Eureka 313A Stick Cleaner

I bought the Eureka 313a after researching several steamers (e.g. Haan, Monster). This model has a rotating, telescopic handle; emits over 212 degrees of steam--hotter than Haan, and has a larger water reservoir at 12oz (longer cleaning time for bigger spaces). It also has multiple steam holes covering nearly the entire length of the base instead of one hole in the middle for greater coverage. Also, the price on Ebay was competitive and this model is about HALF the price of the HAAN model and a little cheaper than the Monster. The Shark model was never a competitor for me---way too flimsy.

Upon receiving it I tried it out immediately. So far, it has done an excellent job. While it doesn't clean your floors in a single step (you still have to vacuum or sweep the dirt first), it does eliminate the sloppiness of a soap bucket, the rinsing & excess water clean up. And it's SUPER quiet--i had to pick it up a several times to make sure it was steaming (use caution!!!) and it was.

What I LOVE so far about this steamer:
1. I love that I could steam clean my ENTIRE living room and kitchen floors on one tank of water (both fair-to-large size rooms of tile).

2. There is no residual stickiness like there is with certain floor cleaners. This steamer advises against the use of chemical cleaners inside the tank---ONLY WATER. (I guess is the reason it's enviro-friendly)

3. EASY, EASY, EASY. I hated using a mop and bucket ....one bucket for clean soapy water and one bucket for your dirty water, then all the dumping of water, rinsing of the mop....Ew, never again. For you tech-y people: this is seriously a plug-n-play gadget!

Do I want to eat off my floors after I'm done? Uh, probably not, although it claims to kill dust mites and bacteria like e. coli and salmonella. (Seriously, who wants to try eating off their floors anyway). I absolutely notice a difference on the areas that I steamed vs. the areas that I did not steam. I would not have a problem allowing my 15 mos baby to roll around on the floor now. (But I wouldn't let her eat off of them...;-)

Here's what I'm disappointed with:
1. No clean smell like with using floor cleaners. Next time I use this, I'm going to try to put down a few drops of cleaner directly on the floor (not in the steamer!!!) to see if I can still get that "oh your house smells so clean" scent. Haha

2. No glossy shine. (But again, no stickiness, either)

It does take a few minutes to heat up, and it makes a difference using it when it's at full steam...so give it a good 3-5 minutes before using it.

My ONLY concern is longevity. Hope it lasts a good long time.

Lastly:
For all you lovely grandmothers out there who think "a little elbow grease and some good soap and water" is the best remedy: I live in Los Angeles, used this on a 95 degree day and barely broke a sweat. I didn't break my back and it took me 15 minutes to do my entire floor, as opposed to 45 minutes it usually takes with a mop & bucket. I've only used 12oz of water, eliminated the need to purchase floor cleaner and new mopheads and with the Eureka steamcleaner I could, seriously, clean my floors in high heels and a dress!

It is exactly what I expected. The newest model and at a reasonable price, plus shipping. I have used it several times, light, easy to manuever.
The light indicators are the features I like. Let's me know when to add more water. Pads are easy to change and clean. I highly recommend it to anyone who has ceramic floors.