Steam cleaners have firmly taken their place as one of the most popular household appliances. With this device you can make your life much easier, because it cleans almost everything. The unit is especially useful if the house has upholstered furniture. It is difficult to clean woven upholstery using traditional methods, especially if there are small children and upholstered furniture made of white leather. In this case, a steam cleaner is the ideal tool to get rid of any dirt.
When cleaning furniture, hot steam supplied under pressure from a steam boiler (or tank) penetrates into the most inaccessible places, without the need to use chemicals.
Advantages and disadvantages of steam cleaners
If a person is unsure whether he needs a steam cleaner, it is highly recommended that he familiarize himself with the advantages and disadvantages of the household appliance.
Pros of steam cleaners:
- A large range of steam cleaners allows you to choose the most suitable model in each specific case.
- It is simple, easy to use and most importantly safe.
- A steam cleaner can effectively clean tile floors, shower stalls, toilets and sinks, range hoods and much more.
- Effectively and gently cleans suede shoes.
- Cope with fungi and their spores, mold, scale, hardened dirt and grease.
- Neutralizes odors in the room.
- Allows you to refuse to use household chemicals, which saves the family budget and eliminates the possibility of developing an allergic reaction.
- The duration of cleaning is reduced several times.
Cons of steam cleaners:
- It is not recommended to use a steam cleaner to clean laminate and parquet floors. It is also recommended to avoid silicone joints.
- The kit includes attachments with a short service life, so it is advisable to immediately purchase a whole set of additional attachments.
- Removing carbon deposits and scale will require a lot of effort.
- Does not remove debris from carpets, investigator, you will still have to additionally vacuum the surfaces.
Features of steam generators for apartment cleaning
The most complete are steam generators, which belong to the group of professional devices. The best home steam cleaners of this type include a special injector and pump in their design. The function of these elements is to supply detergent to the nozzle. This option greatly simplifies the cleaning of various surfaces in the house, but it does affect the price of the device. The equipment is a very important point, since the final cost of the steam generator depends on it.
What attachments can be found in the kit that comes with the steam cleaner? Many attachments have a specific purpose. For example, brushes are classified according to the material they are used to clean. Some of them are used for cleaning tiles, while others are used for cleaning stone. There are also special brushes for removing dirt from upholstered furniture, clothing and carpets.
The price of a steam cleaner equipped with a large set of attachments is significantly higher than the cost of a device with a standard set of brushes. These elements may have a narrowed nozzle shape (to remove contaminants in hard-to-reach places). Quite often there are other options for nozzles:
- napkins made from terry cloth;
- tips for removing dirt from window glass;
- point nozzles for parts with chrome plated;
- irons for steaming and ironing;
- tips for care of textile surfaces;
- sprayers;
- cone-shaped nozzles.
The price of steam cleaners can vary greatly depending on the number of attachments.
This list is not complete, since the variety of attachments found in sets with steam generators is incredibly wide. Thus, in order to choose a device, you must first decide what it will be used for. Once this issue has been resolved, you can begin to select the appropriate configuration.
How to choose a steam cleaner for your home?
The question of choosing a steam cleaner for the home is open to many. A large selection of household appliances with different configurations, functionality and prices causes some difficulties in choosing. Before purchasing a steam cleaner, you need to analyze what tasks it will face.
What criteria to pay attention to when choosing a steam cleaner:
- Power and performance . The power determines how quickly and efficiently the device will cope with the tasks assigned to it. For home use, steam cleaners with a power of 1,000 W or more are sufficient. If the power is lower, then the steam cleaner will not be able to remove all contaminants properly.
- Tank volume . This parameter determines how long the steam cleaner can be operated continuously. The small reservoir heats up on average in 20-25 seconds, but it needs to be refilled with water regularly.
- The volumetric container warms up for up to 20 minutes, but you can use the steam cleaner continuously for up to half an hour.
- Steam pressure . The quality of surface treatment depends on this criterion. The steam pressure of steam cleaners can vary from 1.5 to 4 bar. For high-quality cleaning of surfaces, the most suitable value is 3 bar.
- The length of the hose for different models varies from 1.5 to 3 meters . The ease of use of the device will depend on this parameter.
- Cord length and device weight . The first criterion determines the number of hard-to-reach places and the possibility of continuous cleaning. Weight matters for hand-held instruments. When choosing a suitable model, you need to pay attention to the weight + add the volume of water. Based on the obtained value, determine whether it will be convenient to use the device.
- Equipment . The steam cleaner comes with additional attachments for cleaning textiles, tiles, windows and other surfaces. The more expensive the steam cleaner, the more attachments it usually comes with.
- Heating type . There are several varieties depending on the method of heating water in the tank - direct-flow heating of water and the formation of steam in the boiler. The latter is more popular because such models are more powerful and efficient.
- Equipped with a safety valve . This small detail eliminates the possibility of opening the hot water container during use.
These are the main parameters that it is recommended to pay attention to when choosing a steam cleaner. To make your search easier, we have presented a ranking of the best steam cleaners in 2022.
Kitfort KT-903
Reliable German steam cleaner. Maximum pressure 4 bar, power 2000 W. The kit includes various accessories and attachments. The steamer will cope with any contaminants on the vast majority of surfaces: upholstered furniture (fabric/leather upholstery), carpeting, tiles, glass, clothing, etc. The device can operate autonomously (without interruption) for 1 hour.
- stylish design;
- a lot of attachments and other accessories;
- spacious tank;
- quick start.
- weight.
Kitfort KT-903
TOP 19: The best steam cleaners of 2022
The best inexpensive steam cleaners (up to 4,000 rubles)
| № | Name | Description | Price |
| 1. | Kitfort KT-918 | Best Budget Handheld Steam Cleaner | 40$ |
| 2. | Kitfort KT-1003 | The best floor-standing steam cleaner in the budget segment | 45$ |
| 3. | MARTA MT-1175 | The most budget steam cleaner of 2022 | 10$ |
| 4. | Ariete 4137 VaporiJet | Good inexpensive steam cleaner | 47$ |
| 5. | Bort BDR-2800-RR | Cheap handheld steam cleaner with good performance | 27$ |
Best Handheld Steam Cleaners of 2022
| № | Name | Description | Price |
| 1. | Karcher SC 1 EasyFix | The Best Handheld Steam Cleaner of 2022 | 109$ |
| 2. | Kitfort KT-930 | An excellent handheld steam cleaner with the best value for money | 53$ |
| 3. | Karcher SC 2 1.512-061.0 | Great handheld steam cleaner, new for 2022 | 129$ |
| 4. | MIE Forever Clean | Universal handheld steam cleaner | 60$ |
| 5. | Bissell 2635J | Good and reliable handheld steam cleaner | 73$ |
Best Floor Steam Cleaners of 2022
| № | Name | Description | Price |
| 1. | Kitfort KT-908 | The best floor steam cleaner | 116$ |
| 2. | Karcher KST 2 | Floor-standing steam cleaner with the best price-quality ratio | 90$ |
| 3. | Ariete 4146 | Stylish and compact floor-standing steam cleaner | 141$ |
| 4. | Karcher SC 5 EasyFix | High-quality premium floor-standing steam cleaner | 451$ |
| 5. | MIE Juno | Good and reliable floor steam cleaner | 162$ |
The best universal steam cleaners (2 in 1)
| № | Name | Description | Price |
| 1. | Morphy Richards Supersteam Pro 720512 | The best all-purpose steam cleaner with a wide range of attachments | 120$ |
| 2. | BLACK+DECKER FSMH13151SM | One of the best 2 in 1 multifunctional steam cleaners | 206$ |
| 3. | Xiaomi Deerma DEM-ZQ600/ZQ610 | High-tech budget steam cleaner from Xiaomi | 56$ |
| 4. | BLACK+DECKER FSMH1351SM-QS | High-quality and convenient 2 in 1 steam cleaner | 175$ |
Types of steam cleaners
There are three main types of steam cleaners with different ranges of capabilities.
Manual
Handheld cleaners are designed for cleaning small surfaces. As a rule, they look like an electric kettle with a plastic spout. Operating time without adding water is 15-30 minutes.
The manual model is designed for cleaning small surfaces
Advantages:
- Consumes little electricity from 600 to 1600 W;
- Affordable cost and small-sized design.
Flaws:
- Small tank capacity from 0.5 to 1 liter;
- The weight of the device puts significant stress on the owner’s hands.
Floor-standing
Floor-standing steam cleaners look like a household vacuum cleaner. Instead of a dust collection compartment, the device has a large-volume water tank built into it. The device body has wheels and a power cord. The steam flows through a long hose to the surface. The duration of one working cycle is 30-60 minutes.
The floor-mounted steam cleaner resembles a household vacuum cleaner
Advantages:
- Optimal power 1500-2500 W;
- A large number of additional attachments;
- Capacious tank, volume 2-3 liters.
Disadvantages: high cost.
Multifunctional
The most expensive model of modern steam cleaners with the function of ironing and cleaning clothes with steam. As a rule, they operate at high power and supply steam under very high pressure, which makes it possible to use many additional nozzles.
Multifunctional model with many attachments
Advantages:
- Multifunctionality;
- Caring for clothes and furniture.
Disadvantages: very high cost.
The best inexpensive steam cleaners (up to 4,000 rubles)
Steam cleaners are a very useful thing in everyday life, because with the help of such a device you can easily clean almost all accessible surfaces in the house, from bathroom tiles to sofas and windows. However, many people often doubt the need for such a purchase. You can understand whether your apartment really needs a steam cleaner if you purchase an inexpensive and small model that won’t put a big dent in your wallet and won’t take up too much space. We present to your attention the TOP 5 most budget-friendly steam cleaners.
Tips for choosing
Before purchasing a steam cleaner, you need to inspect all surfaces in the house and select the appropriate type of device:
- a manual unit is suitable for quick cleaning of small surfaces - washing windows, tiles, walls, plumbing fixtures, furniture, processing children's toys. The optimal indicator of the main parameters: power 700-900 W, tank volume 0.3-0.7 l, minimum 2-3 nozzles;
- Floor-standing and multifunctional devices are suitable for cleaning any type of surface. An acceptable option should operate at a power of 1500-2300 W, equipped with an aluminum tank of 1.5-2.5 liters, and a hose 1.0-1.5 meters long. The steam pressure at the outlet is at least 4-5 bar.
Watch a video on how to choose a steam cleaner
Best Handheld Steam Cleaners of 2022
Manual steam cleaners can rightfully be considered the best option for home use. As a rule, such devices are quite compact, so they are easy to locate even in the most cramped conditions. We invite you to take a look at the five best steam cleaners of this type.
Bissell 2635J
A good and reliable handheld steam cleaner.
Bissell 2635J
Let's start the rating of the best manual steam cleaners with a very good model from the private American company Bissell - 2635J (5,700 rubles). It is worth paying special attention to the high performance of this device - the power is 1100 watts, and the steam pressure reaches as much as 4.5 bar. At the same time, the steam cleaner heats up extremely quickly, in just a minute. As usual, the kit includes several attachments for various purposes. But what distinguishes this model from others is the different color codes of the nozzles - some of them are more suitable for the kitchen, and some for the bathroom. In addition, there is a special hose and nozzle for cleaning hard-to-reach places.
Main characteristics
- Water tank volume: 0.36 l
- Power: 1100 W
- Maximum steam pressure: 4.5 bar
- Water heating time: 60 s
- Weight: 2.3 kg
Video review
Advantages:
- High performance indicators, which ensures high-quality and effective cleaning of surfaces.
- Lots of replaceable attachments.
- Fast heating of water in the tank.
- Compact and lightweight.
- High-quality materials, reliable assembly.
Flaws:
- Small volume of water tank.
- Leaks periodically.
- Long waiting time until the next time the water tank is filled.
MIE Forever Clean
A modern and versatile handheld steam cleaner.
MIE Forever Clean
Next comes the most versatile device made by the Italian company Mie. In fact, this steam cleaner also stands out with its impressive power of 1200 watts and 4 bar. The technical characteristics and equipment of the model also impress. For example, it is possible to use detergent. In addition, there are two interesting indicators - one shows the readiness of steam, and the other signals the end of water in the tank. Otherwise, everything is quite familiar. The set includes three replaceable attachments for spot treatment of surfaces, a brush and a scraper.
Main characteristics
- Water tank volume: 0.48 l
- Power: 1200 W
- Maximum steam pressure: 4 bar
- Case material: plastic
- Using detergent
- Power cord winding: manual
- Maximum steam output: 50 g/min
Video review
Advantages:
- Steam power and pressure.
- There is a container for detergent.
- Various attachments.
- Indicators of the end of water and steam readiness.
- High quality materials and workmanship.
Flaws:
- Small volume of water tank.
- It is heavy and will be difficult to work for a long time.
- Short power cord.
Design and equipment of the device
Depending on the model and its technical characteristics, the device may have a different appearance, but the basic equipment of any steam cleaner is the same:
- Water container (boiler);
- Heating element (heating element);
- Steam release valve;
- Flexible hose with nozzles.
Steam cleaner device
A number of devices are equipped with a detergent pump or a function for suctioning waste water with dirt particles. Thanks to additional attachments, many useful operations become possible:
- Sprayer for spraying plants;
- Nozzles for washing windows, stone and tiles;
- Narrow tip for cleaning cracks, taps and drains;
- Microfiber cloths for cleaning chrome surfaces;
- Turbo brush attachment for cleaning carpets and upholstered furniture;
- Iron with a large amount of high pressure steam;
- Steamer attachment for clothing care.
Best Floor Steam Cleaners of 2022
Floor-standing steam cleaners are somewhat reminiscent of vacuum cleaners - the same elongated body shape and long hose. They are generally slightly more powerful than manual models and can also last longer due to their larger water reservoir. Below are the top five best floor standing units from the biggest home appliance brands.
MIE Juno
A good and reliable floor steam cleaner.
MIE Juno
First of all, you should consider a steam cleaner from the Italian manufacturer Mie. A good and reliable floor-standing steam cleaner MIE Juno (RUB 12,600) has power ratings that are fairly standard for floor-standing devices - 1500 watts. The volume of the tank is slightly larger than a liter - this means that the steam cleaner will take a long time to heat up, but nevertheless it will work for quite a long time, in this case - half an hour. In addition to a variety of attachments, there is also a long (1.5 m) steam hose that allows you to effectively clean the floor surface, steam curtains and much more. A significant drawback is that it can drip heavily at the beginning, as well as as work progresses.
Main characteristics
- Water tank volume: 1.1 l
- Power: 1500 W
- Maximum steam pressure: 5 bar
- Working time: 30 min
- Water heating time: 300 s
- Steam hose length: 1.5 m
- Power cord length: 2.8 m
Video review
Advantages:
- High efficiency - power of 1500 watts and steam pressure of 5 bar.
- There are many attachments included, suitable for almost any purpose, including steaming curtains.
- Continuous operation for 30 minutes.
- There is an extension tube.
- There is a shoulder strap.
Flaws:
- It leaks and drips.
- Low quality plastic.
- Short power cord.
Grand Master GM-Q7 Multi Elite
Multifunctional steam cleaner. Great power allows you to remove any even old dirt from upholstered furniture. Tank 230 ml, steam pressure 3.5 bar, power 1.95 kW. The device can also be used to clean limescale in the bathroom, greasy stains in the kitchen, windows, clothes, etc.
- quick start and heating of water;
- many attachments, including a special iron;
- horizontal steaming and leveling (smoothing) of fabric upholstery.
- high price;
- small container for water.
Grand Master GM-Q7 Multi Elite
The best universal steam cleaners (2in1)
Such steam cleaners are considered universal devices, as they are suitable for washing the floor and for cleaning various surfaces in the house. Especially for you, we reviewed many worthy devices and compiled the TOP 4 best models in this category.
BLACK+DECKER FSMH1351SM-QS
High-quality and convenient 2in1 steam cleaner.
BLACK+DECKER FSMH1351SM-QS
The rating opens with an American-made universal steam cleaner - BLACK+DECKER FSMH1351SM-QS (RUB 13,600). The floor nozzle is suitable for surfaces such as laminate, linoleum, tiles and wood. The power of 1500 Watts allows the device to effectively eliminate dirt and bacteria. The volume of the water tank is 0.5 liters, which, based on the manufacturer’s assurances, should be enough for 20 minutes of use. In addition, the potential user will not have to wait tediously for the water to heat up - the steam cleaner is ready for use within 15 seconds after being turned on. Finally, built-in anti-scale protection significantly extends the life of the device.
Main characteristics
- Water tank volume: 0.5 l
- Power: 1300 W
- Working time: 20 min
- Water heating time: 15 s
- Scraper attachment
- Floor nozzle
- Anti-scale protection
- Power cord length: 6 m
Video review
Advantages:
- High power, effective cleaning.
- Heating of water and complete readiness of the device for operation in 15 seconds.
- 20 minutes of continuous use.
- There is built-in anti-scale protection.
- Convenient digital control; you can adjust the amount of steam released depending on your cleaning purposes.
Flaws:
- May leave streaks on soiled surfaces.
- There is no compartment for storing the power cord.
- There are no instructions in Russian.
Operating principle and purpose
A steam cleaner is a household device for cleaning surfaces with high pressure steam. The main advantage of this method of cleaning is the absence of any harmful chemicals that can harm human health.
The operating principle of the device is based on the instantaneous release of small particles of water from the nozzle at high speed. A powerful jet very quickly corrodes dirt, and they are easily removed.
Manufacturers of the best steam generators: review
Today there are many companies producing steam generators. The products of some companies are widely known throughout the world. Based on consumer reviews, we can identify the most popular manufacturers.
Karcher. The products of this German company are known for their quality, the high level of which is achieved through components made from durable and reliable materials. Steam generators of this type are distinguished by their versatility. Thus, they can be used to clean various fabrics, as well as various surfaces, such as glass, tiles, stone. Karcher steam generators for the home are characterized by a long service life. The cost of such devices is above average.
Kitfort. There are many models of steam generators from this company on the domestic market. The main advantage of such products can be called budget cost.
Mie. A popular company that produces cleaning and ironing equipment. The main advantage of this manufacturer’s steam-generating devices is their presentable appearance. Aesthetic and functional models of Mie steam cleaners can be purchased in any city in Russia. Separately, it is worth saying that the company has opened many service centers that deal with equipment repair issues.
The German company Karcher produces some of the best steam generators
Grand Master. Grand Master products, in comparison with Kitfort steam cleaners, have a higher cost. However, the price in this case fully corresponds to the quality. Multifunctional and reliable devices of this brand are distinguished by a presentable design. User reviews of this company's products are mostly positive.
When choosing a model from a particular brand, it is recommended to visit specialized forums and study consumer reviews of the products, and you should also familiarize yourself with the rating of the best steam cleaners for the home. Reviews about them can be quickly found on the World Wide Web. Experts do not advise purchasing cheap devices from little-known brands, as they are often of low quality. The best option for home use is a mid-price device.
