How we chose
We assessed exact Australian models, current availability and pricing, stain agitation, steam control, heat-up, tank and refilling design, cord reach, weight, pad care, floor compatibility, hard-water maintenance, warranty, exact-model owner evidence and credible independent testing.
Worth Buying scores are editorial judgements, not calculations from customer star ratings. Retailer and manufacturer review pools stay separate. Sanitisation percentages are manufacturer claims from controlled test conditions unless explicitly attributed otherwise; Worth Buying Australia did not conduct microbiology or laboratory cleaning tests.
Why two Shark models remain
The brand concentration was challenged. S7001 earns the overall position through mechanical pad agitation and stronger stubborn-grime capability, while S1000ANZ is a materially simpler, lighter and cheaper purchase for routine cleaning. Kärcher supplies the genuine alternative: explicit floor settings, continuous refilling and a descaling cartridge.
Serious near-misses
BISSELL Steam Mop Select 23V8-F scored 62% in CHOICE testing, including a 50% floor-wetness score. Those are CHOICE's findings for that exact model; we do not infer member-only scores for other products. Its manufacturer-hosted owner pool does not override the independent result. BISSELL 1979F/2233F, Euroflex M2R, Hoover FACSM24P, Vileda Steam XXL, Kärcher SC 3 Upright and Shark S2001 were also considered, but the final three offered the clearest current Australian blend of cleaning role, price and support.
Shark Steam & Scrub S7001
The S7001 combines twin powered pads—Shark claims roughly 150 scrubs a minute—with three steam levels, an 8m cord and reusable pads. That mechanical agitation is the meaningful upgrade: it is not just a larger specification number, and it is why the more expensive Shark wins overall.
It is also the heaviest pick at about 3.1kg, its 350mL tank is the smallest here, and warm-up is around 60 seconds. Added motors and moving parts create more complexity than the S1000ANZ. For a small home with light weekly cleaning, the additional cost may not pay back.
The Good Guys displayed more than 450 reviews during research, while ProductReview's separate pool sat around 4.0–4.1/5. We do not merge those sources. CHOICE lists the S7001ANZ among tested products, but its member-only score is not inferred or reproduced.
Key specifications
| Exact model | S7001 / Australian S7001ANZ listing |
|---|---|
| Power / tank | 1120W / 350mL |
| Steam / warm-up | Three settings / about 60 seconds |
| Cord / weight | 8m / about 3.1kg |
| Price snapshot | About $249–$295 |
| Warranty | 2 years; terms apply |
Pros
- Powered rotating pads tackle stubborn grime
- Three steam levels
- Long 8m cord
- Reusable washable pads
- Substantial Australian owner evidence
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Heavier than the other picks
- More expensive for routine cleaning
- Smallest tank in the comparison
- About 60 seconds to heat
- More mechanical complexity
Shark Steam Mop S1000ANZ
The S1000ANZ weighs about 1.8kg, heats in roughly 30 seconds and uses a removable 375mL tank. Two washable Dirt Grip pads, simple manual/on-demand steam and compact storage make it easy to understand and inexpensive to own.
Its simplicity is also the limitation. The pumping motion helps produce steam but adds user effort; there is no powered scrub, multi-level steam control or above-floor tool set. Claimed runtime is modest at roughly 10–15 minutes, the cord is only 5.5m and the warranty is one year.
ProductReview showed about 3.9/5 from 24 reviews during research. The Good Guys displayed a much larger review count. They remain separate because source methodology and syndication can differ; neither is converted into the Worth Buying score.
Key specifications
| Exact model | S1000ANZ |
|---|---|
| Power / tank | 1050W / 375mL removable |
| Steam / warm-up | Manual on-demand / about 30 seconds |
| Cord / weight | 5.5m / about 1.8kg |
| Price snapshot | About $99 |
| Warranty | 1 year; terms apply |
Pros
- Strong value around $99
- Light and easy to store
- Fast 30-second warm-up
- Removable tank
- Washable reusable pads
Cons
- Manual pumping adds effort
- No powered scrubbing
- No steam-level selection
- Shorter 5.5m cord
- One-year warranty
Kärcher SC 2 Upright EasyFix
The exact Australian listing is Kärcher product 1.513-505.0, sold by Bunnings under I/N 0576679. Do not confuse it with Kärcher's SC 2 EasyFix canister steam cleaners. This Upright model has a 1600W heater, 400mL removable tank, roughly 30-second warm-up, two floor settings, 5m cord and stated coverage around 50m².
The wood setting does not make every timber, laminate or hybrid floor steam-safe. Use it only when the flooring manufacturer explicitly permits steam, the surface is intact and sealed, and the mop is kept moving. Kärcher's sanitisation percentages are controlled-test manufacturer claims, not results produced by Worth Buying Australia.
The replaceable descaling cartridge is useful in hard-water areas, but it creates an ongoing cost. Use only the cartridge and maintenance approach authorised in the manual—do not pour vinegar, generic descaler or detergent into the tank. Bunnings' 3.4/5 from five reviews is a small, mixed sample and does not establish long-term reliability. CHOICE has tested the model but we do not infer its member-only score.
Key specifications
| Exact model | 1.513-505.0 · Bunnings I/N 0576679 |
|---|---|
| Power / tank | 1600W / 400mL removable, continuously refillable |
| Steam / warm-up | Two floor settings / about 30 seconds |
| Cord / weight | 5m / about 2.54kg |
| Coverage | About 50m² per fill, manufacturer specification |
| Price snapshot | About $199 at Bunnings |
Pros
- Separate wood and tile settings
- Fast 30-second warm-up
- Continuously refillable tank
- Replaceable descaling cartridge
- EasyFix pad attachment
Cons
- Replacement cartridge cost
- Short 5m cord
- No powered scrubbing
- Costs twice the S1000ANZ snapshot
- Small, mixed Australian owner sample
Steam mop buying advice
Floor approval comes first
Read the flooring maker's care and warranty documents. A steam-mop maker's “sealed hard floor” claim cannot override a timber, laminate or hybrid-floor prohibition.
Vacuum before steaming
Steam loosens grime but does not collect grit like a vacuum. Remove dust, hair and abrasive particles first so the pad cleans rather than drags debris across the finish.
Agitation changes the work
Steam softens residue; the pad still has to remove it. S7001's powered pads reduce manual effort on dried grime, while passive heads depend more on technique and pad changes.
Tank size is only part of runtime
Steam setting, pumping and floor pace affect how long a fill lasts. A refillable tank can be more convenient than a slightly larger fixed tank.
Wash pads promptly
Use clean pads and follow the care label. A saturated or dirty pad can smear residue and leave more moisture behind; keep enough spares to change during larger jobs.
Do not improvise chemicals
Unless the exact manual authorises them, do not add detergent, fragrance, vinegar or generic descaler. Additives can damage seals, heaters or flooring and may create unsafe vapour.
Steam, sanitisation and surface safety
Steam-mop sanitisation claims typically depend on controlled contact time, temperature, movement and surface conditions. Treat them as manufacturer test claims—not a guarantee that a quick household pass disinfects every surface. Clean visible dirt first, follow the manual and do not use steam where heat or moisture could damage the floor.
Keep hands away from the steam path and hot pad, unplug before refilling or changing parts if the manual requires it, allow the unit to cool, and store it safely. Never leave a hot, steaming head stationary on one spot.
Which steam mop should you buy?
Buy the Shark Steam & Scrub S7001 if dried-on grime and reduced manual scrubbing matter most.
Buy the Shark S1000ANZ if you want the simplest good-value option for light, routine cleaning.
Buy the Kärcher SC 2 Upright EasyFix if its floor settings and descaling system fit your use—and your flooring manufacturer explicitly allows steam.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a steam mop on sealed timber, laminate or hybrid flooring?
Only if the flooring manufacturer explicitly permits it. “Sealed” alone is not permission: joints, adhesives and coatings can still be sensitive to heat and moisture. The floor maker's written care guidance takes priority.
Should I vacuum before using a steam mop?
Yes. Remove dust, hair and grit first. Steam loosens stuck-on residue but does not collect dry debris like a vacuum.
Can I put detergent, vinegar or disinfectant in the tank?
Not unless the exact product manual expressly allows it. Unauthorised additives can damage the machine or flooring and may produce unwanted vapour. Use approved water, cartridges and maintenance products only.
How much steam should I use?
Use the lowest effective setting allowed for the surface, keep the head moving and avoid leaving excess moisture. More steam is not automatically better.
How often should I replace or wash the pad?
Change it when it becomes loaded with dirt or too wet to clean effectively, and wash it according to the care instructions after use. Larger jobs may require several clean pads.