Steam cleaners for the home: perfect cleanliness with no extra effort

A steam cleaner is a device used to remove dirt that cannot be removed manually. Such a device allows you to cope with stains on the floor, ceramic tiles, and glass surfaces. Steam cleaners for the home save time and effort, and are easy to operate. In order not to be mistaken when choosing steam generators, you need to familiarize yourself with the main criteria for their selection, as well as the rating of the best models.

Advantages of steam generators for cleaning an apartment

Domestic steam generating devices have many positive qualities that need to be noted. The main advantage of such devices is that they greatly simplify the cleaning of various surfaces. The removal rate of difficult contaminants with a steam generator is very high.

Household steam cleaners not only allow you to quickly deal with various contaminants, but also disinfect the treated surfaces, destroying pathogens.

Note! Such devices are especially recommended for people who suffer from allergies, since their use does not require the use of household chemicals. And also their purchase is advisable if the family has small children.

Another advantage of these cleaners is that they can eliminate unpleasant odors. In addition to being effective for the maintenance of hard floors, they can be used to remove stains from upholstery and clothing. The rating of the best steam generators allows you to choose the model required for a specific case.

Steam generating devices are equipped with various attachments that can be used to remove dirt in hard-to-reach places. Many users use steam cleaners for windows that get dirty during operation. These devices are also used for cleaning carpets, fighting grease on ceramic surfaces and kitchen utensils.

The main disadvantages of using household steam cleaners

Such devices are multifunctional and convenient, but they also have some disadvantages. The main disadvantage of such devices is their high cost. This is especially true for models that are produced by well-known modern companies.

There are other minor problems with these devices. For example, after steaming, streaks may remain on some surfaces and require a special microfiber cloth to remove them. Steam generators for cleaning the house practically do not need the use of household chemicals. However, cheap models of these devices are not always able to cope with complex pollution on their own.

It is important to remember that such devices cannot be used to clean polymer surfaces. This is due to the fact that plastic is not resistant to high temperatures. Another disadvantage of such devices is that with their intensive use, carpet fibers can be damaged. The same goes for furniture upholstery.

Before purchasing a steam generator, it is recommended to study reviews about it. Steam cleaners are not able to remove absolutely all types of contamination. With the help of these devices, it is not always possible to remove such types of stains:

• gypsum;
• cement;
• adhesive.

It is also worth remembering that steam generators eliminate contamination with a directional high temperature flow. Under the influence of such a device, some stains, which include animal proteins, may become irremovable (blood, sauces, eggs, milk).

Steam cleaners for home: purpose and principle of operation

Before purchasing one or another device that generates steam, it is necessary to study the list of functions that are inherent in it. This device is an effective means of eliminating contamination of various degrees of complexity by means of hot steam.

As a rule, steam generators have the same operating principle. Let's consider in more detail the mechanism of operation of these devices. Their design has a special container with a heating element inside. In order to start working with the steam cleaner, it is necessary to fill this tank with water. With the help of electrical energy, the liquid is heated, followed by its transformation into steam.

Note! Valves are important elements of any household steam cleaner. They are necessary to keep the steam inside the appliance. With their help, excess pressure is created inside the tank. In order to release steam, you must press the button that opens the shutter. This will cause steam to burst out at high speed.

The cleaning process is effective by wetting the stains with microscopic droplets of hot liquid. Mechanical action in this case is carried out as a result of the directed pressure of the steam flow. In addition, the effect is enhanced by various nozzles, which also have a mechanical effect on dirt.

The main function of a steam generating device is to remove dirt from various surfaces. This type of device is very resistant to moisture. In addition, it is resistant to high temperatures.Hand-held steam generators, as well as other modifications of such a device, are designed for processing ceramics, mirrors, window glasses, various household appliances, curtains, carpets, and personal belongings. With the help of such a device, you can clean plumbing fixtures (bath, toilet).

Steam heated to high temperatures is an excellent tool for removing grease stains, oil stains, wax, etc. It should also be noted that a steam cleaner can help remove rust, but this will require additional surface treatment with a chemical agent.

Varieties and characteristics of steam cleaners for the home

The modern market provides the consumer with a wide selection of household appliances. If desired, the buyer can purchase an expensive, multifunctional steam generating device. There are also budget models of these devices. In order not to make mistakes when choosing, you need to familiarize yourself with the main types of steam cleaners, such as:

• manual;
• vacuum cleaners;
• floor (compact).

Manual. These devices are widely used due to their small size, which provides portability and ease of use. The main advantage of hand-held steam cleaners for the home is their low cost. They are lightweight, come with a set of attachments and are most often used to clean clothes, furniture and stains on various surfaces in the house.

Vacuum cleaners. Such devices are classified as professional. They are suitable for domestic use, but it is more advisable to purchase a more compact model. The advantages of steam cleaning vacuum cleaners are their power and high efficiency. They remove even the most difficult dirt with ease. The pluses also include the long operational life of these units. The main disadvantage of such devices is their high cost, due to their efficiency, size and build quality.

The power of the best steamers of this type can reach 2.3 kW. These parameters provide a very high steam flow rate. Steam generating vacuum cleaners are equipped with a large number of brushes and other attachments that differ in different sizes and shapes.

Helpful information! Professional devices consume much more electricity than their counterparts.

Outdoor. Models of this type are very popular and ubiquitous. This is due to the fact that they are highly efficient and have compact dimensions. In this case, the fluid reservoir is located on the floor, so many people compare these devices with professional vacuum cleaners. The price of this type of steam cleaner is average.

Before purchasing a floor-standing device, experts recommend paying attention to several important nuances. The length of the hose must be at least 3 m. The electric cord, which is present in the design of such devices, must have sufficient length for convenient use in the apartment.

Features of a complete set of steam generators for cleaning an apartment

The most complete are steam generators, which belong to the group of professional devices. The best steam cleaners for this type of home include a special injector and pump in their design. The function of these elements is to supply detergent to the nozzle. This option greatly simplifies cleaning of various surfaces in the house, but it does affect the price of the device. The complete set is a very important point, since the final cost of the steam generator depends on it.

What attachments can be found in the kit that comes with the steam cleaner? Many attachments have a specific purpose.For example, brushes are classified by the material they are used to clean. Some of them are used for cleaning tiles, and others for stone. There are also special brushes to remove dirt from upholstered furniture, clothing and carpets.

The price of a steam cleaner equipped with a large set of nozzles significantly exceeds the cost of a device with a standard set of brushes. These elements can have a narrowed nozzle shape (to remove dirt in hard-to-reach places). Quite often there are other options for nozzles:

• napkins made of terry cloth;
• tips for removing dirt from window panes;
• point attachments for chrome-plated parts;
• irons for steaming and ironing;
• handpieces for the care of textile surfaces;
• sprayers;
• cone-shaped nozzles.

This list is not complete, as the variety of nozzles found in sets with steam generators is incredibly wide. Thus, in order to choose a device, it is necessary first of all to decide what it will be used for. After solving this issue, you can proceed to the selection of a suitable configuration.

How to choose a steam cleaner for your home: tank volume

One of the most important properties of a steam generator is its reservoir volume. This parameter affects the duration of the use of the device as a result of one refueling. It is important to understand that much in this case depends on the dimensions of the device. For example, manual models are small, which does not allow a large reservoir to be built into them.

Helpful information! The capacity located in handheld devices has a minimum volume of 85 ml, and the maximum can reach 1.5 liters. However, holding a device weighing 1.5-2 kg is rather difficult, so it is not recommended to purchase hand models with a large reservoir.

Which steam cleaner is best for home use? Many experts agree that compact floor-standing devices are best suited for domestic use. Such devices have a mobile tank located on the floor, so there is no need to lift it. The volume of the reservoir in such devices ranges from 1 to 5 liters. When choosing a particular model, it is recommended to focus on the area of ​​a particular dwelling.

It should be noted that 1 liter of water is enough to carry out cleaning for 30 minutes. Based on this rule, you can easily select the required steam generator model.

How to choose a household steam cleaner for your home: appliance power

The choice of the required power of the device is interrelated with the volume of the water tank. Different types of steam generators differ from each other in this parameter. The hand models are the least powerful.

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Reliable manufacturers from different price segments. Features of devices. Specifications.

The minimum value for handheld devices is 0.7 kW, and the maximum is 1.6 kW. The low power of manual steam cleaners is usually sufficient to heat a small volume of liquid. It is worth noting that if the volume of the tank does not exceed 1 liter, then a 1 kW device is quite suitable. Exceeding this value is not justified by anything.

More spacious models of devices that generate steam, which include floor-standing and full-fledged vacuum cleaners, require higher power. Today on sale you can find floor-standing devices, the power of which varies from 1.35 to 2.5 kW.

When choosing floor steam cleaners, experts recommend paying attention to more powerful models.It is desirable that this figure reaches 2 kW. These devices have the best efficiency.

It is important to remember that in no case should you buy models with low power if they are equipped with a long hose. This is due to the fact that such devices are of low efficiency. Steam flowing through a long hose with insufficient intensity will leave streaks on floors and other surfaces.

Selection of the steam generator depending on the steam pressure at the outlet

This parameter is very important, since it is he who influences the final efficiency of the unit. Most often, there are devices on sale where the steam pressure does not exceed 8 bar.

Before purchasing a particular model, it is recommended to study reviews about it. A steam cleaner for a home must have a high pressure (with a margin). It's pretty easy to explain. The passage of steam through the hose is accompanied by a pressure loss, which can sometimes reach 50% of the total. Thus, in no case should you rely on low-power models.

Note! The ideal option is to purchase a household device with a pressure of 3 bars or more.

In this case, you should carefully study the documentation that comes with the device. In it, the manufacturer is obliged to indicate the detailed characteristics of the unit. The best in this case are the Karcher steam cleaners for the home. Reviews about them are usually the most positive.

Another point that should definitely be taken into account is the intensity of the steam supply. This indicator is especially important in the case when there is a need to eliminate heavy contamination. If necessary, it is recommended to choose models that are capable of delivering from 80 to 150 g / min. Within this range, the best conditions are created for high temperature wet cleaning.

The best intensity is observed with Karcher steamers. The devices of this manufacturer are distinguished by high efficiency and good quality of components. To remove light dirt, models are suitable, the intensity of which varies from 30 to 40 g / min.

How to choose a steam cleaner: auxiliary parameters

A good steam generator is one that can satisfy the needs of any person. There are many additional nuances to consider when choosing a steam cleaner. Let's consider them in more detail.

Weight. This parameter depends on the type of device. Of course, professional floor models are much heavier than manual counterparts. However, for these units, weight is not very important, since they do not need to be held in hands. Small hand-held models weigh about 1 kg. In turn, the maximum weight of such devices reaches 6 kg.

Equipment. The functionality of the device and its final cost depend on the number of attachments. It should be said right away that the minimum number of tips should not be less than three. The largest number of nozzles is equipped with equipment from well-known companies - steam cleaners Philips, Karcher, etc.

The length of the electronic cord. The maximum length of the cord for steam generators can exceed 6 m. Experts say that the higher this figure, the better. Some models have a rewind option, which is a very convenient feature that eliminates the need to assemble the cord manually.

Hose length. This flexible element can be of various lengths. When choosing the length of the hose, it is best to take into account the power of the device, on which the intensity of the steam supply depends. Experts recommend purchasing steam generator models that are equipped with medium-length hoses. In this case, there should be no problems during operation.When choosing a long flexible element, you should definitely make sure that the unit has a lot of power.

Device size. The dimensions of the steam cleaner are also very important, since it is not always convenient to use large devices in a domestic environment. Manual models of devices on average have dimensions of 20x15x25 cm. The best steam cleaners belong to the floor-standing category. Their dimensions may vary. For example, the Karcher SC 1702 model is characterized by parameters 50x33x33 cm.

Helpful information! In addition, the heating time and the maximum possible temperature must be taken into account. Typically, the most efficient devices are capable of heating steam up to 140 ° C.

The material of the body is also very important, since the operating life of the steam generator depends on this criterion. The most suitable option for home use is a special durable polymer material that is resistant to high temperatures.

Manufacturers of the best steam generators: an overview

Today there are many companies engaged in the production of steam generators. The products of some companies are widely known all over the world. Based on consumer reviews, the most popular manufacturers can be identified.

Karcher. The products of this German company are known for their quality, a high level of which is achieved through component parts made of durable and reliable materials. Steam generators of this type are versatile. Thus, they can be used for cleaning various fabrics as well as various surfaces such as glass, tiles, stone. Karcher steam generators for the home are characterized by a long service life. The cost of such devices is above average.

Kitfort. On the domestic market, there are many models of steam generators of this company. The main advantage of such products is the budgetary cost.

Mie. A popular company that produces cleaning and ironing equipment. The main advantage of this manufacturer's steam generating appliances is their presentable appearance. Aesthetic and functional models of Mie steam cleaners can be purchased in any city in Russia. Separately, it should be said that the company has opened many service centers that deal with issues of equipment repair.

Grand Master. The products of the Grand Master company, in comparison with the Kitfort steam cleaners, have a higher cost. However, the price in this case is fully consistent with the quality. Multifunctional and reliable devices of this brand are distinguished by a presentable design. User reviews of the products of this company are mostly positive.

When choosing a model of a certain brand, it is recommended to visit specialized forums and study consumer reviews of products, and it is also worth familiarizing yourself with the rating of the best steam cleaners for the home. Reviews about them can be quickly found on the worldwide network. Experts do not recommend purchasing cheap devices from little-known brands, as they are often of poor quality. The best option for home use is a mid-range device.

Rating of the best handheld steam cleaners for the home

Hand-held devices are the most convenient. They take up little space and, if necessary, allow you to clean hard and soft surfaces (except plastic). Let's take a look at the top three handheld steam cleaners that were selected based on positive user reviews:

• Karcher SC 1;
• Smile ESC 1026;
• Grand Master GM VSC38.

Note! Today, one of the most famous hand-held models is the device of the Karcher company. The price of a steam cleaner for a house of the SC 1 series is approximately 4100 rubles.Due to its popularity, this unit is confidently leading in sales. On the Internet, you can easily find user reviews about him.

This device has many advantages, but it also has some disadvantages. The main advantage of this device is that it has a small weight and dimensions. Due to this, it is convenient to use it in everyday life.

Steam cleaner Karcher of this series has a long cord, which affects the range of the device. In addition, there is a special safety valve in the design of the unit, which excludes the possibility of fluid leakage from the container.

The disadvantage of the device is a small tank, which is often not enough for a complete cleaning. The container volume of this steam cleaner is only 200 ml. Another disadvantage of the SC 1 model is the small set of tips, which narrows the scope of the instrument.

Steam generator Smile ESC 1026: inexpensive and efficient device

A device of this type is high in the rating of steam cleaners due to its good power, which provides a high intensity of steam supply. In this model, the outlet steam pressure is 3.5 bar. The device is equipped with a fairly capacious reservoir - 350 ml, and also has a long power cable. The length of the electronic cord reaches 4.5 m, which is a good indicator for a hand-held model.

Among the key advantages of such a model is its low cost. The price, taking into account the configuration, is approximately 1800 rubles. The temperature of the steam leaving the generator can reach 130 ° C. This is a very important point, since at such a temperature effective disinfection of the treated surfaces is carried out.

Such a device is one of the most efficient steam cleaners. The rating of the best hand-held devices allows you to narrow the range of choice. There are other advantages of the ESC 1026 series device. For example, a good package, which includes 7 tips for different surfaces.

Also in the design of the Smile steam generator there is a special valve. Its function is to relieve excessive pressure that builds up during operation. Devices of this type are made of heat-resistant materials and fully comply with all modern quality standards.

The only drawback of the device is that pauses are required during its operation, during which excessive pressure is released. Otherwise, this device is a good solution for the home.

Grand Master GM VSC38: optimal value for money

This steam cleaner is used for furniture, clothes, as well as for cleaning windows, mirrors, doors and ceramic surfaces. A feature of this model can be called the fact that it fully corresponds to its value. The power of this type of device is only 0.9-1.05 kW, but this is quite enough to cope with simple and medium pollution.

Note! One of the main advantages of this model is the high steam pressure at the outlet - 4.2 bar. Thus, the good efficiency of the device is complemented by the minimum consumption of electrical energy.

The devices of this series have a good complete set, which includes 6 handpieces. This allows you to remove dirt from crevices, process tile joints and remove dirt from various surfaces. In addition, devices of this type are additionally equipped with a measuring cup and a funnel, which is used to conveniently fill the reservoir.

Despite all the advantages listed above, this device also has some disadvantages. It requires frequent refueling as the tank capacity of handheld models is often very small.This is a practical necessity for a home steam cleaner. Reviews of his work can be read on the Internet at specialized forums. This will allow you to finally determine whether to purchase the GM VSC38 or not.

In order to make it easier for the user to understand, there are special indicators on the body of the unit that show the current state during use. The steam temperature in such a device has an average value of 135 ° C. It should be said that when this indicator is exceeded by 34 ° C, the fuse is triggered.

And, finally, the last plus of such a device is its cost, which is 2.3 thousand rubles. Of the minuses, one can single out the rapid consumption of liquid due to the small capacity.

Rating of the best steam cleaners for the home: floor-standing type

Floor-standing models, as mentioned above, are the most appropriate for home use. If the area of ​​the apartment is small, then there is no need to purchase such a device. However, for most situations, this is the best option. The three best models of this type of steam generator include the following:

• Karcher SC 5;
• Karcher SC 2;
• Kitfort KT-903.

The best representative among floor devices is the unit of the German brand of the SC 5 series. Long service life and high quality of component parts are the main advantages of Karcher steam cleaners. Reviews of the SC 5 model indicate that it is multifunctional and has good performance.

The steam pressure in this device is 4.2 bar, which is a very good indicator. With the help of this device, it is possible to perform effective disinfection of surfaces, while destroying up to 99% of pathogens. 2.2 kW (with a mass of 6 kg) - the power of the steam cleaner for the Karcher house. The video, which describes all the smallest nuances regarding this model, can be easily found on the worldwide network.

Helpful information! Units of this series are equipped with two tanks: main and removable.

In order to make cleaning control more convenient, a steam regulator is located on the SC 5 body. The downside of a floor-standing appliance is its significant cost. The price of this model is approximately 25.5 thousand rubles.

Steam cleaner Karcher SC 2: a budget device for cleaning the house

Floor standing devices are used for cleaning difficult dirt at home. It is important to understand that professional models are inappropriate to use in everyday life, as they are rather bulky and inconvenient.

Among the best floor-standing devices for cleaning with steam, it is worth noting another model of the German company Karcher - SC 2 EasyFix. The steam cleaner of this series is one of the most efficient, despite its relatively low power rating (only 1.5 kW).

The cost of such a device is its undoubted advantage. The price of this model is only 8.5 thousand rubles. The pressure that forms when the steam leaves the device, in this case, can reach 3.2 bar. This is enough to remove dirt, grease, glue and oil stains from various surfaces.

The tank in the SC 2 EasyFix steam cleaner does not differ in volume. To fill it completely, 1 liter of liquid is enough. The heating time of the tank filled to the brim is 6.5 minutes. In addition, there are other useful functions implemented in this device. For example, the user has the ability to independently adjust the steam supply.

The Karcher steamer also has a built-in descaling option. This device has a presentable design and, if desired, can be locked using the “child lock” function, which is very convenient if the family has small children.The main disadvantage of the device is the problematic winding of the electric cord.

Kitfort KT-903: interesting design and reasonable price, corresponding to quality

In the rating of steam generators, this model from the domestic brand Kitfort was not accidental. The device of this series, which converts water into steam, is highly efficient and reliable in operation. The service life of this device can be up to 5 years (under normal use).

The cost of KT-903 is approximately 11 thousand rubles. Thus, it can be classified as an inexpensive model. The steam pressure in this case reaches 4 bar. The device has a pretty good power - 2 kW.

Note! One of the main advantages of all products of the domestic company Kitfort and, in particular, this model is a good package.

Additional accessories are very important as they increase the range of applications for the home steam cleaner. The rating allows you to make your choice faster, but experts advise paying attention to all the characteristics of steam generators.

With this device, you can not only clean hard surfaces, but also remove dirt from upholstery and textiles. The uninterrupted operation time of such a unit installed on the floor is 1 hour. Finally, it is worth noting the presentable and original appearance of the device.

The best steam cleaner for home Karcher (with iron)

Definitely ordinary iron copes with the tasks assigned to him much more efficiently. However, steam cleaners used to steam and smooth fabrics also perform well. The best models with an iron allow you to iron not only simple fabrics, but also denim and woolen items.

The advantage of such devices is that they have a higher power, which is necessary to organize effective steaming. And also the advantages include the following properties of these devices:

• versatility;
• compactness;
• convenience.

The most popular models common in the domestic market are the devices of the Karcher company. The price of a steam cleaner for the home, reviews about it, as well as its main characteristics - all this must be taken into account when choosing a device. The products of this brand are practically devoid of disadvantages. The only thing worth noting is the high cost of most steamers of this type.

The best device (according to user ratings) is the Karcher SC 4 + Iron Kit. This is a versatile model with a steam iron, the power of which allows you to efficiently cope with your tasks.

A 2 kW heating element is included in this Karcher steam cleaner. Reviews of the device indicate that it has only one significant drawback - the price. The cost of this unit is on average 25 thousand rubles.

The volume of the water tank in this case is 0.8 liters, which is not much. The steam pressure leaving the device during operation is 3.5 bar. Overall, this device is very reliable and in high demand in today's market.

When choosing a steam generator, it is very important to pay attention not only to its type, dimensions, volume and weight, but also to less significant characteristics. A short cord or the absence of a steam indicator can spoil the impression of the device. The choice of a specific model is also made taking into account the individual preferences of the buyer and specific operating conditions.