The Bissell SteamShot steam cleaner delivers impressive deep cleaning results with minimal effort – it's my new lazy day cleaning tool

When it comes to tackling stubborn grime, I’m always on the lookout for a cleaning tool that promises to make my life easier. And with some of the best steam cleaners promising to do just that, I couldn't wait to give this small but mighty steam cleaner a go.

So I got my hands on the Bissell SteamShot to see if it could really cut through grease, limescale, and all the other household messes that my two kids, husband, and cat leave behind in my house –some of which require some serious elbow grease.

With its promise of chemical-free cleaning and a range of attachments for different tasks, it certainly sounded impressive. But does it live up to the hype? I put it to the test in my family home, from tackling the oven to sprucing up bathroom fixtures to see if it’s really worth adding to your cleaning arsenal.

In a nutshell

When it comes to deep cleaning, the Bissell SteamShot Steam Cleaner is a great bit of kit for tackling stubborn grime in kitchens, bathrooms, and pretty much anywhere else in your home.

Compact yet incredibly effective, it delivers high-pressure steam that lifts dirt, grease, and bacteria without the need for any chemicals - just tap water.

The range of attachments, especially the precision nozzle and scrubbing brushes (particularly the angled scrubber and scraper), means you can target every nook and cranny, from tile grout to oven doors.

It heats up in a minute, so you can get straight to work, and the continuous steam function ensures you don’t have to keep stopping mid-clean. Although, it has a small water tank and the need to press down on the trigger makes it slightly trickier to use.

However, if you’re after a chemical-free way to get a good deep clean, the SteamShot is a total game-changer and is officially my go-to lazy day tool.

Bissell SteamShot steam cleaner specifications

• Power: 1,050W
• Maximum steam pressure: 4.5 bar
• Water tank capacity: 360ml
• Cable length: 4.8m
• Dimensions: 24 x 13 x 22cm (W x L x H)
• Weight: 1.36kg
• Cord length: 4.8m
• RRP: £49.99

Unboxing, assembly, and first impressions

The Bissell SteamShot comes in a neat and compact box so no fiddly packaging to contend with.

With clear instructions and a range of handy attachments, including a grout brush, scraper, and detail nozzle, it’s lightweight (it's only 1.36kg), making it really easy to manoeuvre, and the 4.8 metre power cord provides decent reach especially if you're working in your bathroom. It's got a simple design but it feels like it'll last an age.

It's super easy to fill the 360ml water tank – although it’s worth saying that it's got a relatively small capacity, meaning you’ll need to refill more often for bigger cleaning jobs.

The screw-on safety cap ensures no accidental leaks, and its ergonomic handle makes gripping it comfortable.

Straight out of the box, it felt sturdy (just the right weightiness) in my hands, and the range of attachments hinted at some serious versatility.

Filling it up was simple with the included jug, and within 60 seconds, it was ready to go, hissing away as the steam built up. The red light was on as the steam builds up, switching off when it was ready to rock.

What's it like to use?

My first test was the grime around my bathroom tap and plug, which are a nightmare to clean under normal circumstances.

A few concentrated bursts of steam and a little scrubbing with the included nozzle then brush attachment, and I could see a load of grime lifting away which I'm sad to say gave me a lot of joy.

While I loved its cleaning power, I did notice that the small water tank meant frequent refills, especially for larger jobs around the shower which I challenged it with, next.

However, for quick, targeted cleaning, especially in those awkward nooks and crannies around my sink and grouting I used it for, the SteamShot did the job very nicely actually.

I then moved on to attempting a deep clean of my dreaded oven which is ashamedly filthy. A steady burst of steam cut through built-up oven grease with relative ease, and the range of attachments to do this made it feel versatile.

It’s not a miracle worker on deep-set stains and grease though, but for quick, chemical-free cleaning, the SteamShot delivers more punch than I expected.

Next up I tackled my bedroom mirror. I was a little worried about the steam and glass combo because they don’t always mix well. But armed with the window squeegee attachment and the included microfiber cloth, I gave it a go.

The steam effortlessly melted away streaks of make-up and fingerprints. A quick buff with the cloth, and my mirror was gleaming – no smears, no hazy residue, just a crystal finish. The best bit was there was no elbow grease required – my favourite type of cleaning.

However, I did try to clean my main bathroom mirror but our plug outlet was situated nowhere near it, which meant I couldn't get to those awful toothpaste splatters my kids make much to my dismay, even with the nearly 5 metre cable.

Next, I moved on to cleaning my windows, which I have to admit have stayed untouched for an embarrassingly long time. Armed with the squeegee and a microfiber cloth again, I got to work, and I have to say, I was impressed.

The concentrated blast of steam lifted away dust and watermarks with zero effort (yes, zero), and unlike traditional glass sprays, there were no streaks left behind, just a satisfyingly clear shine.

Portability and storage

I'm scoring the Bissell SteamShot high on portability, with a compact, lightweight design that makes it easy to carry from room to room. Unlike bulkier steam cleaners, it doesn’t require a dedicated storage spot either, tucking away neatly into a cupboard or under the sink without taking up too much valuable space.

The only issue I have is there's nowhere to store the range of attachments but they just sit nicely in a bag beside it's easy to carry about with it when in use.

The 4.8 metre power cord offers decent reach for most cleaning tasks. Although, as I mentioned earlier if there's no plug outlet close to where you want to clean, it can make it pretty difficult to complete even the easiest of cleaning jobs.

The real bugbear I had (mostly because I was trying to take photos!) was the steam trigger. There's no way to lock it so you have to constantly hold it down and particularly so when I was using the hose attachment as it meant it was a two-hand clean). That's probably designed to be safer, to be honest, but it did give my RSI a bit of a run for its money.

That being said, it’s definitely the kind of gadget you’ll appreciate having on hand for quick clean-ups, without the hassle of lugging around a larger machine.

Cleaning and maintenance

Like any appliance, it needs a little bit of regular upkeep to stay in top condition. After each use, Bissell recommends you empty any remaining water from the tank and leave the cap off for a few hours to ensure it fully dries. This prevents mineral buildup and keeps the steam flowing freely.

The nozzles and brushes can accumulate grime, especially after particularly mucky jobs, so give them a soak in warm, soapy water. I used an old toothbrush to dislodge any stubborn debris, but that's all that it really needs.

There is a warning on the side to only ever use a Bissell-approved solution or water in the tank, so it's worth looking into something like this to clean out any built-up limescale, especially if you live in a hard water area.

How does it compare to similar steam cleaners?

I reckon the Bissell SteamShot punches well above its weight compared to other handheld models on the market.

While it doesn’t boast the large water tank or continuous steam function of bulkier competitors like the Karcher SC2 and even the Dupray Neat, it does really excel in its targeted cleaning power and ease of use.

Unlike some cheaper, flimsier handheld steam cleaners (although it is actually great value for money), I like its sturdy, compact design, teamed with powerful steam capabilities.

However, its short steam bursts due to its small water tank mean you’ll need to refill more often if tackling larger areas, so if whole-home steaming is your goal, you may want to look at a larger-sized alternative.

Should you buy the Bissell SteamShot?

I really rate the Bissell SteamShot steam cleaner as it's proven to be a compact, budget-friendly solution for tackling stubborn grime.

If you’re after a lightweight handheld steamer that effortlessly lifts dirt from everything from grout and kitchen surfaces to targeting awkward nooks and crannies then this little cleaning tool is certainly worth considering.

It heats up in just 60 seconds, delivering a concentrated burst of steam that’s surprisingly effective for such a small unit. However, with a relatively short steam time before needing a refill, it’s better suited to quick clean-ups rather than long cleaning sessions. And the steam trigger is a bit of a nuisance when you have the hose attachment to contend with.

I think the range of attachments is a big bonus too, especially the angled brush and scraper and particularly for those tricky corners and bathroom fixtures, although if you’re looking to tackle whole rooms or large floor spaces, a bigger model might be a better fit.

However, if you're looking for targeted steam cleaning at a great price, the SteamShot is hard to beat.