Steam Cleaners: Reviews

Reviewers say the McCulloch MC1275 is the best value among canister-style steam cleaners. This unit offers an assortment of nine tools, including a floor brush and squeegee, which make it versatile and useful for cleaning… expandhard-to-reach spots. Its sturdy 48-ounce tank provides up to 45 minutes of continuous steam time, made easier by a mechanism that locks the steam button in the on position. Still, some owners say the steam spray needs to be hotter and more powerful so less scrubbing is needed to get items clean and the attachments are not worn down so easily. This steam cleaner is made by Top Innovations, which covers it with a one-year warranty. collapse

Handheld steam cleaners are ideal for light cleaning. However, these appliances aren't powerful enough to tackle set-in food or grease-soaked stains. But if you want a light-duty steam cleaner, owners praise the Steamfast… expandSF-226 for its compact size and say its long nozzle can reach tight spaces. However, its 6-ounce tank only holds enough water for about eight minutes of steaming time, so it's not ideal for cleaning large areas. This steam cleaner comes with a two-year warranty. collapse

Owners say the expensive Ladybug 2300 is the most powerful residential steam cleaner available, but it's probably overkill for most homeowners. According to lab tests, its special sanitization feature kills microorganisms… expandbetter than heat alone, converting tap-water minerals into crystals that disrupt the cell membranes of microorganisms. Unlike lower-priced models, you can use regular tap water rather than distilled water. The Ladybug has a 58-ounce water tank with a continuous-fill design, so users don't need to let the steam cleaner cool down before safely refilling it. It has 10 attachment tools, some of which conveniently store in the onboard caddy. That said, this steam cleaner's maneuverability is somewhat hindered by its short hose and short power cord as well as its hefty size. collapse