The Hoover SteamVac LS Edition F5899100 is a full-size carpet cleaner with several notable improvements that positively affect its cleaning performance. Like several newer generation models in the current Hoover lineup, this model has an internal heating mechanism that applies heated water directly to the floor. This is an improvement over the previous SteamVac models we've tested because these models did not actually apply heat to carpets. Instead, they relied on hot tap water (which cools quite quickly).

Thanks to a generous infusion of heat when cleaning, we were able to use the SteamVac LS Edition F5899100 to power through dirty carpets. The SteamVac even removed a couple of set-in stains after a round of pre-treatment. Although we think the addition of heated cleaning is an improvement in the F5899100's design, it's important to note that it is still not a steam-producing cleaner.

Another improvement is that the SteamVac LS Edition F5899100 does not dowse carpets with cleaning solution. It seems to use a correctly metered amount -- enough to clean, but not enough to leave carpets too damp. The SteamVac uses a nozzle that runs the width of the main head to extract liquid from floors. The nozzle does clog with pet hair and other debris, such as loose carpet fibers. We found it necessary to remove the clear plastic hood and clear the debris to restore suction. The brush head adjusts automatically for varying carpet heights and includes five spinning brushes. It has a 12-inch cleaning path, which is about average. It cleans going forward and backward, which is a feature we like. It automatically adjusts for varying carpet heights. It uses a finger trigger to apply the cleaning mixture.

Despite the SteamVac's advances, there are still a few features that give us pause. At about 30 pounds, it is heavier than many other carpet cleaners. The 24-foot power cord is shorter than we prefer, especially because other Hoover models have 30-foot cords. It also lacks an automatic detergent dispenser, which is something newer generations of the SteamVac Dual V Widepath have as a standard feature.

The Hoover SteamVac LS Edition F5899100 does have an onboard handheld cleaning tool, along with a flexible accordion-style extension 8-foot hose. This tool can be used on upholstery or stairs. An additional onboard tool can be used on hard surfaces such as tile or porcelain, which is especially handy for cleaning bathrooms. This tool employs a synthetic scrubbing pad, rather than bristles. Because of its small size, it's doubtful we'd ever use it to clean an entire tile floor is a kitchen, for example, but it's useful for smaller spaces.

We like the improvements in this model's design, including heat application and carefully metered cleaning solution, and find it cleans carpets and tile floors with ease. These improvements, paired with an attractive price tag, earn the Hoover SteamVac LS Edition F5899100 our Budget Buy award.


Pros: Reasonable price, bare floor tool
Cons: Shorter power cord than other models

Warranty
1 year full