There are three main types of steam cleaner. To help you choose the right one for your home, here’s all you need to know. The new and versatile Karcher SC5 EasyFix Steam Unit harnesses the power of steam to make it one of our top steam cleaning machines. Compact and lightweight, steam mops are easy to set up and use. They work like regular mops but are much more powerful cleaners. Their handles have built-in water tanks that heat up in about 20 seconds. They'll need refilling more often than cylinder cleaners (below) as they're smaller, but this makes them far easier to manoeuvre around your home. Many come with a swivel head for reaching under furniture and kitchen appliances. Two-in-one steam cleaners act like steam mops but come with detachable handheld units for different chores such as cleaning kitchen tops and baths. With cylinders and two-in-one models, we also test their attachments. We use the scrubbing brushes to remove dried food from the hob and clean tiles and grouting, and we put the squeegee to work brightening windows and glass shower doors.

Most of the mops in our list are two-in-one models that also double up as handheld units for cleaning hobs and tiles.How long a steam cleaner takes to heat up before it starts pumping out steam is largely determined by the size of the tank. This may be as little as 20 seconds for a steam mop and two minutes for a cylinder, but exact timings can vary greatly between models. The smaller the water tank, the more often you’ll have to top it up. The larger the tank, the longer it’ll take to heat up before it’s ready to use, but it will last longer. Cylinder models tend to have large capacities, with some holding up to two litres, while steam mops tend to hold up to 450ml. Note whether the tank is detachable and easy to fill at the tap, or if you need to fill it with a jug (these are sometimes included).

We test steam mops on hard flooring, noting how long it takes to remove food stains and muddy deposits. We also look at how easy it is to move the mop around awkward areas and judge whether the floor looks shiny and streak-free after cleaning. Cylinders and two-in-one mops, meanwhile, tend to feature extra tools such as scrubbing brushes, scrapers and grout cleaners for a super-thorough finish. Other attachments for specific surfaces may include upholstery tools, ironing attachments for curtains and squeegees for windows and glass. Some models come with detergent, but this merely provides a fresh scent, rather than extra cleaning power. How we test steam cleaners The SC 5 benefits from a refillable tank which results in an interrupted cleaning process. There is room on the SC5 for storage of accessories and tools that can be bought to deliver a more versatile range of options to your cleaning. The SC5 Easyfix Premium is a beast of a steam cleaner with a versatile roster of cleaning tools and abilities. As a steam mop, few dedicated models can cover ground with such speed and cleaning potential. As a detail steamer, the VapoHydro mode is unrivalled for shifting serious grime. The only caveat is that seriously premium price, for which we would have expected a window squeegee tool and a longer cable. Yet, for all-around steam cleaning and steam mopping ability, few models on the market can touch the SC5 in performance. Final Thoughts When thoroughly cleaning with the Karcher steam cleaner 99.99% of all common household bacteria will be killed on typcial household, smooth, hard surfaces, provided the cleaning speed of 30 cm/s at max. steam setting (test-germ: Enterococcus hirae). With Karcher professional steam cleaners SG(V) this is 99.999%, according to EN 16615:2015-06, on PVC floors. (test germ: Enterococcus hirae ATCC 10541).

They use heat to blast germs and bacteria so effectively that there's no need to use any harsh cleaning solutions. In fact, the only thing steam cleaners require is tap water, which can make them a more affordable and eco-friendly housekeeping solution in the long-term. By simply mixing and matching attachments, you can use them across upholstery, soft furnishings, mattresses, kitchen floors, ovens and carpets. Cylinder steam cleaners are a powerful heavy-duty option with much bigger tanks and wheels. They tend to be bulkier. Four-stage steam flow regulation – The steam volume can be individually adjusted to the surface and dirt.