OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C Review | 61 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£95
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 S86-SF-C 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.

7.5

Very good

7.1

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
9.7
Upholstery cleaning
Score components:
30.0%
10
Upholstery / fabric tool
25.0%
10
Extension hose
20.0%
10
Heat-up time
15.0%
8.7
Weight
10.0%
9.4
Accessory count
9.9
Grout cleaning
Score components:
30.0%
10
Jet nozzle
25.0%
10
Detail brushes included
20.0%
10
Extension hose
15.0%
10
Heat-up time
10.0%
8.7
Weight
9.7
Car-interior cleaning
Score components:
25.0%
10
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%
9.4
Accessory count

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#14 in Best Steam Cleaners for Cars
#19 in Best Handheld Steam Cleaners
#21 in Best Steam Mops
#32 in Best Cheap Steam Cleaners
#55 in Best Steam Cleaners for Mattresses
#71 in Best Steam Cleaners for Floors
#76 in Best Steam Cleaners for Sofas and Upholstery
#76 in Best Steam Cleaners for Grout
#76 in Best Steam Cleaners for Tiles
#86 in Best Steam Cleaners

Verdict

The Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C is a 1600-watt multifunction 2-in-1 upright stick steam mop and detachable handheld cleaner featuring a 0.26-litre water tank, a 0.2-litre detergent tank, a 15g/min steam flow rate, and an 8-meter power cord. Key pros include an exceptionally fast 20-second heat-up time, up to 15 minutes of continuous variable steam output, a versatile 10-piece accessory kit with a flexible hose, and an angular floorhead equipped with a compact scrub brush to effortlessly clean tight corners and stubborn stains. However, notable cons include its relatively heavy 3.7kg build, a small water reservoir capacity that requires frequent refills for larger tasks, an onboard storage system that cannot fit all the included tools simultaneously, and a very narrow water tank fill hole that makes pouring difficult without a specialized jug.

Technical Specifications of steam cleaner Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C

Overall score

7.5

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Tank

7.0

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Versatility

9.1

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Accessories

9.5

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Design

7.0

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Safety

5.6

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C vs the average steam cleaner

Why is Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C better than the average steam cleaner?

Show more

Hide

Includes an extension hose
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has an extension hose, while the average steam cleaner does not.
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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has an extension hose, while the average steam cleaner does not.
3 m longer power cord
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a longer power cord than the average steam cleaner (8 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 S86-SF-C has a longer power cord than the average steam cleaner (8 m vs 5 m).8 m vs 5 m
100 seconds shorter heat-up time
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C 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 S86-SF-C 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 S86-SF-C 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 S86-SF-C has a convertible handheld design, while the average steam cleaner does not.
Includes a descaling system
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C 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 S86-SF-C has a descaling system, while the average steam cleaner does not.
5 more accessories
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C includes more accessories than the average steam cleaner (15 vs 10).
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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C includes more accessories than the average steam cleaner (15 vs 10).15 vs 10
0.79 m longer action radius
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a longer action radius than the average steam cleaner (8 m vs 7.21 m).
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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a longer action radius than the average steam cleaner (8 m vs 7.21 m).8 m vs 7.21 m
Includes a carpet glider
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C 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 S86-SF-C has a carpet glider, while the average steam cleaner does not.
100 seconds shorter heat-up time
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a shorter heat-up time than the average steam cleaner (20 seconds vs 120 seconds).
3 m longer power cord
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a longer power cord than the average steam cleaner (8 m vs 5 m).
0.79 m longer action radius
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a longer action radius than the average steam cleaner (8 m vs 7.21 m).
100 W higher power rating
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a higher power rating than the average steam cleaner (1600 W vs 1500 W).
Convertible handheld design
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a convertible handheld design, while the average steam cleaner does not.
Includes an extension hose
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has an extension hose, while the average steam cleaner does not.
5 more accessories
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C includes more accessories than the average steam cleaner (15 vs 10).
Includes a carpet glider
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a carpet glider, while the average steam cleaner does not.
1 more mop pads
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C includes more mop pads than the average steam cleaner (2 vs 1).
Includes a window squeegee
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a window squeegee, while the average steam cleaner does not.
Includes a scraper / grout tool
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a scraper or grout tool, while the average steam cleaner does not.
1 kg lighter
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C weighs less than the average steam cleaner (3 kg vs 4 kg).
20.5 mm shallower
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C is shallower than the average steam cleaner (300 mm vs 320.5 mm).
Includes a descaling system
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a descaling system, while the average steam cleaner does not.

Why is Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C worse than the average steam cleaner?

Show more

Hide

29 g/min lower steam flow rate
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a lower steam flow rate than the average steam cleaner (12 g/min vs 41 g/min).
2.5 bar lower steam pressure
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a lower steam pressure than the average steam cleaner (1 bar vs 3.5 bar).
5 minutes shorter continuous steam time
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C 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 S86-SF-C has a smaller water tank capacity than the average steam cleaner (260 ml vs 800 ml).
1.4 mm narrower cleaning width
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a narrower cleaning width than the average steam cleaner (30 mm vs 31.4 mm).
No wheels
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C does not have wheels, while the average steam cleaner does.
830 mm taller
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C is taller than the average steam cleaner (1160 mm vs 330 mm).
4 older release date
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C was released earlier than the average steam cleaner.
16 mm wider
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C is wider than the average steam cleaner (310 mm vs 294 mm).
No safety valve / cap
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C does not have a safety valve or safety cap, while the average steam cleaner does.
No child safety lock
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C does not have a child safety lock, while the average steam cleaner does.
540 ml smaller water tank capacity
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C 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 S86-SF-C has a smaller water tank capacity than the average steam cleaner (260 ml vs 800 ml).260 ml vs 800 ml
29 g/min lower steam flow rate
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a lower steam flow rate than the average steam cleaner (12 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 S86-SF-C has a lower steam flow rate than the average steam cleaner (12 g/min vs 41 g/min).12 g/min vs 41 g/min
2.5 bar lower steam pressure
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C 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 S86-SF-C has a lower steam pressure than the average steam cleaner (1 bar vs 3.5 bar).1 bar vs 3.5 bar
No safety valve / cap
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C 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 S86-SF-C does not have a safety valve or safety cap, while the average steam cleaner does.
No child safety lock
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C 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 S86-SF-C does not have a child safety lock, while the average steam cleaner does.
No wheels
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C 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 S86-SF-C does not have wheels, while the average steam cleaner does.
5 minutes shorter continuous steam time
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C 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 S86-SF-C has a shorter continuous steam time than the average steam cleaner (15 minutes vs 20 minutes).15 minutes vs 20 minutes
830 mm taller
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C is taller than the average steam cleaner (1160 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
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C is taller than the average steam cleaner (1160 mm vs 330 mm).1160 mm vs 330 mm

Graphic comparison of Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C 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 S86-SF-C?

Heats up quickly in less than 30 seconds
Floors and surfaces dry within a matter of minutes
Generous selection of useful accessories included
Long power cable provides great reach
Convenient detachable handheld steamer functionality
Triangular mop head reaches easily into corners
Combination of steam and detergent breaks down grease efficiently

What customers dislike about Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C?

Can feel heavy and cumbersome during prolonged use
The handheld unit can make hands or wrists ache
Attachments can feel a bit flimsy or fall out of on-board storage
Water tank has been reported by some users to leak slightly
Mop base can accidentally unclip from the brush if bumped
Power button placement makes it easy to turn off accidentally

Expert reviews

trustedreviews.com

20/01/2015

Summary of the review

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

The Trusted Reviews review of the Vax Steam Fresh Combi (S86-SF-C) highlights a versatile, clinical-looking upright cleaner that converts into a handheld unit. Pros include high maneuverability, a corner-reaching triangular head, built-in scrubbing brush, and detergent capability, while cons are its high price and that detergent can only be used in upright mode, not as a handheld.

idealhome.co.uk

21/05/2021

Summary of the review

Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C review: a marvellous steam cleaner

The Ideal Home review praises the Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C as a versatile, high-performing 2-in-1 steam mop and handheld cleaner, particularly noting its effectiveness on diverse surfaces and dog bedding. Pros include exceptional, fast-drying cleaning power, onboard storage for 14 accessories, a 200ml detergent tank, and a useful pop-out triangular scrub brush. Cons, however, include a heavy 3.7kg design and a small water reservoir filler that requires a jug, making it less ideal for users seeking a lightweight, floor-only model.

idealhome.co.uk

17/02/2026

Summary of the review

Best steam cleaners and mops: IH tried and tested - Ideal Home

The Ideal Home steam cleaner buying guide identifies the Shark Steam & Scrub as a top performer for effective, chemical-free, 99.9% bacteria-killing sanitation, while recommending the Vax Steam Fresh Total Home for carpets and the Beldray 15-in-1 for versatile, tight-space cleaning. The review notes that while these models provide superior cleaning, specific limitations include the inability of upright mops to convert to handheld, and potential, frequent refilling issues with certain, heavier, multi-purpose units.

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off

Steam Cleaners

Polti Vaporetto SV450 Double

Steam Cleaners

Black+Decker FSMH1321-GB

Steam Cleaners

Polti Vaporetto SV440 Double

Steam Cleaners

Vax Steam Fresh Combi Classic

Steam Cleaners

Karcher SC 1 Multi & Up

Steam Cleaners

Karcher SC 1 Multi & Up Textile Edition

Steam Cleaners

Black+Decker BHSM1615DAM-QS

Steam Cleaners

Bissell PowerFresh SlimSteam

Steam Cleaners

Steam & Go Housekeeper 10-in-1 All-Purpose Steamer

Steam Cleaners

Black+Decker BHSM166DSM-GB

Steam Cleaners

Polti Vaporetto SV650 Style

Steam Cleaners

Compare Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C with other products in the Steam Cleaners category

Compare