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Nov 03, 2024

The 4 Best Steam Cleaners, According to Our Tests

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Deep clean nearly all home surfaces without harsh chemicals. Kat is a writer,

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Deep clean nearly all home surfaces without harsh chemicals.

Kat is a writer, editor, author, SEO specialist, and mother based in the UK. She has over 10 years of commerce writing experience and has written for a variety of publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, Food & Wine, Southern Living, Shape, Better Homes & Gardens, Parents, and Parenting.

In This Article

Real Simple / Tamara Staples

Cleaning your home with harsh chemicals can feel counterintuitive—on one hand, you’re getting rid of all the harmful germs and bacteria, but on the other, you’re adding in toxic household products that aren’t exactly ideal for your health or your family’s health, either.

A steam cleaner eliminates this problem altogether, and the four best ones on this list are deserving of a spot in your cleaning routine. To find them, we tested 19 popular steam cleaners in our lab, focusing on each one’s efficiency, ease of use, weight, portability, water tank capacity, safety, and overall value.

Whether you’re looking for a specific surface compatibility, price point, or cleaner type, you’ll find it on this list.

The lightweight, easy-to-maneuver device is effective on various surfaces and has a simple attachment changing process.

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 effectively cleaned hard water, mascara, and mud mask stains with ease. Its water capacity of 48 ounces provides enough steam for extended cleaning sessions, and despite its large capacity, we still found the cleaner to be portable, even when filled with water. It also comes equipped with several attachments, plus a measuring cup and funnel that makes it easy to fill.

Changing attachments was a breeze due to its user-friendly push-down button mechanism—all attachments slid on and off effortlessly. 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.

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)

It’s lightweight and easy to move around, effective on hard stains, and has a clear water tank for easily monitoring the water level.

There’s no trigger for steam control, the attachments aren’t as easy to swap out as some other models, and it feels somewhat uncomfortable to hold.

Looking for a good steam mop to safely clean various floor types? We recommend the lightweight, efficient, and budget-friendly PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner 10-in-1. This machine has a clearly visible water tank, and although the description says it takes up to 30 seconds to heat up, we found it ready to go in just nine.

This steam cleaner made us proud when it came to hard stains, particularly the mud masks on tiles that it cleaned in a couple of passes. Its powerful steam output, along with the included microfiber pad attachment for glass cleaning, got our windows and glass surfaces sparkling. The squeegee attachment then did a stellar job of wiping down the excess water.

It converts from mop to cleaner easily, but its design made it somewhat awkward and uncomfortable to hold—almost like the handle was in our way. We also would have preferred a trigger instead of having to turn it off every time we needed to put it down. We found that the attachments weren’t as simple to swap out as with some other models, but we did appreciate the stable base that prevents it from tipping over.

Weight: 2.2 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 380 milliliters/0.012 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Hardwood floor, tiles, grout, laminate floor, carpet | Attachments: Steam mop cleaning pad (x2), small brush, large brush, double brush, angle nozzle, scrape tool, squeegee, garment cloth

It comes with a variety of easy-to-switch attachments, has a see-through water tank and quick heating time, and is comfortable to hold.

The attachments get hot after use, and it requires continuous pressing for steam release, which might be challenging for extended periods.

The Bissell Powerfresh Slim Steam Mop is a steam mop, extended steam cleaner, and handheld steam cleaner all in one, and we found this machine to be effective at cleaning the various surfaces we tested it on. The bristle brushes tackled grime on tiles and grout without much effort, and the grout tool was great at reaching narrow spaces.

It comes with an array of other attachments, a measuring cup for precise water filling, and a see-through water tank to monitor the water level. It also has a wide opening for spill-free refills. Our only issue was that the angle concentrator tool for window tracks was a little messy to use, as it splattered all the grime and steam everywhere.

The handheld pod has a comfortable design and a well-placed steam-release button, but it did take us a little while to figure out how to detach it from the extension wand. We found that the attachments clicked onto the device easily, with little arrows indicating where to line them up. However, it's worth noting that they do get quite hot to the touch after use, so you'll have to either wait for them to cool down before swapping or wear thick gloves.

Other than that, it’s lightweight and easy to use and move around. It operates quietly, has a quick heat-up time, and has clear readiness indicators. There’s also ample cord length so you can access every corner of the house.

Weight: 6.12 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 11.8 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Bare floors, sealed hard floors, pet beds, countertops, clothing, children's toys | Attachments: Grout tool, angle tool, flat scraper tool, bristle scrub brush, flat surface tool with mop pad, clothing steamer tool, red bristle scrub brush

It impressively cleans grout, window sills, and glass, and it has wheels to help with portability.

There’s no clear water level indicator, and the initial setup required a funnel, which wasn’t provided.

For a powerful machine that can be used on bathroom and kitchen surfaces, cars, and mattresses, try the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner. We found it to be effective at cleaning grout, glass, and floors, as well as accessing hard-to-reach areas. It effortlessly converts from a steam cleaner to a steam mop, and attachment switching is simple—each one snaps securely into place, and their temperature stays comfortable to the touch.

The small brush attachment was great for detailed cleaning and got rid of stains from tiles and grout lines. Despite being powerful, it operates quietly. The intuitive trigger operation, along with the comfortable handle with adjustable length, makes it easy to use even during longer cleaning sessions. Its steam lance (which resembles the ones you find on pressure washers) cleaned away dirt on windowsills, although it did produce some splatter that needed wiping.

Filling the water reservoir is a piece of cake, but there’s no clear water level indicator, making it difficult to know when it's full. You’re also supposed to use a funnel, which isn’t included. The wheeled base allows it to be rolled around smoothly, and its cube-shaped design makes for convenient storage. It also comes with 17 accessories and attachments.

Weight: 9 pounds | Water Tank Capacity: 54 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Sealed wood floors, stone/ceramic tiles, grout, kitchen, windows, mirrors, furniture, mattresses, vehicles | Attachments: Window tool, triangle tool, steam lance, floor tool, nylon brush (x5), brass brush, microfiber pad (x3), microfiber cloth, bonnet, extension wand (x2)

Our top pick for the best steam cleaner, according to rigorous testing, is the lightweight and easy-to-maneuver McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner. This model performed admirably during testing, efficiently cleaning various surfaces with the right attachments. For a more budget-friendly alternative, we also like the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop for its light weight, clearly visible water tank, and effectiveness.

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

To come up with our list of the best steam cleaners, we tested 19 of the most popular and best-selling models on the market in our lab. First, we noted the size and weight of each item, the attachments included, and whether it needed assembling or came already set up. We then used a stopwatch to time how long it took to unpack and/or assemble.

Next, we filled up each cleaner’s tank and weighed the product again, noting how much water it could take, how long it took to heat up, and the noise level both in standby mode and while in operation.

We tested all the different settings and attachments available on suitable surfaces like windows, mirrors, glass, tile, and grout. We applied wet potting soil and a mud mask onto tiled floors and grout, and tested each unit’s effectiveness at cleaning and removing them.

During testing, we took into consideration which models were easiest to use and maneuver, the comfort of holding the steam cleaner for prolonged periods of time, and the ease of switching out the attachments. Finally, we evaluated each steam cleaner's overall value, considering both price and performance.

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

There are three main types of steam cleaners available: canister, handheld, and mop steam cleaners. Each has its pros and cons:

Canister steam cleaners: A canister-style (or cylinder) steam cleaner typically comes with wheels and houses the water tank. You then have the various attachments that affix to a flexible, vacuum-like hose. These are frequently more powerful in terms of steam pressure. Plus, their large tanks enable them to run for longer without needing a refill.

Handheld steam cleaners: These types are usually compact, portable, and ideal for smaller cleaning tasks, such as spot-treating stains on upholstery, detail cleaning in tight spaces, or sanitizing hard-to-reach areas, like tile and grout or the inside of appliances. For the best of both worlds, many canister steam cleaners and steam mops also include a handheld attachment, like the Bissell PowerFresh Slim Steam Mop.

Steam mops: Also known as mop steam cleaners or upright steam cleaners, steam mops resemble upright vacuums and are designed specifically for cleaning floors. A mix between a traditional mop and an upright vacuum, the steam mop will commonly have the water reservoir and heating element built into the handle.

There are also various steam types to consider, which are:

On-demand steam flow: For greater control over the amount of steam released by your steam cleaner, opt for one with an on-demand steam flow. This type of machine will only emit steam once you press the trigger or activating button. It’s great for precise cleaning tasks and longer cleaning chores because you can release the steam only when you need it, saving time and water in the process.

Continuous steam flows: A steam cleaner with a continuous flow is convenient for larger cleaning tasks where consistent steam output is required for a longer period of time. The constant steam stream is helpful as you don’t have to keep your finger on a trigger.

Adjustable steam flow: Some steam cleaners, both on-demand and continuous flow models, feature adjustable steam flow settings (i.e., low, medium, high) that allow you to ramp up or lower the intensity of the steam based on the task at hand.

Before buying a steam cleaner, it’s best to consider how you’ll use it. What surfaces do you need to clean? How big are they? And how often will you clean them?

If you have lots of ground to cover, find a steam cleaner with a large, long-lasting tank, like the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner. If you're looking for compatibility with both carpets and hardwood floors, try the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop. And if you want something that converts to a handheld for smaller jobs, the Bissell PowerFresh Slim Steam Mop is your best bet.

No matter which steam cleaner you choose, make sure you feel comfortable using it so that it won’t get left in a cupboard gathering dust.

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Different steam cleaners are compatible with different surfaces, so you should always default to the manufacturer's guidelines to be sure. Generally, you can use your steam cleaner on hard flooring (i.e., laminate, vinyl, sealed hardwood, tile, and grout) and other hard surfaces (countertops, mirrors, windows, large appliances, bathroom fixtures, and tiled walls). With the right attachment, you can even use it for cleaning carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture, depending on the material.

However, some carpet fibers and curtains or upholstery in fabrics like silk, velvet, linen, or wool, are too delicate to use a steam cleaner on. In general, you should avoid steam cleaning anything that can be damaged by heat exposure, such as walls or furniture with water-based paint, unsealed floors, untreated concrete, brick, natural stone, small appliances, and electrical outlets.

Although a steam cleaner can be effective on shower doors, you're better off cleaning your shower curtain and liner in the washer or by hand with a commercial shower cleaner. It’s also a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you're using the proper steam output for different attachments and different surfaces.

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 11 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat has been writing for Real Simple since 2019, and she is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing.

For this article, we tested multiple steam cleaners on various surfaces in our lab and considered and evaluated factors such as each machine’s size, weight, portability, water tank capacity, compatible surfaces, attachments, power, efficiency, and overall value. We also spoke to Will Cotter, COO and co-founder of cleaning companies DeluxeMaid and HappyCleans.