Date Published: 02/13/2008

Shopping for a heavyweight steam vacuum without having the benefit of testing a variety of models can make it difficult to select the one that will work best for you. Many steam vacuums have comparable features, such as rotating brushes on the main vacuum head touted to power out tough dirt and grime. The truth, however, is that a steam vacuum's suction power is just as important, if not more so. After all, it does little good to release dirt and then add cleaning solution if the grimy mix isn't extracted by the steam vacuum. Other features, such as a clean-water rinse and automatic cleaning solution dispenser also increase a steam vacuum's cleaning power. Fortunately, one doesn't need to spend a small fortune to take a top-notch steam cleaner home. Our top picks in the heavyweight steam vacuum category all have one thing in common: They leave carpets looking and smelling cleaner and fresher.


Rug Doctor Mighty Pro Carpet Cleaner

For about twice the price of most heavyweight steam vacuums, the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro Carpet Cleaner offers commercial-quality performance and more. Not only does it provide powerful suction, efficient cleaning and professional quality results, but it also has a larger-than-average tank capacity. With the 2.6-gallon solution tank and a 3.1-gallon collection tank, it can power through large spaces without the need for frequent refills. If you have carpets that need to be deep cleaned and you want to lessen the number of professional cleaning house calls you pay for, the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro Carpet Cleaner is well worth the price.

Rug Doctor Mighty Pro Carpet Cleaner

Bissell ProHeat 2X 9200

Bissell created several models for the ProHeat 2X vacuum line. Powerful and trusty, they make excellent dust eaters, and the ProHeat 2X 9200 is no exception. Though it may have less features than other ProHeats, this vacuum still packs cleaning power. To get things scrubbed, there are 10 rows of brushes underneath, as well as little side brushes to get close to walls and edges. Naturally water is helpful in any cleaning process and the ProHeat 2X 9200 acknowledges this with is onboard water warming system.


Eureka Atlantis Upright Steam Vacuum 2591A

The Eureka Atlantis Upright Steam Vacuum 2591A delivers a solid performance. The Eureka Atlantis uses a three-tank system that includes a clean water rinse option. It also has several adjustable features, including a lever to adjust the amount of cleaning solution dispensed into carpets. This is ideal for people who may use the steam vacuum on various types of carpets with piles of different heights. It has a series of rotating brushes on the main vacuum head to agitate dirt and grime, making it easier to remove. The Eureka Atlantis Upright Steam Vacuum also includes a bare floor cleaning attachment.

Dirt Devil Vision Easy Steamer MCE7350

Dirt Devil Vision Easy Steamer MCE7350

If you need a quality steam vacuum cleaner, but don't want to break the bank to buy one, check out the Dirt Devil Vision Easy Steamer MCE7350. The Vision Easy Steamer is a solid performer that works equally well on a variety of carpets, whether a high-pile frieze or a low-loop carpet. The Vision Easy Steamer has a rotating brush head to loosen dirt and grime. It's great for cleaning a house full of carpets or a single area rug. The Dirt Devil Vision Easy Steamer is perfect for carpets that need to be cleaned every few months, as well as high-traffic areas that need more frequent attention.