Bissell’s Revolution HydroSteam carpet cleaner was the hands-down favorite of a half-dozen cleaners we spoke with for this piece. 

“Unlike many machines marketed as "steam" cleaners, the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam Carpet Cleaner actually produces real steam, which makes a significant difference in lifting stubborn, set-in stains like wine and pet accidents,” says Sofia Martinez, cleaning expert and CEO of Sparkly Maid Austin. 

It’s no surprise it’s a favorite steam cleaner for her and other cleaning professionals. 

“The best steam cleaner for carpets and upholstery I’d recommend is the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam Upright Carpet Cleaner,” Petya Holevich of Fantastic Services cleaning company says. 

Cleaning pro Erik Liang, founder and managing owner of Crystal Clean Sydney, agrees. The use of steam and extraction at the same time make the machine capable of a top-tier clean.

 “From my own experience in domestic cleaning, I find using steam alone or using extraction alone doesn’t completely clean deep-down fabric deposits, but this does the job adequately for both,” he says. “For instance, I've seen it remove stains from upholstery without wetting the material excessively, which is important for quicker drying.” 

This steamer is especially effective when tackling tough, set-in messes, like dirt ground into rugs and stairs, says Liang. “The combination of steam and extraction makes fabrics clean rather than simply sanitised.” 

“I like it because its HydroSteam technology actually loosens and lifts stubborn, sticky stains that many traditional carpet cleaners can't handle, and you don’t have to spend extra time pre‑treating high‑traffic areas or upholstery,” adds Holevich. “In my experience, a genuine steam function makes a noticeable difference in how deep the clean is, especially when you’re working on pet urine or food spills on sofas and carpets.” 

Plus, that flexibility extends beyond carpets.

“It also includes specialized tools for pet hair removal on upholstery and handles both fresh and dried messes without requiring multiple passes. For a machine that's practical for both residential clients and professional use, this is the one we consistently reach for,” Martinez says.

Though Sydney-based Maid for You typically uses large truck-mount units for professional cleaning, Aziz says there’s one small steamer her team relies on. 

“We tend to use a few products from the Bissell range. In particular the Bissell® Big Green® PET PRO Carpet Cleaner with 8 Row XL DirtLifter PowerBrush,” she says. “It's probably best in class considering its price point.”

While it might not be powerful enough for tough commercial jobs, it ticks the boxes for a reliable at-home machine. 

“It does the job as best it can for a smaller, portable carpet cleaner. It has a larger water tank than other machines on the market and really can make carpets and rugs appear brand new,” Aziz says.

“The Kärcher SC 3 EasyFix Extra provides the necessary pressure to clean carpets and upholstery using steam rather than chemicals, which makes it perfect for an eco-friendly cleaning philosophy,” says Sofia Martinez, cleaning expert and CEO of Sparkly Maid Austin. 

It’s really a do-it-all workhorse, thanks to the easy adjustability of its pressure, she says. In fact, it’s so good, it’s the steamer her cleaning company uses for their own clients. 

“With the 3.5-bar steam pressure and adjustable options, we can adjust how much pressure we're applying, depending on whether we are cleaning a delicate fabric or a dirty floor tile and grout. That means that we no longer have to carry around multiple machines and switch back and forth when cleaning different areas of the home or business,” she says. 

Plus, when it comes to cleaning floors, the machine makes the job way faster, minus the elbow grease: “Its washable mop heads, along with the extra-long power cord, allow for less repositioning, and the powerful steam output will blast away dirt, grime, and stains in just one pass where multiple applications would be required when cleaning with traditional method,” says Martinez. “In my experience as a cleaning expert, the Kärcher SC 3 EasyFix Extra has saved us time when cleaning carpets and upholstery, exceeded client expectations, passed repeat inspection scrutiny.” 

Plus, the included accessories mean you can get every job knocked out without extra purchases. “The accessories included with the Kärcher SC 3 EasyFix cover all the bases, from a round brush to remove grease from kitchen appliances to a carpet glider and a window tool,” says Martinez.

“I like this unit because it combines powerful suction with a steam cleaning function in a compact and lightweight design that’s much easier to use than any big upright machines, especially on sofas, car seats, stairs and area rugs,” says Luis Toja, Fantastic Services carpet and upholstery cleaning expert. |For everyday maintenance of upholstery and small carpeted areas, this combination of suction and steam is very effective and easier to use than most traditional steam-only units and it saves time without sacrificing quality.”

Part of its charm is its multi-moded cleaning system, which gives you a bespoke clean for whatever you’re tackling, great for when you don’t quite know what kind of mess the day might bring. 

“Its multiple cleaning modes include special steam and sanitization settings, which let you tailor how deep you want to clean different fabrics without moving around a bulky machine,” he says. ”This makes it especially useful in homes with pets or kids.”

Plus, it comes with all the tools you need for the job. “The inclusion of different brushes and a flexible hose means you can clean set-in stains and tight corners with precision that many larger cleaners can’t reach. That really makes a difference in overall cleanliness,” Toja says.

One of the top-rated steam cleaners on Amazon, and one that’s also, happily, frequently on sale for well under $100, Bissell’s Little Green Mini is a fantastically portable and budget-friendly steam cleaner for deep cleans and messes at home. 

“I'm in love with the Bissell Little Green Mini for at home use cleaning upholstery and carpets,” Tidy Casa’s Knoll says. “I have one myself. It's easy to use and store, and always gets the job done—can't ask for more in an upholstery cleaner.”