This is my first steamer, so I didn't know what to expect. It's been two weeks now and overall I think it's a good value. It's fabulous for cleaning any corners, small cracks and intricate items like around faucets, refrigerator handles and the coil behind the refrigerator. It did a really good job on the impossible to clean area under the front of the refrigerator that had caked-on dust and dried spills covering all the metal brackets, wires, tubes and wheels. But best of all - the toilet, especially the hinges for the toilet seat, and the seam where the toilet meets the floor, and anywhere behind the toilet - you get the idea. The combination of the heat and the powerful blast of the steam acts to soften the dirt and then force it out to where you just wipe it up. You get a nice, really clean surface. Some items haven't been this clean since they were new. Some even look like new. Do yourself a very big favor and get a whole bunch of microfiber cloths for wiping and drying. Sometimes, for stubborn old dirt, first spray a little Fantastic cleaner, then use the steamer and wipe with the microfiber cloths. This makes a super dynamite cleaning combination. You can also use your own microfiber cloths with the floor attachment. The steam leaves a clean smell and I don't have to worry about breathing any of it. It's good that most of the steam ends up in the air, so that there is not a lot of residual water that needs to be cleaned up. After not spraying for a while, some steam in the hose condenses back to a little bit of water, so then I usually spray for a second or two into the sink or a cloth to clear the water. There is some confusion about the so-called ready light. Just know that it's a small light that turns on whenever the water heater is on. So when the light turns off, it means that the heater has reached the high temperature shutoff point. I notice a slight increase in the steam pressure just after the heater light turns off because this is when the water is the hottest. But the steam pressure is very good all the time, even if you have a long steaming session. The heater light automatically turns on and off while you steam, and you don't even notice it. I usually steam, then wipe, steam, then wipe, and never have to wait for more steam. There is also some confusion regarding the steam temperature. I was surprised that this big cloud of steam is actually not too hot to your hand, even as close as 3 or 4 inches from the tip. I think it's because the steam quickly cools itself by the evaporative process. This is good because you really don't need to worry so much about burning your hand, like when you are holding an object in one hand and spraying steam with the other. But don't be fooled. The temperature right at the tip is hot. I measured about 170 to 180 degrees right where the steam comes out. Most home water heaters are set for only about 120 to 140 degrees. If you steam a small metal object (that conducts heat), it will quickly become too hot to handle. I've accidentally peeled a little spot of latex paint off a door because I held it on the same spot a little too long. I always use rubber gloves and have had no problem with handling the steam. Regarding the noise, firstly, the unit makes no sound at all when you are not spraying steam. When it sprays steam, the noise comes from the tip where the steam comes out. I can understand that many people say it is loud. To me, it means that this is a pretty powerful spray of steam. After I do steaming for an hour or two, without earplugs, then my ears feel a little bit like I've attended a rock concert, especially if I were steaming a bathroom or inside the refrigerator, which magnifies the sound. Now, I always wear ear plugs. The unit has a carrying handle, but no caddy for the attachments, cord and hose - not a big problem for me. I use only distilled water, as they suggest, so the tank doesn't become clogged with mineral deposits. I put in two or three of their measuring cups with their little funnel and it lasts a good long time, like you wonder why the steam hasn't run out yet. I always keep an extra couple of gallons of water on hand because I have a tendency to keep cleaning more stuff once I get started. The steam keeps going strong until the tank is totally empty, and then it suddenly stops. Refilling is pretty quick and easy, but first hold the sprayer open to release any remaining pressure. You only need to tighten the filler cap with light fingertip pressure. It takes a few minutes (2 to 5 minutes depending on how much water you add) for the water to reheat and then you can steam for another long time. One of the few things it doesn't do so well is the hard baked-on food like inside the oven or the stove top. Also, when I was steaming the metal handles on dark wood kitchen cabinets, I noticed the wood starting to take on a light, cloudy haze. It seemed ok after rewaxing, but you need to be careful around wood furniture or cabinets. I've read some complaints about the small brush tips wearing out too quickly. I think this might be because people are mashing down too hard on the tip. The idea is to try to let the steam do the work and brush with only moderate pressure. Sometimes I use a toothpick to loosen stubborn dirt in small areas, and then go back with the steamer. I think the tips are holding up ok. One precaution I take is to avoid pulling the tank by the hose because I think this could break the hose which does not seem to be repairable.
