Vacuum cleaners: an overview of popular models and tips for future buyers

Evgenia Kravchenko
Checked by a specialist: Evgenia Kravchenko
Author: Elena Pykhteeva
Last update: August 2019

Steam cleaning is an extremely efficient and safe way to clean. Modern steam vacuum cleaners allow you to carry out such operations even in everyday life. These devices cope even with the most complex contaminants without the use of chemicals. Agree, having such an assistant in the house is the dream of any housewife.

Despite the excellent operational characteristics, such vacuum cleaners are still in little demand, the main reasons are the high cost and limited offers. However, among the models on the market, you can choose the unit that optimally meets the needs of the buyer. Not sure how to do this?

We will help you determine the right unit. The article presents the rating of the five leaders who received the maximum number of positive user reviews, as well as worthy alternative options, lists tips for choosing and operating steam generating devices.

Top 5 Steam Vacuum Cleaners

A steam vacuum cleaner is a container in which a powerful heating element is integrated. Water boils and is converted to steam. Under high pressure, the valve opens and steam flows through the hose to the surface that needs to be cleaned. This rating contains the most convenient models of vacuum cleaners with a steam generator.

1st place - Tefal VP7545RH

Vertical vacuum cleaner designed for normal as well as wet cleaning. The device can clean up to 100 square meters. m without adding water to the tank. Four fabric nozzles are included to clean the floor.

Specifications:

  • consumption - 1700 W;
  • noise - 84 dB;
  • reservoir - 0.7 l;
  • weight - 5.4 kg;
  • dimensions - no data.

Consumers like the good level of cleaning this unit provides, as well as the ease of use. But the device does not cope with the places under the furniture, and also does not clean too well along the baseboards and in the corners.

The VP7545RH is suitable as an auxiliary device with a conventional vacuum cleaner.It is useful for daily local cleaning, and also helps to cope with complex pollution.

2nd place - Polti FAV30

High-power unit with capacious tanks and the ability to carry out wet cleaning. There are a wide variety of nozzles, as well as a scraper and an extension for supplying steam.

Specifications:

  • consumption - 2450 W;
  • noise - 79 dB;
  • reservoir - 1.8 l;
  • weight - 8.2 kg;
  • dimensions - 490 * 330 * 320 mm.

Buyers like the opportunity to quickly and easily carry out high-quality processing of almost all surfaces in the house. The device copes with mold and fungus, as well as cleaning carpets. The water tank is quite spacious, you do not need to add water in the process.

Discontent is the lack of space for auto-winding the wire. The FAV30 model is suitable for large-scale general cleaning; it well removes old stains and other complex contaminants.

3rd place - KARCHER SV 7

A reliable device that allows you to remove dust and clean surfaces with steam. There is no turbo brush; instead, a universal nozzle is used. For processing different surfaces, three lower panels are attached to the nozzle: regular, for carpets and for steam.

Specifications:

  • consumption - 2200 W;
  • noise - 71 dB;
  • reservoir - 1.2 l;
  • weight - 10.5 kg;
  • dimensions - 336 * 515 * 340 mm.

Owners are generally satisfied with this vacuum cleaner, the ability to perform high-quality steam cleaning without chemicals is greatly appreciated.

Criticism is likely hose breakage, which can break down after a couple of years of use, as well as the need to disassemble and wash the vacuum cleaner every time. The lack of space for storing a long cord also does not suit everyone.

The SV 7 can be thought of as a good weekly cleaning tool, and can handle most of the dirt. When operating this vacuum cleaner, care should be taken, the combination of steam and a stiff brush can damage a sensitive coating, such as parquet.

4th place - MIE Maestro

An interesting unit, equipped with a variety of nozzles and a professional steam iron. It perfectly cleans not only the floor, but also windows, glass, tiles, etc.

Specifications:

  • consumption - 2600 W;
  • noise - 83 dB;
  • reservoir - 2 l;
  • weight - 6.3 kg;
  • dimensions - 600 * 350 * 300 mm.

Customers rate this unit as easy to use. Cleans quickly and efficiently. Negative feedback is associated with the need for after-service maintenance and the large size. The instruction is uninformative, cleaning the corners is not always high-quality due to the design of the nozzles.

The Maestro is too expensive to be seen as a regular vacuum cleaner. But for regular steam cleaning, it is indispensable. It will also be appreciated by those who have to iron or steam a large number of things.

5th place - Kitfort KT-535

Vertical 3-in-1 unit. Allows you to vacuum, mop the floor and treat surfaces with steam. Heats up in just 30 seconds. The device is equipped with a cyclone filter and a nozzle in the form of an extension handle.

Specifications:

  • consumption - 1600 W;
  • noise - 80 dB;
  • reservoir - 1 l;
  • weight - 5.3 kg;
  • dimensions - 320 * 280 * 1200 mm.

Customers are pleased with the results of cleaning from dust, small debris and wool. After that, you can disinfect the floor surface with steam. Old dirt removes well. But a large brush does not fit well under furniture, it is inconvenient.

The KT-535 can be recommended as a tool for daily or local cleaning. The device is assembled and is always ready to work. After using steam, be sure to flush the water tank.

Worthy Alternative Suggestions

In addition to the popular models described above, there are several more options for interesting vacuum cleaners with the possibility of using steam.

Option # 1 - Euroflex Monster SV 235

It is a washing vacuum cleaner that also allows you to use steam for perfect cleanliness in the home.It is equipped with a set of brushes and nozzles for various coatings, furniture, etc.

Vacuum cleaner Euroflex Monster SV 235
Euroflex Monster SV 235 - steam separator model equipped with a large number of nozzles, is rated as very convenient

Specifications:

  • consumption - 2300 W;
  • noise - 76 dB;
  • reservoir - 3.5 l;
  • weight - 10 kg;
  • dimensions - 330 * 350 * 480 mm.

Owners rate the cleaning quality of this separator model as very good. A large bucket of dirty water is convenient to clean after the procedure. But not everyone likes the lack of a module for automatic cable winding. In addition, the owners note the low quality of plastic and compounds.

The SV 235 is perfect for general cleaning of large areas with a variety of surfaces. It will ideally fit into a large house or apartment, but it will be inconvenient to use it for short-term daily cleaning.

Option # 2 - Polti Lecoaspira Turbo & Allergy

A high-power vacuum cleaner with a steam generator and a very large number of nozzles. Extension tubes and bristle inserts are also available. Wet cleaning is not available.

Model Polti Lecoaspira Turbo & Allergy
Polti Lecoaspira Turbo & Allergy is a large, powerful and relatively inexpensive vacuum cleaner with steam that perfectly cleans various surfaces from contamination

Specifications:

  • consumption - 2600 W;
  • noise - 76 dB;
  • reservoir - 3.5 l;
  • weight - 10.5 kg;
  • dimensions - 32 * 49 * 33 mm.

Customers generally rate this model as convenient, it cleans surfaces well, and steam removes complex contaminants. But the steam supply button on the handle is not too convenient, sometimes the function turns on accidentally. The unit is quite heavy, not every woman can easily cope with it.

The Lecoaspira Turbo & Allergy model is quite large, it is suitable for a large house. To place the device itself, as well as for a bag with nozzles, you will need to find a separate place.

Option # 3 - Polti Lecoaspira Friendly

Convenient model with aquafilter and steam indication function. The multi-purpose brush, equipped with various inserts, allows you to qualitatively clean surfaces of various types.

Vacuum cleaner Polti Lecoaspira Friendly
Polti Lecoaspira Friendly - a vacuum cleaner complete with an aquafilter and a steam generator, suitable for effective weekly cleaning and removal of difficult stains

Specifications:

  • consumption - 2200 W;
  • noise - 79 dB;
  • reservoir - 3 l;
  • weight - 10.5 kg;
  • dimensions - 320 * 490 * 330 mm.

Steam perfectly cleans without the use of chemicals, and the aquabox reliably holds fine dust inside. This is the main advantage of this model of a steam vacuum cleaner. Almost all buyers are unhappy that there is no way to add water to the tank during cleaning.

The Lecoaspira Friendly model has a relatively moderate price compared to peers. Assembly of the unit does not always meet the expectations of customers. The device is suitable for those who are ready to put up with small design flaws for the sake of saving money.

How to choose a suitable device?

A good vacuum cleaner of this type, like any other, should be reliable and convenient. But steam models are subject to a number of special requirements. For example, the elements of the device must withstand heat up to 100 ° C and even higher.

Vacuum Cleaner
Steam cleaning is an effective and safe way to clean, makes it possible to disinfect all surfaces, which is especially important when children live in the house

Steam is also needed strong enough. A pressure of four bars or more is usually enough to efficiently clean complex stains from the surface or to process the joints between tiles in just a couple of minutes.

The power consumption of such devices is traditionally high, usually it is more than 2000 watts. It is very convenient if the steam strength and suction power are regulated on the handle. The device works quickly, and each time leaning toward the body to change the mode seems like a waste of time.

Vertical Vacuum Cleaner
If the vacuum cleaner has vertical parking, it is very convenient, but accidentally turning on the steam supply in this position can ruin the coating

It is highly desirable that the vacuum cleaner can produce both dry and wet steam.The first is good for routine disinfection, and the second is for removing stubborn dirt.

The operating time of such a vacuum cleaner is limited by the amount of water in the boiler. As soon as it is over, the cleaning will have to be suspended or stopped.

Steam vacuum cleaner with iron
An interesting addition to the steam vacuum cleaner is the iron, which allows you to steam clothes, curtains and other items, removing even the most complex folds

Therefore, you need to pay attention to its volume, which should be at least one liter. If the vacuum cleaner is bought for a large house, an important point should be clarified: is there a function of adding water during cleaning. In small areas, devices without the possibility of topping up and with a small boiler size may be enough.

In any case, it is better if there is an indicator on the case or handle indicating that the water will end soon. Preference should be given to a steam boiler made of aluminum, which tolerates contact with scale.

Steam cleaning the floor
When choosing such a vacuum cleaner, it is important to evaluate the strength of the steam that it supplies in the operating mode, it should be at least four bar

If allergic people live in the house, you should prefer the option with an additional HEPA filter. It should be easy to remove, wash and install back. The boiler protection function does not allow contact with hot elements until they cool. But while cooling down, access to it is blocked.

You can take a vacuum cleaner without this function, but then you should be very careful in handling it. Vacuum cleaners with steam are extremely rarely small, in addition, some come with a lot of nozzles. This can create a problem when choosing a place to store them.

Tips and tricks for use

Banal advice to read the instructions is never superfluous. This useful document should be re-read periodically. The biggest problem that a steam cleaner can create is damage to some coatings or decorative elements.

The unit is not to blame, but its short-sighted owners. If the coating is sensitive to moisture and / or heat, use it in such places with extreme caution. Especially if the house has a laminate, parquet, plastic elements.

If the apartment has the main type of flooring laminate, then it is better to look at the model with a special “gentle” nozzle for such material.

Vertical Vacuum Cleaner
Vertical vacuum cleaners with steam, for example, the popular Tefal model, are suitable for short-term daily cleaning, but it will be difficult to handle large spaces with such a device

Some left a working vacuum cleaner in contact with a sensitive coating for just a couple of minutes and got a deformation that can only be eliminated by completely replacing the floor. The owners of inexpensive models need to be especially careful, sometimes steam turns on accidentally.

It is better to think about a place for storing the unit in advance. He himself is larger than a conventional vacuum cleaner, and there are much more nozzles for it. It is good if the manufacturer encloses a bag for storing them. If it is not, you can use the old one or buy a new bag of the appropriate size.

Vacuum cleaner with nozzles
If a lot of nozzles and accessories are attached to the vacuum cleaner with steam, you need to take care of a bag or box for storing them

In the place for storing the vacuum cleaner, a hook is nailed to the wall, a bag with nozzles is hung on it, and the problem of their storage is solved. One more hook can be provided - for storing the rolled-up cable if it is not hidden in the case and there are no “horns” for it on the case.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Recommendations for choosing a steam generator, overview of steam cleaning devices:

A vacuum cleaner equipped with a steam function is an ideal solution for efficient cleaning without the use of chemicals. Subject to the rules and careful handling, such a device is completely safe.

Have something to supplement, or have questions about the selection and use of steam cleaners? You can leave comments on the publication, participate in discussions and share your own experience with such home assistants. The contact form is located in the lower block.

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Visitors Comments
  1. Lydia

    A steam cleaner is my old wish. The high temperature of the steam helps to remove all harmful microorganisms, removes various deposits well, and does not use chemistry, therefore it is safe. It is a pity that steam is not suitable for any coating, and buying a separate vacuum cleaner for a tile is currently impermissible luxury for me. Moreover, steam cleaners are usually quite a lot.

    • Polina

      Just about the same thought, I looked at Karcher SV 7 models. In it, the manufacturer tried to combine a conventional and a steam vacuum cleaner. While stopping it quite large dimensions and weight. There is no certainty that it is suitable for daily cleaning. Each time you can’t force your husband to vacuum, but it will be harder, judging by the reviews. And if you use it only for steam cleaning, then it turns out to be too expensive, as you correctly noted.

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