Best Steam Cleaners

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.

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Steam cleaners are effective appliances that sanitise your home simply by utilising heated water. As they do not require harsh chemicals, they are an excellent, non-toxic choice for households with children or pets. They can also often be used on various surfaces, making them great for multi-purpose cleaning.

How We Compared Steam Cleaners

To find the right steam cleaners, we considered multiple features, including:

• Size
• Weight
• Capacity
• Heat-Up Time
• Ease of Use

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

Steam Cleaner Reviews

Polti PTGB0049 Vaporetto (Editor’s Choice)

Compact and simple to use, this steam cleaner obliterates dirt and kills up to 99.99% of germs, bacteria and viruses to keep you and your family safe. It can even eliminate dust mites, making it perfect if you suffer from allergies. 

It blasts out steam at an impressive pressure of 3.5 bar, removing tough muck and stains with little fuss. The Polti Vaporetto Go steam cleaner requires no additional chemicals or cleaning products to get the job done. It can also be used to clean hobs, furnishings, upholstery and bathrooms. The 0.75L water tank gives a good runtime, while the variable steam control means you can tailor the output to meet your needs.  

The Polti Vaporetto is lightweight at just 3.2 kilograms, so it’s easy to carry and use without fatigue. The strap sits comfortably over your shoulder, leaving your hands free to carry other cleaning essentials. It also comes with ten handy attachments for reaching tight spaces. These are all conveniently housed in the integrated storage compartment for simple access. 

Kärcher SC3 (Luxury Choice)

If you’re looking for a speedy and powerful option, check out our luxury pick. It rapidly heats up while still providing fantastic cleaning results on a range of household surfaces. 

The Karcher SC3 is a compact model that is ready to use in just 30 seconds. So if a sudden spill occurs, you can deal with it immediately before it can cause a stain. Without the use of any chemicals, the powerful steam output cleaner can remove stubborn grease, dirt and spills, all while destroying 99.99% of bacteria. 

It is suitable for all types of flooring, including laminate, stone, tile and vinyl, without the risk of damage. It comes with a variety of attachment heads and easy-fix cloths so you can change them over without getting your hands dirty. An integrated descaling cartridge also ensures that no limescale builds up within the unit, thus extending the product’s lifespan.

Russell Hobbs Steam and Clean (Best Value)

Our next product is a great pick if you need a steam cleaner that’s quick and straightforward but doesn’t compromise on power. This upright model is lightweight and comfortable to manoeuvre for effortless household cleaning. 

The Russell Hobbs Steam and Clean heats up in 25 seconds and lasts 25 minutes, allowing you to get more chores done. The long handle is gently curved, so it fits nicely in your hand and is easy to grip. The 1400 watts of power blast away dirt while killing bacteria, germs and viruses for a safe and sanitary home. 

One of its great features is the tilt-axis head that allows you to get into all those hard-to-access areas where dirt can accumulate. The 5m cable provides flexibility, while the two included microfibre pads can be washed in your machine for reuse over and over again. 

Dupray Neat (Best Compact)

If you have limited storage space at home, why not take a look at our best compact pick? This powerful steamer is simple to operate and only measures 26.67 x 26.67 x 49.53 cm. 

Despite its size, the Dupray Neat steam cleaner is as effective as larger, professional options. It heats up to an impressive temperature of 135°C, ideal for intensive cleaning. The 1.6L water tank capacity gives a fantastic runtime of 50 minutes, excellent for use over bigger areas. It is suitable for all types of floors, hard surfaces, grout and soft furnishings. It also heats up in only seven minutes. 

At 1500 watts, the steam output makes short work of grease, stains and stubborn dirt. It can also destroy mould and bedbugs and kill up to 99.99% of bacteria. The kit comes with pads and a variety of attachments. It can also be used with any regular cloth or towel.

H2O HD (Best for Versatility)

If you need a steamer that can tackle your entire home, this fast-working device makes an excellent choice. It has a range of features and applicability, which makes it great for all-around cleaning. 

The H2O HD has been scientifically proven to destroy 99.9% of harmful bacteria and germs commonly present in households. This includes dangerous pathogens such as E.coli, Salmonella, Listeria and Influenza. The steam created by this product is enough to sanitise your surfaces without the need for additional harsh cleaning fluids. Hence, it’s perfect if you have young children or pets. 

It can heat up and be ready to use in only 15 seconds. Aside from killing bacteria and obliterating dirt, it also attacks odours, breaking them down for a fresh-smelling home. Moreover, this multi-functional cleaner converts to a handheld unit for convenience and is suitable for all hard-sealed floors, upholstery, glass, tile, carpets, laminate and more.

BISSELL Vac & Steam (Best Dual Purpose)

Ideal for large, busy households, our next pick combines both suction and steam to tackle dirt and stains easily. The strong cyclonic action vacuum cleaner works alongside a powerful steam output to remove dry debris and then sanitise floors in one simple step. 

The BISSELL Vac & Steam is easy to use, thanks to the simple operation and one-touch steam control button on the handle. You can choose to switch between modes in a moment, making it effortless to clean your home with one appliance. 

Once you have finished, the “drop-it” tank lets you dispose of the collected dirt straight into the bin while keeping your hands clean. It comes with two pads and washable vacuum filters for effortless maintenance. In addition, it is suitable for all sealed flooring and other hard surfaces around the home. 

VYTRONIX Portable Handheld (Best Lightweight)

If you hate carrying heavy appliances around your home, take a look at our best lightweight option. This compact steam cleaner weighs only 1.3 kg and is extremely user-friendly for hassle-free housework. 

The VYTRONIX Portable Handheld is multi-functional and capable of handling various cleaning tasks. It can tackle grime on windows, ovens, hobs, mirrors, garments and even bathroom surfaces. It can also be used on soft furnishings. As it is a handheld model, this makes it easy to reach awkward places without being anchored to the floor like heavier units. The 1000 watts of steam power is efficient at removing dirt, stains and tough grease. It has a simple fill 350ml tank and offers a runtime of around 8-10 minutes, which is plenty for most tasks. 

The set of nine attachments includes everything you need, such as an angled nozzle for precise cleaning, a garment cleaning head, a window attachment and a nylon scrubbing brush for the most stubborn stains. 

How to Choose a Steam Cleaner

Choosing the best steam cleaner can be a difficult choice. Read our below guide to discover which features you should consider before buying. 

Size

When choosing a steam cleaner, overall size is an important factor to keep in mind. Do you have a lot of floor space to cover in your home? Or are you planning to use it in just one room? Also, consider your available storage. If you have limited space, a large, bulky steam cleaner with a long runtime may not be your best option. In this case, a smaller, more compact model that is easier to pack away when not in use could be a smarter choice. 

Weight

Just as you don’t want to bring home an overly large steam cleaner, a device that is too heavy can present its own problems. Options with large water tanks and more powerful motors are often heavier than smaller ones. 

Hauling a steam cleaner around your home may not be too much of an issue if you’re fit and able-bodied. However, elderly users or those with less physical strength may find this process daunting. When choosing your product, check the specifications and consider whether you would be comfortable using it. 

Capacity

Water tank capacity is a crucial feature, as this correlates with the appliance’s runtime. Generally, the larger the water tank, the more use you can get from your steam cleaner on one fill. 

If you have a spacious home and wish to use it in several rooms or on various surfaces at once, take a look at the capacity before buying. A sizeable one is best for longer cleaning sessions, while smaller and lighter options are well-suited to shorter tasks. 

Heat-Up Time

The amount of time it takes a steam cleaner to heat up is well worth considering. After all, if you have an unexpected spill that could lead to a stain, the quicker you can attend to it, the better. 

Some steam cleaners can heat up impressively fast, in as little as seven seconds, while others can take 30 seconds or more. Remember that a rapid start-up time is also beneficial for models with smaller water tanks, as you are likely to need to refill these several times if you are cleaning a large area. 

Ease of Use

Before purchasing your new steam cleaner, take a moment to look at the included features and reviews. Ask yourself if this model best suits your needs and whether it will be most convenient for your circumstances. 

For example, some units have rather short power cords, which can be frustrating if you have a large area to clean. Others require you to hold down a button for the duration of use and may be uncomfortable for long periods. Keep all of these factors in mind when deciding to ensure you pick the right one. 

Summary

Our overall favourite steam cleaner and Editor’s Choice is the Polti PTGB0049 Vaporetto. It has a strong 3.5 bar steam output and variable controls, so you can tailor the power to your needs. The range of attachments allows you to easily clean various surfaces and textiles, while the lightweight design makes it comfortable to use. It is also proven to kill dust mites, which is great if you suffer from allergies.