The steam mop is probably the most underrated piece of home cleaning equipment.
The traditional mop and bucket is the perfect way to allow bacteria to fester and multiply over time, whereas the steam cleaner kills bacteria and the pads are easy to machine wash after.
They have a longer lifespan, and are generally simpler to use and a lot tidier than their manual counterparts.
A steam mop or cleaner could be exactly what you need in your home, and this guide will take you through everything you need to know as well as some of the best steam mops on the market.Â
Shark S6003UK Steam MopÂ
Shark S1000UK Steam MopÂ
A Steam Mop Buyers Guide Video
What Key Features to Look For
We have put together this quick and handy video outlining the key things to consider when looking to choose the best steam mop. This includes the following:
Budget - which steam mop will you pick up?
Type - you have several to choose from, so take your time thinking
Heating Time - 30 seconds or five minutes? The choice is yours
Steaming Time - how long it needs before it has to be refilled
Capacity - how much water the tank can take
Weight - a vital piece of information for the sake of your wrists and back
Battery Life - how long will your handheld steam cleaner last?
Types of Steam Cleaners/Mops
There are three forms that the steam cleaner/mop takes, and these all have their own separate types. In this section, we break down each of the available forms and the most common types of cleaner that fall under them.
Steam Mop -
These are quite nifty, and also the newest form of steam cleaner on the market. They are able to stand upright and the water tank is attached to the handle for easy access.
They are also the perfect choice for tiles and wood floors, as well as being highly versatile.
Single Purpose - This tends to be the cheapest form of steam mop, and it is primarily used for steam cleaning floors.
They are lightweight, and easy to handle thanks to their pivoting head. They tend to come with a nice selection of attachments, but the steam mop below has a wider selection.
Multipurpose -Â These are quite versatile and can be used on a range of different surfaces - anything from floors to windows and furniture.
They come with great attachments, and are ideal for those who have pets and kids due to the fact that it can steam clean a vast range of surfaces.
Steam Cleaner -
This is the traditional type, and the very thing that made steam cleaners as popular as they are today.
They are the most versatile and pragmatic option on the market, and they can be used to steam clean any space in your home - whether it’s your floors or the interior of your oven. Plus, you can find them at bargain prices.
Cylinder steam cleaner -Â The basic design for these is the main body, wheels on the base, a flexible hose, and a plastic wand with a nozzle.Â
This is also why they are commonly known as barrel steam cleaners, and you will find they come with a nice selection of attachments.
They also have very large water tanks. The only issue is that they can be a little heavy.
2-in-1 steam cleaner -Â These basically look like a chunky steam mop, but they are also comprised of a standard steam cleaner as well as a handheld one.
They can tackle pretty much every task that you throw at them, but the downside is that they are more expensive than other steam cleaners.
Handheld Steam Cleaners -
These are ideal for those who want something that is lightweight, compact, and effective at steam cleaning.
They are the best solution for small spaces, much like the bathroom floor and tiles, as well as kitchen counters and sticky surfaces. They also work wonders on car interiors.
We have created a guide to the Best handheld Steamer here.
Best Steam Mops UK (In Order)
1. Shark S6003UK Klik n’ Flip Automatic Steam Mop
A great allrounder and our pick as best steam mop
Shark could easily be hailed King of the steam cleaners, and they are one of the brands that brought them into the mainstream market. With constantly evolving technology, it is easy to see why they are such a popular company.
Specifications
- Type: Steam Mop
- Dimensions: 119cm x 11cm x 10cm
- Weight: 2.7kg
- Tank Size: 330ml
- Heating Time: 30 seconds
- Steaming Time: 25 minutes
- Number of Accessories: 1
What We Liked
We really enjoyed the whole kick and flip concept behind this model. It is so easy to do, and it also means that when you go to change the pads there isn’t really any need to handle the dirty one.
Using each side of the pad is easy as you just flip the head over with your foot, and it also means that it doesn’t take away from the steaming time - which is pretty long considering.
The steam blast technology is perfect for stubborn stain removal, cutting through them with ease. Intelligent steam control means that you can adjust the variable steam settings accordingly, allowing you to deal with a wide range of surfaces without risking damage.
The tank is a decent size as well, allowing for great cleaning times on all three power settings, as well as being easy to refill.Â
What We Didn’t
It can be a little heavy to use, but this is something you get used to over time. However, the Vileda model mentioned previously is a good lightweight model if you can’t get used to the handling.
Should You Buy?
Yes, you absolutely should consider buying this Shark S6003UK steam mop. It is easy to use and powerful in terms of cleaning. Tough stains mean nothing to it, and it is certainly one of the best steam cleaners in all regards.
The tank is a little small, but you should still get ample time out of it to keep your hard floors looking great.Â
Design
Features
Price
2. Vileda Steam Mop 157171
Amazon top choice steam mop and at a great price
This classic steam mop takes things back to basics, but in all the right ways. It’s a handy machine that brings ease back to cleaning, and what it lacks in terms of accessories it certainly makes up for in cleaning power.
Specifications
- Type: Steam Mop
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 29 x 130 cm
- Weight: 2.5kg
- Tank Size: 400ml
- Heating Time: 15 seconds
- Steaming Time: 28 minutes
- Number of Accessories: 1
What We Liked
What we really enjoyed here was the fast heating time. This means that you can get straight to cleaning without having to wait for ages. Additionally, the steaming time is very good, especially for such a compact model, and it definitely gives ample time to steam clean most homes effectively.
It comes with two microfibre cloths so that you can switch between them when needed.
An interesting feature here is the carpet glider. This allows you to steam clean carpets without soaking them so that they can benefit from a good steaming.
The controls are simple to use, allowing you to choose how much steam is pushed out, and the smooth design of the swivel head makes it a breeze to use across all surfaces. Plus, the cord length is nice and long for a good radius.Â
What We Didn’t
It is very tall, and the handle cannot be adjusted. Additionally, the handle can be quite uncomfortable to hold and grip.
Should You Buy?
Yes, this is a great choice for those who want something that is lightweight and easy to handle. It has a fast heating time and a good steaming time, which means it can tackle most homes effortlessly.
Although, the Shark Kick n’ Flip model featured in our guide is a better overall cleaner. It might not have many accessories, but it certainly holds its own on hard floors and is our best budget steam mop pick.
Design
Features
Price
Read Here: H20 X5 Steam Mop Review
3. Shark S1000UK Steam Mop
Great features and at a great price
Shark is always producing great steam cleaners that have the customer in mind. This model is no exception, with the only key factor being that they have thought of those that need something cheap and cheerful to get them going. They have certainly delivered without skimping on quality.
Specifications
- Type: Steam Mop
- Dimensions: 15 x 17 x 61 cm
- Weight: 1.8kg
- Tank Size: 375ml
- Heating Time: 30 seconds
- Steaming Time: 20 minutes
- Number of Accessories: 1
What We Liked
We really enjoyed how easy this machine is to use, and the effortless gliding across the floor made it feel more like a relaxing task than a chore. It’s lightweight and slim in design, which is what made the handling feel so easy when we were cleaning.
The tank is easy to refill when it is empty, with no cooling time required before you just top it up. This takes out a lot of hassle.
The cleaning pads provided are quick to fit and completely washable, giving you a reusable solution to the grime on your hard floor. The steam pump means that you can blast stains and tough areas without a second thought, and it is pretty good at breaking through them.
The mop head also has a low profile, and this is so that it can reach under furniture and other tight spaces.Â
What We Didn’t
There isn’t a power switch, which does feel a little weird. You also need to pump the handle a lot to keep the steam flow going at a steady rate.
Should You Buy?
Yes, it is a great model to buy if you are on a budget. It doesn’t quite have the same oomph as the other Shark here or maybe the Vileda, but it is able to hold its own. It’s certainly one of the best lower priced steam mops on the market, and at a price that makes it very appealing to anyone.
Design
Features
Price
Read Here: Vax S7 Steam Mop Review
4. Dupray Heavy Duty Steam Cleaner
Our pick as the best cylinder steam cleaner
This steam cleaner has a small yet chunky design that you can’t help but fall in love with. Probably the best cylinder steam cleaner out there, it is certainly one to look for if you are searching for power and steam cleaning efficiency.
Specifications
- Type: Cylinder
- Dimensions: 26.7 x 26.7 x 24.1 cm
- Weight: 6.3kg
- Tank Size: 1200ml
- Heating Time: 493 seconds
- Steaming Time: 40 minutes
- Number of Accessories: 4
What We Liked
It’s a reliable steam cleaner with a large tank, and this also means that it has a long steaming time so that you can get your work done quickly.
We quite liked the fact that this model was able to produce a lot of steam, as well as the fact that this amount remained consistent even after prolonged use. If you need more steam time, the boiler doesn’t take long to cool for refills either.
It’s easy to handle despite its design, and the controls are simple to use and access. The trigger is comfortable to use and can be locked, saving your finger from cramping during those larger jobs.
The accessories are really handy, giving surfaces a new lease on life, and they certainly made steam cleaning a lot easier. Plus, it’s excellent at removing the most stubborn stains and dirt.
What We Didn’t
The handle can get pretty hot during use, and it does take a while to heat up. The Karcher SC5 below is probably a better option if you want a quick heating time from a cylinder model.
Should You Buy?
Yes, this steam cleaner is a fantastic choice for those who want something powerful that will give their home a good clean. It’s effective in a range of areas, and while it does not have the traditional looks you would expect from a cylinder model, it is also one of the easiest to use and certainly one of the best steam cleaners on the market.
Design
Features
Price
Read Here: Morphy Richards 720020 Steam Mop Review
5. Kärcher SC5 EasyFix Steam Cleaner
Top-End steam cleaner that removes heavy stains with ease
A classic brand, Karcher is one of the best. This steam cleaner promises power and quality for a high price. It does a great job, and one that is certainly worthy of the Karcher name, but not necessarily one worth justifying the price tag.
Specifications
- Type: Cylinder
- Dimensions: 43.9 x 30.1 x 30.5 cm
- Weight: 8.5kg
- Tank Size: 1450ml
- Heating Time: 243 seconds
- Steaming Time: 34 mins
- Number of Accessories: 4
What We Liked
The power is certainly incredible, and we were pretty impressed with the sheer amount of steam that came from it when we started using it. As a result, it certainly made quick work of all the tough stains we had set out for it. So, in this regard, it is a pretty perfect machine for quick cleaning and stain removal. The accessories also proved very useful for efficient cleaning.
It is able to remove stains from carpet quite effectively, which was a welcome addition. The large tank can also be refilled immediately with no need for a cooling period, and it heats up quite quickly when considering the tank size. It is easy to pull along with you when full, and it is surprisingly simple to operate. Plus, it has onboard storage for all of the tools that come with it.
What We Didn’t
It doesn’t have a glass cleaning attachment, which is odd for a model in this price bracket. The amount of steam it produced over the course of use did decrease slightly as well.
Should You Buy?
Yes, in the sense that it is a good model with great cleaning power. However, the price is pretty high and there are models out there that are much better in terms of value for money.
A good example of this is the Duprey cylinder steam cleaner featured earlier that is one of the best steam cleaners out there.
Design
Features
Price
Key Features to Consider
There are a lot of little features that you might like the look of in steam cleaners, and it really does vary from model to model. However, these are the key things you should be keeping an eye out for when you go to choose your next steam cleaner or steam mop.
Heating Time. This is how long the steam cleaner takes to get ready to pump out steam. Ideally, you want something that only takes a minute or two, although there are some that can take ten minutes or more to be ready. A larger tank can impact this.
Steaming Time. This is how long you can use the model with continuous steam before you need to refill the tank. Ideally, you want something that is powerful as well as intelligent with its steaming capabilities.
Tank Capacity. The bigger the tank, the longer it will last. That’s the basic information behind the concept. However, a larger tank also means that it will take more time to heat up and get ready for action.
Battery life. You want this to last long enough for the small jobs. The battery life should give you enough time to steam clean them without rushing, and you will want a good charge period so that you aren’t left without it for too long.
Some models can take 12 hours to charge, so look for those that only need two or three.
Portability/Weight. You want something that is lightweight, compact, and easy to handle. After all, it needs to reach all those difficult spaces for you. Even with accessories attached, you don’t want it to become too bulky to use.
Buyer’s Guide
The big question is, how do you choose the right steam cleaner for the job? Here’s a quick, yet detailed, look at our buyer’s guide.
How Much Should I Spend on a Steam Cleaner?
The key thing to remember here is that the quality is not always dictated by the price. A lot of the time, it can also depend on the type of steam cleaner you want as well.
You can pick up a great steam mop for £50, or you could get an exceptional cylinder steam cleaner for £250. So how much you should spend is all about what you are using the steam cleaner for, and how much you are willing to spend.Â
Which Steam Cleaner is Right for Me?
We’ll keep this simple for you as it’s the best way to get a clear idea of what it is you actually need from your machine:
- Pick a steam mop if you are only looking to steam clean hard floors
- Pick a 2-in-1 steam mop if you want to steam clean floors and other surfaces
- Pick a cylinder model if you want to clean multiple surfaces but find steam mops too heavy to handle
We will remind you that cylinder steam cleaners do tend to take longer to heat up, but they also have a large tank capacity, a wide range of accessories, and are easy to pull around behind you while you clean.
Which Steam Cleaner Accessories Do You Need?
This is a good question, and certainly one to keep in mind. Accessories are an important part of cleaning, and this quick list will help you to determine which ones are the most important for you:
- Squeegees for cleaning glass
- Scrubbing brushes for grimy tiles and grout
- Cleaning pads for collecting dirt and easy cleaning
- Carpet glider for use on carpets
- Upholstery tool for treating stains and refreshing fabric
- Scrubbing pad for places like the oven and areas with tough stains
What Else Should I Look Out for?
Here is a little look at some of the other features that you should keep in mind when you are buying a steam cleaner:
- Adjustable steam rate to alter the power levels
- Limescale filter. This means you can avoid using expensive distilled water
- Detergent tank. This isn’t a common feature as steam cleaners do not need detergent, but if you feel more comfortable with it there are models featuring this.
- Single or twin tanks. The latter uses one tank while the other heats up for better steaming times
Benefits of a Steam CleanerÂ
There is one major benefit to steam cleaners that stands higher than all the rest. This is the fact that a steam cleaner is able to kill 99.9% of bacteria without using chemicals.
All steam cleaners deal with bacteria in the same way - hot blasts of steam that kill anything in their path. It’s the most effective way to keep your home free from germs.
It’s also more powerful than a traditional mop and bucket, and the fact that it does not rely on harsh chemicals is a massive plus.
There is no excess water left after cleaning, and it is highly effective at removing stains and stubborn dirt to make life easier for you. Not to mention it is faster in terms of general cleaning as well as preparation time.
As a nice bonus, you get to choose from a variety of steam mops and cleaners as opposed to just your standard mop heads. You can select one with the right features and accessories to give your home the steaming it needs and deserves. A standard mop and bucket can do that.Â
Final Thoughts
Steam cleaners are revolutionary pieces of kit, and they have become the widespread replacement for the mop and bucket for a reason.
Hopefully, this has been able to show you a whole new world of cleaning solutions, as well as let you pick your perfect steam cleaner or mop. It was  certainly not easy picking a clear winner, but hopefully we have covered a model in each category to make this an easier choice for you.
What did you think of our guide to the best steam mop? Are you ready to change the way you clean, or do you remain unconvinced? We love hearing from you, so let us know in the comments below.Â
Last Updated on March 28, 2021 by Gemma Tyler
