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The best steam cleaners of 2026

Thijs31 MARCH 2026
Woman uses a slim steam mop under the sofa in a bright living room, easily reaching hidden dust and dirt in tight, awkward spaces.

Are you looking for the best steam cleaner? From multifunctional models to traditional steam appliances, on this page you’ll find a top 5 of great steam cleaners to make your floors, furniture and other surfaces in your home shine again.

What is the best steam cleaner?

Young woman cleans a tiled floor with a steam cleaner in a bright hallway; rising steam shows stubborn marks being lifted away.

Here you can find the best steam cleaners at the moment:

  • Kärcher SC 2 Deluxe
  • BLACK+DECKER FSMH1321-QS 7IN1
  • Kärcher SC 1 Upright
  • BLACK+DECKER BHSMP2008-QS
  • BLACK+DECKER BHSMP2008-QS
  • Kärcher SC 3 Upright

View all steam cleaners

Kärcher SC 2 Deluxe

Close up of a compact steam cleaner with long hose and rectangular floor head, ready for deep cleaning various hard floor surfaces.

The Kärcher SC 2 Deluxe is a powerful steam cleaner that heats up in 6.5 minutes to a power output of 1,500 watts. Once the steam cleaner is fully heated, the LED display turns green. With a 1-litre water tank, you can clean up to 75 square metres in your home on a single fill. The steam pressure of 3.2 bar ensures effective removal of dirt and bacteria. The set also includes various accessories, such as an ergonomic and flexible floor nozzle and hand nozzle to thoroughly clean different surfaces. In addition, the Kärcher SC 2 Deluxe is safe to use, as it features a child lock system. After cleaning, you can neatly store this Kärcher steam cleaner in the accessory bag or place it against the wall.

Pros and cons:
+ Powerful steam pressure of 3.2 bar for strong cleaning performance.
+ Flexible nozzle to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Heat-up time of 6.5 minutes is quite long compared to other steam cleaners.

View the Kärcher SC 2 Deluxe

BLACK+DECKER FSMH1321-QS 7IN1

Upright white and turquoise steam mop with detachable handheld unit, designed for flexible cleaning of floors, grout and surfaces.

The BLACK+DECKER FSMH1321-QS is a versatile 7-in-1 steam mop that heats up within 15 seconds. With a power output of 1,300 watts and a 500-millilitre water tank, it’s suitable for a variety of cleaning tasks. The detachable handheld steamer and the other included accessories, such as a window squeegee and carpet glider, allow you to clean floors, windows, shower walls and furniture effectively. It also features a special AutoSelect function, which enables this BLACK+DECKER steam cleaner to remove bacteria and dust mites effortlessly without the need for chemical cleaning agents. The Easy Glide microfibre steam pads absorb dirt effectively and are long-lasting in use. Only after more than 100 washes will you need to place a new pad on the FSMH1321-QS 7IN1.

Pros and cons:
+ A very short heat-up time of just 15 seconds.
+ Detachable handheld steamer for cleaning furniture and shower walls.
- Suitable for a maximum of 10 to 20 minutes of use at a time.

View the BLACK+DECKER FSMH1321-QS 7IN1

Kärcher SC 1 Upright

Slim cordless floor cleaner with white handle and yellow details, supplied with two microfibre pads and battery for quick daily mopping.

The Kärcher SC 1 Upright is a compact and user-friendly steam mop. This steam cleaner needs 30 seconds to heat up and is then ready for use. Its slim design and flexible nozzle allow you to clean various hard floors with ease. The powerful 1,300-watt output also helps with this. Although the SC 1 Upright’s water tank has a capacity of 0.2 litres, you can easily refill it while cleaning. You also don’t need to worry about limescale in the water: the smart descaling cartridge in the steam cleaner prevents it from building up in the tank. After use, this Kärcher steam mop is easy to store in a cupboard or elsewhere in your home.

Pros and cons:
+ Compact and lightweight design.
+ Flexible, refillable 0.2-litre water tank.
- Less suitable for cleaning large areas on a single tank.

View the Kärcher SC 1 Upright

BLACK+DECKER BHSMP2008-QS

Powerful steam cleaner with large wheeled base and long flexible hose, ideal for treating big areas and challenging corners at home.

The BLACK+DECKER BHSMP2008-QS stands out thanks to its versatile accessory set. This steam cleaner comes with 8 different accessories. Want to see clearly through your windows again? Then use the handy window squeegee. When you’re doing DIY, you can use this BLACK+DECKER steam cleaner to steam wallpaper off your walls. And whether you want to freshen up your carpet or remove stubborn residue from your hob, its powerful 2,000-watt performance ensures everything is left sparkling clean. In addition, the BHSMP2008-QS has a 180° swivelling floor head, allowing you to clean right into the very corners of the room. Thanks to the long 6‑metre cable and the 1.2‑litre water tank, this model is also suitable for cleaning large areas.

Pros and cons
+ Includes 8 accessories for a wide range of tasks.
+ Very powerful 2,000‑watt output for thorough floor cleaning.
- Due to the large water tank, the appliance is heavier in weight.

View the BLACK+Decker BHSMP2008-QS

Kärcher SC 3 Upright

Sleek white steam mop with dark cleaning head and yellow stripes, shown with spare cloth and attachment for versatile floor care.

With the Kärcher SC 3 Upright, you’re in full control of how you clean your floors. You can adjust the water hardness on this steam cleaner yourself, from soft to very hard. Whichever option you choose, the limescale protection ensures the appliance keeps steaming efficiently. The Kärcher SC 3 Upright has 3 pre-set modes for cleaning wood, tiles and carpets. All you need to do is press the symbol on the handle to select the right amount of steam. This Kärcher steam cleaner is ready to use in just 30 seconds. The red, flashing LED light on the handle indicates that the steam mop is heating up, while the green light signals that you can start cleaning. Like all the other Kärcher models in this list, it has a flexible nozzle to ensure thorough cleaning in every spot.

Pros and cons:
+ Adjustable water hardness and descaling system for the water tank.
+ Pre-set steam settings for different types of flooring.
- This steam cleaner is only suitable for cleaning floors.

View the Kärcher SC 3 Upright

The best steam cleaners at MediaMarkt

Woman steams a wooden floor in a cosy living room, while a child lounges on a cushion in the background amid toys and colourful decor.

Whether you’re looking for a good steam cleaner just for your floors or a multifunctional model, this list helps you determine which steam cleaner is best for your cleaning tasks. When choosing a good steam appliance, it’s important to consider the size of the water tank, the power output, the cord length and the heat-up time. Some models heat up in no time and are ready to use straight away. Others take a bit longer but can be used for longer on a single tank and are suitable for larger areas. With the various accessories, you can not only clean your (wooden) floors, but also other areas in your home, such as furniture, shower walls, windows, hobs and carpets.

How do you use a steam cleaner?

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