 popular steam cleaners in our Des Moines lab, thoroughly vetting all available settings and providing attachments to narrow it down to the top nine. Each steam cleaner’s efficiency, ease of use, weight, portability, water tank capacity, safety, and overall value for money were considered. We also spoke to Will Cotter, COO and co-founder of cleaning companies DeluxeMaid and HappyCleans, for advice on what to look for when shopping for a steam cleaner.
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The lightweight, easy-to-maneuver device is effective on various surfaces and has a simple attachment changing process.
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There’s no external water level indicator, and the locking button for continuous steam was a bit challenging to use, potentially affecting longer cleaning sessions.
The McCulloch Steam Cleaner is a lightweight yet heavy-duty machine that comes equipped with several attachments, including extension wands, a mop head, and several different brushes. There’s also a steam jet nozzle and a measuring cup and funnel that makes it easy to fill. Its water capacity of 48 ounces provides enough steam for extended cleaning sessions. Despite its large capacity, we still found the cleaner to be portable, even when filled with water.
During testing, this unit effectively cleaned various messes with ease. Changing attachments was a breeze due to its user-friendly push-down button mechanism—all attachments slid on and off effortlessly. Its plastic components stayed comfortably cool during operation, but wearing gloves is advised. The noise is minimal, and there’s a convenient warming indicator light that turns off when the cleaner is ready to use. It's worth noting that the unit does take longer to heat up than the manual claims—while the manufacturer says it takes two to eight minutes, it took 12 to 15 minutes in our testing.
There’s no external water level indicator on this model, so you need to carefully measure the water before adding it so as not to inadvertently overfill the tank. While useful, the locking button for continuous steam proved somewhat challenging to use, but this did not significantly detract from the overall cleaning experience. At around $150, this model is simple to use and an excellent value for money. Its comfortable handle also serves as storage for all the attachments.
Weight: 12 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 48 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Ceramic tile, grout, granite, sealed wood flooring, laminate, countertops, appliances, grills, vehicles | Attachments: 19-inch extension wand (x2), mop head, triangle brush, brass utility brush, nylon utility brush (x5), steam jet nozzle, 8.5-inch squeegee, scrub pad, microfiber pad (x2)
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![A person fills the top of the McCulloch MC1275 Heavy Duty Steam Cleaner canister with water]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Dera Burreson
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![A person uses the McCulloch MC1275 Heavy Duty Steam Cleaner to clean a piece of glass]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Dera Burreson
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![A person uses a scrub brush from the McCulloch MC1275 Heavy Duty Steam Cleaner on a tile floor]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Dera Burreson
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![A person uses steam to clean a piece of a window]()
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