Steam cleaners are a technique designed to simplify house cleaning. The path of their development began with rather bulky and expensive devices, which were used mainly by clearing companies. Today, such a unit is available to anyone who wants to ease their work of maintaining cleanliness in the house. The article will discuss how to choose the right steam cleaner. A rating of the most popular models of 2018-2019 will also be presented.
The principle of operation of the steam cleaner
This appliance is designed to clean surfaces with steam. Before considering the question of how to choose the best steam cleaner for your home, you should understand the principle of its operation. In fact, this is a steam boiler. Water is poured into a sealed tank and heated to boiling point. As a result of the conversion of liquid into steam in a confined space, a certain pressure is created.
The tank is equipped with a special valve that opens when the pressure reaches a threshold value of 3-4 bar. After its operation, hot steam escapes beyond the limits of the tank and, rushing through the tube, is ejected under pressure through the nozzle installed on the device.
A cloud in the form of a rushing stream, falling on the surface being cleaned, soaks the impurities on it and, thanks to the powerful impact force, tears them off the surface. The steamed dirt is easily removed with a soft cloth in subsequent steps.
Since the device uses only water, such a cleaning process is environmentally friendly and is suitable for people suffering from allergies to household chemicals.
In addition, some models are equipped with an additional detergent dispenser tank. To choose a steam cleaner exactly as you need, you should consider this nuance. After all, some housewives can not imagine cleaning without the addition of chemicals.
The advantage of the devices in question should be considered their almost silent operation.
How to choose the best steam cleaner for home?
This unit has a certain set of characteristics that a buyer should pay attention to when choosing a home assistant:
- The volume of the water tank. On the one hand, the overall tank will allow cleaning for a longer time without additional water. The second side of the coin is a lot of weight, which does not allow you to freely maneuver the steam cleaner over surfaces at altitude. It is necessary to take into account the fact that it is much easier to vaporize contaminants in tight places with a compact device. If we take into account that the time of boiling water in a small container is not so long, then a short break of 2-3 minutes, necessary for boiling again filled water, will not have a significant impact on the duration of the harvest as a whole. There are apparatus designs that allow you to add water during the operation of the steam cleaner.
- Heater power. Models based on this parameter are also important to choose correctly. On the one hand, more power allows you to quickly enter the operating mode and create more pressure in the tank, on the other - the amount of electricity consumed from the network increases.
- Pressure indicator. If you are a supporter of professional cleaning and lead a dynamic lifestyle, you should choose a household steam cleaner with features that will save your time. And the force of pressure plays an important role here. The higher this value, the more powerful will be the steam jet escaping from the device. The multifunctional unit is capable of delivering a tremendous steam boost to pollution.
- Pressure regulator. When the maximum pressure in the steam tank is reached, the heating system is turned off and then triggered again when it falls. Thus, such an adjustment maintains the desired performance during operation of the device at a constant level.
- The presence of a humidity regulator is very useful. Considering the process of vaporization, we can say that when water boils in a confined space, pressure increases in it. Along with this, the boiling point will also rise. At a pressure of 4 bar, this indicator of water will not be 100 C⁰, but about 140 C⁰. The result is so-called dry steam. It is most optimal when processing fabric surfaces that do not tolerate waterlogging.
- Material. Analysis and comparison of this criterion for different models will also help determine which is better to choose a steam cleaner. For example, a tank made of aluminum heats up quickly, but is resistant to corrosion. Plastic components, although manufactured from durable material, are less reliable against mechanical stress. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the price segment. Cheap Chinese products do not have high wear resistance, so their useful life may be short.
The main assistants are nozzles (nozzles, brushes, irons)
Before choosing a steam cleaner, you should determine the area and type of surfaces to be cleaned. This will allow you to choose the right set of nozzles. Basic accessories of almost all models include:
- Steam gun. Used for wet dust cleaning.
- Point jet nozzle. It is used in hard-to-reach places, for example, when processing joints of surfaces. Well suited for cleaning faucets, sinks, toilets, radiators.
- Big and small round brushes. Designed to remove stubborn dirt, but may scratch sensitive surfaces. More suitable for cleaning rounded surfaces, such as washbasins, showers, bathtubs, kitchen sinks.
- Powerful nozzle. It is used to remove stubborn dirt, purge corners, joints, etc.
- Hand nozzle. Designed for cleaning small washable surfaces, showers and mirrors.
- Nozzle for the floor. Used for cleaning washable wall and floor coverings.
In addition, you can purchase nozzles for washing windows, a nozzle-iron, various in shape and diameter of the brush. The specific capabilities of additional devices should be considered individually for each model of steam cleaner.
Leaders in Design and Production
The most famous manufacturers of the considered devices in 2018-2019 are Karcher, Clatronic, Ariete.
The German company Karcher was one of the first to produce steam cleaners for home use. In the ranking of popular models, devices of this brand deservedly occupy a leading position. In view of such a wide range of household appliances, consumers often wonder how to choose a Karcher steam cleaner. To answer it, it is worth considering the characteristic features of each of the models presented on the market and choosing the option that is optimal in terms of functionality and cost.
Karcher SC 1
The main advantage is compactness. Ideal for quick cleaning and easy to store. It weighs only 1.58 kg. At a power of 1.2 kW, it warms up in 3 minutes. Allows you to clean the area up to 20 m 2 . Focused on cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. It removes dirt from faucets, washbasins, windows, mirrors, stoves, cooker hoods, tiles.
Karcher SC 2
The steam cleaner has good performance for high-quality cleaning. It has a steam level regulator. A more powerful 1.5 kW heater compared to SC 1 heats up a liter tank in 6.5 minutes. The kit includes a nozzle with a hinge that allows you to effectively clean people of all sizes. The system for attaching floor wipes makes it easy to fix and replace them without contact with collected dirt.
Karcher SC 3
After 30 seconds, ready to go. Implemented the ability to top up water during operation. It has two levels of steam supply power. Equipped with a cartridge that purifies the poured water from calcium salts. On the body of the device there is a place for storing accessories. Equipped with a two-meter steam hose with a gun.
Karcher SC 4
It has two water tanks that enable continuous operation. The case is equipped with a built-in compartment for storing cables, an accessory compartment, and a parking position for the floor nozzle. It is convenient for cleaning various surfaces.
Karcher SC 5
Judging by the reviews, this is one of the best steam cleaners, which is recommended for those who are looking for a powerful device with excellent ergonomics. The VapoHydro function adds hot water to the steam jet, making it easy to wash off the dirt separated by the stream. Includes carpet pad and steam iron.
The rating of the best models also includes instruments from Ariete and Clatronic. They are recommended to pay attention to those who so far decide for themselves the question of how to choose a good steam cleaner for the home.
Ariete Vapori Jet 4103
Convenient, compact steam cleaner that allows you to effectively clean, degrease and disinfect surfaces. It has a quick warm-up time, only 2-3 minutes, with a power of 900 W and a tank volume of 250 ml. These characteristics make the device convenient and easy to use, as evidenced by numerous user reviews. How to choose a steam cleaner for those who plan to use special detergents in the cleaning process? The following 4 models are suitable for these purposes.
Ariete Vapori Jet 4109
Similar to the previous model. This and all subsequent devices, thanks to a special tank with a capacity of 950 ml, make it possible to use detergent, which allows you to effectively remove dirt. There is a nozzle for fabrics.
Ariete Multi Vapori 4203
Designed for daily cleaning, 1.4 kW of power and 3.5 bar of pressure provide a constant stream of steam that penetrates deeply into the surface being cleaned. In combination with a detergent, it achieves excellent results.
Ariete Multi Vapori 4204
Equipped with a 1.3 liter tank. The heating element is endowed with a power of 1.6 kW. Strong steam pressure ensures maximum cleaning and removal of all kinds of contaminants.
Ariete Multi Vapori 4207
The boiler, made of aluminum, with a volume of 1.5 liters and having a heater power of 1.4 kW, creates a vapor pressure of 4 bar. It is used to clean different types of surfaces: floors, tiles in the kitchen and in the bathroom, windows, radiators, plumbing, furniture, fabric surfaces.
Clatronic DR 3280
Made of high quality materials and components, meets international safety standards. It was subjected to environmental and hygienic quality control. Equipped with a 1.5 liter tank, a powerful heater of 1.5 kW. Provides 4 bar pressure. Cleans, disinfects and degreases without leaving limescale deposits after cleaning. Disinfection is carried out already at a distance of 30 cm. It is equipped with an indicator of the presence of water. There are functions for adjusting the temperature and power supply of steam.
How to choose a steam cleaner for home: user reviews
There are many models from lesser-known manufacturers. To argue about their poor functionality or lack of thought of constructive solutions would be fundamentally wrong. Before choosing a steam cleaner, it is necessary to carefully analyze for what purposes it is bought, what kind of cleaning it will produce, with what frequency. There is no need to spend large amounts of money trying to buy the most functional model at a high price. This is evidenced by numerous user reviews who have already managed to test this device. Many focus on the fact that, first of all, you should focus on the set of useful functions that will be used constantly.
However, it should be borne in mind that large and well-known manufacturers better support their devices. A well-developed network of service centers, in-depth scientific research to develop and introduce various innovations that improve the efficiency of devices, well-thought-out ergonomics and equipment with a variety of auxiliary elements, are aimed primarily at considering a range of steam cleaners from well-known companies. And one cannot disagree with this. Many who prefer the technology of leading manufacturers are satisfied with their choice.
If you are still at the stage of analysis - how to choose a steam cleaner, then find out what the devices are made of. The durability and reliability of the work are significantly affected by the starting materials of which the units and blocks of the unit are made. At the beginning of operation, devices made of high quality and weak materials show equally good results. However, in the future, steam cleaners of companies that saved on raw materials fail much more often, often without the possibility of restoring efficiency.
Useful Tips
In the process of domestic use of the steam cleaner, you should take into account some features of its work, which can be very useful.
- The effect of steam on a surface made of soft plastic, delicate fabrics (silk, velor), leather, natural parquet can damage it.
- When cleaning fabrics, it is recommended to direct the hot stream at an angle to the surface so that the dust does not drive into the depth of the material, but is blown out of it.
- When cleaning electrical appliances (microwave, electric stove), it is absolutely necessary to disconnect them from the mains in order to avoid a short circuit.
- When removing limescale in the bathroom, it is recommended to moisten the surface of the tile with a solution of vinegar before leaving it for 5 minutes.
- Cleaning and moistening of plant leaves should be carried out from a distance exceeding 30-40 cm in order to avoid thermal damage.
- Clothes, curtains are recommended to be cleaned upright. It is strictly forbidden to steam clothes on a person.
- When cleaning the carpet, it is recommended to vacuum it after steaming.
- Filtered water should be poured into the tank. Despite the existence of descaling agents, it is better to prevent its formation. If pieces of it get into the steam generator, it can damage it.
Before choosing a manual steam cleaner or floor model of this appliance, you should identify the most important criteria and the necessary set of functions for yourself. It is impractical to purchase a dimensional device for a small apartment. In this case, there will be a fairly compact model with quick availability. If you plan to use the purchased device to clean various surfaces, it is best to choose an option with several nozzles or buy them additionally.