This
is one of the questions we are asked all of the time. Here are the reasons
why:
 1. Steam
Temperature: Good residential units have boiler steam temperature
between 240 and 298 degrees Fahrenheit. For serious cleaning avoid any
steam cleaner that has a lower average steam temperature. Hotter steam
means a quantum increase in cleaning effectiveness. What's more it is
necessary to start with a much higher temperature than you would think
you might need, as all vapor steam cleaners lose some temperature on the
way to the tip.
2. Boiler
Construction: The very best machines have boilers made out
of stainless steel which heat up faster, and do not rust.
3. Safety
Caps: Cheap machines do not have safety caps for refilling
or emptying water. Without a safety cap there is danger of steam burns
if the water reservoir is opened too quickly after usage. On the continuous
feed machines there are two reservoirs for water. One is for filling and
the water does not get hot. The other is for the boiler to produce steam.
4 .Continuous
Refill: The ability to refill
water continuously is more important than you might think. If you have
a continuous refill machine you do not have to wait for the machine to
cool down and heat up again when you want to refill it [this can be a
20 plus minute wait on a pressure reservoir vapor steam cleaner ].It also
means that the steam cleaner is lighter because it is not filled with
water.
5. Water
Reservoir - Tank Capacity: Very small water tanks can drive
you crazy when you have to refill them every 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Steam
Regulation Control: Can you regulate the steam outflow? Some
tasks require a finer, more concentrated jet of steam (ex. cleaning grout,
nooks and crannies). This can be important when you want to avoid the splattering
of dirt particulates all over the place. Some items require a more dispersed
steam - large areas, plant misting, upholstery. We think the units with
this steam control at your fingertips (on the wand) are the best. The lower
priced units either do not have this feature or have a dial control on the
canister.
7. Steam
Temperature Regulation: Some fabrics and surfaces require a
cooler temperature so a unit with one level of steam might be too powerful
for delicate items - fabrics, upholstery, etc. .
8. Warranty: Length of warranty on boiler and other parts. It is usually 3 years for
the boiler, and other parts are 1 year, on a good residential vapor steam
cleaner and 5 years on a commercial vapor steam cleaner. Some units have
a lower price because they only come with a one year warranty. Be sure
to check this out.
9. Boiler
Handle: These vapor steam cleaners need a good handle for easy
lifting up stairs. Somebody needs to have really paid attention to this
design feature. If you live in a multi-floor home or will be cleaning
on different floors check out how easy it is to carry the vapor steam
cleaner.
10. Maneuverability: Do you have to carry the unit while you use it? Do you pull it on castors?
Does it have castors? Are they decent sized for easy maneuverability?
How long is the hose, wand and cord on the unit? Can you reach the areas
you need to clean comfortably (for example - the bathtub and its fixtures,
tiled shower ceilings)?
11. Accessories: What are the standard accessories included for special cleaning tasks.
Which accessories are optional and add to the cost of the machines? The
more expensive machines have higher grade accessories that can stand up
to the higher boiler temperatures. Size of the cleaning brushes is also
an added expense. The better machines have bigger sized tools, that are
a better quality, attach more easily, which allows for the cleaning to
be done faster.
12.Towels: Quality of toweling covers and whether they can be attached and removed
easily makes a difference. The better machines have easy clips to attach
the toweling covers.
13. Weight: Some units seem to have all of the right features that would like
but the weight is too heavy for normal residential usage. Our mid range
and top of the line vapor steam cleaners weigh in at around 14-16 lbs.
before water is added. Other cheaper units may weigh as much as 35-40
lbs. before water is added. We think this is much too heavy!
14. Training
Materials and Instruction Manuals: Since you may be new to
vapor steam cleaners which come with a myriad of attachments, you will
want to have an instructional video, printed instructions, and some units
we sell come with a laminated cheat sheet of what to use when. It is not
that these units are so complicated to use, it is that the video shows
you the many ways that you can use the vapor steam cleaner and it tells
you what attachments and towelling to use for different applications by
giving examples that you can see. This will help you feel comfortable
using the vapor steam cleaner and it will help you discover more items
that you can clean with it. Most people do not want to read directions
to figure something out -- they would like to see it in action that is
why the video is so helpful we think!
15. Steam
outlets: There are a greater number of steam outlets and larger
orifices in more expensive machines. |
