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Karcher SC 1 Review | 61 Data compared

Avg. price:~£70Heat-up time:180 secondsPower rating:1200 WWeight:1 kg

Karcher SC 1 Review: Compare 61 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Steam Cleaners category and whether it is worth buying.

6.1

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the 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 Steam Cleaners category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

80%

5.6

Technical Score

20%

8.1

User score

â–¼Worse than 95% of steam-cleaners
5.6

Technical Score

Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Steam Cleaners category across these key areas: Performance, Tank, Versatility, Accessories, Design, Safety.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Steam Cleaners category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

28%

4.4

Performance

24%

2.6

Tank

21%

9.3

Versatility

10%

6.5

Accessories

9%

6.8

Design

8%

6.9

Safety

â–¼Worse than 94% of steam-cleaners
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Steam Cleaners category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the 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–² Better than 59% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

8.8

Number of reviews

Based on 3,072 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–²Better than 59% of 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 is a compact, chemical-free handheld steam cleaner featuring a 1200-watt heating output, a 0.2-litre water tank, and a maximum steam pressure of 3 bar. Main characteristics and pros include its exceptionally lightweight 1.6 kg design, an area performance of up to 20 m² per tank filling, an integrated child safety lock, and its proven ability to eliminate up to 99.99% of common household bacteria using only tap water. However, major cons include a small 200 ml tank capacity that requires frequent refills for extended cleaning sessions, a relatively long 3-minute heat-up time, and the lack of variable steam settings.

Technical Specifications of steam cleaner Karcher SC 1

Technical Score
Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Steam Cleaners category across these key areas: Performance, Tank, Versatility, Accessories, Design, Safety.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Steam Cleaners category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components:

28%

4.4

Performance

24%

2.6

Tank

21%

9.3

Versatility

10%

6.5

Accessories

9%

6.8

Design

8%

6.9

Safety

5.6
Karcher SC 1 has a technical score of 5.6 points, which is lower than 94.4% of products in this category.
User score
User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Steam Cleaners category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the 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–² Better than 59% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

8.8

Number of reviews

Based on 3,072 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.
8.1
Karcher SC 1 has a user score of 8.1 points, which is higher than 58.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Steam Cleaners category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Steam Cleaners category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Popularity:
Karcher SC 1 has a popularity score of 8.8 points, which is higher than 74.8% of products in this category.
8.8
Karcher SC 1 has a popularity score of 8.8 points, which is higher than 74.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Steam Cleaners category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the 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 87% of models
Score components:

60%

6.1

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.3
Karcher SC 1 has a value-for-money score of 7.3 points, which is lower than 86% of products in this category.
Steam pressure
3 bar
Steam pressure
3 bar
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Market range: <3 bar – >5 bar
This steam cleaner has a steam pressure of 3 bar, which is lower than that of 77.3% of steam cleaners and matches that of 14.8% of steam cleaners.
Steam temperature
100 °C
Steam temperature
100 °C
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Market range: <95 °C – >160 °C
This steam cleaner has a steam temperature of 100 °C, which is lower than that of 63.1% of steam cleaners and matches that of 30% of steam cleaners.
Steam flow rate
35 g/min
Steam flow rate
35 g/min
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Market range: <24 g/min – >110 g/min
This steam cleaner has a steam flow rate of 35 g/min, which is lower than that of 65.7% of steam cleaners and matches that of 1.4% of steam cleaners.
Heat-up time
180 seconds
Heat-up time
180 seconds
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
Market range: <15 seconds – >540 seconds
This steam cleaner has a heat-up time of 180 seconds, which is longer than that of 50.4% of steam cleaners and matches that of 9.1% of steam cleaners.
Continuous steam time
?
Show more
Cordless
no
Cordless
no
â–¼ Worse than 4% of models
This steam cleaner is corded only, unlike 4.2% of steam cleaners.
Action radius
4.2 m
Action radius
4.2 m
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Market range: <5 m – >8.5 m
This steam cleaner has an action radius of 4.2 m, which is shorter than that of 93.3% of steam cleaners and matches that of 0.8% of steam cleaners.
Stainless steel boiler
no
Stainless steel boiler
no
â–¼ Worse than 23% of models
This steam cleaner does not have a stainless steel boiler, unlike 22.5% of steam cleaners.
Power rating
1,200 W
Power rating
1,200 W
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Market range: <1.1k W – >2.1k W
This steam cleaner has a power rating of 1,200 W, which is lower than that of 83.9% of steam cleaners and matches that of 4.2% of steam cleaners.
Water tank capacity
200 ml
Water tank capacity
200 ml
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Market range: <300 ml – >1.9k ml
This steam cleaner has a water tank capacity of 200 ml, which is smaller than that of 93.3% of steam cleaners and matches that of 5% of steam cleaners.
Show more
Suitable for allergy sufferers
yes
Suitable for allergy sufferers
yes
â–² Better than 8% of models
This steam cleaner is suitable for allergy sufferers, as are 91.6% of steam cleaners.
Product type
handheld steam cleaner
Convertible handheld design
yes
Convertible handheld design
yes
â–² Better than 83% of models
This steam cleaner has a convertible handheld design, as do 17.5% of steam cleaners.
Steam vacuum function
no
Steam vacuum function
no
â–¼ Worse than 13% of models
This steam cleaner does not have a steam vacuum function, unlike 12.6% of steam cleaners.
Floor nozzle type
Rectangular floor head
Show more
Accessory count
7
Accessory count
7
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <4 – >17
This steam cleaner includes 7 accessories, which is fewer than the number included with 65.5% of steam cleaners and the same as the number included with 4.2% of steam cleaners.
Mop pads included
1
Mop pads included
1
â–¼ Worse than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This steam cleaner includes 1 mop pad, which is more than the number included with 12.6% of steam cleaners and the same as the number included with 52.5% of steam cleaners.
Carpet glider included
no
Carpet glider included
no
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
This steam cleaner does not have a carpet glider, unlike 31.5% of steam cleaners.
Extension tubes / wands
yes
Extension tubes / wands
yes
â–² Better than 44% of models
This steam cleaner has extension tubes or wands, as do 55.9% of steam cleaners.
Extension hose
no
Extension hose
no
â–¼ Worse than 20% of models
This steam cleaner does not have an extension hose, unlike 19.6% of steam cleaners.
Show more
Wheels
no
Wheels
no
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
This steam cleaner does not have wheels, unlike 55.9% of steam cleaners.
Volume
6.912 L
Volume
6.912 L
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <16.224 L – >84.378 L
This steam cleaner has an external volume of 6.912 L.
Weight
1 kg
Weight
1 kg
★ Better than 91% of models
Market range: <1.18 kg – >7 kg
This steam cleaner weighs 1 kg, which is lighter than 90.9% of steam cleaners and the same weight as 9.1% of steam cleaners.
Width
120 mm
Height
180 mm
Show more
Child safety lock
yes
Child safety lock
yes
â–² Better than 41% of models
This steam cleaner has a child safety lock, as do 59.4% of steam cleaners.
Safety valve / safety cap
yes
Safety valve / safety cap
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This steam cleaner has a safety valve or safety cap, as do 60.1% of steam cleaners.
Auto shut-off
no
Auto shut-off
no
â–¼ Worse than 13% of models
This steam cleaner does not have automatic shut-off, unlike 13.3% of steam cleaners.
Trigger lock / continuous steam lock
no
Trigger lock / continuous steam lock
no
â–¼ Worse than 27% of models
This steam cleaner does not have a trigger lock for continuous steam, unlike 26.6% of steam cleaners.
Descaling system
no
Descaling system
no
â–¼ Worse than 26% of models
This steam cleaner does not have a descaling system, unlike 25.9% of steam cleaners.
Show more

Karcher SC 1 vs the average steam cleaner

246810TotalPerformanceTankVersatilityAccessoriesDesignSafety
  • 74.4% lighter
    Weight
    1 kg
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <1.18 kg – >7 kg
    40% lighter: this steam cleaner is lighter than the average steam cleaner (1 kg vs 3.91 kg).
    1 kg vs 3.91 kg
  • Convertible handheld design
    Convertible handheld design
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This steam cleaner has a convertible handheld design, while the average steam cleaner does not have a convertible handheld design.
  • 85.7% cheaper
    Karcher SC 1 is cheaper than the average steam cleaner (£70 vs £130).
    £70 vs £130
  • 17.3% more popular
    Karcher SC 1 is more popular than the average steam cleaner (8.81 vs 7.5).
    8.81 vs 7.51
  • 1.2% higher user score
    User score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Steam Cleaners category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the 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
    the average steam cleaner
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Karcher SC 1 has a higher user score than the average steam cleaner (8.10 vs 8.004).
    8.1 vs 8
  • 85.7% cheaper
    Karcher SC 1 is cheaper than the average steam cleaner (£70 vs £130).
    £70 vs £130
  • 17.3% more popular
    Karcher SC 1 is more popular than the average steam cleaner (8.81 vs 7.5).
    8.81 vs 7.51
  • 1.2% higher user score
    User score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Steam Cleaners category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the 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
    the average steam cleaner
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Karcher SC 1 has a higher user score than the average steam cleaner (8.10 vs 8.004).
    8.1 vs 8
  • Convertible handheld design
    Convertible handheld design
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This steam cleaner has a convertible handheld design, while the average steam cleaner does not have a convertible handheld design.
  • 74.4% lighter
    Weight
    1 kg
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <1.18 kg – >7 kg
    40% lighter: this steam cleaner is lighter than the average steam cleaner (1 kg vs 3.91 kg).
    1 kg vs 3.91 kg
  • No continuous refill system
    Continuous refill system
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have a continuous refill system, while the average steam cleaner has a continuous refill system.
  • 1 bar lower steam pressure
    Steam pressure
    3 bar
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <3 bar – >5 bar
    This steam cleaner has a lower steam pressure than the average steam cleaner (3 bar vs 4 bar).
    3 bar vs 4 bar
  • 600 ml smaller water tank capacity
    Water tank capacity
    200 ml
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <300 ml – >1.9k ml
    This steam cleaner has a smaller water tank capacity than the average steam cleaner (200 ml vs 800 ml).
    200 ml vs 800 ml
  • 35 °C lower steam temperature
    Steam temperature
    100 °C
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <95 °C – >160 °C
    This steam cleaner has a lower steam temperature than the average steam cleaner (100 °C vs 135 °C).
    100 °C vs 135 °C
  • No adjustable steam output
    Adjustable steam output
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have adjustable steam output, while the average steam cleaner has adjustable steam output.
  • Cannot be parked upright
    Self-standing / parking position
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This steam cleaner cannot stand upright for parking, while the average steam cleaner can stand upright for parking.
  • No water-level indicator
    Water level indicator
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have a water-level indicator, while the average steam cleaner has a water-level indicator.
  • 2.8 m shorter action radius
    Action radius
    4.2 m
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <5 m – >8.5 m
    This steam cleaner has a shorter action radius than the average steam cleaner (4.2 m vs 7 m).
    4.2 m vs 7 m
  • 9.5% worse value for money
    Karcher SC 1 offers worse value for money than the average steam cleaner (7.28 vs 8).
    7.28 vs 7.97
  • 1 bar lower steam pressure
    Steam pressure
    3 bar
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <3 bar – >5 bar
    This steam cleaner has a lower steam pressure than the average steam cleaner (3 bar vs 4 bar).
    3 bar vs 4 bar
  • 35 °C lower steam temperature
    Steam temperature
    100 °C
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <95 °C – >160 °C
    This steam cleaner has a lower steam temperature than the average steam cleaner (100 °C vs 135 °C).
    100 °C vs 135 °C
  • No adjustable steam output
    Adjustable steam output
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have adjustable steam output, while the average steam cleaner has adjustable steam output.
  • No steam-ready indicator
    Steam ready indicator
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have a steam-ready indicator, while the average steam cleaner has a steam-ready indicator.
  • 5 g/min lower steam flow rate
    Steam flow rate
    35 g/min
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <24 g/min – >110 g/min
    This steam cleaner has a lower steam flow rate than the average steam cleaner (35 g/min vs 40 g/min).
    35 g/min vs 40 g/min
  • 1 fewer steam levels
    Steam levels
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <2 – >5
    This steam cleaner offers fewer steam levels than the average steam cleaner (1 vs 2).
    1 vs 2
  • 30 seconds longer heat-up time
    Heat-up time
    180 seconds
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    Market range: <15 seconds – >540 seconds
    This steam cleaner has a longer heat-up time than the average steam cleaner (180 seconds vs 150 seconds).
    180 seconds vs 150 seconds
  • No continuous refill system
    Continuous refill system
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have a continuous refill system, while the average steam cleaner has a continuous refill system.
  • 600 ml smaller water tank capacity
    Water tank capacity
    200 ml
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <300 ml – >1.9k ml
    This steam cleaner has a smaller water tank capacity than the average steam cleaner (200 ml vs 800 ml).
    200 ml vs 800 ml
  • No water-level indicator
    Water level indicator
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have a water-level indicator, while the average steam cleaner has a water-level indicator.
  • 2.8 m shorter action radius
    Action radius
    4.2 m
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <5 m – >8.5 m
    This steam cleaner has a shorter action radius than the average steam cleaner (4.2 m vs 7 m).
    4.2 m vs 7 m
  • 800 ml smaller boiler capacity
    Boiler capacity
    200 ml
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <200 ml – >1.8k ml
    This steam cleaner has a smaller boiler capacity than the average steam cleaner (200 ml vs 1000 ml).
    200 ml vs 1,000 ml
  • 1 m shorter power cord
    Power cord length
    4 m
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <4 m – >7.5 m
    This steam cleaner has a shorter power cord than the average steam cleaner (4 m vs 5 m).
    4 m vs 5 m
  • 300 W lower power rating
    Power rating
    1,200 W
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <1.1k W – >2.1k W
    This steam cleaner has a lower power rating than the average steam cleaner (1200 W vs 1500 W).
    1,200 W vs 1,500 W
  • No scraper / grout tool
    Scraper / grout tool
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have a scraper or grout tool, while the average steam cleaner has a scraper or grout tool.
  • 2 fewer accessories
    Accessory count
    7
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <4 – >17
    This steam cleaner includes fewer accessories than the average steam cleaner (7 vs 9).
    7 vs 9
  • Cannot be parked upright
    Self-standing / parking position
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This steam cleaner cannot stand upright for parking, while the average steam cleaner can stand upright for parking.
  • No wheels
    Wheels
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have wheels, while the average steam cleaner has wheels.
  • 2 years older
    Release date
    2015
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This steam cleaner was released earlier than the average steam cleaner.
    2,015 vs 2,018

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

No results found

Third-party reviews

Based on 3,072 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?

  • Lightweight and highly compact design making it easy to store in tight spaces
  • Heats up quickly, with newer models ready in 30 seconds and older versions in 3 minutes
  • Cleans and sanitizes efficiently using only water without requiring harsh chemicals
  • Versatile 4-in-1 application functioning well as both a handheld unit and a floor steam mop
  • Comes with a useful variety of accessories and extension tubes for hard-to-reach areas

What customers dislike about Karcher SC 1?

  • Small water tank capacity of 200ml that requires highly frequent refilling
  • Refilling is slow due to long cooldown wait times required for safety valve depressurization on certain versions
  • Lacks a dedicated on/off button on base models, requiring users to pull the main plug to power it down
  • Holding down the manual steam trigger continuously can cause thumb fatigue over time
  • Struggles to remove deep-set, heavily incrusted grime or thick limescale stains without additional manual scrubbing

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

E
expertreviews.co.uk
12/05/2016
Summary of the review
Karcher SC1 Steam Stick review
B
belfastlive.co.uk
09/03/2024
Summary of the review
Review: Kärcher's SC1 upright steam cleaner gets a fresh start
M
mumsnet.com
23/12/2014
Summary of the review
Kärcher SC1 Steam Stick - Review thread - non testers

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