10 Best Carpet Steam Cleaning Machine 2026 in the United States

The BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, model 1400B, is a handy tool designed for cleaning carpets, upholstery, and car interiors. One of its standout features is the 48 oz. water tank, which allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills. This model doesn’t require batteries as it’s corded, which means consistent power throughout use. Weighing 9.65 pounds, it’s fairly portable and easy to move around, fitting into various cleaning scenarios comfortably.

The powerful suction is effective at lifting tough stains and odors, especially with the Spot & Stain formula included in the package. Additionally, its HydroRinse Self-Cleaning Tool helps maintain the machine’s performance after each use, which is a thoughtful touch for ease of maintenance. However, being a handheld unit, it might not cover large areas as efficiently as bigger machines. The noise level isn't specified, but being a compact cleaner, it might be quieter compared to larger models.

The inclusion of specialty tools like the 3” Tough Stain Tool makes it versatile for different cleaning needs. It’s also worth noting that BISSELL supports pet foundations, which could be a bonus for pet owners. This BISSELL cleaner is a solid choice for those who need a portable and effective solution for spot cleaning and smaller areas, but it may not be the best option for extensive carpet cleaning due to its compact size.

The BISSELL Little Green Mini is a lightweight and portable carpet and upholstery cleaner, weighing just 7 pounds, making it easy to carry around and store in small spaces. It has a 16-ounce water tank, which is on the smaller side, so you might need to refill it during larger cleaning jobs. While it doesn’t use steam, it sprays cleaning solution, scrubs, and suctions to remove dirt and stains effectively, especially on carpets, upholstery, car interiors, and pet beds. The included 4-inch Tough Stain Tool and HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool help tackle tough spots and make maintenance simpler.

It’s powered by corded electricity, so you won’t have to worry about battery life, and it heats up quickly. The noise level is moderate, typical of small carpet cleaners, and it’s designed to be user-friendly with no assembly required. This machine suits those wanting a compact, easy-to-use spot cleaner for small to medium messes, particularly pet owners who appreciate the included cleaning formula that helps remove odors and stains.

If you require a device with a large water tank or powerful steam for heavy-duty or whole-room carpet cleaning, this model might feel limited.

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is designed for deep carpet cleaning, especially effective for pet owners due to its HairPro technology that lifts deeply embedded hair directly into a hair cage for easy disposal. It has a water tank capacity of about 71 ounces, providing a reasonable cleaning duration without frequent refills. The high-speed brushroll combined with powerful suction and a high-pressure spray delivers tough stain removal and faster drying compared to many carpet cleaners.

The StainStriker feature utilizes a special chemical mix that offers 20 times more stain removal power, making it particularly effective for challenging messes like pet stains and odors. Weighing 21.2 pounds, the unit is moderate in weight for upright carpet cleaners, making it manageable for moving around a typical home. It includes several attachments such as tools for spot cleaning stairs, upholstery, and pet messes, adding versatility beyond carpets. An onboard self-cleaning feature helps maintain the machine easily.

The setup requires no assembly and comes ready to use. While the weight may be a consideration for those needing ultra-portability or frequent carrying up and down stairs, this model is well-suited for tackling pet hair, tough stains, and odors with easy maintenance and useful attachments. Those prioritizing very lightweight or ultra-quiet machines might explore other options.