Best Steam Mops

Bissell steam mop outperforms others

Steam mops differ from standard mops in that they use electricity to heat reservoirs of water and thus must be kept plugged in during use. Most steam mops take a few minutes to heat up and cool down. Jets in the mop head emit pressurized steam, which loosens food particles and stuck-on grime. Steam mops usually come with removable microfiber mop head covers, which pick up loosened dirt and can usually be machine washed. But, reviews say, the cloth covers can become soaked after several minutes of mopping and leave standing water on floors. Many owners say that they use towels to soak up standing water left on the floor after mopping.

The best steam cleaners have swiveling heads designed to fit behind toilets and under cabinets. Most allow you to clean continuously for 10 minutes or longer without refilling the water reservoir. Many contain filters that allow you to use tap water, but manufacturers recommend using distilled water if you want to extend the life of the filter. Filters generally cost $15 or less. Some steam mops release steam continuously, while others require you to squeeze a trigger.

Of all the steam mops listed at Amazon.com, the Bissell 1867-7 (*Est. $80) receives the largest number of owner-written reviews (nearly 450), and it receives more than 750 at Walmart.com. Owners overwhelmingly approve of this mop. They say that it heats up quickly and glides easily around the floor. Its compact, swiveling head is said to fit under appliances and behind toilets. Owners say that this mop is effective against scuffs and stuck-on stains, but you have to pull the trigger to release steam, which can be a bit tiring. The only major complaints we read focus on the amount of water left on the floor after cleaning. This mop has an internal filter, an indicator light that lets you know when the filter needs to be changed, and a one-year limited warranty. A few owners wish the Bissell 1867-7 had a longer power cord.

Unlike the Bissell 1867-7 steam mop, the 1,000-watt SteamFast SF-140 (*Est. $40) does not have a swiveling head, but owners say it works just fine. It outperforms two other steam mops in Good Housekeeping's tests, cutting through chocolate sauce and fruit-juice stains. The SF-140's swivel handle helps it maneuver around obstacles with ease. We read a few complaints about the SF-140's small water reservoir, but in general, owners are satisfied with this mop and with its price. A few owners at Walmart.com say that the 19-foot power cord is a little short and that the mop leaves a bit of water on the floor.

The Haan FS-20 (*Est. $100) earns high marks from owners at Amazon.com and AllergyBuyersClub.com. With its tank full, this mop weighs just 4 pounds. Owners say it heats quickly and emits steam continuously, so you don't have to pull a trigger. The FS-20 can run for 20 minutes without refilling, and comes with a one-year warranty. The main complaint we read centers on the Haan FS-20's head, which doesn't swivel, making it hard to reach into corners.

The Reliable SteamBoy T1 (*Est. $90), which has a triangular, swiveling head, earns slightly above average ratings from more than 90 owners at Amazon.com. Reviews say that the SteamBoy heats up quickly and works well. This mop can steam continuously for 30 minutes without refilling, and it has a 16-foot cord. Some owners prefer the SteamBoy's triangular head to the Bissell 1867-7's rectangular one, but reviews for the 1867-7 are slightly better, and it costs a bit less. As with nearly every steam mop, we read that the SteamBoy leaves a fair amount of water on the floor after mopping.