11 Best Steam Mops 2019 [TOP RATED BUYER’S GUIDE]
Do you LOVE the hassle of mopping floors? Do you love dragging out a bucket and filling it with soap and water, and then lugging it all over the house as you mop your hard-surfaced floors? Or maybe you love having to walk back to the bucket every swipe of the mop, or kicking the slopping bucket of water around the room with you? How about lugging the bucket of dirty water back to the utility basin to change? If this does not sound like you, then keep reading to find out how to select the best steam mop 2018.
You might wonder how a steam mop can help change your life, but trust us, it will! A steam mop allows you to avoid the punishment of dragging a heavy bucket of water around, instead relying on the cleaning power of steam to get tricky mopping jobs done. It is much healthier, with steam mops often eliminating 99% of bacteria and you can get it done much quicker.
Want to choose the best steam mop for your home? Then check out our list of the top 7 steam mops.
Best Steam Mop Reviews
It is important to look at how these steam mops stack up against each other in terms of weight, cord length, cleaning path width, tank capacity, steam control and many other aspects. Let’s compare how these steam mops match-up.
Product Specs | BISSELL 1940 | SKG 1500W | Shark S3601D | BISSELL 1543A | O-Cedar Microfiber | Hoover WH20200 TwinTank | INLIFE | Black and Decker Steam Glove | SHARK KICK N’ FLIP S6003UK | BISSEL VAC AND STEAM 1977E | KARCHER SC5 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weight | 6.2 lbs | 12.7 lbs | 7.5 lbs | 10.6 lbs | 5 lbs | 7.7 lbs | 4.1 lbs | 6.0 lbs | 6 lbs | 11.11 lbs | 13 lbs |
Power Source | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded | Yes |
Power Cord Length | 23' | 15' | 20' | 25' | 18' | 30' | 19.7' | 20’ | 26’ | 25’ | 10’ |
Cleaning Path Width | 12.5" | 12.2" | 12" | 11" | 10.2" | 15" | 12" | N/A | N/A | 11" | N/A |
Tank Capacity | 15 oz | 7.6 oz | 16.9 oz | 13.5 oz | 13.5 oz | 16.9 oz | 16.9 oz | 16.9 oz | 11 oz | 13 oz | 68 oz |
# Cleaning Pads | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
# Attachments | 1 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
Machine Wash Pads | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Removable Tanks | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
On/Off Switch | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Swivel Head | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Steam Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Vacuum Capability | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
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BISSELL 1940
This blue and white colored Bissell 1940 Powerfresh Steam Mop packs a punch for a 6-pound steam mop. While the appearance is nothing to write home about, the quality of clean certainly is.
This little steam mop is packed with features that make it one of the best steam mops on the market.
First, the Bissell 1940 Powerfresh Steam Mop has a SmartSet digital variable steam controls that allow you to customize your cleaning in three different settings – low, medium and high. You can change the setting to meet the steam needs of the cleaning job you’re facing. Low is great for a simply mop job in a dusty dining room, where the high setting is great for stickier messes that need to be broken down a bit more.
After pouring through countless reviews and editorials, it seems that this is the best steam mop 2018 for grout. With the variable steam setting and the built-in flip-down Easy Scrubber, which has bristles, you can easily break up the dirt and grime in grout and get your tile floors really sparkling again. Just be aware when you go to engage or disengage the easy scrubber that it will be very hot!
One thing to note is that while the specifications say that the Bissell 1940 Powerfresh Steam Mop can be used on hardwood floors, some users have suggested that their hardwood floors do not tolerate the steam mopping. It is always a good idea to test a few spots of your floors in less visible areas to ensure that there are no negative consequences. It’s also a good idea not to let the steam mop sit too long on the wooden floor until you are sure that it can handle the steam.
This Bissell also kills 99.9% of germs, which a normal mop simply won’t do. It also comes with a Febreeze spring breeze odor eliminating fragrance disk, so you won’t miss the fresh clean scent of a regular mop and soapy water.
Conclusion
Overall, the Bissell Powerfresh Steam Mop is an easy-to-use, easily maneuverable steam mop that is good for a light mop, cleaning grout and everything in between! It has a large, removable reservoir tank, which makes for longer cleaning time and easier refills, which also save you time.
Pros | Cons |
Fragrance pads It is light-weight an easier to control than previous models Has a powerful steam blast to tackle tough grout cleaning jobs 2-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty | Cannot add cleaning chemicals into the water tank A ball joint would provide better maneuverability for the swivel mop head |
SKG 1500W Powerful Steam Mop
This lime green accented black and white steam mop from SKG is great for quick cleanings. Upon turning it on, you will have the power of steam within 15 to 30 seconds. The steam here is continuous at 212°F, but you can change the amount coming out depending on the type of cleaning job you have.
Like other steam mops, it is chemical free and will not only mop but also sanitizes your floors.
It can be used on carpet as well as hard floors. While users reported that this SKG Steam Mop works best on hard floors, especially tiles and vinyl, it does an okay job refreshing carpets. It is good for spot cleaning and some claim that this steam mop can actually get gum out of carpets, but it certainly won’t match a professional grade carpet cleaning.
The unique thing about this steam cleaner is that it comes with 6 different attachments. These attachments are aimed to help the steam mop adapt to different floor types or cleaning jobs, and we must say that they do a good job of this.
While the SKG 1500W Steam Mop does a great cleaning job, there are noticeable drawbacks that need to be considered.
First, the cord is only 15 feet long. So, you will need either to invest in an extension cord or frequently find yourself unplugging and plugging the unit in.
It is also heavy, almost 2 times heavier than several of the other models on this list, so it can slow you down.
Finally, the reservoir tank is only 7.6 ounces and the tank is not removable, which means that not only you will be refilling the tank often, but it will be a hassle to do so.
Conclusion
With 6 attachments and variable steam settings, the SKG 1500W Powerful Steam Mop definitely packs a cleaning punch that is difficult to beat. However, your cleaning time will be significantly extended due to the short cord length, unit weight, small reservoir tank and the lack of a removable tank.
Pros | Cons |
Snap on carpet glider to steam clean carpets 180 degree swivel head for easier maneuverability Comes with six different attachments to increase adaptability Comes with a 2-year Manufacturer’s Warranty Sound alert system to tell you when the unit needs to be refilled, and to remind you not to leave it on | Heaviest of the steam mops Comes with a very short cord Very small reservoir tank at 7.6 oz |
Shark Professional S3601D
This all-white steam mop is definitely sleek and advanced looking. It provides a chemical clean, 99.9% floor sanitation that will beat your old mop and bucket of water. With the purchase of extra attachments, then this unit can steam drapes and clothes too!
This model comes with an extra large water reservoir tank and at 16.9 ounces. It is tied for biggest on our list. This definitely comes in handy by giving you a longer steam mopping time than other models.
The less you have to deal with the hassle of refilling the tank, the better!
Another bonus, the mopping pads are DOUBLE SIDED. That means that you will get twice the cleaning time with one pad, which is more significant than you might think. One mop pad can be used for two cleanings, and the machine-washable pads last about 20 washings. Having a reversible pad doubles the life of a mop pad, which is great considering that they are about $7 for a two-pack.
This mop comes with three cleaning modes – dust, mop, and scrub, and it does a fairly good job cleaning. The different steam modes definitely help get stickier messes out of hard floors. It doesn’t compare to the type of clean you would get from being on your hands and knees with a scrub brush, but for light jobs or a quick clean, this little guy is definitely more efficient.
You will want to note that this does not constantly steam, only when you push the steam button down.
Conclusion
The Shark Professional Steam Pocket Mop S3601 isn’t all it’s cracked up to be for the price tag it carries. While it has a large reservoir tank and variable steam modes, it doesn’t clean the best and comes with no attachments to make it more versatile.
Pros | Cons |
The cleaning pads are two sided to prolong their life Largest reservoir tank on the list Variable steam modes 20 foot long cord | No attachments included Costly price tag |
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BISSELL 1543A Symphony Pet All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop
Do you want the perfect vacuum and mop combo to rid your floors of evidence of your furry friends?
The BISSELL Symphony Pet All-in-One, with 2-in-1 vacuum and mopping action, is the perfect addition to your cleaning arsenal. This gray, black and purple product is the best steam mop 2018 if you have pets.
This Bissell lets you steam clean and vacuum your floors at the same time!
The Easy Touch Digital Controls allow you to switch between low-steam, high-steam and vacuum modes and the SteamBOOST disposable mop pads help clean up even the worst pet messes.
You can vacuum a floor and then switch right into steam clean mode, which definitely saves time in the end.
Refilling the reservoir tanks that are not removable might seem like enough hassle. But adding the dumping of a dustbin won’t add much more hassle. This Bissell features Drop-IT technology, which provides you with hassle and hands-free tank emptying. Vacuuming pet hair can fill up a dustbin fast, but with the Drop-It, you simply need to press a level to empty the bin. This is a feature that every vacuum cleaner should have! |
The head also does not pivot, which can make navigating tight spaces quite difficult, but it does a good job in larger open spaces.
Conclusion
This vacuum is a must have for pet owners! Instead of messing around with a vacuum and a mop, it combines two in one. It makes vacuuming up pet hair and mopping muddy paw prints possible with one device. While the vacuum doesn’t compare to a traditional upright vacuum cleaner, it can certainly get small jobs on hard surfaces done in a breeze. The price tag is higher than others on the list, but remember that you are paying for a vacuum AND steam mop.
Pros | Cons |
Works great on any type or bare floor surface – tile, marble, laminated wood, hardwood, etc. Very quick and easy assembly – no more than five minutes Vacuuming function works well | The smaller water tank only allows for about 15 minutes of cleaning Doesn’t work great on unsealed grout There is no On/Off switch This is the most expensive steam mop on the list |
Buy BISSELL Symphony Pet All-in-One On Amazon
O-Cedar Microfiber
This black and red, sleek O-Cedar Microfiber Steam Mop can go from plug to steam in just 20 seconds, which means it is great for a quick clean.
With adjustable steam settings and a Microfiber Scrub zone to help with tough spots, the O-Cedar steam mop can help give hard surfaced floors a great clean. At just 5 pounds and a 13.5-ounce water reservoir tank, it also gives you a decent cleaning time.
Unfortunately, O-Cedar failed to put a window or indicator light to show the water level. This can be frustrating if it takes a little to realize that no more steam is coming out. They put a green light to indicate when the machine is “ready” to steam but didn’t do one for the reservoir tank level. Oh well, there are worse flaws in a steam mop.
Though the head does not swivel as well as other models and the cord is shorter, that has little effect on this little steam mop’s ability to clean carpets. It comes with a snap-on glider that helps to refresh carpets. It can do a nice large area rug pretty well, though it obviously won’t match the capability of a professional carpet cleaning.
Conclusion
There are pros and cons with the O-Cedar Microfiber Steam Mop, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. If you have an extension cord and won’t get frustrated that there is no indicator light for the reservoir tank, this steam mop is a great choice!
Pros | Cons |
The mop head is washable and refills are easily available Eco-friendly Kills 99.9% of bacteria without adding harsh cleaning chemicals A “Ready” green light appears when the unit is ready for steam | Head does not swivel much Shorter cord than other models No indicator light or window to let you know when reservoir tank is low |
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Hoover WH20200 TwinTank
This blue, white and black Hoover is fantastic at its job!
With a 30 foot long cord, a massive 16.5-ounce reservoir tank and dual tank with cleaner, the Hoover TwinTank Steam Mop is ideal for cleaning large areas.
The cord gives you the mobility you need to reach the far ends of a room and around furniture.
The large reservoir tank allows you to clean longer before having to refill.
And get this – when you do have to refill the tank, they’re removable!
The swiveling triangle head also makes it easy to maneuver into harder to reach places, which will also cut your cleaning time down.
What’s so great about this Hoover, besides everything listed above, is the twin tank action. One tank fills with water for steam action, while the other holds the Hoover Multi-Purpose disinfectant solution for tougher cleans.
The steam is also variable, adjusting to heavy or light cleaning requirements, and like most steam mops, it boasts a 99.9% bacteria killing rate.
Honestly, we has to SEARCH to find a flaw with this steam mop, and we came up with this – the steam trigger is in a poor position. This might not seem like a big issue, but the trigger needs to be held down to release the steam, the steam is not constant.
Other than that and the fact that the reservoir tanks can take a while to dry when cleaning them, the Hoover TwinTank Steam Mop is a solid unit.
Conclusion
For a steam mop that is ready to steam in 30 seconds, and comes with all of the features explained above, it’s hard to beat. With the one or two minor flaws that we found, this steam mop would definitely make a great addition to your home, especially if you are cleaning large areas.
Pros | Cons |
Quick heating feature Twin-tank allows you to clean with just steam, or the added cleaning solution Both tanks are removable for easier filling and cleaning The swivel head is triangle shaped to make it easier to maneuver Comes with a cooling tray, carpet glider, and 3 machine-washable microfiber pads | The tanks can take a while to dry Poor design of trigger lock |
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INLIFE Steam Mop Adjustable Steam 360 Degrees
If you are looking for a steam mop that can remove all trace of muddy footprints in your home, then you may want to look at the INLIFE Steam Mop. The INLINE is an eco-friendly cleaning machine that can thoroughly clean your kitchen, especially when the floor is often covered in crumbs, spills, and other sticky messes.
The INLIFE Steam Mop works wonderfully well on laminates, wood, vinyl and stone flooring to keep them sparkling clean and well sanitized.
Although it comes disassembled, it is straightforward to put together within minutes, using the instruction manual.
Weighing about 4.9 pounds, the build quality of this thing is solid and feels as though it will last you a lifetime.
It comes with a water tank size capacity of 16Oz. The body is made of plastic, but it does feel pretty robust and features a 360-degree swivel that allows it to get under cabinets and odd places.
On the front of the steam mop, you will find three buttons that let you choose different levels of steam. The first level, which is the dust/low mode, is for daily cleaning. The second, which is the mop/medium mode is to clean stains from your office or living room while the last which is high mode is for scrubbing stubborn stains in your kitchen, or any odd spaces.
The device also features a height adjustable handle that allows you to adjust the steam cleaner to suit your cleaning position.
The INLIFE steam cleaner offers 165 degree Celsius of high temperature to clean and sanitize almost any hard surface effectively. It works perfectly on hardwood floor because it doesn’t put a lot of moisture on your hard floor.
Although it performs well on hard surfaces, it will also work on carpet as well. Unlike other steam mops, this particular model features a button for vacuuming your hard and carpet floors. Once you press the vacuum button, it starts sucking up dirt from your floors.
The INLIFE Steam Mop features different accessories such as tools for upholstery, a small nozzle to focus steam on small areas and stiff brushes to scrub stubborn dirt. Inside the box, you will also get 4 reusable microfiber pads that come with the finest bristles for efficient cleaning. You can use these pads to clean your carpets, eliminate mites, and remove bad odors.
However, we do have a few gripes about this device. Firstly, you’ll have to empty the container immediately after every use. And if you don’t do it carefully, you’ll have the dirt spilled over everywhere.
Also, although the setup is easy, you’ll still have to go through the hassle of putting it together. Apart from that, the cord of this particular brand is short compared to what you get from other models. Finally, the canister is non-removable, so you’ve to use the company’s cup to fill water into the tank, which is a slow process.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a durable steam mop to fulfill all your cleaning needs, then the INLIFE Steam Mop is the best steam cleaner for you. The fact that it gives you the ability to not only disinfect your floors with steam but also allows you to vacuum your carpeted floor makes it an excellent choice for anyone.
Pros | Cons |
Incredibly powerful Easy to operate and to push around Made of solid build Swivel mop head easily gets into hard to reach places Comes with a vacuuming capacity | Non-removable tank The cord isn't long enough Frequent washing of the canister after every cleaning |
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Black and Decker FSMH1321 7-in-1 Steam Mop
The 7-in-1 mop from Black and Decker brings a lot to the table. The most important feature that this steam mop comes with is that of the attachments that it comes with. With a total of 7 unique attachments, you won’t find a better steam mop for all of your various needs.
This amazing steam mop isn’t just for show. It claims to be one of the steam mops currently available in the market and there is no denying that. The steam alone is enough to make this mop stand out from the rest. It has great steam production that is evenly distributed to make sure that all of the areas that this mop cleans are left spotless each time. It also comes with a handheld removable steamer that is essential if you plan on cleaning any windows or even glass tabletops. Out of all the accessories two are different brush tools so you can focus clean whenever you need to with ease. All you’ll have to do is remove one of the detachable heads and put another one in its place.
Conclusion
This steam mop is a very decent model and you’d be hard-pressed to find the quality that it offers at the same price.
Pros | Cons |
Great Steam Production Easy to move around A lot of accessories | Relatively short cable Venting issues may cause additional drip |
Buy Black and Decker Steam Mop On Amazon
Shark Klik n’ Flip S6003UK Steam Mop
The Shark Klik n’ Flip S6003UK makes it painfully obvious that the product is designed for the UK which is a shame because it is an excellent product that deserves to be used by people everywhere. The steam mop that I am talking about is an incredible piece of equipment that makes it accessible to all people. It is not only light, but it also comes full of features that will make you wish that you had this steam mop.
The first major feature that it boasts is the steam blast feature which gives your steam cleaning a little bit of a boost. It is perfect for cleaning stubborn stains and can really come in handy when you’re in a tough spot. It also comes with a total of three different steam levels so you can adjust the levels according to your needs very easily.
The steam mop also comes with a separate water jug which is a nice touch. It really makes filling the tank up a lot easier and it shows that the company knows about the needs of its customers and actually wants to address them. Not many companies are willing to go that far.
Conclusion
This is one of the friendlier of the steam mop brands out there and they treat customers right with the excellent features coupled with the affordable price that this model comes with.
Great battery life
Good suction quality
Not excessively loud
Comes with 2 attachments, Turbo Tool and Crevice Tool Have to clean the filter every 4-6 uses
Long battery-charging time
Fine dust particles come out through air vent
Buy Shark Klik n’Flip Steam Mop
Bissell Vac and Steam 1977E
Bissell is a brand that we are familiar with when it comes to vacuum cleaners as well as steam mops. With Bissell’s Vac and Steam you get the best of both worlds because you can use either or both of those features at the same time. That’s right, Bissell’s innovative technology allows you to use both at the same time, allowing you to vacuum while you mop which makes cleaning a lot easier.
There are some drawbacks that it comes with, the primary being the fact that its steam power isn’t as good as standalone steam mops. Its vacuum is also nothing really special which is a real shame because it could have been a replacement for vacuum cleaners everywhere. It has very decent heat up times as well as an appropriately long power cable. This piece of equipment is still good but it could have been perfect if Bissell had just focused on the steam mop a little.
Conclusion
Overall this mop/vacuum is pretty decent so if you’re looking for an average piece of equipment that works okay then this is for you. It’s great for light use but doesn’t expect too much out of it, which is a real shame because it comes with great features as well as a very affordable price tag.
Pretty good length of the power cable
Each full tank lasts a good while
Quick time to heat up Pretty weak suction
Sub-par steam power
Non-swiveling Head
Buy Bissell Vac and Steam Mop on Amazon
Karcher SC5 easyFix Premium Steam Cleaner
The big boy. The alpha and the omega. This steam cleaner is the steam cleaner to end all steam cleaners. One look at it and you’ll see why. It is a HUGE piece of equipment that is best suited for heavy-duty cleaning. This cleaner is something that you’ll see being used by professionals which just makes us want it more.
It has a ton of features, attachments, and capabilities. In terms of quality and service, it cannot be beaten. It is a lot more expensive than all the others on this last but damn if it isn’t worth it. It comes with a huge tank capacity as well as an on-board tool storage system. Just wow.
Conclusion
This isn’t a cleaner that you want for regular use but if you were to use it regularly, all others would pale by comparison. Once you use this one, no other will feel good enough. The steam power that it has and the attachments that it comes with is enough to make one’s mouth water. It is fanciful to think that it could be used for daily use but if you do decide to make use of it you will not be disappointed.
Astounding steam power
A lot of accessories
Great for heavy-duty cleaning Very high price
Short power cable
Easily heavier than most
The Result: Editor’s Choice
After doing thorough research, we have come to the conclusion that the Hoover TwinTank Steam Mop is the best steam mop 2018 on the market right now. By examining how these steam mops stacked up against each other, it was easy to choose a clear winner. With the dual, removable tanks, lengthy cord, large reservoir tank, wide cleaning path and lightweight, this steam mop is impossible to pass up! Not only does it have everything mentioned previously, it also has variable steam controls, and great cleaning quality. When you struggle to find a flaw in a product, you know it has to be quality, as the Hoover TwinTank Steam Mop is.
As an Honorable Mention, we would like to throw a shout out to the BISSELL Symphony Pet All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop. Though high range priced, for a vacuum cleaner and steam mop in one, it’s a great addition to any home that has pets, or small children.
[adinserter block=”1″]Steam Mop Buyer’s Guide
When you are buying a steam mop, there are several things to consider, such as steam control, reservoir capacity, on/off control, swivel head, built-in vacuum cleaner, and power cord length. Here is a list of things to consider when picking out the best steam mop.
1) Reservoir Capacity
This will tell you how much water you can fit in the water tank, which dictates how long you will be able to clean on one tank. The larger the reservoir, the longer you can steam clean, but also, the heavier the steam mop will be.
2) Mopping Capabilities
You will obviously want to analyze how well the steam mop works. When examining reviews, pay close attention to what types of messes other users use the steam mop to clean.
3) Steam Control
This option is found on most steam mops and will let you control how much steam is delivered to the surface being cleaned.
4) On/Off Control
This is self-explanatory. Some mops will immediately turn on when you plug them in, while others have a power switch.
5) Built-In Vacuum
Some steam mops have this option, but not that many. It combines the steam mop with vacuum-like suction, making it a 2-in-1 power cleaner.
6) Swivel Head
This feature can help navigate through tight spaces. Having a swivel head will help you navigate around corners, behind furniture and more.
7) Power Cord
Most steam mops are corded, so you will want to consider how long the cord is. The longer the cord, the larger the area you will be able to steam mop before unplugging and plugging it in somewhere else.
8) Machine Washable Cleaning Pads
If you do not want to spend more money on cleaning pads, consider whether or not the model steam mop that you are looking at has pads that are machine washable. This will save you money in the end.