Comparison Karcher SC 4 vs Karcher SC 3

Rated power consumed by the steam cleaner during operation. Usually, it is indicated by the maximum power consumption when used in normal mode, without abnormal situations.

In general, this parameter is secondary when choosing: manufacturers select power in such a way as to provide the necessary indicators of productivity, pressure, etc. However, some practical points are also associated with power. So, with the same performance (see "Steam intensity"), a more powerful device will spend less time heating water and generating steam; it can also be provided with a more capacious boiler (see "Water boiler volume"), which is useful for long-term continuous operation. On the other hand, such devices turn out to be more expensive, and often also heavier and larger than relatively “weak” steam cleaners, and besides, they load the mains more.

The second point related to power is the calculations of the load on the wiring and various electrical equipment (protective automation, AVRs, generators, etc.).

The steam flow provided by the steam cleaner. For models with power and/or humidity controls, this item indicates the maximum possible value.

When choosing according to this indicator, note that the performance characterizes only the amount of water steam produced by the device per minute. The intensity of the impact of this steam on the treated surface/product can be different, first of all, it depends on the working pressure. Therefore, only devices with similar pressure indicators can be directly compared by this indicator. In such comparisons, it is worth assuming that high performance allows to cope with larger volumes of work faster, but requires more powerful heaters and capacious tanks – which, in turn, affects the dimensions, weight and price of the entire steam cleaner.

The volume of the water boiler used in the steam cleaner.

First of all, we emphasize that you should not confuse the boiler and the water tank (see below). A boiler is a tank in which water is heated to form steam; in some models, such a tank is supplemented by a cold water tank, in others, the entire supply of water is located directly in the boiler. Accordingly, the meaning of this parameter depends on whether the unit has an additional tank or not.

If there is a separate tank in the design, then the volume of the boiler is rather a secondary indicator: it is selected in such a way as to provide the claimed performance characteristics, primarily productivity (and it is worth focus on these characteristics when choosing). If there is no tank, then the volume of the boiler directly depends on how much water will fit in the unit and how long it can work on one such “charge”. At the same time, an increase in volume allows you to work longer without refueling, but it affects the dimensions, weight, price, and often also the power consumption of the device (a more capacious boiler requires a more powerful heater).

The volume of the water tank provided in the device.

This parameter should not be confused with the volume of the boiler (see above): in this case, we are talking about a reservoir with a supply of cold water, from which such water enters the boiler for heating. Not every steam cleaner is equipped with such a tank - see "Options" for details. tank for water". As for volumes, a large capacity, on the one hand, allows you to work longer without refuelling. On the other hand, it affects the dimensions, weight and cost of the unit. Therefore, in handheld devices and steam mops (see "Type"), the volume of the tank does not even reach 1 litre — for such devices, compactness and light weight are more important than the ability to do without unnecessary refills. Similar tanks can also be found among household steam cleaners, but most of this equipment still holds 1 - 2 litres. And tanks of more than 2 litres are used mainly in powerful professional units.

The presence of a water tank in the device, which has a removable design.

For more information about the tank itself, see "Additional water tank". And the detachable design makes refueling much easier. In particular, it allows you to fill the tank under the tap, while with a non-detachable tank, this possibility is often not available. And some models with this feature can be refueled during operation, without turning off the heating and without relieving pressure in the boiler (although it still will be useful to clarify this possibility). In addition, a detachable tank is much easier to clean or wash than a non-detachable one.

Heating time until steam is generated. The duration of the heating process directly depends on the power of the device and the volume of the water tank.

Note that the actual heating time may be less than the claimed one. For example, if the main tank is not filled full, and the design does not provide an additional tank for cold water. For a full guarantee, you should still focus on the value directly stated in the characteristics.

A system that prevents the formation of scale inside the steam cleaner's boiler.

Scale – insoluble limescale – produces several undesirable effects at once. Firstly, it reduces the efficiency of the heating element, and over time it can completely disable it. Secondly, particles of scale can peel off the surface of the boiler and contaminate the pipes, hoses and attachments of the steam cleaner. Thirdly, upon contact with the washed surface, such particles can form new contaminants, sometimes they will be very difficult to remove. Scale is formed especially quickly when using "hard" water, with a high content of calcium salts; however, even "soft" water is not insurance against this phenomenon.

To avoid all this, modern steam cleaners provide limescale protection. This function is usually performed by a special filter that removes calcium salts from the water; in other words, scale still settles in the device, however, not on critical structural elements, but on a part specially designed for this purpose. Note that filters have a limited resource and require periodic replacement (and the harder the water, the more often such a replacement will have to be done).

A special compartment for storing nozzles and other accessories, usually located directly in the body of the steam cleaner.

Note that most often the nozzle compartment is designed for accessories of a relatively small size. However, even such a device greatly simplifies the storage and transportation of the device: for additional items you do not have to look for a separate package.