How to choose a steam cleaner: a rating of the 15 best and how it works, what is it for?

Applications of the device

The steam cleaner is recognized as the most efficient and versatile surface cleaning tool. Since the invention of the device, the field of use has expanded significantly. The first devices were used in hospitals for disinfection, then gradually they began to be used in apartments, houses, cars. Modern devices allow:

clean glass surfaces without leaving streaks and streaks;
remove stubborn dirt from household appliances, dishes;
disinfect upholstered furniture, toys, clothes, curtains, carpets, etc .;
destroy mites and allergens in pillows, blankets, blankets;
remove fat deposits on tiles and stoves;
clean joints and seams on tiles, windows, baseboards;
clean laminate, parquet, linoleum and other floor surfaces;
iron curtains and clothes;
steam off any stains on furniture, etc.

That is, the scope is not limited. The steam cleaner will cope with any task of cleaning the surfaces of the house, car, furniture, clothing, children's toys.

How to choose a manufacturer and device model?

When choosing any technique, we first of all pay attention to the manufacturer. When buying a steam cleaner, this issue must be approached thoroughly.

There are enough options, but it is recommended to pay attention only to time-tested manufacturers of household appliances: Karcher, Ariete, Thomas. Most housewives choose Karcher appliances. And this is a smart decision. The German company specializes in the production of home appliances, devices from Karcher have received a lot of positive customer reviews.

Why is it so important to choose a reputable company? A well-known company guarantees:

reliability of technology;
high guarantees;
constant updating of models and equipment

The manufacturer should regularly supplement its assortment with new models, brushes. Brushes are a very topical issue, because nozzles quickly lose their effectiveness during the operation of equipment. If you buy a device from a little-known company, then it will be very difficult to find new attachments.

This is important to consider

Advice. The different models include a varied range of functions. Do you need a water replenishment function? Then it is necessary to choose a model with two tanks.

The next item is the choice of the model. And there are some nuances here. After buying a steam cleaner, many people are unhappy, they expected a different effect. The fact is that the steam cleaner only blows out contamination from a hard-to-reach place, which means that it is necessary to follow it with an auxiliary material, a sponge for washing and wiping. The steam cleaner does not work on the principle of a vacuum cleaner, then only a steam vacuum cleaner is able to remove pollution, but this is a different category.

Compact steam cleaner suitable for daily use

How to Choose the Best Handheld or Floor Standing Steam Cleaner for Your Home

When buying household appliances and appliances, you always want their service to be durable and of high quality. In such cases, it is worthwhile to take a balanced approach to the acquisition, take into account all possible nuances, technical parameters and recommendations of experienced consultants.

Among the important points that give a comprehensive answer to the question of how to choose a good steam cleaner for the office and home, it is worth highlighting the following:

Give preference to well-known manufacturers with an excellent reputation and positive reviews from their customers.
You should not look for the cheapest option, since a low price may indicate poor assembly and danger during use.
To get a reliable "helper", you should pay special attention to the correct selection of its power. The minimum values of such a technical parameter can negatively affect the professional cleaning of surfaces, while an excessively high power (1400 W and higher) will affect the increase in the price and dimensions of the device.
The best handheld steam cleaner for the home should be lightweight, compact, and heat up quickly.

Otherwise, its use will be inconvenient and tiring for the hands of the hostess.
The volume of the boiler, in which the water will turn into steam, depends on the duration of the cleaning. If you have plans for short cleaning procedures, removing stains, washing cracks, windows, then a 1000-1250 ml tank will be enough. However, if in order to carry out large-scale general cleaning with a 40-minute duration of continuous hot air supply, then the tank must be large.
The best steam cleaner for office and home will be the one with a removable tank. Such an insignificant trifle will allow you to add liquid at any time and thereby not stop cleaning.
Pay attention to the set of nozzles for a hand or floor steam cleaner, as they regulate the functionality of the device.
Protective built-in elements - a guarantee of convenient, reliable and safe use. Their presence indicates that the manufacturer takes into account possible unforeseen situations during the use of the device. For those who are still hesitant about how to correctly choose the optimal steam cleaner for the home, you need to check the presence of such parameters.
Fans of multifunctionality of household appliances will appreciate the additional devices - the function of steam ironing, simultaneous supply of steam and hot water, etc.
A compact device for cleaning small surfaces should be lightweight, since this allows it to be more maneuverable, and the hostess - to raise it with her hands to a decent height. Experts advise taking this minor nuance into account for those for whom the question of how to choose the right manual model of a steam cleaner for the home is relevant.

There are a lot of rules and recommendations regarding which criteria should be taken into account when buying cleaning devices. Their study and systematization, your own requirements and expectations from such a unique household appliance, financial capabilities and preferences will help you figure out in detail how to choose the most optimal steam cleaner for your home with the best and most popular functions! Make your life more comfortable, be easier and more convenient by surrounding yourself with high-quality and useful goods!

Make your life more comfortable, be easier and more convenient by surrounding yourself with high-quality and useful goods!

Features of choice

When choosing a steam cleaner, efficiency, durability and ease of use are key criteria.

Considering different options, you should pay attention to:

power;
pressure, flow rate and steam temperature;
the volume of the tank and the material from which it is made;
hose and cord sizes;
additional functions.

Power

Power affects the time it takes for the water in the device to be brought to a gaseous state, as well as the level of electricity consumed. Optimal indicator:

for manual ones - 700-1600 W;
for floor-standing - 1300-2300 W.

Steam pressure, flow rate and temperature

The quality of cleaning directly depends on the steam parameters. For domestic steam cleaners, the pressure ranges from 1.5 to 5 bar. The higher it is, the faster and in greater volume the hot air comes out of the nozzle. Sufficient level for cleaning - from 3 bar. It delivers steam at a speed of about 200 grams per minute.

Steam temperature should be at least 110-140 ºC. It should be borne in mind that at the outlet it is lower than in the boiler.If the reading is less than 110 ºC, it will not be possible to get rid of mold, grease and other stubborn dirt.

Tank volume and material

The capacity of the water tank affects the heating and continuous operation time. Sufficient volume for cleaning the apartment within 30-40 minutes - 1.5-2 liters. Floor-standing appliances with a capacity of 5 liters are available, but they take a long time to warm up.

When choosing a manual steam cleaner, do not aim for a tank that is too large. When filled with water, the weight of the appliance will be very high. The best option is 0.3-0.5 liters.

The boiler material can be steel or aluminum. The second option is preferable because it provides quick heating and is less prone to scale deposits.

Hose and cord length

The short length of the steam cleaner hose makes it impossible to clean high surfaces, since it is difficult to lift the floor appliance. This parameter should reach 1.5-3 m. But it should be borne in mind that during the passage through the hose the steam cools and condenses. In low power steam cleaners, the hose should not be too long.

The dimensions of the cord determine the maneuverability of the device. The optimal length is 4-6 m. It is convenient when there is a possibility of automatic rewinding.

Additional functions

In search of an answer to the question of which steam cleaner is better to buy for your home, reviews help you make the right choice. The owners indicate that the device should be equipped with the following additional functions:

a regulator that allows you to select the temperature and intensity of steam supply, as well as its saturation with moisture;
removable tank - it is more convenient to fill it with water;
a valve that does not make it possible to open the tank if there is excessive pressure in it;
child protection - a button that blocks the release of steam;
control buttons on the handle;
option of continuous steam supply, which is convenient when processing large surfaces.

Useful Tips

In the process of domestic use of the steam cleaner, some features of its operation should be taken into account, which can be very useful.

Exposure to steam on a surface made of soft plastic, delicate fabrics (silk, velor), leather, natural parquet can damage it.
When cleaning fabrics, it is recommended to direct the hot jet at an angle to the surface so that dust is not driven into the depth of the material, but is blown out of it.
When cleaning electrical appliances (microwave oven, electric stove), be sure to disconnect them from the mains in order to avoid a short circuit.
When removing limescale in the bathroom, for better removal, it is recommended to pre-moisten the tile surface with a vinegar solution and leave for 5 minutes.
Cleaning and wetting plant leaves should be carried out from a distance exceeding 30-40 cm to avoid thermal damage.
It is recommended to clean clothes and curtains in an upright state. It is strictly forbidden to steam clothes on a person.
When cleaning the carpet, it is recommended to vacuum it after steaming.
Filtered water must be poured into the tank. Although descaling products are available, it is best to prevent the formation of limescale. Pieces of it getting into the steam generator can damage it.

Before choosing a manual steam cleaner or a floor-standing model of this device, you should identify the most important criteria and the required set of functions for yourself. It is impractical to purchase a dimensional device for a small apartment. In this case, a compact model with quick readiness to work will be sufficient. If you plan to use the purchased device for cleaning various surfaces, it is best to choose the option with several nozzles or buy them additionally.

From the internal structure to the principle of operation of household steam generators

The operation of the steam generator is based on the simple principle of heating water before converting it to steam by means of a built-in heating element.It is worth noting that after the liquid is collected in the receiving container of the device, it takes a different period of time before starting. This depends primarily on the type of steam cleaner. Let's take a closer look at them.

Boilerless technology - instant production

Devices that are not equipped with a container for liquid collect it directly into the inlet opening, after which, after a couple of seconds, they begin to generate a steam shock. The declared equipment is more suitable for those housewives who can only set aside a minimum of time for cleaning.

Single boiler device

The built-in water tank allows you to keep enough stock in order not to interrupt work unnecessarily. After the formation of steam, it enters the nozzle and exits under high pressure. It takes 10 minutes to wait for the device to start, since it takes time to heat the water from the boiler. This option is convenient for long-term cleaning, as it allows refueling of water during operation.

Steam cleaner with two boilers

This technique is also no less popular among housewives. It is great for daily cleaning. The principle of operation is to move water from a filled tank to a container with heated water.

Features of the manual steam generator

The handheld steam generator is ready for operation 3-5 minutes after filling with water, this is ensured by a small tank volume. With the help of such a device, you are unlikely to be able to clean the whole house, but it is easy to steam out deep folds on clothes and disinfect outerwear.

Floor standing steam cleaners

The rag attachment for the steam cleaner will help remove excess moisture after the disinfection procedure. Floor cleaners are designed for the treatment of various surfaces, respectively, such devices can be considered universal. Thanks to the long hose, the steam cleaner can handle windows with ease, and additional attachments are suitable for disinfecting bed linen, clothes and carpets.

Differences between combined steam generators

Combined equipment is excellent for large dry cleaners. Since such steam cleaners are considered one of the most expensive, they are least bought in apartments. It would be rational to purchase such a device in large houses, where it is impossible to cope with cleaning on your own.

How to Choose the Best Household Steam Cleaner?

The device itself is a steam generator that brings the liquid to an extremely high temperature. By pressing one button, the steam generator through a special nozzle supplies the steam itself to clean the contaminated surface. The home steam cleaner is easy to use and easy to design. By and large, there is nothing to break in it. There are the following types of equipment:

When choosing home appliances, you should decide on the required set of device functions. A compact steam cleaner is enough for cleaning carpets, floors, walls, gas stoves and more. Many housewives have a handheld and compact steam cleaner right away. The first is suitable for daily cleaning, and the second for periodic cleaning.

The manual steam cleaner is often heavy and difficult to use.

Components and principle of operation of the steam cleaner

Every housewife dreams of spending as little time cleaning as possible. Reducing cleaning time on most surfaces in the home is possible with a steam cleaner. What elements does the device consist of and how does it work?

The device consists of: a container for water, a heating element, a trigger that activates the device, flexible but stable hoses, additional accessories and attachments. The device works according to a very simple principle. First you need to pour water into the tank, where it heats up, after a while, having reached the boiling point, steam is formed, which flows through the hose to the nozzle, through which the steam goes out.The nozzle is attached to the contaminated place and they begin to steam and wipe with a sponge, which is located on the nozzle or separately. It is impossible to burn yourself with the steam, so even if you accidentally get on the surface of your skin, nothing will happen.

How to choose a steam cleaner for your home with the best nozzles

Nozzles and functional "arsenal" of steam cleaning devices.

The uniqueness of steam cleaners lies in the ability to clean the most difficult-to-reach places and dirty surfaces. The exceptions are those that are afraid of high temperatures: delicate fabrics and some types of plastic.

When choosing among the models, it is worth remembering that the best steam cleaner will be the one that will satisfy your needs as much as possible. And here it is worth paying attention to the attachments. They are the determining factor in the functional abilities of such a device:

brush - a nozzle that allows you to remove flat surfaces: floor, slab, doors, windows;
The nozzle vacuum cleaner can easily cope with dirt on carpets, paths, in the car interior, give an ideal look to mattresses, upholstered furniture;
cone nozzles - "ambulance" for spot cleaning, when it becomes necessary to remove a stain, remove plaque, clean narrow places, seams and crevices;
spray gun - applicable for spraying plants;
powerful nozzle - designed for intensive cleaning of bulky areas and old dirt.

Such a list of auxiliary nozzles is far from complete and will depend on the preferences of the buyer, affecting the price parameters of the purifier model. Therefore, before answering the question of how to choose a suitable household steam cleaner, it is worth figuring out what it will be needed for.

Types of steam cleaners

The whole set of steam cleaners is usually divided into:

Handheld devices that look like a small kettle. They are used for cleaning surfaces in small rooms. The price of manual steam cleaners is affordable, so they are in demand. The power is small, 600-1600 watts, but it is enough to clean the dirt. The water capacity does not exceed 1 liter, this volume is enough for 15-20 minutes of work. The weight of the devices is 1-2 kilograms. The handheld device is suitable for glass cleaning, disinfection and cleaning of furniture, cars, tiles, furniture.
Floor standing steam cleaners look like a vacuum cleaner. Buying such a device is the best option for owners of large houses and apartments. The main body with the reservoir is constantly on the floor, that is, you only need to hold the hose, which allows the housewife to get tired less. The power of the floor devices is 1500-2300 W. The water tank holds 1.5-4 liters of water (depending on the model of the device). You can work with the device for up to one hour without interruption. Floor-standing appliances are convenient to use, but more expensive than hand-held ones.
Multifunctional steam cleaners resemble floor-standing devices, but their functionality has been expanded and they are an order of magnitude higher in terms of power and volume of the tank. The steam pressure is stronger, which allows for faster cleaning of dirty surfaces. They can be used not only as a cleaner, but also to put on the iron attachment and iron things, steam floors, etc.

Characteristics and working principle

The principle of operation of the steam cleaner is that water is poured into the container, which heats up to a boil. Then, with the help of a powerful jet of hot steam using special nozzles, cleaning takes place. Note that a steam cleaner and a steam iron or steam iron are not the same thing.

The steam cleaner includes a sealed tank with a valve, where the water boils. After reaching the desired temperature, the valve opens, and steam at a high speed through a special tube is released outside. The steam iron works without steam pressure. The tank contains cold water that drips onto the evaporator. Steam is released from the droplets and only then exits through the tube to the outside.

When working with a steam cleaner, no cleaning agents are required, which significantly saves money and makes cleaning safe. Thus, you can not only clean and refresh various objects and surfaces. You can easily remove dust mites, bacteria and harmful microorganisms that lurk deep in the upholstery of furniture or car interiors, in bedding and clothes, in plumbing, etc.

The steam cleaner removes grease and deposits, old and stubborn dirt. It helps to smooth things out and remove creases. And all this without harm to health and the environment. It is a suitable device for the home where small children, allergy sufferers and people with respiratory diseases live.

Lower price segment (up to 6000 rubles)

Most of the low cost models are handheld steamers. Among them are the trademarks Kitfort, MIE, KARCHER.

MIE Forever Clean

Hand-held compact steam cleaner, has a 0.48 liter tank. The power of the appliance is 1200 W, the highest steam pressure is 4 bar.

Advantages:

Compact.
Facilitates cleaning of slightly dirty surfaces.

Upper garments can be ironed.
Suitable for cleaning the house where allergy sufferers live.

Disadvantages:

KARCHER SC 1

The SC 1 is a small model and needs to be filled with 200 ml of water. The device is ready for use in 180 seconds. Steam pressure indicator - 3 bar.

The advantages of the model:

Many fixtures for different surfaces.
Helps maintain cleanliness throughout the home.

Cleans grease and splashes in the kitchen in hard-to-reach places: joints between the stove and the work surface, sinks and countertops.
Perfectly cleans suede shoes.

Disadvantages of the model:

The SC 1 cleans and disinfects most surfaces throughout the home. But you often have to add water and spend time heating it.

Kitfort KT-908

The floor-standing version of the KT-908 holds 1.5 liters of water. The maximum steam pressure is 4 bar, the heating time is 900 seconds. The length of the power cord is 2.5 m. Dimensions: 34X24.5X28.5 cm. The set includes a lot of accessories: for the floor, an angle brush, a small brush.

After the start of use, some disadvantages of the model are revealed.

The advantages of the device:

Disadvantages:

Long heating period.
Decrease in steam output after 10 minutes from the start of cleaning.

Lack of indication of water level.
Often splashes during operation.

Floor standing steam cleaners

Floor-standing steam cleaners are similar, as already mentioned in the article above, to a regular vacuum cleaner. Let's consider the general advantages and disadvantages of the devices.

Advantages:

high power and performance;
the operating time is longer than that of manual steam cleaners;
the reservoir and heater are on the floor, you only need to lift the hose with a nozzle, which makes the work easy and convenient;
great for cleaning large areas.

Disadvantages:

bulky unit size;
large weight of the device, you need to apply force to move;
it is inconvenient to use for cleaning a car.

The best of the best floor standing steam cleaners

The market for floor-standing steam cleaners is very rich, consider the best models.

"Karcher SC 2" is a powerful steam cleaner (1500 W.), with a tank volume of one liter. The water in the tank heats up 390 seconds after plugging in. Continuous work with the device is twenty minutes. The steaming pressure can be adjusted. The length of the steam hose is two meters, the cord is four meters. Unit weight 2.9 kilograms. Steam power 3.9 bar.

Pros:

the presence of a safety valve;
two steaming modes;
ease of use due to the length of the power cord and hose.

Minuses:

a small number of attachments, you need to buy them additionally;
low steam pressure, as for a floor cleaner.

"Kitfort KT-903" - provides steam with a force of up to four bars. The water tank is one liter. You can work with the device without interruption for an hour. The unit weighs 8.1 kilograms. Works in only one steaming mode. The water tank is removable.Power 2000 W. The power cord is three meters and the hose is up to two meters long.

Pros:

there is a blockage from excessive overheating;
long period of steaming;
removable tank.

Minuses:

dimensions;
one operating mode.

"Karcher SC 5" - a device with a capacity of two thousand two hundred watts, with a reservoir of one and a half liters, will delight you with a long period of operation and a large number of attachments. Steam comes out from a 2-meter hose at a pressure of 4.2 bar. The power cord is six meters long. The device weighs 6 kilograms.

Pros:

there is a possibility of connecting a steam iron;
high performance.

Minuses:

no auto shutdown in the absence of water in the tank;
no protective mittens.

"Kitfort KT-909" - has a heater with a capacity of one and a half thousand watts. The volume of the tank is one and a half liters. The steam comes out at a pressure of 3.5 bar. The device weighs 5.3 kilograms. The power cord is two meters long and the hoses are one and a half meters long.

Pros:

a large number of accessories;
there is protection against overheating and accidental activation;

Minuses:

the water in the tank is heated for more than 15 minutes.
short length of power cord.

Ariete Multi Vapori MV 6.10 is a floor-standing steam cleaner with a capacity of one thousand six hundred watts and a volume of 1300 milliliters. Steam comes out with a force of up to four bars. The set includes a large number of attachments.

Pros:

there is a regulation of steam pressure;
long period of use, thanks to the large water tank.

Minuses:

the cost for a steam cleaner is very high.