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Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic Review | 61 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£90
Avg. price in US: ~$100
Steam pressure: 1 bar
Heat-up time: 20 seconds
Power rating: 1,600 W
Water tank capacity: 260 ml
Weight: 3 kg

Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic 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.

7.4

Very good

7.0

Very good

8.9

Excellent

7.6
Hard-floor cleaning
Score components:
30.0%
4.0
Rotating / motorized pads
25.0%
10
Swivel / flexible floor head
20.0%
10
Heat-up time
15.0%
8.7
Weight
10.0%
6.4
Power rating
8.5
Upholstery cleaning
Score components:
30.0%
?
Upholstery / fabric tool
25.0%
?
Extension hose
20.0%
10
Heat-up time
15.0%
8.7
Weight
10.0%
?
Accessory count
9.5
Grout cleaning
Score components:
30.0%
10
Jet nozzle
25.0%
10
Detail brushes included
20.0%
?
Extension hose
15.0%
10
Heat-up time
10.0%
8.7
Weight
9.1
Car-interior cleaning
Score components:
25.0%
?
Extension hose
20.0%
10
Jet nozzle
15.0%
10
Detail brushes included
15.0%
10
Heat-up time
15.0%
8.7
Weight
10.0%
?
Accessory count

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#20 in Best Handheld Steam Cleaners
#23 in Best Steam Mops
#37 in Best Cheap Steam Cleaners
#77 in Best Steam Cleaners for Floors
#81 in Best Steam Cleaners for Sofas and Upholstery
#81 in Best Steam Cleaners for Grout
#81 in Best Steam Cleaners for Tiles
#93 in Best Steam Cleaners

Verdict

The Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic is a 1600W multifunction 2-in-1 steam mop and one-click detachable handheld cleaner designed for sealed hard floors and carpets. Key technical specifications include a rapid 20-second heat-up time, up to 15 minutes of continuous steaming runtime per tank, a 1-bar pressure output, a 15g/min steam flow rate, a 7m power cord, a 0.26L water reservoir, and a 0.2L detergent tank. Main pros highlight its versatile 10-piece accessory kit, an angular floorhead that easily reaches into tight corners, variable steam control, and a twin-tank technology that blends steam with detergent to kill 99.9% of bacteria for up to 7 days. On the downside, cons include a relatively heavy 3.7kg build, a small water tank that requires frequent refilling, and the operational restriction that only official Vax detergent can be used to avoid voiding the guarantee.

Technical Specifications of steam cleaner Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic

Overall score

7.4

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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

5.3

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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

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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

7.0

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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

8.6

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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

2-in-1 steam mop and handheld 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

Triangular head

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Accessories

8.8

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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

7.2

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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

5.6

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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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Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic vs the average steam cleaner

Why is Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic better than the average steam cleaner?

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100 seconds shorter heat-up time
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a shorter heat-up time than the average steam cleaner (20 seconds vs 120 seconds).
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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a shorter heat-up time than the average steam cleaner (20 seconds vs 120 seconds).20 seconds vs 120 seconds
Convertible handheld design
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic 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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a convertible handheld design, while the average steam cleaner does not.
Includes a descaling system
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a descaling system, while the average steam cleaner does not.
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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a descaling system, while the average steam cleaner does not.
2 m longer power cord
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a longer power cord than the average steam cleaner (7 m vs 5 m).
What it is: Measures the power cord length of the steam cleaner.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by power cord length.
Importance: LOW
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a longer power cord than the average steam cleaner (7 m vs 5 m).7 m vs 5 m
Includes a carpet glider
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a carpet glider, while the average steam cleaner does not.
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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a carpet glider, while the average steam cleaner does not.
Includes a window squeegee
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a window squeegee, while the average steam cleaner does not.
What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has window squeegee.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by window squeegee.
Importance: LOW
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a window squeegee, while the average steam cleaner does not.
Includes a scraper / grout tool
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a scraper or grout tool, while the average steam cleaner does not.
What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has scraper / grout tool.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by scraper / grout tool.
Importance: LOW
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a scraper or grout tool, while the average steam cleaner does not.
100 W higher power rating
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a higher power rating than the average steam cleaner (1600 W vs 1500 W).
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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a higher power rating than the average steam cleaner (1600 W vs 1500 W).1600 W vs 1500 W
100 seconds shorter heat-up time
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a shorter heat-up time than the average steam cleaner (20 seconds vs 120 seconds).
2 m longer power cord
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a longer power cord than the average steam cleaner (7 m vs 5 m).
100 W higher power rating
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a higher power rating than the average steam cleaner (1600 W vs 1500 W).
Convertible handheld design
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a convertible handheld design, while the average steam cleaner does not.
Includes a carpet glider
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a carpet glider, while the average steam cleaner does not.
Includes a window squeegee
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a window squeegee, while the average steam cleaner does not.
Includes a scraper / grout tool
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a scraper or grout tool, while the average steam cleaner does not.
1 kg lighter
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic weighs less than the average steam cleaner (3 kg vs 4 kg).
Includes a descaling system
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a descaling system, while the average steam cleaner does not.

Why is Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic worse than the average steam cleaner?

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2.5 bar lower steam pressure
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a lower steam pressure than the average steam cleaner (1 bar vs 3.5 bar).
26 g/min lower steam flow rate
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a lower steam flow rate than the average steam cleaner (15 g/min vs 41 g/min).
5 minutes shorter continuous steam time
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a shorter continuous steam time than the average steam cleaner (15 minutes vs 20 minutes).
540 ml smaller water tank capacity
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a smaller water tank capacity than the average steam cleaner (260 ml vs 800 ml).
0.21 m shorter action radius
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a shorter action radius than the average steam cleaner (7 m vs 7.21 m).
Cannot steam garments
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic cannot steam garments, while the average steam cleaner can do this.
0.4 mm narrower cleaning width
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a narrower cleaning width than the average steam cleaner (31 mm vs 31.4 mm).
No wheels
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic does not have wheels, while the average steam cleaner does.
830 mm taller
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic is taller than the average steam cleaner (1160 mm vs 330 mm).
4 older release date
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic was released earlier than the average steam cleaner.
6 mm wider
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic is wider than the average steam cleaner (300 mm vs 294 mm).
No safety valve / cap
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic does not have a safety valve or safety cap, while the average steam cleaner does.
No child safety lock
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic does not have a child safety lock, while the average steam cleaner does.
540 ml smaller water tank capacity
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a smaller water tank capacity than the average steam cleaner (260 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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a smaller water tank capacity than the average steam cleaner (260 ml vs 800 ml).260 ml vs 800 ml
2.5 bar lower steam pressure
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a lower steam pressure than the average steam cleaner (1 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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a lower steam pressure than the average steam cleaner (1 bar vs 3.5 bar).1 bar vs 3.5 bar
26 g/min lower steam flow rate
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a lower steam flow rate than the average steam cleaner (15 g/min vs 41 g/min).
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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a lower steam flow rate than the average steam cleaner (15 g/min vs 41 g/min).15 g/min vs 41 g/min
Cannot steam garments
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic cannot steam garments, while the average steam cleaner can do this.
What it is: Shows whether the steam cleaner has garment steaming capability.
When it matters: This matters when you compare steam cleaners by garment steaming capability.
Importance: LOW
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic cannot steam garments, while the average steam cleaner can do this.
No safety valve / cap
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic does not have a safety valve or safety cap, while the average steam cleaner does.
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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic does not have a safety valve or safety cap, while the average steam cleaner does.
No child safety lock
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic does not have a child safety lock, while the average steam cleaner does.
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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic does not have a child safety lock, while the average steam cleaner does.
No wheels
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic 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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic does not have wheels, while the average steam cleaner does.
5 minutes shorter continuous steam time
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a shorter continuous steam time than the average steam cleaner (15 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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic has a shorter continuous steam time than the average steam cleaner (15 minutes vs 20 minutes).15 minutes vs 20 minutes

Graphic comparison of Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic 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 Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic?

Excellent cleaning performance on tough grime, grease, and grout
Highly versatile with a wide range of accessories for multiple surfaces (hubs, ovens, bathrooms, and floors)
Great value for money compared to higher-priced competitors
Long electric cable (typically 8m) allows for easy room-to-room movement
Heats up quickly and easy to assemble
Effective at removing stubborn dirt while freshening up floors with detergent

What customers dislike about Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic?

Water tank capacity is somewhat small, requiring frequent refills for large cleaning jobs
Can leave floors feeling very wet if the trigger is pulled excessively
Can struggle to clean glass surfaces perfectly, especially in hard water areas
Certain design elements and build quality feel a bit basic

Expert reviews

idealhome.co.uk

21/05/2021

Summary of the review

Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C review - Ideal Home

The Ideal Home review characterizes the Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C as a versatile 2-in-1 steam cleaner, highlighting its clever design features such as a pop-out triangular brush for stubborn stains, integrated detergent reservoir, and ample onboard tool storage. While praised for its performance, key drawbacks identified include a heavy, top-weighted design compared to competitors and a small water reservoir fill hole that makes direct tap filling awkward.

trustedreviews.com

20/01/2015

Summary of the review

Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C Review - Trusted Reviews

The Vax Steam Fresh Combi (S86-SF-C) is a versatile upright cleaner with a detachable handheld unit, featuring a well-designed triangular mop head and a three-way floorhead system for superior maneuverability. While praised for its effective cleaning and onboard tool storage, the unit is considered pricey, and its detergent functionality is limited to the upright mode.

Video reviews

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