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Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner Review | 61 Data compared

Avg. price:~£60Heat-up time:180 secondsPower rating:1200 WWeight:1 kg

Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner 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.

6.4

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 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 88% of models
Score components

80%

6.0

Technical Score

20%

7.8

User score

â–¼Worse than 88% of steam-cleaners
6.0

Technical Score

Technical score
6.0/ 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 88% of models
Score components

28%

5.5

Performance

24%

3.2

Tank

21%

9.2

Versatility

10%

4.9

Accessories

9%

7.6

Design

8%

6.9

Safety

â–¼Worse than 88% of steam-cleaners
7.8

User score

User score
7.8/ 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–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

7.5

Number of reviews

Based on 577 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 67% 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, handheld steam cleaner designed for chemical-free deep sanitization of household hard surfaces, operating with a 1200-watt motor and generating a powerful 3.0-bar steam pressure to eliminate up to 99.99% of common household bacteria. Main characteristics and pros include its exceptionally lightweight 1.6 kg frame, integrated child safety lock, an EasyFix floor kit for versatile multi-surface cleaning, and an area coverage of approximately 20 m² per tank fill. However, its main cons are a very small 200 ml water tank capacity that requires frequent refills for larger tasks, a relatively long 3-minute heat-up time, and an inability to tackle deep-set, stubborn stains effectively.

Technical Specifications of steam cleaner Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner

Technical Score
Technical score
6.0/ 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 88% of models
Score components:

28%

5.5

Performance

24%

3.2

Tank

21%

9.2

Versatility

10%

4.9

Accessories

9%

7.6

Design

8%

6.9

Safety

6.0
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a technical score of 6 points, which is lower than 88.1% of products in this category.
User score
User score
7.8/ 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–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

7.5

Number of reviews

Based on 577 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.
7.8
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a user score of 7.85 points, which is lower than 67.1% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
7.5/ 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–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Popularity:
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a popularity score of 7.5 points, which is higher than 48.3% of products in this category.
7.5
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a popularity score of 7.5 points, which is higher than 48.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
7.4/ 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 85% of models
Score components:

60%

6.4

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.4
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a value-for-money score of 7.4 points, which is lower than 80.4% 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
?
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
6 minutes
Continuous steam time
6 minutes
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Market range: <11.5 minutes – >50 minutes
This steam cleaner has a continuous steam time of 6 minutes, which is shorter than that of 93.9% of steam cleaners and matches that of 1.5% of steam cleaners.
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
?
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
5
Accessory count
5
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Market range: <4 – >17
This steam cleaner includes 5 accessories, which is fewer than the number included with 73.2% of steam cleaners and the same as the number included with 8.5% 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
7.583 L
Volume
7.583 L
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <16.224 L – >84.378 L
This steam cleaner has an external volume of 7.583 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
127 mm
Height
186 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 Steam Cleaner 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.
  • 2 years newer
    Release date
    2023
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This steam cleaner was released more recently than the average steam cleaner.
    2,023 vs 2,018
  • 2.17x cheaper
    Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner is cheaper than the average steam cleaner (£60 vs £130).
    £60 vs £130
  • 2.17x cheaper
    Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner is cheaper than the average steam cleaner (£60 vs £130).
    £60 vs £130
  • 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
  • 2 years newer
    Release date
    2023
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This steam cleaner was released more recently than the average steam cleaner.
    2,023 vs 2,018
  • 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 upholstery / fabric tool
    Upholstery / fabric tool
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have an upholstery or fabric tool, while the average steam cleaner has an upholstery or fabric tool.
  • 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.
  • 14 minutes shorter continuous steam time
    Continuous steam time
    6 minutes
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <11.5 minutes – >50 minutes
    This steam cleaner has a shorter continuous steam time than the average steam cleaner (6 minutes vs 20 minutes).
    6 minutes vs 20 minutes
  • 7.1% worse value for money
    Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner offers worse value for money than the average steam cleaner (7.45 vs 8).
    7.45 vs 7.97
  • 2% lower user score
    User score
    7.8/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner
    the average steam cleaner
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a lower user score than the average steam cleaner (7.85 vs 8.004).
    7.85 vs 8
  • 0.6% less popular
    Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner is less popular than the average steam cleaner (7.47 vs 7.5).
    7.47 vs 7.51
  • 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
  • 14 minutes shorter continuous steam time
    Continuous steam time
    6 minutes
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <11.5 minutes – >50 minutes
    This steam cleaner has a shorter continuous steam time than the average steam cleaner (6 minutes vs 20 minutes).
    6 minutes vs 20 minutes
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 0.5 cm narrower cleaning width
    Cleaning width
    30 cm
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <27 cm – >37.8 cm
    This steam cleaner has a narrower cleaning width than the average steam cleaner (30 cm vs 30.5 cm).
    30 cm vs 30.5 cm
  • No upholstery / fabric tool
    Upholstery / fabric tool
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have an upholstery or fabric tool, while the average steam cleaner has an upholstery or fabric tool.
  • 4 fewer accessories
    Accessory count
    5
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <4 – >17
    This steam cleaner includes fewer accessories than the average steam cleaner (5 vs 9).
    5 vs 9
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

No results found

Third-party reviews

Based on 577 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 Steam Cleaner?

  • Lightweight and compact design makes it highly portable and easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces
  • Rapid heat-up time means you don't have to wait long to start cleaning
  • Chemical-free cleaning using only tap water, which is safe for families, pets, and the environment
  • Highly effective at removing stubborn grease, lime scale, soap scum, and everyday dirt from hard surfaces like tiles, hobs, and showers
  • Easy to operate with a straightforward trigger mechanism and simple attachments

What customers dislike about Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner?

  • Small water tank capacity requires frequent refilling, which limits its use for large cleaning areas
  • Continuous use can be slightly tiring on the hand as you have to hold the steam trigger down manually
  • Power cord is relatively short, meaning you often need to use an extension lead to cover a room or move across areas
  • Takes time and effort to tackle extremely heavy build-ups, such as deep oven grime or outdoor dirt

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
G
getreading.co.uk
09/03/2024
Summary of the review
Review: Kärcher's SC1 upright steam cleaner gets a fresh start

Video reviews

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

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

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