Best hard floor cleaners: Which? Best Buys and expert buying advice

We've highlighted the best hard floor cleaners so you don't get stuck with a model that struggles to clean tough stains and muddy marks, or is difficult to use and manoeuvre.

These hard floor cleaners have been through our tough tests, so you can be certain they'll be the best of the bunch whether you're after an upright model, a cylinder model, or a bargain that gets the job done.

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Best hard floor cleaners

Here's our pick of the top hard floor cleaners, including the top scoring upright model and the best cylinder hard floor cleaner to ace our tests.

Best upright hard floor cleaner

Best cylinder hard floor cleaner

For more hard floor cleaners – including Best Buys and Don't Buys – read our hard floor cleaner reviews.

Which type of hard floor cleaner should I choose?

You have a few choices to make when on a hunt for your perfect hard floor cleaner.

Corded vs. Cordless

Do you want a hard floor cleaner that plugs into the wall, or one that is battery operated? Bear in mind that a cord might get in the way during cleaning, but a cordless model will need regular charging.

Upright vs. Cylinder

This isn't always the case, but upright hard floor cleaners tend to be lighter than cylinder. This is mainly down to a smaller capacity water container. 

You might find cylinder hard floor cleaners easier to manoeuvre despite their weight, as they can be pulled behind as you clean and do not require you to continuously push them around.

Manoeuverability, weight and bulkiness vary from model to model, so read our reviews to find one that suits your needs.

What is the difference between a steam cleaner and a hard floor cleaner?

The main difference between a steam cleaner and a hard floor cleaner is their cleaning method. 

Steam cleaners use water to create steam, which allows them to clean a variety of surfaces around your home such as hard floors, upholstery, windows and more. 

A hard floor cleaner, on the other hand, replaces a mop and bucket by dispersing fresh water (and often cleaning detergent) onto the brush rolls and extracting the dirty water through a separate tank. 

Hard floor cleaners are only appropriate for use on sealed hard floors such as parquet, laminate, stone and ceramic tiles, PVC and vinyl.

Some models have a two-in-one function and act as a hard floor cleaner that can be transformed into a steam cleaner.

Looking for a steam cleaner instead? Take a look at our round-up of best steam cleaners on test.

How much do I need to pay for a good hard floor cleaner? 

Hard floor cleaner prices range from £180 to £1,200 depending on the type and its abilities.

We have uncovered big differences in quality and cleaning efficiency between different brands and models, so make sure you read our hard floor cleaner reviews before making your choice.

Which hard floor cleaner accessories do I need?

Some hard floor cleaners come with an array of accessories, but others only come with the main cleaning tool. In most cases, extra accessories can also be bought separately.

Hard floor cleaners that also double as steam cleaners usually come with tools to help you tackle other cleaning jobs around the home, such as window cleaning or cleaning your car.

If you're after a versatile appliance or looking to buy some extra accessories. keep an eye our for the following: 

• Detergent - hard floor cleaners often come with hard floor or multi-surface detergents, which can help with removing odours and keep your home smelling fresh for longer. 
• Cleaning and parking station/tray - a handy tool for parking and storing your hard floor cleaner while not in use.
• Additional roller brush - extra brushes to use for cleaning or when your original set needs to be washed.
• Carpet glider - designed to glide across carpets and rugs that need a refresh.

Hard floor cleaner features to look out for

• Water tank capacity - The bigger the tank, the longer your hard floor cleaner will be able to clean without you needing to stop and refill the fresh water tank, or empty the waste water tank.
• Weight - Generally speaking, hard floor cleaners tend to be on the heavier side, compared to other floorcare appliances such as vacuum cleaners. This is mainly down to the water tanks, so while you'll want a hard floor cleaner with a generous tank capacity, you don't want to struggle your way though cleaning because it's too heavy. 
• Type of power - You can find cordless and corded hard floor cleaners and both have their pros and cons. If your home is large, you might be better of using a corded model so you don't have to worry about the battery running out. However, the cord can be a bit of a nuisance. On the other hand, a cordless model will need regular charging.