If you’re reading this, you’re likely as much of a nit-picking buyer as I am who would cringe at the thought of buying anything without first turning it completely inside out – not just once but four times over. Just between you and me, those other buyers who don’t do this are the crazy insane ones. So, here’s a whopping 52 aspects to consider in determining which handheld steam cleaner is best for you – nothing is too small, too big, too mundane or too important.
Cleaning Capacity Features
As much as a 1995 study proved the amazing capacity of steam cleaners to effectively eliminate harmful microorganism, the actual capacity of your particular steamer will depend on the type of features it possesses:
- Capacity of on-board water tank
- Heat-up time
- Steam power
- Steam temperature
- Operating time
- Heating element capacity
- Dust collection filters
Cleaning Ability Features
Unlike cleaning capacity (the in-built potential of a cleaner), cleaning ability is what such a cleaner can actually do, based on its features:
- Attachments, including: steam hose, jet nozzle, accessory tool adapter, detail scraper, grout/ straight brush, medium/ large/ small brush, brass/ nylon/ stainless steel brush, fabric steamer, ultra-microfiber pads, tile and crevice brush, floor protector/ resting mat, angled/ concentrator nozzle, glass and mirror pad, flat surface attachment, microcham sponge and squeegee.
- Moisture content of steam
- Steam regulation control
- Ability to convert from a steam mop to a handheld steamer
- Continuous refill
- Steam temperature regulation
- Maneuverability
- Quality of toweling covers
- Operating steam pressure
- Stain removal ability
- Ability to handle grease stains using a spatula attachment
- Glide wheels
Overall Design Features
Design isn’t just about good looks; it can influence many functions like:
- Size and shape
- Ergonomic design
- Design for safe handling
- The learning curve or duration required to figure out how to use it properly
- Weight
- Ease of filling the water tank
- Number of switches and dials
- Design to stand independently without support, in-between use; or having a wall mount
- Material used in boiler construction
- Safety caps on boiler
- Material quality of the cleaner’s housing
- Proper construction of internal components
- Boiler insulation
- Ease of attaching and removing toweling covers
- On-off switch on the hose attachment
- Splash-proof protection to guard against contact of electrical components with moisture
- Easy-use self-locking mechanism of tool attachments
- Insulation on the hose handle
- Easy washing of all parts of the steamer
- Carrying case
- Ease of maintenance of the cleaner
- Noise levels during use
- Color – you might prefer the more manly black-and-yellow look of the McCulloch MC1230, as compared to the feminine red look of the HAAN HS-20R
- Lockable steam trigger for continuous steamer use without holding the trigger
- Cord length for portability
Manufacturer Aspects
Even the manufacturer shouldn’t escape your scrutiny, because a product can only be as good as the person making it:
- Service centers for repairs
- Live chat for speedy inquiries
- Contact email and phone
- FAQs providing details of the most important aspects
- Customer testimonials
- Warranty on the boiler and other parts of the steamer
- Training videos on using the product
- Clear instruction manuals
Even after evaluating all these aspects, you’re sure to have many more unanswered questions. Don’t be afraid to inquire all you want, because you won’t have the luxury of doing so after buying.
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