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Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner Review | 61 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£60
Steam pressure: 3 bar
Heat-up time: 180 seconds
Power rating: 1,200 W
Water tank capacity: 200 ml
Weight: 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.

6.7

Good

6.5

Good

7.6

Very good

7.1
Hard-floor cleaning
Score components:
30.0%
4.0
Rotating / motorized pads
25.0%
10
Swivel / flexible floor head
20.0%
7.9
Heat-up time
15.0%
10
Weight
10.0%
2.8
Power rating
6.1
Upholstery cleaning
Score components:
30.0%
4.0
Upholstery / fabric tool
25.0%
4.0
Extension hose
20.0%
7.9
Heat-up time
15.0%
10
Weight
10.0%
?
Accessory count
8.5
Grout cleaning
Score components:
30.0%
10
Jet nozzle
25.0%
10
Detail brushes included
20.0%
4.0
Extension hose
15.0%
7.9
Heat-up time
10.0%
10
Weight
8.0
Car-interior cleaning
Score components:
25.0%
4.0
Extension hose
20.0%
10
Jet nozzle
15.0%
10
Detail brushes included
15.0%
7.9
Heat-up time
15.0%
10
Weight
10.0%
?
Accessory count

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#25 in Best Karcher Steam Cleaners
#29 in Best Handheld Steam Cleaners
#56 in Best Cheap Steam Cleaners
#92 in Best Steam Cleaners for Sofas and Upholstery
#93 in Best Steam Cleaners for Tiles
#94 in Best Steam Cleaners for Grout
#122 in Best Steam Cleaners

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

Overall score

6.7

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Popularity

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.

Performance

5.9

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Steam pressure

What it is: Measures the steam pressure of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by steam pressure.

Importance: HIGH

Steam temperature

What it is: Measures the steam temperature of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by steam temperature.

Importance: HIGH

Steam flow rate

What it is: Measures the steam flow rate of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by steam flow rate.

Importance: HIGH

?

Heat-up time

What it is: Measures the heat-up time of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by heat-up time.

Importance: MEDIUM

Continuous steam time

What it is: Measures the continuous steam time of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by continuous steam time.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Tank

4.0

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Cordless

What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has cordless.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by cordless.

Importance: LOW

Action radius

What it is: Measures the action radius of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by action radius.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

Stainless steel boiler

What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has stainless steel boiler.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by stainless steel boiler.

Importance: LOW

Power rating

What it is: Measures the power rating of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by power rating.

Importance: LOW

Water tank capacity

What it is: Measures the water tank capacity of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by water tank capacity.

Importance: HIGH

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Versatility

9.2

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Suitable for allergy sufferers

What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has suitable for allergy sufferers.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by suitable for allergy sufferers.

Importance: MEDIUM

Product type

What it is: Describes the product type of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by product type.

Importance: LOW

handheld steam cleaner

Convertible handheld design

What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has convertible handheld design.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by convertible handheld design.

Importance: LOW

Steam vacuum function

What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has steam vacuum function.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by steam vacuum function.

Importance: LOW

Floor nozzle type

What it is: Describes the floor nozzle type of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by floor nozzle type.

Importance: LOW

Rectangular floor head

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Accessories

6.5

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Accessory count

What it is: Measures the accessory count of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by accessory count.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

Mop pads included

What it is: Measures the mop pads included of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by mop pads included.

Importance: LOW

Carpet glider included

What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has carpet glider included.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by carpet glider included.

Importance: LOW

Extension tubes / wands

What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has extension tubes / wands.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by extension tubes / wands.

Importance: LOW

Extension hose

What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has extension hose.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by extension hose.

Importance: LOW

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Design

7.8

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Wheels

What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has wheels.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by wheels.

Importance: LOW

Volume

What it is: Measures the volume of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by volume.

Importance: LOW

Weight

What it is: Measures the weight of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by weight.

Importance: MEDIUM

Width

What it is: Measures the width of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by width.

Importance: LOW

Height

What it is: Measures the height of the steam cleaner.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by height.

Importance: LOW

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Safety

7.3

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Child safety lock

What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has child safety lock.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by child safety lock.

Importance: LOW

Safety valve / safety cap

What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has safety valve / safety cap.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by safety valve / safety cap.

Importance: LOW

Auto shut-off

What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has auto shut-off.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by auto shut-off.

Importance: LOW

Trigger lock / continuous steam lock

What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has trigger lock / continuous steam lock.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by trigger lock / continuous steam lock.

Importance: LOW

Descaling system

What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has descaling system.

When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by descaling system.

Importance: LOW

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Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner vs the average steam cleaner

Why is Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner better than the average steam cleaner?

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3 kg lighter
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner weighs less than the average steam cleaner (1 kg vs 4 kg).
What it is: Measures the weight of the steam cleaner.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by weight.
Importance: MEDIUM
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner weighs less than the average steam cleaner (1 kg vs 4 kg).1 kg vs 4 kg
Convertible handheld design
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a convertible handheld design, while the average steam cleaner does not.
What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has convertible handheld design.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by convertible handheld design.
Importance: LOW
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a convertible handheld design, while the average steam cleaner does not.
144 mm shorter
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner is shorter than the average steam cleaner (186 mm vs 330 mm).
What it is: Measures the height of the steam cleaner.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by height.
Importance: LOW
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner is shorter than the average steam cleaner (186 mm vs 330 mm).186 mm vs 330 mm
167 mm narrower
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner is narrower than the average steam cleaner (127 mm vs 294 mm).
What it is: Measures the width of the steam cleaner.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by width.
Importance: LOW
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner is narrower than the average steam cleaner (127 mm vs 294 mm).127 mm vs 294 mm
Includes extension tubes / wands
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has extension tubes or wands, while the average steam cleaner does not.
What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has extension tubes / wands.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by extension tubes / wands.
Importance: LOW
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has extension tubes or wands, while the average steam cleaner does not.
2.17x cheaper
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner is cheaper than the average steam cleaner (£60 vs £130).
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner is cheaper than the average steam cleaner (£60 vs £130).£60 vs £130
Convertible handheld design
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a convertible handheld design, while the average steam cleaner does not.
Includes extension tubes / wands
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has extension tubes or wands, while the average steam cleaner does not.
3 kg lighter
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner weighs less than the average steam cleaner (1 kg vs 4 kg).
167 mm narrower
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner is narrower than the average steam cleaner (127 mm vs 294 mm).
144 mm shorter
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner is shorter than the average steam cleaner (186 mm vs 330 mm).

Why is Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner worse than the average steam cleaner?

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20 °C lower steam temperature
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a lower steam temperature than the average steam cleaner (100 °C vs 120 °C).
0.5 bar lower steam pressure
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a lower steam pressure than the average steam cleaner (3 bar vs 3.5 bar).
14 minutes shorter continuous steam time
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a shorter continuous steam time than the average steam cleaner (6 minutes vs 20 minutes).
60 seconds longer heat-up time
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a longer heat-up time than the average steam cleaner (180 seconds vs 120 seconds).
No continuous refill system
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner does not have a continuous refill system, while the average steam cleaner does.
600 ml smaller water tank capacity
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a smaller water tank capacity than the average steam cleaner (200 ml vs 800 ml).
800 ml smaller boiler capacity
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a smaller boiler capacity than the average steam cleaner (200 ml vs 1000 ml).
1 m shorter power cord
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a shorter power cord than the average steam cleaner (4 m vs 5 m).
300 W lower power rating
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a lower power rating than the average steam cleaner (1200 W vs 1500 W).
1.4 mm narrower cleaning width
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a narrower cleaning width than the average steam cleaner (30 mm vs 31.4 mm).
No upholstery / fabric tool
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner does not have an upholstery or fabric tool, while the average steam cleaner does.
Cannot be parked upright
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner cannot stand upright for parking, while the average steam cleaner does.
No wheels
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner does not have wheels, while the average steam cleaner does.
0.5 mm deeper
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner is deeper than the average steam cleaner (321 mm vs 320.5 mm).
No continuous refill system
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner does not have a continuous refill system, while the average steam cleaner does.
What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has continuous refill system.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by continuous refill system.
Importance: HIGH
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner does not have a continuous refill system, while the average steam cleaner does.
600 ml smaller water tank capacity
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a smaller water tank capacity than the average steam cleaner (200 ml vs 800 ml).
What it is: Measures the water tank capacity of the steam cleaner.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by water tank capacity.
Importance: HIGH
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a smaller water tank capacity than the average steam cleaner (200 ml vs 800 ml).200 ml vs 800 ml
No upholstery / fabric tool
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner does not have an upholstery or fabric tool, while the average steam cleaner does.
What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has upholstery / fabric tool.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by upholstery / fabric tool.
Importance: LOW
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner does not have an upholstery or fabric tool, while the average steam cleaner does.
Cannot be parked upright
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner cannot stand upright for parking, while the average steam cleaner does.
What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has self-standing / parking position.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by self-standing / parking position.
Importance: LOW
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner cannot stand upright for parking, while the average steam cleaner does.
20 °C lower steam temperature
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a lower steam temperature than the average steam cleaner (100 °C vs 120 °C).
What it is: Measures the steam temperature of the steam cleaner.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by steam temperature.
Importance: HIGH
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a lower steam temperature than the average steam cleaner (100 °C vs 120 °C).100 °C vs 120 °C
0.5 bar lower steam pressure
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a lower steam pressure than the average steam cleaner (3 bar vs 3.5 bar).
What it is: Measures the steam pressure of the steam cleaner.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by steam pressure.
Importance: HIGH
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a lower steam pressure than the average steam cleaner (3 bar vs 3.5 bar).3 bar vs 3.5 bar
14 minutes shorter continuous steam time
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a shorter continuous steam time than the average steam cleaner (6 minutes vs 20 minutes).
What it is: Measures the continuous steam time of the steam cleaner.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by continuous steam time.
Importance: MEDIUM
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner has a shorter continuous steam time than the average steam cleaner (6 minutes vs 20 minutes).6 minutes vs 20 minutes
No wheels
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner does not have wheels, while the average steam cleaner does.
What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has wheels.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by wheels.
Importance: LOW
Karcher SC 1 Steam Cleaner does not have wheels, while the average steam cleaner does.

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

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

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

expertreviews.co.uk

12/05/2016

Summary of the review

Karcher SC1 Steam Stick review

The Kärcher SC1 Steam Stick is a versatile 2-in-1 hybrid that acts as both a handheld steamer and a floor mop, offering powerful, chemical-free cleaning, a helpful safety lock, and an internally pressured lid, according to Expert Reviews. While praised for its performance, the review highlights drawbacks including a long three-minute heat-up time and a status light that fails to indicate when the unit is ready to use.

getreading.co.uk

09/03/2024

Summary of the review

Review: Kärcher's SC1 upright steam cleaner gets a fresh start

The Kärcher SC1 Upright Steam Cleaner is a £85.90, lightweight floor cleaner that removes 99.99% of bacteria and features a rapid 30-second heat-up time, removable water tank, and a convenient hands-free cloth change system. While highly effective at cleaning and quickly drying surfaces, the unit's cons include a, at times, bulky design and a corded restriction on mobility.

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