A steam cleaner is a popular Black Friday deal, and for good reason: one appliance that tackles grease, limescale and dirt with tap water, without cleaning products. But the difference between a handheld steam cleaner and a full-size one is bigger than the price difference suggests. In this article you'll find out which type suits you and what to look for in a deal.
Short answer
A handheld steam cleaner is for targeted jobs such as taps, grout, window frames and the oven. A full-size steam cleaner with hose and floor head is for floors, bathrooms and longer sessions. Look at steam pressure in bar, tank capacity, heat-up time and which attachments are included. Only then look at the discount.
What exactly does a steam cleaner do?
A steam cleaner cleans with heat and tap water.
The steam loosens grease and baked-on dirt, so you can wipe it away with a cloth or brush. Because no cleaning product is needed, no residue is left where you cook, sleep or where children and pets play. Achaté steam kills 99.9% of bacteria.
Handheld or full-size steam cleaner?
The job decides the model. The table below compares Achaté's two steam models.
Handheld Steam Cleaner PRO and Steam Cleaner PRO V2 compared
| Handheld Steam Cleaner PRO | Steam Cleaner PRO V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 1000 W | 1500 W |
| Maximum pressure | 3.5 bar | 3.5 bar |
| Water tank | 200 ml | 800 ml |
| Heat-up time | about 3-5 minutes | about 5-6 minutes |
| Weight | 1.2 kg | 4.0 kg |
| Best for | Taps, grout, window frames, oven, textiles | Floors, bathroom, large surfaces |
The rule of thumb: the Achaté Handheld Steam Cleaner PRO is for targeted work on small, tricky spots, the Achaté Steam Cleaner PRO V2 for large surfaces in one go. With an 800 ml tank, a 1.5-metre steam hose and a 5-metre power cord, the PRO V2 does a whole bathroom without refilling.
What to look for in a Black Friday steam cleaner
- Steam pressure in bar. The higher the pressure, the better the steam loosens baked-on dirt.
- Tank capacity. A small tank is handy and light, a large tank saves refilling on big jobs.
- Heat-up time. A few minutes is normal. Switch the appliance on before you start tidying up.
- Attachments. A round brush for grout, a pointed nozzle for corners and a floor head with cloth decide how widely you can use the appliance.
- What not to use it on. Leave plaster, untreated wood and materials that can't handle moisture alone.
RECOMMENDED WITH THIS ARTICLE
Achaté Steam Cleaner PRO V2Powerful steam that effortlessly loosens stubborn dirt
662 zł1.151 złSave 489 zł
Multi-purpose
All-in-one
Powerful steam power
Combine steam for the biggest time saving
If dirt is really stuck in the grout, the Achaté Electric Cleaning Brush scrubs it away where the steam has loosened it. If you want both, a bundle is often better value than separate appliances. See all Achaté steam cleaners and test your choice at home for 30 days.
Not sure whether a discount is really a discount? Read how to spot a real Black Friday deal.
Frequently asked questions about a Black Friday steam cleaner
Do I need cleaning products with a steam cleaner?
No. A steam cleaner works with tap water. The heat loosens the dirt, so you don't need any cleaning product.
Which is better: a handheld or a full-size steam cleaner?
That depends on the job. A handheld steam cleaner is light and handy for small, tricky spots. A full-size steam cleaner with hose and floor head is better for floors and large surfaces.
Does steam kill bacteria?
Yes. Achaté steam kills 99.9% of bacteria, without chemicals.
What shouldn't you use a steam cleaner on?
Don't use steam on plaster, gypsum, untreated wood and other materials that can't handle moisture or heat. If in doubt, test on an inconspicuous spot first.
