The Dirt Devil MCE7450 Vision Easy Steamer is a reasonably priced full-size steam cleaner. Retailing for about $100, the MCE7450 is a tempting option for those who want to make cleaning home carpets a DIY project.

We put the Dirt Devil Vision Easy Steamer MCE7450 through its paces, testing its performance on a variety of carpets. We were a bit surprised to discover it worked equally well on thick pile carpets as it did on utility-grade loop carpets. This Dirt Devil model did an adequate job cleaning ordinary soil from carpets, but struggled with set-in stains. To combat this problem, we pre-treated the stained areas with an oxygenated cleaning agent. Following the pre-treatment, this unit was able to remove all but a faint trace of the stain -- an admirable job, considering the next step was to call in the professionals.

We credit the Dirt Devil Vision Easy Steamer's performance to one important feature that older generations lacked. The MCE7450 now has a motorized, rotating brush head. It also has a view-through window to see the brush working. This window may not sound like a vital feature, but it easily allows the user to see if carpet fibers are clogging the brush head. Even with more expensive models, loose carpet fibers that clog brush heads are often an issue.

There are several features we like about the Dirt Devil Vision Easy Steamer MCE7450, and a few that are either average or poor. We like the lightweight, compact design. This model is easy to store and easy to maneuver. Like many cleaners, it has two built-in tanks. Each tank has a 1-gallon capacity; one tank holds clean, hot water and solution, while the other tank collects the dirty water extracted from carpets.

One feature worth noting is that the Vision Easy Steamer cleans carpets in forward and reverse. In contrast, there are a number of models that dispense cleaning solution when pushed, and extract the solution when pulled. We prefer the models that clean in both directions. With 5.2 amps, the Easy Steamer has less power than other models we've tested, but it still performed adequately. We also like the 2-year warranty, which is a longer warranty than some of its competitors offer on low-priced cleaners.

Despite the word "steamer" in its name, the Dirt Devil Vision Easy Steamer MCE7450 does not have an internal heating mechanism to heat water; it simply uses heated tap water. This is a serious lack. It does not have any attachments for specialized cleaning, and it does not have an edge-cleaning feature. Dirt Devil does offer a similar model with onboard tools, which costs $60 more. This more expensive model has an 8-foot hose, upholstery tool and nozzle.

The Dirt Devil Vision Easy Steamer MCE7450 may be right for budget-minded consumers who want a carpet cleaner to use on an everyday basis, and who aren't tackling tough stains.


Pros: Reasonable price, 2-year warranty
Cons: No onboard tools or attachments, doesn't heat water internally

Warranty
2 years, parts and motor