All carpet steamers use hot water and brushes to clean carpet. Residential-grade cleaners are made for home use and are much cheaper than their commercial counterparts. Popular brands include Hoover and Bissel. Models range from $99 to $399 and offer features such as spinning brushes, hand tools and water heaters. More-expensive models may have additional features such as an upgraded motor or pet attachments.

On the Other: Commercial-Grade Quality

Commercial-grade steam cleaners, such as those made by Rug Doctor, are much more expensive than residential models but have increased cleaning capacity. Rug Doctor models are available for purchase, but the cheapest model starts at $650. Rug Doctor cleaners can also be rented on a daily basis from grocery and home improvement stores. Commercial cleaners feature much larger water tanks and motors, which allow the cleaning to be completed in less time.

Bottom Line

The best steam carpet cleaners are commercial units such as those made by Rug Doctor, as these models complete the cleaning job better and faster. If cost is a consideration, models made by Bissel or Hoover are effective for home use. Having a residential cleaner on hand can also be more convenient than renting a commercial unit.

Source:

Wise4living: Home Steam Carpet Cleaners

Rug Doctor: Why Rent

Steam Cleaner Reviews: Rug Doctor

More Information:

Best Recovery: Best Overall Steam Cleaners