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Steam Cleaner Buying Guide
Whether you want to clean greener or clean deeper, a steam cleaner gets the job done. Sometimes called vapor cleaners, steam cleaners are gaining popularity for their ability to clean deeply without detergents by using pressurized steam. Unlike carpet cleaners, sometimes called steam vacs, steam cleaners don’t provide suction. Best used for bathrooms, upholstery, draperies and appliance surfaces, steam cleaners are lauded by allergy sufferers for their ability not only to clean, but help rid your home of dust mites and mold. Ready to start steaming? Let Pronto’s Steam Cleaner Buying Guide lead the way.
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Benefits of Steam Cleaning
When you steam clean, you clean greener. Steam cleaners use pressurized steam, not chemicals or solvents to clean surfaces. Some experts say the steam’s hot enough to kill dust mites, mold and other bacteria on contact, making steam cleaners a good choice for allergen-prone homes.
Canister Steam Cleaners
The large size of canister steam cleaners makes them best for large surface areas like floors, paneling and upholstery. Canister steam cleaners typically come with brush, crevice and hardwood floor attachments with specialty attachments available for separate purchase.
Handheld Steam Cleaners
Handheld steam cleaners are lightweight and easy to use in small areas like showers and bathrooms, but usually provide only 5 to 10 minutes of cleaning. Handheld steam cleaners are a good choice for homes with children and pets when you don’t want to haul out the canister steam cleaner for the unexpected mess.
Effectiveness
Look for steam cleaners that operate between 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit and water tanks that deliver the cleaning time you need. A 50-oz water tank provides about an hour of steam. Steam cleaners with continuous fill tanks cut cleaning time by up to two thirds and are worth the investment for big cleaning jobs.
Important Features
Look for a steam cleaner with a variety of attachments, a stainless steel boiler and safety features. Some manufacturers offer optional attachments that you should consider to ensure that all your cleaning needs are covered.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
We like the Vapor WhiteWing Steamer Canister Vacuum for its generous standard attachment package, high-temperature dry vapor steam, half-gallon tank and overall ease of use. Turning water into 285-degree steam in 10-15 minutes, this steam cleaner delivers fast and powerful cleaning along with a pressure gauge, water level and steam-ready indicator lights, and casters for mobility.
experts say
AllergyBuyers Club – “Good things come in small packages and the WhiteWing Vapor Steam Cleaner is surprisingly affordable and offers unrivaled value for your money. Make no mistake; this is no cheaply made steam cleaner as seen in infomercials. This little workhorse handles tough cleaning tasks such as grout, tile floors, counter tops, upholstery, carpet stains and much more.” Source: Allergy Buyers Club
Housekeeping Channel – “The Ladybug XL2300 with TANCS technology is rated as a superior cleaning tool that produces even better results when used over time. The cleaning professionals were pleased with the results they achieved, and said the Ladybug is worth the money for its carpet spot cleaning ability alone.” Source: Housekeeping Channel
Healthy House Institute – “The lightweight portable Ultra Shark Steam Blaster cleans, sanitizes and deodorizes the home — both floors and above floors with included attachments — without the use of harmful chemicals or cleaning products; simply add water and start cleaning.” Source: Healthy House Institute
hot buzz
What's the latest in the world of steam cleaners?
Although steam cleaners do an effective job without detergents, some messes, such as grape juice or pet accidents, benefit from a little extra help. You’ll find specially formulated detergents at your supermarket or home center that combat odors and eliminate stains, including some that are specifically formulated for allergy sufferers. If you do have allergies, you might want to have someone else do the first carpet steaming, as this removes any residue from previous detergents.
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all Steam Cleaners) |
| $ | Budget steam cleaners are primarily handheld models, which aren’t good for large surface areas, but are the best choice for showers, other bathroom areas and any spaces a canister steam cleaner can’t fit easily. |
Compare prices at 11 stores $95 - $175 |
| $$ | In the midrange, you’ll find mostly small-capacity canister steam cleaners. Best suited to small- or medium-sized cleaning jobs, you won’t get the water capacity or temperature of high-end models, but for budget conscious consumers who still want a steam cleaner, they may be a good choice. Expect few attachments, whether standard or available for separate purchase. |
Buy now at 
$101.43 |
| $$$ | High-end steam cleaners offer the largest water capacity and thus the longest cleaning times. At this price point, you’ll find stainless steel tanks that are continuous fill and the greatest number of standard attachments. |
Buy now at Sylvane.com $1,699.00 |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Boiler
The part of the steam cleaner that heats the water to steam or vapor. Most steam cleaners integrate the water tank into the boiler, which prevents it from being refilled while in use. The boiler must be allowed to cool before the water can be added and heated.
Canister
A steam cleaner with a main body that houses the boiler, the water tank and a connected hose with attachments for cleaning. Some of these steam cleaners include casters for easy movement, but they are not designed for easy floor cleaning like uprights.
Continuous fill
A steam cleaner with a double-boiler or a separate water reservoir that lets you add water while the steam cleaner is hot.
Dry-vapor
A steam cleaner that produces low-moisture, high-temperature vapor. Steam from these cleaners contains less moisture than regular upright or carpet steam cleaners.
Safety Cap
The part of the steam cleaner's boiler or water tank that is designed to prevent any escaping steam from scalding the user. Some safety caps also double as pressure valves; these are less safe because superheated steam can escape while pressure is released, presenting a burn hazard.
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