The sizes, shapes and weights of steam cleaners vary greatly, from commercial units to handheld models. It will depend on the specific model you choose, as well as the overall bulkiness of the device.
Consider the size and weight of the steam cleaner before buying it. You should decide whether you prefer something more lightweight and portable, or if you prefer something larger and heavier. A heavy steam cleaner might deter you from ever using it if you’re not comfortable transporting or pushing it around.
You will also need to consider where you will store the device, whatever the model you choose. You need to realize that the machine might take up a lot of space when not in use. In most cases, homeowners will keep it out of sight if not in use, for example in a closet. Would that work for you?

You’ll have to decide which type of steam cleaner you want to purchase before you can begin comparing prices. Getting a steam cleaner and steam mop won’t seem like an expensive purchase if you find them at very reasonable prices. While cylinder and vapor steam cleaners can be rather expensive, they are useful for handling a wide range of cleaning tasks and can save you a lot of money and time in the long run.
For the average homeowner, an affordable steam cleaner would likely do the trick, as we researched many of the brands priced in the low-to-mid-range. However, your final decision depends on how you intend to use it. It is recommended that you buy a pricier model rather than the cheapest one if you will use it frequently.

With most steam cleaners, you can attach a few basic attachments that are designed to help you clean different types of surfaces in your home. In addition to the steam cleaners themselves, many brands also offer attachments that can be purchased separately (or included with some models).
Considering the attachments included with each steam cleaner as well as what is available for purchase along with it is a great way to find a model that’s extremely versatile. Be sure to choose something that has the right attachments and functionality if you plan to use it for a variety of cleaning jobs. When your steam cleaner can’t clean every part of the house, what’s the point of buying it?

Unlike an iron which only continues to produce steam as long as there is water to heat, a steam cleaner also produces steam only as long as there is water to heat it up. Because of this, you’ll need to refill your steam cleaner’s water tank more frequently, probably in the middle of the job. However, bigger tanks usually take longer to heat up, which means you’ll have to wait longer before you can start cleaning.
Compare the water tanks in the different models you are considering and decide which you prefer. Compared with steam mop and handheld steam cleaners, cylinder and vapor steam cleaners have larger tanks and require less refilling.

The temperature at which the steam cleaner operates and the amount of steam pressure it produces are two factors you need to consider. A steam cleaner with a higher temperature produces dryer steam and more pressure, which is more sanitary, provides a deeper clean, kills more germs, and, in the end, is a more effective cleaner.
Adding to the complexity, not only is it important for the device to reach the temperature and pressure level it can, but it is also important to keep the pressure constant. It is less likely that a unit will clean your home as effectively if it cannot maintain a constant temperature and pressure level.
In most cases, steam cleaners with higher temperature and pressure are more expensive but they will be worth the extra cost if your goal is a deeper, dryer clean.

The steam cleaner is usually quieter than the vacuum cleaner, but they all produce some level of noise and some of them can be quite loud when used. You might want to consider models that advertise being quieter than usual and see what customers say about their noise levels if you’re concerned about the volume of the steam cleaner.
A decibel level may be listed in the specifications of some products. Seeing this listed will give you a pretty good idea of the device’s volume. There are only a few steam cleaners that list the decibel level in their specifications, so you might have to rely on customer reviews to find out how loud your preferred model is.

Often, lighter steam cleaner models will make cleaning easier than heavier ones, but the larger steam cleaner models will do a better job of cleaning. Anyone who buys a steam cleaner needs to address this conundrum.
Keeping a smaller and easier-to-use steam cleaner will probably be worth the tradeoff if you are worried about the discomfort of handling a large or heavy steam cleaner. For deep cleaning, you may need a larger device than you had originally thought if you want something that can do this.
Here are some extra features to look for:
It is possible to refill one water tank while you are in the middle of cleaning with a specific model that offers the continuous refill feature.
Combination models: You can find combo models which combine two types of steam cleaners into one, for example, steam mops with a handheld steam cleaner or vacuums that include steam cleaners. A two-in-one model may be the best choice for someone who wants to save on closet storage space.