We put four steam mops to the test to see which is best
With a steam mop, you don’t need harsh chemicals to get rid of dirt and stains on your hard floors. Shark and Bissell make some of the most popular models because they can wipe away everyday grime, remove stubborn stains, and even sanitize floors.
Shark and Bissell steam mops are fairly similar in price and cleaning performance but differ in several key areas. Shark models are the lightest we tested, making them easy to maneuver and carry through a house. The Bissell steam mops are larger and bulkier, which means they also have bigger water reservoirs, reducing the need to refill them as often. Neither Shark steam mop we tested has a removable water tank, but Bissell offers a model with a removable tank to make filling and emptying easier.
Both the Shark and Bissell models impressed us during testing, but in the end, our absolute favorite was the Shark S5003D Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Mop; it’s capable of tackling any kind of mess, plus it’s easy to store and operate. But we were also big fans of the Bissell Steam Mop PowerFresh Deluxe 1806. Its substantial water tank and longer power cord make it ideal for larger homes.
Shark vs. Bissell steam mop specs
The Shark and Bissell steam mops we tested offer pretty similar cleaning performances, but they differ pretty significantly in their specs. In particular, the differences in their cord lengths and water tank capacities can affect their usability and the types of homes they work best in.
Shark steam mops
Shark steam mops stand out for their lightweight design that makes them easy to maneuver. However, their compact size means their water reservoirs are smaller, too.
Shark Genius S5003D Genius Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop specs
Product Specifications
Heating Time: 40 sec | Cord Length: 22’ | Dimensions: 47.1” H x 7” W x 13.8” L | Water Reservoir Capacity: 350 mL | Weight: 5.8 lb
The Shark Genius S5003D Hard Floor Cleaning System Pocket Steam Mop stands out for how easy it is to use and how efficiently it cleans hard floors. It took between 35 and 40 seconds to heat up during testing, so it was ready to clean in less than a minute. Its steam also stayed consistent during cleaning, allowing us to get an even clean across our entire testing area. The mop’s cord is over 20 feet long, which reduces the need to switch outlets when cleaning larger areas.
The Shark Genius is one of the lightest steam mops we tested, weighing just under 6 pounds. It has a compact, streamlined design, making maneuvering around our testing area easy. Its head even turns sideways, which let us get into corners and beneath furniture without issue. In addition to its lightweight design, it has a handle that fits well in hand, so it was the most comfortable steam mop to use among those we tested. Unfortunately, its smaller size also extends to its water tank, the sm …
