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SteamFast SF-226

*Est. $40

Reviewed

September 2011

by ConsumerSearch

Best handheld steam cleaner

Pros

Inexpensive
Lightweight and compact
Fast heat-up time
Long nozzle

Cons

Not powerful enough
Requires frequent refilling
Limited number of attachments
Must continually depress steam button

Where to Buy

for $99.95

Our Analysis
Specs
64 Amazon Reviews

Feedback on handheld steam cleaners is generally mixed, but many reviewers say the Steamfast SF-226 is a good value and a solid option for light cleaning. Owners praise its compact size and appreciate the long nozzle on this steam cleaner, saying it's helpful for cleaning tighter spaces. However, some say it lacks the power to remove tougher stains. With a 6-ounce capacity tank, it only supplies about eight minutes of steaming time and is not ideal for cleaning large areas. If you want a longer steam time between refills, the McCulloch MC1275 (*Est. $110) provides up to 45 minutes of steam and has a mechanism to lock the steam button in the on position.

Handheld steam cleaners aren't covered in any professional reviews, but we consulted owner-written reviews at several online retailers. Walmart.com had the most reviews on the Steamfast SF-226 Handheld Steam Cleaner, but reviews at Amazon.com and HomeDepot.com also provided good insight into reliability and performance.

McCulloch MC-1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner

from Amazon.com

New: $150.00 $98.89

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

SteamFast SF-226 Handheld Steam Cleaner

(64 reviews)
Buy new: $49.99 2 Used & new from $50.00

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. Walmart.com

About 100 owners give the Steamfast SF-226 an overall rating of 3.7 stars out of 5. Positive reviews say it's a good value, but better suited for small tasks because the steam runs out fairly quickly. One complaint is the steam button must be held down to emit steam, which can be tiresome. Others say the steam isn't hot enough to do a decent cleaning job.

Review: SteamFast Handheld Kitchen and Bath Steam Cleaner, SF-226, Contributors to Walmart.com

2. Amazon.com

Owners posting reviews at Amazon.com give the Steamfast SF-226 an average rating of 3.4 stars out of 5. Reviews are mixed from about 50 owners -- some are pleasantly surprised and others are disappointed that it didn't remove soap scum or caked-on food. Positive reviews say it removed grime in the kitchen where an industrial-strength degreaser failed, and one owner says this steam cleaner worked well for four years.

Review: SteamFast SF-226 Handheld Steam Cleaner, Contributors to Amazon.com

3. HomeDepot.com

The Steamfast SF-226 is the top-rated handheld steam cleaner at HomeDepot.com, with an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 from about a dozen owners. Reviewers agree it's a great value and makes cleaning easier. One complaint is the need to keep the button depressed to emit steam, as there's no locking mechanism.

Review: Handheld Steam Cleaner, Contributors to HomeDepot.com

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