Steam cleaners for home, household: how to choose, reviews

Content

Design

Externally steam like a vacuum cleaner, which, instead of the suction function, acts as a vapor source. Heated to 130-140 degrees, it is discharged to the cleaning object using the gun trigger. The design of the floor of the instrument:

• casing with arranged inside the boiler and the heating element;
• a flexible hose;
• trigger gun;
• system of interchangeable tips.

types of steam generators

Since the invention of several types of steam generators developed by manufacturers for use in different conditions. Each of the different options and design features. The main types are:

• professional;
• floor;
• manual.

professional

This large-sized devices designed for cleaning large areas. Steam cleaner of the type usually used in hospitals and cleaning companies. But you can use the machine and in the apartment or private home. Their differences are:

• high power;
• large capacity for continuous operation;
• increased pressure;
• advanced functionality.

There is a function using a hot or cold steam, steamer, and so on. N. A significant drawback of this type of device - they are expensive, prices reach up to several tens of thousands. And the large size is not always convenient for a small housing.

Floor

It is the most convenient type of steam cleaning appliances. In size it is much less than a professional, making it easier to search for the storage location. Feature set is almost as his older counterpart. Its features include:

• compact main unit;
• long hose;
• the steam gun at his end.

This devices an average price segment. They can clean a small apartment and is free to store at home.

Hand

The most compact form of cleaners. They gathered in one body, and deprived of the hose, which is replaced by an elongated spout. They are easy to use for cleaning hard to reach places, cleaning inside the car. They are comfortable to work with his hands.

Criterias of choice

Following the definition of the type of boiler is necessary to understand the basic selection criteria. Structurally similar devices of any kind, because the choice of the parameters are approximately the same. These include:

• storage tank;
• type and the heating time;
• power;
• the pressure in the reservoir;
• hose;
• the length of the connection cable;
• equipment.

Capacity

In terms of the duration of the work, the size of the boiler must be chosen according to the principle "the more, the better." But because of design features it is not always possible. The maximum displacement in reservoirs of professional models. A household their analogue has smaller size steam boiler. At the outdoor units of its volume from one to five liters. Reservoir compact handheld units does not exceed 2.5 liters.

For portable devices, this parameter is particularly important because they are used with the hand, and the size of the tank can significantly increase the overall weight of the device.

material containers

steel or aluminum alloys can be used for the manufacture of the boiler. The latter option has more advantages. Such containers:

• less weight;
• quickly heated;
• less sensitive to scale.

The type and the heating time

In the method of heating steam cleaners contents of the container are divided into ramjet and vnutrikotelnye. In the first case the heating water occurs during output. In the second it is generated inside the container.
Vnutrikotelny embodiment provides a steam jet at a higher temperature. The heating time is from 15 seconds to 10 minutes. On heating time affects the size and capacity of the power. To accelerate the steam generating process may be used preheated water.

Power

This characteristic determines the quality of cleaning. The higher the value, the faster the steam is generated. The maximum level depends on the type of steam generator. For portable models it is within 700 and 1600 watts. More marker devices consume from 1300 to 2300 watts.

Do not assume a maximum performance. Select the optimal level. For outdoor device it is 2000 watts. This device heats the three-liter pot for 4-5 minutes.

Pressure

The pressure of the steam jet coming from a gun, is measured in bar. Level that manufacturers indicate reaches 6 bar. But often this is not the outlet pressure, and performance, indicating a state of the vapor inside the container.

Inevitable loss when reaching the outlet reduce its level at the output. This is particularly true for floor models with the long hose. Recommended level of at least three bar. Smaller index significantly reduces the functionality of the steam cleaner, making it useless.

Hose

For professional and domestic outdoor units is very important length of the hose. Too long - causes cooling of the steam, its condensation and the appearance of water drops at the output. This will negatively affect the ability of cleaning steam cleaner. Not long enough - will limit the possibility of cleaning hard to reach places. Depending on the power optimum length may be from 3 to 6 meters.

Power cable

Not to use an extension cord, the power cord must be quite long. It must provide freedom of movement within the room. Most steam generators are equipped with a cord with a maximum length of 4 to 6 meters. It is more convenient with automatic rewind cable system.

Equipment

The most extensive set of nozzles a multifunctional appliances. Changing nozzles can be cleaned with a variety of surfaces, steaming and steam ironing. The nozzles are included:

• Mop steam brush, which is intended for cleaning tiled surfaces, coatings and laminate linoleum;
• a terry cloth with a scraper for cleaning windows, glass and mirror surfaces;
• round rotating brushes used for cleaning of sanitary equipment;
• triangular brush for renovation of upholstered furniture and carpets;
• square head, which is used for the removal of wallpaper during repairs;
• nozzle, narrow spout which increases the power of the steam jet and allows to remove ingrained stains, other types of difficult impurities;
• iron is used in the vertical stripping;
• steam iron for ironing.

manufacturers

Popular steam cleaners, manufacturers, models of which are represented in the CIS:

• German company «Krcher», which produces a long-lasting appliances for cleaning;
• Dutch brand «Philips» - their steam cleaners in addition to quality, different broad functionality;
• Chinese brand «Kitfort» - its instruments refute preconceived idea about Chinese brands, not only in quality but also in price.

three leaders complement the less well-known brands, which are also found in trading floors of large stores:

• German Becker, Clatronic, Karcher, Tien Versand;
• Italian Ariete, G3 Ferrari, Polti;
• Anglo-Dutch Elbee;
• Spanish Elbee.

TOP of the best models

We offer top steam cleaners for home, taking into account customer feedback.

Hand

These devices are very easy to use due to their small size.

Polaris PSC 1101C

Compact and cost-effective model. Since it can be removed even without detergents. Clears stuffy fat on kitchen surfaces, wash the tiles, windows, mirrors and bathroom fixtures. Stripped curtains, clothes. Disinfects soft toys, furniture and carpets. Supplied with floor nozzle with a point and with a brush. The volume of 270 ml capacity. Power 1100 watts. Vapor pressure 3.5 bar.

Pros:

• easy to use;
• powerful jet of steam;
• It heats up quickly.

Minuses:

• for the steam necessary to always keep the button pressed;
• long cold.

Grand Master GM VSC38

At low power 900-1050 W imposing maximum pressure - 4.2 bar. Tank capacity 250 ml. There are curved, short, long and textile nozzle. On your device, there are indicators of readiness for operation.

Benefits:

• You can regulate the supply of steam;
• cheap.

Disadvantages:

• uncomfortable, tired of the hand when using;
• short cord.

Smile ESC 1026

The largest container models considered water - 350 ml. Power 1000-1050 watts. Vapor pressure 3.5 bar. A lot of attachments allows you to clean different surfaces.

Advantages:

• is a function of protection against overheating;
• good job with cleaning.

Disadvantages:

• you need to pause, filled to the pressure;
• short flexible tip.

Floor

Convenient tools for house cleaning. With their help, to get rid of this old dirt will be easier.

Karcher SC 5

Multifunctional Steam Cleaner German brand. Steam pressure of 4.2 bar is one of the most powerful in this category. There VapoHydro function - can be added to hot water to steam. Equipped with two tanks 0.5 and 1.5 liters. There are steam control.

Pros:

• It cleans hard to reach places;
• powerful;
• It can work continuously for a long time.

Minuses:

• when stripping with iron nozzle much water dripping;
• heavy;
• in case of breakage is very expensive repairs.

Kitfort KT-903

Power 2000W appliance with a steam pressure up to 4 bar. It comes with a variety of nozzles, whereby it is possible to wash the floors, windows, doors, cleaning furniture, tiles, to steam clothes. The possibility of continuous operation for an hour.

Benefits:

• easy to use;
• rapidly heats up;
• water may be added during operation.

Disadvantages:

• wear out quickly, brush head;
• no box for tips.

Endever Odyssey Q-801 / Q-802 / Q-803

Impressive power supplying steam at 8 bar at 1500 W, which can be adjusted. The kit even includes fire glove. Rezervuvar heats the water volume in 2 liter and 10 minutes. Protected from limescale.

Advantages:

• Water tank made of stainless steel;
• long wire.

Disadvantages:

• black water tank, due to which is not visible in the water level;
• flimsy plastic baits.

Steam cleaner for cleaning the house will become a reliable assistant for housewives. It will facilitate and speed up the household chores, leaving more time for recreation, games and activities with children.