Shark Steam & Scrub with Steam Blaster Technology, White, S8201

Why it's worth it

The rotating pads on this Shark spin over 150 times a minute, so grout and stuck-on spots get mechanical scrubbing instead of just heat. Add the targeted steam blast for stubborn spots and it's the easiest mop here to use on a big tile floor.

If your floors are mostly tile, this is the more capable machine. Shark claims up to twice the stuck-on stain removal of a traditional steam mop, and the mechanism behind that claim is straightforward: the pads rotate rather than sit still. Tom's Guide's review of the Steam & Scrub reports that the oscillating pad design meaningfully reduces the manual effort needed on grout lines compared with flat-pad mops. You steer; the mop scrubs.

The Steam Blaster is a trigger for a concentrated shot of steam at one spot. In practice that means the dried splash behind the trash can, or the dark corner where the tile meets the cabinet toe kick. Instead of standing there working the whole head back and forth, you hit it, wait a second, and move on. It's a small feature that removes a specific annoyance.

From our review of 8 steam mops for hardwood and tile floors, by David Sinclair, Managing Editor

What we like

• +If your floors are mostly tile, this is the more capable machine
• +The Steam Blaster is a trigger for a concentrated shot of steam at one spot
• +Three steam modes cover the range you need
• +It's the heaviest of the stick-style mops here at just under 9 pounds

What to know

• –The cord is short for a machine this size, and owners notice
• –Heavily caked-on messes still take multiple passes even with the steam blast
• –It costs meaningfully more than the Bissell without cleaning flat, lightly soiled floors any better