Today, I bring you the 15 best handheld steam cleaners for 2019. These machines are like magical wands, and there is nothing they cannot do. They will clean deeply embedded dirt, grime, and hygienically kill bacteria. You can forget all about the hazardous detergents but still be confident of fewer germs and far less scrubbing.
These units clean in a mist-ical way but deliver unrivaled performance. However, despite how powerful they are, picking the right device will be a challenge; especially with the many models in the market. In this guide, you will learn of the best handheld steam cleaners, and I have also included a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Why Handheld Steam Cleaners
- First, steam cleaning is environmentally-friendly. With these steam cleaners, you will rely on heat and steam to sanitize surfaces over chemicals such as ammonia and other detergents. The environmental impact is thus realty reduced.
- Handheld steamers are also beneficial to your health. Detergents leave a chemical residue on surfaces which can be hazardous and in other instances result in illnesses. The chemical residue can be harmful to your pets and kids and can result in kids developing asthma.
- Handheld steam cleaners also prevent the likelihood of developing allergic reactions. These have been proven to get rid of bed bugs and dust mites. The latter are second only to pollen in causing allergic reactions, and by eliminating them, you reduce the likelihood of illnesses in your home.
- These devices also happen to be cost-effective. Since they are more compact than upright steam mops, they will cost less. Furthermore, you don’t rely on chemicals, and you end up saving money.
- Easy to store – Again, these tools are compact; thus, they are easy to store. Unlike a standard vacuum cleaner or an upright steam mop, you can store them in tiny spaces, such as cabinets or under the sink. I recommend handheld steam cleaners if it is hard to discover free storage space in your home.
- Ideal for small tasks – There are instances where you need to clean spaces, and the upright vacuum is too bulky for such. Handheld steam cleaners are ideal for such tasks. They are suitable for cleaning bathrooms, kitchen counters, or other hard to reach spots.
- Attachments – Finally, they retail with a slew of attachments increasing the versatility. Some of these accessories include cloth, brushes, and squeegees, and they make cleaning easier.
Handheld Steam Cleaner Shops Near You
- Handheld steam cleaner shops near me.
- Handheld steam cleaner shops in my location.
- Handheld steam cleaner shops in UK.
- Handheld steam cleaner shops in the area.
To find the best handheld steam cleaner shops near you, you can type any of the above search terms into Google’s search box. The results should be similar to what I have here. Yes, I saved you the trouble of looking for the best shops in your area. You can visit any of the shops on the map below.
The Best Handheld Steam Cleaner Comparison Table 2019
So how do the steam cleaners compare? Which is better? Which is lighter? Here is a comparison table to help make an informed decision.
The Best Handheld Steam Cleaners of 2019: Reviewed and Rated
Now that you have a feel of the various units, that you already know the best handheld steam cleaners in the markets, here is a review of each appliance. I have also included some videos to get a feel of the various devices. Let’s get started.
1. Pursteam Steam Cleaner with 9-Accessories
(Best Overall)
Topping our list of the best handheld steam cleaners and arguably the best unit is the Pursteam steam cleaner. It is made of premium components, and thus you can expect it to last. Moreover, it is fast and effective saving you time. It heats up in 3 to 4 minutes and has a slew of attachments.
First, you will love that this is a safe unit to use. The cap acts as the pressure relief keeping the cleaner from blowing up. Also, the cap will not come off until the pressure comes down to a safe level.
You will also appreciate the accessories on this device. From the angled nozzle that allows you to reach tight spots, the floor attachment which you can also use on kitchen counters, the garment attachment, and the scrub brush. These attachments enable you to do more with the cleaner. And who would not love that?
However, you should use distilled water over tap water unless you want your device to clog. Tap water is full of minerals which will collect in your unit.
Pros
- It is versatile, thanks to the attachments.
- It is a quality tool, and you can expect it to last.
- It is safe to use.
- It is ideal for detailing work.
- It makes short work of all messes.
- It has a trigger lock, so you don’t have to compress the trigger.
- It has a 9.8-ft cord.
Cons
- The manual could be better.
Who is it for?
If you are on the hunt for a device that can clean all hard floors, carpets, and garments, this is perfect for you.
2. Bissell 2075A Steam Cleaner
(Best High-End)
Next on our list of the best handheld steamers is the Bissell 2075A. This is a 3-in-1 tool that works as a floor mop, as a wand cleaner, and as a handheld.
Once the water is ready to use, you can select between low steam and high steam. I recommend the high steam setting for use on hard surfaces other than wood. You can also pause it and convert it to any of the three applications.
As for accessories, the unit has 9-which increase what you can do with this. The wand allows you to clean above-floor areas; the garment attachment is for clothes and drapes, a grout brush, a scraper tool, a scrub brush, and an angled nozzle for detailed work.
Pros
- It is well accessorized.
- You can store all the tools on the device.
- It is aesthetically pleasing.
Cons
- It is pricey for a handheld steam cleaner.
Who is it for?
Considering what you can use this for, I would say it is for everyone. However, given the price, it is for people on a generous budget.
3. Bissell 39N7A/39N71 Steam Shot Hard Surface Cleaner
(Best Low-Range)
Another excellent handheld steam cleaner is the Bissell 39N7A. It is a lightweight tool, but one that will blast away all grime and dirt. It will not only get rid of the dirt that you can see but also eliminate any build-up on counter-tops and other surfaces.
First, it has a cap that acts as a pressure relief. Moreover, it will not come off when working until the pressure drops to a safe level. The appliance has 9-accessories allowing you to clean different surfaces. I love the color-coded bristle brushes as you can use one for outdoors, and the other for indoors.
The grout brush allows you to get to those tight spots while the garment steamer is perfect for clothes and drapes. It has a long cord and 21-ft, enabling you to clean without having to change outlets.
Pros
- It is light and easy to use.
- It is affordable.
- It is ready to use in a couple of seconds.
- The steam is on-demand
Cons
- You cannot store the attachments on the tool, and you might misplace them.
Who is it for?
Given the attachments included in this tool, and the price, this is one I recommend for everyone other than people with unsealed wood floors.
4. Vapamore MR-75 Amico Handheld Steam Cleaner
(Best Mid-Range)
The Vapamore MR-75 is a reliable handheld steam cleaner. It is not an inexpensive unit, but it is not as pricey as the Bissell 1075A. I believe you will appreciate the quality and the accessories.
First, it has 43-PSI, and though it is lower than other Vapamore, it is enough for most cleaning tasks. The unit uses one cup of water, and you should use distilled water to avoid clogging the appliance. It is lightweight at 4-pounds and thus easy to use.
If you are on the hunt for a well-accessorized tool, then get the Vapamore MR-75. It has six brushes, an extension tool, a hard floor squeegee which doubles as a garment and upholstery cleaner and two nozzles for detailed cleaning.
The appliance does not have an on/off switch. Thus you have to unplug it to power off.
Pros
- It is well accessorized for detailed cleaning.
- It is durable.
- Steam lasts long for about 20-minutes
Cons
- It does not have an on/off switch.
- It is pricey.
Who is it for?
Given the price, I recommend this for people on a reasonable budget.
5. Dirt Devil PD20005 Steam Cleaner
(Most comfortable to use)
If you are on the hunt for a comfortable, and easy to use steam cleaner, get this Dirt Devil. It has a contoured handle and thus is friendly and easy to use. The unit has Dirt Devil’s signature red color and is pleasant to the eye.
The Dirt Devil PD20005 is lightweight and easy to use. You can use it for long periods with relative ease. Though it is not as accessorized as the previous units on this list, it has some terrific attachments. One that stood out for me was the jet tip extension that enables you to get into tight spots.
Pros
- It is affordable.
- It has an extension cord for versatility.
- It is durable.
Cons
- It has few accessories and thus cannot be used for much.
Who is it for?
The Dirt Devil PD20005 cleaner is ideal for a small range of tasks. It is excellent for countertops, garments and upholstery and grills. However, the few accessories are limiting.
Do you want to learn more about the Vapamore? Do you want to know of the attachments included, and how to use it? Well, I welcome you to check out this review.
6. Hoover 20100 TwinTank Steam Cleaner
(Best multi-purpose)
Nest on our list of the best handheld steam cleaners is the Hoover 20100. This is a twin-tank unit that allows you to clean using steam or with a disinfectant preferably Hoovers. The technology also separates clean and dirty water so you can refill, empty, and rinse with ease.
The steam ready indicator will let you when the water is hot enough for use. However, it is ready to use in a few minutes so it should not be such a long wait. The steam is trigger control or on-demand, and thus you can clean large areas on one tank. It is also ideal for spot cleaning.
As for the power cord, it is long at 17-foot, and you can clean a significant area without having to change outlets.
Pros
- It is portable.
- It has all the accessories for various tasks.
- It is durable.
- It has a lengthy warranty (2-years).
Cons
- It is pricey.
- It leaks water when using with the integrated nozzle.
Who is it for?
The Hoover 20100, is an excellent tool for people on a generous budget. It is a tad pricey for a handheld steam cleaner.
7. Pure Enrichment PureClean Handheld Steam Cleaner
Following on this list of the best handheld steam cleaners is the PureClean cleaner. This is the Ferrari of steam cleaners when it comes to aesthetic appeal. It has a black design with a silver lining resulting in a sophisticated look. However, it has more than appeal.
First, the unit has a 9.8-ft cord, and though this might be short, it is still enough for most tasks. The trigger is on the handle, and it is easy to depress thanks to the size. The steam also happens to be on-demand, and you can clean large areas with one tank. As for the water, it is ready to use in 3 to 4 minutes. There is also an LED indicator to alert you when it is ready.
Finally, it has accessories that increase versatility. The angled nozzle is remarkable for detailed work on toys and other objects that need sanitizing. There is the garment attachment and a straight nozzle for detailed work.
Pros
- It heats up quickly.
- It is easy to set up.
Cons
- After a while, steam starts coming out of the hose, and it might burn you.
Who is it for?
The PureClean steam cleaner is best for people on the hunt for a device for above-floor cleaning.
8. MLMLANT Handheld Steam Cleaner with 9-pieces Accessory
The MLMLANT is a tank of a steam cleaner and will make short work of stains, grease, and buildup. It is ideal for all hard-surfaces other than floors and unsealed wooden surfaces. It is aesthetically pleasing and happens to be lightweight. Thus you can use it for long periods with ease.
The device also has an LED indicator to show when the water is ready. It is an on-demand unit, meaning that the steam does not go to waste. However, the trigger could not be in a better place.
You have to use the thumb to depress it, and it can be a pain to use.
Finally, it has all the necessary accessories, including a brush to get rid of stains, an angled nozzle, a measuring cup, funnel, and a garment attachment.
Pros
- It is affordable.
- It is aesthetically pleasing.
- It is light.
Cons
- The cord is short, and the trigger is uncomfortable.
Who is it for?
Though this is a low-cost unit, it is one that will give premium units a run for their money. I recommend it for people on a budget though it is ideal for everyone.
9. Comforday Steam Handheld Cleaner
(Fastest)
If you are on the hunt for a device that will save you time, get the Comforday steam cleaner. The device is ready to use in less than a minute, unlike our other picks that take between 2 and 4 minutes.
The steamer uses about 200ml of water, and though this is significantly less than the other units, it is enough to clean most surfaces. The unit retails with a slew of attachments including a measuring cup to ensure you don’t exceed the appropriate amount of water. Other accessories, included are a standard nozzle, an extension hose, a squeegee, and an angled nozzle.
Attaching the accessories to the unit is a walk in the park. All that is required is to push the attachments and turn to secure. Finally, it is a secure appliance thanks to the thumb release lock that you have to release before you steam-clean an area.
Pros
- It heats water in less than a minute.
- It is light and easy to use.
- It is well accessorized.
Cons
- You cannot tilt it beyond 45-degree as water will come out the nozzle.
Who is it for?
I believe this is a steam cleaner that everyone will love. It is affordable, and it is aesthetically pleasing.
10. Light ‘N’ Easy Steam Mop and Garment Cleaner
This is another multi-functional steamer. It is an upright cleaner that doubles as a handheld steam cleaner. First, this will cost you an arm compared to the rest of the units on this guide, but I believe it is worth the investment.
First, it can clean hard floors as an upright, and you can use it for tight spots and upholstery as a garment cleaner. You can choose between three steam settings depending on the surface you are cleaning; high, medium, and low.
Nonetheless, three things stood out for me. First, the device is ready to use in 30 seconds. Second, it has a smart switch where it stops steaming when you stand it upright and starts steaming when you tilt it. In handheld mode, you use the smart sensor to start steaming and leave the sensor to stop sensing.
Pros
- It works both as a handheld and upright vacuum.
- It is aesthetically pleasing.
- It is lightweight.
Cons
- It is pricey
Who is it for?
The Light ‘N’ Easy steam mop is great for people on the hunt for a device that can clean hard floors, garments, and other surfaces.
11. Ghillie Suit Shop Handheld Steam Cleaner
Next on our list of the best handheld steam cleaners is this 1050W unit by Ghillie Suit Shop. It is a durable steam cleaner with an extra thick inner wall. The thick wall also increases the durability, ensuring the device will serve you longer.
This steam cleaner is a great helper for your daily work. It has a substantial tank at 400ml thus you can clean larger areas on one tank. It also happens to be easy to use thanks to the comfortable handle and lightweight design.
The trigger is on the handle, and I feel it is not easy to use as you have to work with your thumb. That can get tiring in the long run. Finally, it has all necessary accessories, including a standard nozzle, an extension hose, and an angled nozzle.
Pros
- It is easy to use.
- It requires little effort.
Cons
- It will not get dirt that is deeply embedded in the grout as it does not have the grout brush.
Who is it for?
For cleaning and disinfecting, cleaning clothes, getting rid of stains and tough spots, and cleaning windows, this is the unit for you.
12. McCulloch MC1230 Handheld Steam Cleaner
One shortcoming of most steam cleaners on this guide is that they do not have a lockable trigger. As such one has to depress the trigger which gets tiring. The McCulloch MC1230 has a trigger lock that allows you to work for long without having to depress the trigger. And speaking of the trigger, it is on the handle, and you have to use your thumb to depress.
Some remarkable features of this device are the brushes. It is the only unit with a broad 6” brush to clean rather substantial messes. It also has a 4” rectangular brush which is perfect for getting into corners and other tight spots. As for the cord, it has a substantial 15-foot cable which allows you to clean large areas without changing outlets.
Finally, it has a long 34” hose which increases the reach.
Pros
- It is well-accessorized.
- It is aesthetically pleasing.
- It is lightweight.
Cons
- It is not a durable appliance, and there have been reports of the hose breaking.
Who is it for?
Given the longer reach and the larger brushes, the McCulloch is best for medium cleaning tasks. The brushes allow you to clean large areas, and it is best to use it for such tasks.
13. Vax S5 Kitchen and Bathroom Steam Cleaner
(Steamer with the longest runtime)
The VAX S5 happens to be an terrific device and one that I believe will make you happy. First, it is a canister steam cleaner, and thus you can use it on floors with the hose extension. However, you can also use it as a handheld steam cleaner.
First, you will appreciate that this is a reliable device. Though it is plastic, it is made of sturdy, durable plastic and some steel components increasing the life of the device. Another terrific feature of this device has to be the variable steam setting. While most units have three settings, the VA S5 offers you a more extensive range.
As for the runtime, it can last for 30-minutes, which is enough for any task.
Pros
- It tackles tough grime.
- You can use it on wood at the lowest setting.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- You have to wait for it to cool down before you can use it again.
Who is it for?
The Vax S5 is for people looking for a steam cleaner that can do detailed work on floors and above floor areas. With its many accessories and versatility, it is terrific for a wide range of cleaning tasks.
14. Bissell Powefresh Steam Mop 1544A
The next best handheld steam cleaner is the Bissell 1544A. This is a multi-purpose unit that acts as an upright steam mop, and as a handheld unit. First, it is a bit pricier than most of the appliances here, as it should be given that it is an upright and it is a quality unit.
It has a lift-away feature that allows you to convert it to a handheld steam cleaner for above floor cleaning. Yes, it has a lot to offer in terms of versatility. Some things that you will appreciate about this unit are the attachments. The lift-away retails with 13-different accessories, and there is virtually no surface you cannot clean.
Some of the attachments that stood out for me include the fabric steamer which you can use on upholstery and clothes and the grout brush that will get to deeply embedded dirt.
Pros
- You can use it as an upright, and as a handheld steamer.
- It is well-accessorized.
- It is light.
- You can customize the steam settings.
Cons
- The plastic around the heating unit can get unreasonably hot.
- Bissell customer service could be better.
Who is it for?
If you are on a generous budget, then get the Bissell 1544A. It is pricey, but worth the price.
15. Midas Big Capacity Multi-Purpose Handheld Steam Cleaner
Finally, we have the Midas steam cleaner to end this list of the best handheld steam cleaners for 2019. It has a 350ml tank, and though that is not the largest, it is enough for most tasks. It will run for 20-minutes and seeing that it is on-demand steam, you will cover most surfaces.
At 350ml, it is the perfect compromise between weight and efficiency. Were it larger; it would be unbearable to use. Another astounding feature of this unit is the nozzle. It is angled upwards so you can tilt it further down to a comfortable holding position.
It also includes a useful 9-piece accessory tool kit. Bear in mind that this is the standard tool kit on most handheld steam cleaners. Nevertheless, it is still resourceful for most cleaning tasks.
Pros
- It is comfortable to use.
- It is durable.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- This is a shortcoming with most steam cleaners that you have to wait for it to cool down before you can refill it.
Who is it for?
Recognize what this tool is for. It is for spot cleaning and not working on large areas. If you have some few stains or grime in some small space, then this is perfect. However, it will not work on large areas.
Handheld Steam Cleaner Buying Guide
It is essential to know what to look for when on the hunt for a steam cleaner. The market is flooded with a variety of cleaners, and getting the right one is tasking. Here are some few things to look for.
What is your purpose?
Are you looking for an appliance to eliminate tough stains or just one for general cleaning tasks? Are you after a unit specifically for above-floor cleaning or one that you can use on the floor and for above-floor cleaning tasks? If it is the former, get any of the handheld devices but if it is the latter, get one of the multi-purpose appliances that double as a floor and above floor cleaning unit.
Do you prefer a particular brand?
You need to narrow down your searches to a particular brand further. That is if you prefer household items from a specific brand. In this list, there are different items from various brands and that should give you depth when on the hunt for a steam cleaner.
While we are still on the topic of the brand, you should purchase from established companies such as Bissell and Vapamore. These companies have a reputation to protect, and thus, they ensure they sell premium appliances. Moreover, they will refund you in case of a defect and are more likely to honor their warranties.
Portability
As you have discovered, most of these units have different cord lengths. Some are long at 20-ft, while others are short at 9.8-ft. This affects portability. If you have a larger space to clean, then get a device with a substantial cord as you can clean without the need to change outlets. However, if you have a small house, then buying an equipment with a short cable is acceptable.
You should also check the weight of the appliance. A bulky steam cleaner will be challenging to handle. Preferably, get a lightweight machine.
Which accessories do you want?
You might want to look at the attachments included in the kit. If you’re going to deep clean your grout lines, then get a device with a grout brush. If it is for grills, a tool with a slew of brushes will do. If it is for detailed work, then a unit with different nozzles is what you should purchase. BY and large, get an appliance with everything you need or has close to everything you need.
Water tank capacity
As you have realized, these steam cleaners have different tank capacity. Therefore, you should invest in an appliance that will cover all areas in one pass. Remember you have to wait for the unit to cool down before you can use it again. Thus purchase a device that will clean all areas in one pass.
FAQs
Here I have responded to some of the common questions about the best handheld steam cleaners. These are the top concerns, and I welcome you to dive in as it there is a lot to learn.
Conclusion
Steam cleaners still have a long way to go. Though they need to be refined, they are still enough for most cleaning tasks. These are the best handheld steam cleaners in the market. Be sure to stick to your budget, but get a reliable unit all the same. Thanks for coming these far, and I welcome you to leave your thoughts in the comments below.