====== Steam Cleaner Research ======

===== Category notes =====
  * Steam-only cleaners: use heat and pressure to loosen grime; best for hard surfaces, grout, kitchens, bathrooms, and detail work.
  * Steam-vacuum / steam extractor hybrids: add suction/wet pickup; better for upholstery, auto interiors, carpets, and jobs where drying time matters.
  * Portable canister units: usually the best fit for pro-consumer to light-commercial use because they balance mobility, runtime, and accessory variety.

===== Budget bands =====
  * $150-$250: entry pro-consumer steam cleaners; often usable but more limited in hose quality, runtime, and accessory durability.
  * $250-$600: strongest value zone for portable pro-sumer units.
  * $600-$1,000: light-commercial / higher-durability steam-only machines with better fittings and accessory ecosystems.
  * $1,000+: commercial-grade machines and steam-vacuum hybrids with more complex systems and stronger serviceability.

===== What matters most =====
  * Hose length and flexibility.
  * Fitting quality and accessory compatibility.
  * Availability of replacement parts and extra tools.
  * Tank size and runtime.
  * Weight and carryability.
  * Steam lock / continuous steam option.
  * Pressure / temperature claims.
  * Build quality of wand, connectors, and nozzles.

===== Steam-only candidates =====
  * Dupray Tosca
    * Positioning: commercial-grade steam cleaner.
    * Notes: strong accessory ecosystem; aimed at serious residential or commercial use.
  * McCulloch MC1375 / MC1385
    * Positioning: consumer to pro-consumer canister steam cleaner.
    * Notes: commonly sold with a large accessory bundle.
  * Vapamore MR-1000 Forza
    * Positioning: higher-end steam-only unit.
    * Notes: designed for more demanding cleaning work.
  * Dupray Neat
    * Positioning: value-focused canister steamer.
    * Notes: popular for portability and simplicity.
  * Bissell handheld / small steam units
    * Positioning: light-duty consumer.
    * Notes: useful for small jobs, not ideal as a main field tool.

===== Steam-vacuum / extractor candidates =====
  * US Steam EP2 / steam vacuum line
    * Positioning: commercial steam cleaner with vacuum.
    * Notes: vacuum removes dirty water while steaming.
  * AMMO NYC Steam Vacuum
    * Positioning: detailing-focused steam vacuum.
    * Notes: built for professional-style auto and interior work.
  * Prolux CP9SN commercial steam carpet extractor
    * Positioning: portable commercial extractor class.
    * Notes: more about wet pickup and extraction than pure steam-only cleaning.
  * Goodway commercial steam cleaner with vacuum
    * Positioning: commercial steam + suction category.
    * Notes: useful when moisture removal is essential.

===== Accessory checklist =====
  * Jet nozzle.
  * Nylon and brass brushes.
  * Grout tool.
  * Upholstery tool.
  * Squeegee.
  * Extension wands.
  * Floor tool with pads.
  * Detail brushes.
  * Carry bag or organized storage.
  * Replacement seals and gaskets.
  * Extra hose / extension options.

===== Buying rule =====
  * If you mainly want grout, tile, bathrooms, kitchens, and general detail work, buy a steam-only canister.
  * If you expect upholstery, carpets, or auto interiors with moisture removal, buy a steam-vacuum or extractor instead.
  * If you will carry it often and depend on it, prioritize fittings, hose quality, and replacement parts over raw steam specs.

===== Comparison Information =====

^ Category ^ Typical price band ^ Portability ^ Moisture removal ^ Best for ^ Notes ^
| Steam-only canister | $250-$600 | High | No | Grout, tile, kitchens, bathrooms, detail work | Best balance of mobility and usefulness for pro-sumer use. |
| Steam-only light commercial | $600-$1,000 | Medium | No | Frequent use, tougher jobs, better fittings | Worth it if you care about hose quality, accessories, and serviceability. |
| Steam-vacuum / steam extractor | $1,000+ | Medium to low | Yes | Upholstery, carpets, auto interiors, wet pickup | Different class of machine; more complex but better when drying matters. |
| Handheld steam cleaner | $50-$200 | Very high | No | Small spot jobs, quick touch-ups | Convenient, but usually not the main tool for serious field use. |
| Commercial detailing steam vacuum | $1,500+ | Low to medium | Yes | Professional auto/interior work | Stronger suction and recovery, but heavier and more expensive. |


^ If you need... ^ Best category ^ Why ^
| Simple steam cleaning on hard surfaces | Steam-only canister | Simpler, lighter, fewer failure points. |
| A carried-around tool with good attachments | Pro-consumer steam-only canister | Best mix of portability and utility. |
| Steam plus wet pickup | Steam-vacuum / extractor | Needed for upholstery, carpets, and drying control. |
| Maximum durability and pro-level use | Light commercial steam cleaner | Better fittings, runtime, and accessory support. |