When it comes to keeping your home fresh and free from disease, steam cleaning is a worthwhile option. The heat of the steam kills 99.9% of bacteria and other infectious agents without using harsh chemicals. This is perfect if you have young children, or pets or have sensitivities to these chemicals.
Like pretty much every cleaning product out there, not all steam cleaners are created equal. They vary a lot in price and also in their functionality.
I’ve been diving deep into all things mop-related and have managed to find the best steam cleaners for a tight budget.
Steam cleaner mops can be really expensive with prices getting into the hundreds. I’ve kept the costs down to under £150 for all these options with most choices here falling under the £100 mark.
I’ve reviewed all the top options and come up with this guide to help you with your cleaning needs. To check out the product and up-to-date prices and more reviews, simply click the “Price and Reviews” button in the product description for each model.
Top 5 Best Budget Steam Mops UK
- Top Choice – Kärcher SC2 EasyFix Steam Cleaner
- Runner Up – Shark Steam Mop
- Best For Laminate – Vax S86-SF-CC Steam Fresh Combi Classic team Cleaner
- Best Handheld Steam Cleaner – Morphy Richards 720512 12-in-1 Steam Mop
- Best for Tile – Polti Valporetto Steam Mop
1. Top Choice – Kärcher SC2 EasyFix Steam Cleaner

Brand: Karcher
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to move
- High-pressure steam cleaning
- Various head attachments
- Easy fix system for cloth removal
Cons
- A bit pricy
To kick off our number 1 choice I have Karcher with the SC2 easyfix steam cleaner. Karcher is known for being a much more pricy brand with the Karcher SC5 easy fix retailing at over £300 but the SC2 option is much more budget-friendly whilst still delivering similar cleaning power.
The 1-litre water tank will heat up in just 6.5 minutes so you don’t have to wait long to get stuck into cleaning. You should get a good 20 minutes of steam cleaning action before you need to refill the tank. The nozzle has stabilising springs so it really directs the cleaning power and optimises performance.
The steam cleaner comes with a hand nozzle with a microfiber cloth that fits over it, a detail nozzle for narrow corners, a round brush for scrubbing, two extension tubes for those hard-to-reach places and a microfiber floor cloth. The cloths help mop up the dirt and grime and are machine washable and reusable.
One thing I love about this steamer is the hygienic easyfix floor tool which drops off the dirty cleaning pad allowing you to switch to a clean one without having to touch the dirt.
This is a powerful steam cleaner that can easily remove stubborn dirt and bacteria from any surface. It is one of the more pricy options, so if this one is out of your budget range, have a look at our runner-up!
2. Runner Up – Shark Steam Mop

Brand: Shark
Pros
- Lightweight upright steamer
- On-demand steam pump
- Removable water tank
- Comes with 2 dirt grip pads
Cons
- Not as powerful as the top-choice
For our runner-up, I have the Shark upright steam mop which is a freestanding design. The low profile mophead makes reaching around corners and under furniture, not an issue.
The mop works by a pump handle so you press this to dispense steam as required. This means you can stop cleaning at any point and the machine won’t continuously pump out steam unnecessarily.
The removable water tank makes this steamer really easy to refill but the tank capacity is only 375ml so doesn’t last very long when continuously in use. That being said, as you manually dispense the steam you can control the rate so you won’t run out as quickly as a model that continuously dispenses steam.
The vacuum cleaner style design means this mop stands up by itself so you can stop cleaning and let go at any point without worrying about it falling over or spilling water. With a cord length of 5.5m, you can cover a large area without having to re-plug it.
The dirt grip pads are tailored to absorb the grimy water really efficiently and they can go in the washing machine so are reusable.
The main issue with this mop is that it is not as powerful as some models. It still does a great job cleaning floors and makes light work of mopping.
3. Best for Laminate – Vax S86-SF-CC Steam Fresh Combi Classic Steam Cleaner

Brand: Vax
Pros
- Detachable handheld unit
- Ready to go in 40 second
- Loads of functional attachments
- Angled head reaches into tight corners
Cons
- Only 15 minutes of steam time
For really thorough cleaning, Vax has developed this upright model that does a lot more than it would first appear to. With a detachable handheld steamer, you can use it to clean countertops, hobs, taps and bathroom suites as well.
With variable steam control and overheat protection, this small machine can shift even the most stubborn stains.
The box comes with loads of attachments such as a microfibre pad, grout brush, carpet glider, a window tool and much more. It can freshen your upholstery and can clean all sealed hard floors.
The floor cleaner heats up in around 40 seconds and with a 7m cord you’ll get a wide radius to work from but the downside is, the small tank size means refilling is necessary after 15 minutes of steaming.
4. Best Handheld Steam Cleaner – Morphy Richards 720512 12-in-1 Steam Mop

Brand: Morphy Richards
Pros
- Handheld and upright modes
- 30 second heat time
- Comes with loads of attachments
- The design delivers consistent steam levels
Cons
- Only 15 minutes of steam time
Ok, you got me! This isn’t a typical handheld steam cleaner but the Morphy Richards upright steam mop actually has a built-in, detachable handheld unit that works really efficiently.
The upright model has a carpet glider and is suitable for cleaning most waterproof floor types as well as sealed laminate and hardwood floors. It heats up in no time at all so you can get on with the job quickly.
A handheld cylinder steam cleaner is released at the touch of a button as is very lightweight and easy to hold. The various attachments with window cleaner, jet nozzle and small brushes make this super versatile and multifunctional.
The ball-bearing feature in the water tank ensures an even and consistent steam blast throughout the steam cleaning time.
The only downside here is the tank only lasts for 15 minutes, but it is really easy to refill so not a major issue.
5. Best For Tile – Polti Valporetto Steam Mop

Brand: Polti Valporetto
Pros
- Adjustable steam control settings
- Swivel head to reach into tight corners
- Loads of accessories make this multifunctional
- Really cost-effective
Cons
- Needs to be lying down to refill
For the price of this model, Volto Valporetto certainly deserves recognition when it comes to the best steam mop for multifunctional use. It’s compact and easy to set up and once you switch it on it’s good to go in 15-20 seconds.
It has a swivel floorhead with a microfibre cover that easily picks up dirt and absorbs moisture. The cloth is machine washable so reusable and extra ones can be purchased on Amazon if needed.
For versatile cleaning, this mop comes with a round brush, a copper brush, an angled nozzle, a straight nozzle, a long brush, an extension hose, a window cleaning tool, and a cloth.
The steamer has a dial so you can control the steam output depending on how tough the cleaning needs to be.
In order to refill the 300ml water tank, the company has provided a handy measuring jug and funnel. This makes it easier to do so but the mop does need to be lying down so can’t be quickly refilled as you go.
Overall this is an extremely user-friendly steam mop and does a huge amount for the price you pay.
Things To Consider When Buying A Steam Mop
Power Output
When you’re looking for an effective steam cleaner it’s worth considering the power output of the device so you can get a better understanding of how well it will perform. These values are usually listed on the product description, either on Amazon or on the manufacturer’s website and are described in watts. Most of the models listed here come in around 1500w but the Shark falls behind at 1050w.
Water Tank Size
A small water tank will mean you’re wasting a lot of cleaning time refilling it. It’s worth checking what size tank the steamer comes with as they can vary a lot from around 200ml to several litres in size.
Heat Up Time
A long heat-up time means more waiting around before you get stuck into the task at hand. Some cleaners can take a good few minutes to start producing steam whereas others are good to go in a matter of seconds. If you’re not a fan of waiting around, then make sure you check out heat up time before you buy.
Attachments
Depending on what areas of your house are needing steam cleaning, attachments can turn an impossible task into an easy one. Narrow nozzles for reaching into tight spaces, carpet gliders, window squeegees and the list goes on. Make sure the product you choose has the relevant head fittings so you don’t end up disappointed.
Steam Settings
Some steamers just let out a continuous stream of hot steam whereas others have settings that can adjust the volume and pressure of this. This comes in very useful depending on whether you need a light or a deep clean as you can save water and power as necessary.
Storage
Where do you plan to store your steam mop? If you have a large broom cupboard with ample space then you probably don’t need to worry too much about this step. If you live in a small home or flat with not much cupboard space you may need to consider the size of the mop to ensure it doesn’t sit out on display all day, causing a trip hazard.
It’s important to empty the water container and remove the cloth head to ensure mould and mildew don’t develop on the mop.
Water
The tap water quality at your home can influence how you use your steam mop. Hard water will result in limescale buildup which will clog the steamer and cause it to fail. Most manufacturers recommend using distilled or deionized water to extend the lifespan of your steam mop.
F.A.Q.s
What is a steam mop used for?
Steam mops use the heat of the steam to shift stubborn stains and kill bacteria and viruses. They are really effective in sterilizing many different areas in the home and help remove bad odours as well. They don’t require any bleach or harsh chemicals to be used alongside them so this makes them a safe option to use around pets, children and pregnant women.
What is safe to clean with a steam cleaner?
It’s always worth checking with the manufacturer of the product you’re planning to steam that it can handle the heat and moisture associated with steam cleaning.
Generally, steam cleaning is safe for most hard floor types, sealed laminate and sealed hardwood, bathrooms, wall tiles, windows, steam-safe carpets and upholstery, mattresses and outdoor storage spaces like a garage or stable/barn area.
Can a steam cleaner be used as a steam iron?
A steam cleaner works similarly to a steam iron but is less targeted in regards to temperature and pressure. If you’re keen to try it, ensure your clothes are safe to be steamed and hold the steamer a short distance away from the items. Release a steady flow of steam over the clothes and let them hang in a well-ventilated area to dry.
Is a steam cleaner better than a mop?
A steam cleaner works very similarly to a steam mop but it just doesn’t have the upright function that makes it easy to clean floors. Usually, you find that the accessories included making steam cleaners work in a very similar manner to a steam mop so in reality, they’re practically the same product.
Are steam mops worth the money?
This depends on your and families cleaning needs. If you have young children, or pets or suffer from sensitivity to harsh chemicals then a steam cleaner is absolutely worth the investment. Steamers are frequently used in medical settings to sterilise treatment areas as they’re so effective. They also cut down on cleaning product use in order to save money for the user and be more environmentally friendly.
Other Steam Mops Reviewed
Shark S6003UK Klik n’ Flip Smartronic Deluxe Mop

Brand: Shark
Pros
- Steam blast mode
- Dirt grip pads
- 3 Direct steam controls
- Easy dirt pad release button
Cons
- Doesn’t stand up unassisted
At 1200w, the Shark Klik n Flip has a bit more power behind it than the Shark upright steam mop. This is reflected in a slightly higher price as well.
Shark has developed a unique design with this model as the floor head can flip over allowing twice the cleaning with complete ease. It also has a quick-release button which dispels the dirt grip pad without you having to touch it.
You can easily adjust the steamer as it has 3 direct steam controls to give a really efficient and targetted clean and the steam blast mode will easily shift the toughest of dirt.
Vileda Steam Mop

Brand: Vileda
Pros
- 15-Second Heat Time
- Lightweight
- Swivel Head
- Great Price
Cons
- Not as many attachments as in other models
For the price, Vileda has come out with a really powerful and effective steam mop. The upright model has a swivel head that can manoeuvre around corners and under furniture with ease. The head is triangular in shape which allows it to navigate tight corners.
When you switch it on it only takes 15 seconds for the steam to appear and the control dial allows you to adjust the flow of steam depending on floor type and level of cleaning needed.
The mop will last for up to 28 minutes so plenty of time to clean all hard floors. It even has a carpet glider so you can disinfect those carpets as well.
The mop comes with 2 durable microfibre pads, a carpet glider and a handy filling jug for ease of use. This mop doesn’t have as many attachments as some models but what it lacks in versatility it makes up for in price.
Overall, it’s a great option for deep cleaning sealed hard floors and carpets.
BISSELL PowerFresh Slim Steam

Brand: Bissell
Pros
- Onboard toolset
- Wall mount for easy storage
- Ergonomic hand controls
- Swivel steering
Cons
- Better for lighter/daily cleaning
When it comes to ease of use, this steam mop by Bissell is a winner. The mop comes with a handheld unit that has a trigger to allow steam to be dispensed on demand. The control panel allows you to adjust high or low steam levels and has an LED display to make it even easier to use.
It comes with loads of handy attachments to allow this machine to steam all manner of surfaces, not just floors. The really useful thing is that these tools are all attached to the handheld unit so you can switch them out very quickly where needed.
Swivel steering allows easy movement around the home and the wall mounting bracket allows for compact storage.
It’s lightweight and has a long extension cord so you can get on with cleaning easily. The only issue is, that it’s not as hard wearing as some other models so very tough scrubbing can be tricky with this model.
Kärcher SC3 EasyFix Steam Cleaner

Brand: Karcher
Pros
- Integrated descaling cartridge
- 1900W Power
- 30 Second heat time
- Lots of attachments
Cons
- A bit pricey
With 1900 watts of power this Karcher steam cleaner is powerful. It has an integrated descaling cartridge so it descales as it cleans.
The 1-litre water tank will give you plenty of steam time and the 30-second heat time seems too quick for such a large and powerful machine.
It comes with nozzles, brushes, microfibre cloths and extension hoses which all make this machine a really versatile all-round disinfector.
It can be used on most floor types, sealed hard floors, carpets and even upholstery (where the manufacturer advises it’s safe to do so).
It’s a really functional and very easy-to-use steamer but is a bit more pricey than our other options.
Hoover Steam Capsule

Brand: Hoover
Pros
- Variable steam control
- Compact storage
- Lots of accessories
- Up to 50 minutes of steaming time
Cons
- Not so good on uneven floors
Finally, last but not least, I have Hoover with their steam capsule. It’s lightweight and has a long power cord so you can get on with cleaning uninterrupted. The variable steam control allows you to adjust for the surfaces needing cleaning and it comes with various nozzles, brushes and microfibre pads for a versatile and thorough, all-round cleaning.
With a 700ml water tank, you can get up to 50 minutes of steam cleaning on low power and the handle of the steamer can be removed so it’s nice and compact for easy storage.
Now onto the downside. No mop is perfect and, like most cleaning products, this mop has its weaknesses. The velcro that attaches the pads to the cleaning head means that if you use them for scrubbing or on uneven floors the pads can catch and come loose. Not ideal. To remedy this, it does come with a scrubbing brush attachment that can be used on tougher stains instead.
This mop is best used for flat, even floors and does come with a carpet glider as well.
Overall, it’s a fairly inexpensive and effective steam mop and can be used for a lot more than just cleaning floors.
Conclusion
So there I have it. There’s a lot to consider when choosing a steam mop to keep your home safe and clean. I hope this buying guide helped straighten some things out and provided you with assistance towards purchasing your own budget-friendly steam mop. Remember, there’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to selecting the best one for you. It really depends on your specific needs and what you can afford. Happy shopping!
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