Canister models are often able to hold more liquid, so if you have a lot of carpet and you'd like to be able to clean it all in one day, a canister model might be right for you. They can be slightly harder to manage, though, because unlike upright models, they have a separate hose, which will need to be drained and cleaned. However, because of the flexibility, they are great for cleaning stairs and behind furniture. But do your homework! Some upright models have separate cleaning arms with attachments.

Compare, Compare, Compare!
When you start your quest for an upright or canister steamer, you may be surprised at the variety of features available. For example, the Hoover SteamVac Plus is an upright model that features a hose for more versatility, and comes equipped with car cleaning tools and a bare floor attachment. The Bissell ProHeat 7950 Steam Cleaner appears to feature the same types of attachments, but is priced at about $100 more? Is it a rip-off?

This is where comparing features comes in handy - the Bissell has an onboard heater that keeps the cleaning water warm throughout use, which according to experts, gives better cleaning power. But, is it always necessary? If you only plan to do one room on a given day, you might not be using the steamer long enough to need the heater, so the Hoover would be perfect for you.