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Karcher SC 1 Multi Review | 48 Data compared

Avg. price:~£80Steam pressure:3 barWater tank capacity:200 mlHeat-up time:30 seconds

Karcher SC 1 Multi Review: Compare 48 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Steam Cleaners category and whether it is worth buying.

5.4

Overall score

Score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components

80%

5.1

Technical Score

20%

6.7

User score

â–¼Worse than 86% of portable-steam-cleaners
5.1

Technical Score

Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category across these key areas: Performance, Tank, Accessories, Portability, Safety.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

65%

3.7

Performance

15%

7.6

Tank

10%

6.9

Accessories

6%

7.7

Portability

4%

9.0

Safety

â–¼Worse than 87% of portable-steam-cleaners
6.7

User score

User score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

User ratings

30%

6.2

Number of reviews

Based on 129 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 92% of portable-steam-cleaners
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Verdict

The Karcher SC 1 Multi is a highly compact, 1,300-watt portable steam cleaner designed for chemical-free sanitization, delivering 3.0 bar of maximum steam pressure to eliminate up to 99.999% of enveloped viruses and 99.99% of common household bacteria. Weighing just 1.6 kg without accessories, it features an integrated LED control panel, a 5-meter power cable, and a rapid 30-second heat-up time. Its primary advantages include excellent maneuverability, versatile 4-in-1 adaptability (functioning as both a handheld device and a steam mop), and a continuous-refill system supported by an automatic descaling cartridge. However, its main disadvantages are its small 200 ml water tank, which requires frequent refilling during larger cleaning tasks, and its occasional tendency to struggle against heavily embedded or deep-set stains.

Technical Specifications of portable steam cleaner Karcher SC 1 Multi

Technical Score
Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category across these key areas: Performance, Tank, Accessories, Portability, Safety.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

65%

3.7

Performance

15%

7.6

Tank

10%

6.9

Accessories

6%

7.7

Portability

4%

9.0

Safety

5.1
Karcher SC 1 Multi has a technical score of 5.1 points, which is lower than 87.2% of products in this category.
User score
User score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

User ratings

30%

6.2

Number of reviews

Based on 129 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
6.7
Karcher SC 1 Multi has a user score of 6.75 points, which is lower than 92.3% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Popularity:
Karcher SC 1 Multi has a popularity score of 6.2 points, which is higher than 48.7% of products in this category.
6.2
Karcher SC 1 Multi has a popularity score of 6.2 points, which is higher than 48.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components:

60%

5.4

Overall score

40%

7.0

Price

5.9
Karcher SC 1 Multi has a value-for-money score of 5.9 points, which is lower than 92.3% of products in this category.
Steam pressure
3 bar
Steam pressure
3 bar
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <3 bar – >4 bar
This portable steam cleaner has a steam pressure of 3 bar, which is lower than that of 61.1% of portable steam cleaners and matches that of 34.7% of portable steam cleaners.
Steam temperature
100 °C
Steam temperature
100 °C
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Market range: <100 °C – >135 °C
This portable steam cleaner has a steam temperature of 100 °C, which is lower than that of 76.8% of portable steam cleaners and matches that of 20.3% of portable steam cleaners.
Heat-up time
30 seconds
Heat-up time
30 seconds
â–² Better than 87% of models
Market range: <30 seconds – >240 seconds
This portable steam cleaner has a heat-up time of 30 seconds, which is shorter than that of 87% of portable steam cleaners and matches that of 7.8% of portable steam cleaners.
Continuous steam time
6 minutes
Continuous steam time
6 minutes
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <7 minutes – >20 minutes
This portable steam cleaner has a continuous steam time of 6 minutes, which is shorter than that of 94.6% of portable steam cleaners and matches that of 4.1% of portable steam cleaners.
Steam flow rate
33 g/min
Steam flow rate
33 g/min
â–² Better than 77% of models
Market range: <25 g/min – >40 g/min
This portable steam cleaner has a steam flow rate of 33 g/min, which is higher than that of 76.8% of portable steam cleaners and matches that of 3.6% of portable steam cleaners.
Show more
Power rating
1,300 W
Power rating
1,300 W
★ Better than 90% of models
Market range: <1k W – >1.3k W
This portable steam cleaner has a power rating of 1,300 W, which is higher than that of 89.7% of portable steam cleaners and matches that of 3.9% of portable steam cleaners.
Water tank capacity
200 ml
Water tank capacity
200 ml
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Market range: <200 ml – >450 ml
This portable steam cleaner has a water tank capacity of 200 ml, which is smaller than that of 87% of portable steam cleaners and matches that of 6.5% of portable steam cleaners.
Boiler capacity
200 ml
Boiler capacity
200 ml
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Market range: <250 ml – >450 ml
This portable steam cleaner has a boiler capacity of 200 ml, which is smaller than that of 89.5% of portable steam cleaners and matches that of 4% of portable steam cleaners.
Water fill method
removable water tank
Power cord length
5 m
Power cord length
5 m
â–² Better than 84% of models
Market range: <2.8 m – >5 m
This portable steam cleaner has a power cord length of 5 m, which is longer than that of 84% of portable steam cleaners and matches that of 14.7% of portable steam cleaners.
Show more
Accessory count
7
Accessory count
7
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Market range: <7 – >12
This portable steam cleaner includes 7 accessories, fewer than 84.6% of portable steam cleaners and the same number as 5.1% of portable steam cleaners.
Extension hose included
yes
Extension hose included
yes
â–² Better than 14% of models
This portable steam cleaner has an extension hose, as do 85.9% of portable steam cleaners.
Concentrator / jet nozzle
yes
Concentrator / jet nozzle
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This portable steam cleaner has a concentrator or jet nozzle, as do 93.6% of portable steam cleaners.
Detail brushes included
yes
Detail brushes included
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This portable steam cleaner has detail brushes, as do 93.6% of portable steam cleaners.
Brass brush included
no
Brass brush included
no
â–¼ Worse than 10% of models
This portable steam cleaner does not have a brass brush, unlike 10.3% of portable steam cleaners.
Show more
Weight
1.6 kg
Weight
1.6 kg
â–² Better than 53% of models
Market range: <1.18 kg – >2.08 kg
This portable steam cleaner weighs 1.6 kg, which is lighter than that of 52.6% of portable steam cleaners and matches that of 9.2% of portable steam cleaners.
Width
113 mm
Height
190 mm
Depth
345 mm
Carry handle
yes
Carry handle
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This portable steam cleaner has a carry handle, as do 98.7% of portable steam cleaners.
Show more
Child safety lock
yes
Child safety lock
yes
â–² Better than 12% of models
This portable steam cleaner has a child safety lock, as do 88.5% of portable steam cleaners.
Safety valve / safety cap
yes
Safety valve / safety cap
yes
â–² Better than 14% of models
This portable steam cleaner has a safety valve or safety cap, as do 85.9% of portable steam cleaners.
Trigger lock / continuous steam lock
no
Trigger lock / continuous steam lock
no
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
This portable steam cleaner does not have a trigger lock for continuous steam, unlike 21.8% of portable steam cleaners.
Auto shut-off
yes
Auto shut-off
yes
â–² Better than 42% of models
This portable steam cleaner has an auto shut-off, as do 57.7% of portable steam cleaners.
Steam stops automatically after about five minutes of continuous operation to protect the pump or heater.
Descaling system
yes
Descaling system
yes
★ Better than 95% of models
This portable steam cleaner has a descaling system, as do 5.1% of portable steam cleaners.
An integrated replaceable descaling cartridge treats incoming water.
Show more

Karcher SC 1 Multi vs the average portable steam cleaner

246810TotalPerformanceTankAccessoriesPortabilitySafety
  • 150 seconds shorter heat-up time
    Heat-up time
    30 seconds
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <30 seconds – >240 seconds
    This portable steam cleaner offers faster heat-up than the average portable steam cleaner (30 seconds vs 180 seconds).
    30 seconds vs 180 seconds
  • 2 m longer power cord
    Power cord length
    5 m
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <2.8 m – >5 m
    This portable steam cleaner has a longer power cord than the average portable steam cleaner (5 m vs 3 m).
    5 m vs 3 m
  • Continuous refill system
    Continuous refill system
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This portable steam cleaner has a continuous refill system, while the average portable steam cleaner does not have a continuous refill system.
  • 250 W higher power
    Steam pressure
    1,300 W bar
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <3 bar – >4 bar
    This portable steam cleaner offers more power than the average portable steam cleaner (1300 W vs 1050 W).
    1,300 W vs 1,050 W
  • Detachable water tank
    Detachable water tank
    yes
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This portable steam cleaner has a detachable water tank, while the average portable steam cleaner does not have a detachable water tank.
  • Water level indicator
    Water level indicator
    yes
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This portable steam cleaner has a water-level indicator, while the average portable steam cleaner does not have a water-level indicator.
  • Floor-cleaning kit included
    Floor-cleaning kit included
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This portable steam cleaner includes a floor-cleaning kit, while the average portable steam cleaner does not include a floor-cleaning kit.
  • 3 g/min higher steam flow rate
    Steam flow rate
    33 g/min
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <25 g/min – >40 g/min
    This portable steam cleaner has a higher steam flow rate than the average portable steam cleaner (33 g/min vs 30 g/min).
    33 g/min vs 30 g/min
  • 150 seconds shorter heat-up time
    Heat-up time
    30 seconds
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <30 seconds – >240 seconds
    This portable steam cleaner offers faster heat-up than the average portable steam cleaner (30 seconds vs 180 seconds).
    30 seconds vs 180 seconds
  • 3 g/min higher steam flow rate
    Steam flow rate
    33 g/min
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <25 g/min – >40 g/min
    This portable steam cleaner has a higher steam flow rate than the average portable steam cleaner (33 g/min vs 30 g/min).
    33 g/min vs 30 g/min
  • 2 m longer power cord
    Power cord length
    5 m
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <2.8 m – >5 m
    This portable steam cleaner has a longer power cord than the average portable steam cleaner (5 m vs 3 m).
    5 m vs 3 m
  • Continuous refill system
    Continuous refill system
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This portable steam cleaner has a continuous refill system, while the average portable steam cleaner does not have a continuous refill system.
  • 250 W higher power
    Steam pressure
    1,300 W bar
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <3 bar – >4 bar
    This portable steam cleaner offers more power than the average portable steam cleaner (1300 W vs 1050 W).
    1,300 W vs 1,050 W
  • Detachable water tank
    Detachable water tank
    yes
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This portable steam cleaner has a detachable water tank, while the average portable steam cleaner does not have a detachable water tank.
  • Water level indicator
    Water level indicator
    yes
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This portable steam cleaner has a water-level indicator, while the average portable steam cleaner does not have a water-level indicator.
  • Floor-cleaning kit included
    Floor-cleaning kit included
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This portable steam cleaner includes a floor-cleaning kit, while the average portable steam cleaner does not include a floor-cleaning kit.
  • Cord storage
    Cord wrap / cable storage
    yes
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This portable steam cleaner has cord storage, while the average portable steam cleaner does not have cord storage.
    A dedicated hook-and-loop cable tie counts as cable storage.
  • Newer release date
    Release date
    2024
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This portable steam cleaner was released later than the average portable steam cleaner (2024 vs 2021).
    Released in September 2024.
    2024 vs 2021
  • 4.8% lighter
    Heat-up time
    1.6 kg seconds
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <30 seconds – >240 seconds
    40% lighter: this portable steam cleaner is lighter than the average portable steam cleaner (1.6 kg vs 1.68 kg).
    1.6 kg vs 1.68 kg
  • Descaling system
    Descaling system
    yes
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    This portable steam cleaner has a descaling system, while the average portable steam cleaner does not have a descaling system.
    An integrated replaceable descaling cartridge treats incoming water.
  • 0.2 bar lower steam pressure
    Steam pressure
    3 bar
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <3 bar – >4 bar
    This portable steam cleaner offers weaker steam pressure than the average portable steam cleaner (3 bar vs 3.2 bar).
    3 bar vs 3.2 bar
  • 10 °C lower steam temperature
    Steam temperature
    100 °C
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <100 °C – >135 °C
    This portable steam cleaner offers cooler steam than the average portable steam cleaner (100 °C vs 110 °C).
    100 °C vs 110 °C
  • No on-demand steam trigger
    On-demand steam trigger
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    This portable steam cleaner does not have an on-demand steam trigger, while the average portable steam cleaner has an on-demand steam trigger.
  • 150 ml smaller water tank capacity
    Water tank capacity
    200 ml
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <200 ml – >450 ml
    This portable steam cleaner offers a smaller water tank than the average portable steam cleaner (200 ml vs 350 ml).
    200 ml vs 350 ml
  • 4 minutes shorter continuous steam time
    Continuous steam time
    6 minutes
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <7 minutes – >20 minutes
    This portable steam cleaner has a shorter continuous steam time than the average portable steam cleaner (6 minutes vs 10 minutes).
    6 minutes vs 10 minutes
  • 150 ml smaller boiler capacity
    Boiler capacity
    200 ml
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <250 ml – >450 ml
    This portable steam cleaner offers a smaller boiler capacity than the average portable steam cleaner (200 ml vs 350 ml).
    200 ml vs 350 ml
  • No window squeegee
    Window squeegee
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    This portable steam cleaner does not include a window squeegee, while the average portable steam cleaner includes a window squeegee.
  • 1 fewer microfiber cloths for the small brush
    Number of microfiber cloths for small brush
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This portable steam cleaner offers fewer microfiber cloths for the small brush than the average portable steam cleaner (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 18.6% lower user score
    User score
    6.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Karcher SC 1 Multi
    the average portable steam cleaner
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    Karcher SC 1 Multi has a lower user score than the average portable steam cleaner (6.75 vs 8.000).
    6.75 vs 8
  • 23.2% worse value for money
    Karcher SC 1 Multi offers worse value for money than the average portable steam cleaner (5.89 vs 7.3).
    5.89 vs 7.26
  • 2.29x more expensive
    Karcher SC 1 Multi is more expensive than the average portable steam cleaner (£80 vs £35).
    £80 vs £35
  • 0.2 bar lower steam pressure
    Steam pressure
    3 bar
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <3 bar – >4 bar
    This portable steam cleaner offers weaker steam pressure than the average portable steam cleaner (3 bar vs 3.2 bar).
    3 bar vs 3.2 bar
  • 10 °C lower steam temperature
    Steam temperature
    100 °C
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <100 °C – >135 °C
    This portable steam cleaner offers cooler steam than the average portable steam cleaner (100 °C vs 110 °C).
    100 °C vs 110 °C
  • No on-demand steam trigger
    On-demand steam trigger
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    This portable steam cleaner does not have an on-demand steam trigger, while the average portable steam cleaner has an on-demand steam trigger.
  • 4 minutes shorter continuous steam time
    Continuous steam time
    6 minutes
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <7 minutes – >20 minutes
    This portable steam cleaner has a shorter continuous steam time than the average portable steam cleaner (6 minutes vs 10 minutes).
    6 minutes vs 10 minutes
  • 150 ml smaller water tank capacity
    Water tank capacity
    200 ml
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <200 ml – >450 ml
    This portable steam cleaner offers a smaller water tank than the average portable steam cleaner (200 ml vs 350 ml).
    200 ml vs 350 ml
  • 150 ml smaller boiler capacity
    Boiler capacity
    200 ml
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <250 ml – >450 ml
    This portable steam cleaner offers a smaller boiler capacity than the average portable steam cleaner (200 ml vs 350 ml).
    200 ml vs 350 ml
  • No window squeegee
    Window squeegee
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    This portable steam cleaner does not include a window squeegee, while the average portable steam cleaner includes a window squeegee.
  • 1 fewer microfiber cloths for the small brush
    Number of microfiber cloths for small brush
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This portable steam cleaner offers fewer microfiber cloths for the small brush than the average portable steam cleaner (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • No measuring cup
    Measuring cup included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    This portable steam cleaner does not include a measuring cup, while the average portable steam cleaner includes a measuring cup.
    The removable tank is filled directly, so no measuring cup is included.
  • No funnel
    Funnel included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    This portable steam cleaner does not include a funnel, while the average portable steam cleaner includes a funnel.
    The removable tank is filled directly, so no funnel is included.
  • 2 fewer accessories
    Steam pressure
    7 bar
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <3 bar – >4 bar
    This portable steam cleaner offers fewer accessories than the average portable steam cleaner (7 vs 9).
    7 vs 9

Graphic comparison of Karcher SC 1 Multi and other products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category

No results found

Third-party reviews

Based on 129 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What customers like about Karcher SC 1 Multi?

  • Extremely rapid heat-up time, ready to use in about 30 seconds
  • Highly versatile 4-in-1 design that transitions easily from a handheld steamer to an upright floor mop
  • Removable water tank that can be refilled continuously without waiting for the unit to cool down
  • Compact, lightweight (around 1.6 kg), and easy to store in small spaces or drawers
  • Effective at eco-friendly, chemical-free deep cleaning and sanitization on surfaces like grout, tiles, and hobs
  • Includes an integrated, replaceable descaling cartridge to prevent limescale buildup automatically
  • Clear LED display and control panel that clearly shows the device's operational mode

What customers dislike about Karcher SC 1 Multi?

  • Small water tank capacity (200 ml) which requires frequent refilling during larger cleaning tasks
  • Can struggle with heavily baked-on grease, thick oil stains, or deep-set hard water limescale
  • Operating the steam trigger can require constant physical pressure, causing thumb fatigue during long sessions
  • The power cable (typically 4 to 5 meters) can feel short when using the device in larger rooms, necessitating frequent outlet changes
  • Can occasionally emit water droplets or leave surfaces overly wet instead of producing pure dry steam
  • The bulkiness of the main handheld housing can make it awkward to maneuver in exceptionally tight crevices

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Compare Karcher SC 1 Multi with other products in the Portable Steam Cleaners category

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