This may be as little as 20 seconds for a steam mop and two minutes for a cylinder, but exact timings can vary greatly between models. How long a steam cleaner takes to heat up before it starts pumping out steam is largely determined by the size of the tank. Note whether the tank is detachable and easy to fill at the tap, or if you need to fill it with a jug (these are sometimes included).
Cylinder models tend to have large capacities, with some holding up to two litres, while steam mops tend to hold up to 450ml. The larger the tank, the longer it’ll take to heat up before it’s ready to use, but it will last longer. The smaller the water tank, the more often you’ll have to top it up. In addition to accessories, there are some extra features you may wish to consider: Water tank capacity Some models can be used on upholstery but others won’t be suitable. They often come with multiple attachments that connect to the hose and tackle a range of household tasks. They tend to offer the same functions as two-in-one steam mops, only with a more powerful steam output and a higher capacity water tank that needs less frequent refilling. Cylinder steam cleanersĬylinder steam cleaners tend to be heavy, but they have wheels to minimise the need for lugging. Most of the mops in our top 10 are 2-in-1 models that double up as handheld units for cleaning hobs and tiles. Though best at cleaning sealed hard floors, many steam mops can also refresh carpets and rugs when used with an attachable carpet glider. Many come with a swivel head for reaching under furniture and kitchen appliances. They'll need refilling more often than cylinder cleaners (below) as they're smaller, but this makes them far easier to manoeuvre around your home. Their handles have built-in water tanks that heat up in about 20 seconds. They work like regular mops but are much more powerful cleaners. There are two main types of steam cleaner, so consider what you want from yours before you buy: Steam mopsĬompact and lightweight, steam mops are easy to set up and use.