Steam vacuum cleaners: review of popular models and tips for future buyers
Steam cleaning is an extremely effective and safe cleaning method. Modern steam vacuum cleaners allow you to carry out such operations even at home.These devices cope with even the most difficult stains without the use of chemicals. Agree, having such an assistant in the house is the dream of any housewife.
Despite their excellent performance characteristics, such vacuum cleaners are still in little demand, the main reasons being high cost and limited supply. However, among the models presented on the market, you can choose a unit that best suits the buyer’s needs. Don't know how to do this?
We will help you decide on the appropriate unit. The article presents a rating of the top five that received the maximum number of positive user reviews, as well as worthy alternative options, and tips on choosing and operating steam generating devices.
The content of the article:
Top 5 Vacuum Cleaners with Steam
A steam vacuum cleaner is a container with a powerful heating element built into it. Water boils and turns into steam. Under the influence of high pressure, the valve opens and steam flows through the hose to the surface that needs to be cleaned. This rating contains the most convenient models of vacuum cleaners with a steam generator.
1st place - Tefal VP7545RH
A vertical vacuum cleaner designed for regular as well as wet cleaning. The device can clean up to 100 square meters. m without adding water to the tank. The set includes four cloth attachments to clean the floor.
Specifications:
- consumption - 1700 W;
- noise - 84 dB;
- tank - 0.7 l;
- weight - 5.4 kg;
- Dimensions - no data.
Buyers love the good level of cleaning this unit provides, as well as the ease of operation. But the device does not cope with places under furniture, and also does not clean very well along baseboards and in corners.
Model VP7545RH is suitable as an auxiliary device in the presence of a conventional vacuum cleaner. It is useful for daily local cleaning, and will also help cope with complex stains.
2nd place - Polti FAV30
A high-power unit with spacious tanks and the ability to carry out wet cleaning. There are many different attachments, as well as a scraper and an extension cord for steam supply.
Specifications:
- consumption - 2450 W;
- noise - 79 dB;
- tank - 1.8 l;
- weight - 8.2 kg;
- dimensions - 490*330*320 mm.
Buyers like the ability to quickly and easily carry out high-quality treatment on almost all surfaces in the house. The device does an excellent job of removing mold and mildew, as well as cleaning carpets. The water tank is spacious enough, there is no need to add water during the process.
Dissatisfaction is caused by the lack of space for automatic wire winding. The FAV30 model is suitable for large-scale general cleaning; it removes old stains and other difficult stains well.
3rd place - KARCHER SV 7
A reliable device that allows you to remove dust and clean surfaces with steam. There is no turbo brush; a universal nozzle is used instead. To treat different surfaces, the nozzle comes with three lower panels: regular, carpet and steam.
Specifications:
- consumption - 2200 W;
- noise - 71 dB;
- tank - 1.2 l;
- weight - 10.5 kg;
- dimensions - 336*515*340 mm.
Owners are generally satisfied with this vacuum cleaner; the ability to perform high-quality steam cleaning without chemicals is highly appreciated.
Possibility raises complaints hose breakage, which can break after a couple of years of use, as well as the need to disassemble and wash the vacuum cleaner every time. The lack of storage space for a long cord also does not suit everyone.
The SV 7 model can be considered a good device for weekly cleaning; it copes well with most stains. Be careful when using this vacuum cleaner; the combination of steam and a stiff brush can damage sensitive surfaces such as parquet.
4th place - MIE Maestro
An interesting unit, equipped with a variety of attachments and a professional steam iron. It perfectly cleans not only the floor, but also windows, glass, tiles, etc.
Specifications:
- consumption - 2600 W;
- noise - 83 dB;
- tank - 2 l;
- weight - 6.3 kg;
- dimensions - 600*350*300 mm.
Buyers rate this unit as easy to use. Cleans quickly and efficiently. Negative reviews are due to the need for maintenance after use and large sizes. The instructions are not very informative; corner cleaning is not always good due to the design of the nozzles.
The Maestro model is too expensive to consider it as a regular vacuum cleaner. But for regular steam cleaning it is indispensable. It will also be appreciated by those who have to iron or steam a large number of things.
5th place - Kitfort KT-535
Vertical 3-in-1 unit. Allows you to vacuum, wash the floor and treat surfaces with steam. Warms up in just 30 seconds. The device is equipped with a cyclone filter and a nozzle in the form of an extension handle.
Specifications:
- consumption - 1600 W;
- noise - 80 dB;
- tank - 1 l;
- weight - 5.3 kg;
- dimensions - 320*280*1200 mm.
Buyers are satisfied with the results of cleaning from dust, small debris and wool. After this, you can disinfect the floor surface using steam. Removes old dirt well. But a large brush doesn’t fit well under furniture, it’s inconvenient.
Model KT-535 can be recommended as a device for daily or local cleaning. The device is assembled and is always ready for use. After using steam, be sure to rinse the water tank.
Decent alternative offers
In addition to the popular models described above, there are several more options for interesting vacuum cleaners with the ability to use steam.
Option #1 - Euroflex Monster SV 235
This is a washing vacuum cleaner that also allows you to use steam for a perfectly clean home. Equipped with a set of brushes and attachments for various coatings, furniture, etc.
Specifications:
- consumption - 2300 W;
- noise - 76 dB;
- tank - 3.5 l;
- weight - 10 kg;
- dimensions - 330*350*480 mm.
Owners rate the cleaning quality of this separator model as very good. A large bucket of dirty water is convenient to clean after finishing the procedure. But not everyone likes the lack of a module for automatic cable winding. In addition, owners note the low quality of plastic and connections.
The SV 235 model is perfect for general cleaning of large areas with varied surfaces. It will fit perfectly into a large house or apartment, but it will be inconvenient to use it for short-term daily cleaning.
Option #2 - Polti Lecoaspira Turbo & Allergy
High-power vacuum cleaner with a steam generator and a very large number of attachments. There are also extension tubes and bristle inserts. There is no possibility of wet cleaning.
Specifications:
- consumption - 2600 W;
- noise - 76 dB;
- tank - 3.5 l;
- weight - 10.5 kg;
- dimensions - 32*49*33 mm.
Buyers generally rate this model as convenient, it cleans surfaces well, and steam removes complex stains. But the steam button on the handle is not very convenient; sometimes the function is activated accidentally. The unit is quite heavy, not every woman can easily handle it.
The Lecoaspira Turbo & Allergy model is large enough to fit into a large home. To place the device itself, as well as for the bag with attachments, you will need to find a separate place.
Option #3 – Polti Lecoaspira Friendly
Convenient model with aqua filter and steam indication function. A multi-purpose brush equipped with various inserts allows you to efficiently clean various types of surfaces.
Specifications:
- consumption - 2200 W;
- noise - 79 dB;
- tank - 3 l;
- weight - 10.5 kg;
- dimensions - 320*490*330 mm.
Steam cleans perfectly without the use of chemicals, and the aquabox reliably holds the smallest dust inside. This is the main advantage of this steam vacuum cleaner model. Almost all buyers are dissatisfied with the fact that there is no way to add water to the container during cleaning.
The Lecoaspira Friendly model has a relatively moderate price compared to its analogues. The assembly of the unit does not always meet customer expectations. The device is suitable for those who are willing to put up with minor design flaws in order to save money.
How to choose the right device?
A good vacuum cleaner of this type, like any other, should be reliable and convenient. But steam models have a number of special requirements. For example, the elements of the device must withstand heating up to 100°C and even higher.
The steam also needs to be strong enough. A pressure of four bars or higher is usually enough to effectively clean difficult stains from the surface or treat the seams between tiles in just a couple of minutes.
The power consumption of such devices is traditionally high, usually more than 2000 W. It is very convenient if the steam strength and suction power are adjusted on the handle. The device works quickly, and bending over to change modes every time seems like a waste of time.
It is highly desirable that the vacuum cleaner can produce both dry and wet steam. The first one is good for regular disinfection, and the second one is good for removing stubborn dirt.
The operating time of such a vacuum cleaner is limited by the amount of water in the boiler. As soon as it ends, cleaning will have to be suspended or stopped.
Therefore, you need to pay attention to its volume, which should be at least one liter. If you buy a vacuum cleaner for a large house, you should clarify an important point: whether there is a function for adding water during cleaning. For small areas, a device without the possibility of topping up and with a small boiler size may be sufficient.
In any case, it is better if there is an indicator on the body or handle indicating that the water will soon run out. Preference should be given to a steam boiler made of aluminum, which tolerates contact with scale well.
If allergy sufferers live in the house, you should prefer the option with an additional HEPA filter. It should be easy to remove, wash and put back on. The boiler protection function prevents contact with hot elements until they cool down. But while it cools down, access to it is blocked.
You can take a vacuum cleaner without this function, but then you should be extra careful when handling it. Vacuum cleaners with steam are extremely rarely small, and some come with many attachments. This can create a problem when choosing a place to store them.
Tips and tricks for use
The banal advice to read the instructions is never superfluous. This useful document should be re-read periodically. The biggest problem that a steam vacuum cleaner can cause is damage to some coatings or decorative elements.
It is not the unit that is to blame, but its short-sighted owners. If the coating is sensitive to moisture and/or heat, it should be used in such areas with extreme caution.Especially if the house has laminate, parquet, or plastic elements.
If the main type of flooring in the apartment is laminate, then it is better to look for a model with a special “gentle” attachment for such material. The rating of the best washing units for laminate flooring is presented in this review.
Some left a running vacuum cleaner in contact with the sensitive flooring for just a couple of minutes and got deformation that can only be corrected by completely replacing the floor. Owners of inexpensive models need to be especially careful; their steam sometimes turns on accidentally.
It is better to think about a place to store the unit in advance. It itself is larger than a regular vacuum cleaner, and it comes with significantly more attachments. It’s good if the manufacturer includes a bag for storing them. If you don’t have one, you can use an old one or buy a new bag of the right size.
In the place for storing the vacuum cleaner, nail a hook to the wall, hang a bag with attachments on it, and the problem of storing them is solved. You can also provide another hook for storing a rolled up cable if it is not hidden in the case and there are no “horns” for it on the case.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Recommendations for choosing a steam generator, overview of devices for steam cleaning:
A vacuum cleaner equipped with a steam function is the ideal solution for effective cleaning without the use of chemicals. If the rules are followed and handled with care, such a device is completely safe..
Do you have anything to add or have questions about choosing and using steam vacuum cleaners? You can leave comments on the publication, participate in discussions and share your own experience of using such home helpers. The contact form is located in the lower block.
A steam vacuum cleaner has been a long-time desire of mine. The high temperature of the steam helps remove all harmful microorganisms, removes various deposits well, and does not use chemicals, therefore it is safe. It’s a pity that steam is not suitable for any surface, and buying a separate vacuum cleaner for tiles is currently an unaffordable luxury for me. Moreover, steam vacuum cleaners usually cost a lot.
It was with approximately the same thoughts that I looked at the Karcher model SV 7. In it, the manufacturer tried to combine a regular and steam vacuum cleaner. For now, its rather large dimensions and weight are holding it back. Not sure if it is suitable for daily cleaning. You can’t force your husband to vacuum every time, but judging by the reviews, it will be quite difficult for you. But if you use it only for steam cleaning, then it turns out to be too expensive, as you correctly noted.