
The Eureka Envirosteamer 313A consistently earns good reviews from expert and consumer reviewers alike. At 5.4 pounds, the Envirosteamer is reasonably lightweight, and its 25-foot power cord is one of the longest among its competitors; tall users also appreciate the steam mop's telescopic handle. A foot pedal activates the Envirosteamer's fine continuous steam, released through multiple holes on the mop head. The temperature of the steam, however, is debatable. The manual for the Envirosteamer estimates a steam temperature of 170 degrees when the mop is held in place for eight to 15 seconds; some reviewers measure it at 220 degrees, which would top the 212-degree F steam of the Haan FS-20 Sanitizing Steam Mop (*Est. $80). The Envirosteamer's 20-ounce reservoir produces steam for 15 to 20 minutes, and an indicator light lets you know when it needs filling.
On the downside, the Envirosteamer takes three minutes to heat up, and some users say the wide-angle swivel head is too big to fit under low furniture. The mop covers, called Magic Cloths, routinely shrink in the dryer, owners complain, and they don't stay firmly attached to the mop head. Failed heating elements and broken handles are the most commonly cited problems. Many owners also report that during the first few uses, the steam appears to be released faster resulting in less steam time and wet floors; most find this problem self-corrects after three or four uses. The Envirosteamer is comparable in many categories to the Bissell 1867-7 Steam Mop (*Est. $80). If sanitizing is your main priority, then the Haan FS-20 may be a better choice for you.
We found the best comparison tests covering the Eureka Envirosteamer 313A at ConsumerReports.org and at About.com, where it's compared with five other steam mops. (Note:
ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.) There also is a detailed user review on Amazon.com that does a side-by-side comparison with six other steam mops. Amazon.com and Walmart.com have hundreds of owner-written reviews that provide insight into the Envirosteamer's performance over time. Further owner reviews are provided at BestBuy.com and Viewpoints.com. HubPages.com has a good blog reviewing the top four steam mops, while Bestcovery.com is a good central location for reviews from many sites, along with expert-generated lists for best products.

| Eureka Enviro Hard-Surface Floor Steamer, 313A | |
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.org
ConsumerReports.org reviews and rates 10 steam mops. Devices are rated on their effectiveness on certain flooring types, residual water left on the floor and how long the units can produce steam. In addition ConsumerReports.org offers a buying guide and forums to discuss common questions with steam mops.
Review: Recommended Steam Mops, Editors of and Contributors to ConsumerReports.org
2. Amazon.com
This detailed comparison review by a resident of Austin, Texas, is highlighted amongst other owner-written reviews of steam mops at Amazon.com. Reviewer "Chandler" enlists her neighbors in a comparison test of seven steam mops. Top ranking goes to the Eureka Envirosteamer for its sturdy build, light weight, a longer handle, hot steam and the longest running time between refills (more than 20 minutes). Note: Chandler lists the steam temperature for the Envirosteamer as 220 degrees Fahrenheit, measured by a commercial cooking thermometer, whereas the manufacturer lists it as 170 degrees Fahrenheit if held in place for eight to 15 seconds.
Review: The Top Steam Mops, "Chandler", Aug. 7, 2009
3. About.com
The About.com guide to housekeeping recommends five steam mops, with separate reviews for each that provide ample detail and list pros and cons. The Eureka Envirosteamer 313A earns a near-perfect rating of 4.5 on a 5-point scale from the author. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Top 5 Steam Mops, Sarah Aguirre
4. Amazon.com
Amazon.com invites consumers to post candid reviews of the products they own. These reviews and ratings often cover several years of use, making it easier to compare steam mops for durability, performance and ease of use. The Eureka Envirosteamer 313A is rated positively by users, earning 3.6 out of a possible 5 stars with more than 1,700 reviews. Owners praise the ease of maneuverability of the Envirosteamer with its low center of gravity, swivel head and low-profile steam head that allows it to fit under counters. Though more than 65 percent of owners rate it above average, a significant 16 percent of owners give it only 1 star, citing poor steam generation, recurrent leaks, cheap assembly and machine failure after four to six uses.
Review: Eureka 313A Enviro Hard-Surface Floor Steamer, Contributors to Amazon.com
5. Walmart.com
Owners at Walmart.com review some of the most popular steam mops. Owners can rate products on value, expectations, features, durability and appearance, and leave a short review. The Eureka Envirosteamer 313A is rated 4.1 stars out of 5 by over 475 users. Users say it is lightweight, sturdy, easy to use and cleans various floor types well. However, many complain that it has a flimsy handle, leaves floors wet and streaked and that the cleaning pads are too thick. Owners who have used Haan steam mops in the past say they prefer them to the Envirosteamer.
Review: Eureka Enviro Steamer Steam Mop, 313A, Contributors to Walmart.com
6. BestBuy.com
Best Buy sells the most popular brands of steam mops, but only some of the models have accumulated enough owner-written reviews to make their average ratings significant. Fewer than 30 users review the Eureka Envirosteamer 313A here, but it earns a solid 3.9-star rating out of 5 stars for its light weight, maneuverability and ability to clean difficult stains. One owner, however, says the steam mop broke after just a couple months.
Review: Eureka -- Enviro Steam Cleaner, Contributors to BestBuy.com
7. HubPages.com
This blogger reviews four steam mops and offers helpful ideas on what to look for in a steam mop. The Eureka Envirosteamer 313A receives the most praise. "Jool" notes the high temperature of its steam, long cord, long handle and waffle cleaning pad. Two drawbacks are the small water tank and the large head of the mop, which prevents cleaning floor edges and under furniture well.
Review: The Four Best Steam Mop Cleaners, "Jool"
8. Bestcovery.com
The choices here are apparently based on features and owner-written reviews, with no actual testing documented. Because the reviews include links to so many owner-written review sites, this can be a good place to check out ratings once you've narrowed your choice to two or three steam mops. The Eureka Envirosteamer 313A is chosen as the Best Steam Mop because of its long adjustable handle, long cord, continuous steam and ease of use. The Envirosteamer also places second for the Best Budget Steam Mop after the Steamfast SF-140 Steam Mop.
Review: Best Steam Mop, Mariette Mifflin, Oct. 28, 2010
9. Viewpoints.com
This independent user-review website provides overall product scores on a scale of 1 to 100. Individuals also review products and rate various aspects of their performance on a scale of 1 to 5. The Eureka Envirosteamer 313A is rated by almost 25 reviewers, who score it an average 84 out of 100. In general, users appreciate the continuous steam output, swivel head and reasonable price, and most find it does an excellent job cleaning and sanitizing the floors. Others complain that the Envirosteamer is heavy to push and that it leaves floors too wet and streaky.
Review: Eureka EnviroSteamer Cleaner Reviews, Contributors to Viewpoints.com
10 picks including: About.com, Amazon.com…
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