Here at the Strategist UK, we like to think of ourselves as crazy (in the good way) about the stuff we buy, but as much as we’d like to, we can’t try everything. Which is why we have People’s Choice, in which we find the best-reviewed products and single out the most convincing ones. (You can learn more about our rating system and how we pick each item here.)
And while we’ve covered all sorts of household essentials before — including blenders, microwaves, and slow cookers — here, we’ve rounded up the best steam mops for everyone, as praised by the most enthusiastic reviewers on Amazon.
Best-rated overall steam mop
In total, 76 percent of the reviews for this Vileda steam mop were five stars. This was the best-rated overall, with 47 reviewers writing that the mop heated up quickly (Vileda says in as little as 15 seconds). One in four reviews also noted how easy it was to use — including one five-star reviewer who said he assembled it in under five minutes. Twenty-three reviewers spoke highly of the “carpet glider”, a plastic attachment that fits onto the mop that allows it to clean rugs and doormats. The value for money was also a highlight for several customers — one admitted they only bought this temporarily until they could afford a more expensive model — but they were so impressed by the performance they’re going to keep it.
Best-rated lightweight steam mop
Fifty-four customers said this Russell Hobbs steam mop was great value, and just under one in five of all reviews called it easy to use. The mop heats up in 25 seconds and offers 25 minutes of steam time, but it was also the best-rated lightest mop, weighing just 1.8kg. Sixty-three reviewers said the lightness made it easy to carry, including one customer with a disability who said they loved being able to do housework again and a pensioner who said they were able to take it up stairs with ease. One drawback, as several reviewers pointed out, is that the cable on this device is short — one person even said they ended up purchasing an extension lead so they could steam clean every nook and cranny of their home.
Best-rated steam mop with vacuum cleaner
This three-in-one cleaner by Bissell features a steam cleaner, a vacuum cleaner, and a dryer combined, and was highly rated by customers for its ability to do several different tasks. One Airbnb host said it was the best thing for her uneven slate floors — after vacuuming, mopping, and sweeping had all failed to keep her property clean. Another customer, who owns eight dogs, said the combination cleaning meant that she could vacuum the dog fur and lift any stains at the same time. Seventy-seven customers said it was easy to use, including a self-confessed cleaning obsessive who said they were frankly horrified at the colour of the dirty water when they emptied this out after a clean. Customers agreed it was easy to set up and use, with many saying they didn’t even bother reading the instructions.
Best-rated multipurpose steam mop
Dupray’s heavy-duty cleaner is able to do more than floors — the 18-piece kit can do almost anything, according to reviewers, who used it to clean leather car seats, grouting, kitchen tiles, and carpets, thanks to the various nozzles. One person even used it to steam clean their cutlery drawers, saying they looked better than brand-new. In total, 81 percent of the reviews on Amazon were five stars — the highest out of all the products featured in this article — and though this is also the most expensive model, 13 customers still said it offered excellent value for money. Though Dupray recommends adding a cap of vinegar into the steamer every 20 cleans, especially in hard-water areas, many customers suggested adding a smaller amount in every wash to stop limescale buildup. A seasoned steam-mop pro said this was better than any model they’d used, saying that as soon as it arrived they cleaned their French doors, patio, and tiled kitchen on one charge.
Best-rated streak-free steam mop
Shark’s steam mop has 75 percent five-star reviews in total, and 16 five-star reviews said this model was absolutely worth the price, including one customer who said it was the best money they had ever spent. As well as the kick-and-flip mophead, which sprays a concentrated jet of hot water on problem areas, customers were particularly enthusiastic about the streak-free option. Eighteen reviewers said they had no streaks or marks from the residual water after using it, including a reviewer who had previously sworn by the streak-free Kärcher vacuums. One customer said they had tried everything to get their tiles streak-free, and this steam mop was the only thing that actually worked. Shark says this is due to the three steam settings, which allow the steam to be released more evenly, resulting in less residual water on surfaces. Several reviewers noted this doesn’t have the largest water tank, so it may need to be topped up when cleaning several rooms.
The Strategist UK is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Read about who we are and what we do here. Our editors update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.