The Best Steam Cleaners For Deep Cleaning Without Chemicals
Cylinder and handheld steamers that cut through oven grease and grubby grout using nothing but hot water.
Our quick verdict
Our pick of the best steam cleaner is the Dupray NEAT. Its big tank lets you get through a whole oven or bathroom without stopping to refill, with Dupray quoting up to 50 minutes of steam, and the 18-piece kit covers tiles, grout and upholstery. For quick jobs on taps, toilets and hobs, the Comforday HH2214 Steam Cleaner is handier, as it's light and comes with plenty of attachments.
DIY Works is reader supported. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission, which never changes what we recommend. How we make money.
Our Picks At A Glance
- Check price of Dupray NEAT
- Check price of Kärcher SC4 EasyFix
- Check price of BISSELL PowerFresh Slim
- Check price of Comforday HH2214 Steam Cleaner
Best Handheld
Comforday HH2214 Steam CleanerQuick steam jobs on taps, toilets, hobs and shower screens
- Check price of VonHaus Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner
Best Handheld Runner-Up
VonHaus Multi-Purpose Steam CleanerLight cleaning jobs on a very tight budget
How much you clean in one go is the real dividing line here. Turning round a kitchen and bathroom between guests calls for a cylinder machine with a hose and a tank that lasts, while a handheld heats up fast and is the one you'll grab for a single tap or toilet. The cheapest handhelds pay for their price with tiny tanks and less bite on stubborn marks.
We've owned both types and use them across our homes, rentals and Airbnbs. The five below take in full-size cylinders, a floor steamer and two handhelds.
How We Tested These Steam Cleaners
Turning a property round between tenants or guests means cleaning a lot of hard surfaces quickly, from grubby bathroom tiles to greasy ovens. A steam cleaner has become our first choice for that work because it gets through tough dirt without needing a cupboard full of chemicals.
The first two photos show our Dupray at work. In one we're testing the jet nozzle beside the kitchen units, and in the other we're using a cloth-covered brush to clean grease off an oven door.
We've used both full-size and handheld steamers over the years, and each has its place. A handheld is quick to grab for a toilet, a tap or a shower screen, while a cylinder machine with a hose and a bigger tank is better for a whole kitchen or bathroom. These are the points every machine was judged on:
- Cleaning performance on grease, limescale and grime
- Runtime on a full tank and how long it takes to heat up
- Ease of use, from filling to swapping attachments
- The range of tools and what they're good for
- Cable and hose length for getting around a room
The next photos show a SilverCrest handheld steamer we've used in a bathroom and a yellow cylinder steamer with its floor tool and hand nozzle. Neither of those machines is in our list, and neither handheld in our list is pictured, so those write-ups lean on our notes and the brand's figures.
Where we haven't measured a figure ourselves, such as steam pressure or noise, we've credited it to the manufacturer.
The Best Steam Cleaners We Recommend
The list runs from full-size cylinder machines to small handheld steamers. Runtimes are worth checking against the size of the jobs you have in mind.
Best Overall
Dupray NEAT
Best for: Whole-house cleaning of ovens, tiles, grout and upholstery
Check Price On AmazonThe Dupray NEAT is the steam cleaner in our testing photos, and it's the one we'd buy for a house that needs regular deep cleaning. It gets hot enough to soften the baked-on grease on an oven door, heating water to as much as 135°C, and Dupray quotes up to 50 minutes of steam from the 1,600ml tank before you need to refill.
The trade-off for that big tank is a warm-up of around seven minutes, so switch it on before you start clearing the worktops. Once it's going, the 18-piece accessory kit covers almost every job in the house, from brushes and jet nozzles to a floor tool and cloth covers, and the 5 metre power cord and 2 metre steam hose let you work around a kitchen from one socket. Dupray says it kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, and it's CE and RoHS compliant. The one thing we missed in testing was a choice of steam settings, as it runs at a single output.
What we like
- Large 1,600ml tank
- Up to 50 minutes of steam per fill
- Heats to as much as 135°C
- 18-piece accessory kit
- 5 metre power cord and 2 metre steam hose
- Kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses according to Dupray
- CE and RoHS compliant
What to know
- No variable steam settings in our testing
- Seven minutes to heat up, against 30 seconds for the BISSELL
Our verdict
Runtime is what sets the NEAT apart. On Dupray's quoted 50 minutes you can get through an oven or a whole bathroom in one go, while the smaller machines here have you back at the tap. The seven minute warm-up and single steam setting are the price you pay, and we'd still buy it for a house that needs regular deep cleans. For a quieter, more compact machine, look at the Kärcher SC4 EasyFix.
Best Performing
Kärcher SC4 EasyFix
Best for: Powerful steam for kitchens, bathrooms and sealed hard floors
Check Price On AmazonKärcher is best known for its pressure washers for patios and cars, and that experience shows in the SC4 EasyFix. It's a compact cylinder steam cleaner that comes as a complete kit, with eight accessories to tackle most surfaces in the house.
It's built around pressure, with a 2,000W heater driving steam at up to 3.5 bar according to Kärcher, and that's the kind of output that shifts grease and limescale faster. It's quiet too, as Kärcher quotes 52dB, so a long session won't wear you down, and the 800ml tank is easy to fill. It's compact and light enough to carry upstairs, but it's also the most expensive machine in our list.
What we like
- Steam pressure up to 3.5 bar according to Kärcher
- 2,000W heater
- Easy-fill 800ml tank
- Eight multi-functional accessories
- Quiet 52dB running according to the brand
- Compact enough to carry around the house
What to know
- The most expensive steam cleaner in our roundup
- Smaller tank than the Dupray NEAT
Our verdict
Anyone who values a quiet, compact machine from a big name will get on with the SC4 EasyFix, and its high pressure suits greasy kitchens and limescaled bathrooms. It's the dearest steamer in our list, though, and the 800ml tank is half the size of the Dupray NEAT's, which costs less and runs longer between refills.
Best All-Rounder
BISSELL PowerFresh Slim
Best for: Steaming hard floors with handheld tools for smaller jobs
Check Price On AmazonThe PowerFresh Slim is a 3-in-1 machine that works as an upright floor steamer and converts into a handheld for worktops, tiles and taps. It comes as a full kit with an extension wand, a large foot, cleaning pads, a filter, a wall mount and a set of tools.
It heats up in around 30 seconds, which is far quicker than a cylinder machine, and the digital touch controls are simple to use. Swivel steering takes it round table legs and kitchen units easily, and the onboard storage keeps the tools with the machine as you clean. The big drawback we found in testing is runtime, as it only gave us up to 15 minutes before it needed refilling. If floors are your main job, our guide to the best steam mops for tiles and vinyl is worth a look too.
What we like
- Heats up in around 30 seconds
- Converts from floor steamer to handheld
- Digital touch controls
- Swivel steering for getting around furniture
- Onboard storage keeps tools to hand
- Comes with a wall mount and accessories
What to know
- Only gave us up to 15 minutes of runtime in testing
Our verdict
The BISSELL PowerFresh Slim suits anyone who mainly wants to steam hard floors but likes having a handheld for the odd worktop or tap. The short runtime means it isn't the one for deep-cleaning a whole bathroom, where the Dupray NEAT lasts far longer.
Best Handheld
Comforday HH2214 Steam Cleaner
Best for: Quick steam jobs on taps, toilets, hobs and shower screens
Check Price On AmazonA handheld steamer is the one to grab when you just want to blast the limescale off a tap or freshen up a toilet, and the Comforday HH2214 does that job at a low price. It weighs just 1.5kg, so it's easy to hold at arm's length, and it comes with a nine-piece accessory kit.
It runs almost as hot as the Dupray NEAT, with the 1,050W heater bringing the steam up to 270°F, around 132°C, and Comforday's Quick Steam technology gets it ready to use quickly. You'll get 15 to 20 minutes of steam from a fill, which is enough for a bathroom or a hob. We felt the build quality could be better, so treat it as a tool for regular quick jobs rather than heavy daily use.
What we like
- Light 1.5kg body that's easy to hold
- Up to 20 minutes of steam from a fill
- Steam up to 270°F, around 132°C
- Nine-piece accessory kit
- Quick Steam technology for fast warm-up
What to know
- Build quality could be better in our view
- Small tank means frequent refills on big jobs
Our verdict
Of the two handhelds here, the Comforday HH2214 is the one we'd pick, as it runs longer than the VonHaus and comes with more attachments for a low price. Keep it for quick jobs around the bathroom and kitchen. For whole-room cleaning, the Dupray NEAT is the better tool, and the VonHaus is the lighter-duty alternative.
Best Handheld Runner-Up
VonHaus Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner
Best for: Light cleaning jobs on a very tight budget
Check Price On AmazonThe VonHaus is a small, light handheld steamer for anyone who wants to try steam cleaning without spending much. It suits most hard surfaces and comes with six accessories in the box.
The 250ml tank gives around eight minutes of continuous steam, which is enough to freshen up a sink, a hob or a shower tray but means plenty of refills on a bigger job. In our testing it struggled with stubborn stains, so it's best for light, regular cleaning rather than baked-on grease. VonHaus backs it with a two-year warranty, which is reassuring at this price.
What we like
- Compact and light to hold
- Around eight minutes of continuous steam
- Six accessories in the box
- Two-year warranty from VonHaus
What to know
- Struggled with stubborn stains in our testing
- Small 250ml tank needs frequent refilling
Our verdict
The VonHaus is a sensible buy if you only need a steamer for light, regular cleaning and want the warranty for reassurance. For tougher dirt, the Comforday HH2214 has a longer runtime and more attachments, and the Dupray NEAT is the one for ovens and heavily stained grout.
What To Look For In A Steam Cleaner
Steam cleaners vary a lot in size, power and runtime. The right one depends on what you'll clean and how much of it there is.
Cylinder Or Handheld Steamer
A cylinder steam cleaner has a separate body with a large tank and a hose, so you can clean a whole kitchen or bathroom on one fill and use a floor tool too. A handheld steamer is a compact unit with a small tank, quick to heat up and ideal for taps, toilets, hobs and shower screens. If you'll clean more than one room at a time, a cylinder is worth the extra space it takes up.
Tank Size And Runtime
Tank size decides how long you can steam before refilling, and the machines in our list run from a few minutes at full pressure on the Kärcher to 50 minutes on the Dupray. Bigger tanks take longer to heat up, so a large cylinder can need several minutes before it's ready, while the BISSELL PowerFresh Slim is ready in around 30 seconds. A machine that lets you top up while it's running saves waiting around on a big job.
Steam Temperature And Pressure
Hotter, higher-pressure steam shifts grease and limescale faster. Temperature and pressure figures from manufacturers aren't always measured the same way, so use them as a guide rather than an exact comparison. Adjustable steam settings are useful, as you can turn the output down for upholstery and up for an oven.
Accessories And Attachments
Attachments are where a steam cleaner earns its keep. Look for a jet nozzle for grout and corners, small nylon brushes for scrubbing, a window squeegee, an upholstery tool and cloth covers for wiping as you steam. A floor tool turns a cylinder steamer into a mop for sealed tiles and vinyl. For grout that's deeply stained, steam it first, then follow up with one of the best grout cleaners we've tested.
Surfaces You Shouldn't Steam
Steam isn't safe for every surface. Keep it away from unsealed wood and laminate, where moisture can swell the boards, and from leather, silk, painted walls and anything with glued joints. Electrical sockets and appliances should stay well clear. Carpets need a different kind of machine, and our guide to the best carpet cleaners for stubborn stains covers those.
Steam Cleaning Questions We Get Asked
What is the difference between a steam cleaner and a steam mop?
A steam mop is made for cleaning hard floors, with a flat head and a cloth pad, and that's mostly all it does. A steam cleaner is more versatile, with nozzles, brushes and other attachments for ovens, tiles, grout, taps and upholstery. Some cylinder steam cleaners come with a floor tool, so they can do the job of both.
Do steam cleaners kill germs?
Steam cleaners kill many germs and bacteria because the steam leaves the nozzle at a high temperature. To work, the steam needs to stay on the surface for a few seconds rather than being swept across it. Some manufacturers, such as Dupray, quote figures for how much bacteria their machines kill, so check the claims for the model you're buying.
Can you use tap water in a steam cleaner?
Most steam cleaners can use tap water, but in hard water areas limescale builds up inside the boiler and nozzles over time. Check the manual, as some manufacturers recommend mixing tap water with distilled or demineralised water, or descaling the machine regularly. Never add cleaning products or fragrance to the tank unless the instructions say it's safe.
Can you use a steam cleaner on a sofa?
You can use a steam cleaner on most fabric sofas with the upholstery tool and a cloth cover, keeping the nozzle moving so the fabric doesn't get too wet. Check the care label first and test a hidden area. Don't steam leather, velvet or silk, as heat and moisture can damage them, and let the sofa dry fully before sitting on it.
Is the Dupray NEAT worth choosing over the Kärcher SC4 EasyFix?
For most homes, yes. The Dupray NEAT has a 1,600ml tank that gives up to 50 minutes of steam, while the Kärcher SC4 EasyFix has an 800ml tank, costs more and is the dearest steamer in our list. The Kärcher is the one to pick if you want a compact, quiet machine from a big name.
Is the BISSELL PowerFresh Slim big enough to steam a whole bathroom?
No, its runtime is the big drawback. The BISSELL PowerFresh Slim only gave us up to 15 minutes before it needed refilling, so it isn't the one for deep-cleaning a whole bathroom, where the Dupray NEAT lasts far longer. It suits hard floors and the odd worktop or tap, and it heats up in around 30 seconds.
Which of these steam cleaners is best for quick jobs on taps and shower screens?
The Comforday HH2214 is our pick of the handheld steam cleaners for that. It weighs 1.5kg, comes with a nine-piece accessory kit and gives 15 to 20 minutes of steam from a fill, which is enough for a bathroom or a hob. We felt the build quality could be better, so use it for quick jobs rather than heavy daily work.
What surfaces should I never steam clean?
Keep steam away from unsealed wood and laminate, where moisture can swell the boards, and from leather, silk, painted walls and anything with glued joints. Electrical sockets and appliances should stay well clear. Sealed tiles, grout, ovens and hard floors suit steam, and carpets need a different kind of machine.
The Steam Cleaner We'd Buy
The Dupray NEAT is our top pick, with a big tank, long runtime and a full accessory kit that copes with greasy ovens, grubby grout and fabric. The Kärcher SC4 EasyFix is the alternative for anyone who wants a compact, quiet machine from a big name, though it costs more.
For quick jobs around the house, the Comforday HH2214 is the best handheld for the money. After steaming the bathroom, our guide on getting shower glass streak-free covers the finishing touches.
Richard has spent years renovating properties and turning them into rentals and Airbnbs. Like a lot of people he started out as a beginner, and these days there isn't much DIY he won't take on.