Four numbers decide whether a steam cleaner feels powerful or disappointing. This guide explains each one, shows how our models sit on the scale, and flags which numbers the catalog states honestly — and which it omits.
Quick answer
Heat-up time is the waiting cost (15 s on EM-318 to about 8 min on canisters). Pressure is cleaning force (1.5–4 bar). Tank size is runtime (250 ml–2 L, 10–35 minutes per fill). Steam rate is the honest output figure (12–40 g/min where stated). Always compare inside the same format.
Heat-up time — the demo number
The time from switch-on to usable steam. Instant-heat handhelds hold a small boiler at 1200 W and reach steam in 15 seconds; canisters heat 1.2–2 litres in about 8 minutes. Retail demos and short video live on the first number; whole-home sessions need the second.
Pressure — the force number
Bar values in household machines range 1.5–4. Higher bar pushes steam into grout and baked-on grease; lower bar suits fabric and glass. Compare pressure only within similar boiler designs — a 3-bar unit with a 250 ml boiler (EM-305) and a 1.5-bar unit with a 400 ml boiler (EM-318) answer different jobs.
Tank size — the runtime number
| Model | Tank | Steam rate | Continuous steam |
|---|---|---|---|
| EM-305 | 250 ml | 28–32 g/min | 8–10 min |
| EM-318 | 400 ml | Not stated | 10–15 min |
| EM-208/209 | 1200 ml | 25–40 g/min | About 25–35 min per refill |
| EM-202 | 2 L | Not stated | 30 min |
Steam rate — the honest number
Grams per minute is what actually lands on the soil. Where the catalog states it (EM-327: 25–40 g/min; EM-519B: about 40 g/min), use it in listings — it is harder to fake than “powerful steam”. Where it is not stated, ask for a timed sample test instead of accepting marketing adjectives.
Frequently asked questions
Why do some models omit heat-up or steam-rate figures?
Catalog completeness varies by model. We publish only traceable numbers and mark the rest “not stated” — sample testing fills the gap during evaluation.
Which number should lead a listing?
Heat-up for content-driven markets, steam rate for performance-driven ones. Tank size supports both.
Want the numbers that matter for your market?
We send the comparison set with the unstated figures flagged.