A handheld steam cleaner can be any homeowner’s saving grace. It’s a portable device that you fill with water, using steam to take care of hard cleaning tasks around the home. From flooring to showers, kitchens, and even clothing, it’s a convenient tool to have.
However, given the extensive range, it can be a challenge to choose one that’s best for the job. Pay attention to the size, price, effectiveness, and whether it comes with accessories or you have to pay extra.
The size of the water tank and length of the extension cord can also be a deal maker or breaker. Check out these ten options below, as well as considerations for how to choose the best handheld steam cleaner for the money.
01. PurSteam Handheld Pressurized Steam Cleaner
If you’re looking to take care of some cleaning jobs at home quickly and effortlessly, then it might be time to purchase a handheld steam cleaner from PurSteam. Trying to clean windows, doors, and other surfaces by hand can take hours, but with this steam cleaner, it’s taken care of in a fraction of the time.
It’s chemical-free, suitable for many different surfaces – even washable wallpaper, and it comes with nine accessories as well. These heavy-duty accessories ensure that every time you need to take on a massive cleaning job, they can help you complete it with ease.
However, the benefits don’t end there. The 3-4-minute warm-up time means it doesn’t take long before you can get cleaning underway, and the 9.8-foot cord makes this handheld steam cleaner suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
It also produces 30 percent more steam than some other brands and is lightweight and portable for long-term use. If you are looking for a handheld steam cleaner that doesn’t cost the earth but produces results, this one is it.
Features
- 9-piece accessory kit
- 9.8-foot cord
- 3-4-minute warm-up time
- 30 percent more steam
- Heavy-duty attachments
- Handheld
- Chemical-free
- Multi-surface
- Multi-purpose
Pros
- Affordable to buy
- Portable and lightweight
- Effortless to operate
- Comes with a full range of accessories
- Long cord so you can use it indoors and out
- You can use it on most surfaces – even washable wallpaper
- It releases more steam than other models
Cons
- The instructions are poor
- The reservoir is small
- You can’t lock the trigger in place for a continuous flow of steam
- You have to wait for it to cool before you top up the water
02. iSiLER Powerful Multi-Purpose Handheld Steam Cleaner
Purchasing a handheld steam cleaner can be expensive, especially if you need one that will be suitable for most indoor and outdoor cleaning tasks. However, if you take a look at this handheld steam cleaner from iSiLER, you will see that it features everything you need to get the job done, but without the hairy price tag.
It’s a multi-purpose unit, suitable for a variety of surfaces, and comes with 13 accessories as well. The accessories are all robust and high-quality, helping you to adjust your cleaning methods depending on the surface on which you are working. Unlike other cleaning methods, using this handheld steam cleaner is an entirely natural and chemical-free process. You fill the 11.8-ounce reservoir, wait for one to three minutes, then get to work. It also has a 6.6-foot cord to give you more freedom to move.
When you use this handheld steam cleaner, safety is also on your side. It has an automatic shut-off and all the necessary safety ratings to make sure your 15-20 minutes of run time is as pleasant as possible. It’s also lightweight to operate, lets you use a continuous spray mode for up to seven minutes, and comes with a one-year warranty as well. This handheld steam cleaner ticks all the boxes for a range of users.
Features
- Multi-purpose
- 13 accessories
- Multi-surface
- 1-3-minute heat time
- 900 to 1050 watts
- Seven-minute spray time
- 15-20-minute normal use time
- 100 percent natural
- Chemical-free
- 2.4-pound weight
- Ergonomic handle
- 11.8-ounce tank
- 6.6-foot cord
- Automatic shut-off
- One-year warranty
Pros
- It takes little time to heat
- You can use it for quite a long time
- It’s lightweight and effortless to carry
- The reservoir is a great size
- It has a child safety look for protection
- You can use it inside and out
- It’s suitable for a range of surfaces
- It comes with 13 accessories
Cons
- The two-step power button is a hassle
- You have to hold the trigger for the entire time you’re using it
- The reservoir leaks
03. Bissell PowerFresh Slim Floor Steam Cleaner System
Even though you can pay a little more for this handheld steam cleaner than you would others, you will quickly discover it’s worth its weight in gold. Not only does it come with an extension wand to help you get into hard to reach spots, but it’s suitable for all manner of surfaces and situations as well.
You can clean grout, hardwood flooring, marble, granite, lino, and even the shower. There’s no limit to how convenient this handheld steam cleaner can be. You can also use it to steam your garments! Alongside the extension wand and swivel head, you can also pay a little more and get nine additional accessories. These help to make the handheld steam cleaner far more user-friendly and multi-purpose than ever before.
It works quickly, quietly, and has many purposes. With this handheld steam cleaner, you can even use it to clean your oven! Rather than slave away with a cloth and chemicals, opt for this chemical-free handheld steam cleaner from Bissell.
Features
- 3-in-1 steam mop
- Comes with an extension wand
- Handheld
- Nine accessories
- Swivel head
- Multi-purpose
- Multi-surface
Pros
- It’s versatile
- You can attach an extension wand to get into hard to reach places
- Lightweight to use
- Works quickly
- Plenty of great accessories
Cons
- You pay extra for the accessories
- The reservoir needs to be bigger
- You have to hold the trigger down continuously
04. Marsboy Handheld Steam Cleaner with Auto Heat Controller
If you have minimal cash, but you’re desperate to own a quality handheld steam cleaner, then this one from Marsboy could be the answer. Even though it’s available at a fraction of the cost of others on the market, you don’t compromise on quality at all. Instead, you get a range of benefits that are sure to put a smile on your face.
Firstly, this handheld steam cleaner comes with nine accessories. Each tool serves a purpose, helping you to carry out a cleaning task effortlessly and with no chemicals at all. Then, you can use it on a range of surfaces, with a powerful 1,050-watt motor taking care of everything. It has a lightning fast heat time of up to three minutes, and can also run for up to around 20 minutes thanks to its generous reservoir.
Sealing the deal is the 12-month warranty, automatic heat controller, and vibrant color. You get so much value for money when you choose to purchase this handheld steam cleaner from Marsboy.
Features
- High-pressure steam
- High-temperature use
- Chemical-free
- Automatic heat controller
- 1-3-minute heat time
- 20-minute runtime
- 1,050 watts
- Nine accessories
- Multi-surface
- Multi-purpose
- One-year warranty
Pros
- You don’t need to use chemicals
- Lightweight and comfortable to use
- Vibrant color scheme
- Plenty of convenient accessories
- It heats up quickly
- It runs for longer than other models
- Larger reservoir than other models
- It kills bacteria
- You can use it on many surfaces
Cons
- It doesn’t let out as much steam as some better models on the market
05. DBTech Multi-Purpose Pressurized Steam Cleaner
If you need to carry out a full clean of your property – including flooring, hard surfaces, and fabric, then it might be time to invest in a handheld steam cleaner from DBTech. You could use a bucket of hot soapy water and a cloth, but this handheld steam cleaner can help you carry out all manner of cleaning tasks in a fraction of the time.
It’s one of the most affordable steam cleaners on the market, doesn’t require any use of chemicals, and is entirely multi-purpose. Therefore, you can use it for cleaning car seats and closets, all the way through to kitchen counters, showers, flooring, and more. There’s no limit to how useful this handheld steam cleaner can be.
Once it heats up – in up to three minutes – you can then get right to work, making use of up to 20 minutes of run time and the 9.5-foot power cord to reach more areas of your home. The tank can also hold eight ounces of water, so you don’t have to refill it often. Ticking the final box is the range of accessories you receive with it. Enjoy nine tools to help make your steam cleaning experience that much more beneficial.
Features
- Chemical-free
- Multi-purpose
- 15-20-minute run time
- 9.5-foot power cord
- Nine accessories
- 2-3-minute warm-up time
- Eight-ounce water capacity
Pros
- It can take care of all kinds of cleaning, including hard surfaces, fabrics, flooring, and more
- Affordable to buy
- Lightweight
- Heats up quickly
- You don’t need chemicals
- The power cord is longer than many models
- It comes with nine accessories
- You can use it for up to 20 minutes on one water tank
Cons
- It costs extra to get replacement pads and cloths
- It doesn’t run as hot as other models
- You can’t see how much water is left
- There’s no indicator to know if it’s ready for use
06. Dporticus Multi-Purpose Handheld Steam Cleaner with Accessories 9 Pieces
If you’re tired of spending hours cleaning your house from top to bottom without it ever looking tidy, it could be time for a handheld steam cleaner from Dporticus. Even though it’s affordable to buy, you can benefit from a robust and high-quality steam cleaner that will take your cleaning regime to an entirely new level of convenience.
Instead of using elbow grease, you can fill up the big reservoir of this tank, wait three to four minutes, then run it for up to 12 minutes. You can then clean ovens, floors, kitchens, walls, and all manner of areas in your home that elbow grease doesn’t take care of. The 6.5-foot cord may be shorter than other models for sale, but the addition of the nine-piece accessory kit is sure to make it less of a problem.
Take cleaning back into your own hands and consider investing in a handheld steam cleaner such as this one to get the job done affordably.
Features
- Yellow and black or white and black color schemes
- Multi-purpose
- 3-4-minute heat-up time
- 10-12-minute run time
- Nine-piece accessory kit
- 6.5-foot power cord
Pros
- Comes with a range of convenient tools
- Lightweight and comfortable to use
- Two color options – most other brands don’t give you a choice
- Heats up quickly
- Runs for a long time
- It doesn’t warm up your hands when you use it
- It takes care of a range of surfaces
- You can use it indoors and outdoors
Cons
- The power cord isn’t as long as other cleaners for sale
- Some of the tools aren’t very durable
07. Bissell Steam Shot Hard Surface Cleaner
If you need a handheld steam cleaner that’s robust, high-quality, and built to last, then this model could be an option for you. Not only is it affordable – in the range of other similar models, but it’s also packed full of features to make your steam cleaning experience that much more enjoyable.
This model is chemical-free, has a 1,000-watt power rating, and even has a far longer extension cord than most other brands, at 20 feet. Most other handheld steam cleaners on the market warm up in around three minutes, but this model bucks the trend here too. Instead, you only need to wait 30 seconds, and it’s ready to go.
Its reservoir tank is smaller than other cleaners on the market, but its high-quality accessories, lightweight aspect, and comfort make it a minor sticking point in the scheme of things. However, you do have to spend a little more to get the benefit of eight optional accessories. If you don’t mind paying extra if it means you get the full steam cleaning experience, then you may like to consider purchasing from Bissell.
Features
- Chemical-free
- 1,000-watt power rating
- 20-foot cord length
- Eight optional accessories
- 6.6-ounce tank capacity
- 30-second warm-up time
Pros
- Affordable price tag
- Long cord
- Warms up quicker than other models
- High-quality accessories
- Effortless to use
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- You have to pay extra for accessories
- It can be hard to get it up to temperature
- It sprays a lot of water
- You tire of pressing on the trigger continuously
08. ISILER Handheld Steam Cleaner with Safety Lock
For light cleaning tasks around the home, you can’t get much better than this handheld steam cleaner from ISILER. Even though it can’t take care of baked-on grease or heavy-duty tasks, it’s going to be more than suitable for floors, walls, and other surfaces in your home.
It comes with 15 accessories to make the task far more manageable than doing it by hand, as well as minimal heat time of up to three minutes as well. Then, once you’re ready to go, it heats up to 288 degrees-Fahrenheit, running for up to 25 minutes or 10 with the trigger set in place.
The 350mL tank is not the largest on the market, but it’s suitable for those looking to carry out light steam cleaning tasks around the home. Its 3.3-foot cord is not the longest either, but you can transfer it from one socket to the next both inside and outside your home. The sleek design and compact size also put this handheld steam cleaner in a league of its own. So, it may be well worth closer inspection today.
Features
- 15 accessories
- Safety lock
- Multi-purpose
- 1-3-minute heat time
- 10-minute run time on continuous spray
- 25-minute regular runtime
- 350mL tank capacity
- Three-pound weight
- 3.3-foot cord
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Two-year warranty
- 288 degree-Fahrenheit run temperature
- Automatic shut-off
Pros
- You can choose to purchase 14 or 15 accessories
- It’s a sleek design
- Comfortable to use
- Lightweight
- You can run it for up to 25 minutes at once
- You can lock the trigger in place to save finger fatigue
- Minimal wait time
Cons
- Its cord is short
- The tank is smaller than other models
- Not hot enough for baked on grease and grime
09. Haan HS-22 Handheld Portable Steamer
While this handheld steam cleaner is not one of the best on the market, nor is it top-rated, it’s suitable for any homeowner looking to save themselves from having to put in hours of elbow grease. Rather than get down on your hands and knees scrubbing that tile floor, for example, you can heat this portable steamer and let it take care of all the hard work.
It’s compact, lightweight, comfortable, and portable, as well as ticking all the boxes for versatility as well. You can use it on your floors, walls, and even to deodorize clothing. It will do the task at hand, all the while killing up to 99.9 percent of germs too.
When you buy this handheld steam cleaner, however, you don’t get any attachments. What’s more, the reservoir is quite small, and it spits out a lot of water. If you can get past those trivial points and focus on its positie features and competitive price tag, then you will find it’s a rewarding and convenient handheld portable steamer.
Features
- 12.5 x 9 x 5 inches
- Chemical-free
- Easy-control trigger
- Pressure-locking safety cap
- Dual nozzle steam nozzle
- Easy attachment system
Pros
- You can use it for many household cleaning tasks
- It’s suitable for deodorizing clothes
- It kills most germs in your home
- You don’t have to use any chemicals
- Lightweight and comfortable to use
Cons
- No attachments included
- The reservoir for water is small
- It spits out a lot of water
10. Scunci SS1000 Steam Cleaners
If you want a handheld steam cleaner that’s high-quality, easy to use, and far surpasses your expectations, this one will be it. Not only does it come with a storage bag and accessories, but it’s built for those who want to be comfortable while cleaning their home.
It has a larger water tank than average to cater to those who want to get the task done quicker, and is environmentally safe with no chemical use. It also has 50 percent more steaming capacity than other models, is lightweight at around six pounts, and is comfortable to use at any time. While it might not be able to handle thick grease and grime, it will cut through bathroom scum and similar levels of dirt without a problem. You’re sure to love everything this unit has to offer.
Features
- Storage bag
- Accessories
- Chemical-free
- Environmentally safe
- Extra-large water tank
- 50 percent more steaming capacity
- Fingertip control
- 6.9 pounds
Pros
- It comes with a range of convenient accessories
- It’s lightweight
- Comfortable to use
- Reliable and runs hot consistently
- Comes with a bag you can put it in
- You don’t need any chemicals
- The water reservoir is larger than other models
- It provides more steam than other models
- It’s more comfortable to use the trigger
Cons
- It can spit out a lot of water
- It’s less suitable for thick grease and grime
- The body gets too hot to touch
Considerations for Purchasing a Handheld Steam Cleaner
If you are in the market for a new handheld steam cleaner, then you need to take the time to do your research. The last thing you want to do is buy a steam cleaner that’s not fit for purpose or ends up going in the trash. Consider the following points.
- Accessories
The accessories play a huge part in the success of a steam cleaner. The more accessories you can get, the more jobs around the home you can carry out. Pay attention to how many you receive, and whether you need to pay more for them. The best accessories include those for scrubbing, grout, windows, and an extension wand.
- Comfort
Using a steam cleaner is easy, but it can be hard on your hands. Opt for one with an ergonomic handle and a trigger you can lock in place. Not every trigger locks which means your fingers can tire from pressing down for a long time.
- Water tank
The size of the water tank or reservoir can determine how convenient your new steam cleaner is. The larger the tank, the longer you can use it. Remember, when you refill the tank, you usually have to wait until it cools down to do so. If you buy a cleaner with a large reservoir, however, those instances are few and far between.
- Price
Most portable and handheld steam cleaners are around the $40 mark, with a few exceptions to the rule. Usually, the more you pay, the more accessories and quality you get. However, that’s not a hard and fast rule. Therefore, pay attention to each feature and compare it to the price before you go ahead and buy it.
Last update on 2020-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API