Best-Rated Steam Mops

See Our Ratings Methodology.

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Most Satisfied Customers | Bissell

Aussies have rated Bissell as the top brand in Canstar Blue’s latest steam mop ratings, with the brand rated five stars across all categories, including performance, value for money, features & functionality, ease of use, design and overall satisfaction.

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How we rate steam mops

Our review compares steam mops on customer satisfaction, so you can find out what other Aussies think about the compared brands before you go ahead with a purchase. Think of it as like asking hundreds of your closest mates which steam mop they think is best!


Canstar Blue surveyed 685 Australians for their feedback on the steam mop(s) they’ve purchased and used in the last two years.

  • The outcomes reported in these ratings are measured via accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics.


Respondents rate their satisfaction with their steam mop brand(s) from zero to ten, where zero is extremely dissatisfied and ten is extremely satisfied. Brand satisfaction was rated by respondents on the following criteria:
  • Overall satisfaction: measures consumer satisfaction with a steam mop brand as an individual score NOT a combined total of all criteria.
  • Performance: the steam mop produces consistent and effective cleaning results, and performs as expected considering frequency of use.
  • Value for money: the cost is reasonable for the quality and performance of the steam mop.
  • Features & functionality: the steam mop has additional settings and features that improve its performance (i.e. multiple temperature settings, a range of attachable heads, an extra long cord, etc.).
  • Ease of use: the steam mop is easy to use and operate, and comes with sufficient instructions.
  • Design: the steam mop has a functional design, and is aesthetically pleasing.

The winning brand is the one that receives the highest Overall satisfaction rating once all the scores from the Overall satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged.

  • Overall satisfaction is asked as a specific question and represents an individual measure, not a combined total of all criteria.
  • When we cannot determine a clear winner from the criteria for the Overall satisfaction rating, we will then look at the other criteria measured in the rating.
    • The brand with the highest number of five-star ratings within the supporting criteria will become the five-star recipient in overall satisfaction, and thus win the award. If a clear leader still cannot be determined from the supporting criteria, joint winners will be declared.

Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included, so not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The brands rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.

  • Bissell
  • Shark
  • Karcher
  • Anko
  • Hoover
  • Vax
  • Black & Decker
  • Kogan

Find more detailed information on our Most Satisfied Customer methodology.


Best steam mop brands in Australia

  1. Bissell
  2. Shark
  3. Karcher
  4. Anko
  5. Hoover
  6. Vax
  7. Black & Decker
  8. Kogan
  9. Other steam mop brands

Not sure which steam mop to buy? Check out our buying guide below.

1. Bissell


Bissell Steam Mop

Ratings result

Bissell was rated five stars across all categories, including performance, value for money, features & functionality, ease of use, design and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Known within cleaning circles, Bissell is an American brand that operates in floor cleaning industries, offering vacuums to carpet cleaners and other floor cleaners, including steam mops. Its steam mop range features the flagship PowerFresh range, which includes the PowerFresh V model, which comes equipped with a 7.6m cord, 560ml water tank, swivel head, steam trigger, multiple steam settings, fragrance discs to help leave behind a pleasant scent, as well as a measuring cup to help refill the water tank.

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2. Shark


Shark Steam Mop

Ratings result

Shark was rated five stars for value for money, features & functionality, ease of use and design, with four stars for performance and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

While arguably not offering the range of other brands, Shark does have a number of steam mop models available to choose from, including the Shark Klik N’ Flip Manual steam mop, which allows you to cover twice the floor area by simply flipping the head over. The Shark Steam Mop S1000 model features a 375ml water tank, 5.5m cord, washable dirt grip pads, a low-profile mop head to get into hard-to-reach spaces, along with a 30 second heat up time to help you get the job done.

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3. Karcher


Karcher Steam Mop

Ratings result

Karcher was rated four stars for design, ease of use, features & functionality, performance and overall satisfaction, with three stars for value for money.

Editor’s notes

German brand Karcher offers a wide variety of cleaning appliances and utensils, covering the inside and outside of the house. Offering steam cleaners for those who have plenty of work to get through, Karcher also currently offers two steam mop models to choose from, the SC2 and SC3. The SC2 features a swivel head, 30 second heat up time, 5m cord, 400ml water tank, safety valve for safe operation as well as a descaler cartridge to help ensure that your cleaning water is fresh. The SC3 includes a larger water tank, three-step steam flow control and carpet glider for when you need to tackle more than just the hardwood.

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4. Anko


Kmart Anko Steam Mop

Ratings result

Anko was rated four stars for ease of use, value for money and overall satisfaction, with three stars for performance, features & functionality and design.

Editor’s notes

Anko is the official brand name of all Kmart’s own-branded products. While a go-to for all your homewares and knick-knacks, Kmart may not offer the range that some of its competitors do, but if you’re not looking for a model with all the bells and whistles, you may be in luck. Kmart offers one Anko steam mop, with other steam cleaning appliances available. The steam mop comes with a 450ml water tank and provides approximately 25-30 minutes of steam time. In addition, it features a 180° swivel head to help clean tight spaces and under furniture. Replacement cleaning and microfibre pads are also available for purchase. In the box, you’ll find a measuring cup, carpet glider, and a microfiber cloth pad.

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5. Hoover


Hoover Steam Mop

Ratings result

Hoover was rated four stars for ease of use and overall satisfaction, with three stars for performance, value for money, features & functionality and design.

Editor’s notes

An American brand, Hoover is known for its range of vacuum cleaners, but bolsters its range with carpet cleaners, portable cleaners and other cleaning solutions, including steam mops. Hoover’s sole steam mop model is the Hoover Dual Steam Plus steam mop, which can be converted from a steam mop to a handheld steam cleaner for those tricky areas, along with a dual water tank design to separate detergent and water for easier cleaning. It also features a steam trigger, swivel head, 300ml water tank, 6m cord and has 14 customised attachments to equip you for the cleaning job ahead.

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6. Vax


Vax Steam Mop

Ratings result

Vax was rated three stars across all categories, including performance, value for money, features & functionality, ease of use, design and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

As the name might suggest, Vax is a vacuum cleaner brand that also looks to help clean other areas of the house, with a number of steam mops available to purchase. The Vax Steam Fresh Pro model features a 500ml water tank, 20 second heat up time for 15 minutes of steam time, 250ml detergent tank and a 7m cord, while the Classic model includes a resting tray, 5m cord, 300ml water tank, 30 second heat up time and carpet glider for when you need to clean multiple surfaces.

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7. Black & Decker


Black & Decker Steam Mop

Ratings result

Black & Decker was rated three stars for design, ease of use, features & functionality, value for money, performance and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

While primarily known for its range of power tools, Black & Decker also offers a number of cleaning products to help keep the place spick and span, from vacuum cleaners to window cleaners and steam mops. Its steam mop range includes a number of models, with the entry-level 1300W model including a 15 second heat up time, while the 1600W model is ready to go in 30 seconds, while also including a removable water tank with built-in filtering system to battle against limescale buildup. It also includes AutoSelect technology to help clean certain floor types, allowing you to select the floor type and get the best clean for the surface.

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8. Kogan


Kogan Steam Mop

Ratings result

Kogan was rated three stars across all categories, including performance, value for money, features & functionality, ease of use, design and overall satisfaction.

Editor’s notes

Known for selling multiple brands, Kogan offers its own range of steam mops, including a 3-in-1 model as well as a Premium 15-in-1 model for those who are looking to get stuck into the cleaning. The 3-in-1 UV Steam Mop heats up in 30 seconds, and has a built-in UV light to help sanitise and clean surfaces, along with a 370ml water tank, 5m cord, 12 minute operating time and 30 second heat up time. The 15-in-1 model includes features such as a scraper tool, adjustable handle, jet nozzle, carpet glider and other cleaning accessories to tidy up multiple areas of the house.

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Other steam mop brands

Not all brands in the market qualify for our ratings (based on minimum survey sample size), but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth considering. Here are several more brands to check out before making a purchase decision.

  • ALDI Lumina
  • Billini
  • Euroflex

Compare more products featured in our Most Satisfied Customers Awards

Steam mops buying guide


Steam mops are an alternative to your traditional mop and bucket. They harness the clean power of steam to clean and sanitise all types of surfaces like tiles, hard floors, and carpets. Steam mops don’t require additional cleaning products and don’t need to be wrung out or rinsed, thus making them eco-friendly and much easier to use than a regular ol’ bucket mop. Keep reading for what to consider when buying a steam mop.

Types of steam mops

Not all steam mops are created equal. The type of steam cleaner you’ll end up with will be determined by a few factors such as how often you clean your home, the size and layout of your house, and your budget. Generally, there are three main types of steam mops:

  • Canister steam mops: These are cylindrical in shape with a hose and cleaning head. They feature a larger water tank and therefore offer longer cleaning times of up to two hours (in some cases). These are ideal for cleaning larger spaces and homes and have more steam output than smaller models. With that said, canister/cylinder steam mops are bulky and therefore not a good option for households short on storage space. They’re the most expensive of the lot.
  • Upright steam mops: These resemble upright vacuums. They’re compact and work by pumping steam through the mop pad. Most also come with a handheld steam cleaner attachment for cleaning nooks and crannies. In terms of price, size, and steam output, steam mops are a nice middle ground between canister and handheld steam mops.
  • Handheld steam mops: These are small, portable steam mops designed for spot cleaning, upholstery, and getting around crevices like window sills, and behind blinds. Most canister and upright steam mops also include a handheld attachment so you can get two in one.

How much do steam mops cost?

Our research indicates that Australians spend an average of $149 on a new steam mop. With some steam mops costing as little as $45, there is quite a large spread between the cheapest and dearest. A common misconception about steam mops is that they’re much more expensive than regular old mops. While this might be true in some cases – since prices vary according to model and brand – the difference in price between the two is mostly small, especially when you consider the price of a good mop and bucket, plus the physical cost in terms of time and effort.

Can steam mops be used on carpets?

You can use a steam mop on carpets to lift superficial stains (think of it as a spot remover) and remove dust mites from deep within, as well as to deodorise and sanitise carpet fibres. Steam mops are an eco-friendly alternative to commercial carpet cleaners that contain chemicals which can damage your carpets and cause allergic reactions in humans and pets.

Can you use a steam mop on wood floors?

Steam mops can be used on wood floors, provided it’s sealed hardwood, as unsealed floors can be damaged by the excess moisture due to the exposed surface. If you’re not sure which type of flooring you have, it’s best to avoid using a steam mop until you’re sure you won’t damage your flooring.

Compare Vacuum Cleaners

About our consumer experts


Dean Heckscher: Site Editor

This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Site Editor, Dean Heckscher. He’s our resident expert on all things automotive, health & fitness, streaming and more. Dean is also one of Canstar Blue’s customer research report producers, helping to turn complicated subjects into easily-digestible information for our readers. He’s passionate about helping consumers make better-informed purchase decisions on all manner of consumer goods and services.

 

Meet the Editorial Team

 

Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist

Sam Howse Research Specialist

Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.

 

Meet the Research Team

Past ratings

Here are the past winners from Canstar Blue’s steam mop ratings:

  • 2022: Vax
  • 2021: Kogan
  • 2020: Hoover
  • 2019: Bissell
  • 2018: Kmart
  • 2017: Kogan

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