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Karcher SC 1 Upright Review | 61 Data compared

Avg. price:~£60Heat-up time:30 secondsPower rating:1300 WWeight:2 kg

Karcher SC 1 Upright 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.

6.3

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

80%

5.9

Technical Score

20%

7.7

User score

▼Worse than 90% of steam-cleaners
5.9

Technical Score

Technical score
5.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

28%

4.9

Performance

24%

5.3

Tank

21%

6.6

Versatility

10%

3.7

Accessories

9%

9.2

Design

8%

8.2

Safety

▼Worse than 90% of steam-cleaners
7.7

User score

User score
7.7/ 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
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

7.1

Number of reviews

Based on 547 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.
▼Worse than 70% 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 Kärcher SC 1 Upright is a lightweight, 2.1 kg entry-level steam mop featuring a 1200W heating element, a 0.2-litre removable tank, and a 30-second rapid heat-up time designed to cover up to 30 m² per tank. Its main advantages include a highly maneuverable slim profile, an intuitive integrated descaling cartridge, an EasyFix floor nozzle, and the ability to eliminate up to 99.99% of common household bacteria on sealed hard floors without chemicals. However, its primary drawbacks are its small water tank capacity, which requires frequent refilling during extended sessions, and a relatively short 5-metre power cord that limits cleaning reach.

Technical Specifications of steam cleaner Karcher SC 1 Upright

Technical Score
Technical score
5.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components:

28%

4.9

Performance

24%

5.3

Tank

21%

6.6

Versatility

10%

3.7

Accessories

9%

9.2

Design

8%

8.2

Safety

5.9
Karcher SC 1 Upright has a technical score of 5.9 points, which is lower than 90.2% of products in this category.
User score
User score
7.7/ 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
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

7.1

Number of reviews

Based on 547 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.
7.7
Karcher SC 1 Upright has a user score of 7.74 points, which is lower than 69.9% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
7.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 59% of models
Popularity:
Karcher SC 1 Upright has a popularity score of 7.1 points, which is lower than 57.3% of products in this category.
7.1
Karcher SC 1 Upright has a popularity score of 7.1 points, which is lower than 57.3% 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components:

60%

6.3

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.4
Karcher SC 1 Upright 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
▼ 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
▼ 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
33 g/min
Steam flow rate
33 g/min
▼ Worse than 69% of models
Market range: <24 g/min – >110 g/min
This steam cleaner has a steam flow rate of 33 g/min, which is lower than that of 68.6% of steam cleaners and matches that of 4.3% of steam cleaners.
Heat-up time
30 seconds
Heat-up time
30 seconds
▲ Better than 59% of models
Market range: <15 seconds – >540 seconds
This steam cleaner has a heat-up time of 30 seconds, which is shorter than that of 58.7% of steam cleaners and matches that of 22.4% of steam cleaners.
Continuous steam time
20 minutes
Continuous steam time
20 minutes
▼ Worse than 47% of models
Market range: <11.5 minutes – >50 minutes
This steam cleaner has a continuous steam time of 20 minutes, which is longer than that of 45.5% of steam cleaners and matches that of 7.6% of steam cleaners.
Show more
Cordless
no
Cordless
no
▼ Worse than 4% of models
This steam cleaner is corded only, unlike 4.2% of steam cleaners.
Action radius
5 m
Action radius
5 m
▼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <5 m – >8.5 m
This steam cleaner has an action radius of 5 m, which is shorter than that of 87.5% of steam cleaners and matches that of 3.3% of steam cleaners.
Stainless steel boiler
no
Stainless steel boiler
no
▼ Worse than 23% of models
This steam cleaner does not have a stainless steel boiler, unlike 22.5% of steam cleaners.
Power rating
1,300 W
Power rating
1,300 W
▼ Worse than 74% of models
Market range: <1.1k W – >2.1k W
This steam cleaner has a power rating of 1,300 W, which is lower than that of 74.1% of steam cleaners and matches that of 8.4% of steam cleaners.
Water tank capacity
200 ml
Water tank capacity
200 ml
▼ 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
▲ Better than 8% of models
This steam cleaner is suitable for allergy sufferers, as are 91.6% of steam cleaners.
Product type
steam mop
Convertible handheld design
no
Convertible handheld design
no
▼ Worse than 18% of models
This steam cleaner does not have a convertible handheld design, unlike 18.2% of steam cleaners.
Steam vacuum function
no
Steam vacuum function
no
▼ 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
3
Accessory count
3
▼ Worse than 91% of models
Market range: <4 – >17
This steam cleaner includes 3 accessories, which is fewer than the number included with 90.9% of steam cleaners and the same as the number included with 4.9% of steam cleaners.
Mop pads included
2
Mop pads included
2
▲ Better than 66% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This steam cleaner includes 2 mop pads, which is more than the number included with 65.7% of steam cleaners and the same as the number included with 25.9% of steam cleaners.
Carpet glider included
no
Carpet glider included
no
▼ Worse than 31% of models
This steam cleaner does not have a carpet glider, unlike 31.5% of steam cleaners.
Extension tubes / wands
no
Extension tubes / wands
no
▼ Worse than 57% of models
This steam cleaner does not have extension tubes or wands, unlike 56.6% of steam cleaners.
Extension hose
no
Extension hose
no
▼ 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
▼ Worse than 56% of models
This steam cleaner does not have wheels, unlike 55.9% of steam cleaners.
Volume
25.866 L
Volume
25.866 L
▼ Worse than 74% of models
Market range: <16.224 L – >84.378 L
This steam cleaner has an external volume of 25.866 L.
Weight
2 kg
Weight
2 kg
▲ Better than 66% of models
Market range: <1.18 kg – >7 kg
This steam cleaner weighs 2 kg, which is lighter than 66.4% of steam cleaners and the same weight as 21% of steam cleaners.
Width
147 mm
Height
1,197 mm
Show more
Child safety lock
yes
Child safety lock
yes
▲ 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
▲ 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
▼ 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
▼ 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
yes
Descaling system
yes
▲ Better than 75% of models
This steam cleaner has a descaling system, as do 25.2% of steam cleaners.
Show more

Karcher SC 1 Upright vs the average steam cleaner

246810TotalPerformanceTankVersatilityAccessoriesDesignSafety
  • Detachable water tank
    Detachable water tank
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This steam cleaner has a detachable water tank, while the average steam cleaner does not have a detachable water tank.
  • Includes a descaling system
    Descaling system
    yes
    ▲ Better than 75% of models
    This steam cleaner has a descaling system, while the average steam cleaner does not have a descaling system.
  • Includes a descaling reminder
    Descaling reminder
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    This steam cleaner has a descaling reminder, while the average steam cleaner does not have a descaling reminder.
  • 2 years newer
    Release date
    2024
    ▲ Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This steam cleaner was released more recently than the average steam cleaner.
    2,024 vs 2,018
  • 48.8% lighter
    Weight
    2 kg
    ▲ Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <1.18 kg – >7 kg
    40% lighter: this steam cleaner is lighter than the average steam cleaner (2 kg vs 3.91 kg).
    2 kg vs 3.91 kg
  • 1 more mop pads
    Mop pads included
    2
    ▲ Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This steam cleaner includes more mop pads than the average steam cleaner (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 120 seconds shorter heat-up time
    Heat-up time
    30 seconds
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <15 seconds – >540 seconds
    This steam cleaner has a shorter heat-up time than the average steam cleaner (30 seconds vs 150 seconds).
    30 seconds vs 150 seconds
  • 2.17x cheaper
    Karcher SC 1 Upright is cheaper than the average steam cleaner (£60 vs £130).
    £60 vs £130
  • 2.17x cheaper
    Karcher SC 1 Upright is cheaper than the average steam cleaner (£60 vs £130).
    £60 vs £130
  • 120 seconds shorter heat-up time
    Heat-up time
    30 seconds
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <15 seconds – >540 seconds
    This steam cleaner has a shorter heat-up time than the average steam cleaner (30 seconds vs 150 seconds).
    30 seconds vs 150 seconds
  • Detachable water tank
    Detachable water tank
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This steam cleaner has a detachable water tank, while the average steam cleaner does not have a detachable water tank.
  • 0.9 cm wider cleaning width
    Cleaning width
    31.4 cm
    ▲ Better than 54% of models
    Market range: <27 cm – >37.8 cm
    This steam cleaner has a wider cleaning width than the average steam cleaner (31.4 cm vs 30.5 cm).
    31.4 cm vs 30.5 cm
  • 1 more mop pads
    Mop pads included
    2
    ▲ Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This steam cleaner includes more mop pads than the average steam cleaner (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 2 years newer
    Release date
    2024
    ▲ Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This steam cleaner was released more recently than the average steam cleaner.
    2,024 vs 2,018
  • 48.8% lighter
    Weight
    2 kg
    ▲ Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <1.18 kg – >7 kg
    40% lighter: this steam cleaner is lighter than the average steam cleaner (2 kg vs 3.91 kg).
    2 kg vs 3.91 kg
  • Includes a descaling system
    Descaling system
    yes
    ▲ Better than 75% of models
    This steam cleaner has a descaling system, while the average steam cleaner does not have a descaling system.
  • Includes a descaling reminder
    Descaling reminder
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    This steam cleaner has a descaling reminder, while the average steam cleaner does not have a descaling reminder.
  • 1 bar lower steam pressure
    Steam pressure
    3 bar
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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
  • Not suitable for upholstery and fabrics
    Suitable for upholstery / fabrics
    no
    ▼ Worse than 75% of models
    This steam cleaner is not suitable for upholstery and fabrics, while the average steam cleaner is suitable for the same use.
  • Not suitable for grout
    Suitable for grout
    no
    ▼ Worse than 78% of models
    This steam cleaner is not suitable for grout, while the average steam cleaner is suitable for the same use.
  • No upholstery / fabric tool
    Upholstery / fabric tool
    no
    ▼ 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 steam garments
    Garment steaming capability
    no
    ▼ Worse than 72% of models
    This steam cleaner cannot steam garments, while the average steam cleaner can do this.
  • 6 fewer accessories
    Accessory count
    3
    ▼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <4 – >17
    This steam cleaner includes fewer accessories than the average steam cleaner (3 vs 9).
    3 vs 9
  • 7.8% worse value for money
    Karcher SC 1 Upright offers worse value for money than the average steam cleaner (7.39 vs 8).
    7.39 vs 7.97
  • 3.4% lower user score
    User score
    7.7/ 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 Upright
    the average steam cleaner
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Karcher SC 1 Upright has a lower user score than the average steam cleaner (7.74 vs 8.004).
    7.74 vs 8
  • 5.4% less popular
    Karcher SC 1 Upright is less popular than the average steam cleaner (7.13 vs 7.5).
    7.13 vs 7.51
  • 1 bar lower steam pressure
    Steam pressure
    3 bar
    ▼ 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
    ▼ 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
  • 7 g/min lower steam flow rate
    Steam flow rate
    33 g/min
    ▼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <24 g/min – >110 g/min
    This steam cleaner has a lower steam flow rate than the average steam cleaner (33 g/min vs 40 g/min).
    33 g/min vs 40 g/min
  • 1 fewer steam levels
    Steam levels
    1
    ▼ 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
  • 600 ml smaller water tank capacity
    Water tank capacity
    200 ml
    ▼ 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
  • 2 m shorter action radius
    Action radius
    5 m
    ▼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <5 m – >8.5 m
    This steam cleaner has a shorter action radius than the average steam cleaner (5 m vs 7 m).
    5 m vs 7 m
  • 800 ml smaller boiler capacity
    Boiler capacity
    200 ml
    ▼ 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
  • 200 W lower power rating
    Power rating
    1,300 W
    ▼ Worse than 74% of models
    Market range: <1.1k W – >2.1k W
    This steam cleaner has a lower power rating than the average steam cleaner (1300 W vs 1500 W).
    1,300 W vs 1,500 W
  • Not suitable for upholstery and fabrics
    Suitable for upholstery / fabrics
    no
    ▼ Worse than 75% of models
    This steam cleaner is not suitable for upholstery and fabrics, while the average steam cleaner is suitable for the same use.
  • Not suitable for grout
    Suitable for grout
    no
    ▼ Worse than 78% of models
    This steam cleaner is not suitable for grout, while the average steam cleaner is suitable for the same use.
  • Cannot steam garments
    Garment steaming capability
    no
    ▼ Worse than 72% of models
    This steam cleaner cannot steam garments, while the average steam cleaner can do this.
  • Not suitable for glass and windows
    Suitable for glass / windows
    no
    ▼ Worse than 77% of models
    This steam cleaner is not suitable for glass and windows, while the average steam cleaner is suitable for the same use.
  • No upholstery / fabric tool
    Upholstery / fabric tool
    no
    ▼ 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.
  • 6 fewer accessories
    Accessory count
    3
    ▼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <4 – >17
    This steam cleaner includes fewer accessories than the average steam cleaner (3 vs 9).
    3 vs 9
  • No extension tubes / wands
    Extension tubes / wands
    no
    ▼ Worse than 57% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have extension tubes or wands, while the average steam cleaner has extension tubes or wands.
  • No detail brushes
    Detail brushes included
    no
    ▼ Worse than 75% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have detail brushes, while the average steam cleaner has detail brushes.
  • No jet nozzle
    Jet nozzle
    no
    ▼ Worse than 76% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have a jet nozzle, while the average steam cleaner has a jet nozzle.
  • No scraper / grout tool
    Scraper / grout tool
    no
    ▼ 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.
  • No wheels
    Wheels
    no
    ▼ 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 Upright and other products in the Steam Cleaners category

No results found

Third-party reviews

Based on 547 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 Upright?

  • Heats up very quickly, being ready to use in about 30 seconds
  • Lightweight and compact design makes it highly maneuverable and easy to store
  • Stands upright on its own, allowing for convenient parking during breaks
  • Chemical-free cleaning is highly effective at sanitizing hard surfaces
  • Removable water tank is easy to refill during operation without interruption
  • Hook-and-loop floor cloth system enables hands-free, hygienic pad removal
  • Features an integrated descaling cartridge to easily prolong the device lifetime

What customers dislike about Karcher SC 1 Upright?

  • Small water tank capacity requires frequent refilling during larger cleaning tasks
  • Power cable is on the shorter side, restricting movement in larger rooms
  • Struggles to efficiently lift tough, deeply encrusted, or heavily built-up stains
  • Lacks variable steam control settings to adjust pressure for different surfaces
  • Can feel heavy or tiring to hold over extended periods of continuous use

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

C
cornwalllive.com
09/03/2024
Summary of the review
Kärcher's SC1 upright steam cleaner gets a fresh start - Cornwall Live
G
glasgowlive.co.uk
09/03/2024
Summary of the review
Review: Kärcher's SC1 upright steam cleaner gets a fresh start
G
getsurrey.co.uk
09/03/2024
Summary of the review
Review: Kärcher's SC1 upright steam cleaner gets a fresh start
C
coventrytelegraph.net
09/03/2024
Summary of the review
Review: Kärcher's SC1 upright steam cleaner gets a fresh start
B
belfastlive.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 Upright with other products in the Steam Cleaners category

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