OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Steam Cleaners Methodology v1.0
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Steam Cleaners Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C Review | 61 Data compared

Avg. price:~£95Heat-up time:20 secondsPower rating:1600 WWeight: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.

7.3

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components

80%

6.9

Technical Score

20%

8.5

User score

â–²Better than 50% of steam-cleaners
6.9

Technical Score

Technical score
6.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

28%

4.5

Performance

24%

6.9

Tank

21%

9.2

Versatility

10%

9.5

Accessories

9%

7.8

Design

8%

5.6

Safety

â–¼Worse than 59% of steam-cleaners
8.5

User score

User score
8.5/ 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–² Better than 76% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

8.8

Number of reviews

Based on 2,217 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–²Better than 76% 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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Technical Specifications of steam cleaner Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C

Technical Score
Technical score
6.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components:

28%

4.5

Performance

24%

6.9

Tank

21%

9.2

Versatility

10%

9.5

Accessories

9%

7.8

Design

8%

5.6

Safety

6.9
User score
User score
8.5/ 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–² Better than 76% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

8.8

Number of reviews

Based on 2,217 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.
8.5
Popularity
Popularity
8.8/ 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–² Better than 75% of models
Popularity:
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a popularity score of 8.8 points, which is higher than 74.8% of products in this category.
8.8
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
8.1/ 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–² Better than 59% of models
Score components:

60%

7.3

Overall score

40%

10

Price

8.1
Steam pressure
1 bar
Steam pressure
1 bar
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <3 bar – >5 bar
This steam cleaner has a steam pressure of 1 bar, which is lower than that of 96.6% of steam cleaners and matches that of 2.3% of steam cleaners.
Steam temperature
?
Steam flow rate
12 g/min
Steam flow rate
12 g/min
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <24 g/min – >110 g/min
This steam cleaner has a steam flow rate of 12 g/min, which is lower than that of 97.1% of steam cleaners.
Heat-up time
20 seconds
Heat-up time
20 seconds
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <15 seconds – >540 seconds
This steam cleaner has a heat-up time of 20 seconds, which is shorter than that of 83.2% of steam cleaners and matches that of 6.3% of steam cleaners.
Continuous steam time
15 minutes
Continuous steam time
15 minutes
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <11.5 minutes – >50 minutes
This steam cleaner has a continuous steam time of 15 minutes, which is shorter than that of 63.6% of steam cleaners and matches that of 18.2% 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
8 m
Action radius
8 m
â–² Better than 76% of models
Market range: <5 m – >8.5 m
This steam cleaner has an action radius of 8 m, which is longer than that of 75.8% of steam cleaners and matches that of 8.3% of steam cleaners.
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
1,600 W
Power rating
1,600 W
â–² Better than 58% of models
Market range: <1.1k W – >2.1k W
This steam cleaner has a power rating of 1,600 W, which is higher than that of 58% of steam cleaners and matches that of 11.9% of steam cleaners.
Water tank capacity
260 ml
Water tank capacity
260 ml
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Market range: <300 ml – >1.9k ml
This steam cleaner has a water tank capacity of 260 ml, which is smaller than that of 91.7% of steam cleaners and matches that of 0.8% 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
2-in-1 steam mop and handheld 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
Triangular head
Show more
Accessory count
15
Accessory count
15
â–² Better than 80% of models
Market range: <4 – >17
This steam cleaner includes 15 accessories, which is more than the number included with 79.6% of steam cleaners and the same as the number included with 4.2% of steam cleaners.
Mop pads included
2
Mop pads included
2
â–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
yes
Carpet glider included
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This steam cleaner has a carpet glider, as do 30.8% of steam cleaners.
Extension tubes / wands
no
Extension tubes / wands
no
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
This steam cleaner does not have extension tubes or wands, unlike 56.6% of steam cleaners.
Extension hose
yes
Extension hose
yes
â–² Better than 81% of models
This steam cleaner has an extension hose, as do 18.9% 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
107.88 L
Volume
107.88 L
★ Better than 98% of models
Market range: <16.224 L – >84.378 L
This steam cleaner has an external volume of 107.88 L.
Weight
3 kg
Weight
3 kg
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <1.18 kg – >7 kg
This steam cleaner weighs 3 kg, which is lighter than 51.8% of steam cleaners and the same weight as 10.5% of steam cleaners.
Width
310 mm
Height
1,160 mm
Show more
Child safety lock
no
Child safety lock
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This steam cleaner does not have a child safety lock, unlike 60.1% of steam cleaners.
Safety valve / safety cap
no
Safety valve / safety cap
no
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This steam cleaner does not have a safety valve or safety cap, unlike 60.8% 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
yes
Descaling system
yes
â–² Better than 75% of models
This steam cleaner has a descaling system, as do 25.2% of steam cleaners.
Show more

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

246810TotalPerformanceTankVersatilityAccessoriesDesignSafety
  • Includes an extension hose
    Extension hose
    yes
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    This steam cleaner has an extension hose, while the average steam cleaner does not have an extension hose.
  • Detachable water tank
    Detachable water tank
    yes
    â–² 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.
  • 6 more accessories
    Accessory count
    15
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <4 – >17
    This steam cleaner includes more accessories than the average steam cleaner (15 vs 9).
    15 vs 9
  • 130 seconds shorter heat-up time
    Heat-up time
    20 seconds
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <15 seconds – >540 seconds
    This steam cleaner has a shorter heat-up time than the average steam cleaner (20 seconds vs 150 seconds).
    20 seconds vs 150 seconds
  • 3 m longer power cord
    Power cord length
    8 m
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <4 m – >7.5 m
    This steam cleaner has a longer power cord than the average steam cleaner (8 m vs 5 m).
    8 m vs 5 m
  • 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.
  • Includes a descaling system
    Descaling system
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This steam cleaner has a descaling system, while the average steam cleaner does not have a descaling system.
  • 1 m longer action radius
    Action radius
    8 m
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <5 m – >8.5 m
    This steam cleaner has a longer action radius than the average steam cleaner (8 m vs 7 m).
    8 m vs 7 m
  • 6.6% higher user score
    User score
    8.5/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C
    the average steam cleaner
    Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C has a higher user score than the average steam cleaner (8.53 vs 8.004).
    8.53 vs 8
  • 17.7% more popular
    Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C is more popular than the average steam cleaner (8.84 vs 7.5).
    8.84 vs 7.51
  • 36.8% cheaper
    Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C is cheaper than the average steam cleaner (£95 vs £130).
    £95 vs £130
  • 1.4% better value for money
    Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C offers better value for money than the average steam cleaner (8.08 vs 8).
    8.08 vs 7.97
  • 130 seconds shorter heat-up time
    Heat-up time
    20 seconds
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <15 seconds – >540 seconds
    This steam cleaner has a shorter heat-up time than the average steam cleaner (20 seconds vs 150 seconds).
    20 seconds vs 150 seconds
  • Detachable water tank
    Detachable water tank
    yes
    â–² 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.
  • 3 m longer power cord
    Power cord length
    8 m
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <4 m – >7.5 m
    This steam cleaner has a longer power cord than the average steam cleaner (8 m vs 5 m).
    8 m vs 5 m
  • 1 m longer action radius
    Action radius
    8 m
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <5 m – >8.5 m
    This steam cleaner has a longer action radius than the average steam cleaner (8 m vs 7 m).
    8 m vs 7 m
  • 100 W higher power rating
    Power rating
    1,600 W
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    Market range: <1.1k W – >2.1k W
    This steam cleaner has a higher power rating than the average steam cleaner (1600 W vs 1500 W).
    1,600 W vs 1,500 W
  • 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.
  • Includes an extension hose
    Extension hose
    yes
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    This steam cleaner has an extension hose, while the average steam cleaner does not have an extension hose.
  • 6 more accessories
    Accessory count
    15
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <4 – >17
    This steam cleaner includes more accessories than the average steam cleaner (15 vs 9).
    15 vs 9
  • Includes a carpet glider
    Carpet glider included
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This steam cleaner has a carpet glider, while the average steam cleaner does not have a carpet glider.
  • 1 more mop pads
    Mop pads included
    2
    â–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
  • Includes a window squeegee
    Window squeegee
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This steam cleaner has a window squeegee, while the average steam cleaner does not have a window squeegee.
  • 23.3% lighter
    Weight
    3 kg
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <1.18 kg – >7 kg
    40% lighter: this steam cleaner is lighter than the average steam cleaner (3 kg vs 3.91 kg).
    3 kg vs 3.91 kg
  • Includes a descaling system
    Descaling system
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This steam cleaner has a descaling system, while the average steam cleaner does not have a descaling system.
  • 3 bar lower steam pressure
    Steam pressure
    1 bar
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <3 bar – >5 bar
    This steam cleaner has a lower steam pressure than the average steam cleaner (1 bar vs 4 bar).
    1 bar vs 4 bar
  • 540 ml smaller water tank capacity
    Water tank capacity
    260 ml
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <300 ml – >1.9k ml
    This steam cleaner has a smaller water tank capacity than the average steam cleaner (260 ml vs 800 ml).
    260 ml vs 800 ml
  • No adjustable steam output
    Adjustable steam output
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have adjustable steam output, while the average steam cleaner has adjustable steam output.
  • 28 g/min lower steam flow rate
    Steam flow rate
    12 g/min
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <24 g/min – >110 g/min
    This steam cleaner has a lower steam flow rate than the average steam cleaner (12 g/min vs 40 g/min).
    12 g/min vs 40 g/min
  • No safety valve / cap
    Safety valve / safety cap
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have a safety valve or safety cap, while the average steam cleaner has a safety valve or safety cap.
  • No child safety lock
    Child safety lock
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have a child safety lock, while the average steam cleaner has a child safety lock.
  • 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.
  • No extension tubes / wands
    Extension tubes / wands
    no
    â–¼ 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.
  • 3 bar lower steam pressure
    Steam pressure
    1 bar
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <3 bar – >5 bar
    This steam cleaner has a lower steam pressure than the average steam cleaner (1 bar vs 4 bar).
    1 bar vs 4 bar
  • No adjustable steam output
    Adjustable steam output
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have adjustable steam output, while the average steam cleaner has adjustable steam output.
  • 28 g/min lower steam flow rate
    Steam flow rate
    12 g/min
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <24 g/min – >110 g/min
    This steam cleaner has a lower steam flow rate than the average steam cleaner (12 g/min vs 40 g/min).
    12 g/min vs 40 g/min
  • 5 minutes shorter continuous steam time
    Continuous steam time
    15 minutes
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <11.5 minutes – >50 minutes
    This steam cleaner has a shorter continuous steam time than the average steam cleaner (15 minutes vs 20 minutes).
    15 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
  • 540 ml smaller water tank capacity
    Water tank capacity
    260 ml
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <300 ml – >1.9k ml
    This steam cleaner has a smaller water tank capacity than the average steam cleaner (260 ml vs 800 ml).
    260 ml vs 800 ml
  • 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 extension tubes / wands
    Extension tubes / wands
    no
    â–¼ 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 wheels
    Wheels
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have wheels, while the average steam cleaner has wheels.
  • 2 years older
    Release date
    2014
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This steam cleaner was released earlier than the average steam cleaner.
    2,014 vs 2,018
  • No safety valve / cap
    Safety valve / safety cap
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have a safety valve or safety cap, while the average steam cleaner has a safety valve or safety cap.
  • No child safety lock
    Child safety lock
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This steam cleaner does not have a child safety lock, while the average steam cleaner has a child safety lock.

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
trustedreviews.com
20/01/2015
Summary of the review
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C Review - Trusted Reviews
I
idealhome.co.uk
21/05/2021
Summary of the review
Vax Steam Fresh Combi S86-SF-C review: a marvellous steam cleaner
I
idealhome.co.uk
17/02/2026
Summary of the review
Best steam cleaners and mops: IH tried and tested - Ideal Home

Third-party reviews

Based on 2,217 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we 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 we don't like 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

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.

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

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