Steam cleaner for home - how to choose?

The steam cleaner and steamers are similar in that both types of household appliances use heated steam as the working medium. Many steamers can be used in the mode of steam cleaners, for cleaning from contaminants and disinfecting surfaces. Hot steam leaves no chance for pathogens. In addition, it is possible to produce environmentally friendly cleaning, while at the same time saving on the purchase of household chemicals. Using the appliance, you can clean the hob, blinds, joints between the bathroom and the wall cladding. The use of the device greatly facilitates cleaning in the passenger compartment. The device is multifunctional and will come in handy for everyone, so the topic of the article: a steam cleaner for the home - how to choose?

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Criterias of choice

Choosing a particular device, you need to pay attention to such parameters.

Design

All steam cleaners are divided into 2 groups:

• Floor standing.
• Tame.

The cost of handheld devices is low, they are more compact. However, they have a limited scope. For daily use, they are not suitable. Floor devices are a completely different matter. Outwardly, they resemble a vacuum cleaner and are used for cleaning throughout the house.

Important! You can find detailed information on how to use the steam cleaner in our separate article. “What can be cleaned with a steam cleaner?”

Water tank capacity

The operation time of the device depends on the volume of the tank for heating water:

• The capacity of the tank in handheld devices is 0.2-0.5 liters, so this amount of water is not enough for a short time.
• In floor models, the tank volume is 1 liter or more.

Safety valve

The safety of the device depends on it. If the owner accidentally forgot to turn off the device at the end of work, the valve is activated and the steam cleaner automatically turns off.

Steam control

Using this device, you can set the optimal intensity and speed of steam supply, depending on the variety of the treated surface.

Water heating time

This indicator depends on the temperature of the water poured into the tank, the power of the device and the capacity of the tank. The more powerful the device, the faster the water is heated.

Important! The duration of heating is 0.5-4 seconds.

Number of nozzles

Expensive models are equipped with many removable nozzles, which greatly facilitate the cleaning of different surfaces with various types of dirt. For instance:

• the scraper nozzle helps a lot when washing window panes;
• it is convenient to remove persistent dirt with a brush;
• the ejector serves as a dispenser for the supply of detergent and helps to save it.

Important! Want to clean your furniture without spending a lot of time and effort on it? Learn useful tips on the procedure for carrying out these works in our post. “Cleaning the furniture with a steam cleaner”.

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Steam cleaners - top rated

The world leaders in the production of these devices are:

• Karcher (Germany).
• MIE (Italy).
• ENDEVER (China).
• Grand Master (China-Russia).

Consider the products of these companies in more detail.

KARCHER SC 1

This is one of the most common hand-held appliances. Benefits include:

• Small dimensions and weight.
• Convenient power cord.
• Safety since there is a safety valve.

There are also disadvantages, and quite significant:

• The tank capacity is only 0.2 liters.This is enough only for surface cleaning; water often has to be added.
• A small number of nozzles. To complete the device, you have to purchase the Floor Kit, and this is associated with additional costs.

Important! Despite the obvious disadvantages, among the manual steam cleaners, this particular model is considered one of the most ergonomic and safe.

Important! This manufacturer has a fairly wide range of various devices. To make it easier for you to choose the right one, we have prepared a separate review of the most popular models. steam cleaners Karcher.

GRAND MASTER GM-VSC38

The company has already managed to declare itself as an experienced manufacturer of steamers, ironing systems and steam cleaners. The vapor pressure reaches 4.2 bar, which allows you to successfully cope with the disinfection of the surface. It is also possible to regulate the steam supply, which allows you to choose the optimal cleaning modes for different types of surfaces.

There are also disadvantages:

• There is no safety valve.
• Relatively large mass. 1.85 kg - for a manual steam cleaner this is a lot.

MIE FOREVER CLEAN

Very high quality and reliable Italian manual model. The volume of the water tank, as for a hand-held device, is pretty decent (0.48 l). You can use the device for steam disinfection of surfaces. The MIE FOREVER CLEAN housing is equipped with a removable detergent container. This makes it possible to get rid of the most “stubborn” pollution.

The device is equipped with 4 nozzles that allow you to perform such operations:

• Cleaning upholstered furniture.
• Glass cleaning.
• Elimination of pollution in hard to reach places.
• Cleaning large surfaces.

Important! According to customer reviews, the steam cleaner has a beautiful design, comfortable and ergonomic. At the same time, the cost cannot be called high.

MARTA MT-1172

Affordable price steam cleaner. Despite the cheapness, in terms of functionality and reliability, the device is not inferior to more expensive counterparts.

The device can perform such functions:

• Disinfectant.
• Steam Mop.
• Steamer.
• Iron.
• Glass washing.

Buyers are pleased with thoughtful staffing, a large number of nozzles that allow you to work more efficiently.

Important! The peculiarity of the MARTA MT-1172 device is that it can carry out horizontal steaming, similar to a conventional iron. Of course, such a steamer will not replace a conventional iron, but it perfectly smooths denim, felt or wool products.

KARCHER SC 2

A simple, compact outdoor appliance with basic functionality. The device is equipped with steam flow control and protection against limescale. The last moment allows you not to think about the hardness of the water poured into the tank. You can use not distilled, but ordinary tap water.

Another advantages of this German model:

• Small dimensions.
• Low weight.
• Reliability.

As disadvantages, buyers note:

• Lack of cord reeling device.
• Poor assortment of nozzles

KITFORT KT-903

We can say that this is the best steam cleaner for the home in the ranking in terms of quality, functionality and value:

• The power of the device is 2 kW, the pressure of the heated steam reaches 4 bar.
• The maximum steam temperature is 148 degrees.
• The device quickly heats up and well cleans the most stubborn dirt.
• There is all the necessary set of nozzles, including for the floor.
• The steam cleaner is also convenient and ergonomic.
• There is a handle for moving and a special compartment for storing nozzles.
• According to experienced users, a significant advantage is a removable tank. This allows you to add water without turning off the appliance. During intensive cleaning, water is consumed quickly.

Important! Using this multifunction machine, you can remove lime, dirt or grease. The device disinfects surfaces and can be used as a usual steamer.

MIE BELLO

In our review of home steam cleaners, this is the most powerful device.It combines 3 functions: steam cleaner, iron and steamer. The device copes equally well with ironing, cleaning surfaces and vertical steaming. The maximum vapor pressure is 5.5 bar. This allows you to disinfect surfaces.

Important! Among the shortcomings, buyers note too large sizes and an unusual design of ironing. You can’t place the iron vertically: only horizontally and only on a special stand that is included with the device.

KARCHER SC 5 + IRON KI

This is the best steam cleaner for the home in the ranking of powerful, multi-functional devices with a rich set of nozzles. VapoHydro technology allows you to clean surfaces especially thoroughly.

Of the features and functions can be noted:

• Steam regulation.
• 2 tanks.
• Possibility of horizontal steaming.
• Protection against inclusion by children.
• Safety valve.
• Scale protection.
• Functional nozzles (spot, brush, iron). There is also a device for washing floors.

The power of the device is 2.2 kW, the maximum pressure of the heated steam is 4.2 bar. This allows you to effectively deal with persistent pollution.

Important! Among the shortcomings, users note a high cost and a large mass (6 kg).

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What you need to know before buying?

To choose a steam cleaner for the home, consider these nuances:

1. To begin, find out: is it possible to use a steam cleaner to clean surfaces in your home. For example, linoleum cannot be washed with hot steam.
2. Most budget models have a small number of nozzles, which affects functionality. In this case, it is advisable to purchase additional nozzles. For example, inkjet, which allows you to remove dirt from hard to reach places.
3. With a metal brush for ceramic objects and plumbing, you need to be careful - it can damage them.

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Stock footage

Many people have already purchased a steam cleaner, and the purchase did not disappoint them. A rating of steam cleaners for the home will allow you to choose the best model for you.