For Australians that place a lot of importance to the hygiene of their home, the best steam cleaners are the new super-product when it comes to home cleaning.
Note: Due to high demand, many steam cleaners are currently sold out. As of November 2021, our top pick, Kärcher SC4 EasyFix Steam Cleaner, is currently in stock (click here to view) while most others are unavailable.
By using extremely potent steam to kill off bacteria and mites, you can also dislodge hardened grease in your home.
The great thing about steam cleaners is how they can handle everything from windows to porcelain tiles as well as ovens and laminated floors!
Because of the fad strengthening in the market, many vacuum cleaner manufacturers have stepped into the steam cleaner space.
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Our #1 Rated Karcher SC4 Steam Cleaner
The range of accessories with the Karcher lends a dimension of versatility we have rarely seen in this price range, while adjustable steam power handles all kinds of stains. |
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Great For Small & Large Cleaning Jobs H2O HD Steam Cleaner
Versatile 5 in 1 cleaning appliance; Floor cleaner, carpet cleaner, hand-held steamer, window and glass cleaner and garment steamer in one unique machine. |
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Best Handheld Steam Cleaner Bissell Steam Shot
Comes with Grout brush tool for scrubbing small cracks and Services. |
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Bissell Symphony
If you had the budget to back you up, then the Bissell Symphony is an immensely versatile cleaner that can vacuum and steam clean. |
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Bissell PowerFresh 2233F
Although it may not look like it, when it comes to delivering a powerful burst of steam, the Bissell PowerFresh 2233F is a pocket rocket that comes in a cost-effective package. |
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Maxkon Steam Cleaner
Quick up heating time, only 1 Mins. Adjust the steam amount. Refill functions, you can fill water without any waiting. |
| Product Details | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Our #1 Rated |
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Karcher SC4 Steam Cleaner
The range of accessories with the Karcher lends a dimension of versatility we have rarely seen in this price range, while adjustable steam power handles all kinds of stains. |
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| Great For Small & Large Cleaning Jobs |
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H2O HD Steam Cleaner
Versatile 5 in 1 cleaning appliance; Floor cleaner, carpet cleaner, hand-held steamer, window and glass cleaner and garment steamer in one unique machine. |
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| Best Handheld Steam Cleaner |
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Bissell Steam Shot
Comes with Grout brush tool for scrubbing small cracks and Services. |
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Bissell Symphony
If you had the budget to back you up, then the Bissell Symphony is an immensely versatile cleaner that can vacuum and steam clean. |
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Bissell PowerFresh 2233F
Although it may not look like it, when it comes to delivering a powerful burst of steam, the Bissell PowerFresh 2233F is a pocket rocket that comes in a cost-effective package. |
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Maxkon Steam Cleaner
Quick up heating time, only 1 Mins. Adjust the steam amount. Refill functions, you can fill water without any waiting. |
So how do you make an informed decision in an overcrowded market?
Following Vacuumit’s list of the best steam cleaner reviews is an excellent place to start!
We answer some commonly questions we receive from steam cleaner owners.
Check out our section stating the critical factors to look into before making a purchase!
Let’s step right into the best steam cleaner reviews then!
Best Steam Cleaners In Australia 2021
- Kärcher SC4 EasyFix Steam Cleaner
- Bissell Symphony - Best Premium Steam Cleaner
- Bissell PowerFresh 2233F - Best Handheld Steam Cleaner
- Karcher SC3 EASYFIX - Best Performing Steam Cleaner
Before settling into a decision, take a hard look at the ease of use, steam power, accessories in hand and the overall cleaning versatility.
Each of the cleaners that have made our list of the best steam cleaner reviews Australia currently have, are top-notch cleaners.
We’ve divided them based on the best premium offering, the best handheld steam cleaner as well as the top performer we came across!
1. Bissell Symphony - Best Premium Steam Cleaner
If you had the budget to back you up, then the Bissell Symphony is an immensely versatile cleaner that can vacuum and steam clean.
This versatile steam cleaner plus vacuum cleaner rolled into one, can do either or both at the same time!
Digital controls will allow you to easily switch between modes.
By having a corded design, this steam cleaner will help you get all of your cleaning done without worrying about batteries running out.
Our team of reviewers also appreciated a 7.6-metre long power cord!
We also loved how quickly the water would be heated up, in a little over half a minute.
At under 4.5 kilograms, this steam cleaner is exceptionally agile, which adds to its appeal through improved mobility.
The water tank capacity of just 0.4 litres, however, wasn’t all that impressive.
The fast heating time, however, does not make this a big issue, other than the inconvenience of refilling the tank every 10-15 minutes!
No sealed floors are a match for this Bissell steam cleaner, with surfaces including wooden and laminate floors or porcelain tiles.
We loved how quickly the steam would dry up, without leaving the floor wet for too long and create a safety hazard at home.
Despite the expensive price tag, versatility makes it worth the money.
2. Bissell PowerFresh 2233F - Best Handheld Steam Cleaner
Although it may not look like it, when it comes to delivering a powerful burst of steam, the Bissell PowerFresh 2233F is a pocket rocket that comes in a cost-effective package.
With a lightweight design of under 2.8 kilos, this corded handheld steam cleaner also doubles up as a steam mop. In this way, it is perfect for cleaning spots at home that traditional steam cleaners cannot reach.
Multiple accessories with the Bissell PowerFresh 2233F will add to the versatility in portable steam cleaning, while a near 8-metre long power cord makes life easier.
Our testers found the flat scraping tool with the cleaner was extremely good at removing scum from sticky surfaces.
The fabric steamer could also double as a wrinkle remover of your clothes and curtains!
The squeegee tool was ideal for window cleaning.
The angle brush and grout tool are ideal for removing soap scum in showers and dried up soil in garden tiles.
If your home has sinks that are discoloured or stovetops with excessive grease, the Bissell PowerFresh 2233F can be an effective cleaning weapon to reclaim control!
The 0.35-litre water capacity meant that we could only steam clean for about 8 minutes on a single tank.
Our testers were also slightly miffed that it took over two minutes for the steam cleaner to be ready to use once you fill it up.
We were also left wishing that we didn’t have to keep our finger on the trigger.
Despite some drawbacks, the excellent cleaning performance and the affordable price tag make us a big fan of the Bissell PowerFresh 2233F.
3. Karcher SC3 EASYFIX - Best Performing Steam Cleaner
The range of accessories with the Karcher lends a dimension of versatility we have rarely seen in this price range, while adjustable steam power handles all kinds of stains.
The ease of use is what this Karcher steam cleaner has got going for it.
Water heating time is just about 30 seconds, and there is an automatic descaler dispenser for effective cleaning.
A drawback of the descaler unit, however, is that you have to regularly replace it every few months, which means an ongoing expense.
A litre of water capacity is nearly twice the capacity that most steam cleaners come with!
That capacity volume also means that this Karcher steam cleaner will last for about 15 minutes.
Our team of testers were highly impressed with the floor cleaning head which can effectively clean large spaces of floors quickly!
The steam cleaner could effectively clean sealed floors such as laminate, wooden, stone and porcelain tiles.
By giving you the ability to control steam power, you can handle any surface.
Our thorough testing helped us determine how well this Karcher steam cleaner performs in getting rid of grease.
It can also get rid of mould in showers and the stubbornest stains off curtains and furniture!
The descaling unit really helps get rid of limescale in the bathroom!
Weighing just about 3.5 kilograms, this is a lightweight cylinder steam cleaner.
We appreciated how a lock system would protect your children from the high-pressure and dangerous steam.
With 1900 watts of power, it's not really an energy-efficient choice for your home.
As a corded model, the 4-metre long power cord seemed a bit inadequate.
Through performance alone, this Karcher steam cleaner is one of the best steam cleaners we have seen in Australia.
What Critical Features Does A Steam Cleaner Have?
We’re going to discuss some of the most critical factors that determine the quality of the steam cleaner you choose for your home.
The best kind of steam cleaners will quickly heat up water, eject steam powerfully to kill of bacteria and be nimble devices.
Check out some of the key considerations to think about before deciding for your home.
Corded or Cordless
Cordless steam cleaners are more convenient than corded steam cleaners for daily use.
That is especially true if you hate reconnecting in new power outlets as you move along your home.
The downside of a cordless cleaner, however, is battery life often won’t go beyond 15 minutes.
Cleaning Requirements
A versatile steam cleaner can be expensive.
If you only need a steam cleaner for particular hotspots at home, then a handheld steam cleaner could do the job while also saving you a little money.
A steam mopping head is ideal if your home is predominantly made up of hard floors, but they are still somewhat expensive.
Cylinder steam cleaners are, however, the most expensive and often the most effective kind of steam cleaners.
They can also hold more water than typical steam cleaner models, which means less time refilling water for you.
Steam Power
Steam power is the holy grail when it comes to the effectiveness of your steam cleaner.
When the high temperature of the steam combines with extreme pressure, you get a powerful cleaner that can dislodge all grime and grease it comes across.
Tools Included
For a truly versatile steam cleaner, you need to focus on the accessories that are provided.
If you wanted to get rid of grease or grime on your oven, then look out for a scrubbing mop pad with your steam cleaner.
If you wanted to clean windows, then a squeegee tool is vital.
For stained furniture, an upholstery tool could be essential for deep cleaning.
Look out for detergent dispenser options for comprehensively cleaning your floors.
Water Capacity
The capacity of your steam cleaner to hold water and efficiently use it is what makes your steam cleaner an effective device that is also easy to use.
If the capacity is too low, then you will be left constantly refilling it.
Heating Time
If your steam cleaner takes too long to heat the water into steam, then you would never look forward to using it!
For an efficient cleaner look out for models that can heat water in under a minute!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can A Carpet Steam Cleaner Replace My Carpet Cleaner?
At the basic level, a steam cleaner cannot perform as well as a carpet cleaner.
Although steam cleaners can do an admirable job in cleaning particular hotspots in carpets, they cannot perform at the level of carpet cleaners - yet.
Why Should I Buy A Steam Cleaner?
There are a few areas where steam cleaners have a distinct advantage over most other cleaning equipment.
The powerful steam that is dispelled from steam cleaners can get rid of pests such as dust mites, insects and bacteria as well as stubborn grime and grease from your floors.
As steam cleaners rarely make use of detergent, they are a bit more cost-effective in operation when compared to carpet cleaners.
Steam cleaners can remove stains from furniture or even dirt marks on glass and windows.
You can also use your steam cleaner to clean up dried up juice or milk in your fridge, soap scum on your showers or even grease on your stovetop!
Where Should I Not Use My Steam Cleaner?
Because of the high-pressure steam that comes out of steam cleaners, Vacuumit advises that you not use it on surfaces such as wooden floors unless it is sealed.
The steam can seriously damage wooden material as they can lead to water excessively pooling up between floorboards through the steam.
It is also ill-advised to use a steam cleaner on cardboard.
Final Verdict - Steam Cleaner Review Australia
Despite being a somewhat recent addition to the world of home cleaning, steam cleaners are now everywhere for very good reasons.
An excellent steam cleaner can be versatile in operation and can be a hygienic cleaner of your tiles at home.
The best carpet steam cleaners can also provide a refreshed look to certain hotspots in your rugs.
If you need a powerful performer for your home, both the Karcher SC3 and the Vax Duet Master Steam Cleaner are excellent choices.
The Bissell Symphony comes with a premium price tag while it makes up for it by the array of accessories included.
If your steam cleaning needs are limited and you are on a budget, then the Bissell Steam Shot handheld steam cleaner is probably all you need!
Because of the vast array of choices on the market, keep the unique needs of your home and budget before making a choice.
Last update on 2023-10-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I have maple floorboards at home that are about 12 years old now. will a steam cleaner damage them?
Hello Allan,
I’m afraid so unless your maple floors are sealed! Moisture from steam cleaners can seep into the space between floorboards and can lead to damages over time!