Image: MomJunction Design Team
Steam works excellent in cleaning, polishing, and removing grime and dirt from various surfaces and corners. The best handheld steamer cleaner is versatile and lets you focus on different surfaces, making cleaning sofas, floors, walls, and car interiors more convenient.
Modern steamers have several additional features and accessories that can leave you puzzled when choosing one. To help you pick the best among the many, we bring you some popular handheld steam cleaners with their features in this post.
Top Picks
11 Best Handheld Steam Cleaners
1. Best Quick-Heating:Black+Decker 7-In-1 Steam Mop
Image: Black+decker The expert-recommended seven-in-one steam mop from the trusted brand, Black+Decker, takes all the hassle out of cleaning your floors. This powerful and versatile cleaning tool works on all hard floor surfaces and other surfaces and can be used to mop, steam, sanitize, scrub, and dry your floors. The steam heats up in 20 seconds for convenience and provides continuous flow.
Specification:
- Dimension: 12x25x7in
- Weight: 6lb
- Tank Capacity: NA
Pros
- Helps clean hard-to-reach areas
- Convertible mop-to-handle design
- Easy to use
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Water tank may be smaller than expected
- May be challenging to clean tough stains
"After getting this steam cleaner, I have been able to clean my house without using harsh chemicals. It also works well for upholstery, and the mitt attachment is thoughtful. I wish its locking mechanism were more secure, but it still is easy to use."
2. Best Efficient:Costway 2000W Multipurpose Steam Cleaner
Image: Costway The Costway multipurpose steam cleaner is a powerful and efficient steam cleaner that can be used for various cleaning applications. It features a high-powered 2000-watt motor and a large capacity water tank, allowing you to clean for longer without having to refill the tank. This cleaning tool also features a wide range of accessories, including two extension tubes, an ironing brush, a glass brush, a measuring cup, and more.
Specifications:
- Dimension: 20.4×12.4×11.9in
- Weight: 12.9lb
- Tank capacity: 1500ml
Pros
- Child-lock system
- Auto power-off
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Quick heat-up time
Cons
- Hose might be shorter than expected
- May be loud when in use
"I've used this device to clean every surface of my house, and it has worked well on them all. I was especially amazed that it eliminated old sauce stains from my dining room floor. It's a little bulky, but that's a small trade-off compared to how it simplifies the cleaning process."
3. Best Multifunctional:Cakie Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner
This handheld steam cleaner by Cakie has a lightweight body and portable design to let you carry it easily from one place to another. Once connected to the power supply, the steam cleaner for blinds, floors and more gets ready in three minutes and emits uninterrupted high-pressure steam for up to 20 minutes. Further, it is equipped with a long cord measuring 9.8ft for convenient indoor and outdoor use.
Specification:
- Dimension: 10.47×9.69×6.38in
- Weight: 4.22lb
- Tank capacity: 400ml
Pros
- Multifunctional
- Nine-piece accessory set
- Long spray nozzle
- Chemical-free cleaning
- Large capacity
- Sleek design
- Indicator light
- Works as a fabric steamer
Cons
- Plastic tank might be brittle
"This device works like magic on my faucets! It effectively tackles dirt, keeping my space spot clean, and the eco-friendly cleaning option is a plus. It is also relatively versatile, and the compact design facilitates easy handling."
4. Best Lightweight:McCulloch MC1230 Handheld Steam Cleaner
Image: Mcculloch The safety-tested McCulloch handheld steam cleaning machine is designed for deep cleaning and eliminating grease and grime from a variety of surfaces using the power of steam. The cleaner requires a heating time of just three minutes to deliver ten minutes of continuous high-pressure steam. The 15-foot long power cord adds to its maneuverability and allows you to clean hard-to-reach places. If you need more convincing, feel free to take a look at a tester’s experience in this YouTuber’s review on the merits and demerits of the product.
Specification:
- Dimension: 10.7×5.13×7.95in
- Weight: 3lb
- Tank capacity: 180ml
Pros
- Multiple attachments
- Powerful jet nozzle
- Lightweight
- Versatile cleaning tool
- Cool-touch design
- Heat indicator light
- Lockable trigger
- Storage bag
Cons
- Limited water tank capacity
"I've found it quite handy for most cleaning tasks, as it reaches into nooks and corners with ease. It requires frequent refills due to its small tank size, but it’s been working impressively well for eliminating stubborn gunk, making it a staple in my cleaning arsenal."
5. Best Design:PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner
Image: Pursteam The PurSteam steam mop cleaner is a ten-in-one powerful and efficient cleaning system designed to tackle tough messes. With its adjustable steam settings, you can easily tackle dirt and grime on a variety of surfaces. The mop head enables you to get into tight corners, and the special scrubber brush attachment helps deep-clean stubborn stains, making it the ideal steam cleaner for bathrooms.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 8.07×9.45×23.9in
- Weight: 2.2lb
- Tank capacity: 380ml
Pros
- Safe for children and pets
- Uses only tap water
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Flexible hose
- Multiple nylon brush attachments
Cons
- Some may find the cord shorter than expected
- May be louder than expected
6. Best Easy-To-Fill: Bissell Steam Mop
Image: Bissell The Steam Mop by the renowned and time-tested brand, Bissell, uses pressurized steam to quickly and effectively break down dirt and grime from the surfaces. It provides a powerful and efficient cleaning method with minimal effort. The high heat of the steam can kill up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria, making it a great way to keep your home clean and healthy. You can use this lab-tested mop-style steam cleaner on tile floors, hardwood, laminate, and other types of flooring. Also, this expert-approved cleaning tool is a functional handheld steam cleaner for carpets and rugs.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 9.5x13x46in
- Weight: 6.2lb
- Tank capacity: 480ml
Pros
- Easy-to-fill water tank
- Emits a refreshing fragrance
- Compact and sleek design
- Water heats up quickly
Cons
- Some may find the water capacity limited
- May not be flexible enough
"This steamer is a handy tool for tackling small cleaning jobs, and its compact size makes it easy to maneuver. The water tank capacity calls for frequent refills, but I like that it heats up swiftly and works great for cleaning hard-to-reach areas."
Point to consider7. Best Maneuverable:Puetz Handheld Steam Cleaner
Image: Puetz Golf Puetz handheld steam cleaner comes with quality nylon brushes ideal for deep-cleaning different surfaces. It allows for natural steam cleaning with no harmful fumes or chemical residue. The lightweight and portable steam cleaner has a 9.4-foot-long cord for easy maneuverability.
Specification:
- Dimension: 10.6×5.1×9.4in
- Weight: 4.05lb
- Tank capacity: 350ml
Pros
- Safety cap and child lock
- Fast heat up
- Includes grout tool
- Multi-surface cleaning
- Include 11 versatile accessories
- Powerful cleaning
Cons
- Steam may not be powerful
"This steamer surprised me with its versatility and cleaning power–it even easily handles kitchen grime. Its attachments enhance functionality, though they can be tricky to change. Still, it's pretty quick and efficient at its job."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 1,660 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
8. Best Easy-To-Carry:Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
Image: Dupray The Dupray neat steam cleaner is a powerful multipurpose steam cleaning wand that provides a chemical-free cleaning solution for a variety of surfaces. This hot steam cleaner is made of high-quality materials and features a large water tank. It also has an adjustable pressure range of up to 50 psi, making it suitable for light and heavy-duty cleaning. It is easy to use, portable, and comes with multiple attachments, making it the ideal steam cleaner for homes.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 10.5×10.5×9.5in
- Weight: 9lb
- Tank capacity: 1500ml
Pros
- Easy to use and efficient
- Portable steam cleaner
- Lightweight
- Works with any regular cleaning towel
- Deodorizes effectively
Cons
- May be quite noisy
- Brushes may wear quickly
"It is pretty resourceful for cleaning various surfaces around the house, especially my tiled floor. It even tackles tough grime effectively and gives me peace of mind knowing it's a chemical-free option."
9. Best Chemical-Free:Valemeo Handheld Steam Cleaner
Image: Valemo The handheld steamer for cleaning by Valemeo generates chemical-free steam to remove dirt, grime, and grease effortlessly. This handheld steam cleaner for hard-to-reach areas is equipped with premium-quality attachments and an extension hose to efficiently clean narrow areas using the power of steam. In addition, a storage bag is also provided to keep all the parts organized.
Specification:
- Dimension: 12×9.1×8.7in
- Weight: 4.5lb
- Tank capacity: 220ml
Pros
- Ten versatile accessories
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design
- Fast heating
- Long power cord
- Indicator light
- Includes a grout brush
Cons
- Might not be suitable for heavy-duty cleaning
"Whether refreshing my vehicle or cleaning dirty vents, this is my preferred tool. Its motor is very powerful, and the long cord and hose attachments offer better reach. Overall, it is a robust tool that has proven helpful for various cleaning tasks."
Did you know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 497 positive reviews on Amazon.
10. Best Performance: Pure Enrichment PureClean Steam Cleaner
Image: Pure Enrichment The Pure Enrichment PureClean steam cleaner is a multipurpose 120-watt steam cleaner designed to make deep cleaning easier. This ETL-certified steam cleaner provides 18 attachments required to meet your cleaning needs. You can use this multipurpose steam cleaner on a variety of surfaces, including upholstery, countertops, floors, tiles, and carpets.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 15.75x11x13in
- Weight: 15.9lb
- Tank capacity: 1500ml
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Long cord
- Easy to use
- Versatile cleaning tool
- Quick heating time
Cons
- May be noisier than expected
- Brushes may weaken with time
"Although lightweight, this steam cleaner heats up pretty quickly. Its assembly and operation are also straightforward. It is on the larger end, so it takes some storage space, but besides that, it's been an excellent find."
11. Best Flexible: Steamfast SF-375 Deluxe Canister Steam Cleaner
Image: Steamfast The safety-tested and expert-approved Steamfast SF-375 Deluxe Canister steam cleaner helps tackle tough cleaning jobs. It has 18 versatile accessories, including two steam cleaning wands for maximum cleaning power and convenience. The steam produced is hot enough to kill germs and bacteria without the need for added chemicals, and the cleaner effectively removes stubborn stains too. It is easy to use, and its large wheels and handle make it easy to transport during cleaning sessions.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 19×12.5×9.5in
- Weight: 10.7lb
- Tank capacity: 1420ml
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comes with a storage bag
- Two extension wands
- Features jet nozzle and angled nozzle
- Convenient steam trigger
Cons
- May have a long heating time
- May be loud
"It was a gift from my mom, and I love its versatility and enduring performance–allowing for prolonged use with a single tank fill. The long attachments are slightly fragile; however, the machine is robust and works great under pressure."
How To Choose The Right Handheld Steam Cleaner?
Here are some important factors you should keep in mind when shopping for a handheld steam cleaner.
- Tank capacity: Steamers with less water tank capacity may be lightweight, but they will run out of steam quickly and require frequent refilling. To get the job done faster, choose a large-capacity tank.
- Ergonomic handle: Ensure the handle is ergonomically designed and features easy-to-reach controls to allow you to make changes without much effort.
- Cord length: If the cord is long, you can maneuver your steamer easily around the house. Wireless steamers are also available in the market; however, cordless steamers will limit your use as they need to be recharged.
- Weight and size: Ensure that the steamer is not very big or heavy. The body should be lightweight so that your hands feel light while holding the machine.
Paula Tarling, an experienced domestic cleaner and influencer, says, “Steam cleaners are an efficient and environmentally friendly choice for several cleaning tasks. You can use it all around your home and garden, and it’s great for cleaning hard-to-reach areas. She adds, “The best steam cleaners are multifunctional and come with various attachments. Always check the bar pressure, as a higher pressure level will provide a more powerful steam output.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How safe are steam cleaners?
Steam cleaners are pretty safe to use. Just make sure that they are lightweight and keep them away from children. However, you should not use steam cleaners on surfaces that are heat-sensitive.
2. How effective is steam cleaning?
Steam cleaning is extremely effective because it replaces harsh cleaning chemicals while also killing almost all germs and microbes such as bacteria due to its high temperature.
3. Can I clean the glass with steam cleaners?
Yes, you can clean the glass with steam cleaners. Cleaning by steam is a very effective and time-efficient method. It also cleans the glasses without streaking them.
4. Do steam cleaners remove odors?
Odors are generally developed because of the overgrowth of microbes like bacteria. Steam cleaners are an effective way to remove odor as they remove almost all the germs and microbes from the surface.
5. Can a handheld steam cleaner be used on the carpet?
Yes, handheld cleaners can be used for cleaning carpets, but they may be useful only for spot cleaning. Large steamers may be more useful for cleaning the entire carpet.
6. Can handheld steamers kill bed bugs?
For killing bed bugs, you need a steam temperature ranging between 160 and 180 Fahrenheit. However, it is difficult to kill their eggs.
7. Can I put a floor-cleaning solution in a steam cleaner?
Unless advised in the manufacturer’s instructions, never use any foreign solution in your steamer. Steamers are generally made to do the cleaning by emitting powerful steam.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah loves exploring and writing about household products, automobiles, and electronics. In this well-researched post, he has listed some of the best handheld steam cleaners after diligently scrutinizing product features and customer reviews. These options can help you enjoy a spic and span home with minimum effort. Going through the comprehensive product description, pros and cons, buying guide, and answers to your frequently asked questions will help you decide which handheld steam cleaner fulfills your needs.
The Bottom Line
A steam cleaner is a useful addition to your cleaning kit. It may keep your spaces neat and tidy by cleaning dirt from corners. In this article, we have listed some of the best steam cleaners, including the Black+Decker 7-In-1 Steam Mop, which heats the water in seconds, and the PurSteam Steam Mop Cleaner, featuring a detachable head. You may zero in on products that are easy to use, made using quality materials, and have enough water storage capacity. Moreover, you could also pick one like the Costway 2000W Multipurpose Steam Cleaner, which makes cleaning various surfaces easy and convenient.
Infographic: Points To Consider When Using A Handheld Steam Cleaner
Besides procuring the best handheld steam cleaner, it’s crucial to keep certain factors in mind when using the cleaner to ensure a safer and more satisfying cleaning experience. Check out the following infographic to learn more about the aspects to consider when working with these steam cleaners. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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