Top 10 Handheld Steam Cleaners of 2024: The Best Choices for Smaller Jobs
Handheld steam cleaners have become an indispensable part of many household cleaning arsenals. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn stains, want to kill bacteria without chemical cleaners, or are simply looking for a deeper clean, a steam cleaner offers the perfect solution. But with so many different models on the market, it can be difficult to make the right choice. That’s why we’ve put together a top 10 of the best steam cleaners of the year.
1. CleanKoala Steam Cleaner Starter Set
The CleanKoala Steam Cleaner Starter Kit takes the top spot for its combination of innovative features, durability, and extras that you simply won’t find in other steam cleaners. This powerful steam cleaner has a super-fast heat-up time of just 15 seconds , so you can get started right away. What’s more, it comes with a whopping 12 accessories , making it easy to clean every corner of your home — from floors to crevices and hard-to-reach places.
What makes CleanKoala truly unique is the use of an exclusive 100% natural fragrance , which not only thoroughly cleans your home but also leaves behind a wonderfully fresh scent. Where most steam cleaners simply provide steam, CleanKoala adds that extra sensory experience.
In addition, CleanKoala distinguishes itself through its environmentally friendly approach. The steam cleaner comes with 100% cotton cloths , a more sustainable alternative to microfiber cloths that can emit microplastics. Furthermore, the CleanKoala comes in recycled packaging , which contributes to a smaller ecological footprint.
With a powerful steam output, versatile accessories and a conscious approach to the environment, the CleanKoala Steam Cleaner Starter Set is without a doubt the best choice for those who value both thorough cleaning and sustainability.

2. Steamfast Handheld Steam Cleaner
The Steamfast steam cleaner has a 200ml water tank and provides powerful steam for deep cleaning of various surfaces. It comes with various accessories, such as brushes and attachments, for versatile cleaning tasks.
3. Dirtdevil Handheld Steam Cleaner
The Dirt Devil steam cleaner has a 250ml water tank and is ready to use in just 30 seconds. Thanks to the included accessories, it is suitable for a variety of cleaning tasks in the home.
4. KOITAT Steam Cleaner
The Koitat steam cleaner has a 350ml water tank and a heating time of 60 seconds. It comes with various accessories for versatile and effective cleaning.
5. Cikuci Steam Cleaner
The Cikuci handheld steam cleaner has a generous 450ml water tank and a 3-minute warm-up time. With its included accessories, it is suitable for a variety of cleaning tasks.
6. Otviap Steam Cleaner
The Otviap steam cleaner has a 350ml water tank and a heating time of only 30 seconds. It comes with various accessories for efficient and versatile cleaning tasks.
7. EAVE Steam Cleaner
The Eave steam cleaner is equipped with a 250ml water tank and offers efficient steam cleaning for different surfaces. It comes with handy accessories for versatile use.
8. Demine Steam Cleaner
The Demine steam cleaner has a 250ml water tank and delivers powerful steam for cleaning various surfaces. It comes with multiple accessories for versatile cleaning tasks.
9. Eccomum Steam Cleaner
The Eccomum steam cleaner has a 250ml water tank and offers powerful steam cleaning for different surfaces. It comes with handy accessories for versatile cleaning.
10. Vapamore Steam Cleaner
The Vapamore steam cleaner has a 400ml water tank and delivers powerful steam for deep cleaning. With the included accessories it is suitable for various cleaning tasks.
How we tested the handheld steam cleaners:
When testing the best handheld steam cleaners, we focused on ease of use, fast heat-up time, sufficient water tank capacity, light weight, and versatility. We looked for models that could improve our cleaning routine without adding any extra effort.
For a fair comparison, we tested the handheld steam cleaners on bathroom and kitchen tiles, and on soft furnishings.
Handheld Steam Cleaners Compared:
30 different
Customer reviews viewed:
1000 reviews
Research
done:
240 hours
How does a steam cleaner work?
1: Fill the reservoir:
Fill the reservoir with clean water. The amount of water you need varies by model. We advise you never to fill the reservoir completely.
2: Warming up :
Turn on the steam cleaner and wait until it has warmed up, a light will come on on the cleankoala steam cleaner when it is ready for use. The warm-up time varies per model.
3: Steaming:
Once the steam cleaner is up to temperature, powerful steam is released. You activate this by pressing the button once or holding it down, this varies per model
4: Cleaning:
Gently move the steam cleaner over the surface you want to clean. The hot steam breaks down the dirt, grease and bacteria, so you can easily wipe it off with a cloth.
5: Various accessories:
Most steam cleaners have additional features and accessories such as brushes for
cleaning a bbq or a cloth attachment for cleaning textiles. You can easily attach these for an improved cleaning experience.
6: Rinse:
After use, empty the steam cleaner and rinse the water tank thoroughly to prevent limescale build-up. This will keep your steam cleaner in good condition for longer
Here's what to look for when buying a handheld steam cleaner:
Type of steam cleaner:
Choose the type that suits your needs, such as a stick steam cleaner, sled steam cleaner or handheld steam cleaner.
Steam pressure:
Check the power of the steam cleaner, indicated in bar, for optimal cleaning performance.
Water reservoir:
Pay attention to the capacity of the water tank. A larger tank means longer continuous use without refilling.
Warm-up time:
Look at the heat-up time; faster heat-up times offer quick ease of use.
Accessories:
Check what accessories are included, such as brushes, extensions and cloths, for various cleaning tasks.
Multifunctional:
Choose a steam cleaner that is suitable for different surfaces, from floors to furniture.
Nature friendly :
When choosing a steam cleaner, it is important to look for environmentally friendly features, such as durability and the use of eco-conscious materials.
What can you clean with a handheld steam cleaner?
A steam cleaner offers a versatile solution for various cleaning tasks around the home. With a variety of features and handy accessories, you can tackle almost any surface, from cleaning laminate floors to freshening up your sofa, removing dust from curtains and even cleaning your car interior. The possibilities are endless, making the steam cleaner an indispensable tool! In addition to the usual cleaning tasks, there are countless other things you can clean with a steam cleaner.
Conclusion
After extensive research and testing, we’ve compiled our top 10 best steam cleaners. We rated each device on several criteria, including ease of use, features, versatility, value for money, and durability. In our opinion, the Cleankoala is the best buy, as it has distinguished itself impressively and tops our list. With its ease of use, extensive features, and eco-friendly approach, the Cleankoala has pleasantly surprised us, making it the ideal choice for an efficient and sustainable cleaning experience!
Model:
Water reservoir
Warm-up time
Steam power
Cleaning time
Accessories
Cable length
Hands-free function
All surfaces
Microplastic-free cloths
Natural fragrance
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, the Consumers' Association has not yet conducted any steam cleaner reviews at the time of writing. But don't worry, our comparison still provides valuable insight based on ease of use, features, and durability.
No, do not use detergent with a steam cleaner. It thickens the water, prevents steam formation and can damage the device. Cleankoala offers a natural fragrance for a fresh scent specially made for steam cleaners