We clean and disinfect without chemicals: TOP 5 best household steam cleaners

The inexpensive steam cleaner of the Clatronic trademark is made in a form factor typical of household models, reminiscent of classic vacuum cleaners. And its grey-black coloring makes the design universal.

The Clatronic DR 3280 tank is designed for 1.5 liters, which means that you will not have to replenish liquid reserves during cleaning. The boiler power is 1500 watts, which contributes to a balance between the speed of water heating and the overall efficiency of the device. The model is equipped with basic safety systems, including overheating protection and a safety valve that vents excess steam.

For cleaning floors and floor coverings with a steam cleaner, there is a standard large brush. In tandem with a fabric nozzle, it can be used to care for sensitive surfaces, including furniture upholstery. For directional steam exposure, there are two point nozzles and a special angle adapter. In addition, a nozzle for washing windows and a pair of round brushes are offered, which will help combine steaming with mechanical cleaning.

The model handles well with most tasks, only with old grease on the stove or other complex contaminants, difficulties are possible.

Together with the Clatronic DR 3280 comes a funnel, a measuring cup and a pair of extension tubes. And a special compartment for storing the main nozzles is provided in the body of the device itself.

The model's controls include a power button on the housing with an indication of heating and readiness for operation, as well as a switch on the steam gun with a trigger lock for continuous steam supply. The only thing missing is a power regulator that allows you to change the intensity of steam generation.

The disadvantages also include a small radius of action from one outlet. The length of the power cord is 2.5 metres, and the steam hose is 1.6 m, so an extension cord will be required in a large room. Otherwise, the Clatronic DR 3280 is suitable for those who are looking for a low-cost steam cleaner with a variety of nozzles.

The compact steam cleaner represents the EasyFix series and belongs to the entry-level solutions in the line of the reputable German manufacturer Karcher.

The main operating parameters fully correspond to the home purpose of the device. This applies to the boiler capacity of 1500 watts, and the pressure of 3.2 bar, and the liter capacity of the water tank. In addition, the heating time is about 6.5 minutes, and the claimed area of steam treatment without refueling is 75 m2 — optimal for average apartments.

Karcher SC 2 EasyFix is equipped with five nozzles. A universal brush is offered for the floor. It is complemented by a fabric attachment with Hook-and-loop and a tongue, which accordingly allow you not to bend over for fixing and subsequent removal of microfibre. There is also a point nozzle for accentuated steaming, a round brush for complex dirt and a manual nozzle for small surfaces, such as mirrors or a kitchen apron.

The device is able to clean most hard surfaces, removing persistent dirt, grease stains and limestone deposits, which is confirmed by the users of the model. And if a set of complete nozzles is not enough, then you should look at the related version Karcher SC 2 EasyFix Premium Price from 5 454 up to 6 740 ₴.

Traditional steam cleaner safety systems are complemented by child protection. And directly on the handle, instead of the usual power button, there is a switch with steam supply power adjustment. The required intensity is set taking into account the complexity of the contamination and/or the type of surface to be treated.

Other features of the model include low weight (2.9 kg), the presence of holders for nozzles on the body and an acceptable range of action reaching 6 m (4-metre power cord + 2-metre steam hose). All this makes the Karcher SC 2 EasyFix one of the best household steam cleaners in the middle price segment.

The model of the specialized brand Thomas stands out in terms of the size of the case against the background of most steam cleaners. It is taller, but shorter in length. And the blue-white coloring of the device suggests comparisons with the popular washing vacuum cleaner Thomas Sky XT Aqua Box Price from 10 094 up to 14 697 ₴.

Thomas Vaporo Buggy steam cleaner received a roomy 1.6-liter water tank. It is stated that the device can work up to 50 minutes without refueling, therefore, if we are not talking about general cleaning, refueling is not required.

The 1500-watt heater power ensures that it is ready for operation in 11 minutes. The steam pressure is 3.5 bar acceptable for household models, a similar statement is true for the maximum feed rate of 40 g/min. The temperature at the outlet of the boiler reaches 150 °C, which makes it possible to fully steam and disinfect.

Together with Thomas Vaporo Buggy, the user is given 9 working nozzles. For floors and carpets, a large brush is useful, for glasses and mirrors — a nozzle with a rubber edge and a fabric cover (protects against stains). With steaming in corners, crevices and other difficult places, a narrow nozzle and an angular adapter will help. And for complex tasks, a scraper attachment and three round brushes are provided at once. Two have nylon pile, and one is metal — specifically for cleaning persistent dirt on scratch—insensitive surfaces, such as stone.

As users note, the steam cleaner handles with most tasks "with a bang", only old fat spots may require more time for cleaning.

On the back side of the case there is a compartment for storing attachments, which will protect from clutter with accessories. The main controls are located on top — the power button, indicators and a rotary steam power regulator. And the feed itself is controlled by a trigger on a steam gun.

The radius of action is quite large (the power cord itself is 5.8 m, and even the steam hose is complemented by three extension tubes), so that a small apartment can be "steamed" from one outlet. Large wheels and a handle on the case will help with moving and carrying a 4-kilogram device.

Thomas Vaporo Buggy is an interesting home model from a well—known manufacturer that is able to impose competition on Karcher steam cleaners.

The steam cleaner of the German company Karcher belongs to advanced solutions. Thanks to a 2200-watt boiler and a system with 2 water tanks, the model is characterized by quick readiness for operation: heating in a 0.5-liter steam boiler takes just 3 minutes. And an additional 1.5 liter removable tank increases the operating time without refueling (up to 60 minutes) and allows you to replenish the liquid "on the go" without stopping the cleaning process.

The operating pressure of 4.2 bar makes the Karcher SC 5 EasyFix a performant steam cleaner. The steam supply power is regulated by a switch on the housing. As an additional feature, the VapoHydro function is implemented, designed to clean persistent contaminants. Hot water is added to the steam in the appropriate mode, which helps to soften and wash away dirt.

The main working tool of the steam cleaner is a floor brush with a fabric covering for the care of delicate coatings. It is easy to install and remove, and also makes it possible not to come into contact with dirt. A manual nozzle is offered for kitchen appliances and plumbing, mirrors and other relatively small surfaces. This set is complemented by a point nozzle and a small round brush.

Also on the market is an extended version of the model — Karcher SC 5 EasyFix Iron, equipped with an iron for ironing and steaming clothes.

Holders for fixing accessories and connecting tubes are provided on the body of the steam cleaner. And a special compartment will help to avoid confusion with a 6-metre power cord. Other useful features include protection from children and the presence of other mandatory security systems for this class of devices.

Of the shortcomings, we will highlight a significant weight (6 kg), but large wheels for transportation and a good range (about 8 metres) will not make this inconvenience critical. In general, the Karcher SC 5 EasyFix is a steam cleaner that is balanced in terms of capabilities and cost. It is optimal for those who want to spend a minimum of time on home cleaning.

The Italian brand MIE calls its device a steam system, as it is suitable for cleaning and disinfecting a variety of surfaces and things. To do this, there is a 1.2-liter water tank and a 1700-watt heater inside the device. Such a tandem ensures readiness for operation 7 minutes after switching on and continuous operation for an hour.

MIE Bello is able to quickly eliminate the most persistent contamination. Thus, the model supports a solid, as for home models, maximum steam pressure of 5.5 bar and a high intensity of its supply up to 200 g/min. And for effective treatment of various surfaces, including in remote locations, an expanded set of accessories is offered up to 10 units, including a floor and three round brushes, a point steam nozzle, fabric covers, an angular and rectangular nozzle.

For steaming, the model is "armed" with an iron with an anti-drip system, a textile nozzle and a separate steam intensity regulator. It is suitable for vertical ironing, disinfection and leveling of various textiles. Thanks to the 2.5-metre steam hose, even high curtains can be refreshed without removing them.

For traditional ironing, MIE Bello is equipped with an 850 W iron with 6.5 bar steam stroke support. It is equipped with a metal sole, a cork handle and a rotary temperature controller. Additionally, there is a rubber mat for safe parking of the iron on the ironing board.

There is a complete bag for storing all attachments. The range of the model exceeds 6.5 metres, and on the back side of the case there is a coil for winding the power cord. The device itself is quite compact and light (4.5 kg), received a simple and intuitive mechanical control.

Among the disadvantages, some users highlight the slippage of the wheels, which somewhat complicates the movement of the device on the floor. But even so, MIE Bello deserves attention as one of the most richly equipped home steam cleaners with an adequate price tag.