Handheld Steam Cleaners

Best small budget steam cleaners

Handheld steam cleaners are fine for small jobs, but at just 900 watts, they aren't nearly as powerful as larger steam cleaners, and many reviews wonder if they are worth the trouble at all. The SteamFast SF-227 is a hand-held steam cleaner, but it gets a pair of poor reviews at Amazon.com. This 4-pound model has a tank capacity of 10 ounces, good for about 12 minutes of steam cleaning. An indicator light tells you when the steam is ready, and the steam trigger is easy to read. Though a small unit, the SteamFast SF-227 does come with several attachments, including a steam nozzle, two nylon brushes, a brass brush, a squeegee, a measuring cup and a fabric steaming cloth. There is a one-year warranty.

The McCulloch MC-1220 (*Est. $50) is a handheld steam cleaner that also gets mixed reviews from owners. Most say it's just too small and not powerful enough to clean much, adding that the steam doesn't last long before needing a refill. The McCulloch has 900 watts of power like the SteamFast SF-227, but it weighs less and has a smaller tank capacity of just six ounces. Accessories include three nozzles, four brushes (nylon and brass), a squeegee, a fill cup and a removable 30-inch hose. There is a one-year warranty.