Black & Decker vs Shark Steam Cleaners

Black & Decker and Shark both sell steam and spot cleaners for the UK home. Black & Decker's BHSM1610DSM-GB is a portable steam cleaner at £131.99. Shark has three models: the Klik n Flip Manual Steam Mop S6001UK at £129, the StainStriker Stain and Spot Cleaner PX200UK at £149 and the StainStriker Pet Stain and Spot Cleaner PX200UKT at £169.

The Black & Decker unit uses 1600W of steam, a 0.5-litre tank, a 20-second heat-up and 180° swivel steering, and it works without chemicals. Shark's Klik n Flip technology lets the S6001UK switch between mop and handheld use, with a 1050W heater, a 350ml tank and a 30-second heat-up. The StainStriker models are a different kind of tool: they use CarpetXpert Deep Clean Pro and an Oxy Multiplier to tackle stains, and they are rated at 20 times more stain-striking power. Their compact, portable design suits spot washing.

Black & Decker suits anyone who wants a compact steam unit for hard floors and small areas, without needing a dedicated stain-treatment tool. Shark suits households that have carpets with spills, pets or muddy footprints, since the StainStriker units are designed for spot cleaning and the PX200UKT is aimed at pet owners. The Klik n Flip mop at £129 is the cheapest Shark option for hard floors, and it sits just below the Black & Decker unit. Shark's models split between hard-floor mopping and carpet spot treatment, so the choice depends on which job comes first.

Bottom line: choose Black & Decker if you want a compact steam cleaner at £131.99 for hard surfaces and small areas. Choose Shark if carpet stains or pet messes are the main job, with the StainStriker at £149 or £169, or the Klik n Flip mop at £129 if you want a steam mop.