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The 5 Best Steam Cleaners The Spruce Has Tested

Spruce up floors, sinks, appliances, and more in minutes

Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner
Henry Wortock

Steam cleaners are some of the most versatile tools available for home cleaning, often coming with a box full of attachments so you can use them on floors, sinks, appliances, and more. That's why we tested 19 options in The Lab and at home from brands like Dupray, Bissell, and PurSteam to find the best, and easiest, options for you. 

Among our favorites, you'll find three canister steam cleaners that come with several attachments and hoses for cleaning nooks and crannies, and two steam mops, which are great if you’re cleaning primarily floors that aren't moisture-sensitive and getting into this type of cleaning for the first time. (Steam mops are not recommend for hardwood floors, which can be really sensitive to water.)

From our testing, we concluded that no steam cleaner is perfect, but there are some great options out there that you can pair with other cleaning tools such as a vacuum cleaner or stain remover to get the results you're after.

What We Like
  • Easy to swap attachments

  • Portable and glides easily

  • Can be used with any cloths or towels

  • Visual indicator for heating

What We Don't Like
  • No indicator for water level

The Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is easy to use and impressively efficient—the ideal combo for a cleaning tool. You can use this steam cleaner on carpet stains, grout lines, window sills, or a whole host of other messes. In the lab, it cleaned consistently across all the stains we tasked it with, and was the fastest of our four canister-style favorites at clearing a dried mud mask from a grouted tile floor. 

After you fill the 40-ounce tank, a glowing icon on the front of the cube turns orange, providing a notification that the boiler inside is hard at work. The cleaner took 12 minutes to get fully warm and ready for use, which is longer than the manufacturer’s claim, but in line with our other picks. Once the icon turns green, you can start using the single trigger to release the steam.

The precision lance, in particular, did an amazing job with the dirt and grime in our window sills, working much like a mini pressure washer. Still, you’ll want to have a towel or cloth nearby to wipe up grime that gets released and sprayed nearby. This isn’t unique to just this steam cleaner, and the process is still far easier than manually chipping or scrubbing away at grime.

The triangular attachment with a microfiber bonnet is excellent for cleaning carpet stains, too. Plus, all of the attachments are easy to snap in and out as needed, which could not be said for all of the machines we tested. 

The bottom of the canister features wheels, and the 6.5-foot hose gives you plenty of reach, but unfortunately doesn’t wrap or stow anywhere on the steam cleaner; hose management is a bit of a challenge. That said, you can use any regular towel or cloth with the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner, as opposed to being limited to specific cleaning pads—a real perk for switching tasks, maintenance, and overall cost.

Weight: 11.2 pounds empty, 13.8 pounds full | Tank Capacity: 54 ounces | Cord Length: 16 feet | Heat Time: 12 minutes

What We Like
  • Relatively quiet while in use

  • Single and continuous steam settings

  • Pretty lightweight

What We Don't Like
  • No indicator for water level

  • Shorter, 8-foot power cord

In our experience, the Ewbank SC1000 really lives up to the “steam dynamo” part of its name. Each mess that we tasked it with (a dirty window sill, muddy grout and tile, and glass with water spots) was removed quickly and smoothly. Like with our top pick, some of the dirt and grime did get pushed around a bit, so a microfiber towel or other cleaning cloth is necessary for wiping up residue when you’re all done. 

As with our other favorites, though, this steam cleaner is easy to use. There’s a funnel, so filling up the water tank is a breeze (although, there’s no way to see the water level from the outside). A red indicator light turns on when the machine is on, and a second orange one turns off to then indicate it’s ready to use—and the unit is quiet when it’s running, too.

We were also pleased with how simple it is to switch out attachments; there’s an adapter that accommodates any of the accessory tools. We had gloves available for safety reasons for this part, since any steam cleaner’s components can get really hot and unsafe to handle with your bare hands—particularly when you’re swapping out an attachment. But, we didn’t opt to use them because the plastic components didn’t reach uncomfortable temperatures. 

One particular convenience with this steamer is that you can press a button for a single spray of steam, or push the button forward for continuous steam if you're working on a larger mess. The Ewbank Steam Dynamo Steam Cleaner is also fairly lightweight, at just under 8 pounds when it's empty and just above 11 pounds when it's full—which puts it in the same realm as our favorite lightweight vacuum cleaners.

Thanks to the wheels on the base, it’s easy to move, too. However, one limitation that we encountered is the 8-foot power cord, that may tie you to a specific outlet and cause you to make more adjustments when cleaning than you’d like. 

Weight: 7.8 pounds empty, 11.3 pounds full | Tank Capacity: 50 ounces | Cord Length: 8 feet | Heat Time: 11.5 minutes

What We Like
  • Built-in accessory storage

  • Multiple steaming settings

  • 18 accessories (including extra brushes and pads)

What We Don’t Like
  • Lock button didn’t stay well

  • Some components may be too hot to handle without gloves

  • Heaviest pick on our list when empty

Few products instantly make our team sit up and say, “I should probably buy one of these,” but that’s what happened with this steam cleaner. Thanks to its performance, we came to the quick realization from using it that our current, go-to methods of cleaning are far more intensive than they need to be (and than they'd be if we used a steam cleaner). 

Like with some of our other picks, we used a measuring cup and funnel to fill this cleaner, so it wasn’t as messy doing so, and opted to measure out 48 ounces of water instead of guessing. This pick is the heaviest on our list when it's empty, but isn't the heaviest when it's full; either way, you'll need a little muscle power to move it.

The attachments slide on and off when the push-button latch is pressed, so adjustments are super simple. We did opt to wear gloves, though, to protect our hands when switching out the attachments since they can get a bit hot. We didn’t feel any heat while changing out the accessories as a result; the majority of the construction is plastic, but we were cautious of some metal accents.

We were pleasantly surprised that the spray pressure didn’t make quite as much of a mess as we expected, or that we experienced with other picks, including our top pick. Everything felt quick and easy, and the noise level was subtle enough that we could have conversations while the steam cleaner was in use.

The extensive collection of accessories and attachments is also a big perk with this machine, and one of the main reasons we see it as incredibly well-suited for deep cleaning—you get multiple brush sizes, pad styles, and nozzles to choose from, so you can truly clean everything from your bathroom faucet to your tile floors.

Like our best value pick, you can control the steam spray with a button or set it to steam continuously. We did find that the second button that controls the lock setting didn’t stick well—so, that could be a potential issue you run into with the McCulloch MC1275 Steam Cleaner.

Weight: 13.4 pounds empty, 14.6 pounds full | Tank Capacity: 48 ounces | Cord Length: 15.7 feet | Heat Time: 12.5 minutes

What We Like
  • Doubles as a handheld steamer and includes several attachments

  • Alerts you when the water tank is empty

  • Cleaning pads are machine washable

What We Don't Like
  • Mop head flips up over sticky stains

If you're looking for a steam mop, there are several options from top-rated brands, like Shark and Bissell, on the market that we recommend, including the Shark Genius Steam Pocket Hard Floor Mop System that is our best steam mop pick right now. However, what sets this top-rated pick from PurSteam apart from the Shark steam mop is that it's not just a steam mop. It has all the capabilities of the other steam cleaners on our list, making it more competitive in this particular space.

It comes with several attachments that help it double as a window washer or handheld steamer. It could easily be your go-to cleaning tool, because it heats up in less then 30 seconds and has a comfortable handle. We saw it easily clean stains off of tile and concrete, and the attachments allowed for detailed cleaning on grout lines and tight corners. The water tank also signals when it has run out of water, through beeping and vibration.

This mop has a wide head so it makes quick work out of any larger areas. The mop head sometimes got caught on sticky stains, such as chocolate syrup, but the handheld version was top-notch at eliminating water stains on glass surfaces in a bathroom.

After cleaning, you can easily change out the cloth mop heads; they're also machine washable for some added convenience. So, for $100, the PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop Cleaner feels like a total steal and a worthy rival to our top picks. We've also frequently seen this steam cleaner go on sale, which means you can spend less than $100 on it around major sale events.

Weight: 5.7 pounds when full | Tank Capacity: 12.8 ounces | Cord Length: 15.9 feet | Heat Time: 30 seconds

What We Like
  • Very effective attachments

  • Lightweight design

  • Convenient to fill

What We Don’t Like
  • Attachments very hot after usage

  • No lock setting

We like this steam mop that, again, has all the capabilities of a steam cleaner as a starter tool because it strikes a balance between simplicity and cleaning power. It has a basic design that can fit comfortably in a cleaning closet. It’s clearly made for household use, doesn’t feel commercial, and is suitable for typical home cleaning tasks—like cleaning up sealed floors, spraying grime out of window tracks, or scraping stuck-on messes from tile floors. 

Similar to our best steam mop pick, it heats up in a speedy 28 seconds by our count—which means you can pull it out, plug it in, and be ready to clean in under one minute. Though, the attachments were very hot after use, so handle them with care—put on a pair of gloves and wait for the attachments to cool a bit.

That said, this steam cleaner is also one of the easiest when it comes to filling and managing the water level. It is the only one of our picks that has a transparent water reservoir, so you can see how much you have filled it, which sets it apart from the other steam mop on our list. The reservoir has a comfortably wide mouth, so you can use the included, marked measuring cup if you want or just fill it up without worry of making a mess. 

The indicator lights inform you when the Bissell PowerFresh Slim Steam Mop is heating up, and tell you when you’re on high, low, or pause. The trigger button does need to be held down the entire time you're cleaning and there’s no option to lock it. We always prefer a lock setting, but this is otherwise a powerful and practical option from a reliable brand, and we could totally see it in an apartment or first home.

Weight: 6 pounds empty, 6.8 pounds full | Tank Capacity: 11.8 ounces | Cord Length: 25 feet | Heat Time: 28 seconds

Final Verdict

Our favorite steam cleaner is the Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner. It really impressed us with how well it cleans and how easy it is to use. If you're new to steam cleaning, we also recommend the Bissell PowerFresh Slim Steam Mop. It does well on floors, and also converts to a handheld steamer if you want to clean your appliances, sinks, or fixtures.

A person takes a measurement on the Dupray NEAT Steam Cleaner

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

How We Picked the Steam Cleaners

We know that cleaning tools can be investments, and that the right steam cleaner for any particular home varies because of what surfaces you have to clean, your experience with steam cleaning, and the other tools you have in your cleaning closet. For that reason, we included and tested a variety of steam cleaners, including handheld, canister-style, and mop appliances (some of which convert into handheld ones).

In addition, we made sure that the steam cleaners we picked and tested came with attachments for various cleaning jobs—from cleaning grout to sprucing up glass. We made sure to include steam cleaners ranging from $30 to $550 in our tests—with our five favorites ranging from $100 to $200.

A person cleans grout on a tile floor using the Dupray NEAT Steam Cleaner

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

How We Tested the Steam Cleaners

In order to find the best steam cleaners on the market, we rigorously tested 19 steam cleaners over the course of 12 hours in The Lab. We used some of our favorites at home after to see how they held up in real-life cleaning scenarios, and to rate them on their durability, ease of storage, and longevity. Here’s a little about what our lab process looked like.

  • Setup: We started with the unboxing of each cleaner, paying particular attention to the process of filling the water reservoir, and whether or not a funnel or measuring cup was needed. 
  • Effectiveness and Ease of Use: We tested each cleaner on dirty window tracks, and tile and grout smeared with dried mud mask. When the cleaner came with the proper attachments, we also tested it on a glass cutting board with water stains.
  • Design and Noise Level: We rated each steam cleaner's overall design, noting how intuitive it was to use, and whether it was exceptionally noisy. We also noted whether there were clear buttons or indicator lights, or not.
  • Portability: We moved each cleaner to different stations around our lab, seeing how comfortably it could be carried or rolled. We also assessed the cord length and how functional it was when we used different positions to clean (such as standing versus kneeling).
  • Value and Comparison: We considered each steam cleaner’s performance alongside its price and the performance of the other cleaners we tested. We asked whether we’d be comfortable spending our own money based on these factors.
Attachments for a Bissell SteamShot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

What to Look for in a Steam Cleaner

The Type of Steam Cleaner: Canister, Handheld, or Steam Mop

Most steam cleaners fall under one of three categories: canister-style, handheld, or steam mop.

  • Canister-style cleaners are usually the most versatile by design. They typically include a variety of attachments and a hose that extends the reach of the cleaner, allowing you to get into the nooks and crannies of your space. Sometimes, canister steam cleaners will also have wheels or a carrying strap, so you can easily carry the product from room to room. The picks on our list that fall into this category are our best overall, best value, and best for deep cleaning
  • Steam mops, on the other hand, are typically more portable and comfortable to both use and maneuver. They're also a great fit for homes with hard floors, like tile, as these picks aren't always designed for cleaning upholstery—meaning, they don’t always come with the right attachments for cleaning areas other than floors. Our best starter and best steam mop picks fall into the mop category, and were included over other steam mops we love because they do come with other attachments that doesn't limit them to just floors.
  • Handheld steam cleaners are great for cleaning detailed areas, like grout, ovens, and sinks. They can direct steam to these concentrated areas and are smaller in design, so they can easily be maneuvered into nooks and crannies. For that reason, though, they aren't the best option for cleaning floors and large areas of your home, unless you plan on targeting specific spills. While we did include some handheld steamers in our testing, they didn't quite edge out the other models for a spot on this list. However, our picks do convert to a handheld version.

Prepare for Cleanup

No matter which you pick, plan to use your steam cleaner alongside other cleaning tools. We frequently found ourselves reaching for microfiber cloths during testing to wipe up extra water droplets and debris that was sprayed while cleaning.

The Spruce /Hilary Allison

What Surfaces You Can Use It On

Not all steam cleaners are compatible with all surfaces. Additionally, a steam cleaner may just not be the right tool for cleaning the surfaces in your home, if they become easily saturated. 

"Steam cleaners utilize two things that can damage certain materials: heat and water," advises Kathy Cohoon, Operations Manager at Two Maids & A Mop. "Avoid using steam cleaners on porous surfaces, as they can be water damaged." In addition, you should be careful using a steam cleaner on areas with water-based paint or very delicate materials, like velvet or silk, notes Cohoon. 

Some steam cleaners can be used to clean carpets and upholstery, like our best overall pick. But, always ensure you’re using yours with the proper steam setting and most appropriate attachments for the task at hand.

Surfaces to Avoid When Steam Cleaning

Don’t linger long when using a steam cleaner on sealed wood, painted surfaces, or any area that has a paper, wood, plywood, or cardboard composite construction. If you're cleaning walls or other areas you’re not sure about, test a small area first and exercise caution.

Likewise, don’t use a steam cleaner on antiques. Many vintage items have varnish or shellac finishes that cannot take the heat.

What Attachments and Accessories It Comes With

Common attachments you can find in your steam cleaner's box are a scrub tool, brush, fabric steamer, crevice tool, and floor head attachment. Much like vacuum cleaners, you may find that bulkier steam cleaners can include hoses or extension wands, too, to improve the reach of the appliance. 

Each of the steam cleaners on our list comes with multiple attachments; our best for deep cleaning picks boast 18 attachments. Our best advice? Even if it seems intuitive, read the instructions for your appliance ahead of cleaning to learn what attachment can be used on each surface in your home. One of our favorites is a squeegee attachment, which comes with all three of our canister-style selections.

Steam Cleaning Your Windows

Steam can shatter windows on cold days, says Katie Berry, a member of The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board. So, if you opt for this tool and use your steam cleaner on windows, make sure it's a warm, temperate day.

Person cleaning tile floor with COSTWAY 2000W Multipurpose Steam Cleaner

The Spruce / Tamara Staples

Why Trust The Spruce?

Dena Ogden is an associate editor who specializes in appliances, cleaning, organizing, and home tech—in other words, vacuums, storage products, and cleaning supplies. She's especially attuned to not only the results a product (like a steam cleaner) offers, but also all of the maintenance and effort required (and whether or not it's worth it for a user to scrub out the dirty water basin of a machine instead of simply cleaning a stain by hand).

For this story, she utilized extensive testing data from The Lab and our testing experiences at home. She’s been a tester for multiple carpet cleaning machines and vacuums from a variety of brands that also appear in the steam-cleaning space, including Shark and Bissell.

Our Experts: