The 10 Best Canister Steam Cleaners
This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in November of 2018. Vacuuming, dusting, and so on are all fine for day-to-day cleaning, but when you've got a tough mess to deal with, you'll want something more heavy-duty — like one of these canister steam cleaners. They use heated water to quickly break down dirt, grease, and grime, saving your time and energy for more enjoyable activities. Just note that they can't be used on delicate items, like silk. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. McCulloch MC1375
2. Dupray Neat
3. Wagner On-Demand
Editor's Notes
December 01, 2020:
Although the companies providing the best canister steam cleaners haven't changed much, we've switched up our selections, in order to capture the best upgraded models from each. But before we jump into the changes we've made, we'd like to remind users that just as with a handheld steam cleaner, these machines can be dangerous if used carelessly or improperly. The incredibly hot steam they produce could burn you, so follow all manufacturer guidelines for safety and work with caution.
One important change to note is the inclusion of the Steamfast SF-370 over the SF-275. These are both relatively budget-friendly machines, but the SF-370 has an integrated cord wrap, something that the SF-275 lacks. However, much like the SF-275, the SF-370 doesn't quite offer the power of pricier machines, so keep this one in mind for casual needs.
The same could be said of the Homegear X200 Pro, which replaces the X100 Pro. The X200 has a slightly longer running time per tank, although unfortunately, both are saddled with a cord that's a bit too short.
When it comes to popular McCulloch models, we kept the McCulloch Deluxe, but added the McCulloch MC1375, instead of the McCulloch Heavy Duty MC1275. The price difference between the two is minimal, but the MC1375 offers double the steam time for only a 2-minute-longer heat up time. Its power cord is also longer, and it offers variable steam, a feature not found on the MC1275.
Finally, after some consideration, we kept the Dupray One, and added the Dupray One Plus. Unlike the One, the One Plus can be refilled while you're using it, which means there's no down time. It can produce hotter steam, too, at 320 degrees Fahrenheit to the One's 303 degrees. The downside is that the One Plus has a higher price tag, which may be off-putting to users who only need a steam cleaner for casual or occasional cleaning.
November 06, 2018:
Selected two McCulloch models, the Heavy Duty and the Deluxe, with the former being better for day-to-day use and the latter for more intense jobs. Looked at Dupray models, adding the One despite its high price tag, as it provides a hotter steam than a lot of the competition.
Special Honors
Vapor Clean Pro6 Duo The Vapor Clean Pro6 Duo has all the features you'd expect from a robust commercial-quality choice: a long cord, a nonstop refill reservoir, a strong stainless steel housing, and an ample set of tools, among others. It even beeps when the reservoir is running low, so you won't waste time checking the water level unnecessarily. myvaporclean.com
Dupray Hill Injection For heavy-duty cleansing, you can add detergent to the Dupray Hill Injection, which boasts a steam temperature of up to 347 degrees Fahrenheit. Not only that, but this commercial-quality model has a digital interface with a clear temperature display and a boiler cleaning reminder, so you don't forget to perform this task. dupray.com
Ladybug Tekno 2350 The Ladybug Tekno 2350 offers Ladybug's TANCS technology, which stands for "Thermo Accelerated Nano Crystal Sanitation." This allows it to disinfect thoroughly, but without the use of harsh chemicals; even better, the technology qualifies this model as a disinfection device with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ladybugsteamcleaners.com
4. McCulloch Deluxe
5. Dupray One
6. Steamfast SF-370
7. Dupray One Plus
8. Vapamore Primo
9. Pure Enrichment PureClean XL
10. Homegear X200 Pro
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.